Annual Cost at 3 Support Agents
| Tool | Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Pricing Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshdesk | Free (2 agents) | $0/mo | $0/yr | Per agent (free up to 2) |
| Help Scout | Free (50 contacts/mo) | $0/mo | $0/yr | Per contact (unlimited users) |
| Crisp | Free (2 seats) | $0/mo | $0/yr | Per workspace (flat rate) |
All three offer genuine free tiers. Paid plans: Freshdesk Growth $15/agent/mo, Help Scout Standard $55/mo (unlimited users), Crisp Mini $45/mo (4 seats).
#1: Freshdesk Free, Then Growth ($15/agent)
Freshdesk Free supports up to 2 agents with email ticketing, knowledge base, and basic reports. For a startup with 1-2 people handling support, this is genuinely free and functional. When you hit 3+ agents, Growth at $15/agent/month adds automations, real-time dashboards, and a branded customer portal. At 3 agents, that is $45/month ($540/year).
#2: Help Scout Free, Then Standard ($55/mo)
Help Scout Free gives unlimited users, a shared inbox, knowledge base, and Beacon widget for 50 contacts per month. The pricing model charges by contacts helped, not agents. Standard at $55/month includes 100 contacts/month with unlimited users, workflows, custom fields, and reporting. At 3 agents, the flat $55/month is cheaper than Freshdesk Growth ($45/month for 3) only when your ticket volume is low enough.
#3: Crisp Free, Then Mini ($45/mo)
Crisp Free provides 2 seats with a website chat widget, shared inbox, and unlimited messages. Flat-rate pricing means no per-agent surprises. Mini at $45/month supports 4 seats with chat triggers, shortcuts, and unlimited history. Essentials at $95/month adds omnichannel inbox, AI chatbot, and knowledge base for 10 seats. The flat-rate model is startup-friendly.
Why Not the Others
Zendesk Suite Team ($69/agent)
At 3 agents, Zendesk costs $207/month ($2,484/year). No free tier. Built for mid-to-large companies. Overkill for startups.
Intercom Essential ($39/seat + $0.99/AI resolution)
At 3 seats, base cost is $117/month plus unpredictable AI resolution fees. No free tier. Best AI support features but too expensive for early-stage.
The Verdict
Start with Freshdesk Free (2 agents) or Help Scout Free (50 contacts/month). When you outgrow free, Freshdesk Growth at $15/agent is the most predictable cost. Crisp flat-rate pricing is great if you want no per-seat surprises. Help Scout Standard at $55/month with unlimited users is best for teams where everyone occasionally handles support.
Explore Further on Sasanova
Comparisons