Open Source

Zammad

Web-based open-source helpdesk with ticketing, live chat, knowledge base, and telephony.

WebSelf-hosted

Independently verifiedLast checked: June 15, 2026

Zammad is free business tool available on WEB, SELF_HOSTED. It serves as an alternative to Zendesk — subscription software that costs $19/month combined. Being open-source and completely free, Zammad eliminates subscription costs entirely while providing professional-grade features. The open-source community ensures continuous improvement and transparency. It's best suited for support teams, small businesses, users who want a full helpdesk.

Why Choose Zammad?

+Completely free — no hidden costs, no premium tier, no feature gates
+Open-source and community-driven — transparent code, no vendor lock-in
+Full ownership — your data stays on your device, no cloud dependency
+Save $228/year compared to subscription alternatives

Basic Info

PricingFree (self-hosted)

PlatformsWeb, Self-hosted

CategoriesBusiness

Open SourceYes

Offline SupportNo

Account RequiredYes

Free TrialNo

Last CheckedJune 15, 2026

Ownership & Dependency

Ownership

HIGH

Cloud Dependency

LOW

Best For

Support teamsSmall businessesUsers who want a full helpdesk

Replaces

Zendesk

$19/month

View alternatives

See All Alternatives

All alternatives to Zendesk Free alternatives to Zendesk

Pros

+Ticketing, chat, knowledge base
+Telephony integration
+Self-hostable
+Clean UI

Cons

−Requires self-hosting
−Can be resource-heavy
−Smaller ecosystem

How to Switch to Zammad

1
Export your data
Export your data from your current tool in CSV, PDF, or native format.
2
Install Zammad
Download Zammad from the official website. It's completely free.
3
Import and configure
Import your data into Zammad and customize the settings to match your workflow.
4
Cancel your subscription
Once you're comfortable with Zammad, cancel your subscription and start saving.

Replacing: Zendesk

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zammad a good replacement for Zendesk?

Yes. Zammad handles most of what Zendesk does, at no cost. Zendesk costs $19/month ($228/year). The main differences are in advanced features and ecosystem integrations.

Is Zammad really free?

Yes, Zammad is completely free to use and open-source. There are no hidden costs, no premium tiers, and no feature restrictions.

Can I self-host Zammad?

Yes. Being open-source, Zammad can be self-hosted on your own server or hardware. This gives you complete control over your data and eliminates any dependency on external services.

What platforms does Zammad support?

Zammad is available on WEB, SELF HOSTED.

How much money can I save with Zammad?

By replacing Zendesk, you save approximately $228/year in subscription fees. The savings start immediately.

Does Zammad require an internet connection?

Zammad works best with an internet connection but has some offline capabilities.