Whether you’re working with a small team or managing a global operation, having the right customer service software can make or break your ability to meet customer expectations.
With an overwhelming array of options available for free and paid platforms, it can be hard to find the right fit for your business. To save you time, we’ve compiled a list of the 25 best customer service software tools you should consider in 2025, broken down into free and paid options that cater to specific needs.
Why You Need Customer Service Software
Before jumping into our list, it’s worth understanding what customer service software can do for your business. These tools:
- Centralize all customer queries for easy management.
- Provide real-time communication via live chat, phone, or email.
- Offer advanced reporting and analytics for insight into your service team’s performance.
- Automate repetitive customer service tasks, improving efficiency and response times.
- Support self-service capabilities, like knowledge bases, to empower customers.
Now, let’s get to the list.
Best Free Customer Service Software in 2025
If you’re working with a limited budget, free customer service software can offer great functionality without any upfront costs. While these tools typically have feature limitations, they’re perfect for startups and small businesses.
1. HubSpot Service Hub (Free Plan)
HubSpot’s free plan offers simple customer ticketing and live chat features. With access to their foundational CRM, all customer interactions are logged, ensuring there’s no lost context.
2. Freshdesk
Freshdesk provides an excellent free-tier solution that includes email ticketing, basic reporting, and a knowledge base, making it a top option for small businesses just getting started.
3. Zoho Desk (Free Plan)
Zoho Desk keeps things streamlined for teams on a budget. This powerful tool offers ticket assignment and multi-language support so your customers feel heard, wherever they are.
4. Help Scout (Free Plan)
If you’re a startup, Help Scout offers free software for qualifying businesses, featuring email support workflows, live chat, and reporting tools.
5. Tidio
Great for eCommerce businesses, Tidio lets you add live chat or chatbots to your website for free to respond quickly to customer inquiries.
6. Hiver
Built directly into Gmail, Hiver is an intuitive and free way to manage shared inboxes, allowing small teams to collaborate and respond to emails faster.
7. Kayako
Kayako’s free tier offers simple live chat and shared inboxes, perfect for keeping communication flowing within small teams.
8. Bitrix24
Bitrix24 provides free omnichannel communication, combining live chat, social media channels, and ticketing into one platform.
9. Jira Service Management
Free for up to three users, with features like a shared inbox, knowledge base, live chat, and customer portals. Suitable for IT and internal support teams.
10. Tawk.to
Free live chat software with unlimited requests and users. A good choice if live chat is your primary support channel.
Best Paid Customer Service Software in 2025
For businesses that can afford premium features, paid customer service tools provide improved efficiency, advanced integrations, and scalability.
11. Zendesk
Zendesk continues to lead the industry with its robust, scalable customer service platform. With highly advanced ticketing systems, automation options, and omnichannel communication, Zendesk is a great option for growing enterprises
12. Intercom
A favorite among SaaS companies, Intercom enables businesses to personalize customer interactions with chatbot support, targeted messaging, and detailed customer profiles
13. Salesforce Service Cloud
For businesses already using Salesforce, Service Cloud offers unmatched CRM integration alongside powerful automation and reporting tools.
14. Sprinklr Modern Care
Sprinklr specializes in omnichannel customer care with advanced AI-driven insights that help streamline support operations.
15. Genesys Cloud
Genesys provides an all-in-one solution for customer service, emphasizing voice and conversational AI while integrating seamlessly with existing systems.
16. HappyFox
For businesses prioritizing simplicity, HappyFox offers intuitive ticket management, task automation, and detailed analytics.
17. Kustomer
Owned by Meta, Kustomer combines omnichannel support and an AI-powered knowledge base to offer proactive customer service capabilities.
18. Freshdesk Omnichannel (Pro Plan)
The Pro plan includes advanced automation, integrations with enterprise tools, and options for handling complex workflows across multiple teams.
19. TeamSupport
TeamSupport focuses on B2B customer service and offers great features for managing long-term customer relationships.
20. LivePerson
LivePerson empowers your service representatives by integrating chatbots, live chat, and voice alongside real-time sentiment analysis.
21. Gladly
Designed to make conversations feel personal, Gladly organizes customer histories into a single, actionable timeline for better context.
22. Front
Front makes collaborating over a shared inbox simple while combining messaging across platforms like Instagram, SMS, and email.
23. Groove
Groove is an affordable, user-friendly option specifically designed for small businesses seeking customizable workflows.
24. HelpJuice
For businesses with strong self-service strategies, HelpJuice focuses on knowledge base creation, allowing customers to find solutions easily.
25. Talkdesk
Best for call centers, Talkdesk delivers voice-focused tools with AI-powered analytics that help reduce response times and optimize workflows.
Finding the Right Fit
When choosing customer service software, always consider:
- Your Budget: Free tools are great for startups while paid options expand functionality for established businesses.
- Your Team’s Size: Larger teams often benefit from scalable, customizable features available in premium plans.
- Your Industry Needs: Whether you’re B2B or B2C, make sure the tool aligns with the expectations of your customers.
No matter the size of your business, investing in the right customer service platform is one of the smartest decisions you’ll make.Start with a free tool to explore its features, and upgrade as your business grows
