Help Scout Standard alternatives
Killing $20-25/user/mo (~$240/yr) — here are 2 verified escapes, honest trade-offs included.
the answer medium migration
Chatwoot · Free / self-host free ⭐ 36.2K stars Omnichannel inbox (email/chat/social) with automation and reports.
you stop paying $20-25/user/mo → keep ~$240/yr
head-to-head
| Help Scout Standard | Chatwoot | |
|---|---|---|
| price | $20-25/user/mo | Free / self-host free |
| self-hostable | no | yes |
| license | proprietary | MIT |
| verified | — | 2026-08 |
| migration | — | medium effort |
free & open source (2)
Free / self-host free
Omnichannel inbox (email/chat/social) with automation and reports.
trade-offs: Mobile apps less mature
github →faq
What is the best free alternative to Help Scout Standard?
Chatwoot is the top free option — Omnichannel inbox (email/chat/social) with automation and reports.
How much can I save by switching from Help Scout Standard?
Help Scout Standard costs $20-25/user/mo, so switching to a free alternative saves roughly $240/year per seat.
Can Help Scout Standard be self-hosted?
Yes — Chatwoot and FreeScout can be self-hosted for free.