Best Free Ticketing Systems Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Running a customer support team can be tough, especially when you're operating on a tight budget and with limited tools. You might find yourself overwhelmed by customer inquiries, struggling to keep track of who needs what.
That's where free ticketing systems come in. They help organize and prioritize your team's workload without adding to your expenses. If you’re part of a startup or growing team, free ticketing tools can be a great start, and you can always upgrade when you’re ready.
In my experience, choosing the right ticketing system can make a big difference in how efficiently your team operates and how quickly your customer issues get addressed. I've reviewed and tested various solutions, focusing on those with free plans or trials. In this article, I'll share my top picks, helping you find the best fit for your team's needs.
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Best Free Ticketing Systems Summary
While all of the ticketing systems in my list have free offerings, they also have paid plans should you wish to upgrade. Here are the base costs for each of the tools that made it onto my shortlist:
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for marketing teams | Free demo + free plan available | From $12/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
2 | Best for ease of use | Free Plan | Free | Website | |
3 | Best for straightforward setup | Free demo | From $39.95 | Website | |
4 | Best for IT support | 30-day free trial | From $39/user/month | Website | |
5 | Best for open-source users | 30-day free trial + free plan available | From $12/user/month | Website | |
6 | Best for integrated apps | Free trial available | From $7.25/user/month | Website | |
7 | Best for AI features | Freemium version + 15-day free trial of paid plans available | Plans start at $7/month | Website | |
8 | Best for small businesses | Free trial available | From $10/month | Website | |
9 | Best for agile teams | Freemium plan available | From $0/month | Website | |
10 | Best for team collaboration | Free plan available | From $49/user/month (min of 5 users) | Website |
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CRM Creatio
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.7 -
monday Service
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Issuetrak
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.1
Best Free Ticketing System Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best free ticketing systems that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer an in-depth look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you. While some of these tools offer a completely free version, others have a free trial period. I’ve added a note about what’s free in each of my reviews.
EngageBay is a ticketing system designed for marketing teams aiming to enhance customer support and engagement. It provides tools for managing customer queries, automating ticket responses, and maintaining a unified communication platform.
Why I picked EngageBay: Its free offering allows teams of up to 15 members to utilize its help desk ticketing system without cost. The free version includes features like a unified inbox and customizable ticket views, making it ideal for marketing teams. Automation tools for ticket assignment and resolution help streamline operations. Canned responses and macros further enhance the efficiency of your support operations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a unified inbox, which centralizes customer queries for seamless communication and efficient response management. Customizable ticket views allow teams to tailor workflows to their specific needs, improving organization and productivity. Additionally, automation tools streamline ticket assignment and resolution, reducing manual effort and enhancing overall efficiency.
Integrations include Zapier, Shopify, QuickBooks, Stripe, Xero, Mailchimp, SendGrid, Twilio, Mandrill, and Google Workspace.
What's free? EngageBay offers a free-forever plan for teams of up to 15 members, with access to core ticketing features and automation tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Canned responses for quick replies
- Unified inbox and automated ticket assignment
- Supports up to 15 team members
Cons:
- Limited customization in free plan
- Basic reporting tools
Raiseaticket is a cloud-based ticketing system designed for businesses that require a straightforward solution for managing customer support requests. It's ideal for teams looking for an easy-to-use platform with essential ticketing features.
Why I picked Raiseaticket: It offers a free-forever plan, making it accessible for businesses seeking cost-effective solutions. The system's simplicity and intuitive interface set it apart, allowing teams to streamline ticket management without a steep learning curve. The free version supports unlimited tickets and offers customizable ticket fields. Automated ticket sorting and email notifications further enhance its functionality.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated ticket sorting, which prioritizes requests to ensure efficient resolution and workload management. Customizable ticket fields allow teams to tailor support processes to their specific needs, improving response accuracy. Additionally, email notifications keep teams informed about ticket updates, enhancing communication and accountability.
Integrations include Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Dropbox, Trello, Zendesk, Freshdesk, Salesforce, Mailchimp, and QuickBooks.
What's free? Raiseaticket offers a free-forever plan with unlimited tickets and essential features for managing customer support.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated ticket sorting
- Customizable ticket fields
- Supports unlimited tickets
Cons:
- Limited customization in the free plan
- Basic reporting capabilities
Hesk is a ticketing system designed for small to medium-sized businesses that need a simple and effective way to manage customer support queries. It offers core help desk software functionalities to streamline ticket management and improve customer service efficiency.
Why I picked Hesk: It offers a free-forever plan that is easy to set up, making it accessible for teams with limited technical expertise. The free version supports unlimited agents and tickets, which is great for growing teams. It provides essential features like ticket categorization and canned responses to enhance efficiency. With a user-friendly interface, Hesk is ideal for businesses that need straightforward customer service software.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include ticket categorization, which helps organize support requests and route tickets for faster resolution and improved workflow management. Canned responses enable quick and consistent replies, reducing response times and enhancing efficiency. Additionally, a knowledge base empowers customers with self-service options, minimizing support workload and improving user satisfaction.
Integrations include Slack, Microsoft Teams, Trello, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Freshdesk, Zendesk, Salesforce, Mailchimp, and QuickBooks.
What's free? Hesk offers a free-forever plan with unlimited agents and tickets, providing essential help desk functionalities.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Includes a knowledge base
- Offers canned responses
- Supports unlimited agents
Cons:
- Requires self-hosting setup
- Limited advanced features
SolarWinds is a ticketing system tailored for IT support teams needing efficient ticket management and issue resolution. It helps streamline IT service requests and track incidents to improve response times.
Why I picked SolarWinds: It offers a free ticketing system ideal for IT support teams, focusing on effective incident management. The free version includes features like automated ticket routing and tracking to enhance efficiency. It allows you to categorize and prioritize tickets based on urgency and impact, which is crucial for IT support. The system's reporting capabilities provide insights into service performance, ensuring IT teams can address issues promptly.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated ticket routing, which minimizes manual effort by directing service requests to the appropriate IT personnel. Customizable ticket categories help organize and prioritize requests based on urgency and impact, ensuring efficient issue resolution before escalation. Additionally, detailed reporting provides insights into service performance, allowing IT teams to track trends and improve response times.
Integrations include SolarWinds N-central, SolarWinds RMM, SolarWinds Service Desk, SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor, SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager, SolarWinds Security Event Manager, SolarWinds Database Performance Analyzer, SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor, SolarWinds IP Address Manager, and SolarWinds Web Help Desk.
What's free? SolarWinds offers a free-forever plan with core ticketing features, specifically designed for IT support teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective incident management
- Customizable ticket categories
- Automated ticket routing
Cons:
- Limited to IT service use cases
- Initial setup complexity
osTicket is an open-source ticketing system designed for organizations that need customizable and flexible support solutions. It's ideal for businesses that require a self-hosted option with extensive customization capabilities.
Why I picked osTicket: Its free offering is open-source, providing full access to its code for customization. This makes it ideal for businesses needing a tailored ticketing solution. The free version supports unlimited users and tickets, allowing for scalability without additional costs. Its customizable fields and forms make it adaptable to various business needs, aligning with its USP for open-source users.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable fields and forms, allowing businesses to tailor the help desk ticketing software to their specific support needs. Ticket filters automate the organization of incoming requests, ensuring efficient ticket management. Additionally, help topics streamline customer inquiries by categorizing and directing them to the appropriate support channels.
Integrations include Slack, Twilio, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Dropbox, AWS, Azure, Zapier, Mailgun, and SendGrid.
What's free? osTicket offers a free-forever plan as an open-source solution, allowing unlimited users and tickets with extensive customization options.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Self-hosted for complete control
- Supports unlimited users and tickets
- Open-source for full customization
Cons:
- No cloud hosting in free version
- Requires technical setup
Odoo Helpdesk is a comprehensive ticketing system designed for businesses that need integrated solutions across various business functions. It allows teams to track, prioritize, and resolve customer issues efficiently.
Why I picked Odoo: Its free offering includes access to one app from its suite, ideal for businesses looking to integrate multiple functions over time. Its helpdesk app enables teams to organize tickets and manage customer queries in a unified platform. With features like ticket prioritization and pipeline customization, it gives your team more operational flexibility. The free version supports seamless integration with other Odoo apps, making it a good choice for growing businesses.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include ticket prioritization, which helps teams manage customer issues efficiently by addressing the most urgent matters first. Customizable pipeline stages allow businesses to tailor workflows to their specific processes, improving ticket resolution. Additionally, live chat support enables instant customer interactions, enhancing responsiveness and overall service quality.
Integrations include Odoo CRM, Odoo Sales, Odoo Inventory, Odoo Accounting, Odoo Project, Odoo Timesheet, Odoo Marketing, Odoo Website, Odoo eCommerce, and Odoo HR.
What's free? Odoo offers a free-forever plan that includes one app, allowing users to choose the helpdesk module without cost.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Live chat support included
- Easy integration with other Odoo apps
- Customizable pipeline stages
Cons:
- No phone support in the free version
- Limited to one app in the free plan
Zoho Desk is a customer support ticketing system that caters to businesses looking to leverage AI for improved service efficiency. It helps teams manage customer inquiries and automate routine tasks to enhance productivity.
Why I picked Zoho Desk: Its free offering includes AI-driven features, which is a standout for businesses wanting to incorporate AI in their support processes. The free version allows up to three agents, providing features like ticket management and basic AI capabilities. You can automate responses to common queries. The AI assistant helps your team by suggesting solutions and prioritizing tickets effectively.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a knowledge base that enables customer self-service, reducing the workload on support teams and improving response efficiency. Ticket tracking helps monitor issue resolution progress, ensuring timely responses and accountability. Additionally, customizable dashboards provide a visual representation of support metrics, allowing teams to analyze performance and make data-driven decisions.
Integrations include Zoho CRM, Zoho Books, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Mailchimp, Shopify, Trello, Salesforce, Google Workspace, and Dropbox.
What's free? Zoho Desk offers a free-forever plan for up to three agents, including basic AI features and ticket management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports up to three agents
- Automates common queries
- AI-driven support features
Cons:
- Basic reporting in the free version
- Requires learning for AI tools
Frappe Helpdesk is an open-source ticketing system ideal for small businesses and startups looking to improve customer support workflows. It consolidates customer issues into a single queue, enhancing agent productivity and customer satisfaction.
Why I picked Frappe Helpdesk: It is an open-source solution, allowing small businesses to customize and deploy it as needed without cost. By consolidating customer complaints into a single queue, it can help your team improve tracking and response time. Automated ticket assignment and configurable SLAs are available in the free version, providing clear expectations and optimizing workload. The knowledge base feature supports self-service, aligning with its USP for small businesses.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include single queue management, which centralizes customer inquiries for better tracking and streamlined responses. Configurable service level agreements (SLAs) help set clear response expectations, ensuring efficient issue resolution. Additionally, automated ticket assignment optimizes workload distribution, enhancing agent productivity and customer satisfaction.
Integrations include various tools and platforms that enhance Frappe Helpdesk's functionality, such as email servers, SMS gateways, and other ERPNext modules.
What's free? Frappe Helpdesk offers a free-forever plan as it is open-source, allowing full customization and deployment without cost.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- High customization capabilities
- User-friendly interface
- Streamlined support processes
Cons:
- Limited pre-built integrations
- Requires technical knowledge for setup
Jira Service Management is a ticketing system designed for agile teams that need to manage service requests and incidents efficiently. It supports agile methodologies with features that enhance collaboration and streamline workflows.
Why I picked Jira Service Management: It supports agile teams with up to three agents. It includes features like incident management and customizable workflows to align with agile practices. The free version allows for real-time collaboration, making it ideal for teams that need to adapt quickly. With integrated service request management, it meets the needs of agile environments.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include incident management, which helps teams quickly address and resolve service disruptions to minimize downtime. Customizable workflows enable agile teams to improve efficiency by tailoring processes according to their specific needs. Additionally, real-time collaboration ensures seamless communication, allowing teams to adapt and respond swiftly to service requests and incidents.
Integrations include Confluence, Bitbucket, Trello, Slack, Microsoft Teams, GitHub, Jenkins, AWS, GitLab, and PagerDuty.
What's free? Jira Service Management offers a free-forever plan for up to three agents, with access to core features like incident management and customizable workflows.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Incident management included
- Customizable workflows
- Supports agile methodologies
Cons:
- Free version includes limited reporting
- Limited to three agents
Bitrix24 is a ticketing system tailored for teams that value collaboration and communication. It offers tools to manage customer queries, streamline communication, and enhance team productivity.
Why I picked Bitrix24: Its free offering supports unlimited users, making it ideal for team collaboration. It includes features like task management and document sharing. The free version allows teams to communicate through integrated chat and video calls, supporting seamless collaboration. Its ability to combine ticketing with project management tools further improves team productivity.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include task management, which helps teams organize activities efficiently and track progress on customer queries. Document sharing enables easy access to important files, fostering collaboration and streamlined workflows. Additionally, integrated chat and video calls support real-time communication, enhancing teamwork and customer support efficiency.
Integrations include Google Drive, Microsoft Office 365, Dropbox, Mailchimp, Slack, Xero, QuickBooks, Zapier, Salesforce, and Shopify.
What's free? Bitrix24 offers a free-forever plan with unlimited users, including access to task management and communication tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Document sharing capabilities
- Integrated chat and video calls
- Unlimited users in free version
Cons:
- Requires learning for advanced features
- Limited storage in free plan
Other Free Ticketing Systems
Here are some additional ticketing systems options that also offer free plans or trials. While these tools didn’t make it onto my shortlist, they’re still worth checking out:
- Spiceworks
For IT asset tracking
- HubSpot
For CRM integration
- ProProfs Help Desk
For knowledge base integration
- Suptask
For Slack integration
- ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus
For ITIL compatibility
- Faveo Helpdesk
For open-source customization
- Znuny
For small IT teams
- Freshdesk by Freshworks
For remote support teams
- Fluent Support
For WordPress users
- Uvdesk
For ecommerce businesses
Free Ticketing System Selection Criteria
When selecting the best free ticketing systems to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like customization and scalability requirements. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Ticket creation and management
- User and agent roles and permissions
- Reporting and analytics
- Automated ticket routing
- Email notifications
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- AI-powered suggestions
- Customizable dashboards
- Multi-channel support
- Integration with CRM systems
- Self-service portals
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Customizable workflows
- Responsive design
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Comprehensive documentation
- Access to webinars
- Pre-built templates
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Live chat support
- Response time
- Availability of a knowledge base
- Community forums
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Features included in the free plan
- Cost versus benefits analysis
- Scalable pricing options
- Additional costs for integrations
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- User satisfaction ratings
- Commonly reported issues
- Positive feedback trends
- Frequency of updates
- Comparison to competitor reviews
How to Choose a Free Ticketing System
Complex feature lists and lack of clarity on what’s included in different pricing tiers can make it hard to figure out what you’re really getting from free ticketing systems. To help you stay focused as you work through your software selection process, here are some factors to keep in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
Free offer scope | Check what's included in the free plan. Ensure it covers essential features like ticket management and reporting without surprising limitations. |
Scalability | Consider if the system can grow with your team. Look for options that support additional users and features as your needs expand. |
Integrations | Ensure compatibility with your existing tools. Look for integrations with CRM, email, and other systems your team uses regularly. |
Ease of use | Evaluate the user interface and navigation. Your team should be able to adopt it with minimal training, so prioritize intuitive designs. |
Support options | Review the support services available. Check if there’s live chat, email support, and a knowledge base to help your team troubleshoot issues quickly. |
Customization | Determine if the tool allows for customization to fit your processes. Look for flexible workflows and customizable fields to tailor the system to your needs. |
Reporting | Assess the quality of reporting features. Ensure it provides insights into team performance and ticket resolution times to help you make informed decisions. |
Security | Verify the security measures in place. Check for data encryption and compliance with relevant regulations to protect sensitive customer information. |
What Are Free Ticketing Systems?
Ticketing systems are tools that help businesses manage and track customer support requests. They often come with free plans or trials, offering essential features like ticket management, routing, and reporting. Typically used by customer support teams, IT departments, and service managers, these systems improve efficiency and organization.
Features like automated ticket routing, customizable workflows, and integration capabilities help teams prioritize tasks, enhance customer service, and fit the system into existing workflows.
Features of Free Ticketing Systems
Let’s go over the features commonly found in ticketing systems, and which ones are usually included in free vs. paid plans.
Typically Free Ticketing Systems Features
- Ticket management: Allows users to create, update, and track support tickets to ensure timely resolution.
- Email notifications: Automatically informs team members and customers about ticket updates and responses.
- Basic reporting: Provides insights into ticket volumes and response times to help teams improve performance.
- User roles and permissions: Enables administrators to set different access levels for team members to maintain security.
- Knowledge base: Offers a self-service portal where customers can find answers to common questions, reducing ticket volume.
- Automated ticket routing: Directs tickets to the right team members based on predefined criteria, improving efficiency.
- Customizable fields: Let teams tailor ticket forms to capture relevant information specific to their processes.
Typically Paid Ticketing Systems Features
- Advanced analytics: Delivers in-depth reports and dashboards to analyze team performance and customer satisfaction.
- AI-driven suggestions: Utilizes artificial intelligence to recommend solutions or prioritize tickets based on urgency.
- Multi-channel support: Integrates with various communication channels like chat, phone, mobile app, and social media for unified customer interactions.
- Service level agreement (SLA) management: Tracks and enforces SLAs to ensure compliance with response and resolution times.
- Customizable workflows: Allows teams to design complex workflows to automate repetitive tasks and improve process efficiency.
- Third-party integrations: Connect the ticketing system with external tools like CRM, ERP, and marketing platforms for seamless data flow.
- Advanced security features: Offers enhanced security measures such as data encryption and access controls to protect sensitive information.
Benefits of Free Ticketing Systems
Implementing free ticketing systems provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Cost savings: Free plans provide essential features without financial commitment, allowing businesses to allocate budgets elsewhere. In my experience, free software can be a game changer for small, growing teams, as it allows you to experiment with a tool before committing to it.
- Improved organization: Ticket management features help teams keep track of customer requests, reducing the chance of missed issues.
- Increased efficiency: Automated ticket routing improves response times and ensures that the right team members handle tickets promptly.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction: Knowledge bases offer customers a centralized self service hub, allowing them to find answers quickly and reduce support wait times.
- Scalability: Many free plans support unlimited tickets and users. Others offer a tiered pricing plan, allowing growing businesses to upgrade to a paid plan when needed.
- Customization: Customizable fields and workflows let teams tailor the system to their unique processes, enhancing usability.
- Data insights: Basic reporting features provide valuable insights into performance and areas for improvement, helping teams optimize their support strategies.
Costs and Pricing of Free Ticketing Systems
I know you’re here to find the best ticketing systems that are available for free. And in my experience, free is a great place to start. Just keep in mind that most free plans come with limited features, so there’s a good chance you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan as your support needs grow.
The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in ticketing systems solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Ticketing Systems
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
Free Plan | $0 | Basic ticket management, email notifications, and limited reporting. |
Personal Plan | $5-$25/ user/month | Advanced reporting, customizable fields, and basic integrations. |
Business Plan | $25-$50/ user/month | Multi-channel support, SLA management, and workflow automation. |
Enterprise Plan | $50-$100/ user/month | AI-driven features, advanced security, and extensive third-party integrations. |
Free Ticketing Systems FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about free ticketing systems:
Are there any free ticketing systems?
Yes, there are several free ticketing and help desk solutions available. These tools often come with essential features like ticket management and email notifications. They are ideal for small businesses or teams with limited budgets. You can find options that provide free-forever plans or extended trial periods.
What are the requirements for a ticket system?
A ticketing system should include features such as:
- Ticket creation
- Ticket categorization and prioritization
- Automation and field customization
- Reporting
- Integration capabilities with other tools
What is the difference between CRM and a ticketing system?
A CRM system focuses on storing and managing customer information to support sales and marketing. In contrast, a ticketing system uses that information to provide customer support. It tracks issues from initial report to resolution, helping teams deliver effective service.
How does a ticketing system work?
A ticketing system manages customer queries by converting them into tickets. These tickets are tracked from the moment they’re created until they’re resolved. The system helps organize and prioritize requests, ensuring timely responses and improving customer satisfaction.
Can free ticketing systems handle multiple channels?
Some free ticketing systems offer omnichannel support, allowing you to manage requests from email, chat, and social media in one place. This feature helps provide a consistent customer experience across different communication platforms.
Do free ticketing systems offer reporting tools?
Many free ticketing systems include basic reporting features. These tools provide insights into ticket volumes and response times, helping you identify areas for improvement. However, advanced reporting may require a paid plan for more detailed analytics.