os-alt

self-host the SaaS you're paying for

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FreeScout vs Zammad

Self-host pick — both replace Zendesk (Customer support / helpdesk).

Both FreeScout and Zammad self-host as a replacement for Zendesk (Customer support / helpdesk). Pick FreeScout if you want the lighter footprint — 10min (PHP + MySQL on a single VPS), $5 vps easily. Pick Zammad if you need teams that need ITIL-ish workflows + multi-channel (email, telephony, chat) — 30min docker-compose and $10 vps — elasticsearch + postgres + rails.

FreeScoutopen-sourceZammadopen-source
LicenseAGPL-3.0AGPL-3.0
Setup time10min (PHP + MySQL on a single VPS)30min docker-compose
Monthly cost$5 VPS easily.$10 VPS — Elasticsearch + Postgres + Rails.
GitHubfreescout-help-desk/freescout ★ 4.26k · last commit 5d agoalivezammad/zammad ★ 5.61k · last commit todayalive
ReplacesZendesk + 1 otherZendesk

Good fit for

FreeScout

Small teams who want an Help-Scout-shaped shared inbox without a SaaS bill.

Weak at:No live chat in core — modules add it but feel bolted on.

Zammad

Teams that need ITIL-ish workflows + multi-channel (email, telephony, chat).

Weak at:Setup is heavier than Chatwoot or FreeScout.

In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli zendesk prints Zendesk's self-host options including both — how the CLI works →

FAQ

Which is easier to self-host, FreeScout or Zammad?

FreeScout: 10min (PHP + MySQL on a single VPS). Zammad: 30min docker-compose.

What does each cost to run?

FreeScout: $5 VPS easily.. Zammad: $10 VPS — Elasticsearch + Postgres + Rails.. Both projects are free and open source.

Do FreeScout and Zammad replace the same SaaS?

Yes — both are open-source alternatives to Zendesk.