Freshdesk vs HubSpot: Which is better in 2026?
A side-by-side comparison of pricing, features, and use cases to help you decide between Freshdesk and HubSpot.
Customer support software that's easy and affordable
All-in-one CRM, marketing, and sales platform
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | Freshdesk | HubSpot |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $15/mo | $15/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Pricing model | freemium | freemium |
| G2 rating | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Capterra rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Founded | 2010 | 2006 |
Freshdesk: pros & cons
- ✓Generous free plan
- ✓Easy to set up
- ✓Good automation
- ✓Affordable entry point
- ✗AI features limited on lower tiers
- ✗Reporting less powerful than Zendesk
- ✗Occasional UI bugs
HubSpot: pros & cons
- ✓Generous free plan
- ✓All-in-one platform
- ✓Easy to use
- ✓Strong integrations
- ✗Gets expensive fast
- ✗Contact-based pricing adds up
- ✗Some features gated behind expensive tiers
Choose Freshdesk if...
- →You need a multi-channel helpdesk that handles email, social, and chat tickets but can't justify Zendesk's pricing
- →Your support team is just getting started and needs to be set up and handling tickets the same day without complex configuration
- →You want a genuinely capable free plan that supports unlimited agents before committing to paid tiers
Choose HubSpot if...
- →You want to start free and scale into paid CRM, marketing, or sales hubs later
- →Your team is non-technical and needs fast onboarding with minimal configuration
- →You need sales, marketing, and support data visible in a single platform
Our verdict
Freshdesk and HubSpot are closely matched on user ratings. The right pick depends on your team size and workflow.
Freshdesk vs HubSpot: frequently asked questions
Is Freshdesk better than HubSpot?
Both tools have similar G2 ratings. The best tool depends on your specific use case and budget.
Which is cheaper, Freshdesk or HubSpot?
Both start at $15/mo.
What is the main difference between Freshdesk and HubSpot?
Freshdesk focuses on multi-channel ticketing, ai chatbot (freddy), knowledge base. HubSpot focuses on crm, email marketing, landing pages. Both serve similar use cases but differ in approach and pricing model.
Can I migrate from Freshdesk to HubSpot?
Most teams migrate between Freshdesk and HubSpot within a day or two. Export your data from Freshdesk (typically as CSV or via API), then use HubSpot's import wizard to bring it across. Check each tool's help centre for a step-by-step migration guide before switching.