Hiver vs Help Scout: Complete Comparison 2026
An in-depth comparison of features, pricing, and user experience to help you make the right choice.
Hiver
8.3(1,890 reviews)
Gmail-based help desk that turns your inbox into a shared workspace with ticketing, SLAs, and automation. Free for up to 10 users.
Help Scout
4.6(1,247 reviews)
Email-focused help desk with shared inbox, knowledge base, and beacon widget.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Hiver | Help Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Teams already using Gmail/Google Workspace for email | Email-first support teams |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Free | $20/mo |
| Deployment | cloud | cloud |
| Platforms | WEB | WEB, IOS, ANDROID |
| Rating | 8.3/10 | 4.6/10 |
Pros & Cons
Hiver
Pros
- Zero learning curve if your team already uses Gmail
- Free plan genuinely useful for up to 10 users — not a crippled trial
- Collision detection stops agents from duplicating replies
- Internal notes and email assignments feel native to Gmail
- Live chat feeds into the same Gmail workflow, keeping everything unified
- SLA and automation features rival standalone help desks
Cons
- Only works with Gmail — if you use Outlook or another client, forget it
- No standalone web app — you depend entirely on the Gmail extension
- Live chat features are basic compared to dedicated tools like Intercom
- Limited customization since everything runs within Gmail constraints
- Advanced automation and AI features are locked behind the $49/user Elite plan
Help Scout
Pros
- Clean, simple interface that's easy to learn
- Email-first approach feels personal to customers
- Straightforward pricing with no hidden fees
- Excellent knowledge base with Beacon integration
- Strong focus on customer experience design
Cons
- Limited phone and voice support options
- Less suitable for complex, multi-channel operations
- Fewer integrations than larger platforms
- Advanced reporting requires higher tiers
Pricing Comparison
| Product | Pricing Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hiver | freemium | Free0 |
| Help Scout | subscription | $20/mo |
Our Verdict
Choose Hiver if...
Teams already using Gmail/Google Workspace for email
Choose Help Scout if...
Email-first support teams
Still Not Sure?
Explore more alternatives or read in-depth reviews to make your decision.