ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus vs Hiver: Complete Comparison 2026
An in-depth comparison of features, pricing, and user experience to help you make the right choice.
ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus
8.0(3,850 reviews)
Full ITSM suite with integrated asset management, CMDB, and change management. Cloud or on-premise deployment from $13/technician/mo.
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.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | Hiver |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | IT teams needing ITSM with built-in asset management | Teams already using Gmail/Google Workspace for email |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $13/mo | Free |
| Deployment | cloud, on premise | cloud |
| Platforms | WEB, IOS, ANDROID | WEB |
| Rating | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
Pros & Cons
ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus
Pros
- Built-in CMDB and asset discovery eliminate the need for separate tools
- On-premise deployment option gives full data control — rare in this category
- ITIL-aligned change management with CAB workflows out of the box
- Handles high ticket volumes without performance issues (500+ daily)
- Network asset scanning automatically populates your inventory
- Competitive pricing compared to ServiceNow and BMC Remedy
Cons
- User interface feels outdated compared to modern ITSM tools
- Steep learning curve — expect 2-3 weeks for proper setup
- Key features like CMDB are gated behind the Enterprise plan at $67/technician
- Mobile app is functional but limited in scope
- Reporting customization requires technical knowledge
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
Pricing Comparison
| Product | Pricing Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus | subscription | $13/mo |
| Hiver | freemium | Free0 |
Our Verdict
Choose ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus if...
IT teams needing ITSM with built-in asset management
Choose Hiver if...
Teams already using Gmail/Google Workspace for email
Still Not Sure?
Explore more alternatives or read in-depth reviews to make your decision.