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Kayako vs Zendesk

An independent, side-by-side comparison of two Customer Support providers — scores, pricing, company-size fit, and strengths — to help you pick the right one.

Kayako vs Zendesk at a glance

Editorial sub-scores are RankedVendors estimates.

KayakoZendesk
Overall score73/10092/100
TierStandardElite
Capability (editorial)7191
Ease of use (editorial)7189
Value (editorial)6990
Best forSmall business, Mid-market, EnterpriseSmall business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Pricing modelQuote-basedQuote-based
Headquarters
Founded

Verdict

Zendesk is the higher-ranked of the two on RankedVendors (92/100 vs 73/100), but both are credible Customer Support options. Kayako fits small business, mid-market, enterprise; Zendesk fits small business, mid-market, enterprise. Match the shortlist to your size and must-have features, and trial before committing.

Where each one stands out

Kayako

Kayako is help desk and live chat.

Best for: Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise

Read Kayako review

Zendesk

Zendesk runs ticketing, live chat, and knowledge bases.

Best for: Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise

Read Zendesk review

Kayako vs Zendesk — FAQ

Is Kayako better than Zendesk?

On RankedVendors, Zendesk scores 92/100 versus Kayako's 73/100, so Zendesk ranks higher overall in Customer Support. The right choice still depends on your size, budget, and must-have features — see the breakdown above.

What is the difference between Kayako and Zendesk?

Kayako is help desk and live chat. Zendesk runs ticketing, live chat, and knowledge bases. Both compete in Customer Support; compare their strengths and best-fit company sizes above.

Which is better value, Kayako or Zendesk?

Our editorial value scores put Kayako at 69/100 and Zendesk at 90/100. Kayako is Quote-based; Zendesk is Quote-based. Request quotes from both to compare against your scale.