Kayako vs ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus Comparison
Kayako
Starting at Contact for pricing
- Free Trial
- Large Enterprises
- Medium Business
Kayako is the premier customer support software, marketplace, and community for support teams. Kayako provides all the tools to create an engaging support experience for website visitors while delivering exceptional cust…
ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus
Starting at Contact for pricing
- Free Trial
- Large Enterprises
- Medium Business
ServiceDesk Plus provides IT departments the right tools, at the right time, to solve problems and keep the organization running smoothly. From 24x7 monitoring to ticketing systems for help desks and field service organi…
ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus leads on user satisfaction with a 4.2-star rating across 351 reviews.
Kayako vs ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus — at a glance
| Feature | Kayako | ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Reviews | 262 | 351 |
| Starting price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free version | No | No |
| Best for | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business |
| Category | Help Desk Software | Service Desk Software |
| Integrations | 1+ apps | — |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Installed - Windows |
| API | Available | Available |
| Support modes | 24/7 (Live rep), Business Hours, Online | 24/7 (Live rep), Business Hours, Online |
| Certifications | SOC 2, GDPR | HIPAA, GDPR |
| Data residency | Global | US |
Key differences between Kayako and ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus
- User satisfaction: ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus scores higher with a 4.2-star average.
- Deployment: Kayako supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS; ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Installed - Windows.
Kayako vs ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus — find the better fit before you commit.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
Where each product wins, per real buyers
Most Help Desk Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
Talk to an expert Talk to an expert |
Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Best for mid-sized support teams needing multi-channel help desk with automation.
- You manage a 50-500+ employee company needing unified inbox across channels.
- You want to reduce manual support tasks with built-in automation tools.
- You value integrated chat support that also helps close more sales.
- You are a very small business with fewer than 50 employees.
- You require highly specialized or advanced enterprise-level support features.
Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
Kayako typically suits Large Enterprises and Medium Business. ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus tends to fit Large Enterprises and Medium Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.
Description | Kayako is the premier customer support software, marketplace, and community for support teams. Kayako provides all the tools to create an engaging support experience for website visitors ... Read More about Kayako | ServiceDesk Plus provides IT departments the right tools, at the right time, to solve problems and keep the organization running smoothly. From 24x7 monitoring to ticketing systems for help ... Read More about ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus |
|---|---|---|
Free Trial Availability |
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Spotsaas ScoreWhat's this? ↗ | 9.2/10 | Not Available |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||
Best Company Size | 50-500 employees500+ employees | — |
Get pricing help | Get pricing help |
Where each option fits best
See where each product is strongest, which teams it fits, and what causes buyers to keep looking — before you commit.
Based on buyer reviews and verified product data collected by Spotsaas.
Key strengths
- Unified Inbox: Consolidates customer inquiries from different channels into one location, streamlining support processes.
- Multi-Channel Support: Allows businesses to manage customer interactions across various channels, including email, live chat, and social media.
- Automation Capabilities: Offers automation tools to streamline support processes, reduce manual tasks, and improve overall efficiency.
No key benefits available yet.
Best fit
- 50–500+ Employees
- E-commerce, SaaS, FinTech, Telecommunications, Retail
- Customer Support Manager, IT Support Specialist, Help Desk Administrator, Operations Manager, Customer Success Manager
No best-fit guidance available yet.
Reasons buyers look elsewhere
- Kayako's customization features are often considered limited, making it challenging for businesses with specific needs to tailor the software to their requirements.
- New users may find Kayako's interface less intuitive, leading to a steep learning curve and potential delays in onboarding.
- Some users have reported significant price increases over time, which may not be justified by the features offered, leading them to seek more cost-effective alternatives.
No alternatives guidance available yet.
Software Demo
Demo |
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How do Kayako and ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus Compare on Features?
Total Features | 16 Features | 6 Features |
|---|---|---|
Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare Kayako and ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus on pricing
Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.
Pricing Option | ||
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Pricing Plans |
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Pricing Page |  | Pricing information not available |
Other Details
Organization Types supported |
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Platforms Supported |
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Modes of support |
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API Support |
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Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
SOC 2 | ✓ Yes | — |
|---|---|---|
HIPAA | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
GDPR | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
ISO 27001 | ✗ No | — |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Multi-Factor Auth (MFA) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Encryption | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Audit Logs | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Residency | 🌐 Global | 🇺🇸 US |
Kayako User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
Rating Distribution | ||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Buyers appreciate Kayako's multi-channel support and automation but express concerns about pricing transparency and feature depth. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Buyer sentiment is positive across 150 reviews, with strong overall satisfaction. What buyers like
Common complaints
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Pros and Cons |
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Positive Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
| Negative Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
Integrations
Integration with other apps | No Integration information available. |
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List of Customers
Customers |  Kayako_customers_0  Kayako_customers_1  Kayako_customers_2 |  ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus_customers_0  ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus_customers_1  ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus_customers_2 |
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Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  3 Screenshots |  16 Screenshots |
|---|---|---|
Videos |  2 Videos |  3 Videos |
Top Alternatives to Kayako and ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus in 2026
Alternatives |
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Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, Kayako or ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus?
- ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus edges out the other on user ratings (4.2 vs 3.5). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do Kayako and ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus offer a free trial?
- Yes, both Kayako and ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus offer a free trial.
- What is the starting price of Kayako vs ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus?
- Kayako starts at Contact for pricing. ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus starts at Contact for pricing.
- What are the top alternatives to Kayako?
- Top alternatives to Kayako include Zoho Desk, Freshservice, ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus, Freshdesk, Deskero.
- What are the top alternatives to ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus?
- Top alternatives to ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus include SolarWinds Service Desk, Jira Service Desk, Symantec ServiceDesk, Freshdesk, Zoho Desk.