Chatwoot vs Desku: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Chatwoot and Desku comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Chatwoot
Open source customer engagement
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.3/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need crm features specifically
- • Chatwoot is an open-source customer engagement platform and Intercom alternative
- • It provides live chat, email, social media inbox, and chatbots in one tool
Desku
AI-powered customer service and lead generation platform for businesses.
Best for you if:
- • You need lead generation features specifically
- • Automates customer service with AI across 35+ channels, reducing costs and improving CSAT.
- • Boosts lead generation and sales through AI chatbots for proactive engagement and conversion.
| At a Glance |  Chatwoot |  Desku |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | CRM | Lead Generation |
Rating | 83/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Chatwoot | Desku |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 83 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | CRMHelp Desk | Lead GenerationHelp Desk |
How Chatwoot and Desku Compare
Chatwoot
Open source customer engagement
Free tier available · 83/100 score
Desku
AI-powered customer service and lead generation platform for businesses.
Paid
Chatwoot is a crm tool. Desku is in lead generation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Chatwoot has a free tier. Desku is paid only.
Go with: Chatwoot
Want the highest-rated option?
Chatwoot scores 83/100. Desku is unrated.
Go with: Chatwoot
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Chatwoot
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Chatwoot is freemium. Desku is paid. Chatwoot lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Chatwoot is a crm tool. Desku is in lead generation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Chatwoot
- Higher score: 83/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Desku
- Better fit for lead generation
The Bottom Line
Chatwoot (83/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chatwoot or Desku better?
Chatwoot scores 83/100 in our evaluation. Chatwoot is freemium and Desku is paid.
What are Chatwoot and Desku used for?
Chatwoot: Open source customer engagement. Desku: AI-powered customer service and lead generation platform for businesses..
What does Chatwoot cost vs Desku?
Chatwoot is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Desku is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.