Freshdesk vs HubSpot: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Freshdesk and HubSpot 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Freshdesk
Help desk that balances features with usability
Best for you if:
- • You need customer support features specifically
HubSpot
All-in-one marketing, sales, and CRM platform that scales with you
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.1/10)
- • You need sales features specifically
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Customer Support | Sales |
Rating | 81/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Freshdesk | HubSpot |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 81 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Customer Support | SalesMarketing |
Understanding the Differences
Both Freshdesk and HubSpot solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Freshdesk positions itself as "help desk that balances features with usability" while HubSpotfocuses on "all-in-one marketing, sales, and crm platform that scales with you". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Freshdesk
Freshdesk makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose HubSpot
HubSpot is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 84/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Freshdesk lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Freshdesk
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. HubSpot is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: HubSpot
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: HubSpot
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Freshdesk, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated HubSpot higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted HubSpot more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What HubSpot Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Freshdesk If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with HubSpot (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. HubSpot scores higher in our analysis, but Freshdesk might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Freshdesk or HubSpot better?
Based on our analysis, HubSpot scores higher with 84/100. Freshdesk isfreemium while HubSpot is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Freshdesk to HubSpot easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Freshdesk and HubSpot offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Freshdesk is freemium with a free tier.HubSpot is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.