Gainsight vs Zendesk: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Gainsight and Zendesk 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:
Gainsight
Customer success platform
Best for you if:
- • You need marketing automation features specifically
- • Unified platform (CustomerOS) for end-to-end customer journey orchestration.
- • Leverages AI for early churn detection, expansion opportunities, and personalized customer engagement.
Zendesk
Complete customer service solution
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 8.8/10)
- • You need chatbots features specifically
- • Enterprise-grade customer service platform
- • Industry leader in support software
| At a Glance |  Gainsight |  Zendesk |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Marketing Automation | Chatbots |
Rating | 88/100 | 89/100 |
| Feature | Gainsight | Zendesk |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 89 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Marketing AutomationCustomer Success | ChatbotsCustomer Success |
How Gainsight and Zendesk Compare
Gainsight
Customer success platform
Paid · 88/100 score
Zendesk
Complete customer service solution
Paid · 89/100 score
Gainsight is a marketing automation tool. Zendesk is in chatbots.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Zendesk
Want the highest-rated option?
Gainsight: 88/100. Zendesk: 89/100.
Go with: Zendesk
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Zendesk
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Gainsight is a marketing automation tool. Zendesk is in chatbots. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Zendesk scores higher: 89/100 vs 88/100.
Key Takeaways
Zendesk
- Higher score: 89/100 vs 88
- Our pick for this comparison
Gainsight
- Better fit for marketing automation
The Bottom Line
Zendesk (89/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gainsight or Zendesk better?
Zendesk scores 89/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Gainsight and Zendesk used for?
Gainsight: Customer success platform. Zendesk: Complete customer service solution.
What does Gainsight cost vs Zendesk?
Gainsight is a paid tool. Zendesk is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.