osTicket vs Front: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between osTicket and Front 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:
osTicket
Open source support ticket system
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need help desk features specifically
- • You need open source support ticket system
- • You want to start free and upgrade later
Front
Shared inbox platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need crm features specifically
- • Shared inbox for team collaboration
- • Email, SMS, and social in one place
| At a Glance |  osTicket |  Front |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Help Desk | CRM |
Rating | —/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | osTicket | Front |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 176 | 51 |
| Categories | Help DeskKnowledge Base | CRMCustomer Success |
Understanding the Differences
Both osTicket and Front solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.osTicket positions itself as "open source support ticket system" while Frontfocuses on "shared inbox platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose osTicket
osTicket makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Front
Front is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool. Scoring 85/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, osTicket lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: osTicket
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Front is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Front
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Front takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Front
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with osTicket, 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 Front higher (85/100). But the community has upvoted osTicket more (176 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Front Does Better
- Higher overall score (85/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider osTicket 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 Front (85/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Front scores higher in our analysis, but osTicket 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 osTicket or Front better?
Based on our analysis, Front scores higher with 85/100. osTicket isfreemium while Front is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from osTicket to Front 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 osTicket and Front offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. osTicket is freemium with a free tier.Front is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.