FreeScout
A PHP and Laravel help desk and shared inbox you host yourself, built as an alternative to Zendesk and Help Scout.
Email, WhatsApp, Telegram and chat in one help desk, with unlimited agents, tickets and mailboxes.
FreeScout is a help desk and shared team inbox written in PHP (Laravel) on MySQL, MariaDB or PostgreSQL. It suits small support teams who want Help Scout-style conversations without per-agent fees and can look after their own server.
What it is
FreeScout collects customer conversations from email, WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Slack and live chat into one inbox. Agents get internal notes, collision detection, merging and moving of conversations, auto replies, and a web installer; an AI integration module drafts replies.
Who it's for
It suits support teams and agencies with someone who can install PHP software, set up IMAP/SMTP and handle backups. It does not suit teams who want a hosted service run for them with a single bill, though the README lists managed hosts such as PikaPods and Zenith.
Key features
Unlimited agents and mailboxes
No limits on support agents, tickets or mailboxes.
Collision detection
A notice appears when two agents open the same conversation.
Multi-channel inbox
Email, WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Slack and live chat land in one place.
OAuth for email
Modern OAuth sign-in for Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace mailboxes.
Mobile apps and PWA
Android and iOS apps plus an installable web app with push notifications.
Module system
Official and community modules add features, and the API plus Zapier and Make connect other tools.
Up and running in 3 steps
Our honest verdict
What's great
- Runs on shared hosting: the README says there are no minimum CPU or RAM requirements and a web installer and updater are included.
- Unlimited agents, tickets and mailboxes means your cost does not grow with team size.
- Translated into 33 languages and supports screen readers, which matters for multilingual or accessibility-conscious teams.
- A migration page covers moving over from other help desks, and an API documents integrations.
Where it falls short
- You run it: PHP 7.4 or newer, a MySQL, MariaDB or PostgreSQL database, a web server, mail setup and your own backups.
- Several channels and features (WhatsApp, for example) come from separate modules rather than the core app.
- The AI drafting feature is a separate integration module that needs its own model provider setup.
- AGPL-3.0 licence: if you modify it and offer it to others over a network you must share your changes.
Pricing & license
FreeScout is free to use under AGPL-3.0, and the only cost is the server or managed host you run it on. The project's site lists paid modules and hosted options, but I found no prices on the pages I read.
Open remote AI-training roles
767 open remote AI-training roles, updated November 14, 2026; most pay $20–$175 an hour. Zekai lists them free; the application goes to the employer’s platform.
Alternatives
These reviewed AI tools do the same job instantly — from our scored directory.
Use it, or have us set it up
FAQ
Is there a limit on agents or tickets?
The README lists unlimited support agents, tickets and mailboxes.
Can I get it managed instead of installing it?
The README links managed one-click hosts including PikaPods and Zenith, and a Hostinger VPS. Prices are on those providers' pages, not in the README.
Does it have AI features?
The README points to an AI integration module that drafts replies; screenshots show drafting replies with AI. It is a separate module.
