10 top picks · 3 audience rankings
Best open source helpdesk and ticketing systems
The best open source helpdesk and ticketing system is FreeScout (AGPL-3.0, 4,619 GitHub stars, Docker image). Frappe Helpdesk stands out for the most commits in the last 12 months (3,361), and Zammad stands out for the most GitHub stars.
This page also breaks the picks down by team size and use: FreeScout leads for startups and small business; Zammad for enterprise.
Updated · data from GitHub, refreshed daily
Top picks
- Rank 1:
FreeScout
freescout-help-desk/freescout
Email-based customer support application, help desk and shared mailbox (alternative to Zendesk and Help Scout).
Active · last commit Oct 26, 2026
Helpdesk & TicketingPHPDockerStands out for its PHP codebase. FreeScout has 4,619 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 810 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Intercom.
- Rank 2:
Frappe Helpdesk
frappe/helpdesk
Helpdesk software which helps you streamline your company's support, offers an easy setup, clean user interface, and automation tools to resolve customer queries efficiently.
Active · last commit Oct 27, 2026
Helpdesk & TicketingVueDockerStands out for the most commits in the last 12 months (3,361). Frappe Helpdesk has 3,451 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 3,361 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Freshdesk.
- Rank 3:
Zammad
zammad/zammad
Easy to use but powerful support and ticketing system.
Active · last commit Oct 27, 2026
Helpdesk & TicketingRubyStands out for the most GitHub stars. Zammad has 6,041 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license and had 2,712 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Intercom.
At a glance
Open source helpdesk and ticketing systems compared
Ranked on GitHub stars, commits in the last year, Docker images, open-source licenses and recent commits across the 14 apps in the helpdesk & ticketing category. Projects with fewer than 12 commits in the last 12 months rank below every more active project.
| App | Stands out for | License | GitHub stars | Commits (12 mo) | Last commit | Docker image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FreeScout | its PHP codebase | AGPL-3.0 | 4,619 | 810 | Oct 26, 2026 | Yes |
| Frappe Helpdesk | the most commits in the last 12 months (3,361) | AGPL-3.0 | 3,451 | 3,361 | Oct 27, 2026 | Yes |
| Zammad | the most GitHub stars | AGPL-3.0 | 6,041 | 2,712 | Oct 27, 2026 | No |
| Libredesk | its Go codebase | AGPL-3.0 | 3,089 | 1,861 | Oct 28, 2026 | Yes |
| Erxes | its TypeScript codebase | source-available, AGPL-3.0 with a no-competing-SaaS condition | 4,101 | 2,802 | Oct 28, 2026 | Yes |
| BottleCRM | – | MIT | 2,459 | 489 | Oct 28, 2026 | Yes |
| Bugsink | – | source-available, PolyForm Shield 1.0.0 | 2,154 | 828 | Oct 27, 2026 | Yes |
| MantisBT | – | GPL-2.0 | 1,810 | 710 | Oct 22, 2026 | No |
| Rustrak | – | GPL-3.0 | 801 | 1,469 | Oct 28, 2026 | Yes |
| Request Tracker | – | GPL-2.0 | 1,163 | 725 | Oct 27, 2026 | No |
1 of 4 · 10 picks
Top picks
10 of the 14 apps in the helpdesk & ticketing category.
- 1
FreeScout
Email-based customer support application, help desk and shared mailbox (alternative to Zendesk and Help Scout).
Helpdesk & TicketingDockerStands out for its PHP codebase. FreeScout has 4,619 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 810 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Intercom.
- 2
Frappe Helpdesk
Helpdesk software which helps you streamline your company's support, offers an easy setup, clean user interface, and automation tools to resolve customer queries efficiently.
Helpdesk & TicketingDockerStands out for the most commits in the last 12 months (3,361). Frappe Helpdesk has 3,451 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 3,361 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Freshdesk.
- 3
Zammad
Easy to use but powerful support and ticketing system.
Helpdesk & TicketingStands out for the most GitHub stars. Zammad has 6,041 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license and had 2,712 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Intercom.
- 4
Libredesk
Modern omnichannel customer support desk. Live chat, email, and more in a single binary.
Helpdesk & TicketingDockerStands out for its Go codebase. Libredesk has 3,089 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 1,861 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Freshdesk.
- 5
Erxes
Marketing, sales, and customer service platform designed to help businesses attract more engaged customers.
Source-availableHelpdesk & TicketingDockerStands out for its TypeScript codebase. Erxes has 4,101 GitHub stars, is source-available under the AGPL-3.0 with a no-competing-SaaS condition (not an open-source license), ships a Docker image and had 2,802 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Intercom.
- 6
BottleCRM
Multi-tenant Django and SvelteKit CRM with leads, accounts, opportunities, support tickets, invoices and a REST API.
CRMDockerBottleCRM has 2,459 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 489 commits in the last year.
- 7
Bugsink
Real-time error tracking for your applications with all the details in one place. Easy setup with clear instructions included.
Source-availableHelpdesk & TicketingDockerBugsink has 2,154 GitHub stars, is source-available under the PolyForm Shield 1.0.0 (not an open-source license), ships a Docker image and had 828 commits in the last year.
- 8
MantisBT
Bug tracker, fits best for software development.
Helpdesk & TicketingMantisBT has 1,810 GitHub stars, uses the GPL-2.0 license and had 710 commits in the last year.
- 9
Rustrak
Error tracking server compatible with Sentry SDKs, using 32 MB of memory at idle with SQLite storage.
Helpdesk & TicketingDockerRustrak has 801 GitHub stars, uses the GPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 1,469 commits in the last year.
- 10
Request Tracker
Enterprise-grade issue tracking system.
Helpdesk & TicketingRequest Tracker has 1,163 GitHub stars, uses the GPL-2.0 license and had 725 commits in the last year.
2 of 4 · 5 picks
Which open source helpdesk and ticketing system is best for startups?
For startups, FreeScout ranks first (AGPL-3.0, 4,619 GitHub stars), followed by Frappe Helpdesk and BottleCRM. Ranked for startups on GitHub stars, commits in the last year, Docker images, open-source licenses, project websites and recent commits.
- 1
FreeScout
Email-based customer support application, help desk and shared mailbox (alternative to Zendesk and Help Scout).
Helpdesk & TicketingDockerFreeScout has 4,619 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 810 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Intercom. For startups it also scores on a Docker image, an open-source license, a project website and a commit in the last 90 days.
- 2
Frappe Helpdesk
Helpdesk software which helps you streamline your company's support, offers an easy setup, clean user interface, and automation tools to resolve customer queries efficiently.
Helpdesk & TicketingDockerFrappe Helpdesk has 3,451 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 3,361 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Freshdesk. For startups it also scores on a Docker image, an open-source license, a project website and a commit in the last 90 days.
- 3
BottleCRM
Multi-tenant Django and SvelteKit CRM with leads, accounts, opportunities, support tickets, invoices and a REST API.
CRMDockerBottleCRM has 2,459 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 489 commits in the last year. For startups it also scores on a Docker image, a permissive license (MIT), a project website and a commit in the last 90 days.
- 4
Libredesk
Modern omnichannel customer support desk. Live chat, email, and more in a single binary.
Helpdesk & TicketingDockerLibredesk has 3,089 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 1,861 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Freshdesk. For startups it also scores on a Docker image, an open-source license, a project website and a commit in the last 90 days.
- 5
Zammad
Easy to use but powerful support and ticketing system.
Helpdesk & TicketingZammad has 6,041 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license and had 2,712 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Intercom. For startups it also scores on an open-source license, a project website and a commit in the last 90 days.
3 of 4 · 5 picks
Which open source helpdesk and ticketing system is best for small business?
For small business, FreeScout ranks first (AGPL-3.0, 4,619 GitHub stars), followed by Frappe Helpdesk and Libredesk. Ranked for small business on GitHub stars, commits in the last year, Docker images, open-source licenses, project websites, recent commits and deploy guides.
- 1
FreeScout
Email-based customer support application, help desk and shared mailbox (alternative to Zendesk and Help Scout).
Helpdesk & TicketingDockerFreeScout has 4,619 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 810 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Intercom. For small business it also scores on a Docker image, an open-source license, a project website and a commit in the last 90 days.
- 2
Frappe Helpdesk
Helpdesk software which helps you streamline your company's support, offers an easy setup, clean user interface, and automation tools to resolve customer queries efficiently.
Helpdesk & TicketingDockerFrappe Helpdesk has 3,451 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 3,361 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Freshdesk. For small business it also scores on a Docker image, an open-source license, a project website and a commit in the last 90 days.
- 3
Libredesk
Modern omnichannel customer support desk. Live chat, email, and more in a single binary.
Helpdesk & TicketingDockerLibredesk has 3,089 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 1,861 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Freshdesk. For small business it also scores on a Docker image, an open-source license, a project website and a commit in the last 90 days.
- 4
BottleCRM
Multi-tenant Django and SvelteKit CRM with leads, accounts, opportunities, support tickets, invoices and a REST API.
CRMDockerBottleCRM has 2,459 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 489 commits in the last year. For small business it also scores on a Docker image, an open-source license, a project website and a commit in the last 90 days.
- 5
Zammad
Easy to use but powerful support and ticketing system.
Helpdesk & TicketingZammad has 6,041 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license and had 2,712 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Intercom. For small business it also scores on an open-source license, a project website and a commit in the last 90 days.
4 of 4 · 5 picks
Which open source helpdesk and ticketing system is best for enterprise?
For enterprise, Zammad ranks first (AGPL-3.0, 6,041 GitHub stars), followed by FreeScout and Frappe Helpdesk. Ranked for enterprise on GitHub stars, commits in the last year, open-source licenses and recent commits.
- 1
Zammad
Easy to use but powerful support and ticketing system.
Helpdesk & TicketingZammad has 6,041 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license and had 2,712 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Intercom. For enterprise it also scores on an open-source license and a commit in the last 90 days.
- 2
FreeScout
Email-based customer support application, help desk and shared mailbox (alternative to Zendesk and Help Scout).
Helpdesk & TicketingDockerFreeScout has 4,619 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 810 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Intercom. For enterprise it also scores on an open-source license and a commit in the last 90 days.
- 3
Frappe Helpdesk
Helpdesk software which helps you streamline your company's support, offers an easy setup, clean user interface, and automation tools to resolve customer queries efficiently.
Helpdesk & TicketingDockerFrappe Helpdesk has 3,451 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 3,361 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Freshdesk. For enterprise it also scores on an open-source license and a commit in the last 90 days.
- 4
Libredesk
Modern omnichannel customer support desk. Live chat, email, and more in a single binary.
Helpdesk & TicketingDockerLibredesk has 3,089 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 1,861 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Freshdesk. For enterprise it also scores on an open-source license and a commit in the last 90 days.
- 5
Erxes
Marketing, sales, and customer service platform designed to help businesses attract more engaged customers.
Source-availableHelpdesk & TicketingDockerErxes has 4,101 GitHub stars, is source-available under the AGPL-3.0 with a no-competing-SaaS condition (not an open-source license), ships a Docker image and had 2,802 commits in the last year; it replaces Zendesk and Intercom. For enterprise it also scores on a commit in the last 90 days.
Is FreeScout free?
Yes. FreeScout is open-source software released under the AGPL-3.0 license, so you can self-host it at no cost. You only pay for the server it runs on, and some projects also offer an optional paid cloud plan.
Can I self-host these helpdesk and ticketing systems with Docker?
Yes, 7 of the 10 picks. FreeScout, Frappe Helpdesk and Libredesk publish Docker images, so you can run them on a VPS or home server with Docker Compose. The others install from their own packages or source; follow each project's install guide.
Are all of these helpdesk and ticketing systems open source?
8 of the 10 apps on this list are open source; 2 are source-available. Source-available licenses add conditions, such as limits on hosted or commercial use, so read them before you deploy.
Which of these helpdesk and ticketing systems is the most actively developed?
Frappe Helpdesk, with 3,361 commits in the last 12 months and a latest release, v1.31.0, from October 2026. Activity is a good sign that bugs and security issues get fixed.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked on GitHub stars, commits in the last year, Docker images, open-source licenses and recent commits across the 14 apps in the helpdesk & ticketing category. Projects with fewer than 12 commits in the last 12 months rank below every more active project.
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