Freedom251 › Customer Service - Midmarket Software
FreeScout
What FreeScout is
FreeScout is a free, open-source help desk and shared inbox delivered as a self-hosted PHP/MySQL application. Its listed plan costs nothing and includes unlimited support agents, tickets, and mailboxes. Teams can use the shared inbox alongside SLA management and ticket automation. The product also includes a help center and customer portal, covering both internal support work and customer-facing support resources. API access is available, and API is the listed platform. Because FreeScout is self-hosted, the organization using it runs the application itself. The stated plan has no listed caps on agents, tickets, or mailboxes, while the supplied facts do not describe other platforms or deployment options. Teams considering it can weigh the listed support functions against the self-hosted model and its PHP/MySQL basis. The plan information identifies FreeScout as an open-source help desk and shared inbox, with the listed capabilities included in the free offering.
Who it suits
FreeScout suits organizations seeking a self-hosted support inbox with no listed limits on agents, tickets, or mailboxes. It may fit teams that want SLA management, ticket automation, a help center, and a customer portal.
What it does well
- Free plan costs nothing.
- Unlimited support agents, tickets, and mailboxes.
- Includes SLA management and ticket automation.
- Provides a help center and customer portal.
- API access is available.
What to know first
- The application is self-hosted.
- It is a PHP/MySQL application.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| FreeScout | Unlimited support agents · unlimited tickets · unlimited mailboxes · self-hosted | Free |
As freescout.net lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit https://www.freescout.net/.
- Use the installation guide to set up the self-hosted application.
- Connect email using SMTP, IMAP, or POP3, or use OAuth for Microsoft Office 365 or Google Workspace.
- Add the channels your team uses, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Slack, or Live Chat.
- For installation or configuration difficulties, consult the installation guide troubleshooting section or GitHub.
Verdict
FreeScout combines a shared inbox with several help desk and customer-facing support tools in a self-hosted application. Its free plan lists unlimited agents, tickets, and mailboxes; organizations need to account for running it themselves.
Questions
How much does FreeScout cost?
The FreeScout plan is listed as free.
Is FreeScout open source?
Yes. FreeScout is described as a free, open-source help desk and shared inbox built with PHP and Laravel.
What is included in the free plan?
The plan lists unlimited support agents, tickets, and mailboxes, with self-hosted deployment.
Which platforms are listed?
The listed platforms are Android, iOS, web, API, and self-hosted.
What integrations are listed?
The maker lists Zapier and Make for connecting FreeScout to other services. Email supports OAuth authentication for Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace.
Can a module license key be used on multiple instances?
The module FAQ says each module license key is requested to be used on one FreeScout instance.
Facts from FreeScout's own pages
- API
- The maker lists an API and webhooks module that enables API and webhook features. · freescout.net, 11 Oct 2026
- API access
- Yes · freescout.net, 20 Sept 2026
- Channels
- It centralizes customer conversations from email, WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Slack, and Live Chat. · freescout.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Core features
- The product includes saved replies, internal notes, auto replies, conversation merging and forwarding, collision detection, and search. · freescout.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Customer portal
- Yes · freescout.net, 20 Sept 2026
- Email integration supports SMTP, IMAP, and POP3, with OAuth authentication for Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace. · freescout.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- A Mail Signing & Encryption module supports PGP or S/MIME mail signing and encryption. · freescout.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · freescout.net, 20 Sept 2026
- Help center
- Yes · freescout.net, 20 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- The maker lists Zapier and Make for connecting FreeScout to other services. · freescout.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Languages
- FreeScout says it is translated into 33 languages. · freescout.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Limit
- The maker’s module FAQ says each module license key is requested to be used on one FreeScout instance. · freescout.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Mobile
- The maker says its mobile apps support the same functionality and modules as the web installation, for support agents and administrators. · freescout.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The maker describes FreeScout as self-hosted and says users can avoid giving up privacy or being locked into a service they do not control. · freescout.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Product
- FreeScout is a free, open-source help desk and shared inbox built with PHP and Laravel. · freescout.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Security
- The maker lists an Extra Security module that can add reCAPTCHA to the login form or End-User Portal and restrict access by IP address. · freescout.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Shared inbox
- Yes · freescout.net, 20 Sept 2026
- SLA management
- Yes · freescout.net, 20 Sept 2026
- Support
- For installation or configuration difficulties, the maker directs users to the installation guide troubleshooting section or GitHub. · freescout.net, 11 Oct 2026
- Ticket automation
- Yes · freescout.net, 20 Sept 2026
- Use case
- FreeScout is intended for organizations that need professional customer support without the cost of Zendesk or Help Scout. · freescout.net, 11 Oct 2026
Where FreeScout stands on Freedom251
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