Side by side
HESK vs UniDesk
Both stand on it help desk software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose HESK if your team wants ticket organization and a knowledgebase, with a choice between self-hosting and managed cloud hosting. HESK Free requires you to manage the hosting environment, while Cloud plans have monthly prices and VAT in addition to their listed terms.
Visit HESKChoose UniDesk if your IT team or managed service provider wants ticketing, asset management, remote device tools, and AI functions in one workspace. Its 14-day trial provides a way to evaluate it before subscribing. Look elsewhere if the monthly starting price or Starter plan’s AI action and asset capacities do not fit your needs.
Visit UniDeskThe facts
| HESK | UniDesk | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Self-hosted, Web | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Hesk Cloud: $29.99 a month | Starter: $249 a month |
| Plans published | 6 | 4 |
| Maker | HESK | Not published |
| Website | hesk.com | myunidesk.org |
| On it help desk software | #12 of 49 | #16 of 49 |
HESK: what it does well
- Organizes tickets by category, priority, status, assignment, and history.
- Includes a knowledgebase for FAQs, guides, and common solutions.
- Offers canned replies, time tracking, reports, and reply ratings.
- HESK Cloud includes managed hosting, updates, daily backups, SSL, and server maintenance.
- Cloud hosting locations include the US, European Union, and Australia.
What to know first
- HESK Free users manage installation, updates, backups, SSL, and server configuration.
- HESK Cloud email-to-ticket fetching is disabled by default and requires contacting HESK to enable.
- The self-hosted license removes branding but does not add features.
UniDesk: what it does well
- Combines ticketing, asset inventory, remote management, and AI agents.
- Tickets can arrive through six listed channels, plus beta voice and phone.
- Integrates with more than 80 other systems.
- All listed plans include unlimited admins and staff.
- Offers a 14-day free trial.
What to know first
- Starter is priced at $249 a month.
- Starter includes 300 AI actions per month and 150 assets.
- Voice and phone intake are marked beta.
- EU data residency is limited to Business and Enterprise plans.