The verdict
On the data we hold, respond.io comes out ahead. Here is why, point by point.
What the data says
- Only respond.io has a free plan to start on.
- Freshdesk by Freshworks starts lower, at $19/mo against $79/mo.
- Both have an API and an MCP server, so either works with AI employees.
- In our Support ranking, respond.io places 8 and Freshdesk by Freshworks 2 of 16.
Side by side
| At a glance | ||
|---|---|---|
| Starts at | $19/mo | $79/mo |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| MCP server | Yes | Yes |
| Links |
Plans and pricing
Freshdesk by Freshworks
- Growth19 per agent per month billed annually.$228/yr/seat
- Pro55 per agent per month billed annually.$660/yr/seat
- Enterprise89 per agent per month billed annually.$1,068/yr/seat
RE
respond.io
- StarterSmall teams starting managed conversations$99/mo
- GrowthScaling sales and marketing automation$199/mo
- AdvancedMature teams needing deeper integrations$349/mo
Prices as the vendors list them. They change often; the final price is on their sites.
Who each is for
Choose Freshdesk by Freshworks if…
Customer support teams of any size that want a ticketing helpdesk with email, chat and phone tickets, automation and AI agents, and that value a wide marketplace of integrations.
Other options worth a look
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