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Zendesk alternatives for Shopify stores

Zendesk is a broad customer service suite that suits large support teams. A smaller online store may want something simpler and built for ecommerce. Here are five alternatives and when Zendesk is still the better choice.

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We make Counter, so it's listed first. Details about other tools come from their own pages, linked under Sources. 7-day free trial on every Counter plan.

Why stores look elsewhere

Three reasons to compare Zendesk.

Per-agent pricing adds up

Zendesk lists $25, $69 or $149 per agent a month, or $19, $55 or $115 billed annually.

AI allowances are small

Plans include 5 to 10 automated resolutions per agent each month. Extra ones cost $1.50 to $2.00 each.

Built for every kind of support

Zendesk covers far more than online stores, and its pricing page doesn't name Shopify order actions.

At a glance

Zendesk alternatives compared.

ToolPriceOrder changes by the AITrial
Counter$29 to $249 per 30 days by AI conversation allowance, then $0.04 each. Unlimited seatsReturns, refunds, cancellations, address changes and discount codes within rules you publish7-day free trial, card required
Gorgias$10 to $900 a month for 50 to 5,000 tickets, plus AI Agent per automated interactionCancel, edit address, remove or replace items, free reship, order notes and integration actions7 days, no card required
Richpanel$99 per seat a month on annual billing ($119 monthly). AI is metered by credits with a $200-a-month minimum, so one seat plus AI starts at $299 a month on annualOrder and subscription updates, custom rules and human handoff. Returns and exchanges are a paid add-on from $99 a monthNo free trial mentioned; the page asks you to book a demo
Re:amaze$29, $49 or $69 per team member a month, or $59 flat for up to 500 responded conversations. AI resolutions beyond the plan's allowance cost $0.85 eachNot stated for its AI Agent. Your team can manage and modify Shopify orders in chat14 days, no card required
TidioFree plan available. Lyro from $39 a month for 50 conversations on tidio.com, on top of a helpdesk plan. Its App Store listing shows $39 for up to 200Ready-made template for order status; other changes through Lyro Actions you configureFree plan; 7-day trial with no card

The options

  1. 1. Counter

    AI support assistant for website chat, with a shared inbox for handoffs.

    Best for
    Shopify and Medusa stores that want AI to resolve order requests in website chat, with unlimited seats.
    Channels
    Website chat on Shopify and Medusa v2
    Watch out for
    Website chat only, so it isn't a full helpdesk for email, social, SMS or phone. No free plan.

  2. 2. Gorgias

    Omnichannel helpdesk with an optional AI Agent.

    Best for
    Store support teams that want an omnichannel helpdesk with per-ticket pricing.
    Channels
    Email, chat, social, help center and contact form; SMS and voice as paid add-ons
    Watch out for
    An AI-resolved conversation is billed as a ticket and as an automated interaction.
    Counter vs Gorgias

  3. 3. Richpanel

    Helpdesk with AI agents, a team copilot and a self-service portal.

    Best for
    Larger store teams that want a per-seat helpdesk with AI agents and a self-service portal.
    Channels
    Email, chat, social and phone in one inbox; manages Shopify orders from its dashboard
    Watch out for
    Its pricing page gives two figures for AI usage (about $0.20 a conversation and $0.50 to $0.60 a credit), so confirm the real cost before you switch.

  4. 4. Re:amaze

    Helpdesk for email, social and live chat, with a Beta AI agent.

    Best for
    Small teams that want a lower-cost helpdesk across email, social and chat.
    Channels
    Email, social and live chat on every plan; SMS and voice from Pro
    Watch out for
    Basic, Pro and Plus include only 5 to 20 AI resolutions per user each month, and its AI is labeled Beta.

  5. 5. Tidio

    Live-chat helpdesk with Lyro AI and Flows as paid add-ons.

    Best for
    Stores that want a free plan, or live chat with AI as an add-on.
    Channels
    Chat, email, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp
    Watch out for
    The only ready-made Shopify template in its help center is order status, though its App Store listing mentions native Shopify actions. Confirm what's included.
    Counter vs Tidio

Before you switch

When to stay with Zendesk.

  • You have a large support team across more than online shoppers
  • You need telephony, contact center options or advanced admin controls
  • Your team already relies on Zendesk's workflows and reporting

Zendesk alternatives, answered.

What is the best Zendesk alternative for Shopify?

For AI that resolves orders in website chat, Counter fits. For a store-focused helpdesk, look at Gorgias or Richpanel. For a lower-cost helpdesk, look at Re:amaze. We make Counter, so check each tool's own pages too.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Zendesk?

Usually, for small teams. Tidio has a free plan, and Re:amaze and Counter have plans from $29. Compare them at your real volume, since AI costs change the total.

When should I stay with Zendesk?

Stay if you run a large team across more than ecommerce, or you rely on its telephony, contact center options and admin controls.

Keep reading

Sources

Details were checked on October 4, 2026 and October 30, 2026 against the pages below. Plans and features change, so confirm current details on each company's site. Counter's details come from our pricing. Other product names are trademarks of their owners.

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