Finding the best help desk software for your school can be daunting, especially while there are so many options on the market – identifying the best choice is critical for your school to function at its highest level. This list is a collection of the best help desk software choices for your school to keep clients and staff connected and informed at all times.
Top 7 Best Help Desk Software for Schools
- Freshdesk – Best help desk software for larger teams
- Zendesk – Best help desk software for automation and AI
- SysAid – Best help desk software for IT requests
- Help Scout – Best help desk software for quick set-up
- Zoho Desk – Best help desk software for CRM integration
- Hiver – Best help desk software for small schools
- UpKeep – Best help desk software for work orders
1. Freshdesk – Best help desk software for larger teams
PRICING: Free plan available, paid plans up to $79
If you are looking for help desk software that can easily manage a larger organization, Freshdesk may be the right place to start. This software is designed to manage a larger number of incoming requests, and options to manage questions through chat settings rather than direct calls. Freshdesk offers a host of automated systems to quickly organize support requests and parents’ questions through email, phone, or web, and options for analytics and tracking. It is easy to add new users and train new support to keep support flowing and school operations up-to-date.
KEY FEATURES:
- Expansive phone support plans
- Useful third-party integrations as needed
- Accessible analytics and reporting
REASONS TO USE:
- Workflow automation
- Easy to set up
- Automated dashboard to keep you informed
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Pricing and plan options can be confusing because of a large number of add-on choices
2. Zendesk – Best help desk software for automation and AI
PRICING: Full-operation annual pricing begins at $49 monthly per/agent
For schools in search of more easily automated help desk options, Zendesk offers AI help desk support that allows your school to field support requests digitally before they hit the phones. This software provides customizable auto response tools to answer common questions and provide quick support for parents and students, along with standard phone-based support. Zendesk allows you to create a smooth process for your staff to answer common questions, answer voicemails and email support requests, and keep your school community informed and connected.
KEY FEATURES:
- Auto-connected departments and quick support transfers
- Call recording system
- Productivity automation
REASONS TO USE:
- Extensive automation options
- Auto support bots if needed
- Great for a more extensive support staff operation
REASONS TO AVOID:
- It can be complicated to get this software up and running
3. SysAid – Best help desk software for IT requests
PRICING: 30-day free trial is available, and paid plans begin at $1211 per year
For a help desk software that makes IT and technical issues a breeze, SysAid could be a perfect choice. This software provides your school with a range of automated tools to handle network crashes, connection issues, and standard data collection. This is a convenient software for organizations wanting to have more control over digital systems and manage IT interactions smoothly and automatically.
KEY FEATURES:
- Automated ticket population
- Self-service portal
- Outage management
REASONS TO USE:
- The options to integrate outside directory functions are easy to use
- Remote management options are available using HTML5
REASONS TO AVOID:
- The user interface can be distracting and choppy
4. HelpScout – Best help desk software for quick set-up
PRICING:
The HelpScout software provides an easy access, and easy-to-use, option for schools to get a functional help desk up and running quickly and efficiently. This software offers a smooth onboarding process and discounts for nonprofits and start-ups to get any organization up and running without too many obstacles. With options for shared inboxes, live chat, and automated ticket management, this software can give your organization a successful help desk without too many extra bells and whistles.
KEY FEATURES:
- Multiple mailboxes
- Content creation tools
- Live chat
REASONS TO USE:
- Helpful customer service
- Easy user-interface
REASONS TO AVOID:
- For a larger organization, or for more targeted help desk themes, this software may not offer enough customization.
5. Zoho Desk – Best help desk software for CRM integration
PRICING: Free plan to start, priced plans start at $14 per month
This help desk software option provides easy integration options for schools wanting to combine sales and promotional systems with support desk tools. Zoho Desk offers community connection channels and social tools to give parents and students easy access to help desk resources in one fluid portal. There are options for AI automated responses, shared inboxes, and performance standards that help you create the most effective one-stop system to keep your school running smoothly.
KEY FEATURES:
- Multiple language options
- Zoho product integration for additional CRM tools
- Support desk customization
REASONS TO USE:
- Wide range of integration options
- Easy conversation tagging and organization
- Functional workflow management tools
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Free and smaller paid plans can be limiting for larger schools with wider help desk needs
6. Hiver – Best help desk software for small schools
PRICING: Plans start at $15 per month
For small schools looking to provide basic support options, Hiver provides email integration to revamp your school inbox for easy management and flow. This software allows you to turn your school’s inbox into a well-oiled support machine with shared inboxes, chat options, and smooth email templates. It is simple to connect staff members to specific support requests and quickly provide solutions. With a 7-day free trial, Hiver is a great place to start for smaller organizations wanting to take the first step towards an easy help desk option.
KEY FEATURES:
- Multiple shared inboxes
- Team performance metrics
- Easy email notes
REASONS TO USE:
- Simple onboarding
- Option for AI addition in higher plans
- Allows teams to provide support without too many bells and whistles
REASONS TO AVOID:
- This software is limited to email support, so schools wanting a more extensive help desk interface may find this option limiting
7. UpKeep – Best help desk software for work orders
PRICING: Free plan is available, and paid plans start at $45 per month
For schools needing to provide physical support response, UpKeep’s help desk and maintenance software offers a range of tools to help your school keep students safe and informed. This software allows students to create work orders or ask maintenance-related questions in one fluid access point. UpKeep will connect technicians with inquiring students to consider the next steps and create the best possible solutions. This software is especially useful for universities and boarding schools with on-campus students that require an easy way to communicate with campus staff. UpKeep offers a free trial to get your school acquainted with the system and customer service to help you get started as smoothly as possible.
KEY FEATURES:
- Work order creation and management
- Unlimited requesting users
- Location management
REASONS TO USE:
- Easy access for students to get assistance
- Data import tools
- Inventory management
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Fewer options for traditional help desk support
- Not designed for AI response
Whether your school is a small community needing easy email support, or a massive institution looking for complete CRM and work order management options, these help desk software choices are among the best choices for all of your school’s help desk needs.
References and Links:
- https://www.g2.com/products/freshdesk/reviews
- https://www.helpscout.com/helpu/choosing-help-desk-software/
- https://www.softwareadvice.com/help-desk/schools-comparison/
- https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sysaid
- https://www.softwareadvice.com/help-desk/sysaid-it-crm-profile/
- https://www.g2.com/products/help-scout/reviews
- https://hiverhq.com/pricing
- https://www.upkeep.com/product/integrations