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Gorgias costs $15/mo.
These cost $0.

10 free alternatives to Gorgias, checked for license, recent activity and real adoption. Each one tells you the catch, so you can switch with your eyes open.

⚡ Quick Verdict · 2027 Guide

The top-rated free, open-source replacement for Gorgias is Chatwoot (MIT Open Source). Across this category, 9 self-hostable tools are available (including Chatwoot and Botpress). Switching a 5-person team saves up to $900/year compared to Gorgias's $15/mo subscription.

The catch: The software is the same core, but you lose Chatwoot Cloud's managed upgrades, backups, monitoring and incident response.

See the 10 picks ↓

Gorgias vs Free Alternatives

Quick side-by-side comparison · $0/mo vs $15/mo

Alternative	Type	License	Where It Runs	Stars	Head-to-Head
Chatwoot	open source	MIT	Self-host	★ 39k	Gorgias vs Chatwoot →
Botpress	open source	Open Source	Self-host	★ 15k	Gorgias vs Botpress →
Zammad	open source	AGPL-3.0	Self-host	★ 6.1k	Gorgias vs Zammad →
Freescout	open source	AGPL-3.0	Self-host	★ 4.6k	Gorgias vs Freescout →
Erxes	open source	Open Source	Self-host	★ 4.1k	Gorgias vs Erxes →
Frappe Helpdesk	open source	AGPL-3.0	Self-host	★ 3.5k	Gorgias vs Frappe Helpdesk →
Chaskiq	open source	Open Source	Self-host	★ 3.6k	Gorgias vs Chaskiq →
Hexabot	open source	Open Source	Self-host	★ 1.2k	Gorgias vs Hexabot →
Cossistant	open source	Open Source	Local	★ 739	Gorgias vs Cossistant →
Tiledesk	open source	Open Source	Self-host	★ 16	Gorgias vs Tiledesk →

The picks

10 open source · ranked by fit

01
Chatwoot
open sourceMITSelf-host
39knov 2026
Manage customer conversations across live chat, email, WhatsApp, Instagram, and more from one inbox, with an AI assistant that suggests replies and automates common questions.
The catch vs Gorgias
The software is the same core, but you lose Chatwoot Cloud's managed upgrades, backups, monitoring and incident response.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
mobilewebself-hostedself-host, real ops
install
Docker Compose on a Linux VM, followed by environment, database, reverse-proxy and TLS configuration
setup
Provisioning a Linux server and correctly wiring DNS/TLS, SMTP, PostgreSQL/Redis and storage
your data
Application data in PostgreSQL, queues/cache in Redis, and attachments on local disk or S3-compatible/cloud object storage
checked
2026-11-07
Visit chatwoot.com ↗Source Compare vs Gorgias →also replaces 20 other apps →
02
Botpress
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host
15knov 2026
A comprehensive platform for creating AI agents with intuitive tools, extensive integrations, and enterprise-grade features powered by the latest language models.
The catch vs Gorgias
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Gorgias.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
Clone https://github.com/botpress/botpress or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
your data
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit botpress.com ↗Source Compare vs Gorgias →also replaces 9 other apps →
03
Zammad
open sourceAGPL-3.0Self-host
6.1knov 2026
Zammad is an open-source helpdesk software that centralizes customer communications and helps deliver great service experiences efficiently.
The catch vs Gorgias
It demands substantially more infrastructure and administration than Freshdesk's hosted service.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hostedself-host, real ops
install
Deploy the Docker Compose/Portainer stack or install supported Linux packages
setup
A comparatively large server and familiarity with Docker/Portainer, PostgreSQL and Elasticsearch
your data
Ticket and user data in PostgreSQL, search indexes in Elasticsearch, and attachments/backups in Docker volumes or server storage
checked
2026-11-07
Visit zammad.com ↗Source Compare vs Gorgias →also replaces 17 other apps →
04
Freescout
open sourceAGPL-3.0Self-host
4.6knov 2026
Self-hosted email management system with shared inboxes, automation, and powerful collaboration features for efficient customer support.
The catch vs Gorgias
Its rules, integrations, mobile experience and collaboration are less polished than Front's, and several useful modules are separately paid.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hostedself-host, real ops
install
Upload the PHP application and run its Laravel web installer
setup
PHP and a web server, MySQL or MariaDB, cron, IMAP or SMTP or OAuth, backups and separately paid modules for several extras
your data
Mailbox, ticket and contact data in MySQL or MariaDB; attachments in application storage
checked
2026-11-07
Visit freescout.net ↗Source Compare vs Gorgias →also replaces 9 other apps →
05
Erxes
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host
4.1knov 2026
All-in-one solution for marketing, sales, and customer service. Boost engagement, streamline workflows, and drive growth.
The catch vs Gorgias
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed HubSpot CRM Suite.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
Clone https://github.com/erxes/erxes or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
your data
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit erxes.io ↗Source Compare vs Gorgias →also replaces 4 other apps →
06
Frappe Helpdesk
open sourceAGPL-3.0Self-host
3.5knov 2026
Frappe Helpdesk consolidates customer issues, automates workflows, and empowers self-service to boost agent productivity and customer satisfaction.
The catch vs Gorgias
Its integration catalog and reporting are less mature than Freshdesk's, and you operate the Frappe stack.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hostedself-host, real ops
install
Run Frappe's easy-install script against the stable container image on a Linux server
setup
A Linux server, domain/DNS, Docker or the easy-install script, and mail account configuration
your data
Tickets in the Frappe site database, with public and private attachments in the site's files directories
checked
2026-11-07
Visit frappe.io ↗Source Compare vs Gorgias →also replaces 11 other apps →
07
Chaskiq
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host
3.6knov 2026
Versatile messaging solution for businesses to engage customers through multiple channels, with AI-powered automation and analytics.
The catch vs Gorgias
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Gorgias.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
Clone https://github.com/chaskiq/chaskiq or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
your data
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit chaskiq.io ↗Source Compare vs Gorgias →also replaces 8 other apps →
08
Hexabot
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host
1.2knov 2026
Build and run AI agents, agentic workflows, and multichannel automation on your own infrastructure, with memory, RAG, MCP tools, and full data control.
The catch vs Gorgias
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Gorgias.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
Clone https://github.com/hexastack/hexabot or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
your data
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit hexabot.ai ↗Source Compare vs Gorgias →also replaces 9 other apps →
09
Cossistant
open sourceOpen SourceLocal
739nov 2026
Open-source support platform combining AI and human agents. React components with shadcn/ui design philosophy, styled with Tailwind CSS for NextJS apps.
The catch vs Gorgias
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopcross-platformone-click install
install
Clone https://github.com/cossistantcom/cossistant or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
your data
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit cossistant.com ↗Source Compare vs Gorgias →also replaces 9 other apps →
10
Tiledesk
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host
16nov 2026
Build AI chatbots, automate customer support workflows, and connect live agents across web, WhatsApp, email, and voice with a no-code visual designer.
The catch vs Gorgias
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Gorgias.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
Clone https://github.com/tiledesk/tiledesk-dashboard or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
your data
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit tiledesk.com ↗Source Compare vs Gorgias →also replaces 5 other apps →

Gorgias Head-to-Head Comparisons (2027)

Side-by-side trade-off breakdowns · 10 free alternatives

Gorgias vs ChatwootMIT · Self-host →

Gorgias vs BotpressOpen Source · Self-host →

Gorgias vs ZammadAGPL-3.0 · Self-host →

Gorgias vs FreescoutAGPL-3.0 · Self-host →

Gorgias vs ErxesOpen Source · Self-host →

Gorgias vs Frappe HelpdeskAGPL-3.0 · Self-host →

Gorgias vs ChaskiqOpen Source · Self-host →

Gorgias vs HexabotOpen Source · Self-host →

Gorgias vs CossistantOpen Source · Local →

Gorgias vs TiledeskOpen Source · Self-host →

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers · Gorgias open-source replacements

What is the best free alternative to Gorgias?+

The top free alternative to Gorgias is Chatwoot (open source, MIT). Manage customer conversations across live chat, email, WhatsApp, Instagram, and more from one inbox, with an AI assistant that suggests replies and automates common questions. Other popular Gorgias replacements include Botpress, Zammad, Freescout.

Can I self-host a free replacement for Gorgias?+

Yes. Of the 10 free alternatives to Gorgias, 9 can be self-hosted on your own server or local machine: Chatwoot (MIT), Botpress (Open Source), Zammad (AGPL-3.0), Freescout (AGPL-3.0), Erxes (Open Source), Frappe Helpdesk (AGPL-3.0), Chaskiq (Open Source), Hexabot (Open Source), Tiledesk (Open Source).

How much does switching from Gorgias to a free alternative save?+

Gorgias starts at $15/month per seat ($180/year). Switching a 5-person team to a free alternative like Chatwoot saves $900 per year in software subscription fees.

Should I vibe-code or build my own Gorgias clone from scratch?+

Our build verdict for Gorgias is NO (use a free alternative, save the tokens). Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Gorgias or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 10 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Chatwoot.

What is the catch when switching from Gorgias to Chatwoot?+

The software is the same core, but you lose Chatwoot Cloud's managed upgrades, backups, monitoring and incident response.