Best Open-Source Helpdesk Software

Open-source helpdesk software is free to use and gives you full control if you self-host. That suits technical teams, but it also means you run and secure the server yourself. Here are the leading open-source options and an honest note on the managed alternative.

osTicket

Open-source / self-hosted

Long-established open-source ticketing system; simple and widely deployed.

Best for: Teams wanting a proven free self-hosted helpdesk

GLPI

Open-source / self-hosted

Open-source ITSM that combines a helpdesk with asset management.

Best for: Self-hosted helpdesk + ITAM in one

Zammad

Open-source / self-hosted

Modern open-source helpdesk with a clean interface and multichannel support.

Best for: Teams wanting a modern self-hosted helpdesk

FreeScout

Open-source / self-hosted

Lightweight open-source shared-inbox helpdesk.

Best for: Small teams wanting a simple shared inbox

workro desk

RecommendedFree + paid (INR, per workspace)

Not open-source, but a managed, India-ready alternative with a free-forever plan — no server to run or secure, plus built-in asset management, AMCs, and GST.

Best for: Teams that want free/low-cost without self-hosting

Start free — no card needed

What workro desk brings

One product for IT helpdesk and an equipment service log — every ticket joins the asset's permanent maintenance record.
Built-in asset management with AMC and insurance tracking, plus renewal reminders before they lapse.
Inventory and spare-parts tracking tied to your tickets and assets.
Priced per workspace in INR — no per-user fees and no forex exposure.
GST and HSN fields on vendors and inventory; depreciation by straight-line or reducing-balance.
SLA tracking with escalations, email-to-ticket, and a knowledge base built from your past fixes.
Free-forever plan, CSV import/export (no lock-in), and workspace-isolated data that is never sold or used to train AI.

How to choose — questions worth asking

Does it price in INR without per-user fees?
Does it handle GST/HSN and Indian compliance out of the box?
Does it unify helpdesk and asset management, or are they separate products you pay for twice?
Can you import and export your data freely, with no lock-in?
Is there a genuine free plan so you can trial it with real data?
How quickly can a small team get set up without a consultant?