Leaving Zendesk? Here's everything you need
Compare 4 EU alternatives side-by-side. Find the right fit based on migration difficulty, pricing, and privacy features.
Your data may be subject to US surveillance laws
Zendesk is headquartered in the US. Under the CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, US authorities can access your data without your knowledge. Switch to an EU alternative to keep your data protected under GDPR.
All EU Alternatives at a Glance
| Alternative | Country | Pricing | Difficulty | Time Estimate | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LiveAgentRecommended LiveAgent is a help desk software that combines multiple communication channels including email, live chat, and social media into a single platform. It allows businesses to manage customer inquiries efficiently, track interactions, and streamline support processes. Features include ticketing, automation, and reporting tools for improved customer service. | 🌍SK | Free plan available | Medium | 3-5 hours | |
TrengoRecommended Trengo is a communication platform that integrates various messaging channels, including email, chat, and social media, into a single inbox. It allows teams to manage customer interactions efficiently, track conversations, and collaborate in real-time. Trengo improves response times and streamlines customer support processes. | 🇳🇱Netherlands | Paid | Medium | 2-4 hours | |
Crisp Crisp is a customer messaging platform designed for businesses to communicate effectively with their users. It offers real-time chat, email integration, and chatbot functionalities to streamline customer support. The platform helps teams manage conversations from multiple channels in one place, enhancing response times and user engagement. | 🇫🇷France | Free plan available | Medium | 2-3 days | |
Userlike Userlike is a customer messaging platform designed for businesses to enhance communication with website visitors. It enables real-time chat support, integrates with various tools, and allows users to manage conversations across different channels. The platform aims to improve customer engagement and support efficiency. | 🇩🇪Germany | Free plan available | Medium | 2-4 hours |
Our Top Picks
Best for Privacy
Trengo is a communication platform that integrates various messaging channels, including email, chat, and social media, into a single inbox. It allows teams to manage customer interactions efficiently, track conversations, and collaborate in real-time. Trengo improves response times and streamlines customer support processes.
Certifications:
Best Free Option
LiveAgent is a help desk software that combines multiple communication channels including email, live chat, and social media into a single platform. It allows businesses to manage customer inquiries efficiently, track interactions, and streamline support processes. Features include ticketing, automation, and reporting tools for improved customer service.
- LiveAgent offers a free tier for up to 7 agents, reducing costs.
- GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU customers.
- LiveAgent servers are located in the EU, enhancing data residency.
Migration difficulty data is being enriched for these alternatives.
Detailed Comparison of Each Alternative
LiveAgent is a help desk software that combines multiple communication channels including email, live chat, and social media into a single platform. It allows businesses to manage customer inquiries efficiently, track interactions, and streamline support processes. Features include ticketing, automation, and reporting tools for improved customer service.
Advantages
- LiveAgent offers a free tier for up to 7 agents, reducing costs.
- GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU customers.
- LiveAgent servers are located in the EU, enhancing data residency.
- Social media integration allows managing multiple platforms in one place.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Zendesk may require significant data transfer efforts.
- LiveAgent lacks advanced AI automation features present in Zendesk.
- Learning curve for agents accustomed to Zendesk's interface may be steep.
Trengo is a communication platform that integrates various messaging channels, including email, chat, and social media, into a single inbox. It allows teams to manage customer interactions efficiently, track conversations, and collaborate in real-time. Trengo improves response times and streamlines customer support processes.
Advantages
- Trengo offers a unified inbox for all communication channels.
- GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU customers.
- Trengo integrates directly with WhatsApp Business for messaging.
- Team collaboration tools enhance internal communication and efficiency.
Trade-offs
- Migrating data from Zendesk may require significant effort and time.
- Trengo lacks a dedicated call center feature compared to Zendesk.
- Learning curve for existing Zendesk users adapting to Trengo's interface.
Crisp is a customer messaging platform designed for businesses to communicate effectively with their users. It offers real-time chat, email integration, and chatbot functionalities to streamline customer support. The platform helps teams manage conversations from multiple channels in one place, enhancing response times and user engagement.
Advantages
- Crisp offers a free tier, reducing initial costs for small teams.
- GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU customers.
- Crisp's shared inbox allows team collaboration on customer queries.
- Crisp's chatbot builder enables 24/7 automated customer support.
Trade-offs
- Zendesk's ticketing system is more advanced than Crisp's features.
- Migration from Zendesk may require significant data transfer efforts.
- Crisp lacks built-in call center features present in Zendesk.
Userlike is a customer messaging platform designed for businesses to enhance communication with website visitors. It enables real-time chat support, integrates with various tools, and allows users to manage conversations across different channels. The platform aims to improve customer engagement and support efficiency.
Advantages
- Userlike offers GDPR compliance with EU-based servers for data protection.
- Unified messaging includes WhatsApp Business for broader customer reach.
- Userlike's chatbot supports multiple languages, enhancing user experience.
- Video calls are integrated for personalized customer support interactions.
Trade-offs
- Migrating from Zendesk may require significant data transfer efforts.
- Userlike lacks a comprehensive ticketing system like Zendesk's.
- Learning curve for team members accustomed to Zendesk's interface.
Before You Switch
Export your data from Zendesk before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
General Data Export Steps
- 1Log into your Zendesk account and navigate to Settings or Privacy.
- 2Look for "Download your data", "Export", or "Data portability" options.
- 3Select all data you want to export and choose a standard format (ZIP, CSV, JSON).
- 4Wait for the export to complete — large accounts may take hours or days.
- 5Download and verify the export before proceeding with migration.
Under GDPR Article 20, you have the right to data portability. Zendesk is required to provide your data in a structured, commonly used format upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to Zendesk?
There are 4 European alternatives to Zendesk. LiveAgent, Trengo, Crisp are among the top-rated options. All are GDPR-compliant and store your data in European data centers.
How long does it take to switch from Zendesk?
Migration time varies by alternative. Most migrations can be completed in under an hour with our step-by-step guides. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative.
Can I export my data from Zendesk?
Yes, most services including Zendesk allow you to export your data. Check the settings or privacy section of your Zendesk account for data export options. GDPR also grants you the right to data portability.
Is switching from Zendesk to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from Zendesk first, 2) Set up the new EU service, 3) Import your data, 4) Run both services in parallel for a transition period, 5) Update any linked accounts or integrations, and 6) Cancel your Zendesk subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from Zendesk to an EU alternative?
EU alternatives provide stronger privacy protection under GDPR, keep your data in European data centers, and are not subject to US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act or FISA Section 702. By switching, you gain true data sovereignty and support European tech innovation.