pressGEO

HubSpot Service vs Kayako: Helpdesk Comparison (2026)

HubSpot Service is a suitable choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive platform with a free tier and a wide range of marketing and sales-focused features. Kayako is more appropriate for businesses looking for an AI-first helpdesk solution with transparent, usage-based pricing and a focus on automated issue resolution.

AI Citation Scorecard

How often each is cited by major AI engines when buyers ask helpdesk questions. Last 90 days across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude, and Copilot.

HubSpot Service leads overall — 43% cited vs Kayako 3% across 1000 probes.
ChatGPT
HubSpot ServiceLeads
27 / 73 probes
37%
Good
Kayako
0 / 72 probes
0%
Invisible
Perplexity
HubSpot ServiceLeads
85 / 211 probes
40%
Good
Kayako
5 / 211 probes
2%
Poor
Gemini
HubSpot ServiceLeads
42 / 72 probes
58%
Excellent
Kayako
4 / 73 probes
5%
Below average
Claude
HubSpot ServiceLeads
24 / 72 probes
33%
Good
Kayako
0 / 72 probes
0%
Invisible
Copilot
HubSpot ServiceLeads
37 / 72 probes
51%
Excellent
Kayako
4 / 72 probes
6%
Below average
Scale:NoneLowFairStrongExcellent

Probes run hourly; each (engine × query) combo retests every ~3 days.

Pricing

HubSpot Service
Starting price
$0/mo
Free tier
Yes
hubspot.com ↗
Claim HubSpot Service
Badge ↗
Kayako
Starting price
$1/resolved ticket
Free tier
—
kayako.com ↗
Claim Kayako
Badge ↗

Key Features

HubSpot Service
  • ✓Email marketing
  • ✓Live chat
  • ✓Forms
  • ✓CRM segments
  • ✓Simple marketing automation
  • ✓Ad management
  • ✓AI customer agent
  • ✓Cookie Management Tools
Kayako
  • ✓AI resolves issues end-to-end
  • ✓No seat or setup fees
  • ✓Transparent pricing per resolved ticket
  • ✓Integrates with multiple platforms

When to choose HubSpot Service

HubSpot Service is a strong option for businesses that need a comprehensive suite of tools beyond just helpdesk functionality, including email marketing, CRM segments, and ad management, and prefer a platform with a free tier to start. It also suits users who value a wide array of integrations with popular platforms like LinkedIn and Microsoft Teams.

When to choose Kayako

Kayako is a good fit for businesses that prioritize AI-driven issue resolution and a pay-per-resolved-ticket pricing model without seat or setup fees. Its appeal is also strong for those who want an out-of-the-box solution with integrations to platforms like Slack and Shopify, and for companies that desire high AI resolution rates and quick onboarding without being charged for escalated issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in pricing between HubSpot Service and Kayako?
HubSpot Service offers a free tier and starts at $0/month, while Kayako has no free tier and charges $1/resolved ticket.
How do the core features of HubSpot Service and Kayako differ?
HubSpot Service offers features such as email marketing, live chat, forms, CRM segments, simple marketing automation, ad management, and cookie management tools. Kayako focuses on AI-driven issue resolution end-to-end, transparent pricing per resolved ticket, and no seat or setup fees.
What integrations are available for HubSpot Service and Kayako?
HubSpot Service integrates with platforms like Amplitude, Jira, Adobe Express, Aircall, LinkedIn, and Microsoft Teams. Kayako integrates with Slack, Stripe, Shopify, Zendesk, Salesforce, Twilio, HubSpot, and offers integration via Your API.
What are the advantages of choosing HubSpot Service?
HubSpot Service provides a user-friendly interface, comprehensive marketing tools, robust integration options, and scalable pricing plans. It also includes an AI customer agent feature.
What are the advantages of choosing Kayako?
Kayako offers simple and transparent pricing per resolved ticket, a high AI resolution rate, no charge for escalations, and quick onboarding. It also has no seat or setup fees.

More Helpdesk Comparisons

← All Helpdesk comparisons