Zammad vs Userlike

Both Zammad and Userlike are European-built, GDPR-compliant solutions in the customer support space. This comparison breaks down their features, pricing, compliance posture, and data residency so you can make an informed choice for your team.

Quick Overview

Zammad logo

Zammad

EU
Headquarters
Berlin, DE
Pricing
Free
Open Source
Yes
Userlike logo

Userlike

EU
Headquarters
Cologne, DE
Pricing
Free
Open Source
No

Key Differences

  • Zammad offers a free tier, while userlike offers a free tier. The different pricing models mean you should evaluate which approach better fits your usage pattern.
  • Zammad is open source, meaning you can audit the code, self-host, and avoid vendor lock-in. Userlike is proprietary, which often means a more polished out-of-the-box experience and dedicated support, but less flexibility for customisation.
  • Userlike holds ISO 27001 certification, providing third-party assurance of its security practices. Zammad does not currently hold these certifications, which may matter for enterprise procurement requirements.
  • Userlike was founded in 2011, giving it a 5-year head start over Zammad (founded 2016). More time in market often means a larger user community and more mature integrations, though newer entrants may offer more modern architectures.
  • Each product has unique strengths: Zammad offers Multi-channel ticketing (email, phone, chat, social) and Knowledge base, while Userlike provides Live chat and Unified messaging. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.

Feature Comparison

Feature Zammad Userlike
Name Zammad Userlike
Pricing Free Free
Free Tier
GDPR
ISO 27001
Open Source
Headquarters Berlin, DE Cologne, DE
Data Centers DE DE
Multi-channel ticketing (email, phone, chat, social)
Knowledge base
SLA management and escalation
Automation with macros and triggers
Full-text search
Time accounting
Reporting and analytics
LDAP and Exchange integration
Role-based access control
Self-hosting option
Live chat
Unified messaging
WhatsApp integration
Chatbots
Video calls
Smart routing
Analytics
GDPR tools
Operator groups

Pricing Comparison

Zammad

Free

free self-hosted / hosted plans

Userlike

Free

freemium

Compliance Comparison

Zammad

GDPRDPA

Userlike

GDPRISO 27001DPA

Get Started

Try Zammad

Open source helpdesk and customer support

Visit Zammad

Try Userlike

German live chat and unified messaging for customer support

Visit Userlike

Categories

How to Choose

You need code transparency or self-hosting

Choose Zammad

You want a fully managed, turnkey solution

Choose Userlike

Your procurement requires ISO 27001 certification

Choose Userlike

You need enterprise-grade support and stability

Choose Userlike

You prefer a nimble provider with personalised support

Choose Zammad

Zammad vs Userlike — FAQ

What is the main difference between Zammad and Userlike?
Both Zammad and Userlike are European customer support solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: Zammad is open source while Userlike is proprietary, and Zammad uses free self-hosted / hosted plans pricing while Userlike uses freemium. Zammad is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, while Userlike is based in Cologne, Germany. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements for features, pricing, and data residency.
Which is more affordable, Zammad or Userlike?
Both Zammad and Userlike offer free tiers, so you can try either without cost. Pricing models differ (free self-hosted / hosted plans vs. freemium), so compare based on your usage pattern rather than just the starting price.
Are both Zammad and Userlike GDPR compliant?
Yes. Both Zammad and Userlike are European companies that store data within the EU/EEA and offer Data Processing Agreements. Neither is subject to the US CLOUD Act or FISA surveillance. Additionally, Userlike holds ISO 27001 certification. For GDPR purposes, either option eliminates the legal risks associated with using US-based services.

Data Center Locations

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