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8 Best Service Desk Software That I Tested for Modern IT Needs

February 2, 2025

best service desk software

Before I swapped customer calls for catchy content, I never imagined I'd find myself deep in the world of IT service management. But life has a funny way of coming full circle. 

When I got to collaborate with G2’s IT team to document their search for the best service desk software, I took it as an opportunity to dive headfirst into a world I’d only seen from the sidelines.

What started as a simple documentation project quickly turned into a hands-on exploration. I sat with my IT team, watched the pros tackle endless internal requests, and witnessed firsthand the chaos of managing workflows, approvals, and asset tracking—all while keeping the business running smoothly. Naturally, I couldn’t resist getting involved myself. I signed up for trial after trial, tested features, and even got oddly excited about automation rules.

My goal? To figure out which tools actually help support teams stay organized and efficient—and which ones feel like they were designed by someone who's never answered a support ticket.

So, if you're on the hunt for the best service desk software—without having the patience to try every option—you're in the right place. I’ve done the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters: keeping your IT operations smooth and your colleagues happy.

8 best service desk software I recommend 

I used to think service desk software was just a fancier version of a help desk—answering IT tickets and fixing stuff when it breaks. But after diving in, I realized it’s so much more.

For me, service desk software is like the ultimate command center for IT teams. It keeps everything in the company running smoothly—handling internal requests, tracking IT assets, managing incidents, and making sure no one’s left hanging when their tech acts up (which happens a lot). 

Whether setting up new employees with the right tools or figuring out why the Wi-Fi keeps dropping in the middle of meetings, the IT service desk is where all those problems get tackled.

But here’s the cool part—service desk software isn’t just about putting out fires. It helps IT teams get ahead of issues by automating tasks, offering self-service portals (so people can fix simple stuff on their own), and keeping track of every single request to make sure nothing slips through the cracks. 

How did I find and evaluate the best service desk software?

To make sure I was looking at the best of the best, I turned to G2’s grid reports that rank service desk software based on real user reviews and market presence. By focusing on the leaders and high performers in the space, I could zero in on the most talked-about tools—the ones that IT teams trust to keep their operations running smoothly.

 

Once I had my shortlist, I worked closely with my IT team, documenting their day-to-day needs and pain points. From managing internal service requests and tracking IT assets to setting up automation workflows and ensuring compliance with SLAs, I wanted to see how each tool handled real-world scenarios. We also simulated common IT challenges to understand how well these platforms could support a busy IT environment.

 

I took things a step further by tapping into AI-powered analysis of user feedback. I combed through hundreds of G2 reviews to uncover recurring themes—what users loved, what frustrated them, and which features they relied on in their daily workflows. This deepened my understanding of long-term usability and potential deal-breakers that might not surface in short-term testing alone.

What I look for in the best service desk software: Top factors

Choosing the best IT service desk software isn’t about flashy features and sleek interfaces. The real test lies in how well the tool performs in chaotic workflows, integrates with existing IT infrastructure, and supports the complex needs of IT service management (ITSM). 

I evaluated each solution through a technical lens with my team to ensure it meets the demands of modern IT operations. 

  • Automation and workflow capability: IT teams have enough on their plates without having to track every single request manually. I paid close attention to each tool’s ability to automate repetitive tasks—whether routing tickets to the right department, sending automated responses for common issues, or setting up escalation rules to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Strong automation features are efficient and let IT staff focus on higher-value tasks instead of getting bogged down in routine requests.
  • Ease of setup and usability: Nobody wants to spend weeks (or months) trying to configure a service desk tool. A great platform should have an intuitive interface that makes it easy for IT teams to get up and running quickly without needing a PhD in system administration. I looked for software that offered a clean user experience, logical workflows, and helpful onboarding resources to ensure smooth adoption across the organization. After all, if a tool is too complex, it’s likely to be underutilized or, worse, avoided altogether.
  • Reporting, dashboards, and analytics: Data-driven decision-making is the backbone of any efficient IT operation. I examined how well each service desk software provided insights into performance metrics like ticket resolution times, service level compliance, and recurring issues. Good reporting capabilities should help IT managers identify bottlenecks, improve resource allocation, and continuously enhance their service delivery. Bonus points went to tools that offered customizable dashboards, real-time analytics, and easy-to-export reports for sharing with stakeholders.
  • Self-service and knowledge management: Empowering employees to solve issues before they reach IT can significantly lighten the workload. I assessed how well each platform enabled self-service through knowledge bases, FAQs, and automated chatbots. The best tools provide a robust, searchable knowledge management system that allows users to quickly find answers, submit requests, and track their own tickets—reducing dependency on IT for minor issues.
  • Security and compliance features: With IT service desks handling sensitive internal data, security is a top priority. I evaluated each platform’s compliance with industry standards, ensuring they offer enterprise-grade security controls such as role-based access control (RBAC), encryption (both at rest and in transit), and audit logs for tracking every action taken within the system. I also checked whether the software supports single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enhance user authentication and protect against unauthorized access.

By evaluating service desk software against these technical criteria, I was able to identify the top 8 out of 30+ solutions that are not only feature-rich but also capable of scaling with business needs, integrating seamlessly with IT ecosystems, and helping with continuous improvement.

The list below contains genuine user reviews from the best IT service desk software category page. To be included in this category, a solution must:

  • Provide an internal ticketing system for IT department inquiries
  • Utilize a portal for employees to submit questions, issues, or requests
  • Offer a knowledge base for employee self-service
  • Record the IT assets in use by a company and any change in assets 

*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.  

1. Freshservice

When I first dove into Freshservice, I expected the usual IT service desk setup grind—complex configurations, endless tweaking, and maybe a mild existential crisis. But Freshservice surprised me. 

From the moment I logged in, the clean, modern interface made it ridiculously easy to get started. Setting up the ticketing system took me less time than brewing a cup of coffee, and the onboarding experience was refreshingly smooth, with helpful tooltips guiding me through each feature.

Freshservice

We decided to test it by simulating real-world IT scenarios—onboarding new employees, tracking IT assets, and, of course, the classic “printer not working” ticket. Freshservice’s automation capabilities really stood out here. I could set up workflow automation that routed tickets based on priority, category, and even keywords. For example, when I submitted a ticket labeled "urgent," it was automatically escalated and assigned to the right team without me lifting a finger. 

Another highlight was the AI-powered suggestions. It analyzed incoming tickets and recommended solutions based on our internal knowledge base, which saved me a lot of time responding to repetitive issues.

Asset management was another area in which Freshservice impressed me. Using its built-in discovery tool, I scanned my network and, within minutes, had a clear inventory of all connected devices—laptops, printers, even those mysterious "orphan" devices that no one wants to claim responsibility for. 

The configuration management database (CMDB) allowed me to map dependencies between assets and services, which was handy when troubleshooting outages.

As much as I loved the platform’s automation and asset tracking, I encountered a few roadblocks. Reporting, for example, left me wanting more customization. Sure, the pre-built reports were useful, but when I tried to drill down into specifics—like tracking resolution times by agent performance over a custom period—I hit a wall. 

Also, while Freshservice integrates seamlessly with big players like Slack and Microsoft Teams, I wished for easier integrations with some niche tools my IT team relies on daily.

What I like about Freshservice:

  • With a few clicks, I could scan my entire network and populate a detailed list of IT assets, including their usage status and relationships with other systems. This feature alone saved us hours of manual tracking.
  • The built-in AI didn’t just guess; it offered me useful suggestions pulled from our knowledge base, which reduced my time spent responding to repetitive queries.

What G2 users like about Freshservice:

“Its ease of use, straightforward installation, excellent ticket management system, and rock-solid technical support are all features that I appreciate. Both tickets and assets are handled effectively. Our company's efficiency has been greatly enhanced by its customizable features, automated workflows, and ability to integrate with other applications. Any company that uses tickets to track tasks, automate processes, and keep track of assets would benefit greatly from this system's superior ticket monitoring and management capabilities.”

- Freshservice Review, Tim A.

What I dislike about Freshservice:
  • While the default reports were useful, I struggled to create highly customized reports with deep-dive metrics. A little more flexibility here would go a long way.
  • Setting up basic automation was easy, but once I wanted to fine-tune processes to fit unique business needs, I hit some frustrating limitations.
What G2 users dislike about Freshservice:

“The reporting features are not well developed. There are a lot of basic reports that we use to run from our previous help desk system that we are unable to do within FreshService. For example, report against a contract number to see the associated/linked assets. In some ways, the reporting is overcomplicated.

Most of our reports required from management are needed in list/table view and must be exported in excel format rather than in the view of widgets and charts.”

- Freshservice Review, Renee S.

Check out my list of the best free dashboard software to visualize your IT data in real time and stay on top of everything that matters.

2. ServiceNow IT Service Management

When I decided to try ServiceNow IT Service Management, I knew I was stepping into the enterprise-grade territory. This isn’t your average service desk tool—it’s an entire ITSM ecosystem that feels like it was built for organizations that take IT seriously. 

From incident and change management to asset tracking and automation, ServiceNow aims to be the all-in-one solution that can scale with even the most complex IT environments.

ServiceNow IT Service Management

I started by diving into its incident management capabilities—testing how well it handled ticket intake, categorization, and escalation. Right out of the gate, the platform’s AI-powered Virtual Agent impressed me. I simulated an influx of support requests (yes, I basically flooded the system with fake problems), and the AI did an excellent job of suggesting relevant knowledge base articles and routing tickets to the right teams without human intervention. 

The automation workflows here are powerful—once properly set up, they can handle anything from recurring issues to complex approvals with multi-step conditions. The change management module was another standout. I tested it by running a few mock change requests for system upgrades and hardware replacements, and the approval workflows felt airtight. ServiceNow ensured every change was assessed for impact and risk before moving forward, which is a lifesaver if you're dealing with sensitive infrastructure changes.

However, ServiceNow really flexes its muscles in terms of integration capabilities. It plugged right into our existing tools—think Microsoft 365, AWS, and even some legacy systems—with minimal hassle. The platform’s CMDB is incredibly detailed, allowing me to link incidents to specific assets, see dependency relationships, and track everything from hardware to cloud services in one place.

Now, for all its strengths, ServiceNow does have a learning curve—more like a learning mountain. Configuring workflows, customizing dashboards, and navigating the vast array of features can initially feel overwhelming. I had to dive into documentation (which, thankfully, is extensive) and lean on their support resources to really get the most out of the platform.

What I like about ServiceNow IT Service Management:

  • The AI chatbot genuinely surprised me with how well it handled repetitive queries and redirected users to self-service options before they even needed to submit a ticket. 
  • ServiceNow works well with practically everything—cloud platforms, security tools, collaboration apps, you name it. I didn’t have to jump through hoops to get it working with our existing ecosystem.

What G2 users like about ServiceNow IT Service Management:

“We have been using this tool for the last 4 years and found it user-friendly as an intuitive interface to work. Has a good knowledge base and training. Very easy to implement as it can be accessed through a web interface also. It can be integrated easily with other tools and has good customer support. We have supported our clients for the past 4 years on this for regular service management.”

- ServiceNow IT Service Management Review, Rudra P.

What I dislike about ServiceNow IT Service Management:
  • Out of the box, ServiceNow doesn’t hold your hand. Expect to spend a good chunk of time configuring workflows, customizing reports, and tweaking the system to fit your needs.
  • If you're running a small to mid-sized business, the cost might be a tough pill to swallow. ServiceNow is undoubtedly a powerhouse, but you’re paying premium prices for that power.
What G2 users dislike about ServiceNow IT Service Management:

“One downside of ServiceNow IT Service Management could be its complexity. Sometimes, it feels like you need a manual just to navigate through it all. Also, setting it up initially can be a bit of a hassle, especially for smaller teams. So, while it's powerful, it might not be the most user-friendly option for everyone.”

- ServiceNow IT Service Management Review, Amritansh A.

Learn how a well-structured help desk manual can empower your team, facilitate workflows, and ensure everyone knows exactly how to handle requests efficiently.

3. Autotask PSA

When I tried Autotask PSA, it was not just another service desk solution—it’s a full-fledged Professional Services Automation (PSA) platform built with Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in mind. 

If you’re juggling multiple clients, tracking billable hours, and managing IT services across different businesses, Autotask PSA brings everything under one roof—ticketing, project management, billing, and customer relationship management.

Autotask PSA

I started my testing by diving into the ticketing system, and I have to say, it’s impressively dynamic. Autotask PSA does a great job of centralizing all client interactions in one place. Every ticket comes with a wealth of context—linked assets, past issues, and contract details—making it easy to provide informed support without scrambling through records. 

I ran several test scenarios, from basic password resets to complex multi-phase projects, and the platform handled prioritization and escalation workflows smoothly.

One of my favorite features was the customizable dashboards. I could tailor them to track everything from technician performance to ticket resolution times, which gave me a clear picture of service efficiency at a glance. 

Speaking of tracking, the built-in time tracking and billing integration is amazing. I logged work hours directly within tickets, and Autotask PSA automatically generated invoices based on contract terms—no more chasing down time entries or doing manual calculations.

The real strength of Autotask PSA, however, lies in its integrations. It connected seamlessly with remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools like Datto RMM, allowing me to pull in asset data, automate ticket creation based on alerts, and even trigger remediation workflows—all without manual intervention. This level of automation helped me focus on proactive support rather than firefighting issues.

However, as much as I appreciated its comprehensive feature set, I did notice that Autotask PSA has a learning curve. There are a lot of settings to tweak, and getting the workflows right took some trial and error. Plus, while the reporting features are powerful, customizing them to extract exactly what I need to requires a bit of patience.

What I like about Autotask PSA:

  • I loved being able to create personalized dashboards that provided instant visibility into key metrics like SLA compliance, ticket resolution times, and financial performance.
  • Autotask PSA eliminated my need to juggle multiple tools. Everything is interconnected, which simplifies service delivery and improves efficiency.

What G2 users like about Autotask PSA:

“I like its dashboards and its comprehensive functionality. It is an all-in-one solution that combines service desk, inventory, workflow automation, project management, time and expense tracking, billing, customer relationship management, and reporting and analytics in a single platform. This can help streamline workflows, improve communication, and reduce the need for multiple tools and systems. Some features are not as good as others; for example, Project Management is not the best in class, but it is enough to get started without additional costs.”

- Autotask PSA Review, Ivan D.

What I dislike about Autotask PSA:
  • I felt the UI design could use a refresh. Navigating between different modules sometimes felt clunky, and I occasionally struggled to find specific settings buried within menus.
  • While I appreciate flexibility, the sheer number of configuration options can be overwhelming. Customizing workflows, reports, and notifications took more effort than I anticipated.
What G2 users dislike about Autotask PSA:

“The user interface is dated, but you get used to it. The reporting engine could be a lot better. It would also be nice if it supported integration with Xero without a plugin. But those are small details for which we ultimately found workarounds.”

- Autotask PSA Review, Christian V.

Dive into the evolution of help desks in cybersecurity for businesses and discover how today's service desks are adapting to keep your business secure in an ever-changing digital landscape.

4. Atera

When I first fired up Atera, I expected another run-of-the-mill IT service desk. What I found was something more—a full-stack IT management platform that combines service desk functionality with RMM in one neat package. 

It’s designed with IT pros and MSPs in mind, and let me tell you, it’s like having an entire IT department in your back pocket.

Atera

I kicked off my testing by exploring the ticketing system, and I was impressed by how smoothly it integrates with the RMM side of things. I created test tickets based on automated system alerts—like disk space running low or antivirus updates failing—and Atera seamlessly generated tickets and assigned them to the appropriate technician. 

This proactive approach to IT support really stood out because it allowed me to catch potential issues before they escalated.

One of Atera’s biggest selling points is its all-you-can-eat pricing model, which means you pay per technician rather than per endpoint. I tested this by loading the system with as many endpoints as I could manage—laptops, desktops, servers, you name it—and Atera handled them all without breaking a sweat. It’s perfect for IT teams managing large fleets of devices while trying to keep costs predictable.

The remote access tools built into Atera are another highlight. Whether I needed to jump into a machine via Splashtop or run remote scripts across multiple devices at once, the process was fast, secure, and painless. I simulated everything from routine maintenance to emergency troubleshooting, and Atera’s remote support features were reliable and quick, making it easy to resolve issues without physically being on-site.

Of course, no IT management tool is complete without reporting and analytics, and Atera delivers in this department, too—though with a few limitations. I ran reports on ticket response times, asset performance, and SLA compliance, and while the data was insightful, I found myself wanting more customization options to drill down into specifics.

What I like about Atera:

  • Whether I was managing tickets, automating patch management, or running scripts remotely, Atera’s interface was clean and easy to navigate without needing a deep dive into the documentation.
  • Atera’s alert system ensured I wasn’t constantly playing catch-up. It proactively created tickets based on system health metrics, keeping me ahead of potential issues instead of reacting to them after they escalated.

What G2 users like about Atera:

“Atera is incredible for resource management. I use it almost every day to either add new workstations or servers to the platform (installing the agent is incredibly simple) or to remotely manage a server/user's workstation that's experiencing issues. The ability to run scheduled updates for different groups of endpoints and run large batches of scripts is very useful and saves a lot of time and headaches.

We don't implement the ticketing system, so I don't have experience with that side of Atera, but the integration with a backup tool like Acronis has been a lifesaver for our organization. It made it incredibly simple for us to migrate from our previous backup tool. ”


- Atera Review, Zyphlen K.

What I dislike about Atera:
  • While Atera offers solid out-of-the-box reports, I found it difficult to create highly customized reports that were drilled down into specific data points that mattered most to my IT operations.
  • Atera offers decent automation, but when I tried setting up more complex, multi-step workflows, I ran into some limitations. For those used to advanced automation platforms, it might feel a bit restrictive.
What G2 users dislike about Atera:

“While Atera offers a robust set of features, the reporting tools could be more customizable to meet specific business needs. Additionally, while customer support is responsive and helpful, implementing new feature requests or updates can take longer than anticipated. Lastly, the platform would benefit from more granular controls in workflow customization to cater to complex environments.”

- Atera Review, Alex B. 

Make sure your service desk software meets your organization's unique requirements. Check out this guide on help desk software requirements to know more. 

5. SysAid

When I started exploring SysAid, I expected yet another rigid IT service management tool—built for structure but lacking personality. SysAid blends robust ITSM capabilities with a surprisingly user-friendly, even fun, experience. It's like that reliable co-worker who gets things done but still manages to crack a joke in the middle of chaos.

SysAid

Setting it up was straightforward, and SysAid’s out-of-the-box ITIL templates made it easy to hit the ground running. I tested everything from incident and problem management to change and asset tracking, and the platform provided a structured yet flexible approach to ITSM. I could define workflows, automate ticket assignments, and set up escalation rules without feeling like I needed an advanced degree in process management.

I tested the self-service portal by simulating end-user requests, and I was impressed by how intuitive and customizable the portal was. Users could search for solutions in the knowledge base before submitting tickets, reducing unnecessary IT workload. SysAid even allows you to embed helpful video tutorials and FAQs, which I found to be a nice touch for onboarding new employees.

On the asset management side, SysAid doesn't disappoint. I deployed its automated network discovery tool, and within minutes, I had a full inventory of all connected devices. It didn’t just give me basic info; it provided a detailed look into hardware specs, software licenses, and even usage statistics—perfect for planning IT budgets and tracking lifecycle costs.

While the SysAid's UI is functional, it feels a little dated in places, and navigating deeper settings sometimes required more clicks than I would’ve liked. I also found the mobile app a bit underwhelming—great for viewing tickets but lacking some of the more robust features available on the desktop version.

What I like about SysAid:

  • I loved how SysAid mapped out our entire IT infrastructure with a detailed breakdown of hardware, software, and interdependencies—making audits and compliance checks much easier.
  • The ability to create and store internal documentation, troubleshooting guides, and step-by-step solutions meant I could empower end-users to solve minor issues themselves.

What G2 users like about SysAid:

“I've been using SysAid for over five years. SysAid has proven to be a great tool for managing IT services. It performs exceptionally well at ticket management, making it easy to track and resolve problems, and its reporting features offer insightful information about trends and performance. We use it every to provide services to our internal and external customers.”

- SysAid Review, Kacian S.

What I dislike about SysAid:
  • While the platform provides decent reports, I found the customization options somewhat restrictive. If you’re used to deep, drill-down analytics, you might feel a bit constrained.
  • SysAid offers a lot of customization, but it took me some trial and error to get everything right. So, the learning curve is steep if you want to tailor workflows beyond the basics.
What G2 users dislike about SysAid:

“While SysAid has been great overall, we found that some initial configurations took a bit of time to understand fully. However, their customer support team was always there to help, and once we got the hang of it, everything ran smoothly.”

- SysAid Review, Luigi C. 

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6. Helpdesk 365

I had high hopes about Helpdesk 365—after all, it’s built specifically for Microsoft 365 users, and I use Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint daily.

The promise? A helpdesk solution that fits right into the Microsoft ecosystem without feeling like an add-on. Honestly, for the most part, it delivered.

Helpdesk 365

Getting set up was a breeze. Since it’s fully integrated into SharePoint and Teams, I didn’t have to juggle another login or worry about data security—it all stays within the Microsoft environment. I had the system up and running within a few hours, tweaking settings and automating ticket flows with minimal effort. I was pleasantly surprised by the intuitive interface—no clunky dashboards or confusing menus, just a simple, familiar layout that made it easy to hit the ground running.

I ran some tests by submitting tickets in various ways—through email, SharePoint, and even directly in Teams—and I loved how everything synced effortlessly. The automatic ticket assignment feature worked well, distributing tickets based on categories and urgency. I even set up escalation workflows to ensure high-priority issues got the needed attention. What I really appreciated was the way Helpdesk 365 used Microsoft’s notification system, pinging me on Teams whenever an SLA was about to breach—no more "oops, I forgot" moments.

The self-service portal is another highlight. I tested it by having a few colleagues submit test requests, and they could track their ticket status without pinging IT for updates. The portal allows users to search through a knowledge base, log requests, and even chat with a bot for quick fixes—all using their existing Microsoft credentials.

However, when I dug into the reporting features, I found them to be pretty basic. Sure, I could track ticket resolution times and agent performance, but I wanted more flexibility—like drilling down into trends and recurring issues. I had to export data to Excel and analyze it manually, which wasn’t ideal.

On the flip side, the integration with Microsoft Teams was an absolute win. I could respond to tickets directly within Teams without jumping between apps.

What I like about Helpdesk 365:

  • I didn’t have to learn anything new—everything from ticket tracking to notifications fit seamlessly into Microsoft 365. I could respond to tickets within Teams and get real-time updates without leaving the app.
  • Setting up automated ticket routing, priority escalations, and response triggers took me minutes, and I didn’t have to dig through endless documentation to figure it out.

What G2 users like about Helpdesk 365:

“Helpdesk 365 has proven to be an invaluable tool for our organization. The app is incredibly easy to implement, and training end users is a breeze. The seamless integration between SharePoint and Teams enhances our workflow significantly. Additionally, the customer service is outstanding, ensuring that any issues we encounter are resolved promptly. Overall, I would rate this app 9 out of 10 stars for its efficiency and support.”

- Helpdesk 365 Review, Sheila S.

What I dislike about Helpdesk 365:
  • I wanted more control over things like ticket categories and workflow customization. The default options were fine for basic needs, but tweaking things to fit my specific workflow required more effort than I’d like.
  •  If you’re running a bigger IT operation, Helpdesk 365 might feel too simplistic. It works great for SMBs, but scaling it to handle complex ITSM workflows may be challenging.
What G2 users dislike about Helpdesk 365:

“We had some troubles in the implementation phase. The documentation is very 'how to' and does not explain the main concepts and how they hang together. For example, clear explanations about the functional difference between (re)assigning, transferring, and escalating tickets.”

- Helpdesk 365 Review, Franky S.

7. SolarWinds Service Desk

Diving into SolarWinds Service Desk revealed a powerhouse ITSM solution that’s packed with automation, asset management, and ITIL-aligned workflows. 

Right from the start, the platform impressed me with its structured approach to service management, offering a robust ticketing system that helps IT teams stay organized and efficient. However, beneath its impressive capabilities, I uncovered a platform that requires careful configuration and patience to shine truly.

SolarWinds Service Desk

Configuring SolarWinds Service Desk took effort, but the onboarding wizard provided helpful guidance as I customized ticket categories, escalation rules, and automation flows. The system’s AI-driven recommendations stood out, proactively suggesting solutions based on past tickets and knowledge base content—an absolute lifesaver when dealing with repetitive issues. 

Testing it with high-priority tickets proved how well the automation engine can prioritize, route, and escalate issues without breaking a sweat.

Exploring the asset management module showcased another major strength. Deploying the agent across devices quickly populated the inventory with detailed hardware and software insights, making it easy to track everything from laptops to licenses. 

SolarWinds Service Desk also provides solid change management workflows, which I tested by simulating an office-wide software update. The approval chains and risk assessment tools offered excellent oversight, ensuring no rogue changes slipped through. 

However, customizing these workflows required delving deep into settings and documentation, which might overwhelm smaller IT teams looking for simplicity.

Despite its extensive feature set, I encountered a few hiccups along the way. The user interface, while functional, feels slightly outdated and cluttered. Navigating complex menus sometimes felt cumbersome, especially when making quick adjustments. 

Additionally, while SolarWinds offers robust features, the price tag can climb quickly as you scale, making it a significant investment for growing organizations.

What I like about SolarWinds Service Desk:

  •  I could monitor hardware, software, and even warranty statuses, giving me a complete picture of our IT infrastructure without the hassle of manual audits.
  • The system automatically categorized and assigned tickets with impressive accuracy, reducing any manual intervention on my part and speeding up resolution times.

What G2 users like about SolarWinds Service Desk:

“SolarWinds Service Desk is extremely user-friendly. Our staff can easily access the platform and submit a ticket. We, in turn, are able to get them the help they need as soon as possible and assign it to the proper tech to help fix their problem. It's connected with Dameware Remote Everywhere, which is also extremely helpful as we have many remote devices that we service.

Keeping track of assets is simple. Additionally, the ability to create our own tickets and put a process in for our techs to follow really helps minimize mistakes or missed steps and maximize time spent directly helping staff.”

- SolarWinds Service Desk Review, Maria S.

What I dislike about SolarWinds Service Desk:
  • When I tried tuning the platform to fit specific workflows, it took considerable effort from the IT team’s end, and I feel smaller teams may struggle to optimize it.
  • The core features are strong and ready to use. But unlocking AI-driven insights and advanced reporting came at a steep price for someone like me who’s very used to AI features in every tool I use.
What G2 users dislike about SolarWinds Service Desk:

“Using SolarWinds to manage all devices in the network is one of the challenges we face, and this may create coverage holes. In last month's scheduled audit, some inconsistencies in the data from one of our remote data centers were observed. This misalignment impacts our ability to analyze server and application traffic accurately, so adding human effort to troubleshoot manually is the result.”

- SolarWinds Service Desk Review, Maria V.

8. Splashtop Remote Support

Exploring Splashtop Remote Support immediately highlighted its focus on simplicity and speed, which, let’s be honest, are the two things you want most in a remote support tool. 

With a strong emphasis on remote access and management, Splashtop is perfect for IT teams who need to troubleshoot issues quickly and efficiently—without unnecessary complexity or bloated features getting in the way.

Splashtop Remote Support

Setting up Splashtop was refreshingly simple. After deploying the agent across a handful of test devices—both Windows and macOS—the dashboard provided an instant overview of all managed endpoints. I loved how easy it was to group devices, assign permissions, and set up unattended access without jumping through hoops. 

Within minutes, I was remotely managing devices as if I were sitting right in front of them. The connection speed was impressive, with minimal lag even when working with bandwidth-heavy tasks like software installations and troubleshooting video-related issues.

As much as I appreciated its straightforwardness, I quickly realized that Splashtop is primarily a remote access tool, not a full-fledged IT management solution. The platform focuses on getting you into remote systems quickly but lacks many of the deeper ITSM features found in more comprehensive solutions. 

For instance, I found the alerting and monitoring capabilities to be quite limited—there’s no proactive way to catch potential issues before they escalate, which meant I had to rely on manual device checks.

While the remote file transfer feature worked flawlessly—I could easily drag and drop files between my local and remote systems—there were some notable limitations in other areas. The lack of built-in chat functionality was frustrating, especially when I needed to communicate with end users during troubleshooting sessions. I ended up relying on external messaging tools to fill the gap, which felt like an unnecessary extra step.

Splashtop’s multi-monitor support was a highlight during my testing, making it easy to toggle between screens on remote systems. However, I noticed that Mac users don’t get the same level of functionality as their Windows counterparts—certain features, like remote printing, felt underdeveloped or unavailable.

What I like about Splashtop Remote Support:

  • I frequently had to troubleshoot complex setups with multiple monitors, and Splashtop handled them beautifully. The ability to switch between displays and even rearrange them remotely gave me a sense of control that some other tools lacked.
  • The ability to remotely access machines without intervention was invaluable, especially for after-hours maintenance. I scheduled updates, reboots, and troubleshooting tasks without disrupting end users.

What G2 users like about Splashtop Remote Support:

“So far, Splashtop has worked for me flawlessly. Connections with clients are quick, stable, and offer all the features I require. I do not have a clientele that requires 24/7 monitoring, so coming in on request is a bonus and saves travel time for an in-person visit. The features required by my service, reboots, file transfers, and access to task manager, make my job effortless.

For most of my clients, the process of setting up Splashtop for use is easy within their capabilities. I have not had the need to contact Customer Support, which may be a result of a balanced and well-built platform. I've used Splashtop several times a week, which increases the time needed to address even more clients in a given time frame.”

- Splashtop Remote Support Review, Court N.

What I dislike about Splashtop Remote Support:
  • While Splashtop excels in Windows environments, Mac users get the short end of the stick. Features like remote printing, clipboard syncing, and sound redirection were either missing or didn’t work as smoothly as they did on Windows systems. This made it less ideal for businesses with mixed environments.
  • Splashtop does its job well, but it’s not particularly flexible when it comes to customizing workflows. I wished for more options to tailor the interface, user roles, and automation triggers to suit my team’s needs better.
What G2 users dislike about Splashtop Remote Support:

“The only downside to Splashtop SOS is that some advanced features, like file transfer and multi-monitor support, are available only in higher-tier plans. It would be great to have more of these features included in the basic package to provide even more value for users needing comprehensive support.”

- Splashtop Remote Support Review, Brad B.

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FAQs about best service desk software

Have more questions? I’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about service desk software below.

Q. What’s the best free help desk software?

Freshservice and SysAid offer generous free trials that give you access to their core features without limitations. Freshservice offers a 21-day trial, which is a great opportunity to test its automation-heavy approach and asset-tracking capabilities. SysAid, with its intuitive self-service portal and structured ITIL processes, provides a solid trial experience. If you’re looking for remote support-focused solutions, Splashtop also offers a free trial that’s perfect for testing remote access capabilities.

Q. How do I choose the best service desk software for my organization?

Choosing the right service desk software depends on factors like your organization's size, budget, and IT complexity. Look for features such as automation, integrations, reporting capabilities, and ease of use. ServiceNow is a solid choice for enterprises with complex needs, while Freshservice or SysAid might be better for small to mid-sized businesses seeking simplicity and affordability.

Q. Which service desk software has the best automation features?

ServiceNow leads the pack with powerful automation, offering AI-driven workflows that simplify complex IT processes. Freshservice also provides robust automation tools that are easy to set up, including ticket routing, approvals, and escalations. SolarWinds Service Desk offers solid automation capabilities, though it requires more initial setup effort.

Q. What is the role of AI in modern service desk software?

AI helps automate ticket classification, suggest solutions from the knowledge base, and predict potential issues before they escalate. ServiceNow and Freshservice use AI to enhance efficiency by auto-resolving common requests and providing analytics for proactive IT management.

Q. Can I migrate my existing tickets and data to a new service desk software?

Yes, most service desk platforms support data migration from existing systems. Freshservice and SysAid provide simple import options for tickets and user data, while larger platforms like ServiceNow may require more complex migration plans with API integrations or professional services.

Mission IT-possible

After diving headfirst into the world of service desk software, I’ve realized that picking the right one feels a lot like assembling my dream IT toolkit. Some tools are the everyday essentials—simple, reliable, and ready to handle the usual requests without any fuss. Others are packed with features, like a high-end power drill, offering way more than I need right now but perfect for those moments when things get complicated. 

What I’ve learned is that no single tool does it all, but there’s definitely a right fit for every team. The key is finding that balance—something powerful enough to handle tough challenges but not so overwhelming that it slows me down.

Now comes the fun part—testing things out. Sign up for free trials, poke around every feature, and see if the software can keep up with the demands of a busy IT environment. Submit tickets, automate processes, and even run reports to make sure they deliver what you need. And, of course, collect feedback from your team because nothing says “wrong choice” like frustrated coworkers dealing with clunky software every day.

In the end, finding the best service desk software isn’t just about ticking off feature lists or chasing the latest trends. It’s about making IT support smoother, more efficient, and—dare I say it—less of a headache. 

If your focus is on delivering top-notch customer service rather than internal IT support, check out the best help desk software to manage inquiries, automate responses, and enhance overall service experiences.


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