Zoho Zia pricing and alternatives
Zoho publishes prices, but doesn't say which plan includes the AI features of Zia. There's a free plan and a 15-day free trial.
What does Zia do?
Zia is the AI built into Zoho Desk, a help desk that gathers support conversations into one inbox. Autonomous AI agents handle routine issues end to end and hand off to people when needed, while Zia drafts responses and surfaces insights.
What else should you know about Zia?
Zia is priced per seat. Zoho doesn't state any security or compliance standard.
| Fact | As stated | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Prices published, but not the plan with the AI | Oct 17, 2026 |
| Pricing model | Per seat | Oct 17, 2026 |
| Free plan | Yes | Oct 17, 2026 |
| Free trial | Yes, 15 days | Oct 17, 2026 |
Who is Zia for, and what's the catch?
Suits a support team of up to three that wants to start without paying: Zoho Desk's free plan offers three user licenses, and there is a 15-day free trial. Which plan includes Zia isn't stated.
The catch: the pricing page showed Indian rupees, so check the US price before you buy, and paid plans are per user. Front AI states a US price: Starter is $25 per seat a month billed annually, plus Autopilot from $0.05 per conversation.
What are the alternatives to Zia?
Other AI customer service software to compare with Zia are Chatling (from $21 per month, billed annually), Chatbase (from $32 per month, billed annually) and Lyro AI Agent (from $32.50 per month).
| Tool | Price as stated | Free plan or trial | Compliance it states | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChatlingChatling · Vendor site | From $21 per month, billed annually | Free plan | GDPR | Oct 17, 2026 |
| ChatbaseChatbase · Vendor site | From $32 per month, billed annually | Free trial (7 days) | SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, Mentions HIPAA | Oct 17, 2026 |
| Lyro AI AgentTidio · Vendor site | From $32.50 per month | Free plan, Free trial (7 days) | SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, Mentions HIPAA | Oct 17, 2026 |
| HugoCrisp · Vendor site | From $45 per month | Free trial (14 days) | Not stated | Oct 17, 2026 |
| BotpressBotpress · Vendor site | From $150 per month, billed annually | Free plan, Free trial | GDPR, Mentions HIPAA, SOC 2 Type II | Oct 17, 2026 |