FreeScout
latestCategory: Communication & Chat
Overview
FreeScout is a free open source help desk and shared inbox system. It's a self-hosted alternative to HelpScout, Zendesk, and similar services that allows you to manage customer communications through email and a clean web interface. FreeScout makes it easy to organize support requests, track customer conversations, and collaborate with your team.
Primary Use Cases
Host team messaging, threaded channels, and video conferencing without per-user SaaS fees.
Run open-source community forums, discussion boards, and customer support shared inboxes.
Deploy Matrix or XMPP federated chat homeservers for sovereign end-to-end encrypted messaging.
Key Features
- Real-time messaging with typing indicators, emoji reactions, and voice notes
- Mobile and desktop apps with native push notifications
- Granular channel permissions, roles, and guest access
- Comprehensive audit logs and compliance archiving
Container Specification
freescout:latest
latest
Automated Let's Encrypt (Caddy / Traefik)
Managed host volume mounts
How to Deploy FreeScout with tug.sh
Connect your Linux server
Run the 1-line tug.sh agent install command on any Ubuntu, Debian, or Rocky Linux VPS.
Select FreeScout from the Marketplace
Pick your domain name, configure custom environment variables if needed, and choose your persistent storage folder.
Click Deploy & Go Live
tug.sh pulls the container, sets up HTTPS certificates, configures the reverse proxy, and boots the service in under 60 seconds.
Deploy on Your Server
Experience effortless self-hosting. Deploy FreeScout on Hetzner, DigitalOcean, or your home lab with zero maintenance headaches.
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