# Top Knowledge Base Software for Self-Service (2026)

Top Knowledge Base Software for Self-Service (2026)

Great KBs reduce tickets and improve CX. Here’s how Zendesk Guide, HelpDocs, and Document360 compare in 2026—search, AI answers, permissions, and pricing.

Quick Picks

• Best if you use Zendesk already: Zendesk Guide
• Best simplicity + speed: HelpDocs
• Best for versioning/roles and analytics: Document360

Pricing Snapshot (2026)

What to Look For

• Fast search with typo tolerance and AI answer snippets.
• Permissions: public, private, internal, and per-category controls.
• Content workflows: drafts, approvals, versioning, rollback.
• Analytics: views, searches with no results, article feedback.
• Embeds and widget for in-app help.

Tool Notes

Zendesk Guide

• Strong if you run Zendesk; integrates with tickets/macros.
• Theming with Guide themes; good search; AI answer features evolving.
• Requires Suite licensing; cost tied to agents.

HelpDocs

• Clean UI, fast setup; good search; easy categories.
• Light workflows; markdown-friendly; widget for in-app help.
• Great for SMBs; fewer enterprise controls.

Document360

• Deep versioning, workflows, and roles; strong analytics.
• Private/public portals; good for product/engineering docs.
• Higher cost; richer controls for larger teams.

Setup Checklist (30–60 Minutes)

• Define IA: 4–6 top categories; consistent naming.
• Import or draft 20–40 core articles (setup, billing, troubleshooting).
• Add search synonyms; track searches with no results.
• Embed widget in your app/site; add 5 featured articles.

Final Recommendation

Use Zendesk Guide if you’re on Zendesk and want tight ticket integration. Choose HelpDocs for a fast, simple KB. Choose Document360 if you need roles, versioning, and analytics for larger teams.