Comparing Close and HighLevel

About Close

Close is a CRM built specifically for sales teams that need to make calls and send emails at scale. It combines the usual pipeline tracking with built-in phone and email tools, so salespeople can dial prospects and run email sequences without switching between different apps. The interface focuses on speed—teams can apparently get up and running in days rather than weeks. It's aimed at smaller, fast-moving sales teams rather than large enterprises, though the per-seat pricing can become expensive as teams grow.

About HighLevel

HighLevel is an all-in-one platform that combines CRM, marketing automation, and website building tools designed for agencies to manage client accounts. The platform allows users to create funnels, landing pages, and automated workflows that span email, SMS, voice, and social media messaging. It operates on a white-label model where agencies can rebrand the software and resell it to their clients through sub-accounts. HighLevel uses flat account-based pricing rather than per-user fees, and includes integrations with various third-party tools through what the company describes as an app marketplace.

What do users say?

We've used AI to analyze a number of reviews from third-party sites like G2, Reddit, and Capterra, and here's what the AI found:

Based on reviews, Close is praised for its user-friendly interface and excellent built-in communication tools, particularly its auto dialer and calling features that help streamline the sales process. Users appreciate the strong email sync and integration capabilities, as well as how it consolidates multiple sales tools into one platform, making it well-suited for small to midsize sales teams focused on outbound sales. However, some users note that it may require manual work and scripting, and may lack some advanced features for enterprise-size teams.

Based on reviews, HighLevel is praised as an all-in-one platform that combines CRM, email marketing, funnels, and automation capabilities, with users appreciating its comprehensive feature set, drag-and-drop funnel builder, white-label capabilities for agencies, and strong value proposition compared to using multiple separate tools. Users commonly note that while the platform offers extensive functionality and regular feature updates, it comes with a steep learning curve and can be complex to set up initially, requiring significant time investment to master. Overall, reviewers tend to view HighLevel as a solid jack-of-all-trades solution that may not excel in every individual area but provides good value through its integrated approach, though some users report occasional technical issues and slower support response times.

Comparison

Close

Based on reviews, Close is recognized for its intuitive interface and powerful built-in communication tools, particularly its auto-dialer and call logging capabilities that streamline sales workflows. Users appreciate the strong email automation features and fast setup process, with teams typically onboarding in just days rather than weeks.

HighLevel

Based on reviews, HighLevel is praised as a comprehensive all-in-one platform that combines CRM, marketing automation, and funnel building capabilities with white-label options for agencies. However, users commonly note the steep learning curve and complex initial setup process, which can require significant time investment to master the extensive feature set.

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Sales Focus

Close is specifically designed as a sales-first CRM, with every feature optimized for sales teams who need to make calls, send emails, and close deals efficiently. The platform prioritizes sales workflows and pipeline management over broader marketing functions.

HighLevel takes an all-in-one approach that spans marketing, sales, and client management, making it less specialized for pure sales activities. While it includes CRM functionality, its primary focus is on comprehensive marketing automation and agency management rather than dedicated sales processes.

Built-in Dialer

Close includes powerful integrated calling tools across its plans, featuring auto-dialers, call logging, and advanced dialing capabilities like Power and Predictive Dialers in higher tiers. These tools are native to the platform and designed specifically for high-volume sales calling.

HighLevel offers voice messaging capabilities within its multi-channel automation workflows but lacks the specialized dialing tools that dedicated sales teams require. The platform focuses more on automated voice drops and messaging rather than live calling functionality.

Marketing Automation

Close is intentionally sales-focused and does not include built-in marketing automation features like lead nurturing campaigns, landing page builders, or comprehensive marketing funnels. Teams needing marketing automation would require separate tools or integrations.

HighLevel excels in marketing automation with features like drag-and-drop funnel builders, multi-channel campaigns, landing page creation, and comprehensive lead nurturing workflows. This makes it particularly strong for agencies managing complete marketing campaigns for clients.

White Label

Close operates as a standalone CRM solution without white-label capabilities, as it's designed for direct use by sales teams rather than resale or client management scenarios. The platform focuses on being the best possible tool for the end user rather than providing rebrandable solutions.

HighLevel is built around white-label functionality, allowing agencies to rebrand the platform and create unlimited sub-accounts for clients. This makes it particularly valuable for service providers who want to offer CRM and marketing tools under their own brand.

Per-User Pricing

Close uses a traditional per-user pricing model with tiered plans ranging from $9-$149 per user per month, which allows smaller teams to start affordably but can become expensive as teams grow. This model aligns costs directly with team size and usage.

HighLevel uses flat account-based pricing at $97-$297 per month regardless of user count, which can provide significant savings for larger teams or agencies managing multiple clients. The unlimited user model works well for agencies with varying team sizes across different accounts.

Fast Setup

Close is designed for rapid deployment, with most teams able to get up and running within days rather than weeks. The streamlined interface and sales-focused feature set reduce complexity during implementation, allowing teams to start seeing value quickly.

HighLevel requires more extensive setup time due to its comprehensive feature set and complexity. Users commonly report a steep learning curve and the need for significant time investment to properly configure and master the platform's extensive capabilities.

Conclusion

Close is ideal for small to midsize sales teams that prioritize calling, email outreach, and deal closing efficiency. Its sales-first approach, intuitive interface, and powerful built-in communication tools make it particularly valuable for inside sales teams, SaaS companies, and startups that need to move quickly and focus on revenue generation without the complexity of broader marketing features.

HighLevel serves marketing agencies and service providers who need a comprehensive platform to manage multiple client accounts with full marketing automation capabilities. Its white-label functionality, unlimited user pricing, and extensive feature set make it well-suited for agencies that want to provide complete marketing and CRM solutions to their clients, though teams should be prepared for a longer learning curve and setup process.