Comparing Close and HubSpot

About Close

Close is a CRM built for sales teams that combines contact management with built-in calling and texting tools. It lets you set up automated email sequences, track deals through multiple pipelines, and dial prospects directly from the platform without switching between different apps. The software focuses specifically on sales activities rather than broader marketing functions, so you won't find things like landing page builders or lead magnets. Teams can apparently get up and running fairly quickly, though the per-user pricing means costs can climb as you add more people.

About HubSpot

HubSpot is a customer platform that started with a free CRM and expanded into separate hubs for marketing, sales, service, content, and operations. The system lets you build automated workflows, track deals through sales pipelines, and manage customer interactions across email, forms, and basic calling features. Most of the useful sales automation, conversation intelligence, and advanced reporting sits behind the Professional and Enterprise tiers, which require onboarding fees. It connects to a large marketplace of third-party apps and works best for teams that want to eventually use multiple parts of the platform together rather than just sales tools alone.

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 intuitive interface and unified communication platform that combines email, calling, and SMS with powerful automation features, making it particularly well-suited for small to midsize sales teams. Users consistently highlight the ease of use and robust built-in communication tools like the auto dialer, though some note there can be an initial learning curve. However, reviewers frequently mention concerns about pricing being higher than competitors and limited workflow customization options compared to other CRM platforms.

Based on reviews, HubSpot appears to be well-regarded as an all-in-one CRM platform, with users frequently praising its user-friendly interface, comprehensive functionality, and generous free plan that supports unlimited users. Many users appreciate the strong automation workflows, lead scoring capabilities, and seamless integration between sales and marketing functions. However, some users report concerns about expensive pricing as businesses scale, performance issues including slow loading times, and declining customer service quality.

Comparison

Close

Based on reviews, Close is recognized for its intuitive interface and streamlined workflow design that helps sales reps work efficiently. Users consistently highlight the platform's powerful integrated calling tools, including auto-dialers and automated call logging capabilities.

HubSpot

Based on reviews, HubSpot appears to be well-regarded as an all-in-one CRM platform, with users frequently praising its user-friendly interface and comprehensive functionality. However, some users report concerns about expensive pricing as businesses scale and performance issues including slow loading times.

Built-in Dialer

Close includes native power and predictive dialing capabilities directly within the CRM, allowing sales teams to make calls without switching between different applications. The platform offers automated call logging and seamless integration with contact records and deal tracking.

HubSpot does not include built-in dialing functionality in its core CRM offering. Users typically need to integrate third-party calling solutions or use basic click-to-call features that rely on external phone systems.

Email Sequences

Close provides robust email sequence automation that integrates with calling and SMS workflows, allowing for coordinated multi-channel outreach campaigns. The platform enables sales teams to create automated follow-up sequences that trigger based on prospect behavior and engagement.

HubSpot offers comprehensive email sequence capabilities, particularly in its Professional and Enterprise tiers. The platform includes advanced automation features, A/B testing, and detailed analytics for email performance tracking.

Free Plan

Close does not offer a free plan, with pricing starting at the Solo tier for individual users. The platform provides a 14-day free trial to evaluate features before committing to a paid subscription.

HubSpot provides a generous free CRM plan that includes unlimited users and up to 1 million contacts. The free tier offers basic CRM functionality, though advanced sales automation and reporting features require paid upgrades.

Marketing Automation

Close focuses exclusively on sales automation and does not include marketing automation features like lead nurturing campaigns, landing page builders, or lead magnets. The platform is designed specifically for sales teams rather than broader marketing functions.

HubSpot offers comprehensive marketing automation through its Marketing Hub, including lead nurturing workflows, email marketing campaigns, and content management tools. The platform enables seamless integration between sales and marketing activities.

SMS Integration

Close includes native SMS messaging capabilities that integrate directly with calling and email workflows. Sales teams can send text messages, set up SMS sequences, and track all communication from a unified inbox.

HubSpot does not include native SMS functionality in its standard offering. Users typically need to integrate third-party SMS solutions or use marketplace apps to add texting capabilities.

Fast Setup

Close is designed for rapid deployment, with most teams able to onboard and start using the platform within days. The streamlined interface and sales-focused feature set minimize the complexity of initial configuration and user training.

HubSpot typically requires more extensive setup time due to its comprehensive feature set and multiple hub offerings. Professional and Enterprise tiers include mandatory onboarding fees and guided implementation processes that can extend the initial deployment timeline.

Conclusion

Close is best suited for sales-focused teams at SMBs and startups that prioritize outbound calling and need to get up and running quickly. The platform excels for inside sales teams that rely heavily on phone-based prospecting and want unified communication tools without the complexity of broader marketing features. Teams that value fast deployment and intuitive workflows will find Close particularly appealing.

HubSpot works well for organizations that want to eventually integrate sales with marketing and service functions on a single platform. The free CRM makes it accessible for teams just starting out, while the comprehensive feature set and extensive app marketplace support more complex, cross-functional requirements. Companies planning to scale across multiple departments or that need robust marketing automation alongside their CRM should consider HubSpot's broader platform approach.

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