Comparing Close and Zoho

About Close

Close is a CRM built for small and medium sales teams that need to make calls and send emails at scale. It includes calling tools like auto-dialers and predictive dialers, along with email automation and pipeline tracking. The software focuses on outbound sales activities rather than marketing, so teams looking for broader automation features would need to integrate with other tools. It connects with common business software through direct integrations and an API, though the per-user pricing can become expensive as teams grow.

About Zoho

Zoho CRM is part of a broader business software suite that handles basic sales automation like lead and deal management alongside features like journey orchestration and AI assistance. The system connects to phone services through integrations rather than built-in calling, and offers what the company claims are many third-party integrations. Pricing appears to start around $23 per user monthly with more advanced features like AI and analytics restricted to higher tiers. It seems designed for teams that want CRM functionality tied into a larger ecosystem of business tools rather than specialized sales workflows.

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 easy-to-use interface and strong built-in communication tools, including an auto dialer that helps consolidate multiple sales functions into one CRM platform. Users appreciate how it streamlines sales pipeline management and lead tracking, saving time by keeping all records in one centralized location. However, some users note that it requires manual work and scripting, and may be better suited for small to midsize teams rather than larger organizations.

Based on reviews, Zoho appears to be valued primarily for its affordability and comprehensive feature set, with users frequently highlighting its excellent value for money, extensive customization options, and strong integration capabilities across the Zoho suite. Many users indicate that while there's an initial learning curve, the platform becomes user-friendly once mastered and offers powerful functionality that can scale with business needs. However, users commonly report challenges with mobile app navigation, slower customer support response times, and occasional performance issues, particularly when working with large datasets.

Comparison

Close

Based on reviews, Close is praised for its intuitive interface and powerful built-in communication tools that streamline sales workflows. Users appreciate the fast setup process and integrated calling features, though note that per-seat pricing can become expensive for larger teams.

Zoho

Based on reviews, Zoho is valued for its affordability and comprehensive feature set across the broader business suite. Users highlight its extensive customization options and integration capabilities, though commonly report challenges with mobile app navigation and slower customer support response times.

Built-in Calling

Close includes native calling functionality with Power Dialer and Predictive Dialer options built directly into the platform. This eliminates the need for separate telephony providers and keeps all communication centralized within the CRM interface.

Zoho connects to phone services through PhoneBridge integrations or third-party PBX systems rather than offering built-in calling capabilities. Users must configure external telephony providers, which can add complexity and additional costs to the setup process.

SMS Integration

Close provides integrated SMS functionality across all tiers, allowing sales reps to send text messages directly from the CRM platform. This multi-channel approach keeps all prospect communications in one centralized location for better tracking and follow-up.

Zoho does not include native SMS capabilities and requires third-party integrations to enable text messaging functionality. Teams needing SMS outreach would need to add separate tools or services to achieve this capability.

Email Automation

Close offers email sequences and automation workflows designed specifically for sales outreach and follow-up campaigns. The platform includes an AI Email Assistant to help streamline email creation and improve response rates.

Zoho provides email automation features as part of its broader CRM functionality, with capabilities that extend into marketing automation workflows. The system includes journey orchestration tools for more complex multi-touch campaigns.

Mobile App

Close includes a mobile app that maintains the platform's focus on sales productivity and communication tools. The mobile interface provides access to calling, texting, and email functionality for sales reps working remotely or in the field.

Zoho offers mobile functionality, though reviews commonly mention navigation challenges and a clunky user experience on mobile devices. The mobile app provides access to CRM features but may require more effort to navigate effectively.

AI Features

Close includes AI Email Assistant functionality with optional AI Call Assistant available as an add-on feature. These tools focus specifically on improving sales communication and call analysis for better prospecting outcomes.

Zoho provides Zia AI starting at the Enterprise tier, offering broader AI assistance across multiple business functions. The AI capabilities extend beyond sales into analytics and business intelligence for more comprehensive insights.

Marketing Tools

Close focuses exclusively on sales functionality and does not include built-in marketing automation features. Teams requiring marketing capabilities would need to integrate with separate marketing platforms or tools.

Zoho includes marketing automation features as part of its broader business suite approach, offering tools for lead nurturing, campaign management, and customer journey orchestration beyond pure sales activities.

Third-party Integrations

Close offers a curated marketplace of integrations including popular tools like Calendly, Zapier, and Microsoft 365. The platform provides 80+ direct integrations plus API access for custom connections.

Zoho provides extensive integration capabilities with over 1,100 ready-to-use integrations across its ecosystem. The platform offers deep connections with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and numerous third-party business applications.

Conclusion

Close works best for small to medium sales teams that prioritize outbound calling and need streamlined sales workflows without complexity. The platform's built-in communication tools and fast setup make it ideal for startups, SaaS companies, and inside sales teams focused on high-volume prospecting activities.

Zoho may suit teams that need broader business functionality beyond pure sales, particularly those already using other Zoho products or requiring extensive customization options. However, teams prioritizing calling efficiency and sales-focused workflows will likely find Close's integrated approach more effective for achieving faster results and better sales productivity.

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