- Zoho CRM: Best overall
- Salesforce: Best for targeted email marketing
- monday sales CRM: Best for teams
- Apptivo: Best reasonably priced CRM software
- Agile CRM: Best free plan
- Bitrix24: Best for large teams
- Nimble CRM: Best for companies active on social media
- HoneyBook: Best for independent service-based businesses
- Salesmate: Best for startups
Updated: Mar 28, 2024, 7:38pm
HubSpot is a leading customer relationship management (CRM) platform that provides a comprehensive suite of tools encompassing marketing, sales and customer service functionalities. Businesses flock to HubSpot for its robust set of features that streamline client interactions, lead nurturing and conversion. However, while HubSpot may be an industry juggernaut, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether due to pricing, specialization needs or feature preferences, businesses sometimes seek alternatives. In this article, we delve into the top nine alternatives to HubSpot to help you find a CRM platform that best aligns with your business objectives.
The Best HubSpot Alternatives of 2024
Methodology
To determine the best HubSpot alternative, our team evaluated numerous CRM platforms. We compared various characteristics such as ease of use, feature set, cost, integrations, customer support and user reviews. We considered whether the alternative CRM platforms excelled in areas including key integrations, pipeline management, customization capabilities and other key business functionalities. By combining this with our expert analysis, we were able to select the optimal HubSpot alternative for businesses:
- Pricing and fees (24%): We examined if the CRM displayed pricing on its website, monthly prices and if the platform offered a free version or free trial. In addition, we considered the month-to-month subscription cost versus the yearly subscription cost. Pricing accounts for 24% of the CRM’s overall rating.
- General features (32%): The largest bulk of the score went toward features. Our team examined the inclusion of features such as reporting and analytics tools, a document management library, integration with email applications, support for multiple currencies for international businesses and more.
- Additional features (16%): In addition, our team considered advanced features. Those additional features include the addition of client portals, ability to automate parts of the sales and marketing process, mobile app and sales forecasting. These additional features accounted for 16% of the total score.
- Service and support (12%): It is not uncommon for users of technology to need support in order to set up the CRM platform or resolve issues while using it. We examined each CRM provider’s level of support and speed in which they respond to customer queries. We gave points to platforms that had a live chat feature, a knowledge base, phone support and 24/7 customer support. This accounted for 12% of the overall score.
- Expert score (16%): Our experts considered additional criteria to determine the best alternatives to HubSpot. They include standout features, ease of use, popularity and value for money. The expert analysis formed the final 16% of the total score.
Compare HubSpot Competitors
Company | Forbes Advisor Rating | Free plan | Starting price for paid plan | Best feature | LEARN MORE | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HubSpot | ![]() |
3.8 | ![]() |
Yes | $18 per user per month | Paid ad tracking | Learn More | On HubSpot's Website | |
Zoho CRM | ![]() |
4.8 | ![]() |
Yes | $14 per user, per month | Automation on all plans | Learn More | On Zoho's Website | |
Salesforce | ![]() |
4.3 | ![]() |
No | $25 per user per month | Email studio | Learn More | On Salesforce's Website | |
monday sales CRM | ![]() |
4.2 | ![]() |
Yes | $8 per user per month | Workload view | Learn More | On monday.com's Website | |
Apptivo | ![]() |
4.2 | ![]() |
No | $8 per user per month | 24/7 live chat support | Learn More | Via partner site | |
Agile CRM | ![]() |
4.1 | ![]() |
Yes | $8.99 per month | Ability to gamify sales | Learn More | Via partner site | |
Bitrix24 | ![]() |
4.0 | ![]() |
Yes | $49 per month | Self-hosted feature | Learn More | Via partner site | |
Nimble CRM | ![]() |
4.0 | ![]() |
No | $24.90 per user per month | Prospector tool | Learn More | Via partner site | |
HoneyBook | ![]() |
4.0 | ![]() |
No | $8 per user per month | HoneyBook AI | Learn More | On HoneyBook’s Website | |
Salesmate | ![]() |
3.9 | ![]() |
No | $23 per user per month | Built-in calling | Learn More | Via partner site |
Learn More:
What To Look For in a HubSpot Alternative
When searching for a HubSpot alternative, it’s crucial to first understand your company’s specific needs and goals. Not every company has the same marketing, sales or service requirements. Before diving into features and prices, businesses need to have a clear understanding of what they want to achieve with a CRM. Are you more focused on lead generation, sales conversion or customer service? A clear sense of direction will help in narrowing down options, ensuring that the chosen software serves long-term strategic aims rather than just short-term needs.
Also, consider the ease of use and the key features offered by the CRM. A system may be robust, but if it’s too complex for your team to use, its features might end up underutilized. Look for platforms with intuitive interfaces and good user experience ratings. Additionally, consider the key features. HubSpot is known for its inbound marketing features, but your business may have other needs. A CRM with powerful social media integration, advanced analytics or superior customer support might serve you better.
Finally, it is important to consider the final monthly or yearly cost of the CRM platform. Consider your budget and examine the CRM’s pricing structure carefully. Is it priced per user or on the range of features? Is there a free plan or a free trial to test the waters before committing? Besides the base price, consider any potential additional costs including training, support or integration with other systems.
Is HubSpot the Best CRM
HubSpot enjoys immense popularity as a leading CRM platform primarily due to its comprehensive offerings, powerful inbound marketing tools and ease of use. Its seamless integration of marketing, sales and customer service functionalities allows businesses to benefit from interconnected solutions. The platform’s adaptability, catering to both small businesses and large enterprises, further cements its prominent position in the CRM landscape.
HubSpot Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Core CRM software is free
- Extensive sales team management features
- Plans include up to 15 million contacts
Cons:
- Teams only on top-tier plans
- Top two tier plans are expensive
- Only one email per contact
HubSpot Cost
HubSpot has a tiered pricing structure to cater to varying business needs. It offers a free version of the CRM that includes tools for marketing, sales, service, CMS and operations. Paid plans start at $18 per month for two users for its Sales Hub and Service Hub or $18 per month for 1,000 contacts in its Marketing Hub. Each “Hub” offered by HubSpot (Sales, Marketing, Service) has a distinct pricing strategy that includes more advanced features and increased user limits as the pricing plan escalates. The pricing also quickly escalates with the increase in features. For example, while the Marketing Hub Starter plan starts at $18 per month, the Professional plan starts at $800 per month.
HubSpot also offers an integrated solution called the CRM Suite that combines all the available “Hub” features. Rather than focusing on a per-user pricing approach, the cost depends on the Hubs you adopt and the scale of operations. The CRM Suite Starter plan is $20 per month (if billed annually), but ramps up to $1,600 per month (if billed annually) for the Professional plan.
When To Choose a Competitor Over HubSpot
There are several situations when it might be appropriate to choose another CRM platform over HubSpot. One common reason is if you find HubSpot’s tiered pricing structure too expensive or if you’re paying for features you don’t use. Also, if you find your team is struggling with the usability of HubSpot or if the platform doesn’t integrate well with your current systems, a simpler or more compatible CRM might suit your needs better. Lastly, if your business needs lean more towards specific features not offered or not comprehensively addressed by HubSpot—such as advanced social media integration or specific sales methodologies—a specialized alternative could bring more value. Prioritizing your company’s specific demands and budget over a one-size-fits-all product may lead to greater growth and success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What's better than HubSpot?
Determining what CRM software system is “better” than HubSpot largely depends on specific business needs, goals and preferences. While HubSpot is a comprehensive CRM platform, other platforms such as Salesforce might offer more advanced functionalities for larger enterprises, while Zoho CRM can be more cost-effective for smaller businesses.
Is there a free alternative to HubSpot?
Yes, there are free alternatives to HubSpot. One notable option is Zoho CRM, which offers a free plan that caters to the basic needs of small businesses. Another option, Bitrix24, offers a wide range of CRM tools to an unlimited number of users for free. Both made our recent list of Best Free CRM Systems. All these platforms allow businesses to manage customer interactions without the financial commitment of HubSpot’s paid tiers.
What are platforms such as HubSpot called?
Platforms such as HubSpot are called customer relationship management (CRM) software. These platforms connect various departments including marketing, sales and customer service and help organize notes, activities and metrics into one cohesive system. CRM technology is designed to help businesses build and grow relationships across the entire customer life cycle.
Do I need a CRM for my business?
Most businesses would benefit from the use of CRM software. CRMs can help with anything from basic contact management to advanced sales pipeline management. If you sell a product or service that requires lead nurturing, or manage ongoing client relationships, then a CRM is probably right for you.