HubSpot vs Close: Which CRM Suits Your Sales Team Best?

HubSpot excels for comprehensive sales and marketing teams, while Close delivers high-volume outbound calling using its built-in calling features. HubSpot offers an all-in-one platform with a free-forever CRM and scalable paid tiers, whereas Close specializes in built-in calling features and streamlined sales workflows. This in-depth HubSpot vs Close showdown sheds light on the comparison to help you select the right CRM.

Choosing the right CRM software can make or break your team’s performance. Both HubSpot CRM and Close rank among the top contenders, but they serve distinctly different sales philosophies and team structures.

HubSpot targets small to enterprise-level businesses with multiple departments needing unified data. It’s perfect for teams combining loop marketing with structured sales processes. Close, meanwhile, focuses on startups and SMBs running high-volume outbound sales operations where calling efficiency is paramount.

HubSpot CRM Overview

HubSpot CRM stands out as a unified platform that grows with your business. Its all-in-one approach combines powerful CRM functionality with marketing automation and customer service tools.

The platform’s integration capabilities are unmatched. With over 2,000 apps in the HubSpot marketplace, teams can connect virtually any sales tool. Popular integrations include ZoomInfo for data enrichment, LinkedIn Sales Navigator for prospecting, and specialized calling solutions like JustCall, KrispCall, and CloudTalk.

HubSpot’s email sequences and automation shine for nurturing leads over time. Sales reps can create personalized email cadences that automatically un-enroll prospects when they reply or book meetings. The platform’s workflow automation triggers tasks based on deal stages, contact properties, or specific actions.

For example, a SaaS company using HubSpot can automatically assign leads to reps based on company size, trigger follow-up sequences for demo no-shows, and create tasks when deals stagnate in specific pipeline stages.

The reporting capabilities give sales managers deep insights. Custom dashboards track deal forecasting, pipeline velocity, individual rep performance, and sales cycle length. This granular visibility helps optimize sales processes and identify coaching opportunities.

Also read how HubSpot compares with Brevo, with Pipedrive, with Attio, and with Folk.

Close CRM Overview

Close CRM positions itself as the ultimate outbound sales CRM tool for teams prioritizing communication efficiency. Every feature centers around making more calls and closing more deals faster.

The CRM with built-in calling capabilities sets Close apart. Sales reps can call anyone globally with one click, send SMS messages, and access call recording for coaching purposes. All communication automatically logs to contact timelines without manual data entry.

Close’s Power Dialer transforms outbound productivity. Reps load lead lists and the system automatically dials the next prospect when calls end. This eliminates manual dialing time, helping teams achieve 300+ calls daily. The Predictive Dialer on enterprise plans calls multiple numbers simultaneously, connecting reps only to live answers.

Consider an inside sales team selling business services. With Close’s Power Dialer, each rep can systematically work through prospect lists, maintain consistent activity levels, and focus purely on conversations rather than administrative tasks.

The streamlined interface prioritizes sales activities. The unified inbox centralizes all tasks – scheduled calls, follow-up emails, and other activities – giving reps clear daily priorities without complexity.

Direct Comparison: HubSpot vs Close

A more detailed comparison between HubSpot and Close can be found here.

HubSpot calling vs Close calling features reveals the biggest differentiator. HubSpot includes calling in paid Sales Hub tiers with recording, logging, and click-to-call that work well for most teams. For advanced power dialing, HubSpot’s marketplace enables integrations with tools like JustCall, KrispCall, and CloudTalk while keeping all data unified across marketing, sales, and service. Close offers native calling but lacks HubSpot’s cross-departmental platform.

HubSpot’s free tier provides generous starting features, with paid plans scaling from $9/seat monthly for annual subscriptions. Advanced automation requires Professional tiers starting around $45/seat monthly.

Close’s calling infrastructure is purpose-built for high-volume prospecting. The Power Dialer, Predictive Dialer, and optimized workflows maximize talk time while minimizing administrative overhead.

Close eliminates free options but offers predictable per-user pricing. The Professional plan at $99/user monthly includes the Power Dialer that outbound teams need immediately.

Migration Considerations: Close to HubSpot

Teams considering migrating from Close to HubSpot must evaluate several factors. Data migration involves exporting contacts, deals, and communication logs from Close and mapping them to HubSpot’s object structure.

The workflow transformation is more significant. Teams shift from communication-centric, high-velocity outbound processes to relationship-building workflows incorporating marketing intelligence and service data.

HubSpot’s broader platform may require more team training on pipeline management, reporting capabilities, and leveraging marketing automation features unavailable in Close. That being said, the platform is known for being easy to use.

Which CRM Wins for Your Sales Team?

HubSpot CRM dominates when you need an all-in-one platform supporting marketing, sales, and service departments. Its free tier, extensive integrations, and scalable automation make it ideal for growing businesses wanting unified customer data.

Close excels for dedicated outbound sales teams prioritizing calling efficiency and streamlined workflows. Its purpose-built dialing features and sales-focused interface maximize productivity for high-volume prospecting.

For teams running complex inbound marketing campaigns alongside sales efforts, HubSpot’s integrated approach provides superior value. For inside sales teams making hundreds of daily calls, Close’s specialized tools deliver unmatched efficiency.

Ready to Choose Your Sales CRM?

Both platforms offer excellent support during setup and migration, but you’ll want to choose based on your team’s primary sales methodology: long-term relationship building with HubSpot or high-efficiency outbound calling with Close. 

For most teams, HubSpot is a great starting point. Begin with the free CRM to experience its comprehensive platform without commitment. The generous free tier includes contact management, deal tracking, and basic automation perfect for testing fit. Try HubSpot Free →

Note: Features and pricing can change. Always verify current details on the official HubSpot and Close websites before purchasing.

Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you sign up for these CRM platforms, at no additional cost to you. This helps us provide valuable content while maintaining editorial independence.

Quick Decision Checklist

• Choose HubSpot CRM if you need an all-in-one platform for marketing, sales, and service with deep reporting and 2,000+ integrations.
• Choose Close if your SDR/BDR team runs high-volume outbound with built-in calling, Power Dialer, and Predictive Dialer.
• Start on HubSpot if you want a free CRM to validate workflows before scaling to automation.
• Start on Close if immediate calling efficiency and simplified sales workflows are the priority.

HubSpot vs Close: FAQs

Is HubSpot CRM good for outbound calling?

Yes. HubSpot supports click-to-call, logging, and recording via Sales Hub tiers. For power/predictive dialing, you’ll need third-party tools like JustCall, KrispCall, and CloudTalk.

Does Close integrate with marketing tools?

Yes. Close connects with popular sales and marketing tools via native integrations, Zapier, and its API to sync leads, activities, and workflows.

Is there a free plan for Close?

Close does not have a permanent free plan but it offers a 14-day free trial. HubSpot provides a free CRM with upgrade paths.

Which is better for SMBs: HubSpot CRM or Close?

It depends on your sales motion. HubSpot often works better for most SMBs because it powers continuous growth loops that improve with every customer touchpoint. The platform helps your teams meet buyers across multiple channels. Close specializes in outbound calling efficiency for phone-first sales teams.

Can I migrate from Close to HubSpot?

Yes. Export contacts, deals, and activity logs from Close, map them to HubSpot objects, and rebuild workflows using HubSpot automation. Consider using migration partners or HubSpot services.

How do HubSpot vs Close pricing models compare?

HubSpot offers a free tier with paid Sales Hub plans scaling by features and seats. Close uses straightforward per-user pricing with outbound calling features available on higher tiers. Always confirm current pricing on their sites.