Tired of HubSpot’s limits and costs? Start your switch with these 7 Hubspot alternatives today.
Expensive. Limited. Rigid. That’s probably the first thought popping into your head when you think of HubSpot. Let us guess. You’ve been using HubSpot for some time, and now looking for HubSpot alternatives. You’re tired of its complexity and high costs but don’t want to break the budget with another CRM like Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics. Well, we got you.
In this article, we’ve already researched the best alternatives to HubSpot that can help you manage your sales without sacrificing affordability or functionality.
Here is why businesses are switching to HubSpot competitors
As one of the top CRM platforms, HubSpot has been on the market for almost 2 decades. More than 200 thousand companies use HubSpot CRM for customer data and marketing campaign management.
But if everything is so perfect, why do customers still switch to HubSpot competitors like NetHunt?
To answer this tricky question, we’ve researched customer reviews, tried HubSpot CRM ourselves, and here are the HubSpot CRM drawbacks we’ve found:
- HubSpot offers a complex pricing structure.Sure, it has a free plan, but all the best stuff like smart reporting and advanced sales automation are part of the costlier plans. Plus, HubSpot’s functionality is organized into separate hubs with multiple pricing tiers, making everything even more confusing and overwhelming. Plus, you’ll have to pay for each hub ADDITIONALLY.
- Running outbound sales is difficult.Cold outreach isn’t simply at the core of HubSpot’s marketing philosophy. According to users, the platform's limitations in handling multi-channel sequences make the process cumbersome. Many users find that they need to implement additional tools to effectively manage engagement across multiple channels as HubSpot’s native options are often insufficient.
- Low level of customization.Users are limited to predefined field types, rigid pipelines, and basic reporting in lower-tier plans. HubSpot offers a good level of customization, but it falls short when it comes to creating ultra-customizable workflows— the system is either restricted or requires a highly expensive higher-tier plan.
- Long onboarding process.For some users, it takes up to 3 months to learn the system. They admit that HubSpot is less intuitive compared to other HubSpot CRM competitors that focus more on the ease of use and setup.
- Poor data migration.Migrating your data from other systems might be a hassle with data loss and inaccuracies, especially when it comes to multiple custom objects and high data volumes.
Top 7 HubSpot CRM alternatives
Below, we’re going to compare the top 7 alternatives to HubSpot so you can choose CRM system that fits you the best. So, let’s start our list with the alternative to HubSpot #1 - NetHunt CRM.
#1: NetHunt CRM
Meet your go-to HubSpot alternative that doesn’t require you to upgrade to pricey plans every time you need an automation or feel confined to rigid sales pipelines. As an alternative to HubSpot CRM, NetHunt is built directly into Gmail, offering simplicity and ease of use without compromising functionality.
Feature-rich and highly customizable, NetHunt helps you build workflows that are truly yours, including robust outbound/inbound reach and flexible sales pipelines.
Build robust outbound sales strategies
An alternative HubSpot would have been a system that considers the importance of outreach. However, companies like HubSpot put the inbound efforts first. But how do you build a solid base from the ground up without proper outreach? No worries! With NetHunt CRM, you can reach leads across multiple channels, build drip campaigns, update records based on prospects behaviour, etc.
Get more leads with native social media and LinkedIn integration
This is where NetHunt CRM truly wins the HubSpot vs NetHunt competition. As one of the best HubSpot alternatives, NetHunt considers the importance of outbound and inbound marketing equally. The system natively integrates with the most popular social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, top messengers like Whatsapp, and LinkedIn.
Yeap, you don’t need Zapier to do all these amazing things from day one:
- Build multi-channel sequences for advanced lead nurturing
- Communicate aka receive/send messages to LinkedIn and messengers within NetHunt CRM
- Manage LinkedIn inbox right within the CRM
- Link customer conversations to CRM records
- Set follow-ups with trigger-based sequences
- View the entire interaction history with your clients in the Timeline section
Ultra-customize your CRM with additional objects and fields
HubSpot offers a seven-stage pipeline by default. At first, this might sound like a blessing, but it might be too complex for businesses with simple sales funnels. You can customize pipelines to some degree, but you’ll still be left with restricted field types and objects. But with NetHunt CRM, you can create elements that go far beyond basic customer data fields and standard sales stages. You can:
- Create multiple ultra-customizable sales pipelines with the necessary number and titles of the stages
- Add new deals, their value, probability of closing, and expected close date
- Track deals’ progress through the pipeline stages
- Automatically assign tasks to team members based on deal’s changes
With HubSpot’s Free and Starter plans, you can only create 1-2 sales pipelines respectively. Meanwhile, NetHunt CRM allows you to build multiple pipelines for any area of your business regardless of the plan you choose.
NetHunt CRM doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg
$48 vs $320. We’ve done our math, and that’s how much it takes to get the same average functionality in NetHunt vs HubSpot. Most competitors to HubSpot, including NetHunt, make sure their plans include both sales and marketing functionality. However, HubSpot offers separate hubs, which means you have to pay twice.
Plus, you won’t get the necessary functionality with starter plans. HubSpot's Marketing Starter plan starts at €15/user monthly, but contact limits quickly push enterprises to pricier plans, starting at €792 for 3 seats, plus €45 per extra user — without including the Sales Hub.
In short, you don’t have to upgrade to higher-priced plans if you need more seats or pay skyrocketing fees for additional users with NetHunt CRM — enjoy no hidden fees, you’re welcome 😉
NetHunt CRM limitations
- The functionality might not be enough for larger enterprises.
- Limited to Gmail users at the moment
💰Pricing plans and free trial
A 14-day free trial period available. The plans range from Basic to Advanced ($24-96 per user/month respectively).
#2: Pipedrive
100 000 companies are already using Pipedrive. As a HubSpot competitor, Pipedrive offers robust sales pipeline management and team collaboration features.
With Pipedrive functionality, you can:
- Get activity reminders and segment leads for better targeting and efficient marketing campaigns
- Track and log leads and deals, auto-track calls and emails
- Organize leads and track performance data
- Integrate Pipedrive with useful tools like PandaDoc and Outlook
According to ‘alternatives HubSpot’ user reviews, Pipedrive is best for:
- Middle-scale businesses and generally teams with longer sales cycles
- Companies with workflows that are heavily based on follow-up reminders
Pipedrive CRM advantages
- Clear intuitive interface
- More affordable compared to other HubSpot CRM alternatives for middle businesses and large enterprises
- Offers a mobile CRM application
Pipedrive CRM limitations
- Users can create and customize fields as a part of more expensive plans
- The lack of robust sales automation features makes Pipedrive not the most suitable solution for enterprise-level management
- To add efficiency to Pipedrive CRM, you’ll have to pay some extra money for add-on modules
- Not the best fit for large email campaigns
💰Pricing Plans
You can try any plan for free. The pricing plans range from $12 to $79 per user monthly.
#3: Zoho CRM
In the HubSpot competition, Zoho CRM is known as a system that offers a similar suite of features as HubSpot but at a more affordable price point. The tool is also a way more cost-effective solution for large-level enterprises compared to Microsoft Dynamics and Salesforce.
This is what you can expect from Zoho CRM:
- AI sales assistant Zia that helps teams address customer issues faster and easier
- Scalable functionality that grows with your business
- Standard collaboration options (no need for third-party integration in this case)
- Strong focus on sales - sell more with robust sales communication and comprehensive sales reports
- Integrates with Xero, Woocommerce, and WordPress along with 50 Zoho products
Zoho CRM is best for:
- Businesses looking for extensive customization and multiple integrations
- Companies looking for AI-driven insights
Zoho CRM advantages
- You can try any plan for free and see if it fits your workflow
- With Zoho, you get your own AI assistant
- Smart reporting
- Vast integration capabilities
Zoho CRM limitations
- Most users admit that the system is slow and confusing
- The integration is not as seamless as one would like it to be, even with Zoho native products
- Users occasionally experience lagging when two or more teams are working in the CRM simultaneously. The bigger the team - the higher the level of lagging
💰Pricing Plans
There is a free trial for all plans. AI functionality comes as a part of the Enterprise plan (€40). Meanwhile, plans range from €14 to €52 per user monthly.
#4: Freshsales
A product by Freshworks, Freshsales is a cheaper alternative to HubSpot that helps businesses generate more leads, capture, qualify, and track them. With Kanban views and drag-and-drop cards, users can easily manage their sales pipelines and get AI-powered insights with the help of Freddy AI assistant.
This is what to expect from Freshsales CRM:
- Freddy AI. This virtual assistant offers insights, highlights the hottest leads, and even generates personalized emails, adding a nice touch to the company’s marketing campaigns
- Social media integration with WhatsApp, Apple Business Chat, Facebook Messenger
- Trigger-based campaigns
- Advanced sales reports
- Layout customization
Freshsales CRM is perfect for:
- Startups looking for robust functionality and clarity at the same time
- Businesses that are looking for AI functionality but don't want to break the budget
Freshsales CRM advantages
- AI assistant
- Affordability
- Robust social media integration
Freshsales CRM limitations
- Might not be suitable for large enterprises
- The lack of advanced analytics
💰Pricing Plans
There is a 21-day free trial. Pricing plans range between $9 and $59 per user monthly.
#5: Brevo
Brevo, formerly Sendinblue, is an affordable HubSpot alternative that helps businesses get a unified view of customer data. The solution strongly focuses on email management and SMS marketing. That’s why Brevo, in contrast to CRM like HubSpot, can be used as an alternative to MailChimp.
What to expect from Brevo?
- Strong focus on email, social media, and marketing management. You can even import your own HTML and use responsive email design tools for some extra pay
- Robust integration with email, social media, chat systems, marketing automation tools, etc
- Advanced and real-time reporting as add-on features
Brevo is the best HubSpot marketing alternatives for:
- Companies with workflows that imply large marketing campaigns, complex email management, and SMS marketing
- Small and medium-scale businesses looking for alternative platforms like HubSpot but with MailChimp features
Brevo CRM advantages
- Email and social media focus
- Suitable HubSpot CRM alternative for startups planning to expand their outreach
- Great support team
- Intuitive to use
Brevo CRM limitations
- Lack of sales management focus
- Companies with workflows that heavily rely on complex reporting and analytics might find Brevo’s functionality unsatisfying in the long run
- The lack of highly customized or visually intricate designs
💰Pricing plans
Brevo is the only CRM on the list that offers a separate free plan. Other plans start from $9 per user monthly. Enterprise plans are Custom, meaning that the price depends on the number of users and the features you need for your business.
#6: Nimble CRM
Nimble CRM is a ‘social’ CRM for teams that are already using Microsoft 365 suite or Google Workspace. It’s a great tool for companies looking for CRM tools like HubSpot but with a social media management focus.
What to expect from Nimble CRM?
- Robust contact management, data analytics, sales and pipeline management
- Swift email marketing automation
- Integration with email tools and social networks + effective content organization
As one of the competitors of HubSpot, Nimble CRM is best for:
- Companies heavily relying on social media management
- Startups looking for easy-to-deploy solutions that can improve customer outreach
- Businesses looking for CRM alternatives to HubSpot but with a focus on social media management
Nimble CRM advantages
- Swift data import from Gmail, Outlook, Twitter, LinkedIn
- Flawless integration with email and social media tools
- Vast variety of communication templates
Nimble CRM limitations
- Poor email formatting
- Limited mobile app functionality that results in poor integration with MO 365
- Basic sales pipeline
💰Pricing plans
Free 14-day trial. The only CRM on the list with one universal pricing plan for all users - $24.90 per user monthly.
#7: Agile CRM
Agile CRM serves as a centralized customer database. With Agile CRM, users can track leads, manage sales, and nurture campaigns in one and only place.
What to expect from Agile CRM?
- Users can generate reports and dashboards, add custom information fields, create personalized scripts
- Top synchronization with Outlook and Gmail (acts as a ‘bulk email system’)
- Agile CRM integrates with ticketing and finance systems as well; Robust sales automation
One of the HubSpot similar tools, Agile CRM is best for:
- Businesses of all sizes looking for the best alternative to HubSpot
- Businesses in dire need of multiple integrations
Agile CRM advantages
- Easy to set up, use, and navigate
- Smooth customer data import
- Multiple integrations
Agile CRM limitations
- Email builders lack flexibility
- Poor reporting
- The software for Android users needs proper optimization
- Poor ticketing system compared to Zend Desk and Zoho Desk
💰Pricing plans
Agile CRM doesn’t offer a free trial period. However, it offers a free basic plan (up to 10 users). Other pricing plans range from $8.99 to $47.99.
Top 7 HubSpot alternatives and competitors: A side-by-side comparison
Features
Pipedrive CRM
Zoho CRM
Freshsales
Brevo
Nimble CRM
Agile CRM
Full CRM functionality inside Gmail inbox
Serves as a CRM directly built in Gmail
Offers an extension
Offers an extension
Offers an add-on for Gmail
Requires Zapier
Offers an add-on for Gmail
Internal Gmail sync option
Ultra-customizable pipelines
✅
✅
Moderate
Moderate
❌
❌
Moderate
Sales automation
Automated lead capture, deal progression; multi-channel lead nurturing; task assignment, notifications and more
Automated task assignments and deal stage advancements; AI Sales Assistant
Automated task assignment; lead scoring, sales forecasting
Automated workflows that trigger based on deal stage changes, email opens, etc.; AI sales assistant
Automated lead scoring, email follow-ups, and deal assignment
Automated lead assignment and follow-ups
Automated workflows; lead scoring, deal progress tracking, and task management
Native LinkedIn integration
✅ Capture leads, manage LinkedIn inbox, automate LinkedIn actions
❌
✅ Track LinkedIn activity, sync contacts
❌
❌
✅ Track LinkedIn activity, sync contacts
❌
Social media and messenger integration
✅ Create CRM records, communicate with leads right within the CRM
❌
✅ Track social media activity, sync contacts
❌
❌
✅ Track social media activity, sync contacts
❌
Automated multi-channel outreach
Supports outreach via email and LinkedIn
Offers automated email sequences
Email, SMS, and social media
Email, SMS, phone dialer
Email, SMS
Focuses on email-based outreach
Email, SMS, social media
Unlimited sales pipelines
✅
✅
Depends on the plan
✅
❌
Depends on the plan
Depends on the plan
Built-in email functionality
Bulk messaging, dynamic lead segmentation, email templates, campaign performance tracking
Schedule emails, send mass emails, track email opens; AI email writer
Automated email sequences and follow-ups
Automated email sequences; tracks email opens and clicks; custom email templates
Automated email sequences; email tracking, custom templates
Track email opens and clicks; custom templates; schedule emails
Track email opens and clicks; custom templates; schedule emails
Pricing
Starts at $24/user/month; plans with advanced functionality start at $48
Starts at €12/user/month
Starts at €14/user/month
Starts at $9 per user per month
Offers a free plan. Other plans start at $8 per month.
Starts at $24 per user per month
Offers a free plan. Starts at $9 per user per month
A quick reminder for the undecided: Why NetHunt CRM is the ultimate HubSpot alternative to switch to
Now when you know who are HubSpot’s competitors, let’s quickly remind you why NetHunt CRM is the best HubSpot alternative on the list.
- Adapts well. With ultra-customization that NetHunt users appreciate so much, you can build the exact CRM that fits your business workflows.Tweak any CRM object to fit your client profiles and CRM processes!
- Simple. Our CRM doesn’t complicate things. You can set up NetHunt CRM in a few minutes and start reaping benefits from day one.
- Hands-on guidance. We provide practical support to make sure users feel confident in using NetHunt CRM and fully understand its value. This hands-on approach leads to high adoption rates and helps you get the most out of the system.
- Intuitive. An alternative to HubSpot that just makes sense. NetHunt’s intuitive design ensures that even the newest team members can hit the ground running.
- Connects with tools you already use and love. Let your business scale with multiple integrations. NetHunt CRM integrates with your email, social media platforms, messengers, LinkedIn, and other essential tools to keep your business processes hassle-free.
Bottom line
If you tried HubSpot CRM once and decided to switch to HubSpot CRM competitors—we don’t blame you. Sure, HubSpot CRM is a great choice. But if you’re unhappy with its pricing and rigidity, explore other options with more flexibility and cost effectiveness.
Getting started with NetHunt CRM as a top HubSpot alternative is easy. Its intuitive design means you can set up and begin using the system immediately.
Stop switching tabs. Let your sales and marketing teams stay on the same page with NetHunt CRM.
FAQ
What is the best HubSpot alternative?
The best HubSpot alternative is NetHunt CRM as the tool offers ultra-customizability, scalability, equal inbound-and-outbound focus, and doesn’t require high costs to get started. Unlike HubSpot, NetHunt is suitable for small teams as it’s affordable and comes without unnecessary complexity.
Which businesses should look for alternatives to HubSpot?
Small businesses and startups looking for affordable, flexible, and easy-to-use CRM tools should explore alternatives to HubSpot. Especially businesses with unique sales processes that heavily rely on outbound reach strategies.
What are the limitations of a CRM like HubSpot?
When it comes to limitations, HubSpot CRM competitors frequently highlight its rigid structure, limited customization, and expensive pricing tiers that can escalate costs as your business grows.
Is CRM like HubSpot difficult to use?
Yes, a CRM like HubSpot is difficult to use. Many companies similar to HubSpot are criticized for their complexity, and HubSpot's feature-rich platform can be overwhelming for small teams without dedicated technical support. That’s why we advise you to look for CRM solutions that are easy to set up and which you can start using from day one.
Why is software like HubSpot not the best choice for small businesses?
Platforms like HubSpot aren’t the best choice for small businesses as they are expensive, overly complex, and often include features that small teams don’t need, making them pay for functionality they won’t use.
What is the biggest difference between HubSpot vs NetHunt CRM?
Unlike HubSpot, NetHunt offers native integration with Gmail and Google Workspace, popular social media platforms, LinkedIn, and messengers. Whether for outbound or inbound outreach, it empowers you to build ultra-customizable workflows that streamline your processes and drive results without burning a hole in your pocket.
How do I know which HubSpot CRM alternative is the best fit for my business?
The best HubSpot CRM alternative is a system that aligns with your business’s unique needs. It should offer ease of use, flexibility, and affordable pricing. Look for a solution that provides essential features without the complexity and can scale with your business as it grows.
Is it difficult to migrate data from HubSpot to a new alternative to HubSpot CRM?
Migrating data from HubSpot to a new HubSpot CRM alternative can be straightforward, especially if the alternative CRM offers easy import tools and integrations. Many HubSpot competitors provide seamless migration options, but the complexity may depend on the volume of data and the level of customization required.
What are some benefits of switching to a HubSpot CRM alternative?
Switching to a HubSpot CRM alternative is associated with lower costs, more suitable functionality for startups and middle-scale businesses, and more intuitive user experience.
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