7 HubSpot Alternatives that Help You Escape Rigidity and High Costs in 2025
HubSpot too expensive? Here are 7 better HubSpot alternatives.
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 are now looking for alternatives like NetHunt CRM — an affordable CRM, flexible, and user-friendly option without the hefty price tag 😉.
We’ve already researched the top HubSpot competitors, including NetHunt CRM, so check them out!
Businesses are switching to HubSpot alternatives because...
- HubSpot offers a complex pricing structure. While HubSpot has a free plan, essential features like smart reporting and advanced sales automation are locked behind expensive tiers. Plus, its functionality is split into separate hubs, each with its own pricing, making it confusing and costly.
- Running outbound sales is difficult. HubSpot’s focus on inbound marketing makes cold outreach challenging. Users report that its limited multi-channel capabilities require additional tools to manage customer engagement effectively.
- Low level of customization. HubSpot users are limited to predefined field types, rigid pipelines, and basic reporting tools in lower-tier plans. While HubSpot does offer some customization options, it falls short when it comes to creating ultra-customizable workflows — the system either restricts you or requires a highly expensive higher-tier plan.
- Long onboarding process. Some users take up to 3 months to learn HubSpot, finding it less intuitive than other CRMs that prioritize ease of use and quick setup.
- Poor contact data migration. Migrating data can be tricky, with potential for data loss and inaccuracies, especially with custom objects and large volumes.
Top 7 HubSpot alternatives
Below, we’re going to compare the top 7 HubSpot competitors so you can choose CRM system that fits you the best.
So, let’s start our list with the HubSpot alternative #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 a new workflow automation or feel confined to rigid sales pipelines. As an alternative to HubSpot CRM software, 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 marketing 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 targeted customers across multiple channels, build drip campaigns, keep records up to date based on prospects behavior, etc.
Get more leads with native social media and messengers integration
This is where NetHunt CRM truly wins the HubSpot vs NetHunt competition. As one of the best HubSpot alternatives, NetHunt treats outbound and inbound marketing equally. The system natively integrates with the most popular social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, and top messengers like Whatsapp.
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 messengers within NetHunt CRM
- Link customer conversations to CRM records
- Set follow-ups with trigger-based sequences
- View the entire customer interactions 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 ultra-customizable 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 sales and marketing hubs, which means you have to pay twice.
Plus, you won’t get the necessary functionality with HubSpot's 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 with premium features if you need more seats or pay skyrocketing fees for additional users with NetHunt CRM — enjoy no hidden fees, you’re welcome 😉
💰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. It also offers good project management, however, as a separate CRM feature (the add-on costs $8 per month).
With Pipedrive key features, you can:
- Get activity reminders and ensure effective customer segmentation for better targeting and efficient marketing and sales campaigns
- Organize leads and track customer engagement and performance data
- Integrate Pipedrive with useful tools like PandaDoc and Outlook
- The essential plan, which also offers AI-powered tools, is €14 per user/month, billed annually
According to ‘alternatives HubSpot’ user reviews, Pipedrive is best for:
- Medium-sized businesses and generally teams with longer sales cycles
- Companies with workflows that are heavily based on follow-up reminders
Pipedrive CRM limitations
- Users can create and customize fields as a part of more expensive plans
- The lack of advanced features in terms of sales automation makes Pipedrive not the most suitable CRM 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 marketing — you’ll have to buy a Campaigns add-on, which costs around $16, to be able to send bulk emails, design newsletters, and access advanced email marketing features.
#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. This comprehensive tool is also a way more cost-effective solution for large-level enterprises compared to Microsoft Dynamics and Salesforce.
When integrated with Zoho Desk, support teams can use the system as a customer support platform. Sure, you can also use HubSpot’s customer service hub as a full-fledged customer support platform and a knowledge base, but it will break your bank as for that to happen, you’ll have to buy a sales or marketing hub first.
Plus, you can use Zoho’s knowledge base feature, which allows you to create, organize, and host a library of help articles and documentation for your customers.
This is what you can expect from Zoho CRM:
- AI sales assistant Zia that helps teams address customer issues faster and easier
- All the features are scalable and grow with your business needs
- Robust project management, especially when integrated with Zoho Projects
- Strong focus on sales - sell more with robust sales communication and comprehensive custom reports for sales teams
- Integrates with Xero, Woocommerce, and WordPress along with 50 Zoho products
- Offers a landing pages builder app called Zoho LandingPage
- Zoho’s standard plan is €25 per organization per month, billed annually
Zoho CRM is best for:
- Businesses looking to switch software for extensive customization options, robust email marketing features, and multiple integrations
- Companies looking for AI-driven insights
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
#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, managing leads and pipelines has never been easier.
Plus, users can 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 and sales campaigns
- Social media integration with WhatsApp, Apple Business Chat, Facebook Messenger
- The landing pages builder helps you design custom landing pages
- Advanced custom reports
- Offers a free plan for 3 users (email marketing templates, built-in phone, and live chat)
- The most affordable plan is $9 per user/month, billed annually
Freshsales CRM is perfect for:
- Startups looking to automate competitive tasks, increase social media conversion rates, and upgrade customer segmentation
- Businesses that are looking for AI-powered tools but don't want to break the budget
Freshsales CRM limitations
- Might not be suitable for large enterprises
- The lack of advanced reporting features and analytics
#5: Brevo
Brevo, formerly Sendinblue, is among the most affordable HubSpot alternatives that help businesses get a unified view of customer data and customer interactions, including HubSpot alternatives for small business; the basic plan is only $8 user/month.
The solution strongly focuses on email marketing automation and SMS marketing. That’s why Brevo, in contrast to CRM like HubSpot, can be used as an alternative to MailChimp.
Plus, you can effortlessly create landing pages that convert targeted customers faster.
What to expect from Brevo?
- Strong focus on email, social media, and marketing automation features
- 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 apps, etc.
- Advanced and real-time reporting features come as add-ons
- Offers a free plan for 1 user with key features (Drag-and-drop editor; basic email marketing features + marketing automation)
Brevo is the best HubSpot marketing alternatives for:
- Companies with workflows that imply large marketing campaigns, complex email marketing automation, and SMS marketing
- Small and medium-scale businesses looking for alternative HubSpot sales competitors but with MailChimp features
Brevo CRM limitations
- Lack of sales processes 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
#6: Nimble CRM
Nimble CRM is a ‘social’ CRM for teams that are already using Microsoft 365 suite or Google Workspace (Google Contacts, Google Calendar, etc.). It’s a great tool for companies looking for CRM tools like HubSpot but with laser-focused social media management.
What to expect from Nimble CRM?
- Robust contact management, data analytics, sales and pipeline management
- Swift email marketing automation + social media content management
- Seamless integration with email tools and social networks + effective content management
- Nimble’s primary plan is $24.90 per user/month, billed annually
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 and increase conversion rates eventually
- Businesses looking for HubSpot competitors but with a focus on social media management
Nimble CRM limitations
- Poor email formatting
- Limited mobile app functionality that results in poor integration with MO 365
- Basic sales pipeline
#7: Agile CRM
Agile CRM serves as a centralized customer database and offers a wide range of sales and marketing capabilities With Agile CRM, users can track and nurture leads, manage sales, and create campaigns in one and only place.
It helps in managing leads efficiently and reduces data entry through automation tools that sync with Google Contacts, Outlook, and sales and marketing apps.
Generally, Agile CRM is a great beginner-friendly solution that helps you automate repetitive tasks, sales and marketing activities (data entry, follow-ups, etc.), avoid duplicate contacts, and keep your records up to date.
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
- Offers a builder for landing pages
- Robust sales workflow automation
One of the HubSpot similar tools, Agile CRM is best for:
- Businesses of all sizes looking for the best alternative to HubSpot that is also a highly affordable CRM software ($9.99 per user/month, billed annually)
- Businesses in dire need of multiple integrations
Agile CRM limitations
- Email builders lack flexibility
- Poor reporting tools
- The software for Android users needs proper optimization
- Poor ticketing system compared to Zend Desk and Zoho Desk
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
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 Professional Network
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 a great 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. NetHunt’s initial setup takes only a few minutes, so you can 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. A great HubSpot alternative 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, and other tools to keep your business processes hassle-free.
Bottom line
If you tried HubSpot CRM once and decided to switch software and move to a HubSpot competitor — we don’t blame you. Sure, HubSpot CRM is a great choice. But if you’re unhappy with its pricing and rigidity, explore other Hubspot alternatives with more flexibility and cost effectiveness.
Getting started with NetHunt CRM as a top HubSpot alternative is easy. Its intuitive design and quick set up mean that you can start using the system immediately.
Honestly, stop switching tabs — let your sales and marketing teams stay on the same page with NetHunt CRM 😉.
Hubspot Alternatives: 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 sales teams (other teams like marketing, customer support teams, and even HR departments can use this CRM software as well) 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 campaigns or those using marketing apps to manage lead and client engagement, regardless of whether they’re an online store or a brick-and-mortar business.
What are the limitations of a CRM like HubSpot?
When it comes to limitations, HubSpot CRM competitors frequently highlight its rigid structure, limited customization options, and expensive pricing tiers that can escalate costs as your business grows. For instance, HubSpot’s marketing automation suite includes amazing premium features (includes only 3 users), but costs €792 per month when billed annually.
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, support small teams effectively, and offer access to a knowledge base to help with onboarding and training.
Why is software like HubSpot not the best choice for small businesses?
Platforms like HubSpot or any other tools similar to HubSpot aren’t the best choice for small businesses as they are expensive, overly complex, and often include numerous 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 (Google Contacts, Google Calendar, etc.), popular social media platforms, 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 unique business needs and sales processes. It should offer ease of use, flexibility, and affordable pricing. Look for a solution that provides essential basic features without the complexity and can scale with your business as it grows.
Is it difficult to migrate customer data from HubSpot to a new alternative to HubSpot CRM?
Migrating customer data from HubSpot to a new HubSpot CRM alternative can be straightforward, especially if the alternative CRM offers easy import tools and seamless integration. Many alternatives to Hubspot 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 medium-sized businesses, whether it’s an online store or a brick-and-mortar business already using marketing apps or not, and more intuitive user experience.