Close alternatives: A data-backed comparison
Explore comprehensive data on top CRM platforms to find the best Close alternatives tailored to your business needs.
Best Close alternatives in 2025
HubSpot
Best for: Micro businesses who need comprehensive marketing, sales, and service tools without the complexity of enterprise-level platforms.
- Unified marketing, sales, and service platform.
- Intuitive user interface with minimal learning curve.
- Strong automation and lead nurturing features.
- Extensive integrations and marketplace apps.
- Detailed reporting and analytics.
- Higher tiers can be costly for growing businesses.
- Limited customization compared to enterprise CRM platforms.
- Some advanced features require expensive add-ons.
- May be overwhelming for teams needing only basic CRM.
- Sales forecasting tools less sophisticated than some competitors.
Freshworks
Best for: Mid-market and enterprise businesses that need comprehensive customer experience and business software suites without the complexity of custom enterprise solutions.
- Intuitive interface with minimal learning curve.
- AI-powered lead scoring and sales automation.
- Supports multiple communication channels in one platform.
- Detailed analytics for pipeline and performance tracking.
- Limited deep customization for complex workflows.
- Some advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans.
- May lack specialized industry modules for niche markets.
- Reporting can be basic compared to specialized BI tools.
Intercom
Best for: Micro businesses that need customer messaging and support tools without the complexity of enterprise-level communication platforms.
- Combines live chat, email, and bots in one platform.
- AI-driven automation reduces support workload.
- Centralized customer data for personalized messaging.
- Supports multi-channel engagement and campaigns.
- Intuitive interface with strong analytics.
- Pricing can be high for small businesses.
- Some features require advanced setup and customization.
- Limited offline support capabilities.
- Not a full CRM or sales management tool.
Pipedrive
Best for: Micro businesses that need intuitive sales pipeline management and CRM functionality without the complexity of enterprise-level solutions.
- Intuitive, visual pipeline management.
- Task and activity automation keep sales reps organized.
- AI-powered assistant provides actionable sales insights.
- Seamless email integration with CRM data.
- Customizable reports and dashboards.
- Limited marketing automation capabilities.
- Not ideal for enterprises needing comprehensive CRM features.
- Some advanced customizations require higher-tier plans.
- Reporting can be basic compared to specialized analytics tools.
- Lacks built-in customer service management features.
Zoho CRM
Best for: Small and medium-sized businesses that need comprehensive CRM functionality and sales automation without the high costs of enterprise-level solutions.
- Comprehensive sales automation and pipeline management.
- AI-powered sales assistant for predictive insights.
- Extensive third-party integrations and customization.
- Scalable plans for growing teams.
- User-friendly interface and mobile apps.
- Advanced features come at higher price tiers.
- Support quality varies depending on the plan.
- Limited out-of-the-box industry-specific templates.
- Steeper learning curve for complex customizations.
- Some reporting features require additional configuration.
Criteria for evaluating Close alternatives
Selecting the right CRM tool requires careful evaluation beyond basic features or pricing. By establishing clear criteria aligned with your business goals, you can systematically compare options and identify the solution that best addresses your needs.
Core functionality
Start by looking at how each alternative handles contact management, lead tracking, and pipeline visibility. You’ll want strong support for multichannel communication (email, phone, SMS), task automation, and reporting.
Some tools go beyond Close by including built-in quoting, custom workflows, or territory management. Prioritise flexibility: can you adapt the CRM to fit your specific sales process without needing a developer?
User experience and support
A CRM only works if people actually use it. Choose tools with intuitive interfaces, fast onboarding, and minimal training time. Clean dashboards, logical navigation, and role-specific views improve adoption across teams.
Check for accessible support—like live chat, knowledge bases, or guided onboarding. Good self-serve resources help your team stay productive without relying on customer support for every issue.
Integration capabilities
Your CRM should sync smoothly with tools like Gmail, Outlook, Slack, Zoom, marketing automation, and data enrichment tools. Check for native integrations and the ability to build workflows with Zapier or through APIs.
Sync quality matters: you want consistent data, real-time updates, and minimal manual effort. If you’re scaling, look for support for webhooks or custom apps.
Value for money
Close is priced on a per-user basis, which can get expensive quickly. Compare pricing models and feature availability across tiers—especially for automation, reporting, or calling features. Some CRMs might offer more flexible packages or lower cost of ownership depending on team size. Don’t forget to factor in implementation time, data migration, and potential paid add-ons.
Industry-specific requirements
If you’re in a niche sector—like SaaS, recruiting, agencies, or real estate—general-purpose CRMs may not meet all your needs. Some platforms offer pre-built templates, workflows, or integrations geared toward specific industries. This can save time and reduce customisation work. Also check for compliance tools if you’re handling sensitive customer data or need regional hosting options.
How to choose the right alternative
Selecting the best Close alternative involves systematically evaluating options against your specific requirements. Follow these steps to make an informed decision that aligns with your marketing goals and operational needs.
Assess your team's requirements
- Map your sales process, from lead capture to deal close
- List tools your CRM needs to integrate with
- Define essential features vs. optional ones
- Identify reporting and automation needs
- Note user access levels and roles
Test drive before committing
- Use trial accounts to test core workflows
- Add sample contacts and simulate real deals
- Involve reps, managers, and ops in the evaluation
- Track time to complete common tasks
- Document any blockers or usability issues
Evaluate long-term fit
- Review scalability options (users, records, teams)
- Ask about future product updates and roadmap
- Evaluate how easily new features or integrations can be added
- Consider vendor track record and market position
- Look for flexibility in customisation and API use
Consider support and training resources
- Check availability of live support channels
- Review documentation, tutorials, and setup guides
- Ask about onboarding programs and timelines
- Look for user forums, webinars, or customer communities
- See if role-based training or certifications are available