Feeling boxed in by HubSpot's one-size-fits-all approach? You're not alone. Smart marketers are always on the prowl for the best HubSpot alternatives. HubSpot is loaded with features whether you're looking for a classic CRM or a marketing automation tool.
No matter what you're looking for, you need a strategy and a tool to capture and nurture leads. Businesses that nurture leads make 50% more sales at a cost 33% less than non-nurtured prospects. And 91% of marketing automation users agree it is 'very important' to the overall success of their online marketing activities. So what to do if HubSpot is not the right fit for you?
We'll cut to the chase and guide you through other options that might just be your marketing team's new secret weapon. Whether it’s budget constraints or a hunt for features more aligned with your biz, we've got your back.
We'll also show you factors to consider when choosing a HubSpot alternative (hint, it's not only about price).
Why Look For a HubSpot Alternative?
Finding the right marketing automation and sales CRM tools is like picking out a new suit—you want it to fit just right. Sometimes, despite its popularity, HubSpot's one-size-fits-all approach might not cut it for every business. Here's some of the most common reasons why you would look for a HubSpot alternative:
Cost
Budget Constraints: HubSpot can be expensive, especially as businesses scale and require more advanced features. Companies with tight budgets might look for more cost-effective solutions.
Pricing Structure: The pricing model of HubSpot, which increases with the number of contacts or level of functionality required, might not fit all business models, leading companies to seek more predictable or affordable options.
Tech.co's Adam Rowe points out the big challenge with HubSpot's pricing:
HubSpot’s pricing is initially very affordable, but its enterprise-level pricing is anything but cheap. HubSpot Sales Hub and Service Hub pricing gets as high as $130-150 per user, per month, while the Marketing Hub can cost up to $3,600 per month for 10,000 contacts.
That can be a real problem when you're just starting to tap into some of the real power of HubSpot, like automated e-mail follow ups.
Complexity & Usability Issues
Learning Curve: HubSpot has a wide range of features which can be overwhelming for new users or small teams. Businesses might prefer a simpler, more intuitive platform.
Feature Overload: Some users might find that HubSpot offers more features than they need, making the platform more complex and less user-friendly for their specific use case.
Limited Customization & Flexibility
Limited Customization: While HubSpot offers a range of customization options, some businesses might find these limitations restrictive and seek platforms that offer more flexibility in customization.
Integration Capabilities: Although HubSpot integrates with many third-party apps, there might be specific tools or software that do not integrate as seamlessly, prompting businesses to look for alternatives that better fit their tech stack.
Features Gap
Feature Gaps: Businesses might require specific features that HubSpot does not offer, or they might find alternatives that offer better versions of a feature critical to their operations.
Innovative Features: Competitors might offer unique or innovative features not available in HubSpot, attracting businesses seeking those specific capabilities.
Customer Support and Community is Lacking or Inadequate
Support Quality: The level or quality of customer support from HubSpot might not meet the expectations or needs of some businesses, especially those requiring more hands-on support.
Community Resources: Users might seek platforms with a more vibrant community for learning, sharing, and support.
Choosing a CRM or marketing automation platform like HubSpot involves considering a wide range of factors including cost, features, usability, and support. Businesses often seek alternatives that align more closely with their specific needs, preferences, and growth trajectories.
The Best HubSpot Alternatives for 2024
1. Constant Contact
Email marketing remains a powerhouse in nurturing leads into loyal customers—and this is where Constant Contact shines bright against other HubSpot alternatives. Its focus allows brands to create personalized emails effortlessly using templates that engage audiences effectively.
In a G2 review, user Stephen D. shares:
I deal with multiple companies every day and am continually frustrated by the autobot that I have to deal with and try to get around so I can talk to someone that has a heart beat. I LOVE Constant Contact because they have real people to share with and I know that they really care about solving my problems. In most cases I can just do a simple chat and I get my solution. When it is really tough (like I don't understand) I can get a real person on the phone to cheer me on and be my teacher step by step. I might add that their documentation is fantastic with so many articles, hints, and examples to learn from.
2. Zoho CRM
Zoho CRM steps onto the scene boasting an arsenal aimed at empowering sales teams—a veritable Swiss Army knife within the world of CRMs. It doesn't just store contacts; Zoho helps users score leads smarter and automates key parts of your sales process so reps can spend less time on data entry and more time closing deals.
If we talk numbers—for startups looking at keeping overheads low—the starter bundle plan starting at $45/month for two users is music to their ears compared with climbing through HubSpot’s pricing ladder all way up to professional plans pushing $1,600/month.
All these points serve as nudges prompting businesses toward seeking HubSpot CRM alternative platforms tailored better suited tailor-fit their unique workflows or financial strategies—whether you’re running social media campaigns or digging deep into customer relationship analytics.
In a G2 review, user Ahmed D. says:
Zoho CRM is my go-to because it hits all the right notes in terms of Ease of Use, Ease of Implementation, Customer Support, Frequency of Use, Number of Features, and Ease of Integration.
The Ease of Use is like a breath of fresh air. Navigating through its interface feels like second nature, and I'm not fumbling around trying to figure things out. It's intuitive, and that's a major win.
Implementing Zoho CRM is a breeze. It's like setting up your favorite app – straightforward and without the need for a tech manual. No headaches, just a smooth process to get things up and running.
3. Monday.com
The bustling world of marketing demands a project management tool that's both flexible and robust. Enter Monday.com, which makes team collaboration feel like a breeze with its intuitive user interface. Marketers find the visual planning tools particularly handy because they can track campaigns from inception to execution in one place.
Sales teams juggle numerous tasks daily, but with monday.com's automation features, repetitive work is cut down significantly. Imagine having your follow-up emails sent out automatically after a lead form submission—this platform makes it happen effortlessly.
This isn't just about getting organized; it’s also about staying ahead of the game with real-time insights into sales pipelines and performance metrics—all pivotal aspects within any sales process.
In a G2 review, user Elene T. remarks:
Monday, from my professional experience, serves as an excellent tool for companies with geographically dispersed offices, having the chance to have important communication among colleagues across the globe. It''s advantageous features, such as the creation of diverse boards and tables of contents, contribute significantly to its usage. In my daily office activities, the use of Monday has proven exceptionally convenient, facilitating efficient communication with colleagues in different countries and thereby elevating the overall effectiveness of our work.
4. Systeme.io
In an online business landscape where every second counts, Systeme.io stands as an all-encompassing solution—a Swiss Army knife if you will—for entrepreneurs and marketers alike. From email marketing automation to funnels and course creation capabilities, this platform offers multiple avenues to drive growth without needing separate subscriptions or integrations.
Dive deeper into its offerings, and you'll discover how effortless creating personalized customer journeys becomes when using their drag-and-drop builders along with A/B testing features. It doesn’t stop there; businesses can scale up their operations by leveraging affiliate program management tools included within Systeme.io’s suite—an often overlooked yet potent avenue for revenue generation.
In a G2 review, user Vernie D. Says:
I recently reached out to systeme.io customer support regarding an email notification indicating that I had exceeded the funnel limit allocated by my current plan. I commend the proactive communication from their team, informing me of the situation and presenting options before any adjustments were made to my plan. Despite making adjustments to my account, I found that I was still surpassing the plan's limit.
5. ConvergeHub
When small businesses are strapped for cash but still want the big-league tools, they often turn to solutions like ConvergeHub. With prices starting as low as $9 per user each month, it makes financial sense why sales teams would gravitate towards this alternative over HubSpot's Pro or Enterprise plans.
This marketing solution punches above its weight class by offering key management tools akin to pricier competitors—think contact management coupled with email templates ready for personalization straight out of the gate.
And if lead generation keeps you up at night, their automation capabilities have got you covered; from scoring leads based on engagement right down to managing follow-up tasks efficiently.
In a GetApp review by user Nate T., he notes:
ConvergeHub's software is extremely fast, user-friendly, easy to customize, provides great functionality, and their support team is great. To top it all off, the price point is very competitive.
6. Nutshell
Finding the right Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software can be a game-changer for your business. If you're looking for an alternative to HubSpot, Nutshell offers a suite of features designed to streamline sales and customer support processes.
Nutshell makes sales automation both powerful and accessible, even if you're not tech-savvy. With its easy-to-use interface, you can automate repetitive tasks such as follow-up emails and lead assignment without needing extensive training or technical knowledge. This means more time focusing on what matters: building relationships with customers and closing deals.
A cornerstone feature of any effective CRM is robust contact management, and Nutshell excels in this area. It allows users to easily organize contacts with detailed profiles that include communication history, social media links, and important dates like birthdays or anniversaries—providing everything you need at your fingertips for personalized interactions.
In a G2 review, user Jacobo R. says:
Nutshell has facilitated the tracking of many leads and outreaches we have been doing for the last couple of years. It's very easy to maintain and set up, and it also gives you all the information you need to analyze where a lead is and, in general, provide a full overview of won/lost/pending.
7. Bigin
Bigin by Zoho CRM is a popular alternative to HubSpot, designed specifically for small businesses and startups that require a simple yet powerful CRM solution. Bigin focuses on streamlining customer relationship management processes without the complexity or cost associated with more comprehensive platforms like HubSpot.
Bigin boasts a highly intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to navigate and manage their CRM activities without a steep learning curve. This simplicity is particularly appealing for small businesses or those without dedicated IT support.
Bigin allows users to create multiple, customizable pipelines to effectively manage different processes or sales cycles within their business. This flexibility enables businesses to tailor the CRM to their specific workflows and sales processes.
In a G2 review, user Connor W. says:
I like how easily the CRM function and Sales Pipeline function interacts with eachother. I like how user friendly the software is and the aesthetic of the application. It is editable and allows me to input various functions and algorithims. I like how I can monitor other staff members progress and workload.
8. Apptivo
Apptivo is a comprehensive and customizable CRM solution that serves as a strong HubSpot alternative, catering to the needs of small to medium-sized businesses across various industries.
Unlike HubSpot, which is often seen as more suitable for inbound marketing and sales, Apptivo offers a broader suite of integrated business applications. This versatility makes it an attractive option for businesses looking for a more holistic approach to manage their operations.
Apptivo encompasses a wide array of business applications beyond CRM, including project management, invoicing, supply chain, and more. This integrated approach ensures businesses can manage different facets of their operations within a single ecosystem, promoting efficiency and data consistency.
Apptivo stands out for its deep customization options. Businesses can tailor forms, fields, and workflows to match their specific processes and requirements. This level of customization ensures that the platform can adapt to a business's evolving needs.
In a G2 review, user Gordon B. shares:
The customer support from Apptivo is fantastic. Really responsive and readily available. They solve problems quickly and really take time to make sure they have understood clearly what is required. Its a good mid cost prodcutr that works well for businesses like ours.Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
One of the niggles I'd say is that apptivo is a little bit too focussed on software sales - it doesnt really have the lexibility to allow me to use its full functionality for more complex sales. ie learning and development progammes which are bespoke to clients. Also the lead to contact conversion fdesnt really work for us as our leads tend to be in the form of opportunities - ie we have opportunities/leads with existing clients and our relationship is with the company more than the individual.
9. Nimble CRM
Nimble is a customer relationship management (CRM) platform that stands out as a powerful alternative to HubSpot, especially for small to medium-sized businesses and professionals looking to streamline their social sales and marketing efforts.
Nimble excels in its ability to integrate social media profiles directly into the CRM platform. It automatically links social media accounts of contacts and leads, allowing users to listen to and engage with their customers across different social platforms directly from within Nimble. This feature helps businesses stay connected with their audience and gather insightful data to enhance customer relationships.
While Nimble focuses on simplicity, it still offers robust automation features that streamline sales and marketing processes. Users can set up automated tasks, reminders, and follow-ups, reducing the time spent on manual data entry and allowing more time for engaging with prospects and customers.
In a G2 review, user Karen H. says:
I have been an independent consultant for quite a while, without a need to collaborate a great deal with my clients. One of my current clients, a global operation, uses Nimble. It is a critical component for the completion of my responsibilities. I use it all of the time. Ease in customization has led to my happiness with the platform. We are a new organization, a startup, that is evolving daily. We don't change Nimble that often, but when we do, I don't experience panic, fearing one thing will break several others. I was not involved with its implementation, but knowing that completed modifications are clean and straightforward is much more valuable.
10. HoneyBook
HoneyBook is a client management software designed primarily for small businesses and freelancers in creative industries, such as event planners, photographers, and designers. Unlike HubSpot, which focuses broadly on inbound marketing, sales, and customer service, HoneyBook offers specialized tools tailored to managing client projects, payments, and communications from inquiry to invoice.
HoneyBook simplifies the process of capturing client inquiries directly through customized contact forms that can be integrated into a business's website or social media platforms. It automatically populates client information into HoneyBook, allowing for quick follow-up and booking.
With HoneyBook, users can manage all aspects of their projects in one place. This includes tracking project phases, tasks, deadlines, and communications. The platform's project management tools are designed to keep everything organized and accessible, helping businesses deliver projects efficiently and on time.
In a G2 review, user Connie E. notes:
I love the gallery of templates to inspire the look and feel of my materials. The system is also very "user-friendly" as I edit each of the templates to suit my needs. They have many tutorial videos that have been very helpful, as well. So many of the steps of communication with potential and new clients can be automated, which has been so helpful! As soon as someone fills out my contact form, they receive automatic communications, and I can monitor the activity daily to stay on top of all activity! I have also FINALLY set up concise and streamlined services, packages, invoices and methods of payment! I hope to never have to be without Honeybooks! I highly recommend!
Factors To Consider When Choosing a HubSpot Alternative
When choosing a strong HubSpot alternative, it's important to consider various factors that align with your business needs, operational workflows, and growth objectives. Here's a few critical things to keep in mind:
1. The Feature Set is Important
Core Requirements: Ensure the alternative offers the core features you need, such as email marketing, CRM capabilities, social media management, and analytics. It's crucial that these features are robust enough to meet your specific requirements.
Specialized Needs: Consider any specialized features that might be important for your industry or business model, such as project management for service-based businesses, e-commerce integrations for retail, or automation for lead nurturing.
2. Make Sure It's Easy to Use for Everyone
User Interface: The platform should have an intuitive, user-friendly interface that your team can easily navigate. A steep learning curve can hinder adoption and productivity.
Onboarding and Support: Look for a platform that offers comprehensive onboarding, training resources, and responsive customer support to help your team make the most of the software.
3. Make Sure The Software Integrates With Your Current Tools
Compatibility with Existing Tools: The alternative should seamlessly integrate with the other tools and platforms your business currently uses, such as email services, social media platforms, accounting software, and more.
API Access: Consider whether the platform offers API access for custom integrations, which can be crucial for tailoring the system to fit your specific workflow needs.
4. Make Sure it Can Grow With You
Growth Support: Choose a platform that can scale with your business. It should support an increasing number of contacts, more complex automation workflows, and additional users without significant performance or cost issues.
Flexible Pricing: The pricing model should be transparent and flexible, allowing you to add features or users as your business grows without facing prohibitive cost increases.
5. Make Sure it's Cost Effective
Total Cost of Ownership: Evaluate the total cost, including any setup fees, monthly or annual subscription fees, and charges for additional users or features. Compare this against the budget you have allocated for such a platform.
Return on Investment: Consider the potential return on investment (ROI) the alternative could bring through improved efficiency, better lead conversion rates, or increased sales.
6. Make Sure It's Secure
Security Measures: Ensure the platform has robust security measures in place to protect your business and customer data.
Compliance: If you operate in regions with specific data protection regulations (like GDPR in Europe), the platform must comply with these laws to avoid legal issues.
7. Check the Reviews
User Feedback: Look for reviews and testimonials from current and past users, especially those in your industry. This can provide insights into the platform's reliability, customer service quality, and real-world performance.
Industry Reputation: Consider the platform's reputation within your industry and among tech analysts. Awards, certifications, and positive analyst reports can be indicators of a strong solution.
Make HubSpot or Any Alternative More Productive
Scouting for the best HubSpot alternatives leads to some bright discoveries. There's lots of factors to consider so make sure your choice doesn't hinge ONLY on price. The phrase "you get what you pay for" can be true in this case. If you want to keep your marketing or sales team productive, a great CRM is the first step.
No matter which of the best HubSpot alternatives you choose, Magical is the perfect extension to boost you and your team's productivity. It integrates seamlessly with every app on this list, and helps you speed up repetitive tasks like messaging or filling out forms. (Like the ones you see on HubSpot or anywhere else online) Download the free Chrome extension today to see how Magical can save you 7 hours a week on average.
