Wednesday, February 26, 2025

HubSpot Alternatives: The 7 Best Tools to Try

 

HubSpot is a powerful lead generation and marketing automation tool, but many users find its pricing structure restrictive and expensive.

Here’s why individuals and businesses seek HubSpot alternatives:

·       Escalating Costs: HubSpot’s pricing increases as you grow. If you need more contacts you’re  charged extra.

·       Locked Commitment: Some users report that HubSpot has annual contracts and you have to pay for the complete period even if you terminate early

·       Some users also complain that on the Starter plan so many features are restricted so it’s hard to really get anything done.

·       One GetApp reviewer put it bluntly: "EXPENSIVE. Luckily, I knew what to do, but paying $36,000 a year was a lot."

·       Another major issue is the jump in cost between the Starter and Pro plans. Many essential features, such as split testing and automation, are locked behind the Pro plan, making it difficult for small businesses to access key marketing tools without a steep price increase.

 

HubSpot Cons and Pricing

Tool

Cons

Pricing plans

HubSpot

Administrator dashboard not intuitive

Menus and navigation confusing at times

You need to be familiar with CSS or HTML to customize design elements

Extensive automation and complex segmentation only available on higher-tier plans

Data Overage Charges

Data Migration Challenges

Have annual contracts, so you pay for the complete period even if you terminate early

Lacks integration with mobile devices and Firefox

 

Free plan

Starter: $20/month

Professional: $890/month + $3,000 one-time onboarding fee

Enterprise: $3,600/ month + $7,000 one-time onboarding fee

Sales Hub Enterprise: $150 per seat/month

Service Hub Professional: $90 per seat/month +

one-time onboarding fee $1,500

Service Hub Enterprise: $150 per seat/month +

one-time onboarding fee $3,500

 

 

For individuals and businesses looking for affordable, flexible lead generation tools, there are plenty of HubSpot alternatives.

In this post, I’ll explore some of the top HubSpot alternatives that can help you generate leads and automate marketing.

 

HubSpot Alternatives: The 7 Best Tools to Try

·       Leadsmate AI

·       LI Sales Navigator

·       Instapage

·       Clickfunnels

·       Salesforce

·       Sharpspring

·       Keap

 

Comparison Chart Of The Top 7 HubSpot Alternatives

Tool

Starting price

Free trial

Leadsmate AI

$62.28

One-time payment

No. 30-day money back guarantee

LinkedIn Sales Navigator

$99/month

Annual cost $79.99/month (billed annually at $959.8)

Yes. 30-day trial

Instapage

$199/month

Yes. 14-day trial. Credit card required

Clickfunnels

$97/month

Yes. 14-day trial

Credit card required

Salesforce

$25/user/month

Yes. 30-day trial

Sharpspring

$449/month

Yes. 14-day trial

Keap

$249/month

Yes. 14-day trial

 

Let’s start with Leadsmate AI.

 

If you want to see how you can use Leadsmate AI to simplify lead generation, sign up now.

 

Leadsmate AI

HubSpot alternatives:  Isaac Nunoofio, freelance SaaS writer for hire, content marketer
Leadsmate AI dashboard


LeadsMate AI is a HubSpot alternative powered by artificial intelligence. It automatically finds potential customers across platforms like Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, and domain databases.

Users can specify criteria like industry, location, and job title to get high-quality leads in seconds.

 

What Is Unique About Leadsmate AI?

Most lead generation tools simply collect contact information, but LeadsMate AI goes further.

It uses three powerful AI mechanisms to ensure every lead is worth your time.

 

It Identifies Prospects Who Are Ready To Buy.

The key innovation is the Intent Matrix™, an AI system that analyzes data from Google, LinkedIn, and Facebook to identify prospects who are ready to buy.

It tracks digital signals like keyword searches, post engagement, profile updates, and group activity—clues that traditional tools overlook.

By capturing these signals, LeadsMate AI helps you focus only on high-intent prospects, saving time and increasing your chances of closing deals.

 

It Gives You Accurate And Up-To-Date Data

Another feature, The Truth Filter™, eliminates outdated contact lists by verifying lead information in real time.

It cross-checks multiple data sources to ensure email addresses, phone numbers, job titles, company positions, and decision-making authority are accurate and up to date.

This guarantees you’re always reaching the right prospects with reliable information.

Once you activate Leadsmate AI, its AI-driven engine starts identifying, engaging, and qualifying leads automatically—without any manual input.

 

It Tracks Real-Time Buyer Intent Signals

Unlike traditional lead generation tools that rely on static databases or cold outreach, Leadsmate AI continuously analyzes real-time buyer intent signals across multiple digital channels.

As a result:

• It identifies high-intent prospects before they even enter your sales funnel.

• AI-powered conversations warm up leads and qualify them instantly—without human intervention.

• Personalized outreach is fully automated, adapting messaging based on real-time interactions.

 

If you want to see how you can use Leadsmate AI to simplify lead generation, sign up now.

 

Who It’s For

·       Bloggers & Influencers: Keep your audience engaged with automated outreach and personalized content suggestions based on engagement data.

·       Freelancers: You can use it to offer professional lead generation services to clients and expand your business without investing in multiple tools.

·       Affiliate Marketers: You can use it to find leads for affiliate offers and streamline cold email outreach

·       Digital Marketers: Use it to run targeted, data-driven campaigns

·       Marketing Agencies: Use it to manage unlimited campaigns and clients

·       Small Businesses: Easily grow your customer base by finding high-quality leads and automating follow-ups at an affordable cost

·       E-commerce Stores: You can use it to send personalized, automated outreach to potential customers across multiple platforms

·       Real Estate Professionals: You can use it to send targeted property listings and updates to prospects

·       Recruiters & Staffing Agencies: Find and reach out to potential job candidates across multiple platforms, ensuring a steady flow of qualified leads.

·       Event Planners: Promote events and manage follow-ups with ease by finding the right audience and automating outreach to boost attendance.

·       Local Service Providers: Attract new clients for services like plumbing, cleaning, or home repairs with targeted lead generation and follow-up automation.

·       SaaS Providers: Generate quality leads for software solutions with AI-powered lead scoring and personalized messaging to drive conversions.

 

Leadsmate AI vs. HubSpot

Similar Features

Both Leadsmate AI  and HubSpot offer essential lead generation features, including:

·       Automated email marketing for lead nurturing.

·       Lead scoring to prioritize high-potential prospects.

·       CRM integration to streamline sales workflows.

·       Landing page builders for capturing leads.

·       Analytics and reporting to track campaign performance.

 

However, LeadsMate AI makes lead generation easier, simpler, and faster:

AI-Enhanced Lead Scoring: While HubSpot requires users to set up lead scoring rules manually, LeadsMate AI automatically assigns scores using AI, reducing setup time.

Instant Multi-Channel Outreach: HubSpot focuses mainly on email marketing, whereas LeadsMate AI enables direct messaging via WhatsApp, SMS, and email from a single dashboard, making engagement more efficient.

AI-Powered Lead Capture Forms: LeadsMate AI auto-optimizes lead forms based on visitor behavior, while HubSpot requires manual A/B testing to determine the best-performing forms.

With AI-driven automation and seamless multi-channel integration, LeadsMate AI eliminates complexity and accelerates lead generation compared to HubSpot.

 

Differences Between Leadsmate AI and HubSpot

However, Leadsmate AI  provides additional AI-driven features that streamline lead generation more effectively:

·       Real-time AI lead identification: Unlike HubSpot, which relies on static lead scoring, Leadsmate AI continuously monitors intent signals to identify high-intent prospects instantly—eliminating the need for manual scoring updates.

·       AI-powered personalized outreach: HubSpot users must set up complex workflows for email automation, while Leadsmate AI dynamically adapts messaging based on real-time engagement, ensuring better conversion rates with less manual effort.

·       Automated lead qualification chatbots: Leadsmate AI engages prospects instantly via AI chatbots that qualify leads without human intervention. HubSpot requires manual lead follow-ups or additional integrations for similar functionality.

With these AI-driven capabilities, Leadsmate AI  reduces time spent on lead management, improves lead quality, and increases conversion rates—offering a more efficient alternative to HubSpot.

 

Leadsmate AI vs. HubSpot: Differences In How They Generate Leads

LeadsMate AI Lead Generation Process:

·       Automated Lead Discovery: It utilizes AI to scan platforms like Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, and domain registration databases to identify potential leads based on specified criteria such as industry, location, or company size.

·       Lead Qualification: It employs AI algorithms to assess and score leads, determining their quality and potential value to the business.

·       Outreach Automation: It provides tools for automating communication channels, including WhatsApp, to engage with leads directly from the platform.

 

HubSpot Marketing Hub Lead Generation Process:

·       Attracting Visitors: HubSpot utilizes content creation tools, SEO recommendations, and social media publishing to draw potential leads to your website.

·       Capturing Lead Information: It employs customizable forms and landing pages to collect visitor information, converting them into leads.

·       Lead Nurturing: It implements email marketing campaigns and automation workflows to engage and guide leads through the sales funnel.

·       Personalized Ad Campaigns: It integrates with ad platforms to create targeted advertising campaigns, reaching specific audience segments.

 

If you want to see how you can use Leadsmate AI to simplify lead generation, sign up now.

 

Leadsmate AI vs. HubSpot: Comparison of Simplicity, Ease of Use, and Speed

·       Simplicity and Ease of Use: LeadsMate AI offers an all-in-one platform with automated features, potentially reducing manual efforts in lead discovery and qualification. This automation can simplify the lead generation process for users.

·       Speed: The AI-driven approach of LeadsMate AI enables rapid identification and qualification of leads, potentially accelerating the lead generation process.

In contrast, HubSpot Marketing Hub provides a comprehensive suite of tools that may require more manual setup and management but offers extensive customization and integration capabilities.

 

Leadsmate AI  vs. HubSpot: Automation vs. Manual Lead Generation

With LeadsMate AI, users can automate lead discovery in three simple steps:

·       Set search criteria – Define specific parameters like industry, location, company size, and keywords.

·       AI-driven scanning – LeadsMate AI scans multiple platforms simultaneously, collecting verified business contacts, including emails and phone numbers.

·       Instant lead list generation – The tool compiles a list of relevant leads, saving hours of manual research.

HubSpot Marketing Hub also offers lead generation tools, but they rely heavily on inbound marketing, such as creating landing pages and content to attract leads.

This process requires businesses to wait for prospects to engage rather than proactively finding them.

 

Why LeadsMate AI is better:

Finds leads automatically instead of waiting for inbound traffic.

Works across multiple platforms, reducing the need for additional tools.

Saves hours of manual searching.

 

Leadsmate AI  vs. HubSpot: Qualify and Score Leads with AI-Powered Analysis

Not all leads are worth pursuing. Businesses need a way to identify which prospects are most likely to convert.

Manually evaluating leads based on job titles, engagement history, and other factors can be overwhelming.

With LeadsMate AI, users can qualify leads in three simple steps:

·       AI-powered scoring – LeadsMate AI automatically scores leads based on their likelihood to convert.

·       Segmentation – Users can categorize leads into hot, warm, and cold prospects for targeted outreach.

·       Smart filtering – Leads can be filtered based on engagement level, job role, and previous interactions.

HubSpot Marketing Hub offers lead scoring, but it requires setting up workflows and defining criteria manually, which can be complex for beginners.

 

Why LeadsMate AI  is better:

AI automates lead qualification, reducing manual effort.

Provides instant lead scores without setting up rules.

Smart filtering helps focus on high-potential leads faster.

 

Engage Leads Instantly with Automated Outreach

Once leads are identified and qualified, the next challenge is reaching out effectively.

Many businesses struggle with managing follow-ups and personalizing messages without spending hours on email marketing.

With LeadsMate AI, users can automate outreach in three easy steps:

·       Multi-channel messaging – Contact leads via email, WhatsApp, or SMS directly from the platform.

·       AI-generated responses – Personalize messages using AI-driven templates based on lead data.

·       Automated follow-ups – Set up auto-replies and scheduled follow-ups to keep leads engaged.

HubSpot Marketing Hub provides email automation but focuses mainly on email marketing campaigns rather than direct, multi-channel outreach.

 Users often need third-party integrations to communicate via WhatsApp or SMS.

 

Why LeadsMate AI is better:

Allows direct outreach through multiple channels.

AI-assisted responses personalize messaging instantly.

Automates follow-ups without needing extra tools.

 

LeadsMate AI  vs. HubSpot: Pricing Comparison

Pricing is another area where LeadsMate AI and HubSpot have significant differences.

Unlike HubSpot and other traditional lead generation tools that require recurring subscription fees, LeadsMate AI operates on a cost-effective one-time payment model.

Leadsmate AI offers different pricing plans, giving users access to all the essential lead generation tools without ongoing costs.

·       Unlimited Email Marketing Pro:  $62.28

·       Leadsmate AI Pro Platinum: $65.61

·       Leadsmate AI Unlimited WhatsApp Marketing Pro: $67

·       Leadsmate AI Agency Platinum: $277  

·       Leadsmate AI Bundle Commercial: $293    

All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee. NO questions asked.

In contrast, HubSpot follows a tiered subscription model, starting with a free plan but quickly escalating in price.

·       The Starter plan is $20 per month, while the Professional plan jumps to $890 per month—plus a mandatory $3,000 onboarding fee.

·       For enterprise users, costs reach $3,600 per month, with an additional $7,000 onboarding fee.

·       HubSpot Sales Hub Enterprise $150 per seat per month, this plan includes features like predictive lead scoring.

·       HubSpot Service Hub Professional costs $90 per seat per month, plus a one-time onboarding fee of $1,500.

·       Service Hub Enterprise: $150 per seat per month, plus a one-time onboarding fee of $3,500.

Let’s break it down.

HubSpot’s Professional plan starts at $890/month for 2,000 contacts and three seats.

If you need more contacts, it’s $250 per 5,000 contacts.

If you need additional users, that’s $90 to $150 per seat per month.

And don’t forget the $3,000 onboarding fee just to set up your account.

In contrast, with Leadsmate AI, you make a one-time payment of $62.28 to $293, depending on the plan. No per-user fees. No recurring costs. No onboarding charges.

Now, let’s compare costs for a 5,000-contact business over a year.

HubSpot Professional:

·       $1,140/month ($890 + $250 for extra contacts)

·       $3,000 onboarding fee

·       Total: $16,680 per year (excluding per-user fees)

 

Leadsmate AI:

One-time payment of $293 for the bundle plan.

That’s $16,387 saved in just one year!

And the feature gap? HubSpot’s cheaper plans lack automation, predictive lead scoring, and advanced lead generation tools—features only available with Enterprise ($3,600/month, $7,000 onboarding fee).

Leadsmate AI includes unlimited email and WhatsApp marketing, automation, and lead generation tools from day one—without forcing expensive upgrades.

Bottom line? HubSpot’s pricing scales up the longer you use it. In contrast, Leadsmate AI’s pricing stays flat, making it a better long-term investment for businesses that need powerful lead generation without ongoing costs.

 

If you want to use Leadsmate AI to simplify lead generation at an affordable price, sign up now.

 

LinkedIn Sales Navigator

LinkedIn Sales Navigator is one of the HubSpot alternatives to consider. It’s a premium feature within the LinkedIn platform specifically designed for sales professionals to find leads.

 

LinkedIn Sales Navigator vs. HubSpot: Similar Features

Both LinkedIn Sales Navigator and HubSpot provide:

·       contact databases to help businesses find potential leads

·       lead capture tools to help users gather contact details from potential customers

·       lead management features to allow teams to track prospects through the sales funnel

·       lead nurturing tools, enabling businesses to engage with leads over time

·       contact management features to help you organize and track interactions

·       CRM capabilities, allowing users to manage relationships and store customer data

LinkedIn Sales Navigator excels at prospecting directly within LinkedIn's network using advanced search filters to find potential leads based on detailed filters, including job titles, company size, industry, and more. On the other hand, HubSpot provides a comprehensive marketing automation platform with tools for lead nurturing, email campaigns, landing pages, and website analytics.

HubSpot’s differentiators, when compared to LinkedIn Sales Navigator, are their lead qualification to prioritize prospects, customer segmentation to group leads by behavior, and conversion tracking to measure marketing efforts.

While LinkedIn is best for finding and connecting with leads, HubSpot provides end-to-end marketing tools to nurture and convert them.

Note that LinkedIn Sales Navigator doesn’t offer email marketing tools to automate outreach, email management to track responses, and email engagement tracking to monitor interactions, which are features that HubSpot offers.

 

LinkedIn Sales Navigator vs. HubSpot: Pricing Comparison

Lastly, another big difference between both tools is pricing.

LinkedIn Sales Navigator offers three main plans:

·       Core: Monthly cost $99/month,  Annual cost $79.99/month (billed annually at $959.8), Annual (save 20%)

·       Advanced: Monthly cost $149.99, Annual cost $108.33/month (billed annually at $1,300)

·       Advanced Plus: Monthly cost custom pricing, Annual cost starts at $1,600 per seat annually

All plans include a 30-day free trial.

HubSpot’s pricing looks affordable at first glance. But that’s before you start adding up costs.

Let’s break it down.

LinkedIn Sales Navigator’s Core plan costs $99/month. That’s a flat rate. You can also save 20% by paying annually ($959.80).

Meanwhile, HubSpot’s Sales Hub Professional plan starts at $90 per seat per month.

Sounds cheaper, right?

Until you realize that’s per user.

If you need five seats, that’s $450/month—nearly five times the cost of LinkedIn Sales Navigator.

It gets worse.

LinkedIn Sales Navigator includes key features for prospecting: advanced lead search, InMail credits, and lead recommendations. Even the Core plan has these.

With HubSpot, you need Sales Hub Enterprise ($150 per seat/month) to unlock predictive lead scoring. That’s $750/month for a five-person team.

Want marketing automation? HubSpot’s Professional plan is $890/month for 2,000 contacts. Need more? Add $250 for every extra 5,000 contacts. Plus, there's a $3,000 onboarding fee.

Compare that to Sales Navigator Advanced ($108.33/month billed annually) or even Advanced Plus ($1,600 per seat/year). No hidden fees. No upcharges for extra contacts.

Let’s do the math:

A year of LinkedIn Sales Navigator Core= $959.80.

A year of HubSpot Sales Hub Enterprise for five users= $9,000.

That’s a $8,040 difference.

You could reinvest that in LinkedIn ads, email outreach, or even hiring another sales rep.

Long-term, LinkedIn Sales Navigator isn’t just a good alternative to HubSpot—it’s a no-brainer.

 

Instapage

Instapage is a tool that helps businesses create landing pages that turn visitors into customers.

It includes testing features and visitor tracking to improve marketing results.

Instapage also provides ready-made templates designed for better conversions, expert support, and AI-powered content.

 

Instapage vs. HubSpot: Feature Comparison

Similar Features

Both Instapage and HubSpot offer:

·       lead management

·       campaign management

·       engagement tracking

·       conversion tracking

·       campaign segmentation

·       contact management

Marketers can track interactions, optimize campaigns, and manage leads on both platforms.

However, HubSpot integrates these features into a broader CRM system, while Instapage focuses on optimizing landing page conversions.

 

Lead Generation Capabilities

Instapage is designed specifically for landing page optimization, making it ideal for capturing leads through high-converting pages.

HubSpot, on the other hand, offers a full marketing automation system, including email marketing, CRM, and lead nurturing.

If your goal is purely lead capture, Instapage is a better fit. However, for end-to-end lead management, HubSpot provides a more comprehensive solution.

 

Ease of Use

Instapage’s intuitive editor simplifies the process for marketers focused on landing pages, whereas HubSpot’s broader range of tools may require a learning curve.

Instapage offers a drag-and-drop landing page builder, making it easy for users to design and launch high-converting pages without coding skills.

In contrast, HubSpot has a more complex interface, requiring users to navigate multiple tools for email marketing, automation, and lead management.

Instapage is rated 4.6 for ease of use on Capterra, while HubSpot scores 4.3.

 

Segmentation, Customizability, and Compatibility

Instapage lacks customer segmentation, a key feature in HubSpot’s marketing automation.

However, Instapage provides real-time analytics, customizable branding, and customizable fields, which HubSpot does not offer. Additionally, Instapage is compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux, while HubSpot does not support these operating systems.

 

Instapage vs. HubSpot: Pricing Comparison

Instapage offers two primary pricing plans:

·       Build 

·       Convert

The Build plan is a fixed monthly price of $199.

The Convert plan features custom pricing based on your business needs.

 

Features:

        Unlimited conversions

        30 published landing pages

        30,000 unique visitors per month

        Basic A/B testing

        Access to most design templates

        Real-time collaboration

 

Now, let’s do the math.

A year of Instapage’s Build plan? $2,388.

A year of HubSpot’s Professional plan? $10,680—before adding extra contacts.

A year of HubSpot Sales Hub Enterprise for five users? $9,000.

That’s a $17,292 difference.

And for what?

HubSpot’s cheaper plans lack essential lead-generation features like A/B testing and real-time collaboration—both included in Instapage’s base plan. To get similar features, you’re forced into HubSpot’s higher-tier plans, paying thousands more.

Meanwhile, Instapage gives you everything you need to build and test high-converting landing pages for a fraction of the price.

So while HubSpot’s pricing stacks fees on top of fees, Instapage keeps it simple—and saves you money in the long run.

 

Instapage vs. HubSpot: Free Trial and Hidden Fees

Instapage offers a free 14-day trial, but a credit card is required.

HubSpot also offers a 14-day free trial that Includes features like customer relationship management (CRM), email marketing, and campaign automation. However, you don't need a credit card or to commit to a purchase.

 

ClickFunnels

ClickFunnels is my fourth pick for this list of HubSpot alternatives. It’s a lead generation platform that helps businesses create custom landing pages and funnels using built-in templates.

Users can build sales pages, email sequences, and lead generation funnels without coding skills.

ClickFunnels helps capture customer details and send follow-up messages through text or notifications.

 

ClickFunnels vs. HubSpot: Feature Comparison

While both tools aim to help businesses generate and convert leads, their approaches differ significantly.

ClickFunnels focuses on creating high-converting sales funnels, while HubSpot offers a broader suite of marketing automation tools.

HubSpot includes email management, email marketing, pre-designed email templates, engagement tracking, and event-triggered actions—all essential for nurturing leads.

This distinction makes ClickFunnels more appealing for direct sales-driven businesses, while HubSpot caters to businesses looking for long-term customer engagement through content and email marketing.

ClickFunnels users often need third-party integrations to achieve similar functionality. This makes HubSpot a more comprehensive solution for businesses focused on inbound marketing and automated email campaigns.

However, businesses that prioritize direct sales and conversion-driven funnels may find ClickFunnels’ streamlined approach more effective.

 

Ease of Use

ClickFunnels is designed for users who need a simple, effective way to create sales funnels. They simplify lead generation by focusing solely on funnel optimization.

Its drag-and-drop editor, pre-built templates, and automation tools make it easy to build high-converting landing pages.

HubSpot, while offering more marketing features, has a steeper learning curve. Users must navigate various modules for email marketing, CRM, and automation.

Businesses looking for a straightforward solution to capture and convert leads will likely find ClickFunnels easier to use.

ClickFunnels’ drag-and-drop editor has scored higher (9.0 vs. 8.5) on G2.

 

Supported Devices: Web and Mobile Access

Both platforms offer mobile-friendly interfaces, but HubSpot provides a dedicated mobile app for CRM and marketing tasks.

ClickFunnels is web-based and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

In contrast, HubSpot doesn’t support desktop software and is only accessible via web browsers.

 

Landing Page Builder Comparison

ClickFunnels has a stronger landing page builder. The platform provides a vast library of pre-built templates designed for high conversion rates, reducing the need for custom design work.

As at the time of writing, ClickFunnels’ landing page builder had scored 8.9 on G2 compared to HubSpot’s 8.5.

 

Lead Generation Features Available in Free Trials

ClickFunnels and HubSpot both offer free trials, but with different limitations.

ClickFunnels provides full access to its funnel-building tools, allowing users to test landing pages, sales funnels, and checkout processes. HubSpot’s free plan includes CRM and email marketing features but lacks advanced automation.

 

Hidden Fees, Extra Costs, and Onboarding Fees

ClickFunnels has a straightforward pricing model with no hidden fees. However, users may need additional third-party tools for email marketing and automation.

HubSpot offers a free plan but charges extra for premium features. Some advanced features require upgrading to more expensive plans. HubSpot also has onboarding fees for higher-tier plans, whereas ClickFunnels does not charge onboarding fees.

 

ClickFunnels vs. HubSpot: Pricing Comparison

ClickFunnels currently offers two pricing plans:

·       Startup: $97 per month

·       Pro: $297 per month

Both plans provide unlimited funnels, pages, and contacts.

 

Specific features by plan:

Startup Plan ($97/month):

        Access to basic funnel building features

        Limited custom domains

 

Pro Plan ($297/month):

        Unlimited custom domains

        Advanced features like affiliate management tools

        Higher contact limit

 

Let’s compare.

A year of ClickFunnels Startup costs $1,164.

A year of ClickFunnels Pro costs $3,564.

A year of HubSpot Professional costs $10,680—before adding contacts.

That’s a $9,516 difference.

And what are you paying for?

HubSpot’s Starter plan lacks key lead-generation features like sales funnels, advanced automation, and A/B testing—features built into ClickFunnels from day one.

To access these on HubSpot, you’ll need to upgrade to the $890/month Professional plan, spending thousands more.

Meanwhile, ClickFunnels gives you everything you need to generate leads and convert customers—without stacking extra fees.

So while HubSpot locks critical features behind expensive upgrades, ClickFunnels delivers a complete sales funnel solution at a fraction of the cost.

 

Salesforce

Salesforce is a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform that helps businesses manage customer interactions, improve customer service, and boost sales by providing tools for sales, marketing, service, commerce, and IT teams.

Unlike many traditional CRM systems that require on-premise servers, Salesforce operates entirely on the cloud, offering scalability, accessibility from anywhere, and reduced IT overhead.

 

Salesforce vs. HubSpot: Similar Features

Both Salesforce Cloud and HubSpot offer essential marketing automation features, including:

·       customer segmentation

·       drip campaigns

·       email tracking, and

·       lead capture

Both platforms also support:

·       multi-channel marketing

·       list management, and

·       engagement tracking

However, their biggest differences lie in usability, implementation, and AI capabilities.

 

Ease of Use

HubSpot offers an intuitive interface that allows businesses to launch campaigns without extensive training.

Salesforce, on the other hand, has a steeper learning curve. It requires more time to master, especially for those unfamiliar with CRM and marketing automation tools.

While HubSpot enables businesses to set up their marketing system without external support, Salesforce often requires dedicated administrators or implementation partners, making it less accessible for small businesses.

 

Implementation Time

Salesforce can take anywhere from six months to a year to fully implement, depending on the complexity of the setup.

Businesses often need certified partners to customize the platform, adding to the overall cost.

HubSpot, in contrast, offers a faster setup process that does not require developer support, allowing teams to get up and running within days or weeks.

 

AI and Automation Capabilities

Salesforce’s AI engine, Einstein, provides more advanced predictive analytics and automation compared to HubSpot’s AI features.

With Einstein, businesses can:

·       leverage deep learning models to forecast trends

·       automate lead scoring, and

·       personalize customer interactions at scale

While HubSpot also incorporates AI into its platform, its capabilities are generally more limited in scope, making Salesforce the better choice for enterprises that prioritize AI-driven insights.

Salesforce also has an advantage in 5 categories: customer journey mapping, real-time analytics, customizable branding, multi-language support, and extensive mobile accessibility.

 

Salesforce vs. HubSpot: Pricing Comparison

Salesforce’s pricing for its Sales Cloud and Service Cloud platforms include:

·       Starter suite ($25/user/month): Features available include up to 325 users, custom reports, internal knowledge base

·       Professional ($80/user/month): Features available include unlimited users, lead scoring, omni-channel routing

·       Enterprise ($165/user/month): Features available include advanced pipeline management, AI Einstein, workflows and processes automation

·       Unlimited ($330/user/month): Features available include in-depth lead and opportunity scoring, customer interactions and deal health insights, advanced forecasting

·       Einstein 1 Sales: ($500/user/month)

 

Let’s compare.

Salesforce’s Starter Suite costs $25/user/month and includes core CRM tools, custom reports, and internal knowledge management.

HubSpot’s Starter plan? $20 per seat, but you’re missing key features like automation, advanced reporting, and lead scoring—unless you upgrade.

Need lead scoring and automation? HubSpot forces you into the Professional plan at $890/month (plus a $3,000 onboarding fee). Meanwhile, Salesforce’s Professional plan is $80/user/month and includes unlimited users, lead scoring, and omni-channel routing—for a fraction of HubSpot’s cost.

Let’s do the math.

A 10-user team on Salesforce Professional costs $800/month.

A 10-user team on HubSpot Professional costs $890/month, but that’s just for three seats. Adding seven more? You’re paying $350 extra per month ($1,240 total).

 

Annual cost for 10 users:

Salesforce Professional: $9,600

HubSpot Professional: $14,880 (plus the $3,000 onboarding fee).

That’s a $8,280 difference in year one.

And that’s before you hit contact limits. HubSpot’s Professional plan includes 2,000 contacts—need more? It’s $250 per 5,000 contacts. Salesforce, on the other hand, allows unlimited contacts, depending on your storage.

HubSpot might seem affordable at first, but once you factor in seats, contacts, and hidden fees, Salesforce delivers more features for less money over time.

 

Sharpspring

SharpSpring is a comprehensive marketing automation and CRM platform that is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses and agencies looking for an affordable, all-in-one solution to manage their marketing and sales funnels.

 

Sharpspring vs. HubSpot: Feature Comparison

Ease of Use

HubSpot is known for its intuitive interface, making it easier for teams to generate leads quickly with minimal training.

SharpSpring, while feature-rich, has a steeper learning curve and may require more time to fully optimize.

However, SharpSpring’s flexibility allows for deeper customization, which advanced users may prefer.

Businesses looking for a plug-and-play solution may find HubSpot more accessible, while those needing tailored lead generation workflows might benefit from SharpSpring’s customization options.

 

Integrations

Both platforms offer extensive integrations, but SharpSpring provides more flexibility.

Additionally, both platforms require payment for native Salesforce integration.

HubSpot’s ecosystem is extensive, but it locks users into its own CMS for full functionality, requiring an additional $50–$200 per month. SharpSpring, in contrast, offers universal CMS compatibility without extra fees.

 

Customer Support

Customer support is another key differentiator.

HubSpot limits Starter users to email support and charge extra for a dedicated account manager.

In contrast, SharpSpring includes a dedicated account manager and ongoing support as part of its standard package.

 

Onboarding Fees

SharpSpring’s onboarding fee of $1,999 is significantly lower than HubSpot’s onboarding fees ($3,000 for the Starter plan and $7,000 for the Enterprise plan).

 

Sharpspring vs. HubSpot: Pricing Comparison

SharpSpring (now known as "Lead Gen & CRM" under Constant Contact) primarily offers a tiered pricing structure based on the number of contacts you need, with each plan providing access to the full suite of features, including unlimited users and support;

        1,000 Contacts: Starting at $449/month, ideal for small businesses with a limited contact list.

        10,000 Contacts: Priced at $999/month, suitable for growing businesses with a larger contact base.

        20,000 Contacts: Costs $1,449/month, designed for larger organizations with extensive contact lists.

        No Feature Limitations: All plans generally provide access to the full range of SharpSpring features.

 

Let’s compare.

HubSpot’s Professional plan costs $890/month for 2,000 contacts and three seats.

If you need more seats, that’s $90 to $150 per additional user per month.

If you need more than 2,000 contacts, that’s $250 per 5,000 contacts—a cost that quickly adds up.

SharpSpring’s pricing is contact-based, not seat-based. At $449/month for 1,000 contacts, it might look expensive upfront. But here’s where it wins:

·       Unlimited users (HubSpot charges per seat).

·       Full feature access at all pricing tiers (HubSpot locks key tools behind expensive plans).

·       No mandatory onboarding fees (HubSpot charges $3,000 to $7,000).

Now, let’s run the numbers for a 10,000-contact business.

HubSpot Professional: $1,390/month ($890 for 2,000 contacts + $500 for 10,000 extra contacts).

SharpSpring: $999/month, all-inclusive.

That’s a $4,692 yearly savings with SharpSpring—before counting extra user costs.

And if you want predictive lead scoring, workflow automation, and advanced reporting, HubSpot forces you into the Enterprise plan ($3,600/month for 10,000 contacts).

SharpSpring gives you all that at $999/month—no upgrades required.

So while HubSpot’s starter price looks cheaper, SharpSpring offers lower long-term costs, unlimited users, and full features at every tier—making it the better deal over time.

 

Keap

Keap is the last tool I’ll look at in this list of HubSpot alternatives. It’s a CRM and automation platform for small businesses. It helps businesses with marketing, sales, and customer service.

What it does

        Collects data

        Creates marketing messages

        Manages eCommerce inventories

        Automates tasks like email follow-up and team task management

        Tracks ROI

        Provides customer sales updates

        Schedules appointments

 

Keap vs. HubSpot: Similar Features

Keap and HubSpot both provide essential marketing automation tools, including:

·       customer segmentation

·       drip campaigns

·       email tracking

·       lead capture

·       subscriber management

·       multi-channel marketing, and

·       ROI tracking

However, while their core functions overlap, their execution and pricing structures differ significantly.

 

Keap vs. HubSpot: Feature Differences

Keap offers additional customization features that HubSpot lacks, such as:

·       customizable branding

·       customer journey mapping

·       personalization

·       workflow automation, and

·       real-time analytics

These features allow businesses to tailor their marketing efforts more precisely.

HubSpot, on the other hand, integrates deeply within its ecosystem but requires users to adapt to its structured workflows rather than offering true flexibility.

 

Customer Support

Keap provides support across multiple devices, including Android, iPhone, and iPad.

HubSpot’s mobile experience is robust but primarily optimized for web-based use.

Additionally, Keap includes phone and chat support in all plans, whereas HubSpot limits Starter users to email support and requires businesses to upgrade for priority service.

 

Keap vs. HubSpot: Pricing Comparison

Keap offers three primary pricing plans:

Ignite plan: Starting at $249/mo (Billed at $2,988/year) (Billed monthly)

·       1500 Contacts Per Month

·       Free Trial

·       For smaller teams

·       1,500 Contacts

·       2 Users

·       5 Proven Automations

·       Unlimited Custom Automations

 

Grow plan: Starting at $329.00

·       2500 Contacts Per Month

·       Free Trial

·       For growing teams

·       2,500 Contacts

·       3 Users

·       10 Proven Automations

·       Unlimited Custom Automations

 

Scale plan: Starting at $499.00

5000 Contacts Per Month

Contact Us

For larger teams

5,000 Contacts

5 Users

15 Proven Automations

Unlimited Custom Automation

N.B. If you pay annually, you save 17%.

 

Let’s compare.

Let’s take HubSpot’s Professional plan: It starts at $890/month for 2,000 contacts and three seats.

If you need more contacts, that’s $250 per 5,000 contacts per month.

If you need more users, that’s $90 to $150 per user per month.

And there’s a $3,000 onboarding fee just to get started.

Keap’s Ignite plan starts at $249/month for 1,500 contacts, with two users included.

The Grow plan ($329/month for 2,500 contacts) and Scale plan ($499/month for 5,000 contacts) provide more flexibility—without per-user fees.

If you pay annually, you save 17%, lowering costs even further.

Now, let’s compare costs for a 5,000-contact business.

 

HubSpot Professional:

        $1,140/month ($890 + $250 for extra contacts)

        $3,000 onboarding fee

        Extra users at $90+ per seat

 

Keap Scale:

        $499/month, all-inclusive

        No onboarding fee

        No per-user fees

That’s a $7,692 yearly savings with Keap.

And the feature gap? HubSpot’s lower plans lack automation, predictive lead scoring, and advanced reporting—forcing an upgrade to the Enterprise plan ($3,600/month for 10,000 contacts).

Keap includes unlimited automations at every tier, making it a cost-effective alternative without hidden fees or forced upgrades.

 

HubSpot Alternatives: The Best Lead Generation Tool

HubSpot may be a popular lead generation tool, but its high costs can quickly add up—especially as your contact list grows or you need advanced features.

Many businesses find themselves paying thousands of dollars per year, locked into contracts, and still missing essential features unless they upgrade to even pricier plans.

Leadsmate AI eliminates these frustrations. Unlike HubSpot and other alternatives like LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Instapage, Clickfunnels, Salesforce, SharpSpring, and Keap, Leadsmate AI gives you access to powerful lead generation tools with a one-time payment—no recurring fees.

With its Intent Matrix™, Leadsmate AI helps you target leads who are actually ready to buy, ensuring you spend less time chasing unqualified prospects.

Its Truth Filter™ cross-verifies lead data in real-time, so you’re not wasting time on outdated or incorrect contacts.

These AI-driven features save you hours of manual work, improve lead quality, and deliver results faster—all at a fraction of HubSpot’s ongoing costs.

Why pay thousands every year when you can get better lead generation for a one-time affordable price?

Start using Leadsmate AI today and find quality leads without the financial strain. Get started now!

 

Pricing Disclaimer: The prices and terms mentioned in this blog post are accurate at the time of writing.

However, product prices and terms may change due to promotions, market fluctuations, or retailer updates.

I recommend checking the official website or store for the most up-to-date pricing before making a purchase.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best HubSpot alternatives? (CRM + CMS)

Here are 20 alternatives to HubSpot that offer CRM and/or CMS functionality:

·       Leadsmate AI

·       Salesforce

·       Zoho CRM

·       Pipedrive

·       Freshsales (Freshworks CRM)

·       ActiveCampaign

·       SharpSpring

·       Keap (Infusionsoft)

·       SugarCRM

·       Agile CRM

·       Bitrix24

·       Nimble

·       Insightly

·       Copper CRM

·       Creatio CRM

·       Zendesk Sell

·       SuiteCRM

·       Vtiger CRM

·       Odoo CRM

·       Microsoft Dynamics 365

 

What is the best HubSpot alternative?

Leadsmate AI is the best HubSpot alternative because it delivers high-quality leads with real buying intent at a fraction of the cost.

Unlike HubSpot’s expensive, tiered pricing, Leadsmate AI offers a one-time payment, making it significantly more affordable in the long run.

It continuously tracks real-time buyer intent signals across Google, LinkedIn, and Facebook, ensuring you connect with leads who are ready to buy.

Plus, with its Intent Matrix™ and Truth Filter™, you get only verified, high-converting leads—something traditional CRMs don’t offer.

Why pay thousands annually when Leadsmate AI gives you more for less?

 

Who competes against HubSpot?

·       Leadsmate AI

·       ZoomInfo

·       LinkedIn Sales Navigator

·       Apollo.io

·       Lusha

·       Uplead

·       Clearbit

·       Seamless.ai

·       Hunter.io

·       Snov.io

·       Leadfeeder

·       AeroLeads

·       SalesIntel

·       FindThatLead

·       GetProspect

·       D&B Hoovers

·       Lead411

·       LeadFuze

·       Kaspr

·       Voila Norbert

 

What is HubSpot's equivalent?

Leadsmate AI is the closest equivalent to HubSpot—but better.

It doesn’t just collect contact details like most CRMs. It analyzes real-time buyer intent signals, ensuring your leads are actually ready to buy. Unlike HubSpot, which charges thousands in recurring fees, Leadsmate AI requires just a one-time payment while offering premium lead generation tools. Better leads, lower cost, and no monthly fees.

 

Which is best: Zoho or HubSpot?

Zoho CRM is more affordable than HubSpot but lacks advanced automation in its lower-tier plans.

HubSpot, while feature-rich, is too expensive for small businesses and locks premium features behind costly plans.

Leadsmate AI is better than both—it doesn’t charge per seat or per month, and it actually delivers ready-to-buy leads, not just contact lists. With AI-powered lead verification, intent tracking, and a one-time fee, Leadsmate AI is the most cost-effective and powerful alternative.

 

HubSpot alternatives (free tools)

·       HubSpot CRM (free version)

·       Zoho CRM (free plan)

·       Bitrix24 (free plan)

·       Agile CRM (free plan)

·       Freshsales (free plan)

·       EngageBay (free plan)

·       Capsule CRM (free plan)

·       Insightly (free plan)

·       Streak CRM (free plan)

·       Flowlu (free plan)

·       Vtiger (free plan)

·       SuiteCRM (open-source)

·       Odoo CRM (free plan)

·       Revamp CRM (free plan)

·       Really Simple Systems (free plan)

·       Close CRM (free plan)

·       Apptivo (free plan)

·       CRM.me (free plan)

·       ConvergeHub (free plan)

·       FreeAgent CRM (free plan)

 

HubSpot Pricing

·       Starter: $20 per seat/month

·       Professional: $890/month for 3 seats

·       Additional 5,000 contacts: +$250/month (One-time onboarding fee: $3,000)

·       Enterprise: $3,600/month for 5 seats (10,000 contacts included, One-time onboarding fee: $7,000)

·       Sales Hub Enterprise: $150 per seat/month

·       Service Hub Professional: $90 per seat/month (One-time onboarding fee: $1,500)

·       Service Hub Enterprise: $150 per seat/month (One-time onboarding fee: $3,500)