Close CRM alternatives compared: features, pricing, and use cases

For sales teams, every minute counts. A CRM should help you close deals fast, not bury you in clunky workflows, unexpected costs, or missing features.

Close CRM positions itself as a fast, efficient solution – but does it truly deliver? We’ll check its features, pricing, and limitations and highlight alternatives that might give your team the flexibility, tools, and support they need to succeed.

What is Close CRM?

Close CRM simplifies outreach and follow-ups, giving sales teams the tools they need to drive consistent, measurable results.

Close CRM features

• Built-in calling and SMS: Manage calls and texts directly from the platform – with features like Predictive Dialer and Call Coaching to speed up outreach and improve conversations.
• Email automation and tracking: Send personalized email sequences and track engagement in real time.
• Pipeline view for tracking leads: Keep track of deals at every stage with a clear, visual pipeline.
• Customizable workflows: Create workflows that fit your team’s sales process, saving time and keeping everyone on the same page.
• Integrated sales reporting: Detailed analytics help you understand your sales performance – from activity metrics to revenue forecasts.
• Multi-channel inbox: Consolidate email, calls, and SMS into a single view to manage all your communication in one place.
• Free migration: Close helps new users transfer their data at no extra cost – which can be useful for teams switching CRMs.

Close CRM pricing

Close CRM offers three customer relationship management pricing plans for different business needs.

• Startup Plan ($59/user/month): Perfect for small teams, this plan keeps things simple with core features like a centralized inbox, built-in calling, texting, email, and pipeline reporting to track deals.
• Professional Plan ($109/user/month): The Professional plan adds more tools to help you move faster. It includes automation for follow-ups and reminders, multiple pipeline views for better deal tracking and custom activities to tailor your sales process. You can also store call recordings for up to 30 days.
• Enterprise Plan ($149/user/month): Built for fast-growing teams, this plan comes with everything in Professional, plus advanced features like personalized call coaching and a predictive dialer for high-volume outreach. It also includes custom objects and reports.

Why you should look for alternatives to Close CRM

Close CRM offers useful features, but it doesn’t always meet the demands of growing teams. If it feels like you’re working around its limitations instead of with it, you’re not alone. Let’s look at where Close CRM misses the mark.

• No free planClose CRM lacks a free tier, which can be a dealbreaker for startups or small teams working with limited budgets. Many competitors offer free options that provide more flexibility. G2
• Difficult to useUsers often criticize Close for its non-intuitive interface and confusing workflows. Without extensive training, teams may find it difficult to navigate the platform. G2
• Performance issuesSlow performance, especially with calling features, has been a common complaint. Issues like delayed access to call logs or the dial pad can disrupt full team engagement. G2
• Confusing workflows and automationUsers have reported difficulties setting up automation correctly, often requiring repeated adjustments to get them to work as intended. G2
• Low customization optionsThe platform struggles to meet the needs of teams requiring advanced customization. Customizing reports and dashboards can be troublesome. G2
• High cost for what you getCompared to other CRMs, Close can feel overpriced, especially considering its limitations. Teams needing native mobile apps or a broader range of tools may find better value elsewhere. Small to medium-sized businesses might struggle to keep up with the expenses. G2

A CRM should simplify your workflow, not create more hurdles. If Close CRM’s constraints are holding you back, it could be the right moment to find a tool that truly supports your team’s growth.

7 best Close CRM alternatives

#1 Capsule CRM

Running a business doesn’t need a complicated CRM. Capsule CRM gives small businesses the right tools to stay organized and grow at their own pace. No more wasting time on features you don’t need!

Capsule CRM features

• Contact management: Store and easily organize customer information.
• Sales pipeline: Get a clear, visual view of your deals as they progress through different stages.
• Customization: Use custom fields, tags, and dashboards to tailor the CRM to your needs.
• Reporting and analytics: Analyze business performance with detailed reports and marketing insights.
• Project management: Manage and create tasks for sales reps to keep follow-ups and client deliverables on track.
• Email integration: Sync Capsule with Gmail, Transpond, or other email tools for smooth communication tracking and email campaigns
• Mobile CRM: Use Capsule on the go with its fully functional mobile app
• Integration options: Connect with tools like G Suite, Xero, and Mailchimp to extend its capabilities. Check here for the full Capsule CRM integration list.

Capsule CRM pricing

• Starter ($18/user/month): Manage up to 30,000 contacts, email templates, and shared mailboxes, great for smaller teams
• Growth ($36/user/month): Offers 60,000 contacts, workflow automation, multiple pipelines, and project management
• Advanced ($54/user/month): Includes 120,000 contacts, advanced reporting, and contact enrichment
• Ultimate ($72/user/month): Ideal for larger teams, with 240,000 contacts, a dedicated account manager, and custom training.

Here's why Capsule CRM is the perfect alternative to Close CRM

Customization and flexibility

Capsule CRM gives you the freedom to shape the platform to your needs with custom fields, tags, and dashboards. It adapts easily to your team’s unique workflows. Close CRM, while effective, offers a more rigid structure that can feel limiting for teams needing tailored solutions to manage their sales process.

G2

Cost-effectiveness

Capsule CRM delivers great value without breaking the bank. Its Starter plan costs just $18 per user/month and includes features like 30,000 contacts, email templates, and shared mailboxes to boost team productivity.

Unlike Close CRM, Capsule also offers a free plan – ideal for smaller teams or businesses just starting out. In contrast, Close’s lowest tier starts at $59 per user/month and focuses mainly on sales communication – leaving areas like task management and customization underwhelming for the price.

G2

Usability and user experience

Capsule CRM stands out for its clean, intuitive interface that teams can use effortlessly, regardless of experience.

In contrast, Close CRM often receives criticism for its bulky workflows and steep learning curve, which can slow down new users and make everyday processes feel unnecessarily complicated.

G2

Start your free 14-day trial of Capsule CRM today and see the difference it makes for your team.

#2 Nutshell CRM

Nutshell CRM gives small teams the essentials they need to automate sales and run email campaigns. It keeps customer information organized, pipelines clear, and routine work off your plate. Simple, practical, and built to get results.

Nutshell CRM features

• Easily organize customer data with free data migration options
• Track and prioritize leads visually across different stages
• Manage email campaigns directly within the platform
• Connect with apps like Gmail, Microsoft 365, and more.

Nutshell CRM pricing

• Foundation ($19/user/month): Includes unlimited storage, single sales pipeline, and email/calendar sync
• Growth ($32/user/month): Adds email reporting, sales quotas, and up to 25 custom fields
• Pro ($49/user/month): Introduces 5 pipelines, sales automation, and meeting scheduling (lite)
• Business ($67/user/month): Offers advanced AI-powered tools and expanded customization options
• Enterprise ($89/user/month): Features unlimited pipelines, custom fields, and SQL access.

source: G2

Nutshell CRM cons

• Limited customization options compared to other CRMs. (G2)
• It can be difficult for new users to navigate. (G2)
• Social media integration is restricted. (G2)

Nutshell CRM works well for businesses that need an easy, all-in-one solution. However, its limited customization and lack of scalability can hold back larger teams looking for more tailored tools as they expand.

#3 Pipedrive CRM

Pipedrive CRM cuts through the chaos with a clear system for tracking and managing leads. Its visual pipelines and easy-to-use features help teams build their sales processes – but its sales-only approach can feel limiting for businesses that need a more well-rounded CRM.

Pipedrive CRM features

• Customize sales pipelines to match your workflow and keep things organized
• Automate mundane tasks to save time and focus on closing deals
• Analyze your sales performance with detailed reporting
• Centralize communication with email and call integration

Pipedrive CRM pricing

• Essential (€24/user/month): Ideal for basic pipeline and lead management, with activity tracking and personalized onboarding
• Advanced (€44/user/month): Adds email syncing, automation tools, and group emailing
• Professional (€64/user/month): Includes AI tools, revenue forecasting, and e-signatures
• Power (€79/user/month): Expands collaboration features with 24/7 support and advanced project planning
• Enterprise (€129/user/month): Full access to all features with improved security and customizations.

source: G2

Pipedrive CRM cons

• Customization options may not fit unique business needs. (G2)
• Mobile app is missing some key desktop features. (G2)
• Delayed customer support can slow issue resolution. (G2)

For small sales teams, Pipedrive is a great choice, but larger organizations or those needing deeper customization might want to look for another CRM solution – such as Capsule.

#4 Keap CRM

Formerly known as Infusionsoft, Keap CRM combines sales and marketing tools into one system. It promises to simplify lead tracking and centralize customer interactions. For small teams tired of juggling scattered tools, Keap offers a single place to keep things moving.

Keap CRM features

• Easily manage customer details and interactions from a single interface.
• Build landing pages and forms to capture and track leads.
• Use the sales pipeline to manage and close deals.
• Handle invoicing and payments directly within the platform.

Keap CRM pricing

Keap’s plans start at $299/month for up to 1,500 contacts and increase with higher contact limits. For example, 2,500 contacts cost $335/month, and 6,500 contacts cost $449/month. Additional users are $39/month each. Initial setup requires a one-time implementation fee between $1,500 and $3,500.

source: G2

Keap CRM cons

• Expensive compared to similar platforms G2
• Outdated interface and limited customization options G2
• Reports of unreliable customer support and a steep learning curve. G2

While Keap offers a wide range of tools, its high cost and usability challenges might make you consider simpler or more affordable alternatives.

#5 Insightly CRM

Not every CRM handles projects well – Insightly however, does the trick. Insightly CRM combines customer management with project tracking, giving growing businesses one central place to keep leads, workflows, and tasks in sync.

Insightly CRM features

• Manage leads and deals with customizable pipelines that show progress at a glance.
• Use advanced permissions and validation rules for better data control.
• Track projects from start to finish with task management tools tied directly to opportunities.
• Generate insights through performance dashboards and customizable reports.

Insightly CRM pricing

• Plus Plan ($29/user/month): Core features like lead and contact management, basic dashboards, and project tracking.
• Professional Plan ($49/user/month): Adds workflow automation, lead assignment, and custom page layouts to the Plus Plan.
• Enterprise Plan ($99/user/month): For large teams, this includes sandbox environments, advanced audit logging, and detailed product pricebooks.

source: G2

Insightly CRM cons

• The interface can be overwhelming for new users, with a lot of features and views crammed together. (Capterra)
• Some users report frustrating customer service experiences, especially with billing issues. (Capterra)
• Fields are laid out in a confusing way, making editing them a tiresome ordeal. (Capterra)

The price of Insightly, as well as occasional issues with its usability, may lead some teams to explore more affordable or simpler CRM alternatives.

#6 HubSpot CRM

Usually, managing sales, marketing, and support means jumping between tools. HubSpot CRM simplifies everything by combining these features all in one place. From live chat and email tracking to automation, it keeps the business moving forward.

HubSpot CRM features

• Intuitive dashboards for real-time sales pipeline tracking.
• Unlimited contact and data storage with no time restrictions.
• Built-in live chat and email tracking tools for effective communication.
• AI-powered email writing for improved outreach.
• Detailed reporting and performance analytics for actionable insights.

HubSpot CRM pricing

• Free Plan: Includes marketing, sales, and service tools for up to 2 users.
• Starter Plan ($15/seat/month): Adds basic marketing, sales, and operations tools with up to 1,000 marketing contacts.
• Professional Plan ($1,170/month for 5 seats): Adds advanced tools across marketing and sales with 2,000 marketing contacts. Extra seats cost $45/month.
• Enterprise Plan ($4,300/month for 7 seats): Includes 10,000 marketing contacts, more advanced features, and additional seats at $75/month.

source: G2

HubSpot CRM cons

• Expensive higher-tier plans that may strain budgets. (Capterra)
• The free and low-tier plans have very limited features, so you have to upgrade if you want more.
• A rigid interface does not allow for a lot of customization. (Capterra)
• Certain features, like workflows, can be difficult to configure. Capterra

HubSpot CRM is a solid option for businesses with complex needs, but its pricing and advanced features may not suit every team. If you're looking for a budget-friendly, simpler solution, there are plenty of alternatives (like Capsule!) to explore.

#7 Nimble CRM

Not every CRM keeps up as your business grows. Nimble works well for solo professionals and small teams who rely on social connections to build relationships. It pulls in contact data from emails and social platforms, giving you a unified view of your customers. But if you’re looking for deeper features or scalability, its simplicity could start to feel limiting.

Nimble CRM features

• Integrates with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace for improved workflows.
• Offers Nimble Prospector to gather and update contact information.
• Combines sales pipeline management and deal tracking capabilities.
• Engages clients directly through additional social media tools.
• Provides customizable sales reports for detailed performance tracking.

Nimble CRM pricing

Nimble has a single plan priced at $29.90 per user per month when billed monthly. There are also add-ons such as outreach, data enrichment, and lead generation.

This plan includes 25,000 contact records, 2GB of storage per seat, and a 14-day free trial, offering good value for teams with basic CRM needs. You can also add an extra 10,000 contacts for $10/month.

Nimble CRM cons

• Very limited file storage at 2GB per user. (Capterra)
• Manual features in the social media integration may not work as intended. (Capterra)
• Learning the platform’s nuances can take time, particularly for new users. (Capterra)

Nimble works well for teams focused on social and email-driven outreach, but its limited storage and integrations might hold you back. If your business needs more room to grow, exploring other CRMs could make a better fit.

Over to you

Stop forcing it – find a CRM that actually fits.

Close CRM has its perks, but if it feels like you’re trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, it’s time for something smarter. Capsule keeps it simple, flexible, and tailored to your business, so you can focus on winning deals instead of wrestling with your tools.

Why wait? Start your free trial today and see how easy “just right” can be.

Try Capsule CRM free for 14 daysGet started