Close vs ActiveCampaign.
Different strengths. Different costs. Here’s what to weigh before you choose.
Compare the plans as well as the brands. These prices may have different billing commitments and capacity limits; they are not equivalent quotes.
| What matters | Close | ActiveCampaign |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Sales CRM integrating calling, email and SMS with deal management and automated outreach workflows. | Marketing platform for businesses needing email campaigns, automated customer journeys, segmentation and CRM connections. |
| Listed plan | Growth | Starter |
| Base price | $99 / seat / mo · annual billing | Contact vendor |
| Pricing conditions | Monthly equivalent billed annually; month-to-month Growth is $109. Calling and additional AI usage are extra. Lower tiers omit workflows. | Official price calculator did not expose a USD price in retrieved content. Contact count and optional CRM add-ons affect cost. |
| Documented capabilities | crm, email, automation, analytics | email, automation, crm, analytics |
| Free plan | No documented plan | Not verified |
| Trial | 14 days; no credit card | 14 days, no credit card required |
| Integrations | Google Calendar, Outlook, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet | Shopify, Salesforce, Zapier, Make, WordPress, Stripe |
| Benefits (editorial) | Calling and email operate alongside lead records. Growth includes workflows and a power dialer. | Combines email automation with CRM capabilities. Official integrations include Shopify, Salesforce, Zapier and Make. |
| Limitations | Growth seat costs add up as the sales team expands. Calling is usage-billed beyond the software subscription. | Starter allows only five actions per automation. Enhanced CRM functions are sold as add-ons. |
| Typical fit (editorial) | Marketing agency, Professional services, Real estate | Marketing agency, E-commerce, Creator & newsletter, Professional services |
| AI, support & ease of use | Confirm plan-specific AI limits and support. Ease of use has not been independently tested. | Confirm plan-specific AI limits and support. Ease of use has not been independently tested. |
| Evidence | Sources checked 2026-10-07 → | Sources checked 2026-10-07 → |
| Your next step | Visit CloseStandard provider link; no commission currently earned. | Visit ActiveCampaignStandard provider link; no commission currently earned. |
Use-case recommendations
Consider Close when…
Calling and email operate alongside lead records.
Check first: Growth seat costs add up as the sales team expands.
Consider ActiveCampaign when…
Combines email automation with CRM capabilities.
Check first: Starter allows only five actions per automation.
Make the decision on your terms
Test your real workflow, calculate the full team and usage cost, and confirm export options before migrating. A higher advertised feature count does not necessarily create a better fit.
LESS RESEARCH. BETTER DECISIONS.Your business is unique.
Build my software stack Your business is unique.
Your software stack should be too.
Get a practical shortlist based on what you actually need.