HubSpot 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 | HubSpot | ActiveCampaign |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Connected CRM with free contact and deal management, email tools and meeting scheduling, plus paid hubs for more advanced requirements. | Marketing platform for businesses needing email campaigns, automated customer journeys, segmentation and CRM connections. |
| Listed plan | Free CRM | Starter |
| Base price | $0 / mo | Contact vendor |
| Pricing conditions | Up to two users and 1,000 contacts. Advanced automation and paid hubs require separate pricing; this is not an all-features enterprise quote. | 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, scheduling, support, analytics | email, automation, crm, analytics |
| Free plan | Yes, with limits | Not verified |
| Trial | Not verified | 14 days, no credit card required |
| Integrations | Not yet verified | Shopify, Salesforce, Zapier, Make, WordPress, Stripe |
| Benefits (editorial) | Free CRM supports an initial customer database and pipeline. Email, meetings and live chat connect to customer records. | Combines email automation with CRM capabilities. Official integrations include Shopify, Salesforce, Zapier and Make. |
| Limitations | The free plan is limited to two users and 1,000 contacts. Advanced CRM capabilities require paid editions. | Starter allows only five actions per automation. Enhanced CRM functions are sold as add-ons. |
| Typical fit (editorial) | Marketing agency, Professional services, Real estate, Local business | 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 HubSpotStandard provider link; no commission currently earned. | Visit ActiveCampaignStandard provider link; no commission currently earned. |
Use-case recommendations
Consider HubSpot when…
Free CRM supports an initial customer database and pipeline.
Check first: The free plan is limited to two users and 1,000 contacts.
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.
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