Freshsales

4.5 (2.3k reviews)

CRM with AI-powered lead scoring, email tracking, and visual sales pipeline....

VS 2026

Close

4.6 (1.1k reviews)

CRM built for sales teams with built-in calling, email, and sales automation....

Freshsales vs Close: Which Is Better in 2026?

Comprehensive comparison of Freshsales and Close covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.

Quick Overview

Freshsales

  • Best for: SMBs, Sales teams
  • Starting price: Free
  • Category: crm
  • Founded: 2016
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Close

  • Best for: Inside sales teams, Startups
  • Starting price: $49/mo
  • Category: crm
  • Founded: 2013
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Feature Comparison

Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between Freshsales and Close.

Feature
Freshsales
Close
Contact Management
Pipeline Management
Email Tracking
Marketing Automation
Reporting
Mobile App
Integrations
AI Features
Built-in Calling

Our Verdict

After extensive testing and analysis, Close edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Close offers better overall user satisfaction. Freshsales remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize smbs.

Winner

Close

Best for Inside sales teams and Startups. Built-in calling.

Try Close
Alternative

Freshsales

Best for SMBs and Sales teams. Great free tier.

Try Freshsales

Pros & Cons

Freshsales Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Great free tier
  • AI-powered
  • Easy to use
  • Built-in phone
  • Good value
Cons
  • Limited marketing features
  • Fewer integrations
  • Reporting could be better
  • Less customizable

Close Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Built-in calling
  • Sales-focused
  • Fast and clean
  • Email sequences
  • Great support
Cons
  • No marketing features
  • Limited customization
  • Can get expensive
  • No free tier

Pricing Comparison

Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.

Freshsales

freemium
Starting from Free
Free tier available
Free Free
  • Unlimited users
  • Contact management
  • Mobile app
Growth $15 /mo
  • Visual pipeline
  • AI lead scoring
  • Workflows
Enterprise $69 /mo
  • Custom modules
  • Auto-assignment
  • Audit logs

Close

subscription
Starting from $49 /mo
Startup $49 /mo
  • 3 users
  • Built-in calling
  • Email sequences
Enterprise $149 /mo
  • Unlimited users
  • Custom objects
  • Advanced permissions

Which Tool Is Best For You?

Choose Freshsales if you need:

  • SMBs
  • Sales teams
  • Startups
  • Budget-conscious companies
  • Great free tier
  • AI-powered
Try Freshsales Free

Choose Close if you need:

  • Inside sales teams
  • Startups
  • Cold calling teams
  • B2B sales
  • Built-in calling
  • Sales-focused
Try Close Free

Freshsales vs Close FAQ

What are the main differences between Freshsales and Close?

Freshsales focuses on smbs with great free tier, while Close excels at inside sales teams with built-in calling. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.

Is Freshsales or Close better for small businesses?

Freshsales offers a free tier which is great for small businesses starting out. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers Freshsales's lower starting price of $0/month.

What is the pricing difference between Freshsales and Close?

Freshsales starts at $0/month with a free tier available, while Close starts at $49/month. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.

Can Freshsales integrate with Close?

While direct integration may vary, both Freshsales and Close support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. Freshsales integrates with Gmail, Outlook, Slack, while Close works with Zapier, Slack, Calendly.

Which tool is easier to use, Freshsales or Close?

Based on user reviews, Close generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.6 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. Freshsales is known for ai-powered.

Does Freshsales or Close offer better customer support?

Both Freshsales and Close provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. Freshsales offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.

What are the pros of Freshsales compared to Close?

Freshsales's main advantages include: Great free tier, AI-powered, Easy to use. Compared to Close, it's particularly strong for smbs.

What are the cons of Freshsales compared to Close?

Freshsales's potential drawbacks include: Limited marketing features, Fewer integrations. Close may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.

Should I switch from Freshsales to Close or vice versa?

Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.

Which tool is best for crm in 2026?

In 2026, Close leads in this comparison with a 4.6 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. Freshsales excels for smbs, while Close is ideal for inside sales teams.

Written by

AM
Alex Morgan Senior SaaS Analyst

Alex has spent over 8 years analyzing and comparing business software solutions. With a background in enterprise software sales and product management, he brings hands-on experience to every review. Alex specializes in CRM, marketing automation, and sales enablement tools.

127 articles
CRMMarketing AutomationSales Tools