Published on Apr 11, 2025 5 min read

ActiveCampaign vs. HubSpot: Which CRM Best Fits Your Business Needs

Your CRM platform may significantly change how you run and expand your company. ActiveCampaign and HubSpot are the most often used choices because they have special tools to simplify client relationship management. Businesses trying to improve consumer involvement through focused campaigns will find ActiveCampaign perfect because of its potent email marketing and automation solutions.

With its all-in-one CRM solution—which combines marketing, sales, and customer service features on one platform—HubSpot stands out. Since both systems have strong features, choosing which would be better for your situation can be difficult. Based on pricing, functionality, simplicity of use, and customer service, ActiveCampaign and HubSpot will be compared in this article to enable you to choose with knowledge for your company.

ActiveCampaign

Mostly, ActiveCampaign is known for its strong email marketing capabilities. This CRM application lets companies categorize and automate customer journeys and email marketing. It is also a wonderful option for companies concentrating on client contact since it offers sales automation and customer service capabilities. ActiveCampaign provides consumers with freedom by allowing them to interact nicely with various outside solutions. Its capacity to construct sophisticated, automated processes customizing the client experience is among its best qualities.

Pros:

• Powerful email automation
• Advanced segmentation and targeting
• Great for small to medium-sized businesses
• Affordable pricing for most features
• Excellent email marketing tools

Cons:

• The steeper learning curve for beginners
• Limited features for large enterprises
• Not as user-friendly as HubSpot

HubSpot

Beyond mere email marketing, HubSpot is an all-in-one CRM tool. On one platform, it aggregates CRM with marketing, sales, and customer service technologies. Companies that require a complete solution to handle client contacts from beginning to end would find HubSpot ideal. Features of the platform include analytics, content management, social media integration, and lead tracking. One of its main selling features is its simplicity, which makes it reachable for people with different degrees of experience.

Pros:

• Easy to use and intuitive interface
• Comprehensive all-in-one solution
• Strong customer support
• Free CRM option available
• Great for inbound marketing

Cons:

• Limited features in lower-tier plans
• Higher cost for advanced features
• It can become expensive as you scale

ActiveCampaign vs. HubSpot: A Comparison of Their Unique Features

Based on the basic features and business tools provided, ActiveCampaign and HubSpot differ mostly in the following areas:

Ease of Use

The ActiveCampaign and HubSpot user interfaces are among the first things you will find noteworthy. Since HubSpot is so user-friendly, companies without a dedicated IT staff would find it perfect. Its simple, clear design helps one locate the required tools quickly. Conversely, ActiveCampaign is a little more sophisticated. Although it's easy to operate, its sophisticated features and customizing choices will overwhelm novices. However, ActiveCampaign's design becomes much simpler if email marketing and automation are your only priorities.

Features Comparison

Let's compare the different features of both platforms:

1. Email Marketing: Email marketing is one area in which ActiveCampaign excels. It lets companies segment their audience, run automated tailored email campaigns, and monitor campaign efficacy. Although HubSpot also provides email marketing, its email solutions are more rudimentary than ActiveCampaign's ones.
2. CRM: HubSpot's CRM is more all-encompassing and provides contact management, lead tracking, and sales automation. It also offers capabilities for social networking and content control. Businesses prioritizing email marketing and customer journeys should find ActiveCampaign's CRM more suited.
3. Sales Automation: While both systems provide sales automation, HubSpot goes one step further with tools to handle lead nurturing, deal monitoring, and pipeline management. ActiveCampaign is primarily suited for client email contacts but also offers sales automation.
4. Customer Service: Live chat, tickets, and a knowledge base—among other customer care tools—are included by HubSpot. Though it lacks the complexity of HubSpot's customer care suite, ActiveCampaign provides basic tools.

Pricing

Regarding cost, ActiveCampaign is usually more reasonable. Its basic plan incorporates most of the tools small businesses want, particularly regarding email marketing, which starts at a reduced price. Small companies would find HubSpot's free CRM a terrific choice; however, the price will rapidly rise once you start demanding more sophisticated capabilities. Specifically, when you require tools for marketing automation, sales, and customer care, HubSpot's subscription plans cost more than ActiveCampaign's.

Integrations

Both systems provide an extensive spectrum of integrations using outside technologies. HubSpot is a wonderful option for companies using various apps since it has a bigger market with thousands of accessible integrations. Though it's not as large as HubSpot's marketplace, ActiveCampaign also connects with several tools.

Customer Support

While both sites provide first-rate customer service, HubSpot distinguishes itself for its availability of resources and response. One highly praised HubSpot is its knowledge base, live chat support, and community forums. Though it might not be as quick or thorough as HubSpot's, ActiveCampaign also provides strong assistance.

Which CRM is Right for Your Business?

Choosing the correct CRM will rely on the actual needs of your company. ActiveCampaign would be more suited if you run a small or medium-sized business that concentrates on email marketing automation. It provides reasonably priced tools, excellent segmenting choices, and strong automated capabilities. That makes it perfect for companies seeking to create customized customer journeys and automate follow-ups without overspending.

It is extremely helpful if your primary objective is to enhance email customer communication. However, HubSpot could be the better option if you require more than email marketing. HubSpot offers various consumer service, marketing, and sales tools. Its CRM is simple to operate and meant to enable expansion at all phases. It provides live chat, content management, lead tracking, and thorough analytics on one platform.

Conclusion:

Though they serve different business purposes, ActiveCampaign and HubSpot are excellent CRM systems. Small to medium-sized companies concentrating on email marketing and automation will find ActiveCampaign more appropriate. It provides strong instruments together with outstanding value for money. If you require a one-stop fix combining marketing, sales, and customer service, HubSpot is perfect. Though it has many features and is easy to use, it could cost more as you grow. Your final decision will rely on your objectives, financial situation, and required integration or automation degree. Review both systems closely to identify the one most suited for your company plan.