HubSpot is a widely known name in the world of CRM, marketing automation, and sales solutions. However, it might not be the perfect fit for every business due to its pricing, limitations in advanced customization, and sometimes steep learning curve. Whether you’re a startup, SMB, or enterprise seeking a more flexible or budget-friendly option, there are many excellent alternatives to HubSpot worth considering.
- Key features
- Benefits
- Pros & cons
- Pricing & licensing model
- Tech stack used
- Limitations
- And a detailed comparison table
We’ll also show why HT Business Group is your best partner for integrating or developing your custom marketing automation or CRM solution. Explore our Application Development and Web Development services, or Contact Us to book your free consultation today.
1. HT Business Group – Custom CRM & Marketing Automation Solutions ⭐ (Recommended)
Website: HT Business Group
Overview: HT Business Group specializes in creating tailor-made CRM and marketing automation platforms designed around your specific business processes. Whether you’re looking for lead generation, email marketing, sales pipelines, or customer retention tools — we build it for you.
Benefits:
- 100% customizable features
- One-time development cost, no subscription needed
- Seamless integration with your existing systems
- Built using scalable and modern tech stacks (Node.js, React, Laravel, etc.)
Pros:
- Own your data and platform
- Highly scalable and secure
- Ideal for businesses looking for flexibility
Cons:
- Initial setup takes time compared to plug-and-play SaaS
Pricing: Custom Quote (Affordable one-time or subscription-based pricing)
License: Open or Proprietary (Based on client preference)
Tech Stack: Node.js, React, Laravel, MySQL, MongoDB, Vue.js
Limitations:
- Requires initial development time
📞 Book a Free Consultation and share your requirements to get started.
2. Zoho CRM
Website: https://www.zoho.com/crm/
Overview: Zoho CRM offers robust automation, sales tracking, and multichannel communication in an affordable package. It’s one of the top HubSpot competitors.
Benefits:
- Customizable dashboards
- AI-powered assistant
- Affordable pricing for small to medium businesses
Pros:
- Extensive integration ecosystem
- Free plan available
Cons:
- UI can feel outdated
- Learning curve for complex workflows
Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans from $14/user/month
License: Proprietary
Tech Stack: Java, PostgreSQL, React
Limitations:
- Advanced analytics and features locked behind higher-tier plans
3. ActiveCampaign
Website: https://www.activecampaign.com
Overview: ActiveCampaign blends email marketing, automation, and CRM functionality to serve growing businesses effectively.
Benefits:
- Powerful automation
- Excellent deliverability rate
Pros:
- Deep segmentation and personalization
- Good support and documentation
Cons:
- No free plan
- Can be expensive for high contact volumes
Pricing: Starts at $39/month for 1,000 contacts
License: Proprietary
Tech Stack: PHP, MySQL, JavaScript
Limitations:
- Learning curve for automation builder
4. MailerLite
Website: https://www.mailerlite.com
Overview: An excellent tool for startups and small businesses focused on email marketing and basic automation.
Benefits:
- Intuitive UI
- Easy drag-and-drop editor
Pros:
- Affordable
- Generous free plan
Cons:
- Limited CRM functionality
- Less suitable for large teams
Pricing: Free plan available; Paid plans from $10/month
License: Proprietary
Tech Stack: PHP, JavaScript, AWS
Limitations:
- No advanced reporting tools
5. Pipedrive
Website: https://www.pipedrive.com
Overview: A sales-focused CRM system perfect for tracking pipelines and closing deals efficiently.
Benefits:
- Visual sales pipeline
- Great reporting
Pros:
- Fast setup
- Strong mobile apps
Cons:
- Lacks some marketing features
- Add-ons can increase pricing
Pricing: Starts at $14.90/user/month
License: Proprietary
Tech Stack: Node.js, PostgreSQL
Limitations:
- Limited automation tools compared to HubSpot
6. Sendinblue (now Brevo)
Website: https://www.brevo.com
Overview: Known for email campaigns, SMS marketing, and transactional emails, Brevo is ideal for SMEs.
Benefits:
- Includes marketing automation
- Affordable bulk email solution
Pros:
- Built-in SMS and WhatsApp marketing
- Free plan with 300 emails/day
Cons:
- Automation tools are not as deep as competitors
Pricing: Free plan; Paid plans from $25/month
License: Proprietary
Tech Stack: PHP, MySQL, Vue.js
Limitations:
- UI can lag during peak hours
7. Freshsales (by Freshworks)
Website: https://www.freshworks.com/crm/
Overview: Freshsales offers a clean interface with AI-based lead scoring, workflow automation, and an excellent mobile app.
Benefits:
- Built-in phone and email
- AI lead scoring
Pros:
- Great UI
- Free plan available
Cons:
- Limited integrations compared to others
Pricing: Free plan; Paid from $15/user/month
License: Proprietary
Tech Stack: React, Node.js, AWS
Limitations:
- API access in higher plans only
Comparison Table
| Platform | Free Plan | Starting Price | Best For | Customization | Tech Stack | Licensing |
| HT Business Group | No (custom) | Custom Quote | Custom CRM & Automation | ✅ High | Node.js, React, Laravel | Open/Proprietary |
| Zoho CRM | ✅ | $14/user/mo | SMBs with CRM focus | ✅ Medium | Java, React | Proprietary |
| ActiveCampaign | ❌ | $39/mo | Email Marketing Automation | ✅ Medium | PHP | Proprietary |
| MailerLite | ✅ | $10/mo | Email Marketing for Startups | ❌ Low | PHP, AWS | Proprietary |
| Pipedrive | ❌ | $14.90/user/mo | Sales Teams | ✅ Medium | Node.js | Proprietary |
| Brevo (Sendinblue) | ✅ | $25/mo | Bulk Email & SMS | ✅ Medium | PHP, Vue.js | Proprietary |
| Freshsales | ✅ | $15/user/mo | AI CRM for Sales Teams | ✅ Medium | React, AWS | Proprietary |
Why Choose HT Business Group?
- ✅ Tailored CRM & automation systems for any industry
- ✅ Modern tech stacks for scalability
- ✅ Cost-effective development options
- ✅ Dedicated support team
Let us help you build a platform better than HubSpot — made just for your business needs. Contact HT Business Group now to discuss your project and book a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the best alternative to HubSpot for small businesses?
- Zoho CRM and MailerLite are excellent for small businesses due to their pricing and features.
- Can HT Business Group build a CRM like HubSpot?
- Yes, we build fully customized CRM and marketing automation platforms suited to your unique needs.
- Which platform is best for email automation?
- ActiveCampaign and Brevo are great for email automation.
- Does Zoho CRM offer marketing tools too?
- Yes, Zoho offers marketing automation through its Zoho Campaigns and Marketing Hub.
- Is there a completely free alternative to HubSpot?
- Zoho CRM and MailerLite offer free tiers with good functionality.
- What are the disadvantages of HubSpot?
- High pricing, limited customization, and features locked behind premium tiers.
- Can I get a free consultation before choosing a CRM?
- Is Pipedrive suitable for customer support?
- It’s better for sales teams. For support, Freshdesk (by Freshworks) is more suitable.
- Which platform offers WhatsApp integration?
- Brevo offers built-in WhatsApp and SMS marketing.
- Can I migrate from HubSpot to a custom CRM?
- Absolutely. HT Business Group provides smooth data migration and integration services.
Need a Custom CRM or Marketing Platform? Let us build the perfect HubSpot alternative just for you.
Explore our Application Development and Web Development Services for more solutions.
