Top 10 HubSpot Alternatives for Budget-Conscious Startups

Top 10 HubSpot Alternatives for Budget-Conscious Startups

Startups usually launch with wild ambition—but shoestring budgets. And here’s the truth: HubSpot Alternatives might be a fantastic platform, but it’s not built with scrappy founders in mind. As your tech stack grows, so do the bills. Fast

If you’re a startup founder feeling the pinch, you’re definitely not alone. A growing wave of entrepreneurs are hunting for the best HubSpot alternative—something leaner on cost but still strong in capabilities.

That’s exactly why we’ve put this together. In this straight-shooting guide to the Top 10 HubSpot Alternatives & Competitors in 2025, we dive into what each platform actually delivers—no sugarcoating. From raw feature comparisons to no-nonsense pricing and lived-in pros and cons, we’ve pulled back the curtain so you don’t have to play guessing games. Maybe you’re neck-deep in CRM chaos. Or spinning your wheels trying to build an email flow that actually converts. Or maybe you’re just plain tired of juggling content tools that overpromise and underdeliver. Whatever the case, you don’t need to settle since hubspot alternatives is there. There are smarter, saner, and far more affordable tools out there. Let’s zero in on the one that makes your work feel less like work.

1. How Zoho CRM is a HubSpot alternative

1.1 The Affordable Powerhouse for SMBs

Let’s cut to the chase—Zoho CRM isn’t some flimsy knockoff of HubSpot. It’s more like the underdog that figured out how to punch way above its weight, especially for Indian solopreneurs and D2C founders trying to build something real on a budget.

You don’t need a tech team or a massive budget to make it work. This thing’s got serious range—multichannel communication, smart automation backed by AI, and clean, drag-and-drop sales pipelines that feel intuitive from the first click. It’s not pretending to be flashy. It’s just efficient.

And that’s what makes it one of the smartest HubSpot alternatives out there. It gives you control, flexibility, and peace of mind—without draining your wallet or overwhelming your brain.

1.2 Why it’s a strong HubSpot alternative

One of the strongest HubSpot alternatives is how balanced it is. It comes with the full power of a modern CRM suite, offering deep automation without feeling bloated. The AI doesn’t just sit there for show—it actively suggests smarter ways to close deals and optimize workflows. Why it’s a strong HubSpot alternative- Full CRM suite with sharp automation tools, smart AI integrations, and workflows you can bend to your will.

1.3 Pricing

There’s a genuinely usable free plan for up to three users, which is perfect for early-stage teams. The paid plans start at just ₹1,100 per user per month (around $14), and unlike many CRM platforms, you won’t find yourself nickel-and-dimed every time you try to access a useful feature.

1.4 Perfect for

It’s a lifesaver for solopreneurs who are tired of drowning in tech they don’t understand or need. And for D2C founders who’ve had enough of being sold shiny features they’ll never actually use, Zoho offers a refreshingly practical solution that simply gets the job done—no upselling, no nonsense.Zoho CRM

2. Freshsales by Freshwo

2.1 Indian-Built CRM With Global Appeal

Freshsales, built by the team at Freshworks, feels like it was made with Indian startups in mind—especially those tired of getting buried under bloated software. The interface? Clean. The automation tools? Surprisingly powerful for the price. It doesn’t try to do a thousand things at once—it just focuses on getting core CRM tasks right, without overwhelming you.

2.2 Freshsales vs HubSpot

You get many of the same wins—like lead scoring, email tracking, and pipeline visibility—but without the premium price tag that makes bootstrapped founders cringe. It’s built with bootstrapped founders in mind, offering robust functionality without the overhead. For those who need performance without the premium, Freshsales hits a sweet spot

2.3 Pricing

Starts free, with paid plans beginning at ₹1,299/user/month. Among HubSpot alternatives, Freshsales stands out for offering serious CRM power without burning a hole in your startup’s wallet.

2.4 Perfect for

Startups and SMBs that want a no-nonsense, modern CRM that helps sales teams focus on relationships, not admin tasks.Freshsales

3. EngageBay

3.1 A Hidden Gem With Complete Marketing Suite

If you’re scrambling for an all-in-one HubSpot alternative that won’t torch your budget, give EngageBay a serious look. It’s one of those rare tools that feels built for hustlers—lean teams that want a powerful marketing engine without the overhead. It delivers on multiple fronts: marketing automation, email sequences, helpdesk support—yet somehow keeps it all digestible.

3.2 Best free HubSpot alternative

This free plan isn’t one of those bait-and-switch traps. Nope—what you get here is a fully usable toolkit: CRM, email campaigns, landing pages, forms—the works. No sneaky fine print, no frustrating feature walls.

3.3 Pricing

Paid plans kick off at just $12.74 per user each month.

3.4 Best use case

Startups that hate juggling five different tools. EngageBay wraps your sales, support, and marketing into one clean, cohesive system.EngageBay

4. MailerLite

4.1 Simplicity Meets Efficiency in Email Marketing

If email is your main hustle, MailerLite might just become your favorite sidekick. It cuts through the noise—no overcomplicated dashboards, no endless tabs. You log in, build beautiful emails, set up slick automations, and boom—results. It’s minimal in the smartest way possible.

4.2 HubSpot alternatives comparison:

MailerLite isn’t pretending to be a full-blown CRM, and honestly, that’s its charm. It outpaces HubSpot when it comes to speed and ease in email-focused workflows—and your budget will thank you.

4.3 Pricing

MailerLite has a generous free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers, and paid options start at ₹840/month. For Indian D2C startups and creators, it’s one of the most affordable HubSpot alternatives that actually deliver.

4.4 Best use for

Ideal for bootstrapped startups, creators, or small businesses focused on email-first growth strategies without the overhead of bulky software.MailerLite

5. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)

5.1 Scalable Email & SMS Marketing Platform

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by marketing tools that promise the world but deliver clutter, Brevo is a breath of fresh air. Among all the HubSpot alternatives, it’s one of the few that doesn’t try to do too much—yet somehow still gives you everything you need. From WhatsApp messages to email automation, it’s got the basics nailed without burning a hole in your pocket.

5.2 Why startups love it

There’s no cap on your contact list, even on the free plan. Its drag-and-drop builder makes campaign setup fast and frustration-free, while the real-time reports help you make smart, data-backed adjustments that actually move the needle

5.3 Pricing

Yes, there’s a solid free plan with core tools. Paid plans start at just $25/month, and you only pay based on how many emails you send—not how big your list is.

Great for D2C and UGC-based startups that need reliable email + SMS marketing for flash sales, creator updates, or bulk campaign blasts. It’s one of the few HubSpot alternatives that truly scales with your messaging needs.Brevo

6. Moosend

6.1 The Quiet Workhorse You Didn’t See Coming

Moosend doesn’t shout for attention and it’s the low-key tool that surprises you by outperforming the crowd when it really matters. It doesn’t show off—but when it comes to email automation, data crunching, and personalization? It’ll run circles around the flashier CRMs. No unnecessary bells. No software bloat. Just slick, dependable tools that actually do what they promise—without eating your whole budget.

6.2 Best HubSpot alternatives in small businesses

It’s the scrappy streetfighter of CRMs. Fast, focused, and not here to waste your time—or your wallet. Best HubSpot alternatives in small businesses: A nimble, budget-friendly platform that doesn’t skimp on automation muscle.

6.3 Pricing

Starts at $0 (yep, free), with paid plans from a no-drama $9/month. That’s cheaper than your favorite streaming service.

6.4 Great for

Hustling eCommerce founders, content creators who think in clicks not clout, and lean teams who prefer results over razzle-dazzle.Moosend

7. SuiteCRM

7.1 Built by the Community, Tuned for Control

SuiteCRM isn’t here to dazzle you with glossy pitches or flashy interfaces—and honestly, that’s the point. It’s open-source to the core, built by a passionate community, and designed for people who don’t want to be boxed into someone else’s idea of a “perfect” CRM. No per-user pricing traps. No restrictive templates. Just raw freedom to rip it apart and rebuild it however you like.

7.2 Open source HubSpot alternative

Tired of being locked into SaaS ecosystems? SuiteCRM hands you the keys—total control over your CRM setup, data, and design. No strings. No surprise costs.

7.3 Pricing

The core software? Totally free. But fair warning—if you’re self-hosting, expect to roll up your sleeves. Server costs, customization, maintenance—it’s all on your plate.

7.4 Suited for

Developers, indie founders, and hands-on startup teams who’d rather wrestle with code than settle for cookie-cutter tools. If you live by the “build it your way” mantra, SuiteCRM won’t disappoint.SuiteCRM

8. Pipedrive

8.1 Built for Startups Who Live and Breathe Sales

If you’re knee-deep in sales targets and can’t afford to waste time wrestling with clunky tools, Pipedrive might just be your secret weapon. It’s one of those rare HubSpot alternatives that doesn’t try to do everything—and that’s exactly its strength. You get a clean, visual sales pipeline that’s drag-and-drop simple but surprisingly powerful. Need to follow up on a lead? Done. Want to set a sales goal and actually stick to it? You’ll love how easy it feels. There’s zero fluff—just fast, frictionless sales tracking that actually works.

8.2 Why it stands out

Where most CRMs feel like software designed by a committee, Pipedrive feels like it was built by someone who’s actually closed deals. It doesn’t bombard you with dashboards or bury you in tabs. Among all the HubSpot alternatives, this one speaks directly to people who care about selling—not spreadsheeting.

8.3 Pricing

Starts at just $14.90 per user/month. That’s less than a team lunch, but it gives you tools that help you hit your monthly targets. Ideal for lean teams who hustle hard but spend smart.

8.4 Best for

Startups that eat, sleep, and breathe sales. If you want fewer distractions and more wins, Pipedrive will feel like a breath of fresh air.Pipedrive

9. Insightly

9.1 A Smart Blend of CRM and Task Management

When it comes to HubSpot alternatives, Insightly earns its spot by offering a clean fusion of CRM and project tools under one roof. For startups juggling client conversations and internal deliverables, this platform simplifies the mess. It handles lead routing, builds custom sales pipelines, and syncs effortlessly with GSuite—no fluff, just functionality that scales with service-driven teams.

9.2 Why it’s a great fit

It’s one of the few HubSpot alternatives offering a free plan for up to 2 users—ideal for early-stage teams.

9.3 Pricing

Starts at $29 per user/month, offering good value for small teams with complex service workflows.

9.4 Best for

Service-based startups that need both relationship tracking and task execution in one place.Explore Insightly

10. Bitrix24

10.1 A Unified Platform That Actually Understands Startup Chaos

Bitrix24 isn’t just another CRM—it’s your digital HQ. From lead tracking to team chat, HR tools to project dashboards, it’s built to handle the messiness of real startup life. Among the most flexible HubSpot alternatives, Bitrix24 stands out for founders who want control without complexity.

10.2 Why it works

You get an incredibly generous free plan—task manager, CRM, internal calls, and even email marketing included. It’s rare among HubSpot alternatives to find this much value upfront.

10.3Pricing

Paid tiers begin at $39/month for 5 users, and scale affordably as your team and goals grow

10.4 Ideal for

Hybrid teams and early-stage founders who want to ditch the bloat and still keep it all running smoothly. Bitrix24 ranks high on any smart list of HubSpot alternatives—and for good reason.Visit Bitrix24

Key Takeaways: Choosing the Right HubSpot Alternative

  • Match your tools with your growth stage. Don’t overpay for enterprise tools early on.
  • Start with freemium or open-source CRM options. Save money while learning.
  • Look beyond CRM. Many of these tools integrate email, support, and automation.
  • Use comparisons like “Freshsales vs HubSpot” before switching.
  • Indian startups can benefit from localized pricing and customer support.
  • Use comparisons like “Freshsales vs HubSpot” before switching

About Hobo.Video

Hobo.Videois India’s leading AI-powered influencer marketing and UGC company. With over 2.25 million creators, it offers end-to-end campaign management designed for brand growth. The platform combines AI and human strategy for maximum ROI.

Services include:

  • Influencer marketing
  • UGC content creation
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Trusted by top brands like Himalaya, Wipro, Symphony, Baidyanath and the Good Glamm Group.

Together, we’ll make your brand growth feel natural and doable.Register now

Influencers like you are shaping the future — we help make it profitable.Let’s connect.

FAQs on HubSpot Alternatives

Q1: What are the best free HubSpot alternatives in 2025?e

If you’re hustling with a tight budget, tools like Zoho CRM, MailerLite, SuiteCRM, and EngageBay are real lifesavers. Their free tiers aren’t just stripped-down versions—they’re surprisingly robust for early-stage startups that can’t afford to bleed money on overpriced software.

Q2: Is there an open-source CRM better than HubSpot?

Absolutely, yes. SuiteCRM and Bitrix24 are game-changers if you’re someone who likes full control without hidden strings. You get the power to tweak, self-host, and protect your data like it’s your personal vault.

Q3: How does Freshsales compare to HubSpot?

Honestly? Freshsales is underrated. It checks almost all the CRM boxes and doesn’t demand a premium to do it. Plus, if you’re in India, the INR billing and responsive local support make it way more practical than HubSpot.

Q4: Can startups use HubSpot alternatives for influencer marketing?

Yes—and they should! Pair tools like MailerLite or Brevo with AI video editors, UGC creators, and influencer marketing powerhouses like Hobo.Video, and you’ve got a recipe that punches way above its weight.

Q5: Which tool is best for email marketing as a HubSpot alternative?

Depends on your flavor. Want clean automation without a steep learning curve? Go with MailerLite. Prefer advanced workflows and rich templates? Moosend and Brevo are solid. They’re affordable, flexible, and built to scale.

Q6: Are HubSpot alternatives secure and scalable?

You bet. Platforms like Zoho, Insightly, and Bitrix24 aren’t just secure—they’re built with scalability in mind. You can start small and grow without replatforming every six months. That peace of mind? Priceless.

Q7: Which platforms help D2C founders most?

For founders wearing ten hats, Zoho CRM, EngageBay, and MailerLite are the kind of tools that quietly do their job while you focus on building your brand. They’re intuitive, cost-effective, and tailored for D2C hustle.

Q8: Can I switch from HubSpot to a free tool without losing data?

Yes, and it’s not as scary as it sounds. Most CRMs offer step-by-step migration help. Still, be smart—always keep a backup. You don’t want to lose critical customer history in the chaos.

Q9: What’s the difference between CRM and marketing automation in these tools?

Think of CRM as your digital Rolodex on steroids—it tracks interactions, sales stages, and contact history. Marketing automation, meanwhile, is your outreach engine—it handles email sequences, drip campaigns, and lead nurturing like a pro.

Q10: Can HubSpot alternatives handle WhatsApp and SMS marketing?

Definitely. Brevo, Bitrix24, and even Zoho support WhatsApp and SMS integration. That means real-time engagement with your audience, right where they actually read your messages.

By Sapna G

Sapan Garg lives where ideas turn into impact and brands meet their real audience. At Hobo.Video, he uncovers how influencer voices and community power shape authentic marketing. At Foundlanes, she dives into growth playbooks, startup wins (and failures), and what founders are really chasing in India’s hustle economy. She is big on cutting through noise and getting to the “why” behind every trend. Strategy is his comfort zone, but storytelling is his tool. When she is not busy writing, you’ll find him analyzing how brands scale, or scribbling thoughts on what the next breakout campaign might look like.

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