HubSpot vs Freshsales 2026: Free CRM Starter vs Growth-Click CRM
Quick verdict: HubSpot is our overall pick for HubSpot vs Freshsales.
HubSpot leads the score (4.3 vs 3.9) with the only free tier in this pair — a 2-user free CRM — while Freshsales undercuts on price with a Growth plan at $9/mo/user billed annually, both aimed at the same SMB segment.
| Tool | Rating | Pricing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| HubSpot Best overall Best free Best for teams | 4.3/5 | Free $15/seat/mo | HubSpot unites CRM, marketing and service tools on one growth platform, with core CRM feat… |
| Freshsales | 3.9/5 | Free $9/user/mo | Freshsales is Freshworks' CRM with AI scoring and built-in phone and email inside one prod… |
Bottom line: HubSpot when the priority is a safe, proven CRM with a genuinely usable free tier — free CRM for 2 users (verified), Marketing Hub Starter intro at $9/mo/seat billed annually (list $20/seat, $15 monthly). Freshsales when you want Growth-plan features at the same $9 entry but accept no permanent free CRM tier — Freshsales Growth at $9/mo/user billed annually (verified, no free tier listed). HubSpot wins the score (4.3 vs 3.9) and is the only pick here with a free plan, which is why it takes overall, free and team picks; Freshsales is the price-competitive alternative when a sales-first workflow beats a marketing-first one.
Pricing and details
HubSpot · 4.3/5
Free plan available · $15/seat/mo
Free CRM (unlimited users); Sales/Service Hub Starter $15/seat/mo annual ($20 monthly); Marketing Hub Pro $890/mo; mandatory onboarding at higher tiers (re-checked 2026-09-09 via a Sept 2026 roundup: free CRM now 1,000 contacts / 2 users / one pipeline with branding on outbound — older 'unlimited contacts' guides are stale; Starter Customer Platform $20/seat monthly or $15 annual commitment)
$15/seat/mo
HubSpot unites CRM, marketing and service tools on one growth platform, with core CRM features free.
Score breakdown
Pros
- Best dimension: Core features at 5/5 — backed by verification against the official site & pricing.
- Second strong point: Stability at 5/5.
- Pricing: free tier, paid from $9/mo/seat — Marketing Hub Starter intro pricing (list $20/seat); free CRM for 2 users
- Positioning: HubSpot unites CRM, marketing and service tools on one growth platform, with core CRM features free.
Cons
- Weakest dimension: Ease of use at 4/5.
- Weigh the learning curve for advanced workflows before committing.
Pricing verified 2026-09-09
Freshsales · 3.9/5
Free plan available · $9/user/mo
Free plan up to 3 users / 10K records (not shown on main /crm/pricing/ page; confirmed via signup flow & third-party pricing reviews 2026-09-06); Growth $9/user/mo annual; Pro $39/user/mo; Enterprise $59/user/mo; sequences unlock at Pro
$9/user/mo
Freshsales is Freshworks' CRM with AI scoring and built-in phone and email inside one product.
Score breakdown
Pros
- Best dimension: Core features at 4/5 — backed by verification against the official site & pricing.
- Second strong point: Ease of use at 4/5.
- Pricing: free plan for up to 3 users (10K records) — Growth $9/mo/user billed annually.
- Positioning: Freshsales is Freshworks' CRM with AI scoring and built-in phone and email inside one product.
Cons
- Weakest dimension: Core features at 4/5.
- Weigh collaboration features for larger teams before committing.
Pricing verified 2026-08-31
Frequently asked questions
Which is better overall, HubSpot or Freshsales?
HubSpot is our overall pick (4.3/5 vs 3.9/5). HubSpot leads the score (4.3 vs 3.9) with the only free tier in this pair — a 2-user free CRM — while Freshsales undercuts on price with a Growth plan at $9/mo/user billed annually, both aimed at the same SMB segment.
Do HubSpot and Freshsales offer free plans?
HubSpot and Freshsales have a free tier. HubSpot paid plans start at $15/seat/mo; Freshsales paid plans start at $9/user/mo.
What does HubSpot cost?
$15/seat/mo — Free CRM (unlimited users); Sales/Service Hub Starter $15/seat/mo annual ($20 monthly); Marketing Hub Pro $890/mo; mandatory onboarding at higher tiers (re-checked 2026-09-09 via a Sept 2026 roundup: free CRM now 1,000 contacts / 2 users / one pipeline with branding on outbound — older 'unlimited contacts' guides are stale; Starter Customer Platform $20/seat monthly or $15 annual commitment). Prices were last verified on 2026-09-09.