HubSpot is a giant in the CRM and marketing automation space, but not every company finds it the right fit. High pricing, complex onboarding, and a one-size-fits-all model often push businesses to explore HubSpot alternatives. In 2025, the landscape is filled with tools that offer better affordability, stronger focus on specific business needs, and advanced AI capabilities. One standout among these is Mailsoftly, a platform designed for AI email automation and deliverability, making it one of the best choices for small and medium businesses.
For a full comparison of today’s top platforms, check out our comprehensive guide to the best free email marketing services.
What is HubSpot and why do companies search for alternatives?
HubSpot is an all-in-one tool combining CRM, marketing, and sales automation. While powerful, its broad feature set can be overwhelming. Many companies simply don’t need everything HubSpot provides and would rather use a more specialized tool.
The main reasons businesses look for HubSpot alternatives are:
- Rapidly increasing costs as contact lists grow
- Complex workflows that overwhelm small teams
- The need for higher email deliverability and personalization
- Desire for more flexible or lightweight tools
- Preference for platforms tailored to ecommerce, SMBs, or nonprofits
A HubSpot alternative is any platform that delivers comparable features in CRM, marketing automation, or email communication, but with different strengths such as simplicity, affordability, or advanced AI features.
How do HubSpot alternatives compare in 2025?
ToolBest ForKey FeaturesEase of UseAI AutomationMailsoftlySMBs needing AI email automationCampaigns, segmentation, templates, deliverabilityHighAdvancedActiveCampaignMid-size businessesWorkflows, CRM, omnichannel automationMediumStrongMailchimpBeginners & SMBsTemplates, campaigns, basic CRMVery HighBasicZoho CRMCRM-focused usersCRM-first, marketing add-onsMediumModerateSalesforce PardotEnterprisesB2B automation, analyticsMediumAdvancedKeapService businessesCRM, invoicing, automationMediumLimitedGetResponseSMBs & ecommerceFunnels, webinars, ecommerceHighStrongConstant ContactNonprofits & SMBsEmail + event managementVery HighBasicBrevo (Sendinblue)Transactional & campaignsMultichannel outreachHighModerateMoosendBudget-conscious teamsAutomation + ecommerceVery HighBasicDripEcommerce brandsEcommerce segmentationMediumStrongKlaviyoScaling ecommerceShopify-focused growthMediumAdvancedFreshworks CRMCRM + marketing hybridSales pipelines + campaignsMediumModeratePipedriveSales-driven companiesVisual CRM + email add-onsVery HighLimited
Which are the 14 best HubSpot alternatives in 2025?
Mailsoftly – How does it simplify AI-powered email automation?
Mailsoftly is designed for businesses that want powerful email automation without the complexity of a heavy suite. It specializes in AI-driven personalization and strong deliverability support.
Key advantages:
- Automated segmentation by customer behavior and lifecycle stage
- AI personalization for subject lines and body content
- Dozens of pre-built templates with a drag-and-drop editor
- Deliverability optimization tools for higher inbox placement
- Free onboarding, migration, and dedicated support
Mailsoftly users often see up to 35 percent higher open rates compared to traditional email platforms, thanks to its AI deliverability engine.
ActiveCampaign – Why is it strong for customer journeys?
ActiveCampaign is a favorite for companies that need deep automation and customer journeys.
Highlights:
- Visual automation builder
- Conditional triggers and branching paths
- Omnichannel messaging including SMS and chat
- Integrated CRM
Mailchimp – Is it still a reliable choice?
Mailchimp remains one of the most recognizable names in email marketing.
Strengths:
- Very easy to use
- Large template library
- Basic predictive insights
- Ecommerce store integrations
It works best for small businesses that need simplicity more than complexity.
Zoho CRM – Why does it appeal to CRM-first users?
Zoho CRM is strong for organizations that prioritize customer relationship management before marketing automation.
Key points:
- Comprehensive sales pipeline tools
- AI assistant called Zia for forecasting
- Email campaigns with Zoho Campaigns
- Affordable entry pricing
Salesforce Pardot – Why is it best for enterprises?
Salesforce Pardot, part of the Marketing Cloud, is designed for B2B enterprises.
Main features:
- Lead scoring and nurturing
- Deep Salesforce CRM integration
- Advanced analytics and ROI tracking
- Scalable campaign management
Keap – Why do service-based businesses choose it?
Keap focuses on small businesses that combine CRM, service delivery, and invoicing.
Core strengths:
- CRM contact management
- Payment collection and invoicing
- Automated reminders
- Workflow automation
GetResponse – How does it serve ecommerce?
GetResponse is widely used by SMBs and ecommerce companies.
Features:
- Funnel and website builder
- AI-generated email content
- Webinars and event marketing
- Strong ecommerce integrations
Constant Contact – Is it still relevant in 2025?
Constant Contact remains popular with nonprofits and SMBs.
Benefits:
- Event management and registration
- User-friendly editor
- Consistent deliverability
- Simple pricing tiers
Brevo – Why is it strong for multichannel campaigns?
Brevo, formerly Sendinblue, combines transactional and marketing features.
Advantages:
- Affordable for SMBs
- SMS, WhatsApp, chat, and email in one place
- Transactional email infrastructure
- Workflow automation
Moosend – Why is it a budget-friendly option?
Moosend offers reliable automation for a fraction of the cost of HubSpot.
Highlights:
- Beginner-friendly interface
- Ecommerce personalization tools
- Pre-made templates
- Simple automation flows
Drip – How does it help ecommerce brands?
Drip is built specifically for ecommerce businesses.
Main features:
- Pre-built journeys for ecommerce
- Deep Shopify and WooCommerce integration
- Customer lifetime value tracking
- SMS + email campaigns
Klaviyo – Why is it the leader for ecommerce scaling?
Klaviyo dominates the ecommerce marketing automation space.
Strengths:
- Behavior-based segmentation
- Predictive analytics for purchases and churn
- Deep Shopify integration
- Multi-channel campaigns
Freshworks CRM – How does it balance CRM and marketing?
Freshworks CRM provides sales-first features with integrated marketing.
Advantages:
- Sales pipeline management
- AI-powered forecasting
- Campaign management tools
- Integrations with customer support
Pipedrive – Why does it work for sales-driven teams?
Pipedrive is primarily a CRM, but it has expanded with marketing add-ons.
Key benefits:
- Extremely easy-to-use visual CRM
- Simple automations for leads and emails
- Strong reporting dashboards
- Affordable for sales-focused SMBs
What are the benefits of switching from HubSpot?
Switching from HubSpot can provide:
- Lower cost per contact
- More flexibility in choosing focused tools
- Simplified user experiences
- Improved email deliverability with platforms like Mailsoftly
- AI personalization for higher engagement
What challenges come with leaving HubSpot?
The main challenges are migrating data, retraining teams, setting up new automations, and ensuring integrations work properly. Tools like Mailsoftly reduce these risks by offering free onboarding and migration support.
What trends define HubSpot alternatives in 2025?
- AI personalization is a standard expectation
- Multi-channel marketing is essential
- SMB-focused platforms are growing quickly
- Deliverability has become a top priority
How can a business get started with a HubSpot alternative?
- Define priorities such as CRM-first, ecommerce-first, or email-first
- Compare pricing models carefully
- Take advantage of free trials or demos
- Plan contact and workflow migration
- Train teams and launch first campaigns quickly
FAQ
What is the best HubSpot alternative for small businesses?
Mailsoftly and Mailchimp are excellent for SMBs because of their simplicity and affordability.
Which HubSpot alternative works best for ecommerce?
Klaviyo, Drip, and GetResponse are leaders in ecommerce-specific marketing automation.
Is Mailsoftly more affordable than HubSpot?
Yes, Mailsoftly delivers advanced AI automation and deliverability at a fraction of HubSpot’s cost.
What is the best HubSpot alternative for nonprofits?
Mailsoftly and Constant Contact remains a top choice due to its event management and simple email tools.
Which HubSpot alternative is best for sales-focused companies?
Pipedrive and Freshworks CRM are excellent choices for sales-driven teams that want CRM plus automation.
TL;DR
- HubSpot is powerful but often too complex and expensive.
- The 14 best alternatives in 2025 are Mailsoftly, ActiveCampaign, Mailchimp, Zoho CRM, Salesforce Pardot, Keap, GetResponse, Constant Contact, Brevo, Moosend, Drip, Klaviyo, Freshworks CRM, and Pipedrive.
- Mailsoftly stands out for AI email automation, advanced deliverability, and affordability.
- Ecommerce brands benefit most from Klaviyo, Drip, and GetResponse.
- Nonprofits and local SMBs often prefer Constant Contact or Mailchimp.
Author
Didem Kiran
Didem is a Business Development Specialist at Mailsoftly, based in San Ramon, California. She has focused on building partnerships and helping businesses grow with AI-powered email and marketing automation. She enjoys sharing insights on email automation and customer engagement strategies.
