Discover folk - the CRM for people-powered businesses
Close is built for speed. Calling, email, SMS, and pipeline live in one place, so reps can grind through outreach without tool switching. That model works, until the team needs cleaner contact data, better relationship context, LinkedIn workflows, or a CRM that supports more than high-volume lead chasing.
The best Close alternatives keep execution fast but fix the cracks. Cleaner records, stronger multi-stakeholder context, and workflows that scale past pure activity throughput
What is Close CRM?
Close CRM is a sales-focused CRM designed for outbound execution. It combines pipeline management with built-in calling, email, and SMS, so reps can run high-activity workflows from a single workspace and keep follow-up consistent without stacking multiple tools.
- Built-in calling and power dialer support high-volume outreach with call controls, logging, and call outcomes tied to leads.
- Native email sync and sequences keep cold and warm outreach centralized, with activity tracked against the right records.
- SMS messaging enables fast follow-up and multi-touch cadences without leaving the CRM.
- Pipeline and activity tracking keep deals moving with clear stages, tasks, reminders, and visibility on rep execution.
- Automation and workflows reduce manual admin through triggers, rules, and sequence-based follow-up logic.
- Reporting and coaching metrics surface activity volume, response rates, and performance signals for outbound teams.
Close fits SDR and outbound-heavy sales teams that need speed, tight activity tracking, and fewer tool hops. It works best for lead-centric motions where throughput and consistency matter more than deep relationship mapping, complex account hierarchies, or enterprise governance.
What Are Close CRM’s Limits?
Close is built for execution speed and outbound throughput. The trade-off is that certain “scale” needs show up fast once the motion shifts from lead-centric activity to relationship-led account work.
Common limits to expect:
❌ Account complexity can feel constrained. Multi-entity org charts, complex hierarchies, and multi-threaded stakeholder mapping are not the core strength.
❌ Relationship context can get shallow. Activity logs are strong, but long-term context across channels can become fragmented without a relationship-first timeline approach.
❌ Data cleanliness is not always the default. High-volume import and outbound workflows can create duplicates and field drift unless strict hygiene rules are enforced.
❌ LinkedIn-native prospecting is not the center of gravity. Teams that source heavily on LinkedIn often want faster capture and richer context on profiles and stakeholders.
❌ Process governance is limited for larger orgs. Advanced permissioning, admin controls, and enterprise compliance workflows usually require more “suite” CRMs.
❌ Cost-to-scale can climb with seats and power users. As teams add dialer-heavy reps and advanced workflows, the pricing curve can become a constraint.
The best alternative depends on what needs to improve first: LinkedIn workflows, relationship context, data hygiene, account complexity, or governance.
Top 11 Close Alternatives in 2026: The Ultimate Comparison
1. folk CRM
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(G2)
Overview
folk is the best Close alternative for relationship-led teams that prospect on LinkedIn and need a clean execution layer, not a lead treadmill. LinkedIn capture turns profiles into structured contacts in seconds, enrichment and dedup keep data trustworthy as volume grows, and a shared timeline centralizes context across email and calendar. Pipelines and tasks stay lightweight, so follow-ups remain owned and trackable without heavy admin.
Pros
- One-click LinkedIn capture into clean CRM records
- Enrichment and dedup reduce duplicates and data decay
- Shared timeline keeps relationship context easy to act on
- Lightweight pipelines and tasks drive consistent follow-up
Cons
- Not built for deep enterprise governance and complex objects
- Less centered on native dialer-first workflows than Close
Pricing
$20 per user/month (billed annually)
2. HubSpot Sales Hub
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐(G2)
Overview
HubSpot Sales Hub fits teams that want a full sales system beyond dialer-led execution. It combines CRM, pipeline management, sequences, reporting, and admin controls in one ecosystem, which helps enforce consistency as the team scales and more people touch the same deals.
Pros
- Strong all-in-one stack for sequences, pipeline, and reporting
- Solid governance and admin controls for growing teams
- Broad ecosystem for integrations and expansion
Cons
- Cost can climb quickly with hubs, seats, and higher tiers
- Heavier day-to-day than lightweight relationship-first CRMs
Pricing
$9 per seat/month (annual commitment)
3. Pipedrive
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐(G2)
Overview
Pipedrive is a pipeline-first CRM built for clarity and adoption. It is a strong Close alternative when speed and stage discipline matter more than a built-in dialer, and when the team wants predictable execution with minimal setup overhead.
Pros
- Excellent pipeline usability and fast adoption
- Clear activity tracking to prevent deal stagnation
- Quick setup with practical automations for SMB workflows
Cons
- Less native communication stack than dialer-first CRMs
- Multi-threaded account work can feel manual
Pricing
$14 per seat/month (billed annually)
4. Salesforce Sales Cloud
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐(G2)
Overview
Salesforce fits teams that need scalable governance, structured pipelines, and deep customization. It becomes a Close alternative when process control, permissions, and reporting consistency matter more than pure outbound throughput.
Pros
- Strong governance and admin controls for scaling orgs
- Deep customization for complex processes and data needs
- Robust reporting and ecosystem for long-term scale
Cons
- Setup and admin overhead can be heavy for lean teams
- Cost tends to rise with advanced needs and add-ons
Pricing
$25 per user/month
5. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(G2)
Overview
Dynamics 365 Sales fits teams that need strict process control, strong governance, and enterprise-grade reporting. It is a Close alternative when the motion requires predictable pipeline execution across multiple teams, with permissions and customization that can scale.
Pros
- Strong governance, permissions, and admin controls
- Deep customization for complex processes and data requirements
- Robust reporting for multi-team visibility and scale
Cons
- Heavier setup and ongoing admin overhead than lightweight CRMs
- Can feel slow for teams that want fast adoption and minimal configuration
Pricing
$65 per user/month (billed annually)
6. Zoho CRM
Rating
⭐⭐⭐(G2)
Overview
Zoho CRM fits teams that want broad CRM functionality and customization at a low entry price. It works as a Close alternative when the team can invest in configuration and wants a feature-rich platform without enterprise pricing.
Pros
- Strong feature depth for the price
- Flexible customization and automation options
- Works well inside the wider Zoho ecosystem
Cons
- Setup complexity can slow adoption without clear ownership
- UI and reporting can feel heavier than newer CRMs
Pricing
$14 per user/month (billed annually)
7. Freshsales (Freshworks CRM)
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐(G2)
Overview
Freshsales is a strong Close alternative for SMB teams that want pipeline execution, practical automation, and fast adoption without a dialer-first identity. It prioritizes structured sales workflows and activity discipline with manageable complexity.
Pros
- Strong pipeline + activity execution for SMB teams
- Practical automation for follow-ups and handoffs
- Balanced feature set without enterprise overhead
Cons
- Relationship context and stakeholder mapping are not the core strength
- Advanced governance is lighter than enterprise suites
Pricing
$9 per user/month (billed annually)
8. Copper
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(G2)
Overview
Copper is a strong Close alternative for Google Workspace teams that live in Gmail and Calendar and want a simple CRM with fast adoption. It keeps relationship management lightweight, reduces context switching, and supports clean pipelines without enterprise configuration.
Pros
- Strong Gmail and Google Calendar alignment
- Low friction adoption for small teams
- Solid basics for pipelines, tasks, and activity tracking
Cons
- Advanced automation and analytics often require higher tiers
- Less suited to complex account hierarchies and enterprise governance
Pricing
$9 per user/month (billed annually)
9. Insightly
Rating
⭐⭐⭐(G2)
Overview
Insightly fits teams that want structured pipeline management plus workflows and reporting. It becomes a Close alternative when the goal is predictable process and visibility rather than dialer-led throughput.
Pros
- Clean pipeline structure with workflow support
- Good reporting for SMB and mid-market teams
- Useful when stage hygiene and process consistency matter
Cons
- Can feel more admin-heavy than lightweight CRMs
- Less differentiated for LinkedIn-first prospecting workflows
Pricing
$29 per user/month (billed annually)
10. monday Sales CRM
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐(G2)
Overview
monday Sales CRM is a Close alternative when pipeline execution must connect directly to tasks, delivery, and cross-team coordination. It works best for teams that want a CRM inside a broader work OS to reduce handoff gaps.
Pros
- Strong collaboration layer for sales + ops execution
- Flexible workflows and views across teams
- Good fit when pipeline ties tightly to delivery
Cons
- Relationship depth depends on setup and discipline
- CRM structure can feel less native than purpose-built CRMs
Pricing
$12 per seat/month (billed annually)
11. Nimble CRM
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐(G2)
Overview
Nimble is a relationship-focused CRM designed for teams that live in email and need fast context, clean contact records, and lightweight pipeline execution. It is a Close alternative when the priority is relationship management and simple adoption rather than a dialer-centric workflow.
Pros
- Relationship-centric contact management with fast context access
- Simple pipeline and follow-up workflow for SMB teams
- Good fit for teams on Google Workspace or Microsoft 365
Cons
- Less suited for complex enterprise governance and custom objects
- Advanced reporting and RevOps depth can feel limited
Pricing
$24.90 per user/month (billed annually)
Top 11 Close CRM Alternatives: Final Recap
Conclusion
Close is a strong pick for outbound teams that want calling, email, SMS, and pipeline in one place. The downside shows up when selling becomes more relationship-led, more LinkedIn-driven, and more dependent on clean data and multi-stakeholder context.
folk CRM is the best Close alternative for teams that prospect on LinkedIn and want a lightweight system that stays clean. It captures profiles fast, reduces duplicates with enrichment and dedup, and keeps follow-ups owned through simple pipelines and tasks. Starting at $20/user/month, it delivers the fastest move from activity-heavy selling to relationship-driven execution.
Discover folk CRM
Like the sales assistant your team never had
