HubSpot CRM (Free) vs Salesforce Starter: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of HubSpot CRM (Free) and Salesforce Starter — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: HubSpot CRM (Free) wins on our scorecard (7.9/10 vs 7.3/10).
| Scored on | HubSpot CRM (Free) | Salesforce Starter |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 8 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 9 | 7 |
| Fees & pricing | 10 | 7 |
| Customer support | 4 | 6 |
| Features | 7 | 8 |
| Monthly Subscription | $0 | — |
| User Seat Limit | Unlimited | — |
| Contact Limit | Up to 1,000,000 | — |
| Payment Processing | Varies (Stripe standard rates apply) | — |
| Starter Tier (per user/mo) | — | $25 |
| Pro Suite (per user/mo) | — | $100 |
| Implementation Fee | — | $0 (Self-serve) |
| Contract Term | — | Annual |
HubSpot CRM (Free) in one paragraph
The best 'zero-dollar' database for small teams, provided you can live with their logo on your emails.
Skip it if: You need automated multi-step email sequences or want to remove vendor branding without spending hundreds per month.
Salesforce Starter in one paragraph
A powerful, future-proof CRM that trades advanced automation for ease of use, perfect for teams of 2 to 10.
Skip it if: Skip it if you are a solo freelancer who only needs a basic contact list and no marketing tools.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, HubSpot CRM (Free) or Salesforce Starter?
On our five-axis scorecard, HubSpot CRM (Free) scores higher (7.9/10 vs 7.3/10). The best 'zero-dollar' database for small teams, provided you can live with their logo on your emails.
Who should skip HubSpot CRM (Free)?
You need automated multi-step email sequences or want to remove vendor branding without spending hundreds per month.
Who should skip Salesforce Starter?
Skip it if you are a solo freelancer who only needs a basic contact list and no marketing tools.