Side by side · Email marketing
ActiveCampaign vs HubSpot
Who should pick which, from each company’s own pricing pages and terms.
We check it out so you don’t have to.
How we researched this page: we read each company’s own pricing pages and terms, independent tests, and customer reviews. We did not use these products ourselves. Prices change often, so each one shows the date we checked it.
In short: ActiveCampaign — advanced automation and CRM. HubSpot — free start, grows into a full suite. The details, prices and honest downsides are below.
| Item | ActiveCampaign | HubSpot |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Advanced automation and CRM | Free start, grows into a full suite |
| Starting price | From $20/mo billed yearly (1,000 contacts), checked October 25, 2026 | Free; Starter normally $20/seat, checked October 23, 2026 |
| Trial / refund | 14-day trial, 30-day guarantee | Free tools |
Who ActiveCampaign fits
Businesses that want detailed automation, lead scoring and a built-in sales CRM.
Watch out for: A steeper learning curve and higher cost than Sender or Moosend. Price rises sharply with contacts.
Who HubSpot fits
Small businesses that want free contact management now and marketing, sales and service tools later.
Watch out for: The jump from Starter to Professional is steep, including the onboarding fee. Contracts on higher tiers are annual.
Quick verdict
ActiveCampaign is the pick for detailed email automation, lead scoring and a built-in sales CRM, at the cost of a steeper learning curve. HubSpot suits businesses that want free contact management now and marketing, sales and service tools later; watch the price jump from Starter to Professional, which includes an onboarding fee.
Visit ActiveCampaign’s official site
More on each: our full ActiveCampaign review · HubSpot in Best CRM for Small Businesses
See every option in Best Email Marketing Software for Small Businesses, including companies not covered here.
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