Pipedrive vs HubSpot CRM (Sales Hub): which should you choose?
Quick answer: Pipedrive is built for smb outbound sales teams, while HubSpot CRM (Sales Hub) suits free crm to start. For most users HubSpot CRM (Sales Hub) is the stronger default, but Pipedrive can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case. HubSpot CRM (Sales Hub) has the lower entry price.
Both Pipedrive and HubSpot CRM (Sales Hub) get recommended a lot, but they solve the job differently. Below we compare them on pricing, strengths and the use cases each one fits, then give a clear verdict.
Side-by-side
| Pipedrive | HubSpot CRM (Sales Hub) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | sales CRM | all-in-one CRM |
| What it's known for | Visual, pipeline-first sales CRM built for SMB sales teams who want deals to move forward with minimal admin. | Free-to-start CRM with Sales Hub layered on top, part of HubSpot's unified marketing-sales-service platform. |
| Pricing | Essential from ~$14/user/mo; Advanced ~$34; Professional ~$49; Power ~$64; Enterprise ~$99 (billed annually). 14-day trial, no free plan. | Free CRM; Sales Hub Starter from ~$20/seat/mo; Professional ~$100/seat; Enterprise higher (billed annually). |
| Best audience | SMB outbound and B2B sales teams who want a visual pipeline with little admin overhead. | Scaling SMBs wanting a free CRM that grows into an all-in-one platform. |
| Best for | SMB outbound sales teams, Pipeline visualization, Sales reps who hate data entry | Free CRM to start, Marketing + sales + service in one, Scaling SMBs |
| Entry price | ~$14/user/mo | $0 |
| Biggest strength | Genuinely easy pipeline UI that reps actually use, minimal admin. | Genuinely free CRM with unlimited users to start. |
| Main caveat | No free plan, only a 14-day trial. | Sequences, automation and reporting gated at Professional (~$100/seat/mo). |
Features compared
Beyond the spec sheet, these are the capabilities that define each tool:
Pipedrive key features
- Visual drag-and-drop sales pipeline with customizable stages and unlimited custom fields (tier-dependent)
- Built-in AI Sales Assistant that surfaces win-probability, flags stalled deals and recommends next best actions
- Workflow automation, email sync (two-way), templates and sales-document tracking
- Sales forecasting and customizable reporting dashboards
HubSpot CRM (Sales Hub) key features
- Free CRM for unlimited users and up to 1M contacts (contact/deal records, pipeline tracking)
- Email tracking/scheduling, live chat, forms and meeting scheduling on free tier
- Sales Hub layers sequences, automation and advanced reporting (Professional+)
- Free unlimited view-only seats within paid portals
Pricing tiers side by side
Pipedrive plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | ~$14/user/mo | Billed annually; lead/deal management, pipelines, AI Sales Assistant |
| Advanced | ~$34/user/mo | Full email sync, automations, sequences |
| Professional | ~$49/user/mo | Lead generation, e-signatures, 24/7 support |
| Power | ~$64/user/mo | Project planning, extra controls |
| Enterprise | ~$99/user/mo | Unlimited automations, security, no feature caps |
HubSpot CRM (Sales Hub) plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Free CRM | $0 | Unlimited users, up to 1M contacts |
| Sales Hub Starter | ~$15-20/seat/mo | Annual ~$15, monthly ~$20 |
| Sales Hub Professional | ~$90-100/seat/mo | Sequences, automation, reporting; ~$1,500 onboarding |
| Sales Hub Enterprise | ~$150/seat/mo | Advanced controls, higher limits |
Tiers compiled from the vendors' published plans and independent reviews; prices are approximate and change often, so confirm current figures (and your region's taxes) on each vendor's site.
Strengths compared
Where Pipedrive wins
The pipeline-first CRM that sales reps adopt without fighting, with AI baked into every tier.
- Genuinely easy pipeline UI that reps actually use, minimal admin.
- AI assistant and automation available across all tiers, not locked to top plan.
That makes it the stronger pick for sMB outbound and B2B sales teams who want a visual pipeline with little admin overhead.
Where HubSpot CRM (Sales Hub) wins
Start free, then scale into a unified marketing-sales-service platform.
- Genuinely free CRM with unlimited users to start.
- Single platform across marketing, sales and service.
That makes it the stronger pick for scaling SMBs wanting a free CRM that grows into an all-in-one platform.
Verdict: choose by fit
Both are good at the job, so let your priorities decide.
- Choose Pipedrive if you fit its core audience — sMB outbound and B2B sales teams who want a visual pipeline with little admin overhead.
- Choose HubSpot CRM (Sales Hub) if you fit its core audience — scaling SMBs wanting a free CRM that grows into an all-in-one platform.
FAQ
Is Pipedrive better than HubSpot CRM (Sales Hub)?
HubSpot CRM (Sales Hub) is the stronger default for most users, but Pipedrive can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
What is the main difference between Pipedrive and HubSpot CRM (Sales Hub)?
Pipedrive is the pipeline-first CRM that sales reps adopt without fighting, with AI baked into every tier. HubSpot CRM (Sales Hub) is start free, then scale into a unified marketing-sales-service platform.
Which is cheaper, Pipedrive or HubSpot CRM (Sales Hub)?
Entry pricing differs: Pipedrive starts at ~$14/user/mo, while HubSpot CRM (Sales Hub) starts at $0. Compare the tiers above against your usage.
Sources
Facts above are drawn from these independent reviews and the vendors' own pages for Pipedrive and HubSpot CRM (Sales Hub):