Introduction to HubSpot and SharpSpring
HubSpot and SharpSpring are two leading marketing automation platforms appealing to growing businesses, agencies, and sales teams. Both offer core CRM modules, marketing automation, and sales pipeline management, but their approach to pricing, customization, and target user differs. Organizations considering a scalable CRM frequently compare HubSpot vs SharpSpring to align their choice with current needs and budget while planning for future growth.
This article objectively compares HubSpot and SharpSpring across core CRM features, automation, user experience, sales tracking, reporting, pricing, integrations, onboarding, and support. By the end, you’ll be positioned to decide which platform best maps to your business use case or agency requirements.
Key Takeaways
- HubSpot offers a polished user interface, advanced analytics by default, and a feature-rich ecosystem—at a cost that grows steeply with contacts and advanced needs.
- SharpSpring stands out for unlimited users in all plans, flat-rate pricing by contacts, and agency-friendly automations and permissions.
- Both platforms deliver GDPR compliance and essential marketing automation, but advanced reporting and security options come at higher tiers.
- Your business size, need for out-of-the-box analytics, and user volume should drive the HubSpot vs SharpSpring decision.
| Feature | How HubSpot handles it | How SharpSpring handles it | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRM module | Free and paid versions; user-friendly interface | Included in all plans; unlimited users | HubSpot: Quick adoption; SharpSpring: Teams and agencies |
| Marketing automation | Advanced automation requires higher-tier plans | Customizable automations in all plans | SharpSpring for flexibility; HubSpot for polished defaults |
| Sales pipeline tracking | Integrated with built-in reporting | Custom pipelines, unlimited users | HubSpot for analytics; SharpSpring for scale |
| Dashboard and reporting | Advanced analytics—some premium-only | Report builder, agency dashboards | HubSpot for advanced by default |
| GDPR compliance | GDPR, SOC2 compliance; extra security features on higher plans | GDPR compliance, SSL, agency security controls | Both |
| Third-party integrations | Pre-built marketplace, but higher tiers may be needed | Integrations available; specifics not publicly specified | HubSpot for large app ecosystem |
| Pricing tiers | Free CRM; paid plans from $50/mo; costs rise with contact tiers and features | Plans start at $449/mo; flat-rate and unlimited users | SharpSpring for flat-rate; HubSpot for starters |
| User interface | More polished and user-friendly | Functional; less refined | HubSpot for usability |
| Customer support | Details not publicly specified | Details not publicly specified; agency support noted | Not publicly specified |
| Onboarding process | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified; agency onboarding resources | SharpSpring for agencies |
Core CRM and Marketing Automation Features
Both HubSpot and SharpSpring provide fully integrated CRM modules. HubSpot is widely praised for its intuitive, attractive interface and low learning curve for users, especially in its free version. SharpSpring, while fully featured, is less visually polished but notable for allowing unlimited users at every plan level—making it budget-friendly for teams and agencies.
Both platforms provide marketing automation, but key differences emerge. HubSpot reserves advanced workflow and reporting features for higher pricing tiers, whereas SharpSpring offers customizable automations and agency-focused tools across its plans:
- HubSpot: Pre-built automations and analytics; more advanced features require upgrades.
- SharpSpring: Built-in agency-centric automations, custom workflows, and robust multi-client management in any plan.
In summary, if you prioritize an easy-to-use CRM for a small team, HubSpot leads; for teams where user count and automation flexibility matter, SharpSpring has an advantage.
Sales Pipeline Tracking and Reporting
Each solution includes core sales pipeline tracking. HubSpot ties its pipelines to its high-visibility reporting dashboards, and reporting depth grows with more expensive plans. SharpSpring delivers unlimited custom pipelines and user access, which is a plus for scaling sales teams or agency client work.
On analytics and dashboarding, HubSpot generally offers more polished and advanced options by default, especially when investing in higher-tier subscriptions. SharpSpring supplies a competent report builder and dedicated agency dashboards, but the analytics are less sophisticated out-of-the-box compared to HubSpot’s higher paid tiers.
Pricing Tiers and Limits
HubSpot offers a free CRM version with limited features, and post-trial/entry-level, pricing begins at $50 per month. However, costs rise quickly as you add marketing contacts or require advanced automation, reporting, or integration features—each unlocked at higher tiers. The per-contact price can become a significant consideration as your list grows.
SharpSpring, in contrast, starts at $449 per month for unlimited users and up to 1,000 contacts. All core features and unlimited users are included in every plan, and your only cost increase is via broader contact list size (transparently scaling by contact tier). Agencies and teams get predictable recurring costs with less risk of surprise upcharges as their user count grows.
Limits:
- HubSpot: Pricing is tightly linked to contact counts and required feature modules.
- SharpSpring: Pricing depends only on contacts, always allowing unlimited users and agencies substantial flexibility.
Third-party Integrations and Ecosystem
HubSpot is known for its large, pre-built integrations marketplace. Many integrations are available even to entry-tier customers, but advanced or premium connectors sometimes require higher-level plans. This robust app ecosystem can be a differentiator if you need out-of-the-box extensibility.
SharpSpring also supports third-party integrations, with agency and marketing use cases in mind. However, specific integration details and technical scope are not publicly specified. If you require an extensive integration library or highly specialized connectors, HubSpot’s ecosystem may be more attractive.
Security, Compliance, and Data Privacy
Both HubSpot and SharpSpring comply with GDPR and present strong data privacy features. HubSpot publishes adherence to major compliance standards such as GDPR and SOC2. Advanced security features and controls are available to customers in higher-priced plans.
SharpSpring also ensures GDPR compliance and provides SSL encryption for all accounts. An additional benefit for agencies is customizable permissions and security controls built for multi-client management.
However, some details about SharpSpring’s technical security certifications remain not publicly specified.
Onboarding Process and Customer Support
For onboarding, there’s limited public detail about both platforms’ standard processes, though SharpSpring references resources and onboarding help specifically for agencies. Both solutions are designed for direct businesses and service providers, so customer support options are likely tailored for these segments. The scope, response, and included support channels are not detailed in current public disclosures. Agency users of SharpSpring cite the platform’s resources for agency-centric onboarding and support as a positive differentiator.
Ideal Use Cases and Choosing the Right Platform
HubSpot best fits organizations needing an intuitive UI, rapid CRM/user adoption, and deep analytics. Its free tier makes it attractive for small firms just starting with CRM or marketing automation, though total cost of ownership can rise quickly for larger teams or lists.
SharpSpring is best for agencies or midsize businesses prioritizing predictable costs (flat-rate by contacts), unlimited users, and built-in agency features like multi-client support and custom security roles. If you frequently add users or manage multiple brands, SharpSpring’s pricing and permissions model can lower costs and streamline operations compared to per-seat pricing alternatives.
For scaling teams where advanced reporting or a rich integration marketplace is critical, HubSpot can justify its premium. For agencies or client-centric businesses wanting flexibility and budget control, SharpSpring is often the better fit.
Summary and Next Steps
HubSpot and SharpSpring both offer strong CRM, marketing automation, and sales tools, each with unique pricing and scaling strengths. HubSpot delivers a polished experience, pre-built analytics, and a large integration library, but costs can escalate as you scale. SharpSpring gives agency-style flexibility, flat pricing for unlimited users, and agency-focused automation tools, but with less dashboard polish.
In choosing between them, weigh your current user count, projected contact list growth, need for advanced analytics, and agency-client management priorities. Consulting with each vendor about onboarding and support options is recommended for a final decision.
FAQs
Which is better for small businesses: HubSpot or SharpSpring?
HubSpot can be better for small teams needing an intuitive UI and free CRM to start. SharpSpring’s entry price is higher, but may suit small agencies with multiple users.
How do HubSpot and SharpSpring compare in terms of pricing?
HubSpot’s pricing is lower to start, but can rise rapidly with features and contact list size. SharpSpring starts at $449/month, allows unlimited users, and only scales pricing with contacts.
What are the key feature differences between HubSpot and SharpSpring?
HubSpot offers a more polished interface and advanced analytics, while SharpSpring allows unlimited users, agency tools, and customization at all tiers.
Does SharpSpring offer the same integrations as HubSpot?
SharpSpring provides integrations, but the scope and details are not publicly specified. HubSpot is known for a larger, well-documented integration ecosystem.
How do HubSpot and SharpSpring handle customer data security?
Both are GDPR compliant; HubSpot offers SOC2 compliance and advanced security on higher plans. SharpSpring offers SSL encryption and customizable permissions.
Which platform provides better marketing automation tools?
HubSpot’s advanced automation is tiered; SharpSpring’s workflows and agency-first tools are available on all plans, making it stronger for agencies.
Is HubSpot or SharpSpring easier to set up and use?
HubSpot is typically regarded as more user-friendly for non-technical teams; SharpSpring may require more onboarding but better supports agencies.
What customer support options are available for each platform?
Neither platform publicly details all support options, but SharpSpring highlights agency-specific onboarding and resources.