Close vs Freshworks CRM
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Close and Freshworks CRM. We compare features, pricing, ease of use, and value for money to help you make the right choice in 2026.
Reviewed by the Ikaroa team · Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
Close edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.3/5. However, Freshworks CRM (4.2/5) may be the better fit if you prioritise Growing businesses wanting a modern CRM with built-in communication tools. Read on for the full breakdown.
Close vs Freshworks CRM at a Glance
Close
★ 4.3Close is a CRM built specifically for inside sales teams. It combines calling, email, and SMS in one platform, designed to help reps close more deals faster.
Starting from: £42/user/month
Best for: Inside sales teams that live on the phone and need built-in communication tools
Read full review →Freshworks CRM
★ 4.2Freshworks (formerly Freshsales) offers a modern, AI-powered CRM with a clean interface. Part of the Freshworks suite that includes helpdesk and marketing tools.
Starting from: £0/month
Best for: Growing businesses wanting a modern CRM with built-in communication tools
Read full review →Close vs Freshworks CRM Feature Comparison
Here is how Close and Freshworks CRM compare across the features that matter most. We have tested both platforms extensively across client implementations.
| Feature | Close | Freshworks CRM |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Available | No | Yes |
| Starting Price | £42/user/month | £0/month |
| Best For | Inside sales teams that live on the phone and need built-in communication tools | Growing businesses wanting a modern CRM with built-in communication tools |
| Our Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Email Marketing | No | No |
| Automation | Limited | Yes |
| Reporting | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Extensive | Limited |
| API Access | Limited | Limited |
| Ikaroa Partner Discount | 14-day extended trial + 20% off | Free plan upgrade for 3 months |
Close vs Freshworks CRM Pricing
Pricing is often the deciding factor. Here is a full breakdown of what each platform charges at every tier:
Close Pricing
Startup
£42/user/month
- ✓Pipeline view
- ✓Task management
- ✓Built-in calling
- ✓SMS
Professional
£66/user/month
- ✓Everything in Startup
- ✓Email sequences
- ✓Power dialer
- ✓Call recording
Enterprise
£105/user/month
- ✓Everything in Professional
- ✓Predictive dialer
- ✓Custom roles
- ✓Call coaching
Freshworks CRM Pricing
Free
£0/month
- ✓Contact management
- ✓Built-in phone
- ✓Built-in email
- ✓Mobile app
Growth
£12/user/month
- ✓Everything in Free
- ✓Visual pipeline
- ✓AI lead scoring
- ✓Sequences
Pro
£33/user/month
- ✓Everything in Growth
- ✓Multiple pipelines
- ✓Time-based workflows
- ✓AI insights
Enterprise
£55/user/month
- ✓Everything in Pro
- ✓Custom modules
- ✓AI forecasting
- ✓Audit logs
Not sure which to pick?
Our team has implemented both Close and Freshworks CRM for clients. We can help you decide based on your specific needs.
Close Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Built-in calling, email, and SMS
- •Designed specifically for sales teams
- •Power and predictive dialer
- •Clean, fast interface
- •Excellent API
✗Cons
- •No marketing features
- •Expensive compared to alternatives
- •Limited customisation options
- •Smaller integration ecosystem
- •No free plan
Freshworks CRM Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Clean, modern interface
- •Built-in phone and email (no extra tools needed)
- •Good AI features with Freddy
- •Competitive pricing
- •Free plan available
✗Cons
- •Smaller integration marketplace
- •Less established than HubSpot or Salesforce
- •Limited marketing automation on lower tiers
- •Reporting could be deeper
- •Occasional performance issues
Our Verdict: Close vs Freshworks CRM
Both Close and Freshworks CRM are solid options, but they serve different needs. Having implemented both for multiple clients, here is our recommendation:
Choose Close if you need Inside sales teams that live on the phone and need built-in communication tools. With a starting price of £42/user/month and a rating of 4.3/5, it offers built-in calling, email, and sms.
Choose Freshworks CRM if you need Growing businesses wanting a modern CRM with built-in communication tools. Starting at £0/month with a 4.2/5 rating, it excels at clean, modern interface.
Still not sure? Talk to the Ikaroa team. We have helped hundreds of businesses make this exact decision, and we are happy to point you in the right direction.
🎁 Get either product at a discount through Ikaroa Partners
Need implementation help?
Ikaroa can set up Close or Freshworks CRM for your business, migrate your data, and train your team. We have done it dozens of times.
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