Close vs Nutshell
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Close and Nutshell. 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, Nutshell (4.1/5) may be the better fit if you prioritise Small businesses wanting a simple CRM with built-in email marketing. Read on for the full breakdown.
Close vs Nutshell 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 →Nutshell
★ 4.1Nutshell is a straightforward CRM with built-in email marketing, designed for small businesses that want simplicity without sacrificing essential features.
Starting from: £14/user/month
Best for: Small businesses wanting a simple CRM with built-in email marketing
Read full review →Close vs Nutshell Feature Comparison
Here is how Close and Nutshell compare across the features that matter most. We have tested both platforms extensively across client implementations.
| Feature | Close | Nutshell |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Available | No | No |
| Starting Price | £42/user/month | £14/user/month |
| Best For | Inside sales teams that live on the phone and need built-in communication tools | Small businesses wanting a simple CRM with built-in email marketing |
| Our Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Email Marketing | No | Yes |
| Automation | Limited | Yes |
| Reporting | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Extensive | Extensive |
| API Access | Limited | Limited |
| Ikaroa Partner Discount | 14-day extended trial + 20% off | 30-day free trial + 20% off |
Close vs Nutshell 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
Nutshell Pricing
Foundation
£14/user/month
- ✓Contact management
- ✓Pipeline management
- ✓Activity tracking
- ✓Mobile app
Pro
£35/user/month
- ✓Everything in Foundation
- ✓Sales automation
- ✓Personal email sequences
- ✓Reporting
Power AI
£52/user/month
- ✓Everything in Pro
- ✓AI timeline summarisation
- ✓AI writing assistant
- ✓Zoom transcription
Enterprise
£67/user/month
- ✓Everything in Power AI
- ✓Multiple pipelines
- ✓Unlimited fields
- ✓API support
Not sure which to pick?
Our team has implemented both Close and Nutshell 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
Nutshell Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Simple, easy to learn
- •Built-in email marketing
- •Affordable pricing
- •Good customer support
- •Free data migration assistance
✗Cons
- •Limited customisation options
- •Basic automation compared to competitors
- •Fewer integrations
- •Reporting could be more detailed
- •Not ideal for large enterprises
Our Verdict: Close vs Nutshell
Both Close and Nutshell 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 Nutshell if you need Small businesses wanting a simple CRM with built-in email marketing. Starting at £14/user/month with a 4.1/5 rating, it excels at simple, easy to learn.
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 Nutshell for your business, migrate your data, and train your team. We have done it dozens of times.
Free consultation. No obligation.