Close vs Zoho CRM
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Close and Zoho 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, Zoho CRM (4.2/5) may be the better fit if you prioritise Budget-conscious businesses wanting a full-featured CRM with room to grow. Read on for the full breakdown.
Close vs Zoho 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 →Zoho CRM
★ 4.2Part of the broader Zoho ecosystem, Zoho CRM offers excellent value with a comprehensive feature set. Particularly strong for businesses already using other Zoho products.
Starting from: £0/month (3 users)
Best for: Budget-conscious businesses wanting a full-featured CRM with room to grow
Read full review →Close vs Zoho CRM Feature Comparison
Here is how Close and Zoho CRM compare across the features that matter most. We have tested both platforms extensively across client implementations.
| Feature | Close | Zoho CRM |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Available | No | Yes |
| Starting Price | £42/user/month | £0/month (3 users) |
| Best For | Inside sales teams that live on the phone and need built-in communication tools | Budget-conscious businesses wanting a full-featured CRM with room to grow |
| Our Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Email Marketing | No | Yes |
| Automation | Limited | Yes |
| Reporting | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Extensive | Limited |
| API Access | Limited | Limited |
| Ikaroa Partner Discount | 14-day extended trial + 20% off | 25% off first 6 months |
Close vs Zoho 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
Zoho CRM Pricing
Free
£0/month (3 users)
- ✓Lead management
- ✓Contact management
- ✓Tasks
- ✓Events
Standard
£12/user/month
- ✓Everything in Free
- ✓Scoring rules
- ✓Workflows
- ✓Mass email
Professional
£18/user/month
- ✓Everything in Standard
- ✓Blueprint
- ✓Inventory management
- ✓Validation rules
Enterprise
£35/user/month
- ✓Everything in Professional
- ✓Zia AI
- ✓Multi-user portals
- ✓Custom modules
Ultimate
£42/user/month
- ✓Everything in Enterprise
- ✓Advanced BI
- ✓Enhanced storage
- ✓Dedicated DB cluster
Not sure which to pick?
Our team has implemented both Close and Zoho 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
Zoho CRM Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Excellent value for money
- •Part of broader Zoho ecosystem (45+ apps)
- •Good AI features with Zia
- •Highly customisable at every tier
- •Free plan available for up to 3 users
✗Cons
- •Interface can feel dated compared to competitors
- •Learning curve for advanced features
- •Customer support can be slow
- •Some features feel bolted on
- •Mobile app could be more polished
Our Verdict: Close vs Zoho CRM
Both Close and Zoho 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 Zoho CRM if you need Budget-conscious businesses wanting a full-featured CRM with room to grow. Starting at £0/month (3 users) with a 4.2/5 rating, it excels at excellent value for money.
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?
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