HubSpot CRM vs Nutshell
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of HubSpot CRM 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
HubSpot CRM edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.5/5. 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.
HubSpot CRM vs Nutshell at a Glance
HubSpot CRM
★ 4.5HubSpot offers a free CRM with powerful marketing, sales, and service tools. Popular with small to mid-sized businesses for its generous free tier and intuitive interface.
Starting from: £0/month
Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses wanting a free starting point with room to grow
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 →HubSpot CRM vs Nutshell Feature Comparison
Here is how HubSpot CRM and Nutshell compare across the features that matter most. We have tested both platforms extensively across client implementations.
| Feature | HubSpot CRM | Nutshell |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Available | Yes | No |
| Starting Price | £0/month | £14/user/month |
| Best For | Small to mid-sized businesses wanting a free starting point with room to grow | Small businesses wanting a simple CRM with built-in email marketing |
| Our Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Email Marketing | Yes | Yes |
| Automation | Yes | Yes |
| Reporting | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Extensive | Extensive |
| API Access | Limited | Limited |
| Ikaroa Partner Discount | 20% off first year | 30-day free trial + 20% off |
HubSpot CRM vs Nutshell Pricing
Pricing is often the deciding factor. Here is a full breakdown of what each platform charges at every tier:
HubSpot CRM Pricing
Free
£0/month
- ✓Contact management
- ✓Email tracking
- ✓Deal pipeline
- ✓Live chat
Starter
£18/month
- ✓Everything in Free
- ✓Email marketing
- ✓Ad management
- ✓Landing pages
Professional
£720/month
- ✓Everything in Starter
- ✓Automation
- ✓Custom reporting
- ✓Teams
Enterprise
£3,000/month
- ✓Everything in Professional
- ✓Advanced permissions
- ✓Predictive lead scoring
- ✓Custom objects
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 HubSpot CRM and Nutshell for clients. We can help you decide based on your specific needs.
HubSpot CRM Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Generous free tier with no time limit
- •Excellent user interface and onboarding
- •All-in-one platform (marketing, sales, service)
- •Huge integration marketplace (1,000+)
- •Strong community and learning resources
✗Cons
- •Gets expensive quickly at Professional tier
- •Free plan has HubSpot branding
- •Limited customisation on lower tiers
- •Annual contracts on paid plans
- •Per-seat pricing adds up for larger teams
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: HubSpot CRM vs Nutshell
Both HubSpot CRM and Nutshell are solid options, but they serve different needs. Having implemented both for multiple clients, here is our recommendation:
Choose HubSpot CRM if you need Small to mid-sized businesses wanting a free starting point with room to grow. With a starting price of £0/month and a rating of 4.5/5, it offers generous free tier with no time limit.
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 HubSpot CRM or Nutshell for your business, migrate your data, and train your team. We have done it dozens of times.
Free consultation. No obligation.