Close CRM vs Smartlead
An in-depth, side-by-side comparison of Close CRM and Smartlead to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Comparison
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Close CRM | Smartlead |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in calling | Make and receive calls directly from the CRM with call recording. | — |
| Email sequences | Automated multi-step email sequences with tracking. | — |
| Unlimited mailboxes | — | Connect unlimited sending accounts with auto-rotation. |
| White-label | — | Agencies can brand the platform for client-facing use. |
Pricing Comparison
| Close CRM | Smartlead | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Starting Price | $29/mo | $39/mo |
| Free Trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free Plan | No | No |
Close CRM Plans
- Startup $29 /monthly
- Professional $99 /monthly
Smartlead Plans
- Basic $39 /monthly
- Pro $94 /monthly
Pros & Cons
Close CRM
+ Pros
- + Built-in dialer
No need for separate phone or calling software.
- + Fast setup
Get up and running in hours, not weeks.
− Cons
- − Smaller ecosystem
Fewer third-party integrations compared to Salesforce or HubSpot.
Smartlead
+ Pros
- + Agency-friendly
White-label and client management features built for agencies.
- + Affordable scaling
Flat pricing regardless of connected mailboxes.
− Cons
- − Email-only focus
No built-in LinkedIn or calling channels.
Integration Overlap
Shared
- ✓ Zapier Automation
- ✓ HubSpot CRM
Only in Close CRM
None exclusive
Only in Smartlead
None exclusive
Who Should Use Each Tool?
Close CRM
+ Best For
Inside sales teams doing high-volume outbound calling and emailing.
− Not Ideal For
Field sales teams or companies needing deep marketing automation.
Smartlead
+ Best For
Lead gen agencies and teams needing scalable cold email infrastructure.
− Not Ideal For
Teams that need multichannel outreach beyond email.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Close CRM and Smartlead?
+
Close CRM focuses on Inside sales CRM with built-in calling and email while Smartlead focuses on Scalable cold email with unlimited mailboxes and warmup. Close CRM scores 82/100 overall compared to Smartlead's 81/100. Close CRM is best for inside sales teams doing high-volume outbound calling and emailing., whereas Smartlead is best for lead gen agencies and teams needing scalable cold email infrastructure..
Which is cheaper, Close CRM or Smartlead?
+
Close CRM starts at $29/mo. Smartlead starts at $39/mo. Close CRM offers a free trial. Smartlead offers a free trial.
Should I choose Close CRM or Smartlead for my sales team?
+
Choose Close CRM if you need inside sales crm with built-in calling and email — it is best for inside sales teams doing high-volume outbound calling and emailing.. Choose Smartlead if you need scalable cold email with unlimited mailboxes and warmup — it is best for lead gen agencies and teams needing scalable cold email infrastructure.. Both tools compete in Sales Automation.
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