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HubSpot’s CRM is free. GoHighLevel starts at $97 a month. Once you add seats, marketing tools, and texting, the bill changes, so the sticker prices tell you only part of the story.
I haven’t run either on a paid account. This comparison comes from both vendors’ pricing pages and published reviews, and I’ll flag where sources disagree. For the full picture on one side, read our GoHighLevel review.
Quick answer
Pick GoHighLevel if you run an agency or service business, want flat pricing with unlimited users, and need texting and white-label options.
Pick HubSpot if you want a free CRM to start, deeper reporting, and a large integration ecosystem, and your team is small enough that per-seat costs stay low.
GoHighLevel pricing
- Starter: $97 a month, 3 sub-accounts
- Unlimited: $297 a month, unlimited sub-accounts
- Agency Pro: $497 a month, adds SaaS Mode for reselling
Every plan includes unlimited users and contacts. Usage fees for texts, calls, and AI features cost extra.
HubSpot pricing
- Free CRM: $0
- Starter Customer Platform: about $20 per seat a month, with promos that run lower
- Sales Hub Professional: about $100 per seat a month ($90 on annual billing)
- Marketing Hub Professional: about $890 a month, with 3 seats and 2,000 contacts included
One guide reports a required one-time onboarding fee of $1,500 on Professional tiers. AI features use credits, and extra credits cost money. HubSpot reshuffled its pricing recently, so check the live page.
What a 5-person team might pay
Treat this as a rough guide, since the two products don’t match feature for feature. Sales Hub Professional for 5 seats at $100 each is $500 a month for the CRM alone, before any onboarding fee or marketing tools.
GoHighLevel Unlimited is $297 a month flat for any number of users, plus usage fees. That’s the main reason agencies pick it.
Features side by side
CRM depth and reporting. Reviewers rate HubSpot higher here. Its reporting and CRM structure are the stronger of the two.
White-label and sub-accounts. GoHighLevel wins. You can keep client data in separate sub-accounts and resell the platform on Agency Pro. HubSpot doesn’t offer this.
Texting. GoHighLevel has built-in SMS, billed by usage.
Automation. Both automate follow-up. HubSpot Professional lists up to 300 workflows per the guides I checked.
Integrations. HubSpot lists 1,500+ marketplace integrations.
Free tier. HubSpot has one. GoHighLevel has a free trial, not a permanent free plan.
Who should pick which
GoHighLevel fits if you:
- Run an agency or manage several clients
- Want unlimited users without per-seat bills
- Need text follow-up and booking in the same tool
HubSpot fits if you:
- Want to start free and add paid tools later
- Need strong reporting
- Have a small team and don’t need white-label
My take
If you’re a solo consultant or small team with no clients to manage, I’d try HubSpot’s free CRM first. If you’re an agency with clients, or you live on text-based follow-up, GoHighLevel’s flat pricing wins as you grow.
Run the trial with real leads before you commit to either.
Frequently asked questions
Is GoHighLevel cheaper than HubSpot?
For teams with several users and marketing needs, usually yes. HubSpot’s free CRM costs less at the very start.
Does HubSpot have a free plan?
Yes. The CRM is free, and paid tiers add automation and branding removal.
Which is better for agencies?
I think GoHighLevel, because of sub-accounts and white-label options.
Can I switch from HubSpot to GoHighLevel?
Probably. Both have import tools, but check what carries over before you commit.
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