Close vs Zoho CRM: Which CRM Tool Is Better in 2026?

Close

From $49

Zoho CRM

From $14

Quick verdict

Overall pick: Zoho CRM

Choose Zoho CRM if budget is the deciding factor: it starts at $14 per seat versus $49 for Close, offers a free plan, and is the only one of the two with lead scoring. Choose Close if your team runs high-volume inside sales and wants calling, SMS and email sequences as the core of the product. The trade-off is straightforward: Zoho CRM is cheaper per seat and broader on scoring, while Close is priced higher per seat and lacks lead scoring but is positioned specifically for outreach-heavy sales teams.

Zoho CRM's entry plan ($14) is 71% cheaper than Close's ($49).
Zoho CRM has a free plan; Close does not.
Only Zoho CRM offers: lead scoring.

Try Close →Try Zoho CRM →

Cost calculator

Team size: 5 users

Tool	Monthly	Yearly
Close · per user	$245.00	$2940
Zoho CRM · per user	$70.00	$840

Based on entry-level paid plans. Prices change, so check the vendor before you buy.

Which one should you choose?

If you need…	Pick	Why
Budget-conscious team comparing per-seat costs	Zoho CRM	Zoho CRM starts at $14 per seat versus $49 per seat for Close, and Zoho CRM also offers a free plan while Close does not.
Team that needs lead scoring	Zoho CRM	Lead scoring is listed as a Zoho CRM feature but is not available in Close.
Inside sales team doing high-volume outreach	Close	Close is positioned as an inside sales CRM with built-in calling, SMS and email sequences, and lists inside sales teams and high-volume outreach as its best-fit uses.
Buyer wanting a free plan before committing	Zoho CRM	Zoho CRM has a free plan; Close has no free plan.
Team that wants calling, email tracking and automations in one tool	Tie	Both tools list visual pipelines, email tracking, built-in calling, workflow automations, reporting, mobile apps and a public API.

Feature comparison: Close vs Zoho CRM

Feature	Close	Zoho CRM
Free plan	❌	✅
Starting price	$49 /user/mo	$14 /user/mo
Visual sales pipelines	✅	✅
Email tracking & 2-way sync	✅	✅
Lead scoring	—	✅
Built-in dialer & call logs	✅	✅
Workflow automations	✅	✅
Revenue forecasting & reports	✅	✅
Mobile iOS / Android app	✅	✅
Public API	✅	✅

Highlighted rows are where the tools differ.

Pros and cons

Close

Built-in calling, SMS and email sequences aimed at inside sales
Covers pipelines, email tracking, automations, reporting, mobile app and public API
Positioned for high-volume outreach teams

No free plan
Higher starting price at $49 per seat versus $14 for Zoho CRM
No lead scoring

Try Close →

Zoho CRM

Lower starting price at $14 per seat
Offers a free plan
Includes lead scoring, which Close lacks
Covers pipelines, email tracking, calling, automations, reporting, mobile app and public API

Starting price is per seat, so cost scales with team size
Positioned for budget-conscious teams and Zoho ecosystem users rather than outreach-heavy inside sales

Try Zoho CRM →

At a glance

Close

Inside sales CRM with built-in calling, SMS and email sequences.

Founded 2013 · From $49 · 7/8 tracked features

Best for: inside sales teams, high-volume outreach

See Close alternatives →

Zoho CRM

Feature-packed omnichannel CRM on a budget.

Founded 2005 · From $14 · 8/8 tracked features

Best for: budget-conscious teams, Zoho ecosystem users

See Zoho CRM alternatives →

FAQ

Is Close cheaper than Zoho CRM?

No. Close starts at $49 per seat, while Zoho CRM starts at $14 per seat. Close also has no free plan, whereas Zoho CRM does.

Does Close have lead scoring?

No. Lead scoring is not listed among Close's features, but it is included in Zoho CRM.

Do both tools have built-in calling?

Yes. Both Close and Zoho CRM list built-in calling and call logs, along with email tracking, automations, reporting, mobile apps and a public API.

Which tool is better for high-volume outreach?

Close is positioned as an inside sales CRM with built-in calling, SMS and email sequences, and lists high-volume outreach among its best-fit uses. Zoho CRM is positioned for budget-conscious teams and Zoho ecosystem users.

Which tool has a free plan?

Zoho CRM has a free plan. Close does not offer one.

Related comparisons

Data last reviewed: pending verification. All CRM tools →