Comparison 2026
ActiveCampaign vs Close
A detailed, side-by-side comparison. Features, pricing, and our verdict to help you choose.
Reviewed by the Ikaroa team | Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
ActiveCampaign edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.4/5. However, both platforms excel at different things. Read on for the full breakdown.
At a Glance
ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign blends email marketing, marketing automation, and CRM into one platform. Known for its sophisticated automation builder and excellent email deliverability.
Best for: Businesses prioritising email marketing and sophis...
Close
Close 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.
Best for: Inside sales teams that live on the phone and need...
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ActiveCampaign | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | No | No |
| Our Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Mobile App | Limited | Yes |
| Email Marketing | Yes | No |
| Automation | Yes | Limited |
Pros & Cons
ActiveCampaign
Pros
- +Best-in-class marketing automation
- +Excellent email deliverability
- +Sophisticated automation builder
Cons
- -CRM is secondary to marketing features
- -Can be complex for beginners
Close
Pros
- +Built-in calling, email, and SMS
- +Designed specifically for sales teams
- +Power and predictive dialer
Cons
- -No marketing features
- -Expensive compared to alternatives
Our Verdict
Both ActiveCampaign and Close are solid options, but they serve different needs. Choose ActiveCampaign if you need Businesses prioritising email marketing and sophisticated au. Choose Close if you need Inside sales teams that live on the phone and need built-in .
Consider Open Doors Instead
Why choose between ActiveCampaign and Close? Open Doors gives you the best features of both in one platform, starting at just £97/month with unlimited contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ActiveCampaign better than Close?▼
It depends on your needs. ActiveCampaign scores 4.4/5 while Close scores 4.3/5. We recommend evaluating both against your specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, ActiveCampaign or Close?▼
Both ActiveCampaign and Close offer multiple plans at different price points. Visit each platform's website for the latest pricing, as rates can change.
Can Ikaroa help me set up ActiveCampaign or Close?▼
Yes. We implement both platforms regularly. We handle data migration, configuration, team training, and ongoing support.
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Ikaroa Partners
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Our team has implemented both ActiveCampaign and Close for clients. We can help you decide based on your specific needs and get you set up with an exclusive partner deal.
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