Comparison 2026
HubSpot CRM vs Zendesk
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
HubSpot CRM edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.5/5. However, both platforms excel at different things. Read on for the full breakdown.
At a Glance
HubSpot CRM
HubSpot 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.
Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses wanting a free start...
Zendesk
Zendesk is best known for customer support but also offers Zendesk Sell, a sales CRM. The support platform is industry-leading for help desk and ticketing.
Best for: Businesses needing customer support with integrate...
Feature Comparison
| Feature | HubSpot CRM | Zendesk |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Yes | No |
| Our Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Email Marketing | Yes | No |
| Automation | Yes | Yes |
Pros & Cons
HubSpot CRM
Pros
- +Generous free tier with no time limit
- +Excellent user interface and onboarding
- +All-in-one platform (marketing, sales, service)
Cons
- -Gets expensive quickly at Professional tier
- -Free plan has HubSpot branding
Zendesk
Pros
- +Industry-leading customer support tools
- +Zendesk Sell integrates with support suite
- +Excellent ticketing and help desk
Cons
- -Sales CRM is less mature than dedicated tools
- -Can be expensive when combining support and sales
Our Verdict
Both HubSpot CRM and Zendesk are solid options, but they serve different needs. Choose HubSpot CRM if you need Small to mid-sized businesses wanting a free starting point . Choose Zendesk if you need Businesses needing customer support with integrated sales CR.
Consider Open Doors Instead
Why choose between HubSpot CRM and Zendesk? Open Doors gives you the best features of both in one platform, starting at just £97/month with unlimited contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HubSpot CRM better than Zendesk?▼
It depends on your needs. HubSpot CRM scores 4.5/5 while Zendesk scores 4.1/5. We recommend evaluating both against your specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, HubSpot CRM or Zendesk?▼
Both HubSpot CRM and Zendesk 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 HubSpot CRM or Zendesk?▼
Yes. We implement both platforms regularly. We handle data migration, configuration, team training, and ongoing support.
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