Close vs Freshworks
A side-by-side look at 2 CRM & Sales tools for 2026 — the verdict, pricing, ratings, features, and what readers think.
close.com
Best for inside-sales and outbound teams that want calling, email and SMS in one CRM
Sales CRM with built-in calling, email, SMS and an AI agent, built for inside-sales teams that live on the phone.
Visit Close
freshworks.com
Best for small and mid-sized teams wanting support, IT service and CRM from one vendor
AI-powered customer service, IT service and CRM software in one suite: Freshdesk, Freshservice and Freshsales.
Visit FreshworksPricing compared
Close
$9/user/mo
Freshworks
$9/user/mo
Head to head
| Close | Freshworks | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $9/user/mo | $9/user/mo |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Free trial | 14-day free trial, no credit card required | 14-day Freshdesk trial; 21-day Freshsales trial |
| Platforms | Web · iOS · Android · API | Web · iOS · Android · API |
| Founded | 2013 | 2010 |
| HQ | — | San Mateo, USA |
Pros & cons
Close
Pros
- Calling, email and SMS live inside the CRM, so every touchpoint is logged automatically.
- Power dialer and predictive dialer suit high-volume outbound teams.
- Chloe AI agent can call, qualify and book meetings without leaving the CRM.
- Built-in importers for HubSpot, Pipedrive and HighLevel ease migration.
- 30-day money-back guarantee and a no-card 14-day trial lower the risk of trying it.
Cons
- No permanent free plan.
- Workflows, the power dialer and bulk email only start on the Growth plan ($99).
- Calling and SMS are usage-based and AI runs on monthly credits, so the bill is less predictable than a flat seat price.
- The entry-level Solo plan is capped at one user and 10,000 leads.
Freshworks
Pros
- One vendor covers customer service, IT service and CRM.
- Freddy AI agents and copilot are built into the products.
- Entry CRM pricing starts low, from USD 9 per user per month billed annually.
- Free trials: 14 days for Freshdesk and 21 days for Freshsales.
- Interface and website are offered in 17 languages, including Korean.
Cons
- Each product is priced separately, so the full suite cost adds up.
- AI agent sessions are an add-on (Freshsales lists USD 49 per 100 sessions).
- Freshdesk and Freshsales pricing pages do not accept PayPal; payment is by card (or check in USD for US and Canada CRM customers).
- Advanced CRM features such as forecasting and audit logs need the top plan.