Apollo.io
Prospecting database paired with outbound sequencing.
Alternatives · 2026
Alternatives to Close
CRM for inside sales teams with native calling and SMS.
14 hand-curated alternatives from MintedSaaS's directory. See the Close listing →
Close is a CRM built specifically for inside sales teams—reps who sell by phone, email, and SMS rather than in-person. It bundles native dialing, call recording, and text messaging into one interface so reps don't have to switch between tools. The product targets fast-moving sales orgs like staffing agencies, insurance brokers, and SaaS sales teams that rely on high-volume outbound calling and need call history tied directly to each prospect's record.
Teams typically use Close to log calls automatically, track SMS conversations, and build sequences that mix phone outreach with email follow-ups. Reps see all communication history in one timeline, so there's no guessing whether a prospect was contacted yesterday or last month. The workflows suit shops where speed matters—where a rep makes 50+ calls a day and needs CRM friction to stay out of their way. Buyers reach for Close when they've outgrown spreadsheets but need something lighter and more phone-centric than enterprise CRMs like Salesforce.
What we offer that competes
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales
Microsoft's enterprise CRM integrated with Office and Teams.
What to look for
- Whether the CRM includes native calling and SMS or requires third-party integrations that sync activity after calls end
- Whether call recordings and transcripts are automatically attached to contact records or stored separately in another platform
- Whether the CRM has documented API rate limits and allows bulk exports of contacts, deals, and call history
- Whether per-user pricing includes calling and SMS or if those features add significant cost per seat per month
- Whether the platform offers sequence automation that chains phone calls with follow-up emails and SMS messages
- Whether mobile apps support initiating calls and sending SMS directly from the app or only viewing call history
FAQ
What makes a CRM good for inside sales teams?
Inside sales CRMs need native calling, SMS, and built-in call recording so reps don't tab-switch during conversations. Close, Apollo.io, and Freshsales all include these. The best ones show call history and transcript snippets in the prospect timeline so context is instantly visible.
Are there free CRM alternatives to Close?
EspoCRM is open-source and self-hostable with zero licensing fees. Zoho CRM has a free tier supporting up to 3 users with basic contact management, but calling and SMS require paid add-ons. Most alternatives to Close charge per-seat for calling features.
What are the best alternatives to Close?
Apollo.io matches Close most closely—it's built for outbound sales with calling, SMS, sequences, and list-building in one platform. Freshsales and Pipedrive are stronger if you want a more general-purpose CRM with calling bolted on. If you need enterprise features, Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales have calling add-ons but require more setup.
Can I import my Close data into another CRM?
Yes. Close exports contacts, deals, and activity history as CSV or via API. Most competitors—Pipedrive, HubSpot, Freshsales, Zoho CRM—accept CSV imports. Data migration usually takes a day or two depending on contact volume.
Which CRM alternatives have the lowest per-seat cost?
Zoho CRM starts at $18/month per user for calling (with limits). Freshsales and Pipedrive begin around $12-15/month per user for base CRM, then add calling tiers. EspoCRM is free if you self-host. Close and Apollo.io price higher—$65-100/month per user—because they bundle calling and SMS.
Do CRM alternatives to Close work on mobile?
All mainstream alternatives have iOS and Android apps. HubSpot, Salesforce, and Pipedrive have mature mobile experiences. Apollo.io and Freshsales mobile apps are functional but lighter than desktop. For reps who spend time in the car, verify that your chosen CRM's app includes call logging and SMS sending, not just viewing.
What's the difference between Close and Pipedrive?
Close emphasizes calling and SMS as first-class features with built-in sequences. Pipedrive focuses on deal pipelines and visual workflow—calling is an add-on. Choose Close for outbound phone-heavy teams; choose Pipedrive if your reps rely more on follow-up email and need stronger pipeline visibility.
Do I need to integrate my CRM with email and calling, or is built-in better?
Built-in is faster. Close and Apollo.io have native calling and SMS so conversations live in the CRM with no sync delay. Integration-based tools like Pipedrive and HubSpot sync call logs from Twilio or Aircall after the fact. For high-volume calling, built-in avoids lag and data orphans.