I integrate both platforms. Let's talk about what you actually need.
HubSpot vs Salesforce
HubSpot is easier to use. Salesforce is more customizable. Here's how to choose.
The Quick Answer
Choose HubSpot if: You're a small-to-mid size company, want marketing and sales in one platform, need something your team can use without training, or you're just getting started with CRM.
Choose Salesforce if: You need extensive customization, have complex sales processes, require enterprise-grade reporting, or your industry has specific compliance needs.
Pricing Reality
HubSpot
Free CRM: Actually usable. Unlimited users, basic features.
Starter: $15/user/month
Professional: $90/user/month (this is where most growing companies land)
Hidden costs: Marketing Hub, Sales Hub, Service Hub priced separately. Can add up.
Salesforce
Essentials: $25/user/month (limited)
Professional: $80/user/month
Enterprise: $165/user/month (where most companies land)
Hidden costs: Implementation, training, admin time, add-ons. Often doubles the sticker price.
Integration Comparison
From an automation perspective - which is what I care about:
- API quality: Both excellent. HubSpot's is cleaner. Salesforce's is more powerful.
- Webhook support: HubSpot workflows can trigger webhooks. Salesforce needs more setup.
- Zapier/Make integrations: Both well-supported. HubSpot triggers are simpler.
- Custom objects: Salesforce is more flexible. HubSpot has caught up significantly.
- Automation built-in: HubSpot workflows are easier. Salesforce Flow is more powerful.
My Recommendation
For most growing businesses: HubSpot. Easier to use, faster to implement, lower total cost of ownership. Your team will actually use it.
For enterprise or complex sales: Salesforce. When you need custom objects, complex approval workflows, or industry-specific customization, Salesforce delivers.
The worst choice: Picking Salesforce because it's "more professional" when HubSpot would do everything you need. I've seen companies waste $50K+ on Salesforce implementations they didn't need.