Act! vs HubSpot: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Act! and HubSpot comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Act!
CRM and marketing automation for small businesses
Best for you if:
- • You need email marketing features specifically
- • You need crm and marketing automation for small businesses
- • You need professional-grade features
HubSpot
CRM platform for scaling businesses
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need crm features specifically
- • All-in-one CRM platform
- • Marketing and sales tools
| At a Glance |  HubSpot | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Email Marketing | CRM |
Rating | —/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Act! | HubSpot |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 212 | 0 |
| Categories | Email MarketingWorkflow Automation | CRMMarketing Automation |
Understanding the Differences
Both Act! and HubSpot solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Act! positions itself as "crm and marketing automation for small businesses" while HubSpotfocuses on "crm platform for scaling businesses". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Act!
Act! makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose HubSpot
HubSpot is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 90/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
HubSpot won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: HubSpot
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. HubSpot is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: HubSpot
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Act! is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Act!
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? HubSpot has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated HubSpot higher (90/100). But the community has upvoted Act! more (212 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What HubSpot Does Better
- Higher overall score (90/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Act! If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with HubSpot (90/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. HubSpot scores higher in our analysis, but Act! might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Act! or HubSpot better?
Based on our analysis, HubSpot scores higher with 90/100. Act! ispaid while HubSpot is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Act! to HubSpot easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Act! and HubSpot offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Act! is paid with potential trial.HubSpot is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.