Close vs Outreach: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Close and Outreach 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:
Close
CRM for inside sales
Best for you if:
Outreach
Sales engagement and intelligence platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.1/10)
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Sales | Sales |
Rating | 81/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Close | Outreach |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 81 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Sales | Sales |
Understanding the Differences
Both Close and Outreach solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Close positions itself as "crm for inside sales" while Outreachfocuses on "sales engagement and intelligence platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Close
Close makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Outreach
Outreach is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool. Scoring 88/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Outreach
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Outreach is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Outreach
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Close is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Close
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Outreach—it scored higher.
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 Outreach higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Outreach more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Outreach Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Close 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 Outreach (88/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Outreach scores higher in our analysis, but Close 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 Close or Outreach better?
Based on our analysis, Outreach scores higher with 88/100. Close ispaid while Outreach is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Close to Outreach 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 Close and Outreach offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Close is paid with potential trial.Outreach is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.