Freshsales vs Lemlist: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Freshsales and Lemlist 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:
Freshsales
AI-powered Sales CRM to streamline sales, boost conversions, and grow your pipeline.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need crm features specifically
- • AI-powered CRM for lead generation, qualification, and tracking.
- • Automates tasks and provides AI-driven insights for sales efficiency.
Lemlist
Cold outreach platform
Best for you if:
- • You need sales engagement features specifically
- • Cold outreach platform
- • Email and LinkedIn automation
| At a Glance |  Freshsales | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | CRM | Sales Engagement |
Rating | 86/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Freshsales | Lemlist |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | CRMSales Engagement | Sales EngagementCold Email |
Understanding the Differences
Both Freshsales and Lemlist solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Freshsales positions itself as "ai-powered sales crm to streamline sales, boost conversions, and grow your pipeline." while Lemlistfocuses on "cold outreach platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Freshsales
Freshsales makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Lemlist
Lemlist is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Freshsales lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Freshsales
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Freshsales handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Freshsales
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Lemlist takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Lemlist
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Freshsales, upgrade when you're ready.
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 Freshsales higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Lemlist more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Freshsales Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Lemlist 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 Freshsales (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Freshsales scores higher in our analysis, but Lemlist 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 Freshsales or Lemlist better?
Based on our analysis, Freshsales scores higher with 86/100. Freshsales isfreemium while Lemlist 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 Freshsales to Lemlist 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 Freshsales and Lemlist offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Freshsales is freemium with a free tier.Lemlist is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.