Gong vs Close: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Gong and Close 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:
Gong
Revenue intelligence platform with conversation analytics
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.6/10)
Close
CRM built for inside sales teams who live on the phone
Best for you if:
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Sales | Sales |
Rating | 90/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Gong | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Sales | Sales |
Understanding the Differences
Both Gong and Close solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Gong positions itself as "revenue intelligence platform with conversation analytics" while Closefocuses on "crm built for inside sales teams who live on the phone". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Gong
Gong makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 90/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Close
Close is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
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: Close
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Gong handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Gong
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Gong is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Gong
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Gong—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 Gong higher (90/100). But the community has upvoted Close more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Gong Does Better
- Higher overall score (90/100)
- 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 Gong (90/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Gong 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 Gong or Close better?
Based on our analysis, Gong scores higher with 90/100. Gong ispaid while Close 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 Gong to Close 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 Gong and Close offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Gong is paid with potential trial.Close is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.