Nutshell vs Close: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Nutshell 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:
Nutshell
Simple Pipeline & Contact Management CRM to empower teams, drive deals, and close faster.
Best for you if:
Close
CRM built for inside sales teams who live on the phone
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.0/10)
| At a Glance |  Nutshell | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Sales | Sales |
Rating | 80/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Nutshell | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | SalesMarketing | Sales |
Understanding the Differences
Both Nutshell and Close solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Nutshell positions itself as "simple pipeline & contact management crm to empower teams, drive deals, and close faster." 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 Nutshell
Nutshell makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Close
Close is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool. Scoring 86/100, 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: Close
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Close is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Close
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Nutshell is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Nutshell
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Close—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 Close higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Close more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Close Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Nutshell 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 Close (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Close scores higher in our analysis, but Nutshell 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 Nutshell or Close better?
Based on our analysis, Close scores higher with 86/100. Nutshell 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 Nutshell 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 Nutshell and Close offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Nutshell is paid with potential trial.Close is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.