SharpSpring vs Keap: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between SharpSpring and Keap 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.
Bottom line: Keap wins this matchup. Our overall Marketing Automation pick is HubSpot. Our free Marketing Automation pick is SendPulse. Pick SharpSpring if you need marketing automation.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
SharpSpring
Marketing automation for agencies
Best for you if:
- • You want consolidates marketing automation, sales automation, and CRM into a single platform, eliminating data silos
- • You want offers a flexible and affordable pricing model, especially for agencies, with month-to-month contracts available
Keap
CRM and automation for small businesses
Best for you if:
- • You want cRM for small business
- • You want marketing automation
| At a Glance | SharpSpring | Keap |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $449/mo1K Contacts | $249/moPro |
Best For | Marketing Automation | CRM |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 3.8/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose SharpSpring or Keap?
Choose SharpSpring if
Marketing automation for agencies
- You want consolidates marketing automation, sales automation, and CRM into a single platform, eliminating data silos
- You want offers a flexible and affordable pricing model, especially for agencies, with month-to-month contracts available
- Your work is marketing automation-shaped, not CRM-shaped
Choose Keap if
CRM and automation for small businesses
- You want cRM for small business
- You want marketing automation
- Budget matters ($249/mo vs $449/mo)
- Your work is CRM-shaped, not marketing automation-shaped
| Feature | SharpSpring | Keap |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 1,336 reviews | ★3.8/5 1,542 reviews |
| Categories | Marketing AutomationCRM | CRMMarketing Automation |
In-Depth Analysis
SharpSpring
Marketing automation for agencies
SharpSpring's pricing, starting at $449/month for 1K contacts, is on the higher end for small businesses but offers robust features.
Watch out
Potential overage fees for contacts
Strengths
- +Consolidates marketing automation, sales automation, and CRM into a single platform, eliminating data silos.
- +Offers a flexible and affordable pricing model, especially for agencies, with month-to-month contracts available.
- +Provides extensive features for agencies, including single sign-on, rebrandable interface, and multi-client management.
- +Includes a built-in CRM that is optional and integrates well with other CRMs.
- +Offers unlimited users and support across various plans, including agency-specific offerings.
Weaknesses
- -Specific pricing details for SMBs are not explicitly listed, making it difficult to compare without a demo.
- -The comparison page with HubSpot focuses heavily on cost advantages, which might imply feature parity isn't always superior.
- -The product's capabilities are described broadly, requiring a demo to understand the depth of each feature.
Key features
Keap
CRM and automation for small businesses
Keap's pricing is on the expensive side for small businesses, with the Pro tier starting at $249/month for only 1500 contacts and 2 users.
Watch out
Overage fees for additional contacts
Strengths
- +CRM for small business
- +Marketing automation
- +Good for solopreneurs
- +Email marketing
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -UI could improve
- -Per-contact pricing
- -Limited enterprise features
- -Better modern alternatives
Key features
Pricing: SharpSpring vs Keap
| Plan | SharpSpring | Keap |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $449 1K Contacts | $249 Pro |
| Tier 2 | $999 10K Contacts | $399 Max |
| Tier 3 | Contact Agency | Custom Ultimate |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on SharpSpring pricing and Keap pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Keap
Want the highest-rated option?
SharpSpring: 4.6/5 (1,336 reviews). Keap: 3.8/5 (1,542 reviews).
Go with: SharpSpring
Value user reviews?
SharpSpring: 1,336 reviews (4.6/5). Keap: 1,542 reviews (3.8/5).
Go with: Keap
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
SharpSpring is a marketing automation tool. Keap is in CRM. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
SharpSpring is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 3.8/5.
Key Takeaways
Keap
- Larger review base (1,542 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
SharpSpring
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 3.8/5
- Better fit for marketing automation
The Bottom Line
Keap wins this matchup. Our overall Marketing Automation pick is HubSpot. Our free Marketing Automation pick is SendPulse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SharpSpring or Keap better?
Keap is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are SharpSpring and Keap used for?
SharpSpring: Marketing automation for agencies. Keap: CRM and automation for small businesses.
What does SharpSpring cost vs Keap?
SharpSpring is a paid tool. Keap is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.