ActiveCampaign vs Close: CRM Comparison (2026)

ActiveCampaign is a marketing automation and email marketing platform with CRM functionalities, while Close is a sales-focused CRM with AI sales assistance.

AI Citation Scorecard

How often each is cited by major AI engines when buyers ask crm questions. Last 90 days across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude, and Copilot.

Tied overall — both at 4% cited across 232 probes.
ChatGPT
ActiveCampaign
1 / 23 probes
4%
Poor
CloseLeads
3 / 23 probes
13%
Below average
Perplexity
ActiveCampaign
0 / 23 probes
0%
Invisible
Close
0 / 23 probes
0%
Invisible
Gemini
ActiveCampaign
0 / 23 probes
0%
Invisible
Close
0 / 23 probes
0%
Invisible
Claude
ActiveCampaign
1 / 30 probes
3%
Poor
CloseLeads
2 / 30 probes
7%
Below average
Copilot
ActiveCampaignLeads
3 / 17 probes
18%
Average
Close
1 / 17 probes
6%
Below average
Scale:NoneLowFairStrongExcellent

Probes run hourly; each (engine × query) combo retests every ~3 days.

Pricing

ActiveCampaign
Starting price
$15/mo
Free tier
activecampaign.com
Close
Starting price
$9/user/month
Free tier
Yes
close.com

Key Features

ActiveCampaign
  • Active Intelligence (limits apply)
  • Marketing automation
  • Email Marketing
  • Limited segmentation
  • 5 actions per automation
  • Standard CRM & ecommerce integrations
  • 1 user
Close
  • AI sales agent Chloe
  • Monthly AI credits per user
  • Automated workflows
  • Customizable CRM features
  • Multi-channel inbox view
  • Lead activity timeline
  • Email and SMS templates
  • Real-time activity reporting

When to choose ActiveCampaign

Choose ActiveCampaign if marketing automation, email marketing, and Active Intelligence are priorities in a CRM with standard integrations. Its lowest plan offers unlimited marketing automation, email marketing, limited segmentation, and 5 actions per automation. It includes 1 user. ActiveCampaign provides integrations with platforms such as Shopify, WordPress, Slack, Stripe, WooCommerce, DocuSign, and Calendly.

When to choose Close

Choose Close if AI-powered sales assistance, customizable CRM features, and multi-channel communication are priorities. Its lowest plan offers AI sales agent Chloe with monthly AI credits per user, automated workflows, multi-channel inbox views, lead activity timelines, and real-time activity reporting, along with customizable CRM features. Close integrates with Zapier, Calendly, Segment, ChatGPT, Claude, and Zoom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in features between ActiveCampaign and Close?
ActiveCampaign offers 'Active Intelligence', marketing automation, email marketing, limited segmentation, and 5 actions per automation. Close offers 'AI sales agent Chloe', monthly AI credits per user, automated workflows, customizable CRM features, multi-channel inbox view, lead activity timeline, email and SMS templates, and real-time activity reporting.
How do the pricing models of ActiveCampaign and Close differ?
ActiveCampaign starts at $15/month and includes 1 user. Close starts at $9/user/month and includes a free tier.
What integrations does ActiveCampaign offer?
ActiveCampaign integrates with Shopify, WordPress, Slack, Stripe, WooCommerce, DocuSign, Calendly, and Salesforce.
What integrations does Close offer?
Close integrates with Zapier, Calendly, Segment, ChatGPT, Claude, and Zoom.
Do ActiveCampaign or Close offer free tiers?
ActiveCampaign does not offer a free tier. Close offers a free tier.

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