Quick comparison
| Option | Best for | Why it wins | Watch‑out | Try |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipedrive | Simple pipeline CRM | Fast adoption | Less ‘suite’ marketing | Try → |
| HubSpot | CRM + marketing suite | Grows into automation | Costs can climb | Try → |
How we picked
- Optimized for agency workflows: delivery visibility, client collaboration, and handoffs.
- Prioritized fast setup and simple ownership/permissions (so you actually adopt it).
- Checked integrations and reporting (so you don’t build a spreadsheet on the side).
- Included a clear watch‑out for each option to avoid bad fits.
We refresh guides when pricing/features shift. Always verify current terms on the vendor site.
Use-cases
Quick scenarios to help you decide without overthinking it.
- You close deals through calls + proposals: Pipedrive is often the simplest win.
- Your leads come from inbound marketing: HubSpot is stronger when lifecycle automation matters.
- You’re cost-sensitive: Start simple (Pipedrive) and only move to a suite if you’ll use it.
Pipedrive — best when your CRM should stay simple
Where it shines
- Clean deal pipeline view
- Fast setup and onboarding
- Great for follow-ups and keeping deals moving
Gotchas to know
- Marketing automation is not the main focus
- You need discipline: stages + required fields early
Best fit
- You sell services with a clear pipeline
- You want the fastest path to ‘CRM that works’
- You’re allergic to bloated suites
Avoid if…
you need advanced marketing automation and content workflows inside the same platform.
HubSpot — best if you want one ecosystem for growth
Where it shines
- CRM + email + forms + automation (as you upgrade)
- Strong ecosystem of integrations
- Good reporting when configured well
Gotchas to know
- Can get expensive as you add seats/features
- Easy to overbuild—start minimal, then expand
Best fit
- You expect marketing automation to matter
- You want one platform to consolidate tools
- You have someone who can own the setup
Avoid if…
you only need a deal pipeline and want the lowest ongoing cost.
Bottom line
Pick Pipedrive if your main goal is a clean pipeline and consistent follow-up. Pick HubSpot if you want CRM and marketing to live together and you’re okay with higher long-term costs as you scale.
Next: browse tools or start with best CRM.
FAQ
What’s the best pipedrive vs hubspot for a small agency?
Start with the Top pick in the quick comparison, then sanity‑check the watch‑out against your workflow and budget.
How long does it take to set up pipedrive vs hubspot?
Most teams can get a workable setup in a half day to two days. The real work is deciding your workflow (stages, ownership, and client touchpoints).
Do these tools support client access and permissions?
Usually, yes — but it varies by plan. Before committing, confirm guest seats, client permissions, and whether clients need paid accounts.