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Head-to-head · CRM Software

Close vs EngageBay

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 9 checks side by side
Higher score Close #16 in CRM Software 6.3/10 From $9/user/mo (annual) · 14-day trial Free trial✓ 5 of 6 features Visit Close
EngageBay #39 in CRM Software 5.2/10 Free plan · paid from $11.04/user/mo Free plan✓ 4 of 6 features Visit EngageBay

Close leads on 3 checks, EngageBay on 1, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 9 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreClose · 6.3/10
  • Lowest starting priceClose · $9/user/mo
  • Free planonly EngageBay
  • Free trialonly Close
  • Most featuresClose · 5 of 6

Close scores higher on our rubric for crm software: 6.3 against 5.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #16 and #39.

EngageBay offers free plan; Close doesn't. Close is cheaper to start at $9/user/mo against $11.04/user/mo. Close offers free trial; EngageBay doesn't publish it. Close offers email sync; EngageBay doesn't publish it.

Close is the better fit for sales teams built around calling and SMS. EngageBay is the better fit for budget CRM with sales and marketing breadth.

  • Close fits best

    Sales teams built around calling and SMS

  • EngageBay fits best

    Budget CRM with sales and marketing breadth

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Close 6.3/10 Visit ↗ EngageBay 5.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 6.3 5.2
Ranking #16 in CRM Software #39 in CRM Software
Best for Sales teams built around calling and SMS Budget CRM with sales and marketing breadth
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $9/user/mo (best) $11.04/user/mo
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial ✓ (best) Not published
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, Android
Support Email, Phone, Community, Docs Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs · 24/7
Compliance SOC 2, GDPR, 2FA GDPR
Integrations 100+ integrations 250+ integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Small business, Mid-market
Features Close 5/6 · EngageBay 4/6
Visual sales pipeline ✓ ✓
Email sync ✓ (best) Not published
Marketing automation ✓ ✓
AI features ✓ ✓
Mobile app ✓ ✓
Open source — Not published
Our review
Pros
  • Built-in calling, SMS and two-way email synchronization
  • Workflows combine email, call, SMS and task steps
  • AI, reporting, forms, mobile apps and API access included
  • Free CRM plan includes contacts, deals, tasks, tracking, scheduling, and Gmail.
  • Combines sales pipelines, marketing automation, helpdesk, chat, and calling.
  • Integrates with Gmail, Outlook, Office 365, Zapier, Stripe, and QuickBooks.
Cons
  • No free plan is available
  • Advanced calling and management features require higher tiers
  • Telephony usage and AI credits may be billed separately
  • Paid tiers cap contacts at 500, 3,000, or 5,000 companies and contacts.
  • Auto dialer, role management, call records, and custom reporting are Pro features.
  • Listed mobile access covers Android alongside the web platform.
Our verdict

Close is a sales CRM for founders, solo representatives and sales teams that organize work around calls, SMS and pipeline activity. It combines lead and contact management, opportunity pipelines, reporting, forms, task management, two-way…

Read the review →

EngageBay is a cloud-based CRM for small businesses and startups that want contact management, sales pipelines, marketing automation, customer support, and communication tools in one platform. Its feature set spans contact and company…

Read the review →
  1. CloseCRM Software 6.3From $9/user/mo (annual) · 14-day trial
  2. EngageBayCRM Software 5.2Free plan · paid from $11.04/user/mo

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Close — where it wins

    • Built-in calling, SMS and two-way email synchronization
    • Workflows combine email, call, SMS and task steps
    • AI, reporting, forms, mobile apps and API access included

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is available
    • Advanced calling and management features require higher tiers
    • Telephony usage and AI credits may be billed separately

  • EngageBay — where it wins

    • Free CRM plan includes contacts, deals, tasks, tracking, scheduling, and Gmail.
    • Combines sales pipelines, marketing automation, helpdesk, chat, and calling.
    • Integrates with Gmail, Outlook, Office 365, Zapier, Stripe, and QuickBooks.

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid tiers cap contacts at 500, 3,000, or 5,000 companies and contacts.
    • Auto dialer, role management, call records, and custom reporting are Pro features.
    • Listed mobile access covers Android alongside the web platform.
  • Close6.3/10 · From $9/user/mo (annual) · 14-day trial

    A calling-first CRM for sales teams that need pipelines, messaging and automation.

    Visit CloseFull verdict →
  • EngageBay5.2/10 · Free plan · paid from $11.04/user/mo

    A broad, budget-friendly CRM for small businesses that want sales and marketing tools together.

    Visit EngageBayFull verdict →

All CRM software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Guides on CRM software

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update