HubSpot CRM vs Brevo: the CRM platform match-up in 2025
Ultra-complete CRM on the one hand, agile marketing platform on the other. HubSpot CRM and Brevo (ex-Sendinblue) don't exactly have the same roots, but they share a common goal: to help businesses grow by aligning marketing, sales and customer relations.
It's an interesting match-up: HubSpot CRM is aimed at those who want to structure their sales teams and manage a frictionless sales cycle. Brevo, on the other hand, appeals to SMEs and clever marketers looking for an emailing, CRM and automation tool within a controlled budget.
So which one should you choose in 2025?
We've compared the two solutions from every angle: features, price, ergonomics, integrations, use cases... and we've told you everything, without jargon or bullshit.
Spoiler: one is not necessarily better than the other, it all depends on your priorities.
What is HubSpot CRM?
Overview of HubSpot CRM
HubSpot CRM is the darling of sales and marketing teams who want a powerful, all-in-one tool that's (relatively) easy to use.
Initially designed to structure sales processes, CRM has rapidly established itself as a complete growth platform. The aim is to align marketing, sales, customer service and even support... all within a fluid, connected interface.
HubSpot is aimed at SMEs, ETIs and major accounts that want to professionalise their customer management without going through a gas factory. But also ambitious start-ups aiming for hyper-growth.
Here are a few use cases:
- Track prospects in a clear sales pipeline
- Automatically score the hottest leads
- Setting up automation workflows
- Offer a seamless customer experience via the service tool
- Monitor team performance (sales, marketing, support)
HubSpot CRM takes an " inbound-first" approach: rather than chasing leads, we attract them with content, well-targeted email, well-crafted campaigns... and engage them at the right time.
All with a modern UX, integrations galore, and a modular philosophy: start free, scale with paying hubs (Sales, Marketing, Service...).
Customers: There are over 268,000 customers in 120 countries (source: HubSpot website), including well-known companies such as Doctolib, Accenture and Trello.
Key features of HubSpot CRM
Beneath its apparent simplicity, HubSpot CRM hides a formidable toolbox. The aim? To help teams convert faster, better and without friction. Here's what you'll find under the bonnet:
- Intuitive pipeline management: Drag and drop your opportunities into an ultra-clear visual pipeline. Add tasks, reminders, notes... and always stay in control of the progress of your deals.
- Centralised contact database: All your leads, customers and partners in a single CRM database. Interaction tracking, history, scoring, dynamic segmentation: it's the cockpit of customer relations.
- Marketing & sales automation: create automated scenarios (emails, notifications, status changes, etc.) with an "if... then..." logic. Useful for lead nurturing, follow-up or customer care.
- Intelligent forms & chatbots: Capture leads via your site, and engage them automatically using chatflows and popups. Bonus: everything is customisable and responsive.
- Customised reporting & dashboards: Track your KPIs with ready-to-use or customised reports: conversion rates, salesperson performance, email campaigns... everything is tracked.
- Integrations galore (over 2,000!): Slack, Google Workspace, LinkedIn, Zapier, Shopify... and of course all your marketing tools. All via the HubSpot App Marketplace.
HubSpot CRM
Advantages and disadvantages of HubSpot CRM
Before jumping in headlong, it's best to weigh up the pros and cons. Here's what users (and data) are saying about HubSpot CRM, unfiltered.
✅ The benefits of HubSpot CRM
- Modern, intuitive interface: HubSpot is one of the most pleasant CRMs to use. Everything is designed to make it quick to get to grips with, even for non-techies.
- Generous free version: Up to 1 million contacts, with solid functionality (emailing, forms, live chat, basic reporting, etc.).
- Powerful automation: The workflow system lets you create complex scenarios without coding, to automate marketing, sales and customer service.
- Modular ecosystem: You can add or remove functionalities (Sales Hub, Marketing Hub, Service Hub and Data Hub) according to your needs and budget.
- Native integrations: Over 2,000 connectors available. HubSpot integrates easily with existing systems, making it a truly central hub.
- Support and resources : Ultra-extensive help centre, HubSpot Academy, webinars, community... The support is up to scratch.
❌ Disadvantages of HubSpot CRM
- Rapid rise in price: The free version attracts... but as soon as you ramp up (advanced automations, custom reporting, expanded team), the bill quickly climbs. As with any choice of software: think clearly about your needs beforehand so that you can meet them as effectively as possible, and you won't be surprised!
- Learning curve for advanced modules: Some tools, such as sequences or custom objects, take time to master.
- Limited free functionality: Some limitations are frustrating (e.g. number of dashboards, simple automations, lack of A/B testing).
- Limited customer support in the free package: You have to pay to access chat or telephone support.
👉 To remember
HubSpot CRM is the best in the class. It's very comprehensive, scalable and well integrated... but only if you have the resources to match your ambitions.
What is Brevo?
Overview of Brevo
Brevo is the former Sendinblue, and although the name has changed, the objective remains the same: to offer an all-in-one marketing platform that is simple, powerful and accessible, especially for SMEs.
Historically focused on email marketing, Brevo has been transformed into a genuine CRM geared towards customer relations, with marketing automation, contact management, sales CRM and even customer service functionalities.
Brevo is ideal for small businesses, SMEs, associations and the self-employed looking to centralise their customer communications without blowing their budget. But also e-tailers and start-ups in a growth phase.
Use case :
- Launch targeted email or SMS campaigns
- Set up simple, effective automation workflows
- Manage a lightweight but functional sales pipeline
- Intelligently segment your contact base
- Offer a unified customer experience via chat, WhatsApp or the integrated call centre
Brevo is all about accessibility. You don't need to be a marketing automation expert to get the hang of it. The tool offers a streamlined user experience, clear pricing and a genuine desire to support small businesses as they digitise their business. It's a bit of a 'no bullshit' marketing CRM, tailored to get straight to the point.
Customers: More than 500,000 users in 180 countries, according to the official website. They include many SMEs, as well as big names like Amnesty International, Carrefour and Michelin.
Brevo's main features
Brevo is designed to be simple to use, but not lacking in depth. Its strength: combining marketing, sales and customer relations in a single interface, without unnecessary complexity.
- Email and SMS campaigns: Create responsive campaigns with the drag & drop editor, customise messages, test, send and track results. That's Brevo's DNA.
- Marketing automation: Set up automated scenarios based on your contacts' behaviour (click, open, form, etc.) to engage them intelligently.
- Integrated CRM: Track your leads and customers in a visual pipeline, assign tasks to your teams and centralise information so you never miss an opportunity.
- Conversational tools: Activate an online chat, WhatsApp Business, or even a telephone module (Brevo Phone) to chat live with your customers.
- Advanced segmentation: Create dynamic segments based on behavioural or CRM criteria, to send the right message, at the right time, to the right person.
- Forms & landing pages: Collect leads with customisable forms and professional landing pages, without the need for a designer.
Brevo
Advantages and disadvantages of Brevo
Brevo's appeal lies in its simplicity and transparency. But behind this accessibility there are also a few limitations to be aware of. We'll sort them out for you.
✅ The advantages of Brevo
- Very affordable pricing: Brevo remains one of the most competitive tools on the market. You pay according to the volume of emails, not the number of contacts. Ideal for large databases.
- Clear, intuitive interface: Everything is visual, well-organised and designed for non-techies. You'll quickly get the hang of it, even on your own.
- Simple but effective marketing automation: The scenarios are easy to create and are sufficient to cover most common needs (follow-up, scoring, segmentation, etc.).
- Native multi-channel: Email, SMS, WhatsApp, online chat, telephone... Brevo allows you to centralise all your customer communications in a single platform.
- Excellent value for money : Advanced functionalities (forms, CRM, workflows...) accessible from the first plans.
❌ The disadvantages of Brevo
- CRM less advanced than HubSpot: The sales pipeline is effective for simple sales cycles, but remains limited for demanding sales teams.
- Limited customisation on certain functions : Particularly dashboards or forms, which remain fairly rigid compared to other solutions.
- Fewer native integrations: Brevo offers fewer connectors than HubSpot (around 100 integrations vs. over 2,000), even though the essentials are there.
- Fewer support resources: Fewer webinars, tutorials or certifications than HubSpot, even if the knowledge base remains solid.
👉 To remember
Brevo ticks the boxes for simplicity, efficiency and value for money. But if you have advanced CRM needs, it can quickly show its limitations.
HubSpot CRM vs Brevo: compare features
Here's an overview of the key features, to give you a clearer idea before diving into the details.
| Features | HubSpot CRM | Brevo |
| Email marketing | ✅ Yes (via Marketing Hub) | ✅ Yes (native) |
| Marketing automation | ✅ Advanced (complex workflows) | ✅ Simple to medium |
| Commercial CRM | ✅ Very complete, customisable | ✅ Basic but functional |
| Scoring & segmentation | ✅ Yes, very advanced | ✅ Yes, good level |
| Forms & landing pages | ✅ Yes, very customisable | ✅ Yes, easy to set up |
| Third-party integrations | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (2000 +) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (100+) |
| Multi-channel (chat, WhatsApp, etc) | ✅ Yes (via modules & integrations) | ✅ Yes (native in Brevo) |
| Analytics & reporting | ✅ Very advanced | ✅ Basic to medium |
Focus 1: Email marketing
HubSpot CRM: Emailing is powerful, but depends on the Marketing Hub module. Advanced editor, A/B testing, advanced personalisation, very detailed analytics... but all this is reserved for paid versions.
In short: Emailing is native and central to the platform. The editor is fluid and responsive, with an excellent testing and deliverability system. Solid functionalities available from the very first plans.
👉 To remember
If email is your main channel, Brevo offers excellent value for money. HubSpot shines, but only if you opt for an advanced plan.
Focus 2: Marketing automation
HubSpot CRM: Visual workflows with conditions, triggers and advanced actions. Ideal for lead nurturing, dynamic scoring and intelligent follow-up. Powerful, but sometimes complex to configure.
Brevo: Simplified but effective automation for most use cases. Fewer options, but quick to learn. Perfect for SMEs who want to get straight to the point.
👉 To remember
HubSpot is clearly more comprehensive in terms of automation, but Brevo is sufficient for simple to medium customer journeys.
Focus 3: CRM and sales pipeline
HubSpot CRM: Ultra-customisable pipeline, deal tracking, scoring, tasks, reminders, customised objects and detailed reporting. Designed for structured sales teams.
Brevo: Simple but effective visual pipeline. Good visibility of leads, but little scope for customisation. Suitable for simple sales, less suitable for complex or long cycles.
👉 To remember
HubSpot has the edge over pure CRM, especially if you have a growing sales team.
Focus 4: Multi-channel & customer relations
HubSpot CRM: Live chat, chatbot, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, email... everything is possible, but often via integrations or paying modules (e.g. Service Hub).
Brevo: Multi-channel is native: online chat, WhatsApp Business, transactional email, SMS, telephone (Brevo Phone). No need to stack plugins.
👉 To remember
For a multi-channel customer relationship, Brevo is more accessible, with no hidden charges.
Focus 5: Reporting & analytics
HubSpot CRM: Customisable dashboards, advanced KPIs, multi-touch attribution, dynamic filters... analysis is very advanced, provided you have the right version.
In short: decent reporting for marketing (emails, campaigns, SMS), but limited for CRM or sales. Little customisation possible.
👉 To remember
HubSpot is much more robust when it comes to fine-tuning performance.
HubSpot CRM vs Brevo: compare prices
Here's a clear overview of the 2025 pricing packages for each solution, along with the key features included.
| Offer / Software | HubSpot CRM | Brevo |
| Free | Free for up to 2 users Includes :
|
|
| Entry-level | Starter Customer Platform (from €9/month/licence) 500 HubSpot credits Free tools, plus :
|
Sales Essentials (€26/month)
|
| Intermediate | Professional (from €1283/month for 6 licences) 5,000 HubSpot credits Starter client platform, plus :
|
Sales Advanced (€53/month)
|
| Advanced / Team | Enterprise (from €4,410/month for 8 licences) 10,000 HubSpot credits Pro client platform, plus :
|
Enterprise (on request)
|
HubSpot CRM vs Brevo: which interface is more intuitive?
A piece of software can have all the features in the world, but if the interface makes you want to run away, we all know what's going to happen: the teams will ignore it royally. Here we compare HubSpot and Brevo on three criteria: ease of use, ergonomics and customisation.
| Criterion | HubSpot CRM | Brevo |
| Handling | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Clear but dense interface, slight learning curve for hubs |
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Quick to learn, even for beginners |
| General ergonomics | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Very well thought-out, coherent, modern UX |
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Simple, efficient, no frills |
| Customisation | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dashboards, custom objects, user-specific views in pro packages |
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Little customisation, but enough for most SMEs |
HubSpot CRM
As soon as you enter the HubSpot world, you can feel that the design has been carefully thought out. The menus are intuitive and the functionalities well organised. The only downside is that the wealth of options can be a little intimidating at first, especially if you activate several 'hubs' (Marketing, Sales, Service, etc.). It takes a little time to learn.
Brevo
Everything here is designed to get straight to the point. The menus are simple, the actions obvious, and the configuration minimal. You don't need any training to create a scenario or launch a campaign. The UX isn't flashy, but it's frighteningly effective.
👉 To remember
- HubSpot shines for its depth and consistency, but requires more investment in onboarding.
- Brevo gets straight to the point: it's accessible, fast and frictionless, making it ideal for non-technical teams.
HubSpot CRM vs Brevo: compare integrations
Connecting your CRM to your day-to-day tools saves time, avoids lengthy copy-pasting and, above all, automates your business. Here's a clear comparison table, based on three key criteria:
| Criterion | HubSpot CRM | Brevo |
| Number of native integrations | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (2000 + via the HubSpot Marketplace) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (around 100 connectors available) |
| Ease of connection | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (clear interface, solid documentation) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (very easy to connect, well-documented API) |
| Automation between tools | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Zaps, workflows, powerful triggers) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (basic, but sufficient for SMEs) |
HubSpot CRM :
A truly central hub. With over 2000 integrations available (Slack, Salesforce, Gmail, Stripe, Shopify, Zoom, etc.), HubSpot adapts to almost any environment. The automation is powerful: you can create complex flows between apps using internal workflows or via Zapier/Make. For the techies: robust REST API, webhook, event management, it's all there.
In short:
Fewer integrations, but the essentials are there: Shopify, WordPress, WooCommerce, Prestashop, Zapier, PayPal, Stripe... and connections that are easy to set up. There's no functional overload, just efficient logic for everyday needs. The API is clear, well-documented and has a good community around it.
When should you choose HubSpot CRM or Brevo?
If... you're looking for a complete CRM to structure and scale your sales cycle → choose HubSpot CRM
HubSpot is for you if:
- You have an existing (or growing) sales team.
- You need solid , customisable processes : pipeline, scoring, automatic follow-ups, etc.
- You want to align marketing, sales and support in a single tool
- You're looking for a scalable platform, with additional modules as you grow
- You have the budget (or the vision) to move upmarket
👉 Real-life examples:
- A B2B scale-up that wants to track its leads through a finely segmented sales tunnel
- An industrial SME that wants to structure its sales force across several markets
- A marketing agency managing both its inbound leads and its client CRM.
If... you want a simple, fast and affordable marketing + CRM tool → choose Brevo
Brevo is for you if..:
- You manage email/SMS campaigns and want to automate without complexity
- You need a lightweight CRM that's easy to learn
- You want an integrated multi-channel tool (WhatsApp, telephone, chat)
- Your priority is immediate efficiency, not extreme customisation
- You have a small marketing or sales team
👉 Concrete examples:
- An online shop that wants to relaunch its abandoned shopping baskets automatically
- An association that wants to manage its donation campaigns and contact database in a single tool
- A very small business or freelancer that wants to professionalise its customer relations within a controlled budget
What we've learned from the HubSpot CRM vs Brevo battle
We've looked at the features, ergonomics, prices, integrations... and there's one thing to remember: these aren't two competing tools, they're two visions.
- HubSpot CRM is the choice of those who want to structure, customise and scale their growth with an ultra-robust (but sometimes expensive) all-in-one platform.
- In short, it's the choice of those who want to keep things simple, efficient and fast, with excellent value for money (but less customisation).
So, to help you decide, here's a clear table:
| Your needs | Our recommendation |
| You need to structure your sales team | HubSpot CRM |
| You do a lot of email marketing | Brevo |
| You want a free tool to get you started | Brevo or HubSpot (freemium) |
| You plan to grow fast with solid processes | HubSpot CRM |
| You're looking for an all-in-one multi-channel tool | Brevo |
| You have a substantial budget and complex CRM requirements | HubSpot CRM |
| You are a small business with limited technical resources | Brevo |
👉 To remember
- If you're an SME looking to move quickly and efficiently, Brevo will do the job perfectly.
- If you're a fast-growing organisation with advanced CRM needs and a budget to match, HubSpot will support you over the long term.
FAQs on HubSpot CRM vs Brevo
Is HubSpot CRM really free?
Yes, the free version of HubSpot offers a functional CRM with basic functions: contact management, simple pipeline, forms, lightweight email marketing. But to access advanced automation, custom reporting or multiple teams, you'll need to upgrade to the paid hubs.
Is Brevo suitable for B2B companies?
Absolutely. Brevo is just as suitable for B2C as it is for B2B. It offers segmentation tools, nurturing scenarios and a simple CRM to track leads in short to medium sales cycles.
Which tool is easiest to learn?
Brevo, without hesitation. Its interface is uncluttered, it's quick to learn, and you can launch campaigns in just a few clicks. HubSpot is still intuitive, but denser, especially when you activate several modules.
Can you use both tools for automation?
Yes. HubSpot offers very powerful workflows, with complex and conditional scenarios. Brevo also lets you create automations (emails, SMS, contact updates), but in a simpler way.
Which software is better value for money?
Brevo is much more affordable, with plans starting at less than €20/month and billing based on the volume of messages sent. HubSpot is free to start with, but its professional plans quickly become expensive as you build up the power.
Can other tools be connected to HubSpot or Brevo?
Yes, in both cases, but HubSpot offers more native integrations (over 2,000), a rich ecosystem and a very comprehensive API. Brevo focuses on the main tools (Shopify, WordPress, Prestashop, Zapier, etc.) with an API that's easy to use.
Which is the best for managing a sales tunnel?
HubSpot, clearly. It allows you to customise your pipeline, track each stage of the sale, score leads and analyse performance in detail. Brevo is sufficient for simple sales, but limited for complex sales.
Can I use these tools in French?
Yes, HubSpot and Brevo are both available in French, with localised interfaces, docs and support. Brevo has a slight advantage here, being a European solution with a strong French-speaking base.
Article translated from French