GoHighLevel vs. ActiveCampaign: Choosing the Best Automation Software In today’s fast-paced digital world, marketing automation is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a small business owner, a digital marketer, or run an agency, having the right tools can make all the difference. Two of the most popular options out there are GoHighLevel and ActiveCampaign. But which one is better for you?
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Let’s break it down in simple language and help you decide the best fit for your business.
What is GoHighLevel?
GoHighLevel GoHighLevel vs. ActiveCampaign: Choosing the Best Automation Software is an all-in-one sales and marketing platform built mainly for agencies and service-based businesses. Think of it as a full toolbox for client acquisition, lead nurturing, and automation.
Here’s what GoHighLevel includes:
- CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
- Email & SMS marketing
- Funnel and landing page builder
- Appointment scheduling
- Reputation management
- Automation workflows
- White labeling (great for agencies)
It’s like combining tools such as ClickFunnels, Calendly, Mailchimp, and more — all in one dashboard.
What is ActiveCampaign?
ActiveCampaign is primarily known for its email marketing and CRM features. It’s been around for a while and has a strong reputation for delivering smart automation and personalized email campaigns.
Key features of ActiveCampaign include:
- Email marketing with advanced segmentation
- Marketing automation builder
- Sales CRM
- Site tracking
- Integration with tons of third-party apps
- Machine learning and predictive tools
It’s user-friendly and highly focused on customer journeys and email engagement.
Ease of Use
GoHighLevel has a slight learning curve at first, especially because it offers so much. But once you get the hang of it, it’s a powerhouse. Plus, they offer tons of tutorials and a supportive community.
ActiveCampaign is very beginner-friendly. If your main focus is email automation and CRM, it’s quick to get started with.
Winner: Tie. GoHighLevel offers more tools but may take longer to learn. ActiveCampaign is faster to set up but less powerful overall.
Automation Power
Both platforms shine here — but in different ways.
- GoHighLevel lets you automate emails, texts, calls, and more. You can create custom workflows to follow up with leads, send appointment reminders, or trigger actions based on behavior.
- ActiveCampaign is famous for its visual automation builder. It’s super easy to create email sequences based on how your contacts engage.
Winner: GoHighLevel takes the lead for complete automation (not just emails). You can automate the entire sales funnel, not just a part of it.
CRM and Contact Management
GoHighLevel’s CRM is perfect for managing clients and leads across multiple businesses (ideal if you’re an agency). You can set up different sub-accounts, pipelines, and track every interaction.
ActiveCampaign also has a solid CRM, focused on tracking customer engagement and deal stages.
Winner: GoHighLevel, especially if you manage multiple clients or businesses.
Email and SMS Marketing
- GoHighLevel gives you both email and SMS built-in. This is a huge plus. You can run campaigns, set up triggers, and keep conversations going through different channels.
- ActiveCampaign specializes in email. While it does support SMS, it’s through third-party tools and costs extra.
Winner: GoHighLevel, for offering both channels under one roof.
Funnel and Page Builder
This is where GoHighLevel truly shines. It has a drag-and-drop funnel builder, just like ClickFunnels, letting you create high-converting landing pages, lead forms, and sales funnels.
ActiveCampaign does not have a funnel builder. You’ll need to integrate with tools like Unbounce or Leadpages for that.
Winner: GoHighLevel, hands down.
Integration and API
ActiveCampaign integrates with more third-party tools — over 850 apps — including Shopify, WordPress, Facebook, and more.
GoHighLevel offers integrations too, but it also tries to be a one-stop-shop. So you may not need to rely on other platforms as much.
Winner: ActiveCampaign, if you’re deep into other software ecosystems.
Pricing
Let’s talk money.
- GoHighLevel starts at $97/month for a single account and $297/month for the full agency plan (includes sub-accounts, white-labeling, etc.).
- ActiveCampaign starts lower, around $29/month, but pricing increases fast based on contacts and features.
However, with GoHighLevel, you’re replacing multiple tools — so the real cost is often lower than stacking tools like Calendly + ClickFunnels + Mailchimp + CRM.
Winner: GoHighLevel for value. You get more tools in one place.
Support and Community
Both platforms offer good support, but GoHighLevel stands out with:
- A vibrant Facebook community
- Live chat and ticket system
- Tons of training materials and courses
ActiveCampaign also offers email and chat support, along with a great knowledge base.
Winner: GoHighLevel, especially for agency-level support and community engagement.
Who Should Use GoHighLevel?
- Marketing agencies
- Coaches and consultants
- Service-based businesses
- Freelancers managing multiple clients
- Anyone looking for an all-in-one platform
👉 Try GoHighLevel here with a free trial:
Click for your 14-Day Free GoHighLevel Trial
Who Should Use ActiveCampaign?
- Small to medium businesses focused on email
- Bloggers or eCommerce stores with a strong email strategy
- Teams already using other tools and looking for solid email automation
Final Verdict: GoHighLevel vs. ActiveCampaign — Which is Better?
If your focus is just email marketing, ActiveCampaign is a solid choice.
But if you want everything in one platform — email, SMS, funnels, CRM, calendars, reputation management, and automation — GoHighLevel is unbeatable. Especially for agencies and serious marketers.
And the best part? You can try GoHighLevel free for 14 days and see the difference for yourself.
👉 Click here to start your free GoHighLevel trial today!
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right marketing automation software is a big decision. Both GoHighLevel and ActiveCampaign have their strengths, but for overall power, flexibility, and cost-saving — GoHighLevel wins.
Why pay for 5 different tools when you can have everything in one?
So go ahead, take it for a spin, and see how it can transform your business.
