Introduction
When it comes to running a digital marketing agency or small business efficiently, a robust CRM and marketing automation platform is non-negotiable. Two of the most talked-about tools in 2025 are HubSpot and GoHighLevel — both powerful, yet designed for slightly different users and needs.
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But which is better, HubSpot or GoHighLevel?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the differences between these two industry giants — from features and pricing to automation, white labeling, and SaaS options. Whether you’re a digital agency looking to scale or a small business seeking simplicity, you’ll have a clear answer by the end of this post.
Table of Contents
HubSpot vs GoHighLevel: At a Glance
| Feature | HubSpot | GoHighLevel |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Established businesses, large teams | Agencies, freelancers, small businesses |
| CRM | Excellent and feature-rich | Powerful and customizable |
| Marketing Automation | Advanced (but costly) | Comprehensive and affordable |
| White Label Options | Limited | Full white label |
| SaaS Mode | No | Yes, built-in SaaS mode |
| Affiliate Program | Basic | Recurring commission model |
| Ease of Use | Very user-friendly | Slightly steeper learning curve |
| Pricing | Expensive for startups | Affordable, especially for agencies |
1. Understanding HubSpot and GoHighLevel
What Is HubSpot?
HubSpot is one of the pioneers of inbound marketing software. It offers a complete suite of tools for CRM, marketing automation, sales, service, and content management — all under one roof. Known for its polished interface and ease of use, HubSpot is especially popular among medium to large enterprises that want a robust, all-in-one solution.
HubSpot’s Strengths:
- Clean, professional design.
- Excellent reporting and analytics.
- Strong integration with other software (Salesforce, Slack, Shopify, etc.).
- Great customer support and training resources.
However, HubSpot can get very expensive as your contact list grows, and many advanced features require you to upgrade to higher plans.
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What Is GoHighLevel?
GoHighLevel (GHL), on the other hand, is a newer but fast-growing all-in-one marketing automation and CRM platform designed specifically for digital marketing agencies and small businesses.
It allows you to:
- Build landing pages and sales funnels.
- Automate SMS and email campaigns.
- Manage pipelines and leads.
- Create and resell software using GoHighLevel SaaS Mode.
- Fully rebrand the platform using white labeling.
Essentially, GoHighLevel replaces multiple tools such as ClickFunnels, ActiveCampaign, Calendly, and even HubSpot — all in one place.
2. Feature Breakdown: HubSpot vs GoHighLevel
Let’s dive into the key features that matter most to marketers and business owners.
A. CRM Capabilities
Both tools offer robust CRM functionality — but they target different audiences.
HubSpot CRM
HubSpot’s CRM is one of the best in the world. It’s intuitive, visually appealing, and deeply integrated with sales and marketing modules. You can easily track deals, manage pipelines, and set up workflows without technical expertise.
Best For: Sales teams and businesses focused on inbound marketing.
GoHighLevel CRM
GoHighLevel’s CRM is built for agencies managing multiple clients. It allows client sub-accounts, multi-location management, and automated pipelines. You can track every client’s lead journey — from ad click to closed deal — all from a single dashboard.
Best For: Agencies and freelancers managing multiple clients.
✅ Verdict:
HubSpot wins for single-business CRM elegance.
GoHighLevel wins for agency-level multi-client management.
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B. Marketing Automation
HubSpot Automation
HubSpot’s automation features are incredibly advanced — you can build detailed workflows for email sequences, lead scoring, and segmentation. However, full automation access requires a Professional or Enterprise plan, which can cost thousands per month.
GoHighLevel Automation
GoHighLevel offers powerful automation tools right from the basic plan. You can create custom email, SMS, voicemail, and WhatsApp automations. The visual workflow builder rivals that of HubSpot — at a fraction of the cost.
Plus, GoHighLevel integrates natively with Calendars, Facebook Ads, Google My Business, and Stripe, enabling complete client automation.
✅ Verdict:
GoHighLevel provides more automation power per dollar spent.
C. Funnel and Landing Page Builder
HubSpot
HubSpot includes a landing page builder, but customization is limited without upgrading to higher plans. Templates can be restrictive for marketers who need creative control.
GoHighLevel
GoHighLevel’s funnel and page builder is a standout. It’s similar to ClickFunnels, allowing you to create custom pages, funnels, pop-ups, and forms. It even includes A/B testing and conversion tracking.
✅ Verdict:
GoHighLevel easily wins for funnel flexibility and affordability.
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D. White Labeling & SaaS Mode
HubSpot
HubSpot doesn’t allow white labeling. You cannot rebrand or resell HubSpot as your own.
GoHighLevel
This is where GoHighLevel shines. You can completely white-label the platform — your logo, domain, and colors — and even launch your own SaaS business using GoHighLevel SaaS Mode.
This means you can sell marketing automation software to clients and earn recurring monthly revenue, all under your own brand.
✅ Verdict:
GoHighLevel dominates with its white label and SaaS mode options.
E. Affiliate Program
HubSpot Affiliate
HubSpot offers a one-time or limited-term commission on referrals. It’s a good program but doesn’t offer lifetime or recurring commissions.
GoHighLevel Affiliate
GoHighLevel’s affiliate program is one of the most generous in the SaaS space. Affiliates earn recurring commissions for every referral that stays subscribed.
For marketers and influencers, this creates a powerful passive income stream.
✅ Verdict:
GoHighLevel wins hands down for affiliate income potential.
F. Integrations and Ecosystem
HubSpot
HubSpot integrates with over 1,000+ third-party apps, including Shopify, Salesforce, Google Ads, and more. Its marketplace is massive.
GoHighLevel
GoHighLevel integrates with Zapier, allowing connections with thousands of apps, but not all integrations are as deep as HubSpot’s native ones. Still, for marketing automation, GHL covers all essential tools.
✅ Verdict:
HubSpot wins for integration depth, but GoHighLevel covers the must-haves.
3. Pricing Comparison: HubSpot vs GoHighLevel
Pricing is often the deciding factor, especially for small businesses and agencies.
HubSpot Pricing (as of 2025)
| Plan | Price/Month | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free CRM | $0 | Beginners |
| Starter | $20 – $50 | Small teams |
| Professional | $800 – $1,600 | Growing businesses |
| Enterprise | $3,600+ | Large organizations |
While HubSpot’s free CRM is attractive, automation and advanced features quickly push you into high-tier plans, which can cost thousands per month once you add contacts and users.
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GoHighLevel Pricing (as of 2025)
| Plan | Price/Month | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Starter Account | $97 | Single business |
| Agency Unlimited | $297 | Agencies managing multiple clients |
| SaaS Pro Mode | $497 | White-label reselling and SaaS businesses |
Unlike HubSpot, GoHighLevel’s plans include unlimited contacts, pipelines, and automation, making it incredibly cost-effective. Even the $97 plan covers most features small businesses need.
✅ Verdict:
GoHighLevel delivers enterprise-level automation at small-business pricing.
4. Pros and Cons
HubSpot Pros:
- Highly polished and reliable.
- Great analytics and dashboards.
- Excellent customer support.
- Massive integration library.
- Scalable for large companies.
HubSpot Cons:
- Gets very expensive as you grow.
- Limited customization for funnels.
- No white label or SaaS mode.
- Automation restricted to higher tiers.
GoHighLevel Pros:
- All-in-one solution (CRM, funnels, automation, SMS, etc.).
- Affordable and transparent pricing.
- Full white label capabilities.
- SaaS mode for recurring income.
- Recurring affiliate program.
- Unlimited client sub-accounts.
GoHighLevel Cons:
- Slight learning curve for new users.
- Fewer third-party integrations.
- UI less polished than HubSpot.
✅ Verdict Summary:
- HubSpot is best for large, structured companies.
- GoHighLevel is best for agencies and small business owners who want automation and growth without breaking the bank.
- Start your GoHighLevel free trial today!
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5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is better for small businesses — HubSpot or GoHighLevel?
GoHighLevel is better suited for small businesses due to its lower pricing, all-in-one automation, and scalability. HubSpot’s costs can escalate quickly as your contacts increase.
2. Can GoHighLevel replace HubSpot?
Yes. GoHighLevel replaces HubSpot, ClickFunnels, Mailchimp, and Calendly in one platform — saving hundreds of dollars monthly.
3. Does HubSpot offer white label services?
No. HubSpot does not allow rebranding or white labeling.
4. What is GoHighLevel SaaS Mode?
GoHighLevel SaaS Mode allows you to create and sell your own branded CRM software, turning your agency into a recurring revenue SaaS business.
5. Is there an affiliate program for both?
Yes, but GoHighLevel’s affiliate program offers recurring commissions, whereas HubSpot’s is limited-time.
6. Which one is easier to use?
HubSpot has a smoother user experience, but GoHighLevel’s dashboard is easy to master after initial setup — especially with their community and training resources.
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6. Conclusion: Which Is Better, HubSpot or GoHighLevel?
So, which is better, HubSpot or GoHighLevel?
Here’s the bottom line:
- If you’re a corporate marketing team that values brand reputation, detailed analytics, and a polished ecosystem — HubSpot is the winner.
- If you’re a digital marketing agency, freelancer, or small business owner who wants affordability, automation, and white label control — GoHighLevel is unbeatable.
GoHighLevel doesn’t just replace HubSpot — it replaces your entire marketing stack.
With GoHighLevel’s pricing, SaaS mode, and affiliate opportunities, you’re not just saving money; you’re opening new revenue streams.
Call to Action:
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