Comparisons
HighLevel vs HubSpot: cost comparison
Both are capable platforms. They charge in very different ways, and that is what this comparison is about.
This guide may contain affiliate links to HighLevel. Disclosure.
HighLevel and HubSpot both promise "everything in one place", but they are built for different buyers. HubSpot is a broad customer platform used by in-house marketing and sales teams of all sizes. HighLevel is built around agencies managing many small-business clients. The biggest practical difference is how each one charges.
All prices below were checked on October 27, 2026 on each company's public pricing page. HubSpot frequently runs promotions and prices vary by region and billing term, so confirm on hubspot.com before you buy.
How each one charges
- HighLevel: a flat monthly plan ($97, $297 or $497) with unlimited contacts and unlimited users, plus usage charges for texts, calls, email and some AI features.
- HubSpot Marketing Hub: priced by edition, with seats and a marketing-contact tier. Professional and Enterprise include a set number of seats and contacts and require a one-time onboarding fee.
List prices side by side
| HighLevel Starter | HighLevel Unlimited | HubSpot Marketing Hub Starter | HubSpot Marketing Hub Professional | HubSpot Marketing Hub Enterprise | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price shown | $97/mo | $297/mo | $20/mo per seat (promotional pricing from $7) | $890/mo monthly, or $800/mo with annual commitment | $3,600/mo |
| Seats/users included | Unlimited | Unlimited | Per seat | 3 core seats (more from $45/mo each) | 5 core seats (more from $75/mo each) |
| Contacts included | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1,000 marketing contacts | 2,000 marketing contacts | 10,000 marketing contacts |
| Required onboarding | None listed | None listed | None listed | $3,000 one-time | $7,000 one-time |
| Client sub-accounts | 3 | Unlimited | n/a | n/a | n/a |
HubSpot also has a free plan for up to two users. HighLevel has no free plan but offers a 14-day free trial.
First-year cost: two simple scenarios
These use list prices only. They leave out HighLevel's usage charges (see HighLevel pricing explained) and any extra HubSpot contacts, seats or credits.
Scenario A: a small team that wants marketing automation at Professional level.
- HubSpot Marketing Hub Professional, annual commitment: $800 x 12 + $3,000 onboarding = $12,600
- HighLevel Unlimited, annual billing: $2,970 plus usage
Scenario B: a solo marketer or single business on an entry plan.
- HubSpot Marketing Hub Starter at $20 per seat, one seat: $240 for the year (less during promotions)
- HighLevel Starter, annual billing: $970 plus usage
So HubSpot's entry plan is cheaper for one person who mainly needs email and simple automation. The gap reverses sharply at the Professional level, and HighLevel's flat price does not grow with contacts or team size.
What you get for the money
HubSpot's strengths: a mature CRM, deep reporting and attribution at higher tiers, a large app marketplace (HubSpot cites more than 2,000 integrations), and extensive training. It suits a company running its own marketing with a dedicated team.
HighLevel's strengths: built-in phone, SMS and missed-call text back, review requests, calendars, funnels and websites, plus a sub-account per client, white labeling and rebilling. It suits agencies and local-business marketers who need those tools for many clients.
When HubSpot is the better choice
- You are one company with an in-house team, not an agency
- You need advanced attribution, custom objects or enterprise governance
- You already depend on HubSpot integrations and reporting
When HighLevel is the better choice
- You manage marketing for several small businesses
- Texting, calling, booking and reviews are central to how your clients win work
- You want costs that do not rise with list size or headcount
- You want to put your own brand on the software
Bottom line
For an agency serving local businesses, HighLevel is usually far cheaper per client once you move past HubSpot's entry tier, especially because contacts and users are unlimited. For a single company that wants a polished CRM and marketing suite with deep reporting, HubSpot can be worth its higher price. Price out your real contact count, seats and texting volume on both before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is HighLevel cheaper than HubSpot?
At list price, HighLevel's $297 Unlimited plan costs much less than HubSpot Marketing Hub Professional ($800 to $890 a month plus $3,000 onboarding). HubSpot's Starter tier can be cheaper than HighLevel for a single user. HighLevel adds usage charges for texts, calls and email.
Does HubSpot charge for contacts?
HubSpot Marketing Hub plans include a marketing-contact tier (1,000 on Starter, 2,000 on Professional, 10,000 on Enterprise per its pricing page). HighLevel lists unlimited contacts on all plans.
Is there onboarding with HighLevel?
HighLevel does not list a required onboarding fee. It offers optional paid setup help (Advanced Account Setup, $1,000) and premium support ($500/month).
Sources
Prices and features were checked on October 27, 2026.