Are your sales reps buried in admin work instead of closing deals? You’re not alone. Studies show that the average sales rep spends just 35% of their time actually selling—the rest is wasted on logging data, switching between tools, and chasing follow-ups. This lack of focus drains productivity, frustrates your team, and slows down your pipeline.
Now imagine what your team could achieve if they had more time to talk to prospects and less time clicking around. That’s the real problem: too many CRMs are built for record-keeping, not selling.
Close CRM flips that script. It brings calling, texting, emailing, and task tracking into one clean interface—no tabs, no toggling. Built specifically for fast-paced sales teams, Close helps reps reach more leads in less time and stay organized without the busywork. If your team needs a CRM that actually helps you sell, not just store data, Close could be the tool you’ve been waiting for.
Close Overview
Close (originally known as Close.io) is a high-performance CRM platform designed specifically for sales-focused teams, especially those operating remotely or in small-to-midsize businesses. It was founded in 2013 by Steli Efti and the team at Elastic Inc. with a clear goal: to eliminate the inefficiencies of traditional CRMs that require endless tool-switching and complex setups.
The company grew out of a startup accelerator and quickly gained traction due to its built-in calling, emailing, and SMS features, enabling sales reps to manage all communication from one place. Close is a fully remote company with a globally distributed team of over 100 employees. The product is used by thousands of teams worldwide and has positioned itself as a favorite for startups, SaaS businesses, and inside sales teams.
The core philosophy behind Close is speed, simplicity, and productivity, reflected in its user-friendly interface, fast onboarding process, and time-saving automation tools. In 2025, Close continues to evolve rapidly, integrating advanced AI tools like AI Email Rewriting and Enriching Leads—making it not just a CRM, but a true sales acceleration tool.
| Product Name | Close (formerly Close.io) |
| Official Website | https://close.com |
| Developers | Developed by Close, founded by Steli Efti and team |
| USPs | Built-in calling, SMS, AI-powered automation, intuitive interface |
| Category | Inside Sales CRM |
| Integrations | Zapier, Slack, Gmail, Outlook, Zoom, Calendly, API |
| Best For | Startups, SaaS businesses, remote sales teams, SMBs |
| Support Options | Live chat, email support, onboarding calls, Help Center, weekly office hours |
| Documentation | Extensive knowledge base, API documentation |
| Company Headquarter | Fully Remote Company |
| Starting Price | $9/month (billed annually) |
| Alternatives | HubSpot CRM, Zoho CRM, Pipedrive, Freshsales, Salesforce |
| Affiliate Program | Yes |
| Affiliate Commission | Up to 30% recurring commission (based on partner level) |
| Money-back Guarantee | 14-day free trial (no credit card required) |
| No. of Employees | 100+ (distributed remotely across the globe) |
| Mobile App Availability | Yes (iOS and Android) |
| Annual Revenue Estimate | ~$50M (based on pricing plans and adoption rates) |
Close is not just a CRM—it’s a complete sales communication hub built for efficiency and scale. Its dedication to removing friction from the sales process continues to make it one of the top choices in 2025 for companies serious about closing more deals, faster.
Close Features
Close CRM is built with a focus on speed, simplicity, and sales productivity. Whether you’re a solo founder or managing a 50-person sales team, Close offers a suite of powerful tools that streamline outreach, automate repetitive tasks, and help you close more deals with less hassle. Below are the key features of Close explained in detail:
Built-in Calling and SMS
Close includes powerful native calling and SMS functionality, allowing sales reps to communicate with leads without leaving the platform. You can make and receive global calls, drop pre-recorded voicemails with one click, and send SMS messages directly from the CRM.
The Power Dialer (available in the Growth plan) and Predictive Dialer (in the Scale plan) enable high-volume outbound calling with maximum efficiency. Each call can be recorded, logged, and summarized using Close’s AI Call Assistant, helping teams keep track of conversations and follow-ups.
Smart Emailing with AI Assist
Email is a core part of the Close experience, with two-way sync for Gmail, Outlook, and other providers. Users can create and use personalized email templates, schedule messages for optimal send times, and automate follow-ups based on lead behavior.
The built-in AI Email Rewrite feature helps polish outbound messages for better tone, grammar, and personalization—especially useful for cold outreach. Real-time open and click tracking ensures that you know when leads engage with your content.
AI Enrich & Call Summarizer
Close leverages AI to reduce manual work and surface deeper insights. With AI Enrich, the CRM automatically populates lead profiles by pulling publicly available data such as job titles, company details, and social profiles.
The Call Summarizer listens to recorded calls and generates detailed written summaries, highlighting critical points, objections, and next steps. These tools save hours of data entry and note-taking, making every rep more productive.
Workflow Automation
Sales teams can automate repetitive tasks and follow-up sequences using Close’s workflow automation engine.
Triggers can be based on lead actions, such as missed calls, email opens, or inactivity, which then initiate actions like follow-up emails, task assignments, or SMS messages. These workflows are customizable and scalable, ensuring no lead falls through the cracks while reducing the need for manual tracking.
Smart Views & Lead Management
Close makes lead and pipeline management effortless with Smart Views. These customizable filters automatically segment leads based on defined conditions—like deal size, last contact date, or status—so reps can focus on the most relevant opportunities.
Smart Views are dynamic and update in real-time, and can be shared across the team to ensure consistency and focus.
Sales Reporting & Dashboards
Managers and sales leaders get a comprehensive view of performance through real-time dashboards and analytics.
You can track activity metrics (calls, emails, meetings), monitor individual rep performance, and forecast revenue with visual reports. The built-in leaderboards encourage friendly competition and performance improvement across teams.
Integrations & Open API
Close offers seamless integration with popular tools such as Slack, Zoom, Google Calendar, Outlook, Calendly, and more.
Through Zapier, it can connect with over 5,000 other apps. Developers can use Close’s robust REST API and Webhooks to build custom workflows and integrations, making it flexible enough for both small teams and advanced tech setups.
Call Coaching & Team Management
Sales leaders can support and coach reps in real-time with features like Call Whisper (listen to calls silently) and Barge (join ongoing calls when needed).
User roles and permissions can be customized to control access and visibility within the CRM. Managers can also track user activity to monitor productivity and performance over time.
Mobile App Support
Close is available on both iOS and Android, enabling sales reps to stay productive even on the go.
Users can make calls, send texts and emails, update lead information, and access call logs and notes directly from their mobile device—ideal for remote teams or field sales professionals.
Built-In Migration & Support Tools
Close simplifies onboarding with free data import tools, dedicated migration support, and access to weekly live office hours with product experts.
The Help Center provides comprehensive documentation, and live chat ensures that users always have someone to talk to when questions arise. This level of support makes it easy for teams to switch from other CRMs like HubSpot, Pipedrive, or Salesforce without disruption.
Email advertising
Do you wish to sell to or nurture leads in your database?
Close makes it simple to send sales emails from your database without any technological hassle or marketing trickery. With a few clicks of the button, you can specify whom you want to get your message to and completely automate your campaign.
You may easily automate email marketing campaigns without constantly switching between your standard CRM and an email autoresponder provider.
Sending drip marketing and lead nurturing emails to your leads is made simple by Close. You can swiftly send out those emails at scale after creating the appropriate email marketing strategy.
Close isn’t just a CRM—it’s a sales productivity suite loaded with modern features to help teams communicate better, automate faster, and close more deals efficiently. Whether you’re focused on phone sales, email campaigns, or hybrid outreach, Close offers the tools you need—all in one intuitive interface.
How to Use Close (Step-by-Step Guide)
Getting started with Close CRM is fast and intuitive—even for first-time CRM users. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to use Close effectively to manage leads, communicate with prospects, and close more deals.
Step 1: Sign Up and Start Free Trial
Visit https://close.com and click Start Free Trial.
You’ll get 14 days of full access to all features, including calling credits and lead enrichment, without needing a credit card.
Step 2: Import or Add Leads
Once inside, you can import your existing contacts via:
- CSV Upload
- Zapier or integrations (e.g., HubSpot, Google Sheets)
- API for advanced setups
You can also add leads manually or enrich them using AI Enrich for automatic job titles, emails, and company data.
Step 3: Set Up Communication Channels
Enable your email, calling, and SMS channels:
- Connect Gmail/Outlook for email sync
- Choose your phone number for outbound calling
- Enable SMS messaging (available in most plans)
This unifies all your communication inside Close.
Step 4: Organize Leads with Smart Views
Use Smart Views to segment leads dynamically. For example:
- “Hot Leads – Not Contacted in 3 Days”
- “Open Deals – Over $5K”
These views help you stay focused and prioritize your sales efforts.
Step 5: Create Email & SMS Templates
Create and save email and SMS templates with merge fields (like name, company, etc.).
Use AI Rewrite to personalize and improve tone. This saves time and improves outreach effectiveness.
Step 6: Build Workflows and Follow-ups
Use Workflows to automate tasks like:
- Sending a follow-up email 1 day after no reply
- Assigning a task if a lead hasn’t been contacted in 3 days
- Triggering SMS reminders after missed calls
Automations keep your pipeline moving without manual effort.
Step 7: Track Progress with Dashboards
Navigate to the Reporting tab to view:
- Activity tracking (calls, emails, touches)
- Deal pipeline and forecast reports
- Team leaderboards for coaching and motivation
This helps sales managers identify what’s working and what needs attention.
Step 8: Use Call Coaching Tools (Scale Plan)
If you’re on the Scale plan, use:
- Call Whisper: Listen in on live calls
- Call Barge: Join ongoing calls when needed
- Review AI-generated summaries to provide coaching or feedback
These tools help improve team performance and close rates.
Step 9: Use the Mobile App (iOS/Android)
Download the Close mobile app to:
- Call or message leads
- Update notes and tasks
- Access Smart Views and communication history
Stay productive even when you’re away from your desk.
Step 10: Integrate with Your Tech Stack
Connect Close to tools like:
- Slack for updates
- Zoom for meetings
- Calendars for syncing appointments
- Zapier or the API for advanced automation
This ensures your CRM works in sync with your business ecosystem.
With its fast setup, unified communications, and built-in automation, Close CRM can streamline your sales process from day one. Whether you’re a solo founder or managing a growing team, using Close correctly will help you work smarter, sell faster, and close more deals.
Close Pricing
Close offers transparent and flexible pricing designed to support sales teams of all sizes—from solo founders to fast-growing inside sales teams. Each plan includes essential features like built-in email, calling, SMS, and pipeline management, with more advanced tools like AI automation, call coaching, and predictive dialing available in higher tiers.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Close CRM pricing plans, fetched directly from the official Close website:
| Plan | Annual Billing (Per User/Month) | Monthly Billing (Per User/Month) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Startup | $9 | $19 | 1 user only, 10K leads, built-in calling, email, SMS, Smart Views |
| Professional | $35 | $49 | Unlimited users, unlimited leads, pipelines, email sync, SMS, task mgmt |
| Growth | $99 | $129 | All Pro features + automation, AI Email Rewrite, Power Dialer, call recordings (90 days) |
| Scale | $139 | $149 | All Growth features + Predictive Dialer, call coaching, unlimited recordings, custom roles |
What’s Included in All Plans:
- Built-in calling, SMS, and email
- 14-day free trial with free calling credits
- Smart Views and pipeline tracking
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
- Access to AI Summaries and Enrich (limited or full depending on plan)
Free Trial and Guarantee
- Close offers a 14-day free trial, no credit card required.
- Includes $5 in calling and lead enrichment credits.
- Cancel or upgrade anytime with no long-term contract.
With these flexible plans, Close gives you the ability to start small and scale fast, adding advanced automation and sales tools as your team grows. Whether you’re a solopreneur or running a 50+ person sales operation, there’s a plan that fits your workflow and budget.
Close Alternatives
While Close CRM is an excellent all-in-one platform for remote and fast-moving sales teams, it may not be the perfect fit for every business—especially those with larger teams, complex workflows, or different communication needs. Whether you’re looking for more advanced marketing automation, a free-forever plan, or deeper reporting capabilities, there are several great alternatives to consider.
Below is a comparison table of the top Close CRM alternatives based on pricing, key features, target users, and more:
| CRM Tool | Starting Price (Monthly) | Best For | Key Features | Free Plan | AI Tools | Built-in Calling | Mobile App | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HubSpot CRM | $0 (Basic CRM) | Marketing + Sales teams | Email tracking, pipeline, marketing automation | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ Via Add-ons | ✅ Yes | hubspot.com |
| Zoho CRM | $14/user | SMBs looking for customizability | AI predictions, workflows, lead scoring | ✅ Yes | ✅ Zia AI | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | zoho.com/crm |
| Pipedrive | $14.90/user | Visual pipeline-focused teams | Sales pipeline, automation, email sync | ❌ No | ✅ Smart AI | ❌ Via Add-ons | ✅ Yes | pipedrive.com |
| Freshsales | $15/user | Sales teams needing calling + email | Built-in telephony, AI scoring, workflow automation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Freddy AI | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | freshworks.com/crm |
| Salesforce | $25/user | Large enterprises | Custom apps, reporting, integrations | ❌ No | ✅ Einstein AI | ❌ Add-ons Needed | ✅ Yes | salesforce.com |
| Outreach | Custom Pricing | Enterprise sales engagement | Sequences, multichannel, analytics, coaching | ❌ No | ✅ Advanced | ❌ Via Integrations | ✅ Yes | outreach.io |
If your priority is all-in-one communication with fast onboarding, Close excels. But if you need deep marketing tools (HubSpot), enterprise-level control (Salesforce), or budget-friendly customization (Zoho), these alternatives are worth exploring.
Of course, here are the ideal use cases for Close CRM.
Close Ideal Use Cases
Close is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is specifically engineered to excel in certain environments. Here are the primary use cases where the platform delivers maximum value:
High-Velocity Outbound Sales:
This is the core use case. Teams that rely on a high volume of calls, emails, and SMS messages to generate leads and close deals will find the Power Dialer, Predictive Dialer, and automated email sequences invaluable for maximizing daily output.
Startups and SMBs:
Small to mid-sized businesses need a powerful tool that is easy to implement and provides immediate return on investment. Close’s user-friendly interface and focus on core sales activities allow smaller teams to get up and running quickly without needing a dedicated administrator.
Sales Development (SDR/BDR) Teams:
For teams focused on prospecting, lead qualification, and setting appointments, Close is a perfect fit. The platform streamlines top-of-funnel activities, enabling representatives to contact more leads and book more meetings efficiently.
Remote and Distributed Sales Teams:
As a cloud-native platform, Close ensures that all communication and lead data is centralized and accessible from anywhere. Managers can easily monitor team activity, listen to call recordings, and track performance through reporting dashboards, making it ideal for managing a remote workforce.
Consolidating the Sales Tech Stack:
Companies looking to simplify their tools and reduce costs can use Close to replace multiple subscriptions. It combines the functionality of a traditional CRM, a VoIP phone system, a dialer, and an email sequencing tool into a single, cohesive platform.
Close User Reviews
Positive Feedback
Highly intuitive and user-friendly
Many users praise Close’s clean, minimal interface and ease of use. A Capterra reviewer noted:
“Very useful and easy to use… intuitive features that enhance productivity.”
TrustRadius also highlights the efficient Power Dialer and seamless SMS integration.
Additionally, a TechRadar review emphasizes its native calling features and productivity gains from in-platform calling without switching tools.
Common Complaints
Recording retention limits
Some users mention that call recordings expire after a set period in lower tiers—posing challenges for teams needing long-term archives.
Pricing concerns
Close is often seen as more expensive than lightweight CRMs. A few reviewers feel pricing doesn’t cover their needs unless opting for higher plans.
Occasional bugs and UI issues
Reddit users report sporadic bugs, email formatting inconsistencies, and slow loading, leading to frustrations compared to more stable, legacy CRMs:
“it’s very buggy… don’t use.”
“there’s at least 2‑3× a day where I… press a button and have to say a quick prayer.”
Limited customization and advanced feature depth
Some users find the platform lacks deeper customization, complex workflows, or mass lead grouping compared to alternatives like HubSpot or Pipedrive.
If you’re a small- to mid-size inside sales team that prioritizes built-in calling, SMS, and ease of use, Close delivers strong results. But if you require advanced customization, heavyweight marketing automation, sticky long-term recording, or enterprise-grade stability, then additional training, careful planning, or possibly a higher-tier plan may be necessary. Many users rank Close highly for its core strength—speedy communication and workflow efficiency—but note it’s less ideal as a deeply customizable, enterprise-scale CRM.
What Makes Close Stand Out?
Where other CRMs fall short, Close excels and sets a new standard for sales productivity. Its primary differentiator is its unwavering focus on communication efficiency. Unlike competitors that require expensive add-ons or clunky third-party integrations for calling and texting, Close builds these tools directly into its core.
This product is in a league of its own with its seamless, all-in-one workflow. The ability to call, email, and SMS from a single screen—powered by features like the native Power Dialer and multi-step email sequences—eliminates friction and context-switching for sales reps. This superior design ensures that reps spend their time actively selling rather than managing tools. This singular focus on streamlining sales actions, not just storing data, is what truly places Close a cut above the rest for high-velocity teams.
FAQs
What is Close CRM used for?
Close is a sales-focused CRM designed for inside sales teams to manage leads, automate workflows, and communicate with prospects through built-in calling, SMS, and email. It helps sales reps close deals faster by centralizing all communication and lead tracking in one place.
Does Close offer a free trial?
Yes, Close offers a 14-day free trial that includes $5 in calling and enrichment credits. You can access all major features without a credit card, making it easy to test the platform before committing to a paid plan.
What features does Close CRM include?
Close CRM includes built-in email, SMS, and calling, AI-powered tools like Email Rewrite and Call Summarizer, lead enrichment, Smart Views, sales automation workflows, and detailed reporting. Advanced plans also include power and predictive dialers, call coaching, and role-based permissions.
Is there a money-back guarantee with Close?
Close does not offer a traditional money-back guarantee, but users can start with a free 14-day trial to evaluate the platform risk-free. There’s no credit card required, and the trial includes free calling credits.
Who should use Close CRM?
Close is best suited for startups, SaaS companies, and SMBs with remote or inside sales teams. It’s especially valuable for teams that rely heavily on phone and email outreach and need a fast, unified CRM to streamline daily operations.
Does Close CRM offer built-in calling and SMS?
Yes, Close includes native VoIP calling and SMS capabilities across most plans. You can buy or port numbers, record calls, use voicemail drop, and send messages directly from within the platform, without any third-party tools.
How much does Close CRM cost?
Close pricing starts at $9/month for solo users and ranges up to $139/month per user for larger teams needing predictive dialing and advanced coaching tools. Plans vary based on features like automation, AI tools, and user permissions.
Does Close integrate with other tools?
Yes, Close integrates with tools like Gmail, Outlook, Slack, Zoom, Calendly, and thousands more through Zapier. It also offers a robust API and webhooks for building custom integrations and workflows.
What problem does Close CRM solve?
Close solves the challenge of managing sales communications across multiple tools by providing an all-in-one platform with email, calls, texts, automation, and AI features. This reduces manual work and improves sales productivity and lead follow-up.
Conclusion
Close stands out in a crowded market by remaining true to its founding mission: to build a CRM that sales reps love to use because it makes them more effective. Its tight integration of calling, SMS, and email automation into a single, intuitive interface is its greatest strength. For SMBs and startups whose success depends on the volume and quality of their sales outreach, Close is an exceptional choice. The platform successfully eliminates friction and empowers teams to focus on what matters most—building relationships and closing deals.
In preparing this 2025 review, we conducted a thorough analysis of the Close platform, evaluated its core features, and compared its value proposition against leading alternatives. While it may not be the cheapest option or the most comprehensive all-in-one suite, its unwavering focus on sales productivity makes it a top contender for any team looking to supercharge its communication workflow.
The Review
Close
For SMBs, Close provides a cheap, adaptable CRM. Your team may develop the necessary sales tool by customizing dashboards and fields on the user-friendly platform. Additionally, Close CRM is loaded with productivity capabilities, like a power dialer, email automation, and incorporated phone and SMS communication.
