A couple of years ago, we embarked on a significant transition, moving from Close—and its accompanying tech stack—to HighLevel (GHL). As you might expect, this was not a universally celebrated decision. In fact, it was met with considerable resistance, especially by our sales team (myself included).

Why? Familiarity. We knew Close inside and out. HighLevel was uncharted territory, and as is often the case, change felt uncomfortable. But as we dug deeper, we discovered that there were both pros and cons to each platform. Below, I’ll share my perspective as someone who’s worked extensively with both systems, outlining what each does best and where they fall short.

Close: the dream CRM for sales teams

When it comes to straightforward CRM functionality, Close shines. Here’s why:

• Seamless Communication: Making calls, sending SMS, and taking notes in Close feels intuitive and natural. It’s built for sales reps who need speed and simplicity.

• Powerful Dialers: Features like the predictive dialer and power dialer make calling prospects incredibly efficient, cutting down on wasted time.

• Salesperson-Centric Design: The overall user experience is tailored to streamline a sales rep’s day-to-day tasks. It’s the tool you want if you’re focused on making your sales team’s life easier.

If your main priority is sales performance and rep productivity, Close wins hands down. It’s built for sales, and it shows.

HighLevel: a tech stack’s best friend

On the flip side, HighLevel is a game-changer for those who need more than just a CRM. As a tech-savvy person, I’m consistently impressed by GHL’s versatility and cost-effectiveness. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• All-in-One Functionality: With GHL, you can replace multiple tools—Zapier, ActiveCampaign, ClickFunnels, Calendly, and more. It’s a Swiss Army knife for your business.

• Cost Savings: When we transitioned from Close to GHL, we saved over $30,000 per year. That’s not just a small improvement; it’s a game-changer for budgets.

• Customization and Scalability: HighLevel offers more flexibility for building workflows, automations, and comprehensive marketing systems. It’s perfect for businesses that need more than just sales functionality.

While Close excels as a CRM, HighLevel’s broader capabilities make it a better fit for businesses seeking a unified tech stack—especially those looking to save on costs without sacrificing functionality.

The verdict: as usual, this depends on your priorities

Ultimately, the choice between Close and HighLevel comes down to your business’s specific needs:

• Choose Close if you’re laser-focused on sales and want to provide your reps with a seamless, high-performing CRM.

• Choose HighLevel if you’re looking for an all-in-one platform to handle your business’s marketing, automation, and sales at a fraction of the cost of a pieced-together tech stack.

As someone who’s been on both sides of this debate, I can say there’s no universal answer. Both systems have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your goals, team, and budget.