HubSpot offers both a free CRM and a Starter plan, but Indian SMEs often wonder which one is the smarter choice. The free version covers contacts and basic tracking, while Starter adds automation, payments, and support. Here’s a clear breakdown for 2025.
India Snapshot
| Feature | HubSpot Free | HubSpot Starter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (2025) | ₹0 | ~₹1,600–₹1,800/user/month | Starter billed in INR |
| Contacts | Unlimited | Unlimited | Both equal |
| Email Tracking | Yes (basic) | Yes (expanded features) | Starter = more |
| Automation | Limited (manual workflows) | Basic automation (emails, follow-ups) | Starter advantage |
| Support | Community support only | HubSpot email/chat support | Starter better |
| Integrations | Gmail, Outlook, basic apps | Full app marketplace | Starter wins |
| Payments | Limited | Stripe/PayPal + 3rd-party in India | Starter better |
| Best For | Very small teams, freelancers | SMEs scaling teams & processes | Depends on growth |
Want to try HubSpot Free first?
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Need automation & real support?
Upgrade to HubSpot Starter
HubSpot Free: Best for Beginners
- Unlimited contacts + deal tracking.
- Gmail/Outlook sync + basic reporting.
- Free forever, no credit card needed.
- Limitation: No automation, no direct payments, only community support.
Best for: Freelancers, solopreneurs, and SMEs testing CRM basics.
HubSpot Starter: Best for SMEs Scaling Up
- Pricing: ~₹1,600–₹1,800/user/month in India.
- Unlocks automation—email sequences, meeting scheduling.
- Priority HubSpot support (chat/email).
- Payments via Stripe/PayPal, usable for Indian cross-border clients.
- Better dashboards & analytics.
Best for: Indian SMEs with growing teams needing structured processes.
Which Plan Do You Actually Need in India?
- Start Free → if you’re a freelancer, small team, or just testing CRM adoption.
- Upgrade to Starter → when your team grows beyond 2–3 people, you need automations, and client expectations rise.
Pros and Cons
HubSpot Free Pros
- ₹0 cost.
- Unlimited contacts.
- Great for testing CRM.
HubSpot Free Cons
- No automation.
- No official support.
HubSpot Starter Pros
- Affordable automation.
- Priority HubSpot support.
- Payments + better analytics.
HubSpot Starter Cons
- Monthly cost per user.
- Still limited compared to Pro/Enterprise.
Quick Checklist
- Test HubSpot Free for 2–3 months.
- If contacts >500 or sales team >3 → upgrade to Starter.
- If you need automation (emails, tasks, scheduling) → upgrade to Starter.
- Always enable GST invoice billing for compliance.
Start free, grow into Starter when your team and processes demand it.
Get HubSpot CRM
In 2025, HubSpot Free is perfect for early-stage Indian SMEs, while HubSpot Starter is worth paying for when you need automations and official support. Start free, upgrade only when your business justifies it.
