8 alternatives to Close
Compare free and open-source solutions before building your own. Check each option’s license, setup, and limitations.
A modern pipeline CRM with custom objects, views and mailbox sync; the subscription becomes a Compose file.
LicenseAGPL-3.0
PlatformsOn your machine or in the cloud
InstallationHosted signup or Docker Compose
DataCRM data in PostgreSQL, jobs and cache in Redis, and files in local or object storage
Limitations compared to CloseIt lacks Close's deeply integrated calling, SMS and sales-sequence experience.
SetupSelf-hosting needs Docker Compose, environment variables, a domain, email, persistent storage, backups and upgrades
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A traditional CRM that actually lets you change the data model; polished enough, but still your server.
LicenseAGPL-3.0
PlatformsOn your server
InstallationDocker Compose or PHP/web-server installer
DataCRM records in MySQL, MariaDB or PostgreSQL; uploaded files on the application server
Limitations compared to CloseIt does not match Close's tightly integrated calling, SMS and sales-sequence workflow, so communications are more fragmented.
SetupA server with PHP and a supported database, or Docker; production also needs HTTPS, mail, backups and upgrades
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A clean leads-and-deals board with notes, tasks and email; Frappe underneath means a real server, not a toy.
LicenseAGPL-3.0
PlatformsOn your machine or in the cloud
InstallationFrappe Cloud signup, or easy-install script, Bench or Docker
DataCRM records in the Frappe site database; attachments in the site's file storage
Limitations compared to CloseIts calls, messaging and outbound sequences are not as unified or mature as Close's communication-first workspace.
SetupSelf-hosting means Linux plus Frappe Bench or Docker, database and Redis services, a domain, mail configuration and upgrades
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A real two-seat CRM for free; 1,000 contacts is where the upsell starts counting.
LicenseFree, closed source
PlatformsIn the provider’s cloud
InstallationHosted signup
DataRecords and files live in HubSpot's cloud; CRM records can be exported as CSV or XLSX
Setup✓ Installation verified
Limitations compared to CloseThe free product does not provide Close-level native calling, SMS and outbound sequencing in one focused sales screen.
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A full hosted pipeline for unlimited users, provided CRM is the only Odoo app you marry.
LicenseFree, closed source
PlatformsIn the provider’s cloud
InstallationHosted signup
DataCRM data and attachments live in Odoo Online's managed database and filestore
Limitations compared to CloseIt lacks Close's communication-first calling, SMS and sequence workflow, and the one-app rule punishes expansion into other Odoo modules.
SetupNone for CRM alone; installing a second Odoo app ends the one-app-free arrangement
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A full little CRM for three users and 5,000 records; the wider Zoho maze is optional.
LicenseFree, closed source
PlatformsIn the provider’s cloud
InstallationHosted signup
DataRecords and attachments live in Zoho's cloud; record imports and exports use CSV
Setup✓ Installation verified
Limitations compared to CloseThe free tier does not reproduce Close's native calling, SMS and sales-sequence depth.
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A clean three-user pipeline with email and mobile apps; useful automation starts asking for rent.
LicenseFree, closed source
PlatformsIn the provider’s cloud
InstallationHosted signup
DataCRM records and files live in Freshworks' cloud; contacts and deals can be imported or exported by CSV
Setup✓ Installation verified
Limitations compared to CloseThe free tier lacks the advanced calling, sequencing and automation that make Close a communication-first CRM.
Facts verified 2026-08-10
Contacts and deals for a small team, wrapped in enough menus to qualify as indoor architecture.
LicenseFree, closed source
PlatformsIn the provider’s cloud
InstallationHosted signup
DataCRM records, chats and files live in Bitrix24's vendor cloud and Drive storage
Setup✓ Installation verified
Limitations compared to CloseIts sprawling suite and crowded interface are substantially less focused than Close's compact sales communication workspace.
Facts verified 2026-08-10
Updated 2026-08-10 · no paid listings
| Tool | License | Setup | Platforms | Stars | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twenty | AGPL-3.0 | Docker on your server | web, self-hosted | 54,400 | 2026-08 |
| EspoCRM | AGPL-3.0 | Docker on your server | web, self-hosted | 3,200 | 2026-08 |
| Frappe CRM | AGPL-3.0 | Self-hosted with ongoing maintenance | web, self-hosted | 3,200 | 2026-08 |
| HubSpot Free CRM | Free, closed source | Hosted by the provider | web, ios, android | — | — |
| Odoo CRM One App Free | Free, closed source | Hosted by the provider | web | — | — |
| Zoho CRM Free | Free, closed source | Hosted by the provider | web, ios, android | — | — |
| Freshsales Free | Free, closed source | Hosted by the provider | web, ios, android | — | — |
| Bitrix24 Free | Free, closed source | Hosted by the provider | web, ios, android | — | — |
People still pay for Close because CRM value compounds as the system becomes the shared memory of every customer interaction and embeds itself in the rest of the stack. The recurring cost buys deduplication, permissions, imports, sync, enrichment, email capture, automations, backups, and audit history, not just the visible interface. If those points do not matter to you, the options above could save $108 per year.
Is there a free alternative to Close?
Yes: Twenty, EspoCRM, Frappe CRM. This page lists 8 free or open-source options. Check the limitations of each.
Should I build my own Close?
Our verdict: Worth subscribing. A consolation build is possible, but the paid product's decisive value sits outside a solo rebuild. For Close, track deals and manually log communication in a focused sales workspace. The hard boundary is built-in email, calling, sms, power dialer, workflows, and sales reliability, plus integrations, data quality, and workflow lock-in. The complete prompt is on the Close page on Vibe Radar.
