You want to test HubSpot, but want to know how far you can really get with the free version? In this episode of CIXON Boosts Your Business, we show you step by step what HubSpot Free can do today - and when it's worth upgrading.
HubSpot Free is not just a test system, but a fully functional CRM with basic marketing, sales and service functions.
Ideal for getting off to a clean start and setting up your first lead flows, forms and automations.
Clean CRM basis: contacts, companies, deals and tickets with a clear interface.
All-in-one setup: Segments, forms, landing pages and email marketing are directly included.
Sales tools included: meeting link, documents and up to 3 email templates.
Outlook/Gmail integration: emails are automatically synchronized into the CRM.
GDPR-ready: cookie banners, DOI logic and subscription types directly in the system.
Scalable: You can switch to Starter, Pro or Enterprise at any time without losing your setup.
Of course, HubSpot Free also has its limits - and you should know them before you really get started:
Branding: it says "Powered by HubSpot" everywhere.
Limited automations: No workflow builder, only simple follow-ups.
Limited templates & pipelines: One sales pipeline, few documents/templates.
Rights management & multi-branding: Only useful in Enterprise.
Our conclusion:
HubSpot Free is perfect for getting off to a structured start - but not a permanent solution for growing teams.
| Plan | Ideal for | highlights | Typical reasons to upgrade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Individuals & Startups | CRM, Forms, Landing Pages, Basic Automations | Test, validate, clean start |
| Starter | Small teams | No branding, more templates & support | Professional external appearance |
| Pro | Growing companies | Workflows, nurturing, reporting, custom logic | Lead management & automation |
| Enterprise | Scaling orgs | Teams, approvals, business units | Structure, rights, multi-branding |
Free for testing & validation:
Create contacts, forms and a landing page. Observe how leads flow through the system.
Start as soon as the branding interferes:
No later than when you communicate live to customers.
Pro, when processes need to scale:
Workflows, nurturing, reporting - this is where it gets exciting.
Enterprise for complex teams:
Roles, business units, approvals - only then relevant.
You can also in the free version:
Definesubscription types (e.g. newsletter, product information).
ActivateDOI logic to collect legally compliant leads.
Integratecookie banners & data protection texts directly.
Tip: Separate MQLs (marketing leads) and SQLs (sales leads) right from the start. This will save you a lot of time later when upgrading.
HubSpot Free offers surprisingly much - but the magic unfolds when you use workflows, automations and reports at the professional level.
Start structured, but think scalable right from the start.
Want to find out how these free features can specifically help your business? Don't hesitate and book a free appointment with us. Let us answer your questions together and show you the functions in the demo portal in more detail!
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