Copper vs HubSpot: Which CRM is Best for Your Small Business?

Selecting the right Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform is essential for small businesses to manage leads, track sales, and build long-lasting customer relationships. Two popular CRMs, Copper and HubSpot, stand out with distinct approaches. Copper focuses on Google Workspace integration and simplicity, while HubSpot offers a comprehensive suite of tools for sales, marketing, and customer service.

In this blog, we’ll compare Copper vs HubSpot to help you determine which one is the right fit for your small business. While HubSpot's versatility makes it ideal for businesses looking to grow across multiple areas, Copper may appeal to teams already invested in Google Workspace.

Overview: Copper vs HubSpot

Copper is a CRM platform known for its deep integration with Google Workspace, making it ideal for teams that rely on Gmail, Calendar, and Google Drive. It’s designed to help businesses manage relationships and sales without complex setups, streamlining work directly from their email inbox.

HubSpot is a free, all-in-one CRM that offers tools for sales, marketing, customer service, and operations. HubSpot stands out with its scalable platform that grows with your business. It provides advanced tools for lead management, marketing automation, and customer support, helping businesses align their efforts across departments.

Key Comparison: Copper vs HubSpot

1. Ease of Use

• Copper:
  Copper’s standout feature is its intuitive integration with Google Workspace. It works directly within Gmail, making it easy for businesses already using Google’s tools to manage their contacts and sales without switching between platforms.

• HubSpot:
  HubSpot is also easy to use, with an intuitive interface and in-app guidance. Though it offers more features than Copper, HubSpot’s step-by-step onboarding process and comprehensive support materials make it accessible even to beginners.

Verdict:
If your business is heavily invested in Google Workspace, Copper may feel more natural to use. However, HubSpot’s broader set of tools offers more flexibility without compromising usability.

2. Features and Functionality

• Copper:
  Copper focuses on contact management and sales tracking. It allows users to manage emails, tasks, and deals directly from Gmail, with minimal configuration. However, Copper’s feature set is limited when compared to HubSpot’s—marketing tools and automation are minimal, requiring other software for those functions.

• HubSpot:
  HubSpot offers end-to-end CRM tools, including lead generation, marketing automation, customer service, and advanced reporting. With email marketing, sales pipelines, and customer support tools all built into the platform, HubSpot helps businesses align their sales and marketing efforts seamlessly.

Verdict:
Copper excels in sales management for Gmail users, but HubSpot’s comprehensive tools make it the better choice for businesses that need both sales and marketing solutions.

3. Pricing and Value for Money

• Copper:
  Copper’s pricing starts at £23 per user per month, with higher-tier plans offering advanced features like lead scoring. While Copper provides great value for businesses using Google Workspace, its functionality is limited to sales-related tasks, requiring additional tools for marketing automation.

• HubSpot:
  HubSpot’s free CRM offers an impressive range of features, including contact management, sales tracking, and email templates. As your business grows, HubSpot’s modular pricing allows you to unlock more advanced features, but even the free plan provides substantial value for small businesses starting out.

Verdict:
While Copper offers affordable entry-level pricing, HubSpot’s free CRM provides more value for small businesses, especially those looking to integrate sales, marketing, and service tools.

4. Integrations and Customisation

• Copper:
  Copper’s biggest strength lies in its seamless integration with Google Workspace. However, its integration options beyond Google’s ecosystem are somewhat limited, which may restrict businesses that need connections with other platforms.

• HubSpot:
  HubSpot integrates with hundreds of third-party apps like Gmail, Slack, Shopify, Zoom, and more. It also offers customisable workflows and automation, giving businesses the flexibility to tailor the platform to their specific needs.

Verdict:
If your business works exclusively within Google Workspace, Copper is a strong choice. However, HubSpot’s broader integrations make it a better option for businesses needing flexibility and connections with multiple tools.

5. Customer Support and Training

• Copper:
  Copper offers email and chat support, along with documentation to help users troubleshoot issues. However, its training resources are limited compared to those offered by HubSpot.

• HubSpot:
  HubSpot provides comprehensive support, including chat and email assistance. Additionally, the HubSpot Academy offers free courses, certifications, and tutorials to help businesses maximise the value of the platform.

Verdict:
Both platforms offer good support, but HubSpot’s extensive training resources give it the edge for businesses looking to improve their sales and marketing strategies.

6. Scalability

• Copper:
  Copper works well for small businesses that focus on sales management and use Google Workspace. However, as businesses grow and need more advanced tools for marketing and customer service, Copper’s limitations may become apparent.

• HubSpot:
  HubSpot’s modular platform is designed to scale with your business. You can start with the free CRM and unlock additional features as your needs evolve, ensuring you never outgrow the platform.

Verdict:
HubSpot’s scalability makes it a better option for businesses planning for long-term growth, while Copper is suitable for smaller teams with a more narrow focus on sales.

Which CRM is Right for Your Small Business?

Both Copper and HubSpot are valuable CRM platforms, but they serve different purposes. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

• Choose Copper if:

  • Your business relies heavily on Google Workspace and Gmail for daily operations.
  • You need a simple sales CRM with minimal configuration.
  • You prefer a lightweight platform focused on contact and deal management.

• Choose HubSpot if:

  • You need an all-in-one platform that integrates sales, marketing, and customer service.
  • You’re looking for a scalable CRM that grows with your business.
  • You value free tools and extensive training resources to optimise your business processes.

While Copper offers excellent tools for businesses that rely on Gmail and Google Workspace, HubSpot’s versatility and scalability make it the better choice for most small businesses. The free CRM provides enough functionality for businesses starting out, with the option to add advanced features as needed.

Ultimately, if your business needs sales-focused tools within Google Workspace, Copper is worth considering. However, for businesses seeking a comprehensive CRM solution that supports growth across multiple areas, HubSpot is the better long-term investment.