HubSpot Alternative: The Best Alternatives for E-Commerce, Agencies & SMEs

In German-speaking countries, demand for a HubSpot alternative within the CRM landscape is growing rapidly. Many companies, brands and agencies are looking for CRM platforms and CRM systems that not only combine powerful marketing automation software and email marketing, but also offer transparency, data protection and pricing flexibility.

Alongside established solutions such as HubSpot CRM, specialized providers like Chatarmin are increasingly moving into the spotlight. With AI-powered messaging features, deep integrations and full GDPR compliance, Chatarmin offers a modern, European CRM alternative specifically geared towards e-commerce and data-driven companies.

Top 5 HubSpot alternatives 2025 at a glance

• Chatarmin: AI-first CRM with WhatsApp, Shopify and Klaviyo integration, 100% GDPR compliant
• ActiveCampaign: Industry leader for email and marketing automation
• Pipedrive: Simple, visual sales CRM with attractive pricing plans
• Teamleader: European CRM for SMEs with accounting and service features
• CentralStationCRM: German all-in-one solution with flat pricing and EU hosting

Why are companies looking for an alternative to HubSpot?

Many companies value HubSpot’s CRM features, but run into limitations regarding costs, complexity and data protection requirements.

The following points show why more and more businesses prefer a more flexible CRM system solution from the European Union:

1. Cost planning & pricing

HubSpot offers a broad range of features, but its license and seat models are considered expensive and inflexible – especially when teams grow or multiple modules are added. For many companies, the pricing model becomes a long-term hurdle rather than an advantage.

2. Complexity & customization needs

The scope of features and the multitude of integrations make HubSpot powerful, but also time-consuming to set up. External consultants are often needed even for standard processes in CRM, email marketing or support. This slows down agility and makes quick adjustments harder.

3. EU GDPR compliance & data sovereignty

For many DACH companies, hosting in the EU and auditable data processing are crucial. This is a challenge with US-based providers like HubSpot.

4. Integration limits

In particular, e-commerce companies now expect deep, automated connections to tools such as Shopify, WhatsApp, Klaviyo or custom systems for scheduling or other tasks. Not every CRM platform can provide this seamless level of integration.

Modern CRM platforms: features that really matter

The requirements for CRM systems have changed significantly. Modern platforms must do far more than just manage customer relationships to support customer service – they should automate, connect and operate in a data protection–compliant way. Customizability, price-performance in comparison, and support for marketing, sales and customer service are central priorities.

AI-powered workflows as a marketing function

Artificial intelligence now supports messaging, live chat, lead scoring, follow-ups and customer service. Through this customer relationship management, teams save valuable time while simultaneously increasing the quality of interactions with customers.

All-in-one platform approach as a CRM function

A central dashboard for marketing, sales, email communication and customer service creates clarity and efficiency. This allows all touchpoints to be managed in a single environment without tool chaos.

Transparent pricing models & flexibility

More and more providers rely on fair, scalable pricing that is aligned with team size and feature scope. Hidden fees and complex add-on structures are becoming a thing of the past.

GDPR-compliant EU hosting

GDPR-compliant hosting, European server locations and finely tuned user permissions have long been standard in the DACH region. They form the basis for trust both internally and externally.

Best HubSpot alternatives 2025 in comparison

In 2025, the CRM market offers a wide range of powerful alternatives to HubSpot. From specialized e-commerce solutions to flexible marketing automation and full enterprise suites, the selection is more diverse than ever. The following systems are among the most interesting HubSpot alternatives and rank among the most in-demand CRM solutions in German-speaking markets.

Five core criteria are decisive when evaluating a modern CRM: automation, AI integration, data protection, flexibility and user-friendliness. These factors largely determine how efficiently teams work, how fast they can grow and how secure data processing is in daily operations. A complete solution makes the difference.

In the following comparison, you’ll find a comprehensive overview of the best HubSpot alternatives for 2025 – including feature ratings, EU GDPR status, integrations and current G2 rating (as of 18 November 2025).

Comparison of leading HubSpot alternatives 2025 with G2 ratings

Extended assessment of the five core criteria of HubSpot alternatives 2025 (1–5 points)

How were the scores determined?

The scores are based on a combined internal analysis of feature depth, documented product limitations, user feedback from G2 (as of 18/11/2025), integration capabilities, data protection architecture and real-world use cases. The scale is deliberately structured clearly so that different CRM providers can be compared fairly.

1 point – very weak
Only basic functions; hardly any automation; little AI; limited data sovereignty or poor usability.

2 points – weak
Core functions available, but limited; simple automations; restricted flexible use.

3 points – solid mid-range
Modern feature set; good standard automations; practical AI support; typical market-level usability.

4 points – strong
Extensive workflows; solid AI; high flexibility and good usability; clear data protection structures.

5 points – leading in the category
Very high degree of automation; advanced AI; full GDPR/EU compliance; extremely high flexibility and excellent usability.

How do you choose the right HubSpot alternative?

The optimal CRM solution always depends on your business model and goals.
Five key criteria help you select the right platform regardless of company size or industry:

Integrations

Check whether the CRM works seamlessly with your existing systems – such as Shopify, WhatsApp, Klaviyo or email tools.
Only then will your data flow remain consistent and automated.

Automation & AI

Modern CRM platforms like Chatarmin or ActiveCampaign save time through intelligent workflows for follow-ups, campaigns and lead management. AI-driven processes increase efficiency and personalization at the same time.

Data protection

Pay attention to EU hosting, GDPR compliance and transparent data processing. This is a key trust factor in the DACH region – for customers and partners alike.

Pricing model

Avoid rigid seat or license models. Flexible or flat pricing is often cheaper in the long term – especially for growing teams or modular usage.

User-friendliness

A CRM is only successful if your team uses it intuitively. Clearly structured dashboards, logical workflows and a clean interface promote adoption and productivity.

Categories: CRM systems from SMB to enterprise

The market for CRM systems is diverse. From simple solutions for small teams to complex enterprise platforms, requirements differ significantly.

1. SMB & price-sensitive CRM tools

• Pipedrive
  An intuitive pipeline CRM with clear UI and affordable plans.
  Ideal for small sales teams or agencies in the early stages.
  Limitations: limited automation and basic email features.

• CentralStationCRM
  A GDPR-compliant all-in-one solution with transparent flat pricing.
  Particularly suitable for startups and SMEs that value data protection and simplicity.
  Limitations: feature set focuses on core CRM areas.

• Brevo
  An email marketing–first CRM that stands out with SMS features and low prices.
  Ideal for messaging and campaign management.
  Limitations: less focus on classic sales steering.

2. E-commerce & automation champions

• Chatarmin
  AI-driven CRM tool combining WhatsApp, marketing and support communication.
  Deep Shopify and Klaviyo integration, EU hosting, automation-strong workflows, role-based CRM.
  Ideal for: e-commerce, D2C, multichannel teams in the DACH region.

• ActiveCampaign
  Industry leader in email automation, with many integrations and workflow controls.
  AI features for lead scoring and email templates.
  Optimal for marketing-driven companies with high automation needs.

• Zoho CRM
  Very flexible with numerous modules and APIs, ideal for scaling international teams.
  Limitation: EU compliance should be checked carefully before use.

3. Enterprise & GDPR-optimized CRM solutions

• Salesforce
  The world’s leading enterprise suite with maximum feature depth and deep integrations.
  Strengths: AI, reporting, scaling and global connectivity.
  Limitations: high costs, complex implementation, partially limited EU compliance.

• Teamleader
  European CRM software, clearly GDPR compliant, modular accounting and service functions, seat licenses.
  Ideal for medium-sized service providers and service companies.

• SuperOffice
  Focus on data protection, role management and EU hosting.
  Particularly suitable for data-sensitive industries and public sector clients.

4. Collaboration, sales and project CRM

• monday CRM
  Combines project management and CRM in a flexible platform with many templates and integrations.
  Limitation: data protection details should be checked, as the focus is primarily on collaboration.

• Freshsales
  Offers lead and meeting management, integrated telephony and chat features.
  Strong in sales, but limited EU data hosting.

• Close
  Efficient telephony-first CRM for outbound sales.
  Ideal for the US market, but limited from a data protection perspective in the DACH region.

Profile cards: provider comparison at a glance

A quick overview of the key providers shows what strengths they offer and where their limitations lie.

Migration guide to your HubSpot alternative

A platform migration is a chance to make your marketing, sales and service processes more efficient, flexible and data protection–compliant. This guide shows you step by step how to safely move to a HubSpot alternative.

1. Needs analysis & requirements profile

Before switching, you should create a clear overview of your requirements together with all relevant stakeholders. Define which features are essential for marketing, sales and support. Consider integration options with existing systems such as Shopify, email tools, chat solutions or other business tools. Data protection and compliance should be anchored as mandatory factors from the start to avoid problems later.

2. Implementation & migration

Test your preferred HubSpot alternative in a sandbox environment first, in order to realistically evaluate functionality, performance and integration options. Plan the migration carefully: this includes data transfer of leads, emails, tasks and meetings as well as the setup of automated workflows. Make use of AI features and your messaging channels to optimize processes and secure the efficiency of marketing and sales.

3. Onboarding, training & continuous optimization

Train your team specifically by channels and areas of responsibility so that everyone can use the new platform confidently. Create clear playbooks for marketing, sales and support to standardize processes. Regular reviews and adjustments ensure that workflows remain efficient and that new features are used to their full potential.

FAQ: frequently asked questions about HubSpot alternatives

A platform switch often raises many questions – from the best solution for e-commerce to GDPR compliance and pricing models. The following answers help you make the right decision for your team.

Which HubSpot alternative is best for e-commerce?

Chatarmin convinces with seamless Shopify, WhatsApp and Klaviyo integration as well as AI-powered automation, making it ideal for D2C and e-commerce teams.

Are all the CRM systems presented GDPR compliant?

Not all of them. Chatarmin, Teamleader, SuperOffice and CentralStationCRM host entirely in the EU. For US providers, data processing should be examined closely.

Which solution offers the best marketing automation?

ActiveCampaign, Chatarmin and Salesforce lead here, from lead scoring to AI-generated email flows.

Which tools offer flexible pricing models?

Chatarmin, Pipedrive and CentralStationCRM work with transparent or flat pricing models without expensive add-ons.

How does switching from HubSpot work?

First define your requirements, then test alternatives and plan data transfer (contacts, emails, deals). Training and onboarding ensure a smooth start.

Test Chatarmin as an intelligent, AI-driven HubSpot alternative for e-commerce, marketing and automated messaging – or request tailored consulting for your system migration!