Close vs Homebase Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
Close is our recommended pick for most teams — inside sales teams doing high-volume outbound calling and emailing.
Try Close →Read our full Close review →Close
Close is a CRM built specifically for inside sales teams that do high-volume outreach via phone, email, and SMS. It has built-in calling, emailing, and SMS so sales reps can reach out to prospects without switching tools. Close is designed to maximize sales productivity for teams that rely on outbound sales.
Homebase Payroll
Homebase Payroll is a payroll solution built specifically for hourly and shift-based workers. It integrates directly with Homebase's scheduling and time tracking tools, automatically converting tracked hours into payroll. Homebase is popular with restaurants, retail stores, and other businesses with large hourly workforces.
Pros
- ✓Best-in-class built-in calling and email sequencing
- ✓Designed specifically for high-volume inside sales teams
- ✓Strong reporting on sales activity and performance
- ✓Fast and efficient interface for power users
Cons
- ✗Expensive compared to general-purpose CRMs
- ✗Overkill for teams that do low-volume or inbound-only sales
- ✗Limited marketing automation features
Pros
- ✓Purpose-built for hourly and shift-based workers
- ✓Automatic sync from time tracking to payroll eliminates manual data entry
- ✓Strong mobile app for employees to clock in and manage schedules
- ✓Built-in scheduling and communication tools
Cons
- ✗Less suitable for salaried employee payroll
- ✗Limited features for businesses outside of hourly workforce management
- ✗Pricing can add up with multiple add-ons
- ✗Not ideal for companies with complex benefits needs
Close vs Homebase Payroll: Side by Side
| Factor | Close | Homebase Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.3/5 ★ | 4.5/5 ★ |
| Category | CRM Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $49/user/mo | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Inside sales teams doing high-volume outbound calling and emailing | Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Close Features
- ✓Built-in calling
- ✓email sequences
- ✓SMS
- ✓lead management
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓reporting
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓power dialer
Homebase Payroll Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓time tracking integration
- ✓scheduling integration
- ✓tip management
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Close
PaidStarts at $49/user/mo
Free: $0 · Starter: $49/user/mo · Basic: $99/user/mo · Professional: $149/user/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Close
- →Inside sales teams making high volumes of calls
- →SaaS companies with outbound sales motions
- →Startups wanting CRM with built-in calling and email
Homebase Payroll
- →Restaurants and retail businesses paying hourly workers
- →Small businesses combining scheduling and payroll
- →Companies wanting time tracking integrated with payroll
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Close is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Field sales teams needing mobile-first tools
- ✗Companies needing complex territory management
- ✗Businesses without a dedicated sales team
Homebase Payroll is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with salaried professional employees
- ✗Businesses needing complex benefits administration
- ✗Teams requiring advanced HR management
Integrations
Close
Zapier, Slack, Zoom, Gmail, Outlook, HubSpot, Salesforce, Twilio
Homebase Payroll
QuickBooks, Gusto, ADP, Square, Clover, Toast, Lightspeed
Our Take
Choose Close if inside sales teams doing high-volume outbound calling and emailing. Choose Homebase Payroll if restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place.
Best For
Inside sales teams doing high-volume outbound calling and emailing
Best For
Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place
Also Consider
If neither Close nor Homebase Payroll is the right fit, Monday.com CRM is worth evaluating.
Monday.com CRM
Teams that want CRM and project management combined in one visual platform
From $12/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Close and Homebase Payroll?
Close is best for inside sales teams doing high-volume outbound calling and emailing. Homebase Payroll is best for restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place.
Which is better, Close or Homebase Payroll?
Choose Close if inside sales teams doing high-volume outbound calling and emailing. Choose Homebase Payroll if restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place.
How much does Close cost?
Close starts at $49/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Homebase Payroll cost?
Homebase Payroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Close?
Inside sales teams doing high-volume outbound calling and emailing
Who should use Homebase Payroll?
Restaurants, retail, and businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and payroll in one place