EngageBay vs Pilot
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
EngageBay is our recommended pick for most teams — budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan.
Try EngageBay →Read our full EngageBay review →EngageBay
EngageBay is an all-in-one marketing, sales, and customer support platform designed for small and mid-size businesses. It offers a free plan that includes CRM, email marketing, live chat, and helpdesk tools — making it one of the most generous free plans in the market. EngageBay is positioned as an affordable alternative to HubSpot.
Pilot
Pilot is a managed accounting service that combines software with a dedicated team of bookkeepers to handle your books each month. Built for startups and small businesses that want accounting done for them.
Pros
- ✓One of the most generous free plans available — includes CRM, marketing, and support tools
- ✓Affordable paid plans compared to HubSpot
- ✓All-in-one platform reduces the need for multiple subscriptions
- ✓Good automation features
Cons
- ✗Less brand recognition and fewer integrations than HubSpot
- ✗Interface can feel cluttered with so many features
- ✗Customer support response times can vary
Pros
- ✓Fully managed bookkeeping service
- ✓Dedicated finance experts included
- ✓Built specifically for startups
- ✓Integrates with common startup tools
- ✓Good for venture-backed companies
Cons
- ✗More expensive than DIY software
- ✗Less control over day-to-day bookkeeping
- ✗Not suited for businesses wanting to manage their own books
- ✗US-focused
EngageBay vs Pilot: Side by Side
| Factor | EngageBay | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.3/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan | Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
EngageBay Features
- ✓CRM
- ✓email marketing
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓live chat
- ✓helpdesk
- ✓landing pages
- ✓appointment scheduling
- ✓reporting
Pilot Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓tax preparation
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓dedicated bookkeeper
- ✓cash flow management
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
EngageBay
FreemiumFree to start
Free: $0 · Basic: $12/mo · Growth: $24.99/mo · Pro: $49.99/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
EngageBay
- →Small businesses wanting all-in-one CRM and marketing
- →Startups replacing multiple tools with one platform
- →Companies migrating away from expensive HubSpot plans
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
EngageBay is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing advanced customization
- ✗Teams requiring sophisticated marketing attribution
- ✗Businesses needing dedicated enterprise support
Integrations
EngageBay
Zapier, Gmail, Outlook, Stripe, SendGrid, Mailgun, Twilio, Xero
Our Take
Choose EngageBay if budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan. Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software.
Best For
Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan
Best For
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software
Also Consider
If neither EngageBay nor Pilot 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 EngageBay and Pilot?
EngageBay is best for budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan. Pilot is best for startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software.
Which is better, EngageBay or Pilot?
Choose EngageBay if budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan. Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software.
How much does EngageBay cost?
EngageBay starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Pilot cost?
Visit Pilot website for current pricing.
Who should use EngageBay?
Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan
Who should use Pilot?
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software