Keap vs Lever
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
Keap is our recommended pick for most teams — service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one.
Try Keap →Read our full Keap review →Keap
Keap is a CRM and marketing automation platform designed specifically for small businesses and solopreneurs. It combines contact management, email marketing, invoicing, and appointment scheduling in one platform. Keap is ideal for service-based small businesses that want to automate their client follow-up and lead nurturing.
Lever
Lever is a modern talent acquisition suite combining ATS and CRM in one platform. Known for its clean interface and strong collaboration features, it helps recruiting teams build talent pipelines proactively.
Pros
- ✓All-in-one platform covering CRM, marketing, and payments
- ✓Strong automation for small service businesses
- ✓Good for automating client follow-up and lead nurturing
- ✓Dedicated small business focus
Cons
- ✗Expensive for what you get compared to alternatives
- ✗Steep learning curve for the automation builder
- ✗Interface feels dated compared to modern CRM tools
Pros
- ✓Clean and intuitive interface
- ✓Strong CRM and nurturing features
- ✓Good collaboration tools for hiring managers
- ✓Solid analytics
- ✓Easy to get started
Cons
- ✗More expensive than basic ATS tools
- ✗Some advanced features require higher tiers
- ✗Limited onboarding features
- ✗Reporting could be deeper
Keap vs Lever: Side by Side
| Factor | Keap | Lever |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.3/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $249/mo | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one | Mid-sized companies wanting a combined ATS and CRM with a clean interface and strong collaboration |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Keap Features
- ✓CRM
- ✓email marketing automation
- ✓invoicing and payments
- ✓appointment scheduling
- ✓landing pages
- ✓text marketing
- ✓reporting
Lever Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓AI candidate scoring
- ✓job board posting
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓team collaboration
- ✓analytics
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
Keap
- →Small service businesses automating follow-up with leads
- →Coaches and consultants managing client pipelines
- →Businesses wanting CRM with built-in email marketing
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Keap is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing complex sales workflows
- ✗B2B SaaS companies with long sales cycles
- ✗Teams needing advanced reporting and analytics
Integrations
Keap
Gmail, Outlook, QuickBooks, Zapier, PayPal, Stripe, WooCommerce, Shopify
Our Take
Choose Keap if service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one. Choose Lever if mid-sized companies wanting a combined ats and crm with a clean interface and strong collaboration.
Best For
Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one
Best For
Mid-sized companies wanting a combined ATS and CRM with a clean interface and strong collaboration
Also Consider
If neither Keap nor Lever 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 Keap and Lever?
Keap is best for service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one. Lever is best for mid-sized companies wanting a combined ats and crm with a clean interface and strong collaboration.
Which is better, Keap or Lever?
Choose Keap if service-based small businesses wanting crm and marketing automation in one. Choose Lever if mid-sized companies wanting a combined ats and crm with a clean interface and strong collaboration.
How much does Keap cost?
Keap starts at $249/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Lever cost?
Visit Lever website for current pricing.
Who should use Keap?
Service-based small businesses wanting CRM and marketing automation in one
Who should use Lever?
Mid-sized companies wanting a combined ATS and CRM with a clean interface and strong collaboration