Pilot vs HubSpot CRM
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
HubSpot CRM
HubSpot CRM is a powerful and easy-to-use customer relationship management platform trusted by over 150,000 companies worldwide. It offers a completely free core CRM with optional paid Marketing, Sales, and Service Hubs for growing teams. HubSpot is the go-to CRM for companies that want to align their marketing, sales, and customer service teams in one platform.
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
Pros
- ✓Generous free plan that is genuinely useful for small teams
- ✓All-in-one platform covering marketing, sales, and service
- ✓Excellent onboarding resources and HubSpot Academy
- ✓Strong integrations with 1000+ tools
Cons
- ✗Can get very expensive as you add paid Hubs and contacts
- ✗Some advanced features locked behind higher tiers
- ✗Reporting is limited on free and starter plans
Pilot vs HubSpot CRM: Side by Side
| Factor | Pilot | HubSpot CRM |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Free |
| Best For | Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software | SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Pilot Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓tax preparation
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓dedicated bookkeeper
- ✓cash flow management
- ✓integrations
HubSpot CRM Features
- ✓Contact management
- ✓email tracking
- ✓deal pipelines
- ✓live chat
- ✓meeting scheduling
- ✓reporting
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓landing pages
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Choose HubSpot CRM if smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation.
Best For
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software
Best For
SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation
Also Consider
If neither Pilot nor HubSpot CRM is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Pilot and HubSpot CRM?
Pilot is best for startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. HubSpot CRM is best for smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation.
Which is better, Pilot or HubSpot CRM?
Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Choose HubSpot CRM if smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation.
How much does Pilot cost?
Visit Pilot website for current pricing.
How much does HubSpot CRM cost?
HubSpot CRM starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Pilot?
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software
Who should use HubSpot CRM?
SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation