QuickBooks vs HubSpot CRM
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
QuickBooks is our recommended pick for most teams — small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software.
Try QuickBooks →Read our full QuickBooks review →QuickBooks
QuickBooks is the world's leading accounting software for small and mid-size businesses. Built by Intuit, it handles bookkeeping, invoicing, payroll, tax preparation, and financial reporting in one platform. QuickBooks is used by over 7 million businesses worldwide and is the de facto standard for small business accounting in the US.
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
- ✓Industry standard — most accountants and bookkeepers are familiar with QuickBooks
- ✓Comprehensive feature set covering all accounting needs
- ✓Strong ecosystem of integrations with 750+ apps
- ✓Excellent tax preparation and filing tools
Cons
- ✗Can be expensive as you add features and users
- ✗Steeper learning curve than simpler alternatives
- ✗Customer support quality has declined according to many users
- ✗Price increases frequently frustrate long-term customers
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
QuickBooks vs HubSpot CRM: Side by Side
| Factor | QuickBooks | HubSpot CRM |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.6/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $30/mo | Free |
| Best For | Small to mid-size US businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software | SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
QuickBooks Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓payroll
- ✓tax preparation
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓inventory management
- ✓mobile app
- ✓integrations
HubSpot CRM Features
- ✓Contact management
- ✓email tracking
- ✓deal pipelines
- ✓live chat
- ✓meeting scheduling
- ✓reporting
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓landing pages
Pricing Comparison
QuickBooks
PaidStarts at $30/mo
Simple Start: $30/mo · Essentials: $60/mo · Plus: $90/mo · Advanced: $200/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
QuickBooks
- →Small businesses managing invoicing and expenses
- →Self-employed professionals tracking income and taxes
- →Companies wanting accounting software with payroll add-on
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
QuickBooks is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing multi-entity accounting
- ✗Companies requiring advanced inventory management
- ✗Businesses outside North America
Integrations
QuickBooks
Shopify, PayPal, Stripe, Square, Gusto, TSheets, HubSpot, Salesforce, Expensify
Our Take
Choose QuickBooks if small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software. Choose HubSpot CRM if smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation.
Best For
Small to mid-size US businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software
Best For
SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation
Also Consider
If neither QuickBooks 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 QuickBooks and HubSpot CRM?
QuickBooks is best for small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software. HubSpot CRM is best for smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation.
Which is better, QuickBooks or HubSpot CRM?
Choose QuickBooks if small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software. Choose HubSpot CRM if smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation.
How much does QuickBooks cost?
QuickBooks starts at $30/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does HubSpot CRM cost?
HubSpot CRM starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use QuickBooks?
Small to mid-size US businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software
Who should use HubSpot CRM?
SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation