8 best Keap alternatives in 2025 

You’re likely here because you are seeking a reliable Keep alternative—or you’re at least curious about what other options are out there. Perhaps you find your business is outgrowing your current software, or is no longer fully aligned with your needs. Whatever the case, we’ve got you covered. 🤜🤛

Many business owners begin with Keap (formerly Infusionsoft) because it offers all-in-one email marketing, landing pages, lead scoring, and automation features. But as your business scales, pricing can increase, workflows can become more difficult to manage, and the system’s learning curve can drag down productivity.📉

When growth outpaces your tools, many seek out a more suitable CRM platform—one that streamlines the sales process, supports advanced automation, integrates directly with QuickBooks or other tools, and costs less in the long run. 

This article explores the best Keap alternatives, including Method CRM, ActiveCampaign, HubSpot CRM, Zoho CRM, Pipedrive, Freshsales, Salesforce Starter, and Capsule. You’ll learn the strengths, gaps, and ideal users for each option. We’ll walk through how to pick the right tool based on your business needs, evaluate pricing, review key workflows like email automation and customer support, and understand what’s involved in migrating data from Keap. 

Here at Method CRM, we’ve been supporting QuickBooks-based businesses since 2010. Method is loved by SMBs for its real-time, two-way  QuickBooks sync, no-code customizations, and end-to-end sales automation. Below, we’ll show you what to consider when selecting a Keap alternative and how Method CRM stands out for businesses tied to QuickBooks. 👩🏻‍💻📓✍🏻💡

Keap at a glance — strengths, gaps, and ideal users

Choosing the right CRM solution starts with understanding what your current platform does well and where it may fall short. Keap (formerly Infusionsoft) has long been a popular choice among small businesses for its built-in email marketing, SMS marketing, and marketing automation tools. With drag-and-drop campaign builders, pre-made templates, and support for landing pages, it’s a strong all-in-one option for managing customer data, launching email campaigns, and streamlining sales processes.

But as businesses grow, Keap’s limitations can become more noticeable. Teams often report a steep learning curve, challenges with customization options, and restrictions in dashboards, integrations, and pricing flexibility. Let’s take a closer look at Keap’s key features, identify where it shines, and uncover where it may fall short for certain business needs.

Keap’s strengths 💪

• Built‑in email marketing, SMS capacity, landing pages, and segmentation tools let users manage campaigns without extra platforms.
• The visual campaign builder is intuitive for creating automated flows with branching conditions.
• Sales automation includes payment links, lead scoring, scheduling, follow‑ups, and contact management, all in a single tool.
• Templates and drag-and-drop workflows speed up onboarding and campaign setup.

Gaps worth noting ⚠️

• Dashboards and template options are limited, making it harder to generate custom reports or monitor key metrics over time.
• Pricing plans are contact-based and can scale rapidly, so you may end up overpaying for automation or SMS.
• Integrations with tools like QuickBooks, Shopify, or Slack often require middleware or custom setups.
• The learning curve can be steep for users who need advanced segmentation or e-commerce configuration.
• Customer support under basic tiers can feel slow or impersonal for some users.

Who benefits most from Keap? 🙋‍♂️

• Home‑based service professionals, small agencies, and solopreneurs who want all-in-one CRM software with minimal tech overhead.
• Teams with simple processes that don’t require bespoke workflow automation, customizable dashboards, or advanced integrations.

How to pick the right CRM for your business ✅

Choosing the right CRM solution is not about picking a popular platform. It’s about finding the best fit for your business’s needs and growth goals, whether you’re focused on managing customer data, improving customer engagement, or building an efficient sales funnel.

From task management and automated notifications to how easily a platform integrates with your existing tools, every detail affects your day-to-day workflows and long-term performance. In this section, we’ll break down what to consider when selecting a CRM that works for your team, your processes, and your customers.

Core CRM vs advanced automation

Choose a tool that offers the right balance now while letting you scale into advanced features later.

• CRM tools manage contacts, create pipelines, and track tasks.
• Marketing automation platforms add email sequences, SMS marketing, lead scoring, and split-testing.

Evaluating pricing plans

• Is pricing per user, per contact, or by feature?
• Do you get locked out of automation or support in lower tiers?
• Look for add‑on fees for SMS, templates, or contact volume, as those can take you by surprise.

Ease of use and onboarding

• Tools like Method CRM, Zoho CRM, and HubSpot CRM offer user-friendly interfaces, onboarding help, and templates.
• Keap’s interface can confuse new users, forcing reliance on external training or consultants.

Native integrations

• Look for seamless integration with accounting tools like QuickBooks or Xero, e‑commerce, email, and team collaboration apps like Slack or Teams.
• Method CRM, Zoho, and HubSpot offer strong native connectors in these areas.

Scalability and customization

• Can you build or update workflows, pipelines, and dashboards as you grow?
• Method CRM is designed for flexibility, specifically for QuickBooks users. It offers drag-and-drop automation tools and customization even on standard plans.
• Templates, add-on options, and development features distinguish scalable CRMs from static platforms.

Snapshot comparison — noteworthy Keap alternatives

If you’re searching for a Keap alternative, there’s no shortage of CRM tools promising to streamline your workflows. Below is a detailed look at some of the most trusted and popular Keap alternatives in 2025.

Method CRM

Method is purpose-built for QuickBooks users, offering real-time sync with QuickBooks Online and Desktop. What sets it apart is its deep customization that lets users tailor dashboards, workflows, and customer journeys to match their exact needs without touching code. It’s ideal for small to mid-sized businesses that want more automation without compromising on accounting accuracy or flexibility.

ActiveCampaign

Best known for its powerful email marketing and marketing automation, ActiveCampaign offers highly advanced campaign builders, customer segmentation, and behavioral tracking tools. If your focus is on nurturing leads through smart, multi-channel campaigns, ActiveCampaign is a strong contender. It’s a particularly good fit for e-commerce brands, SaaS companies, and content-driven businesses.

HubSpot CRM

HubSpot CRM continues to be a leader thanks to its generous free plan, which includes contact management, basic pipelines, and email templates. As businesses grow, they can easily add marketing automation, CMS, sales, or service hubs depending on need. With countless tutorials and integrations, HubSpot is ideal for startups and small teams looking to scale efficiently without a steep learning curve.

Zoho CRM

Zoho is a highly flexible, budget-friendly, all-in-one platform that balances affordability with a broad feature set. It supports sales automation, pipeline tracking, email campaigns, and integrations with hundreds of tools in the Zoho ecosystem. Perfect for small to medium-sized businesses, Zoho CRM is great for those who want to combine CRM functionality with other operational tools like invoicing, project management, and inventory.

Pipedrive

For businesses focused on sales rather than marketing, Pipedrive delivers a clean, visual sales pipeline that makes it easy to manage deals, track activities, and optimise the sales process. It doesn’t overwhelm users with unnecessary features and is known for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Choose Pipedrive if you have a sales team that wants a lightweight, efficient solution.

Freshsales

Part of the Freshworks suite, Freshsales combines AI-powered lead scoring, automation, built-in telephony, and a modern UI. It’s an attractive choice for teams that want all-in-one CRM software without paying enterprise prices. With strong customer support and native integrations, Freshsales is especially useful for fast-growing businesses in the service or tech industries.

Salesforce Starter

Salesforce Starter is a slimmed-down version of the enterprise giant, giving smaller businesses access to Salesforce’s reliability and scalability without the complexity. It includes core CRM features, templates, automation, and basic analytics. For teams planning to grow into enterprise-grade systems, Salesforce Starter is a solid foundation.

Capsule

Capsule is a no-frills pipeline management tool designed for micro-teams that need simplicity above all else. It’s lightweight, affordable, and focused on helping small businesses stay organized without the clutter of too many advanced features. If you’re just starting out or want to escape tool bloat, Capsule may be just right.

Feature spotlight — how each platform handles key workflows 🌟

Not all CRM platforms are created equal when it comes to supporting your team’s day-to-day operations. The way each CRM handles essential workflows can significantly impact your team’s efficiency and results.

Some tools prioritise sleek, user-friendly interfaces and ready-made features, while others focus on deep customization and granular control over every interaction. Real-time dashboards, custom reports, and mobile accessibility are also key when managing leads and engaging customers on the go. 

In this section, we’ll take a closer look at how each of the top Keap alternatives stacks up when it comes to workflow execution. This feature spotlight will help you compare platforms based on the day-to-day tools that matter most to your business.

Marketing automation & email templates

• Keap, ActiveCampaign, and HubSpot allow for drip campaigns with SMS, branch logic, and A/B testing.
• Method CRM supports email templates and automation rules tied to the sales process and account triggers.
• Zoho CRM and Pipedrive have simpler email flows, but they support templated outreach and lead segmentation.

Sales automation, lead scoring & follow‑ups

• Method, Freshsales, and ActiveCampaign automate sales assignments, reminders, and next-step triggers.
• Pipedrive and Capsule keep pipelines visual and simple, which is great for reps who want no display clutter.

Real‑time dashboards & custom reports

• Method CRM’s instant, two-way QuickBooks sync allows dashboards to reflect the latest sales, payments, and customer updates without manual refresh. Method also offers a drag-and-drop report designer for custom reports. 
• HubSpot CRM includes real-time dashboards across marketing and sales.
• Keap and Capsule have fixed reporting templates, limiting customization.

Mobile UX and usability

• High‑rated apps like Method, Zoho, HubSpot, and Salesforce Starter mirror desktop design for a cohesive UX.
• Keap’s mobile experience lacks flexibility, especially when managing templates or tracking follow‑ups in the field.

Support options & Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

• Method CRM offers live onboarding, email, and phone support from North American teams.
• HubSpot and Salesforce provide tiered support (including email, chat, phone, and SLAs).
• Keap, Capsule, and Free-tier tools rely heavily on self-help resources and slower email support.

Pricing deep dive — what you’ll pay as you scale 💰

Pricing can make or break your experience with a CRM. What looks affordable at first may quickly become expensive as your contact list, team size, and feature needs grow. 

While some tools offer flexible tiers based on contacts or emails sent, others charge based on users or access to advanced features. Once you understand these models, you can avoid surprises and ensure your CRM grows with your business.

This section will help you compare total monthly costs at different stages of business growth. You’ll also get a clear sense of which platforms provide the best value for money while maintaining robust functionality, strong automation, and support for your expanding needs.

Base tiers, contact-based billing, and per-user billing

CRM pricing models can quickly get confusing, especially when comparing base plans, contact-based pricing, and per-user pricing. 

Keap uses a contact-based billing structure, meaning your costs rise as the number of contacts in your customer data grows. This approach can be great for small startups with limited lists, but it becomes increasingly expensive as your sales funnel matures and you scale your customer engagement efforts.

Method CRM has a per-user billing structure that allows businesses to pay based on the number of users accessing the platform. This model is ideal for small businesses, as they only pay for what they need, and it scales seamlessly as businesses grow. 

Platforms like Zoho CRM, Pipedrive, and Freshsales also charge per user, or offer fixed plans based on bundled key features. 

HubSpot CRM sits in a hybrid category. It offers a generous free plan, ideal for lean teams just starting out. However, once you pass certain contact thresholds or need more powerful marketing automation tools, you’ll need to upgrade (often significantly) or purchase additional modules like email marketing, landing pages, or task management add-ons.

Add-ons and extra features

The base price is only part of the equation. What really affects your monthly bill is how add-ons are handled across platforms.

With Keap, you’ll encounter extra charges for SMS credits, limits on automation workflows, and even additional team seats, especially as your notifications volume and team collaboration needs grow. Infusionsoft users (Keap’s original product) may also find costs stack up with older pricing tiers and legacy limits.

Method CRM is upfront about advanced workflow automation. While not included in the basic plan, these options are easy to add on and scale with your actual usage, which is particularly useful for small businesses that want to grow without jumping to an entirely new tier.

HubSpot CRM and Zoho CRM tend to lock powerful marketing tools behind higher pricing tiers or separate hubs. For example, if you need more advanced email templates, social media scheduling, or deeper segmentation for email campaigns, you’ll likely need to pay for those extras.

Meanwhile, Freshsales charges separately for its AI-powered insights and premium phone dialer. These may be optional, but for teams relying heavily on phone-based outreach or forecasting, they can quickly become essential.

As you evaluate Keap alternatives, it’s important to consider not just the starting price but how each CRM solution handles scale, flexibility, and the true cost of automation tools and advanced CRM features over time.

Considering a switch? Here’s your migration checklist ☑️

Switching to a new CRM solution can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve been using a platform like Keap (or Infusionsoft) for years. But with the right preparation, the migration process can be smooth, secure, and even motivating for your team.

Below is a step-by-step migration checklist to help you move your customer data, workflows, and communications to a new platform with minimal disruption.

1. Audit your current CRM usage

Start by evaluating what you’re currently using in Keap. Which features, automation tools, or email templates do you rely on? Are there legacy workflows, tags, or landing pages that are no longer serving a purpose? This is your chance to declutter before the move.

Key questions:

• What are your must-have vs. nice-to-have features?
• Which marketing automation, SMS, or sales funnel features do you want to carry over?
• How clean is your contact management database?

2. Export customer and lead data

Most CRMs, including Keap, allow you to export customer data in CSV format. Be sure to export:

• All contacts and leads.
• Associated tags, notes, and lead scoring.
• Custom fields (e.g., account status, region, customer type).
• Email segmentation groups or lists.

Store this securely and create backups in case you need to refer to the original files later.

3. Rebuild key workflows and automations

This step often takes the most time, but it’s worth it. Recreate your automation features, such as:

• Email marketing campaigns.
• Follow-ups and notifications.
• Sales pipeline updates and task management.

If you’re switching to a platform like Method CRM, you’ll find tools to rebuild these workflows visually, with drag-and-drop ease and customization options that go beyond what Keap offers.

4. Migrate templates and assets

Don’t forget your assets. Export and migrate:

• Email templates.
• Landing page content (copy and visuals).
• Document templates, contracts, or quote formats.
• Saved reports or dashboard views.

These help maintain brand consistency and save your team time after the switch.

5. Integrate your stack

Rebuild connections with tools like:

• QuickBooks, Xero, or other accounting platforms.
• E-commerce tools (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce).
• Communication platforms like Gmail, Outlook, or Slack.
• Payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal).
• Zapier, if you’re using no-code automation tools.

Check if your new CRM offers native integrations or if you’ll need to configure via API or third-party connectors.

6. Train your team

Before going live, invest time in onboarding your team. Provide walkthroughs of the new user interface, how to access records, how to update deals in the sales pipeline, and how to manage customer engagement touchpoints.

If your new CRM offers a sandbox or staging area, use it for internal testing.

7. Test thoroughly

Test everything:

• Is customer data mapping correctly?
• Do automated workflows trigger on time?
• Are email campaigns delivering properly?
• Do notifications reach the right team members?

Catch issues early before they affect real clients or campaigns.

8. Set your go-live date

Pick a quiet period in your calendar to officially switch platforms. Communicate the change internally and prepare a short downtime window if needed.

9. Monitor post-migration

Once you’re live, keep an eye on performance. Are deals being tracked properly? Are sales teams using the platform as expected? What customer support issues arise?

Be ready to adapt. Even a well-planned migration needs tweaks once real-world use begins.

Pro tip: If you’re moving from Keap to Method CRM, you’ll get real-time QuickBooks sync, no-code customization, and robust workflow automation while keeping your financial data safe and centralised. Method helps you eliminate repetitive tasks, connect with clients more effectively, and streamline the sales experience.

Frequently asked questions

Is Method CRM a reliable alternative to Keap?

Final thoughts

Choosing a Keap alternative means deciding what matters most: user-friendliness, advanced automation, QuickBooks sync, or marketing depth. Here’s a quick guide:

• Best QuickBooks integration & automation: Method CRM.
• Top-tier email marketing workflows & segmentation: ActiveCampaign.
• Free CRM with marketing expansion built-in: HubSpot CRM.
• All-in-one flexibility on a budget: Zoho CRM.
• Lean, pipeline‑first sales tool: Pipedrive.
• Enterprise-ready with minimal setup: Salesforce Starter.
• Minimalist CRM focused on ease of use: Capsule.

Whatever your business needs, the right CRM can streamline your processes, improve team adoption, boost automation, and control your costs. For teams focused on growth, intuitive design, and financial accuracy, Method CRM represents a smart, scalable alternative to Keap. Try it for free today.

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