Close CRM vs Instantly: Grow Your Sales in 2025

by | Feb 28, 2025

Winner
Close CRM
4.5
  • CRM Overview
  • Communication
  • Automation
  • Cool integrations
  • Sales AI
  • Free trial available
  • Paid Plans from $35/month
Runner Up
Instantly
3.0
  • Personalized Cold Email
  • Email Warm-Up
  • 160M+ B2B Contacts
  • Inbox Tracking
  • Visitor Tracking
  • Free Trial Available
  • Paid Plans from $37.90/month
Close CRM vs Instantly

Feeling like your sales are stuck?

You’re working hard, but those numbers aren’t climbing.

Maybe you’re using tools that just aren’t cutting it.

It’s frustrating, right? You need something better. There are options. 

Let’s talk about Close CRM vs Instantly. These tools promise to boost your sales. 

Overview

We’ve put Close CRM and Instantly through real-world tests, simulating typical sales workflows. 

Our team dove deep, tracking everything from ease of use to speed of follow-ups. 

This hands-on experience lets us give you a clear, practical comparison.

Close CRM Logo
4.5out of 5

Start your trial and experience the CRM that’s helped thousands of businesses boost their sales.

Pricing: It has a free trial. The premium plan starts at $35/month.

Key Features:

  • Built-in calling
  • Email sequences
  • Advanced Reporting
Instantly AI
3out of 5

Ready to give Instantly a try? Experience the speed and simplicity of a modern lead generation tool.

Pricing: It has a free trial. The premium plan starts at $37.9/month.

Key Features:

  • Warmup & Deliverability
  • Automated Sequences
  • Advanced Analytics

What is Close CRM?

Close CRM. It’s built for sales teams—especially those who call a lot.

It prioritizes communication—think calls and emails—and focuses on outreach, which helps you close more deals.

Also, explore our favorite Close CRM alternatives

Close CRM Homepage

Our Take

Close CRM Logo

Close the deal with Close CRM! Start your 14-day free trial and experience the CRM that’s helped thousands of businesses boost their sales.

Key Benefits

  • Built-in calling: Make and receive calls directly within Close.
  • Powerful email sequences: Automate your outreach and follow-up.
  • Advanced reporting: Track your progress and identify areas for improvement.
  • Sales automation: Streamline repetitive tasks and save time.
  • Dedicated support: Get help from their expert team when you need it.

Pricing

  • Essentials: $35/seat/month.
  • Growth: $99/seat/month.
  • Scale: $139/seat/month.
Close CRM Pricing

Pros

  • Best built-in calling feature.
  • Saves me so much time.
  • The email sequences are compelling.
  • The reporting gives me valuable insights.

Cons

  • More expensive than some CRMs.
  • The interface can feel a bit overwhelming at first.

What is Instantly?

Instantly? It’s all about finding and reaching potential customers.

It focuses on email outreach. It helps you generate leads.

It’s built for those who want to scale quickly.

Think of it as your email campaign powerhouse.

Also, explore our favorite Instantly alternatives

Instantly AI

Our Take

instantly CTA

Instantly is a valuable tool for businesses that want to ramp up their outreach efforts.

Key Benefits

  • Multi-channel outreach: Connect with prospects through email, LinkedIn, Twitter, and more.
  • Personalized messaging: Tailor your messages to each recipient.
  • Automated follow-ups: Stay top-of-mind without lifting a finger.
  • Detailed analytics: Track your progress and identify what’s working.

Pricing

  • Growth CRM: $37.9/month, unlimited seats.
  • Hyper CRM: $77.6/month, unlimited seats.
Instantly Pricing

Pros

  • Great for outreach and lead generation.
  • Powerful automation features.
  • It helps improve response rates.
  • Easy to personalize messages.

Cons

  • It can be expensive for high-volume outreach.
  • The free plan is minimal.
  • Not a full-fledged CRM.

Feature Comparison

This comparison evaluates Close CRM, a powerful platform known for its built in calling features and maximizing efficiency for sales reps, against Instantly, which specializes in scaling high-volume cold outreach campaigns.

This analysis will clarify which crm software offers the best tools for your team’s specific communication strategy and customer relationship management needs.

1. Primary Communication Focus

  • Close CRM: Built around maximizing phone calls and live interactions. Its core is enabling sales reps to efficiently dial multiple numbers and log activities with minimal manual data entry.
  • Instantly: Primarily designed for mass, automated cold outreach campaigns via email, focusing on volume and deliverability across multiple email accounts.

2. Native Calling Capabilities

  • Close CRM: Features built in calling and advanced features like call coaching and parallel dialers, allowing sales reps to dial multiple numbers directly from the crm software interface.
  • Instantly: Does not offer native built in calling features. It focuses solely on email sequences and related campaign metrics.

3. Campaign Specialization and Deliverability

  • Close CRM: Features are geared towards managing live interactions and high-touch sales processes. It is less focused on managing the technical aspects of email deliverability for mass cold outreach campaigns.
  • Instantly: Its features instantly prioritize optimizing multiple email accounts, warm-up routines, and email variations to ensure high delivery rates for cold outreach campaigns.

4. Lead Sourcing and Finder Tools

  • Close CRM: Does not include a lead finder feature. It relies on importing contacts or connecting with external services for lead management.
  • Instantly: Includes a powerful lead finder feature that allows users to source and verify contacts, directly feeding prospects into campaigns instantly.

5. Data Entry and Automation

  • Close CRM: Minimizes manual data entry by automatically logging phone calls, emails, and call outcomes, providing sales reps more time for customer interactions and customer relationships.
  • Instantly: Automation is centered around campaign deployment and follow-up in personal email sequences, simplifying the launch of cold outreach campaigns rather than logging all phone calls.

6. Team Collaboration and Training

  • Close CRM: Provides features like call coaching and detailed activity monitoring to drive full team engagement and improve the skills of sales reps. It supports structured sales processes.
  • Instantly: Collaboration features focus on shared campaign access and managing multiple email accounts. It does not offer dedicated tools like call coaching for live skill development.

7. Customization and Data Flexibility

  • Close CRM: Offers professional features including the ability to define custom objects, which allows users to tailor the customer relationship management system to specific, unique sales processes.
  • Instantly: Customization is focused on campaign setup and basic record tracking, lacking advanced features like defining custom objects for complex sales processes.

8. Accessibility and Mobile Usage

  • Close CRM: Provides comprehensive access via desktop and a robust mobile device app, ensuring sales reps have essential built in calling and activity logging capabilities wherever they are.
  • Instantly: Access is available via browser and mobile device, but functionality is concentrated on monitoring campaigns instantly rather than supporting live phone calls.

9. Reporting and Analytics

  • Close CRM: Offers tools to generate detailed reports on phone calls, pipeline stages, and rep performance, providing actionable insights for full team engagement and management.
  • Instantly: Reporting focuses on the performance of cold outreach campaigns and email sequence statistics. It relies on simple metrics rather than comprehensive pipeline analysis to generate detailed reports.

What to Look For When Choosing a CRM Tool?

  • Specific Business Needs: Don’t get swayed by flashy features. Really dig deep. What are your exact challenges? 
  • Scalability: Can the best crm software grow with you by streamline sales processes? Think beyond your current size. Will it handle increased data, more users, and expanding workflows? 
  • Integration Capabilities: Does the CRM play well with your existing tools? Check for integrations with your email, calendar, marketing automation, and other crucial software. 
  • Customer Support: How responsive and helpful is their support team for crm feature? Issues will arise. Quick, reliable support can minimize downtime and frustration. 
  • Training Resources: Does the provider offer comprehensive training? Easy onboarding is crucial for user adoption. 
  • Data Security: Ensure the CRM has robust security measures to protect your customer data. Check for features like data encryption, access controls, and compliance certifications. Your customers’ trust depends on it.

Final Verdict

We’ve tried both Close CRM and Instantly.

Close CRM wins for most. It does more than just email.

It helps you manage all your sales stuff. It’s like having a super-organized helper.

Instantly is great for sending lots of emails. But Close does more.

It helps you talk to customers better. It keeps track of everything.

We know this because we tested them.

We used them like you would. So, if you want a tool that helps you sell more, pick Close.

It’s the better choice for your business.

More of Close CRM

Here’s a brief comparison of Close CRM with these software solutions:

  • Close CRM vs Pipedrive: Close CRM emphasizes robust communication tools and automation for inside sales. At the same time, Pipedrive is known for its intuitive visual sales pipeline management for small to medium businesses.
  • Close CRM vs Keap: Close CRM is a sales-focused CRM with built-in calling and email sequences, whereas Keap offers more comprehensive marketing automation and e-commerce integrations.
  • Close CRM vs ActiveCampaign: Close CRM excels in streamlined sales processes and communication tools, while ActiveCampaign provides more extensive marketing automation, advanced segmentation, and detailed customer journey tracking.
  • Close CRM vs HubSpot: Close CRM is designed for sales teams and prioritizes built-in calling and rapid deal closing, while HubSpot offers a broader suite that encompasses marketing, sales, and customer service.
  • Close CRM vs Clickfunnels: Close CRM is a sales-oriented CRM for managing leads and deals; ClickFunnels is a specialized tool for building sales funnels and optimizing conversions.
  • Close CRM vs Folk: Close CRM is a sales-focused CRM with robust sales automation and built-in communication, while Folk offers flexible, collaborative contact management with a focus on organization and simple outreach.
  • Close CRM vs Instantly: Close CRM provides a comprehensive sales CRM with integrated calling and broader sales automation, while Instantly specializes in high-volume cold email outreach and deliverability.
  • Close CRM vs Clickup: Close CRM is a dedicated sales CRM for pipeline management and communication, whereas ClickUp is a versatile work operating system with project management, task organization, and customizable CRM capabilities.
  • Close CRM vs Monday CRM: Close CRM is a specialized sales CRM with advanced automation for closing deals. Monday CRM is a visual work OS offering customizable workflows for various business functions, including sales.
  • Close CRM vs Capsule CRM: Close CRM offers robust sales automation and built-in communication for dedicated sales teams. Capsule CRM is a simpler, more affordable contact manager primarily for basic relationship tracking.
  • Close CRM vs Insightly: Close CRM is mainly a sales-focused CRM with strong communication tools. At the same time, Insightly offers a broader CRM solution that includes robust project management and more extensive integrations.
  • Close CRM vs Freshsales CRM: Close CRM emphasizes sales efficiency with built-in communication and automation. Freshsales CRM provides a comprehensive solution with advanced sales automation and in-depth reporting.
  • Close CRM vs Salesforce: Close CRM is a sales engagement platform for SMBs with integrated calling and email, while Salesforce is an extensive, highly customizable enterprise-level CRM with broad sales, marketing, and service capabilities.
  • Close CRM vs Zendesk: Close CRM is specifically built for sales teams and has robust calling and email features. At the same time, Zendesk is primarily a customer service platform focused on ticketing and support management.

More of Instantly

Here’s a comparison of Instantly with its alternatives, highlighting their unique strengths:

  • Instantly vs Apollo: Instantly excels in rapid email outreach and integrated warm-up features. Apollo provides a larger lead database and a comprehensive sales intelligence platform.
  • Instantly vs Snov IO: Instantly focuses on deliverability and scalable cold email campaigns. Snov IO offers a broader suite including email finding, verification, and a CRM.
  • Instantly vs Hunter IO: Instantly offers advanced cold email sequences and campaign management. Hunter IO is primarily used for email finding and verification, with basic sending.
  • Instantly vs Reply IO: Instantly is known for unlimited warm-up and robust email-focused automation. Reply IO provides a multi-channel sales engagement platform, including LinkedIn.
  • Instantly vs UpLead: Instantly specializes in maximizing email deliverability for outreach. UpLead focuses on providing highly accurate B2B contact data for prospecting.
  • Instantly vs Mailshake: Instantly streamlines high-volume cold email campaigns with a built-in lead finder. Mailshake emphasizes personalized outreach with email and social touchpoints.
  • Instantly vs Lemlist: Instantly offers unlimited email accounts for scalable warm-up and sending. Lemlist focuses on hyper-personalization, including images and multi-channel sequences.
  • Instantly vs Woodpecker: Instantly provides unlimited email warm-up with AI-powered optimization. Woodpecker is known for its strong deliverability features and sophisticated campaign logic.
  • Instantly vs Smartlead: Instantly combines lead finding with robust campaign management. Smartlead prioritizes advanced deliverability optimization for large-scale outreach.
  • Instantly vs Saleshandy: Instantly offers an all-in-one solution for cold email automation. Saleshandy provides email outreach with deliverability tools and a lead finder.
  • Instantly vs Klenty: Instantly focuses on email deliverability and simplified campaign setup. Klenty is a sales engagement platform with deeper CRM integrations and advanced cadences.
  • Instantly vs Warmbox: Instantly integrates email warm-up within its outreach suite. Warmbox is a dedicated, specialized tool for enhancing email sender reputation.
  • Instantly vs Maildoso: Instantly emphasizes unlimited warm-up and scaling cold email. Maildoso focuses on cost-effective email infrastructure and inbox rotation for deliverability.
  • Instantly vs Manyreach: Instantly offers tiered monthly plans for features. Manyreach provides credit-based pricing with comprehensive features available from the start.
  • Instantly vs Warmy: Instantly’s platform includes a streamlined warm-up. Warmy is a dedicated deliverability tool with detailed analytics and authentication features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for small businesses, Close CRM or Instantly CRM?

Close CRM offers robust features and easy integration for small businesses needing a full CRM system. CRM instantly excels at email sequences, but Close provides broader sales automation and contact management, making it a more comprehensive choice.

Does Instantly CRM integrate with Google Workspace?

Yes, Instantly CRM integrates with various platforms, including Google Workspace. This easy integration allows for seamless data flow and improved sales productivity. You can connect your inboxes and other Google workspace tools.

Can Close CRM handle integrated calling?

Yes, Close CRM includes integrated calling features, which enhance built-in communication tools. This feature helps sales teams manage calls directly within Close, streamlining the sales process and improving converting leads.

Is Close CRM or Instantly CRM better for email marketing?

Instantly CRM is highly effective for email marketing with its strong email sequences and deliverability. Close CRM offers advanced email features but Instantly focuses more on emails at scale, making it a strong outreach tool for cold emails.

Does Close CRM offer a free trial?

Yes, Close CRM provides a 14-day free trial. This allows growing teams and solopreneur to test its key features and see how it fits their crm for your business before committing.

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