HighLevel vs HubSpot: Why Businesses Are Switching to HighLevel

What Is HubSpot?

HubSpot is a CRM and marketing software company founded in 2006 by Brian Halligan and Dharmesh Shah, who met as graduate students at MIT. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company popularized the term "inbound marketing" and went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2014. HubSpot's platform is split into separate Hubs for marketing, sales, service, content, data, and commerce, each with its own tiers and pricing. The basic CRM is free, but the features most growing businesses need, like real marketing automation, advanced segmentation, and custom reporting, are locked behind higher paid tiers. Marketing Hub Professional starts at roughly $800 to $890 per month for just 3 seats and 2,000 marketing contacts, and it comes with a required one-time onboarding fee of about $3,000. After nearly two decades in business, HubSpot is best known among mid-sized and enterprise B2B companies with large budgets.

What Is HighLevel?

HighLevel is the all-in-one sales and marketing platform founded in 2018 in Dallas, Texas, by Shaun Clark, Varun Vairavan, and Robin Alex Panicker. It was built to replace the stack of disconnected tools most businesses pay for, combining CRM, email, two-way SMS, calls, funnels, websites, calendars, workflows, reputation management, courses, and AI in a single login. HighLevel has become one of the fastest growing platforms in marketing software, now powering tens of thousands of agencies and the businesses they serve. Plans start at $97 per month with unlimited contacts and unlimited users, with no required onboarding fee. Its AI employees can answer calls, reply to texts and chats, and book appointments around the clock. HighLevel ships new features constantly, which means your platform gets more powerful every month without upgrading to a more expensive tier.

Why You Might Stay With HubSpot

There are a few narrow situations where staying with HubSpot can make sense for now. Large enterprise organizations with complex permission structures, custom objects, and dedicated HubSpot administrators may find the disruption of moving too high in the short term. Companies that are locked into an annual HubSpot contract may want to plan their switch around the renewal date. And if your team relies heavily on years of custom HubSpot reports built by an outside partner, you will want time to recreate them. But for most small and mid-sized businesses, these are reasons to plan the switch carefully, not reasons to stay long term. As your contacts and team grow, HubSpot's per-seat and per-contact pricing only gets more expensive.

Why You Should Switch to HighLevel Now

Switching to HighLevel gives you enterprise-level marketing power without enterprise-level pricing. HubSpot charges by seat, by marketing contact, and by Hub, and the automation most businesses need sits behind a Professional tier that starts around $800 per month plus a required onboarding fee. HighLevel includes advanced workflows, unlimited contacts, unlimited users, a full CRM with unlimited pipelines, and email marketing on every plan starting at $97 per month. It also includes tools HubSpot does not focus on, like native two-way SMS, a phone system with call tracking, funnels, reputation management, course hosting, and AI that answers calls and books appointments. That means you can replace HubSpot and several add-on tools with one subscription and put the savings back into growing your business. Every month you wait is another month of paying more for less, so the best time to switch is now.

HubSpot vs HighLevel: Top 20 Features Compared

Top 10 Questions About Converting From HubSpot to HighLevel

1. Can I export my contacts from HubSpot?

   Yes. HubSpot lets you export contacts, companies, and deals as CSV files, which you can import into HighLevel.

2. Will my custom properties transfer over?

   Yes. Recreate them as custom fields in HighLevel and map them during your CSV import.

3. Can I move my deals and pipeline stages?

   Yes. Build matching pipelines in HighLevel, then import your deals as opportunities with their stage and value.

4. Will my HubSpot workflows transfer?

   Workflows are rebuilt in HighLevel, where you can add SMS, calls, and AI steps that HubSpot workflows often cannot include.

5. What happens to my unsubscribed contacts?

   Export them separately and import them as unsubscribed in HighLevel so your list stays compliant from day one.

6. Do I need a new email sending domain?

   Yes. Set up a dedicated sending domain in HighLevel with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to protect deliverability.

7. Can I keep my current website?

   Yes. You can keep your site and embed HighLevel forms and calendars, or move it into HighLevel and cancel your separate CMS.

8. What about my HubSpot contract?

   Check your renewal date and plan your migration to finish before it, so you are not paying for another year.

9. How long does a migration take?

   Most small and mid-sized businesses complete a HubSpot migration in two to six weeks.

10. Can someone handle the migration for me?

    Yes. A HighLevel specialist can map your properties, rebuild workflows, and train your team so the switch is painless.

Top 20 "Should I" Questions About HighLevel

1. Should I switch from HubSpot to HighLevel?

   Yes. You get advanced automation, unlimited contacts and users, SMS, calls, and AI for a fraction of HubSpot Professional pricing.

2. Should I switch now or wait?

   Switch now. Every month you wait, you keep paying for seats, contacts, and tiers that HighLevel includes.

3. Should I switch if I run a small business?

   Absolutely. HighLevel was built for small businesses that need powerful marketing without enterprise pricing.

4. Should I switch if I am on HubSpot's free CRM?

   Yes. HighLevel gives you automation, SMS, and funnels that HubSpot's free tier does not include.

5. Should I switch if my team is growing?

   Yes. HighLevel does not charge per user, so adding team members never raises your bill.

6. Should I switch if my contact list is growing?

   Yes. HighLevel includes unlimited contacts on every plan.

7. Should I choose the Starter plan or the Unlimited plan?

   Starter works for a single business. Unlimited is best if you run multiple brands or need API access.

8. Should I time the switch around my HubSpot renewal?

   Yes. Plan to finish your migration before renewal so you do not pay for another contract term.

9. Should I clean my data before importing?

   Yes. Removing duplicates and inactive contacts gives you a fresh start with better deliverability.

10. Should I set up a dedicated sending domain?

    Yes. It protects your main domain and improves deliverability from day one.

11. Should I rebuild every HubSpot workflow?

    No. Rebuild the workflows that drive results and use the move to simplify everything else.

12. Should I add SMS to my follow-up?

    Yes, with proper consent. Text messages often get much faster responses than email alone.

13. Should I use HighLevel's AI features?

    Yes. Conversation AI and Voice AI in HighLevel respond to leads instantly and book appointments around the clock.

14. Should I use HighLevel for appointment booking?

    Yes. Calendars include reminders, round robin assignment, and automatic follow-up.

15. Should I move my website into HighLevel?

    If you want to cut another bill, yes. HighLevel includes websites and blogs at no extra cost.

16. Should I use HighLevel for review management?

    Yes. Automated review requests can quickly grow your Google reviews and bring in more leads.

17. Should I use HighLevel for invoicing and payments?

    Yes. You can send invoices and payment links and collect payments through Stripe.

18. Should I hire an expert to help me switch?

    If you want it done fast and right, yes. A professional migration protects your data and your pipeline.

19. Should I build multiple pipelines?

    Yes, if you sell different services. HighLevel allows unlimited pipelines.

20. Should I use HighLevel's mobile app?

    Yes. The LeadConnector app lets you text, call, and manage leads from anywhere.

Top 20 "How Do I... With HighLevel" Questions

1. How do I import my HubSpot contacts with HighLevel?

   Go to Contacts, click Import, upload your HubSpot CSV, and map each column to a HighLevel field.

2. How do I import my HubSpot deals with HighLevel?

   Build your pipeline first, then import deals as opportunities with their stage, value, and contact.

3. How do I recreate HubSpot properties with HighLevel?

   Go to Settings, then Custom Fields, and create a field for each property you want to keep.

4. How do I handle unsubscribes with HighLevel?

   Import unsubscribed contacts with their status, or tag them and turn off email for those contacts.

5. How do I rebuild a HubSpot workflow with HighLevel?

   Open Automation, create a workflow, add your trigger, and recreate each action and condition.

6. How do I automate follow-up with HighLevel?

   Create a workflow, choose a trigger, and add emails, texts, calls, tasks, or wait steps.

7. How do I set up email deliverability with HighLevel?

   Go to Settings, then Email Services, add a dedicated sending domain, and add the DNS records it provides.

8. How do I send an email campaign with HighLevel?

   Go to Marketing, then Emails, build your message, choose your audience, and send or schedule it.

9. How do I segment contacts with HighLevel?

   In Contacts, filter by tags, fields, or activity and save the view as a smart list.

10. How do I score leads with HighLevel?

    Create a scoring field and use workflows to add or subtract points based on engagement.

11. How do I track deals with HighLevel?

    Go to Opportunities, create a pipeline, and move each lead through your sales stages.

12. How do I assign leads to my team with HighLevel?

    Use a workflow with an assign user action or round robin rules.

13. How do I connect Gmail or Outlook with HighLevel?

    Go to Settings and connect your Google or Microsoft account for email and calendars.

14. How do I book appointments with HighLevel?

    Create a calendar, set your availability, and share the booking link or embed it on your site.

15. How do I build a landing page with HighLevel?

    Go to Sites, choose Funnels, and start from a template or a blank page.

16. How do I build a website with HighLevel?

    Go to Sites, then Websites, and start from a template or a blank page.

17. How do I send text messages with HighLevel?

    Send one-to-one texts from Conversations or add SMS actions to your workflows.

18. How do I get a business phone number with HighLevel?

    Go to Settings, then Phone Numbers, and purchase a local or toll-free number.

19. How do I get more Google reviews with HighLevel?

    Go to Reputation, connect your Google Business Profile, and set up automated review requests.

20. How do I see where my leads come from with HighLevel?

    Open the attribution reports to see the source, campaign, and page behind each lead.

Top 20 "Where Do I... in HighLevel" Questions

1. Where do I find my contacts in HighLevel?

   All contacts live in the Contacts section of the left menu.

2. Where do I see all my messages in HighLevel?

   The Conversations tab shows SMS, email, chat, and social messages in one inbox.

3. Where do I manage my deals in HighLevel?

   Deals are managed under Opportunities.

4. Where do I create custom fields in HighLevel?

   Go to Settings, then Custom Fields.

5. Where do I build automations in HighLevel?

   Workflows are under Automation.

6. Where do I create email campaigns in HighLevel?

   Email campaigns are under Marketing, then Emails.

7. Where do I save segments in HighLevel?

   Save filtered contact views as smart lists inside Contacts.

8. Where do I set up my sending domain in HighLevel?

   Go to Settings, then Email Services.

9. Where do I find reporting in HighLevel?

   The Dashboard and Reporting sections show leads, pipeline value, appointments, and attribution.

10. Where do I manage my calendars in HighLevel?

    Calendars are in the main menu, with setup options under Settings, then Calendars.

11. Where do I build forms and surveys in HighLevel?

    Go to Sites, then Forms or Surveys.

12. Where do I build websites and funnels in HighLevel?

    Websites and funnels are both under Sites.

13. Where do I set up AI agents in HighLevel?

    Open the AI Agents section in HighLevel to configure Conversation AI and Voice AI.

14. Where do I add team members in HighLevel?

    Go to Settings, then My Staff.

15. Where do I connect my domains in HighLevel?

    Go to Settings, then Domains.

16. Where do I send invoices in HighLevel?

    Invoices are under Payments, then Invoices.

17. Where do I manage reviews in HighLevel?

    Reviews are in the Reputation section.

18. Where do I schedule social media posts in HighLevel?

    Go to Marketing, then Social Planner.

19. Where do I find integrations in HighLevel?

    Visit the App Marketplace or Settings, then Integrations.

20. Where do I get help and training in HighLevel?

    Use the help center, the HighLevel YouTube channel, or HighLevel University inside the platform.

Top 20 "Can HighLevel" Questions

1. Can HighLevel replace HubSpot completely?

   Yes, for most small and mid-sized businesses. HighLevel covers CRM, email, automation, websites, and reporting, and adds SMS, calls, and AI.

2. Can HighLevel import my HubSpot data?

   Yes. Contacts, companies, and deals can be imported from CSV files.

3. Can HighLevel build advanced automations?

   Yes. Workflows support branching, waits, goals, and conditions across email, SMS, calls, and tasks.

4. Can HighLevel send email campaigns?

   Yes. You can send broadcasts and automated email sequences.

5. Can HighLevel do lead scoring?

   Yes. You can score leads with workflows and custom fields.

6. Can HighLevel send text messages?

   Yes. Two-way SMS is built in with no extra app required.

7. Can HighLevel make and record calls?

   Yes. It includes phone numbers, call tracking, and call recording.

8. Can HighLevel answer my phone with AI?

   Yes. Voice AI can answer calls, collect information, and book appointments.

9. Can HighLevel reply to leads automatically?

   Yes. Conversation AI can respond to texts, chats, and social messages instantly.

10. Can HighLevel sync with Gmail and Outlook?

    Yes. You can connect Google and Microsoft accounts for email and calendars.

11. Can HighLevel host my website and blog?

    Yes. You can build and host full websites and blogs on your own domain.

12. Can HighLevel build landing pages and funnels?

    Yes. It includes a full funnel builder with templates.

13. Can HighLevel take payments?

    Yes. It connects to Stripe and other processors for one-time and recurring payments.

14. Can HighLevel forecast sales?

    Yes. Pipeline reports show deal value by stage so you can project revenue.

15. Can HighLevel track my ad performance?

    Yes. It tracks lead sources and attribution from Facebook and Google Ads.

16. Can HighLevel integrate with Zapier?

    Yes. Zapier and webhooks connect HighLevel to thousands of other apps.

17. Can HighLevel manage my Google reviews?

    Yes. It can request, monitor, and reply to reviews from one place.

18. Can HighLevel host online courses?

    Yes. You can host courses, memberships, and communities.

19. Can HighLevel handle unlimited users?

    Yes. HighLevel plans do not charge per user.

20. Can HighLevel work on my phone?

    Yes. The LeadConnector mobile app lets you manage conversations, contacts, and appointments on the go.

Ready to Switch From HubSpot to HighLevel?

Every month you stay on HubSpot, you pay for seats, contacts, and upgrades that HighLevel includes from day one. HighLevel gives you a CRM, email, texting, calls, calendars, funnels, websites, reviews, and AI in one platform with unlimited contacts and users. Our team can help you export your HubSpot data, rebuild your pipelines and workflows, and set up your sending domain so you can switch quickly and without losing momentum. Get started with HighLevel today.