Real User Reviews: What People Are Saying About HubSpot and HighLevel

When it comes to CRM and marketing automation platforms, there’s no better way to evaluate your options than hearing directly from those who’ve been there. Real users—agencies, small business owners, marketers—are sharing their experiences with HubSpot and HighLevel every day on platforms like Capterra, G2, Reddit, and YouTube.

And the verdict? Many are ditching the old guard (HubSpot) in favor of HighLevel—and they’re not looking back.

What Users Are Frustrated With: Common Complaints About HubSpot

**disclaimer for this section “Quotes sourced from public review platforms. Individual experiences, not representative of all users. These statements are based on individual user experiences and publicly available reviews. Actual results may vary and are not guaranteed.”

1. "The more we grow, the more we pay."

“HubSpot is great until you hit their pricing walls. Everything you want—reporting, automation, custom fields—suddenly costs more.”
— Verified Capterra Reviewer

HubSpot’s tiered pricing structure means critical features are locked behind expensive upgrades. Growing agencies often start with “free” plans, only to find essential tools hidden in the Professional or Enterprise tiers, often exceeding $800–$3,000/month.

2. Feature Gating and Upsells

“Every time I want to try something new in HubSpot, I have to upgrade. It’s like being nickel-and-dimed constantly.”
— Reddit User, r/marketingautomation

Users report frustration with gated features—like automation branching, reporting, A/B testing, and list segmentation—all only available in higher tiers or bundled add-ons.

3. Tool Sprawl and Duct-Taping

“HubSpot isn’t all-in-one. You still need other tools like Calendly, ClickFunnels, or Mailchimp unless you upgrade and integrate like crazy.”
— G2 Review

While HubSpot markets itself as an all-in-one platform, many users find they still need multiple tools and integrations to complete their marketing and sales tech stack.

4. Limited Customization for Smaller Teams

“You can’t really customize much until you’re on an Enterprise plan. It's powerful, but only if you pay top dollar.”
— Capterra User, Small Agency Owner

Many small and midsize agencies feel locked out of the features they need most unless they stretch their budgets.

Why Users Love HighLevel: Reviews That Speak Volumes

1. “I replaced five tools and saved thousands.”

One user on G2 noted they were able to consolidate CRM, email, and funnel tools using HighLevel. [Disclaimer: Individual experiences vary. Review sourced from a public review platform.]

Agencies consistently mention cost savings as a major win with HighLevel. With tools included under simple flat rates, there's no surprise upselling.

2. “Finally—full access without the upgrade game.”

“Unlike HubSpot, HighLevel gives you full access to all the features from the jump. It’s built for people who need to move fast.”
— Capterra Reviewer

No feature gating. From day one, users can get full access to automations, pipelines, calendars, forms, surveys, and more under simple pricing plans.

3. Built for Agencies, Not Just Sales Teams

“HubSpot is for sales teams. HighLevel is for marketers and agencies who run client campaigns every day.”
— Agency Owner, Reddit Review

HighLevel was built specifically for agencies and marketers. It includes white labeling, sub-accounts, and reseller features—none of which are available with HubSpot without significant customization and cost.

4. Automation That Actually Scales

“Workflows, follow-ups, SMS triggers, even missed call text backs—HighLevel’s automation suite is insane compared to what we were doing before.”
— Verified Review, G2

Users rave about HighLevel’s automation engine, praising how it simplifies campaign management without needing third-party tools.

Side-by-Side: What the Reviews Tell Us

Final Takeaway: Why HighLevel Wins the Review Battle

When you stack the real-world feedback side-by-side, a clear pattern emerges:

• HubSpot is polished, but pricey. Powerful, but piecemeal.

• HighLevel is bold, comprehensive, and built for growth—without the bloat.

If you're a digital agency, coach, or marketing pro tired of duct-taping platforms and fighting pricing tiers, HighLevel is the upgrade the industry’s been waiting for.

Consider whether an all-in-one CRM platform aligns with your business model and growth goals.