Close alternatives: 8 free & open-source picks
Compare recorded free and open-source options, their capabilities and operating requirements. Source dates are shown below; licenses, hosted limits and project activity can change.
A modern pipeline CRM with custom objects, views and mailbox sync; the subscription becomes a Compose file.
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour machine or their cloud
installHosted signup or Docker Compose
dataCRM data in PostgreSQL, jobs and cache in Redis, and files in local or object storage
the catch vs CloseIt lacks Close's deeply integrated calling, SMS and sales-sequence experience.
setupSelf-hosting needs Docker Compose, environment variables, a domain, email, persistent storage, backups and upgrades
facts verified 2026-08-10
A traditional CRM that actually lets you change the data model; polished enough, but still your server.
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour server
installDocker Compose or PHP/web-server installer
dataCRM records in MySQL, MariaDB or PostgreSQL; uploaded files on the application server
the catch vs CloseIt does not match Close's tightly integrated calling, SMS and sales-sequence workflow, so communications are more fragmented.
setupA server with PHP and a supported database, or Docker; production also needs HTTPS, mail, backups and upgrades
facts verified 2026-08-10
A clean leads-and-deals board with notes, tasks and email; Frappe underneath means a real server, not a toy.
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour machine or their cloud
installFrappe Cloud signup, or easy-install script, Bench or Docker
dataCRM records in the Frappe site database; attachments in the site's file storage
the catch vs CloseIts calls, messaging and outbound sequences are not as unified or mature as Close's communication-first workspace.
setupSelf-hosting means Linux plus Frappe Bench or Docker, database and Redis services, a domain, mail configuration and upgrades
facts verified 2026-08-10
A real two-seat CRM for free; 1,000 contacts is where the upsell starts counting.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted signup
dataRecords and files live in HubSpot's cloud; CRM records can be exported as CSV or XLSX
setup✓ installs clean
the catch vs CloseThe free product does not provide Close-level native calling, SMS and outbound sequencing in one focused sales screen.
facts verified 2026-08-10
A full hosted pipeline for unlimited users, provided CRM is the only Odoo app you marry.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted signup
dataCRM data and attachments live in Odoo Online's managed database and filestore
the catch vs CloseIt lacks Close's communication-first calling, SMS and sequence workflow, and the one-app rule punishes expansion into other Odoo modules.
setupNone for CRM alone; installing a second Odoo app ends the one-app-free arrangement
facts verified 2026-08-10
A full little CRM for three users and 5,000 records; the wider Zoho maze is optional.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted signup
dataRecords and attachments live in Zoho's cloud; record imports and exports use CSV
setup✓ installs clean
the catch vs CloseThe free tier does not reproduce Close's native calling, SMS and sales-sequence depth.
facts verified 2026-08-10
A clean three-user pipeline with email and mobile apps; useful automation starts asking for rent.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted signup
dataCRM records and files live in Freshworks' cloud; contacts and deals can be imported or exported by CSV
setup✓ installs clean
the catch vs CloseThe free tier lacks the advanced calling, sequencing and automation that make Close a communication-first CRM.
facts verified 2026-08-10
Contacts and deals for a small team, wrapped in enough menus to qualify as indoor architecture.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted signup
dataCRM records, chats and files live in Bitrix24's vendor cloud and Drive storage
setup✓ installs clean
the catch vs CloseIts sprawling suite and crowded interface are substantially less focused than Close's compact sales communication workspace.
facts verified 2026-08-10
latest recorded source check 2026-08-10 · check current terms at the source
| tool | license | running it | platforms | stars | active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twenty | AGPL-3.0 | docker to self-host | web, self-hosted | 54,400 | 2026-08 |
| EspoCRM | AGPL-3.0 | docker to self-host | web, self-hosted | 3,200 | 2026-08 |
| Frappe CRM | AGPL-3.0 | self-host, real ops | web, self-hosted | 3,200 | 2026-08 |
| HubSpot Free CRM | proprietary, free | they host it | web, ios, android | — | — |
| Odoo CRM One App Free | proprietary, free | they host it | web | — | — |
| Zoho CRM Free | proprietary, free | they host it | web, ios, android | — | — |
| Freshsales Free | proprietary, free | they host it | web, ios, android | — | — |
| Bitrix24 Free | proprietary, free | they host it | web, ios, android | — | — |
People still pay for Close because CRM value compounds as the system becomes the shared memory of every customer interaction and embeds itself in the rest of the stack. The recurring cost buys deduplication, permissions, imports, sync, enrichment, email capture, automations, backups, and audit history, not just the visible interface. The recorded subscription totals $228 a year before any costs of an alternative.
Questions about these alternatives
Is there a free alternative to Close?
Yes: Twenty, EspoCRM, Frappe CRM and 5 more. These are recorded free or open-source options. Compare their feature limits, licenses, hosting costs and current availability before choosing.
Should I just build my own Close?
Our verdict is NOT REALLY. A consolation build is possible, but the paid product's decisive value sits outside a solo rebuild. For Close, track deals and manually log communication in a focused sales workspace. The hard boundary is built-in email, calling, sms, power dialer, workflows, and sales reliability, plus integrations, data quality, and workflow lock-in. Review the scope, implementation prompt and trade-offs in the Close build guide.
