What Agencies Need from a CRM
- Separate client accounts so data, numbers and automations never mix
- Predictable pricing that does not rise sharply with every client or user
- Fast onboarding through reusable templates
- Built-in messaging (SMS, email, calls) for speed-to-lead services
- Client-facing access and, ideally, white-label branding
- Usage rebilling so messaging costs are passed to clients
Comparison Table
| CRM | Starting price | Client accounts | SMS and calling | White-label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GoHighLevel | $97/mo ($297 for unlimited) | Sub-accounts (3, then unlimited) | Built in | Yes (Agency Pro) |
| Vendasta | $0 + $99/mo minimum spend | Unlimited client accounts | Check plan details | Client portal on higher tiers |
| HubSpot | Per seat ($20/seat Starter list) | Partner tools; no sub-accounts | Calling; SMS via integrations | No |
| ActiveCampaign | Priced by contacts | Separate accounts per client | SMS on some plans | No |
| Keap | From $299/mo (2 users) | One business per account | Check plan details | No |
| SuiteDash | From $19/mo | Client portal | Not a focus | Yes, all plans |
GoHighLevel: flat subscription, usage extra and rebillable. Vendasta: minimum monthly spend with a one-year contract. Per-seat and per-contact tools are not shown because costs depend on team and list size.
1. GoHighLevel: Best Overall for Agencies
GoHighLevel was built around the agency model: one agency account, a sub-account per client, snapshots to copy a proven setup, and flat pricing with unlimited contacts and users. It includes CRM, funnels, SMS, calling, booking, reviews and AI tools, so agencies can deliver complete lead-to-appointment systems. Agency Pro adds SaaS Mode for reselling the platform. The trade-offs are a learning curve and usage fees, which Unlimited and Agency Pro let you rebill. Read the agency guide and full review.
Agency running more than three clients? The Unlimited plan covers every client at one price.
Start Your GoHighLevel Free Trial2. Vendasta: Best for Reselling Products
Vendasta pairs agency CRM and automation with a marketplace of products agencies can resell at wholesale prices. Pricing is a minimum monthly spend ($99, $499 or $999), with one-year contracts on Professional and Premium. It suits agencies building a catalog of resold products. See GoHighLevel vs Vendasta.
3. HubSpot: Best for In-House Reporting
HubSpot is the most mature CRM here, with excellent reporting and integrations. It is priced per seat and does not offer client sub-accounts or resale, so it fits agencies managing their own pipeline better than client delivery. See GoHighLevel vs HubSpot.
4. ActiveCampaign: Best for Email-Led Agencies
Agencies focused on email marketing may prefer ActiveCampaign's automation depth, typically running a separate account per client. See GoHighLevel vs ActiveCampaign.
5. Keap: Best for Single-Business Automation
Keap combines CRM and automation for small businesses, starting at $299 per month with two users. It is better suited to one business than to many clients. See GoHighLevel vs Keap.
6. SuiteDash: Best Budget Client Portal
SuiteDash offers a white-label client portal with CRM, projects and invoicing from $19 per month, with white-labeling on all plans. It is lighter on marketing automation and messaging. See the best white-label CRM guide.
How to Choose
| If you... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Deliver lead generation and follow-up for many local clients | GoHighLevel |
| Want to resell a catalog of third-party products | Vendasta |
| Mainly need to manage your own agency's sales pipeline | HubSpot |
| Run email marketing for clients | ActiveCampaign |
| Need a low-cost branded client portal | SuiteDash |
Frequently Asked Questions
What CRM do most marketing agencies use?
Agencies use a range of CRMs. GoHighLevel is popular with agencies serving local businesses because of client sub-accounts and white-label options, while HubSpot is common for managing an agency's own sales.
What is the best CRM for a small agency?
For agencies with several clients, GoHighLevel Unlimited covers unlimited client accounts at a flat price. Agencies with up to three clients can start on Starter.
Do I need a separate CRM for each client?
Not with GoHighLevel or Vendasta, which manage clients as separate accounts under one agency login.