K. Vanoirbeek
Digitalization Expert
For most Belgian SMEs, HubSpot is the better choice over Salesforce. HubSpot is faster to implement, cheaper to run, and more user-friendly for teams without a technical background. In this article we compare both platforms honestly.
For most Belgian SMEs, HubSpot is the better choice over Salesforce. HubSpot is faster to implement, cheaper to run, and more user-friendly for teams without a technical background. Salesforce is more powerful for large enterprises with complex processes and a dedicated IT department — but that is rarely the reality for a Belgian SME with 5 to 100 employees.
The key difference in one sentence
HubSpot is built for growing businesses that want quick results. Salesforce is built for large organisations that need maximum flexibility and are willing to pay for it — in money and in time.
Comparison on 6 criteria
1. Implementation time
HubSpot: on average 4 weeks from zero to live for a Belgian SME. Salesforce: on average 3 to 9 months for a basic implementation. Salesforce requires a certified Salesforce consultant and an extensive configuration phase.
2. Ease of use
HubSpot consistently scores high on usability in independent reviews (G2, Capterra). Employees without a technical background are productive after half a day of training. Salesforce has a steeper learning curve — more powerful, but also more complex.
3. Price
HubSpot has a free CRM and paid add-ons per Hub. For a team of 5 to 15 salespeople, a full HubSpot Sales Hub Professional setup is realistically budgetable. Salesforce is significantly more expensive for the same scope, especially when you factor in consultancy costs.
Always compare total cost of ownership (TCO): implementation + licence + training + annual maintenance. Salesforce may sometimes appear cheaper on licence costs but is more expensive overall.
When should you choose Salesforce?
Salesforce makes sense if you have more than 250 employees, exceptionally complex sales processes with many custom fields and workflows, or if you have already invested heavily in the Salesforce ecosystem. For 95% of Belgian SMEs, that is not the case.
Conclusion
Choose HubSpot if you want quick results, a user-friendly platform, and no dedicated IT department. Choose Salesforce if you are a large enterprise with complex requirements and the resources to support them.
Still unsure? Take the free DigiTest and discover which platform fits your business best. Or book a no-obligation HubSpot consultation with our team.
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