Close vs SAP Sales Cloud: Which CRM is right for you?
A 2026 head-to-head on pricing, features, and which team each is built for.
The short answer
Close is inside sales crm built for high-velocity inside sales and SDR teams focused on calling, starting from ~$9/user/mo. SAP Sales Cloud is enterprise crm for large enterprises already running SAP ERP or SAP business applications, starting contact sales. Choose Close for inside sales crm needs; choose SAP Sales Cloud if enterprise crm is a better match for your team.
Close vs SAP Sales Cloud: at a glance
| Detail | Close | SAP Sales Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Inside sales CRM | Enterprise CRM |
| Starting price | from ~$9/user/mo | contact sales |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Best for | High-velocity inside sales and SDR teams focused on calling. | large enterprises already running SAP ERP or SAP business applications. |
| Our rating | ★ 4.4 / 5 | ★ 4.1 / 5 |
| Standout feature | Built-in power dialer, SMS, and email sequences. | Native alignment with SAP’s enterprise and lead-to-cash ecosystem. |
| Founded | 2013 | 1972 |
| Headquarters | Remote / USA | Walldorf, Germany |
Prices are indicative 2026 list prices; always confirm with the vendor directly.
What is Close?
Close is a CRM designed around outbound activity. Calling, SMS, and email are built into the core product alongside power-dialing and sequences, so reps can prospect and follow up without bolting on extra tools.
Best for: High-velocity inside sales and SDR teams focused on calling.
What is SAP Sales Cloud?
SAP Sales Cloud is SAP’s AI-assisted sales CRM for lead, opportunity, forecast, account, and field-sales management. It connects customer-facing work with SAP’s broader enterprise application and data ecosystem.
Best for: large enterprises already running SAP ERP or SAP business applications.
Key features compared
| Close | SAP Sales Cloud |
|---|---|
| Built-in calling and power dialer | AI-assisted guided selling |
| SMS and email sequencing | Pipeline and forecast intelligence |
| Activity and outreach reporting | Field-sales and territory management |
| Predictable, sales-focused pipeline | SAP ERP integration |
| Strong API for automation | — |
Pros and cons: Close
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Best-in-class built-in communication tools | ✘ Higher per-seat cost |
| ✔ Boosts rep outreach volume | ✘ No marketing or service modules |
| ✔ Clean, fast, sales-only interface | ✘ Annual billing for best pricing |
Pros and cons: SAP Sales Cloud
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Strong SAP ecosystem fit | ✘ Complex implementation |
| ✔ Enterprise scale and governance | ✘ Quote-based total cost |
| ✔ Sophisticated forecasting | ✘ Too heavy for most SMBs |
Which should you choose?
Choose Close if you are high-velocity inside sales and SDR teams focused on calling.
Choose SAP Sales Cloud if you are large enterprises already running SAP ERP or SAP business applications.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Close and SAP Sales Cloud?
Close is inside sales crm best for high-velocity inside sales and SDR teams focused on calling. Its standout is built-in power dialer, SMS, and email sequences.. SAP Sales Cloud is enterprise crm best for large enterprises already running SAP ERP or SAP business applications. Its standout is native alignment with SAP’s enterprise and lead-to-cash ecosystem..
Is Close better than SAP Sales Cloud?
Neither is universally better — it depends on your use case. Close is the stronger choice for high-velocity inside sales and SDR teams focused on calling. SAP Sales Cloud is a better fit for large enterprises already running SAP ERP or SAP business applications.
Which is cheaper, Close or SAP Sales Cloud?
Close starts from ~$9/user/mo. SAP Sales Cloud starts contact sales.
Does Close or SAP Sales Cloud have a free plan?
Close does not offer a permanent free plan. SAP Sales Cloud does not offer a permanent free plan.