Kommo vs Close CRM: Which to Choose for Your Sales Team
Short answer: Close, if your sales are built on cold calling and email outreach, especially in the US. Kommo, if clients write to you first in WhatsApp, Telegram, or Instagram, and messengers are the primary communication channel.
This is not a matter of one CRM being “better” or “worse.” These are two different tools for two different motions. Below is the specifics on each parameter.
Quick Comparison
| Parameter | Kommo | Close CRM |
|---|---|---|
| Sales model | Inbound, messenger-first | Outbound, call-first |
| Built-in calling | Only via VoIP integration | Power Dialer + Predictive Dialer natively |
| Messengers | WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, VK | No native messengers |
| SMS | Via integration (Twilio, etc.) | Built-in SMS |
| Email sequences | Digital Pipeline (with conditions) | Built-in sequences |
| Automation | Digital Pipeline (bot logic) | Smart Views + automatic actions |
| Price (Growth) | $25/user/month | $99/user/month |
| Market focus | EU, CIS, Latin America | US, Canada |
| Minimum team | 1 user | 1 user |
Calling: Close Wins Decisively
Close is built around calls. The Power Dialer automatically dials the next number in the queue — an SDR can make 80–100 calls per day without manual dialing. The Predictive Dialer (Scale) connects the call to the SDR only after the client answers. All recordings go into the CRM automatically. Coaching: the manager listens to the call live and can whisper prompts to the SDR.
Kommo has no native calling. Calls are made via Aircall, RingCentral, Twilio — the integrations work, but there is additional cost and complexity. For teams making 20+ calls per day, Kommo + Aircall has a higher TCO than Close.
Conclusion: if calls are the primary channel, choose Close. If calls are an occasional follow-up after a messenger conversation, Kommo + VoIP integration is the right choice.
Messengers: Kommo Is Unmatched
Kommo is the only CRM where WhatsApp Business API, Telegram, Instagram DM, Facebook Messenger, and VK are natively integrated directly into the deal card. A client writes in WhatsApp -> a lead is created automatically, the conversation is in the deal timeline. Digital Pipeline allows a 24/7 bot response: qualify leads, request an email, schedule a meeting — without manager involvement.
Close does not support messengers. WhatsApp can be connected via Zapier or a custom integration — but this is not a native experience. If your primary channel is WhatsApp Business API, Close is not your tool.
Conclusion: for messenger-first sales, Kommo has no competitors in this price range.
Pricing: Kommo Is 3–4x Cheaper
Kommo (per user/month, as of Q2 2026):
— Base: $15
— Advanced: $25
— Enterprise: $45
Close (per user/month):
— Essentials: $29 (no power dialer)
— Growth: $99
— Scale: $139
A team of 5 SDRs on Close Growth: $495/month. The same team on Kommo Advanced: $125/month. The difference is $4,440/year. Add Aircall for calling with Kommo ($75/month for 5 people) — total $925/month vs $495. If calling matters, Close becomes comparable in price.
For 1–2 people without intensive calling, Kommo is significantly cheaper.
Automation: Different Philosophies
Close Smart Views — dynamic filters: “deals with no activity for 3 days” automatically appear in the right view. Sequences — email automation with personalization. Automatic Actions: on status change — assign a task, send an email.
Kommo Digital Pipeline — a visual automation builder with bot logic: conditions, branching, triggers on messages, timers. You can build a pipeline where the client goes through qualification via a chat bot before reaching a manager.
Conclusion: Close is better for email sequences in outbound. Kommo is better for messenger automation and chatbots.
Email: Roughly Equal
Both support two-way email sync (Gmail, Outlook). Close has native Email Sequences — multi-step chains with open and click tracking. Kommo sends email from the deal card; integration with email marketing services is via Customer.io or Mailchimp.
For outbound email outreach, Close is more convenient — sequences are built in. For onboarding email campaigns after closing a deal — both require integration with an email platform.
Reporting and Analytics
Close: built-in activity analytics (calls, email, SMS per SDR), pipeline, forecast. Well-suited for outbound KPIs.
Kommo: pipeline and activity analytics. Detailed reporting requires BI integration (Power BI, Looker) or a specialized tool. For a unified view of marketing + sales — Prooflytics as a Kommo add-on.
When to Choose Kommo
- Primary inbound channel is WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram
- EU/CIS/Latin America market — messengers dominate over email there
- A chatbot is needed for initial lead qualification
- Team of 1–10 people with a limited budget
- Mixed sales: inbound via messengers + cold outreach via VoIP
When to Choose Close
- SDR model: high-volume cold calling (50+ per day per SDR)
- US/Canada market — clients respond to calls and email, not messengers
- Email sequences as the primary outreach tool
- Built-in call coaching is needed
- Team of 5+ SDRs requiring a unified calling tool
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you migrate from Kommo to Close?
Technically — yes: CSV export from Kommo, import into Close. Contacts, companies, and deals transfer. Activity history (calls, chats) — partially: Close imports notes, but not call recordings from other systems. If history matters, it is better to keep it in an archival access in parallel.
Does Close support a Russian-language interface?
No. Close is English-only. Kommo is fully localized in Russian and adapted for the CIS market.
Does Close have an API for custom integrations?
Yes. Close REST API is one of the best among CRM systems: full documentation, webhook support, Python/Node SDK. For custom integrations, Close is comparable to Kommo in API flexibility.
Kommo vs Close for an international business from the CIS?
For companies working in the European or American market, Kommo is more convenient: recognized in the EU, supports European messengers. Close is perceived as a US tool. If clients are American companies with an SDR-based buying process, Close makes more sense.
Does Kommo have a Power Dialer equivalent?
No native one. Via integrations: Aircall, RingCentral, Kixie have Power Dialers and integrate with Kommo. Functionally comparable to Close Growth, but more expensive in total cost of ownership.
Summary
- Close = outbound + US market + high-volume calling + email sequences
- Kommo = inbound + EU/LatAm + messengers + chatbots + budget 3–4x lower
- Neither is “better” — choose based on your sales motion, not feature lists
- With a mixed motion (messengers + calls): Kommo + VoIP integration generally comes out cheaper
If you are evaluating a move between these CRMs or choosing your first one — describe your motion and team structure. Exceltic.dev will help with assessment and setup.