Choosing between GoHighLevel and ActiveCampaign can be confusing — especially if you run an agency or manage client leads.
Both platforms are powerful, but they’re designed with very different priorities.
Try GoHighLevel free for 14 days here (affiliate link)
In this comparison, I’ll break down HighLevel vs ActiveCampaign across CRM, automation, email, SMS, pricing, and agency use cases so you can choose confidently.
Quick Overview: HighLevel vs ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign is an email-first automation platform.
HighLevel is a CRM-first all-in-one platform for agencies.
That distinction changes everything.
CRM & Lead Management
ActiveCampaign
- Contact-based system
- No true sales pipelines
- CRM features feel secondary
HighLevel
- Full visual CRM pipelines
- Lead stages & deal tracking
- Built for managing clients
If you manage leads, deals, or clients, HighLevel is significantly stronger.
Try GoHighLevel free for 14 days here (affiliate link)
Email Marketing & Automation
ActiveCampaign (Strong Here)
✔ Advanced email segmentation
✔ Powerful automation logic
✔ Excellent deliverability
HighLevel
✔ Email automation included
✔ CRM-triggered workflows
✔ Built for follow-up, not newsletters
If your business is email-only, ActiveCampaign shines.
If email is part of a sales system, HighLevel wins.
SMS & Multi-Channel Automation
This is where HighLevel clearly pulls ahead.
ActiveCampaign
❌ No native SMS
❌ Requires third-party tools
❌ Extra cost & complexity
HighLevel
✅ Native SMS
✅ Email + SMS workflows
✅ Missed-call text back
Agencies rely on SMS — HighLevel was built for it.
Funnel & Landing Page Builder
ActiveCampaign
- No funnel builder
- Requires integrations
HighLevel
- Funnels included
- Landing pages included
- CRM-connected forms
HighLevel replaces ClickFunnels and ActiveCampaign for many agencies.
Pricing Comparison (Real Cost)
ActiveCampaign Pricing
- Starts ~$49/month
- Gets expensive fast with contacts
- SMS requires third-party tools
💸 Real agency cost: $150–$300+/month
HighLevel Pricing
- Starter: ~$97/month
- Agency Unlimited: ~$297/month
- Includes CRM, email, SMS, funnels
Try GoHighLevel free for 14 days here (affiliate link)
Who Should Use ActiveCampaign?
ActiveCampaign is a good fit if you:
- Run email-heavy campaigns
- Don’t need SMS
- Don’t manage sales pipelines
Who Should Use HighLevel?
HighLevel is ideal if you:
- Run a marketing agency
- Manage inbound leads
- Need SMS + email automation
- Want one platform instead of many
This is why agencies often switch from ActiveCampaign to HighLevel.
Final Verdict: HighLevel vs ActiveCampaign
Winner for agencies: GoHighLevel
ActiveCampaign is excellent at email.
HighLevel is excellent at running an agency.
