GoHighLevel vs ActiveCampaign (2025): Automation Showdown for Agencies and Business Owners
Compare GoHighLevel vs ActiveCampaign in 2025 across pricing, CRM features, automation, and white-label options. See which platform works best for agencies, businesses, and SaaS-mode resellers.
TL;DR
| Feature | GoHighLevel | ActiveCampaign |
|---|---|---|
| CRM + Email + SMS + Funnels | ✅ All-in-one | ✅ CRM + Email (No funnel builder) |
| Automation Builder | ✅ Visual, multi-channel workflows | ✅ Advanced, email-focused |
| AI Agents (Chat + Voice) | ✅ Built-in Voice/Chat AI Agents | ⚠️ Predictive scoring only |
| White-Label SaaS Mode | ✅ Full agency + mobile app branding | ❌ Not supported |
| Pricing | Flat $97–$297/mo + unlimited users | Contact-based, starts ~$39/mo |
➡️ Learn more about GoHighLevel
Who Should Use Each Platform?
| Use Case | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Small Business CRM | ActiveCampaign | Great email deliverability, lower cost for small lists |
| Agency Client Mgmt | GoHighLevel | Unlimited subaccounts, reporting dashboards, mobile app |
| AI + Automation at Scale | GoHighLevel | Native AI agents, workflows, SMS, reviews, email & voice |
| White-Label SaaS | GoHighLevel | Full SaaS-mode, client branding, snapshot resell |
GoHighLevel Overview (For Agencies, SaaS, and Scaling)
- CRM, pipelines, calendar, email, SMS, calling
- Visual workflow automation builder (multi-channel)
- Built-in Voice AI for inbound/outbound calls
- AI chat agents, smart reviews, follow-ups
- Unlimited subaccounts, contacts and users
- Snapshot feature for reselling custom SaaS offers
- White-label branding (web app, mobile app, login portal)
- Flat pricing: $97/mo (starter), $297/mo (unlimited), SaaS mode add-ons available
ActiveCampaign Overview (For SMBs and Email-Heavy Workflows)
- Powerful email automation and segmentation
- Good CRM pipeline tools
- Site tracking, tagging, lead scoring
- Native integrations with ecommerce, Zapier, etc.
- Predictive AI for lead scoring (no voice/chat AI)
- Contact-based pricing:
- Lite: ~$39/month (1,000 contacts)
- Plus/Professional: $70–187+/month
- Enterprise: ~$255+/month
🚫 No native funnel builder, no white-labeling
Automation Comparison
| Feature | GoHighLevel | ActiveCampaign |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Workflow Builder | ✅ Drag & drop, all channels | ✅ Advanced email flows |
| SMS & Voice Triggers | ✅ Native | ⚠️ 3rd-party integrations |
| AI Call Follow-ups | ✅ Built-in | ❌ Not supported |
| Predictive Lead Scoring | ⚠️ Planned | ✅ Available |
| Website Chat Automation | ✅ AI Chat + Form Logic | ⚠️ 3rd-party widget |
➡️ Learn more about GoHighLevel
CRM and Contact Management
Both platforms offer pipeline views, task assignment, and basic contact tracking.
GoHighLevel includes:
- Unlimited users + contacts
- Task automation and pipeline triggers
- Appointment booking integration
- AI note summaries from call/chat
ActiveCampaign:
- Strong tagging and segmentation
- Limited user seats based on plan
- Lead scoring + engagement tracking
- Lacks calendar automation and funnel tracking
Funnel & Landing Page Tools
| Feature | GoHighLevel | ActiveCampaign |
|---|---|---|
| Funnel Builder | ✅ Native, drag & drop | ❌ Not included |
| Split Testing | ✅ Pages & emails | ✅ Emails only |
| Website Chat Forms | ✅ Smart Forms | ⚠️ Basic web forms |
| Calendar Booking | ✅ Integrated | ⚠️ 3rd-party integration |
AI & Smart Automation Capabilities
GoHighLevel:
- Voice AI (answering, outbound, missed call text-back)
- Chat AI (auto-reply, review generation, booking)
- Reviews AI: responds to customer reviews in tone
- Content AI: AI email, SMS and funnel copy generator
- Conversation AI: AI-managed DMs and lead qualification
ActiveCampaign:
- Predictive scoring
- AI-generated email subject lines
- No AI agents, voice or chatbot features natively
Pricing Breakdown
| Contacts/Use Case | GoHighLevel | ActiveCampaign |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 contacts | $97/mo (all features) | ~$39/mo (Lite) |
| 10,000+ contacts | $297/mo (unlimited clients) | ~$300–400+/mo (Pro) |
| White-label SaaS Mode | ✅ $497–697 add-ons | ❌ Not supported |
GHL remains predictable and flat-rate even for large agencies. ActiveCampaign scales up quickly per contact and per user.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
| You Are... | Pick This Platform |
|---|---|
| A small biz needing email automation | ActiveCampaign |
| An agency managing client campaigns | GoHighLevel |
| A SaaS entrepreneur reselling services | GoHighLevel |
| A marketer scaling workflows w/ AI | GoHighLevel |
FAQs
Is ActiveCampaign easier to set up than GoHighLevel?
Yes, if you’re only focused on email automation. GoHighLevel has more features, which adds a slight learning curve.
Can I run an agency on ActiveCampaign?
Only by creating multiple accounts and managing via workarounds. No subaccounts or client dashboards.
Does GoHighLevel include AI tools?
Yes, native Voice AI, AI chat, and review AI are included in most plans.
Can I white-label ActiveCampaign?
No. GoHighLevel offers full white-label SaaS setup.