HubSpot Service Hub vs Podium
Converge Team
Side-by-side comparison for 2026
| Feature | HubSpot Service Hub | Podium |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From $90/seat/mo | From $399/mo |
| Best For | Mid to large enterprises already using HubSpot's ecosystem who need comprehensive customer service management with deep CRM integration | Local businesses needing integrated messaging and payments |
| Standout Feature | Deep integration with HubSpot's full marketing, sales, and service ecosystem provides unmatched customer lifecycle visibility | Integrated payment collection through messaging |
| Free Plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| G2 Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.3 |
HubSpot Service Hub and Podium serve different aspects of customer communication. HubSpot provides comprehensive service management with CRM integration, while Podium focuses on local business messaging and review management.
The choice between them depends on whether you need enterprise-grade service tools or specialized local business communication features.
Feature Comparison
HubSpot Service Hub offers ticketing, knowledge base, live chat, customer feedback tools, and deep CRM integration. Their platform excels at managing complex customer journeys and providing detailed service analytics.
Podium specializes in text messaging for local businesses, review management, payment collection via text, and website chat widgets. Their strength is simplifying customer communication for service-based businesses like automotive, healthcare, and retail.
HubSpot suits businesses needing comprehensive service management, while Podium is ideal for local businesses wanting to leverage text messaging for customer engagement.
Pricing Comparison
HubSpot Service Hub starts free with basic features, scaling to $130 per agent monthly for advanced capabilities. The free tier includes basic ticketing and live chat, making it accessible for small teams.
Podium starts at $89 monthly with custom pricing for larger businesses. Their pricing includes text messaging, review management, and payment features, but costs can increase with message volume and additional locations.
HubSpot offers better value for teams needing comprehensive service tools, while Podium's pricing makes sense for local businesses focused on text-based customer communication.
HubSpot Service Hub
Pros
- ✓ Seamless integration with HubSpot CRM and marketing tools
- ✓ Comprehensive automation and workflow capabilities
- ✓ Robust reporting and analytics features
Cons
- ✗ Expensive per-agent pricing model can become costly
- ✗ Complex setup and learning curve for new users
- ✗ Many advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans
Podium
Pros
- ✓ Strong local business focus
- ✓ Integrated payment processing
- ✓ Comprehensive review management
Cons
- ✗ Expensive pricing structure
- ✗ Limited international messaging
- ✗ Complex setup process
Verdict
Choose HubSpot Service Hub if you need comprehensive service management with CRM integration and can utilize their free tier. Choose Podium if you're a local business prioritizing text messaging and review management.
Choose HubSpot Service Hub if: You need comprehensive service management, CRM integration, or can start with their free tier and scale up.
Choose Podium if: You're a local business prioritizing text messaging, review management, and payment collection through customer communication.
Consider Converge at $49/month flat rate if you need essential customer support features without per-agent fees or complex pricing tiers.
Looking for more options? Browse all 750+ platform comparisons, or see all HubSpot Service Hub comparisons and all Podium comparisons.