When running a small business, getting the word out about your product or service is key. One of the best ways to do that is by using marketing tools that can help you track your customers, send emails, and manage your campaigns. Two popular tools are HubSpot vs Marketo. But which one is better in 2026?
In this article, we’ll compare HubSpot and Marketo to help you decide which tool will give you the best return on investment (ROI) for your marketing campaigns. We’ll also look at alternatives like Pardot vs. Marketo vs. HubSpot and how they compare.

What is HubSpot?
HubSpot is a marketing tool that helps businesses attract and engage customers. It’s easy to use and perfect for small to medium-sized businesses. HubSpot lets you manage everything in one place, from email marketing to social media, and it helps you track leads (people who may become customers).
What is Marketo?
Marketo is another marketing tool, but it’s a bit more advanced and is used mostly by larger businesses. It helps you manage things like email marketing, lead management, and sales automation. Marketo is known for its ability to handle complex marketing campaigns.
Conclusion
When comparing HubSpot vs. Marketo, the choice comes down to business size, complexity, and budget:
- HubSpot is great for small to medium businesses that want an affordable, user-friendly platform with great ROI.
 
- Marketo is perfect for large businesses that need advanced features and can afford a more complex system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between HubSpot and Marketo?
HubSpot is simple and great for small businesses. Marketo is more powerful but better for big companies with larger teams.
2. Is HubSpot free?
Yes, HubSpot has a free plan that includes tools like email, forms, and customer tracking.
3. Is Marketo free?
No. Marketo does not have a free plan. It’s a paid tool, usually used by bigger businesses.
4. Which one is easier to use, HubSpot vs Marketo?
HubSpot is easier and quicker to learn. Marketo has more features but takes more time to understand.
5. Can HubSpot help with social media?
Yes. HubSpot lets you schedule posts, track results, and manage your social media accounts.
6. Does Marketo have email marketing?
Yes. Marketo has strong email tools, but they are more advanced and harder to set up than HubSpot.
7. Which is better for small businesses?
HubSpot is the better choice for small businesses because it’s easier, cheaper, and even has a free version.
8. Can HubSpot connect with other apps?
Yes. HubSpot works with many apps like Google Analytics, Salesforce, and Slack.
9. What is Marketo best at?
Marketo is best at handling lots of leads (possible customers), scoring them, and helping big teams manage complex campaigns.
10. Which tool gives better ROI, HubSpot or Marketo?
For small businesses, HubSpot usually gives better ROI because it’s affordable and easy. For large businesses, Marketo can give great ROI but needs more money and training.





