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ActiveCampaign vs Phorest

Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.

Email marketing + automation + CRM.

Salon software and marketing.

The verdict

Both ActiveCampaign and Phorest are credible marketing automation tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.

Choose ActiveCampaign if you want a lower starting price (from $15/mo) and a longer free trial (14 days). Email marketing + automation + CRM.

Choose Phorest if you'd rather have a higher overall rating (4.7/5). Salon software and marketing.

ActiveCampaign vs Phorest: side by side

DimensionActiveCampaignPhorest
Starting priceFrom $15/moWinnerCustom
Free planNoNo
Free trial14 daysWinner
Pricing modelSubscriptionSubscription
Best forSmb, MarketersSalons, Spas
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, ApiWeb, Ios, Android
Rating4.5/54.7/5Winner

ActiveCampaign key facts

Vendor
ActiveCampaign
Pricing
Subscription — From $15/mo
Free tier
Free trial (14 days)
Platforms
Web, Ios, Android, Api
Best for
Smb, Marketers
Editor rating
4.5 / 5
Founded
2003
Headquarters
Chicago, IL, USA

Phorest key facts

Vendor
Phorest
Pricing
Subscription — Custom
Free tier
No
Platforms
Web, Ios, Android
Best for
Salons, Spas
Editor rating
4.7 / 5
Founded
2004
Headquarters
Dublin, Ireland

Frequently asked questions

Is ActiveCampaign better than Phorest?

Neither is universally better — Phorest edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.

Is ActiveCampaign or Phorest cheaper?

ActiveCampaign is the more affordable of the two to get started, at from $15/mo. ActiveCampaign starts at from $15/mo; Phorest starts at custom.

Can ActiveCampaign replace Phorest?

Yes for most teams — both are marketing automation tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.