OCTIS vs SleekFlow vs respond.io vs HubSpot for Hong Kong teams
WhatsApp inbox first, or CRM first? Price, seats and contacts compared.
Last checked · 3 sources
Otty's short answer
If customers reach you on WhatsApp, SleekFlow (Pro from S$209 per month) and respond.io (from US$79 per month) are built around that inbox. If you mainly need a contact database and pipeline, HubSpot has a free CRM for up to 2 users. All three bill by contacts or seats, and WhatsApp message fees are separate, so cost the full stack.
Side by side
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| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | SleekFlow | respond.io | HubSpot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | Not published; 10–30% below your current bill | Pro, S$209 per month | Starter, US$79 per month | Starter, US$7 per seat per month |
| Free plan | 10–30% below your current bill | Free trial, no card | Not published | Free CRM, 2 users |
| Mid plan | Not published; 10–30% below your current bill | Premium, S$419 per month | Growth, US$159 per month | See HubSpot pricing page |
| Billing unit | Included in the one plan | Monthly active contacts | Monthly active contacts | Per seat, per tier |
| Users in entry plan | Your whole team | 3 seats | 5 users | 2 on free |
| WhatsApp message fees | No message-fee meter in the plan | Separate, plus number fee | Separate, paid to Meta | Via integration |
| AI agents for replies | Yes, Otty AI agents do the work | Yes | Not stated on page | Yes, from Starter |
| Workflows on entry plan | Yes, workflow automation built in | Yes, flow builder | Growth and up | Automation in Starter |
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.
Which one fits you
OCTIS · Hong Kong company + OCTIS global plan
Choose OCTIS if you want CRM, sales pipeline, automation and AI agents in one workspace together with your company and accounts.
SleekFlow
Choose SleekFlow if WhatsApp broadcasts, AI replies and a flow builder are the centre of your sales and support, and you can budget per active contact.
respond.io
Choose respond.io if you run several channels, want five users on the entry plan, and prefer to pay for active contacts only.
HubSpot
Choose HubSpot if you need a contact database, pipeline and reports first, and want to start free before adding messaging.
What the table does not show
Why the headline price is not the bill
SleekFlow Pro is S$209 per month (S$2,508 billed yearly) for 500 monthly active contacts and 3 seats. Premium is S$419 per month for 1,000 contacts and 5 seats. respond.io's page shows Starter US$79, Growth US$159 and Advanced US$279 per month, with extra contacts billed per 100. Its structured data shows different numbers, so confirm at checkout. On both, WhatsApp usage is charged on top, and respond.io says Meta bills it.
Inbox tools vs a CRM
SleekFlow and respond.io are conversation platforms: one shared inbox, broadcasts, automations and AI replies. They keep contact records, but their strength is chat. HubSpot is a CRM first. Its free tier covers contacts, deals and basic reports for up to 2 users and 1,000 contacts, and paid tiers add automation and messaging. Many Hong Kong teams use a chat tool for WhatsApp and a CRM for pipeline, then sync the two.
Checks before you sign
Confirm the currency on the invoice: SleekFlow's page we read showed Singapore dollars and a currency selector. Ask how contacts are counted, what happens when you exceed the plan, and whether a WhatsApp Business API number fee applies. Check that your chosen tool exports contacts and chats, so you can move later. If you handle personal data of customers, read the vendor's data-protection terms.
Where OCTIS fits
OCTIS comes with a built-in CRM for contacts, deals and follow-ups, alongside incorporation, company secretary, bookkeeping, profits tax and audit by a Hong Kong CPA practice. If your WhatsApp inbox tool stays, your books still need doing. Send us what you pay for accounting and we come in 10–30% off it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SleekFlow and respond.io?
Both are WhatsApp-first inboxes billed by monthly active contacts. SleekFlow lists Pro at S$209 with 3 seats and 500 contacts. respond.io lists Starter at US$79 with 5 users. Features such as AI agents and workflows are packaged differently, so match them to your use case.
Is HubSpot free for Hong Kong businesses?
HubSpot's free CRM costs US$0 for up to 2 users and 1,000 contacts, with no time limit. Starter, Professional and Enterprise tiers add automation, AI and support and are billed in US dollars.
Do I pay WhatsApp fees separately?
Yes. respond.io states that WhatsApp fees are not included in any subscription and are billed by Meta. SleekFlow also lists WhatsApp channel pricing and number hosting fees separately from plans.
Can I use HubSpot with SleekFlow?
SleekFlow lists a HubSpot integration on its Premium plan. Many teams keep deals in HubSpot and run conversations in SleekFlow.
Which is best for a small Hong Kong shop or agency?
If most leads arrive on WhatsApp, start with SleekFlow or respond.io. If you work by email and calls, start with HubSpot's free CRM. Test with a trial and real chats before committing to a year.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.