# Best Marketo Alternatives Worth Evaluating in 2026 Platforms that can replace Marketo in B2B marketing automation. - **Source:** [HubSpot Blog](https://blog.hubspot.com) - **Published:** 2026-08-26 - **Topic:** [Marketing](https://brifing.si/c/marketing) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4ffdfa30-1b69-45d0-9a2d-8be9a321e163 ## The Rise and Fall of Marketo Adobe Marketo Engage has long been the go-to tool for enterprise demand generation teams. However, in recent years, marketing operations leaders have begun questioning whether Marketo is truly the best tool. By 2026, nearly half of marketers are using automation to make their processes more efficient. This has intensified competition among platforms. ## Why Are Teams Moving Away from Marketo? Marketo's high total cost of ownership, steep learning curve, and lack of data integrity between marketing and sales are driving teams to alternatives. Additionally, Marketo's implementation processes often take three to six months, which is too long for companies. ## HubSpot Marketing Hub + Smart CRM HubSpot stands out as the most comprehensive alternative to Marketo. It offers a unified CRM and marketing automation system, eliminating data silos. HubSpot's visual workflow builder can be used by marketing teams without technical expertise. These features provide a significant advantage over Marketo's complex integration layer. ## Salesforce Marketing Cloud Account Engagement For Salesforce customers, Salesforce Marketing Cloud Account Engagement (Pardot) offers native synchronization with Salesforce. However, it has limited use outside the Salesforce ecosystem. This platform can be a suitable option for Salesforce customers. ## Oracle Eloqua Oracle Eloqua is designed for large enterprises and complex multi-touch programs. It offers advanced segmentation and account-based marketing (ABM) features. However, the implementation process can be complex and costly. ## ActiveCampaign ActiveCampaign is an ideal option for SMBs and mid-market teams. It offers email automation and CRM features. However, it is considered a lighter platform in terms of enterprise features. ## Zoho Marketing Automation Zoho Marketing Automation is a suitable option for budget-conscious teams within the Zoho ecosystem. It offers email, landing pages, and lead scoring features. However, it has limited use outside the Zoho ecosystem. ## Microsoft Dynamics 365 Marketing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Marketing is designed for organizations within the Microsoft ecosystem. It offers features like event marketing and B2B journeys. However, it is known for complex licensing and IT-heavy implementation processes. ## Mailchimp Mailchimp is an ideal option for small teams and early-stage companies. It offers email and automation features. However, it is not suitable for complex B2B demand generation needs. ## The Importance of AI Features AI features of Marketo alternatives stand out in areas like predictive scoring, content generation, send-time optimization, and analytics insights. These features are shaping the future of marketing automation. ## Choosing the Right Platform When evaluating Marketo alternatives, team size, tech stack, and use cases should be considered. AI features also play a crucial role in the decision-making process. ## Conclusion and Recommendations Platforms that can replace Marketo vary according to different needs. Platforms like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Oracle offer suitable solutions for different teams. Choosing the right platform will determine the future of marketing automation. ## Sources covering this story - https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/marketo-alternatives — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._