# CDP vs CRM vs DMP: What to Choose in 2026
CDP vs CRM vs DMP: What to Choose in 2026
Understand the differences between CDP, CRM, and DMP so you pick the right data layer.
Quick Picks
- Segment (CDP): Best event collection and routing
- HubSpot CRM: Best all-in-one CRM for growth teams
- Adobe Audience Manager: Classic DMP for ad audiences
Pricing Snapshot
| Tool | Entry | Mid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Segment | Free; $120+/mo | Tracks events and sends to 200+ tools | |
| HubSpot | Free; $45+ | CRM, marketing, sales hubs | |
| Adobe Audience Manager | Enterprise | Third-party audience building |
What to Look For
- Real-time event capture and identity resolution (CDP)
- Contact/company records, pipelines, and comms (CRM)
- Third-party audience building and activation (DMP)
- Privacy, consent, and data governance
Tool Notes
Segment
- Great for event collection and routing
- Strong identity resolution and warehouses
- Fits as your CDP layer
HubSpot CRM
- Contact management plus marketing/sales hubs
- Good automation and reporting
- Great default CRM for growth teams
Adobe Audience Manager
- Ad-focused DMP for audience segments
- Built for large advertisers
- Less relevant as cookies fade; consider CDP shift
Final Recommendation
Pick the option that matches your stack, team size, and compliance needs. Start with one tool, measure outcomes, and upgrade only when you hit the limits.
Try the leaders: Segment (CDP) | HubSpot CRM | Adobe Audience Manager
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