They are completely different in terms of how you use them, but essentially hold baby in the same position.

The HAB is a long piece of stretchy wrap. You can buy very similar material at Spolight and make your own, much cheaper.

The Close comes in two seperate pieces, one part slides over your head, the other then wraps around baby for extra support. The Close never touches the floor (one of my irrks when out and about with a little baby), but a wrap will. I have heard that sometimes people put the HAB on before they leave the house, but if you need to change nappy etc you need to take the whole thing off and wrap it up again. The Close you don't.

I have had both and would recommend the Close over the HAB, especially for a first time babywearer