# 10 Best CRM Software for Small Businesses 2026 | Capterra > Find and compare the 2026 best CRM software for small businesses, using our interactive tool to quickly narrow your choices based on businesses like yours. Source: https://www.capterra.com/customer-relationship-management-software/s/small-businesses --- # Best CRM Software for Small Businesses in 2025 Last updated on July 15, 2025 Written by [Giorgia Pisano](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/giorgia-pisano/) Writer Edited by [Mehar Luthra](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/mehar-luthra/) Editor Need help? Tell us your requirements and get a personalized shortlist of the best software. Given their limited resources, small and midsize businesses (SMBs) need cost-effective CRM systems that are fast to set up and easy to use so they can manage more deals with limited resources. [CRM software](https://www.capterra.com/customer-relationship-management-software/) stores client information, tracks customer interactions, and automates marketing and sales processes, allowing SMBs to better manage relationships with customers and prospects. To help you find the right CRM system for your small business, we analyzed more than 20,600 reviews from the past two years submitted by verified users working at SMBs to identify the most important features and benefits.[\[1\]](#footnotes) ## 10 best CRM software for small businesses [ Zoho CRM ](#2143ac98-b65c-4bb1-ae6b-a6d200b7a22f) Highly rated for Value for Money 4.3 (6970) [ Salesforce Sales Cloud ](#8c7f8bf5-dbf6-47ee-9df7-a6d200b64092) Highest Rated 4.4 (18773) [ ActiveCampaign ](#26796e10-bfab-4198-ba2d-a6d200b29051) Highly rated for Sales Pipeline Management 4.6 (2561) [ Bitrix24 ](#d4f9fc76-9ea5-40e1-99c4-a6d200b2e0b3) Highly rated for Lead Management 4.2 (988) [ Pipedrive ](#5e920137-d0ff-4230-9579-a6d200b5b240) Highly rated for Ease of Use 4.5 (3045) [ Odoo ](#49a68156-7e55-465d-bce6-a816004f00fd) Highly rated for Interaction Tracking 4.2 (1300) [ HubSpot CRM ](#f1a11c4a-87bf-4bca-9f05-a6d200b46712) Highly rated for Contact Management 4.5 (4457) [ Dynamics 365 ](#60cddbf1-a0da-4ce5-9679-a6e8007f8787) Highly rated for Functionality 4.4 (5817) [ Act! ](#5394778a-b40c-41ca-9180-a6d200b29051) Highly rated for Customer Support 3.9 (891) [ Keap ](#cae7adb2-fbca-493d-bb88-a6d200b48f17) Highly rated for Activity Dashboard 4.1 (1298) [Explore our full CRM solutions](https://www.capterra.com/customer-relationship-management-software/) ### How we picked the software on this list All the tools listed below are featured in the [2024 Capterra Shortlist for CRM](https://www.capterra.com/customer-relationship-management-software/shortlist/). These tools have received more than 20 reviews in the past two years, with ratings consistently above 4.5. Our analysis of thousands of user reviews highlights key insights about user experiences with these platforms, offering valuable feedback on functionality, ease of use, customer support, and value for money. * * * [4.4 (18773)](https://www.capterra.com/p/61368/Salesforce/reviews/) Highest Rated Highest Rated Starting Price: $25.00 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Sales Pipeline Management Based on 506 reviews User rating: 55% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Salesforce Sales Cloud is a comprehensive CRM with several AI-powered features. It supports businesses in several industries and helps manage contacts, gain insights from sales data, and predict future sales. Features include automatic email and engagement capture, customizable workflows, and integrations with many ERPs. According to our analysis of ratings and reviews for popular products from the past two years, Salesforce Sales Cloud is the highest-rated CRM tool by users. This software has received 18,686 reviews and a verified user rating of 4.4/5. Features Features reviewers most value **Activity dashboard** Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.7 out of 5. They appreciate Salesforce Sales Cloud's activity dashboard for its dynamic, graphical, and customizable nature. They find it easy to interpret and useful for displaying key metrics like active leads, follow-ups, and sales records. Users report that it updates frequently, sometimes immediately, and provides a comprehensive overview of sales opportunities and pipeline. They say it helps track and manage activities, prioritize tasks, and maintain organization. They also highlight its ease of use and the ability to present information clearly without editing. **Performance metrics** Users report that Salesforce Sales Cloud's performance metrics are valuable for tracking and evaluating productivity; they rate the feature 4.5 out of 5. They indicate that it helps in monitoring sales team performance, prioritizing leads, and planning resources. Reviewers feel that the metrics are easy to understand and useful for weekly meetings. They say it provides real-time data, historical analysis, and constructive feedback opportunities. They find it efficient for measuring key performance indicators (KPIs) and enhancing overall team success. **Call logging** Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.4 out of 5. They highlight Salesforce Sales Cloud's call logging as an important aspect for managing account histories and improving communication. They find it easy to use and helpful for tracking performance and maintaining consistency in follow-ups. Users report that it enhances visibility across the platform and aids in keeping updates on multiple accounts. They say it improves productivity and accuracy, although some mention occasional crashes. Overall, they appreciate its role in streamlining workflows and ensuring effective customer interactions. Pros & Cons AW Andrew W. Health, Wellness and Fitness, 51-200 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "The best thing about Salesforce Sales Cloud as a salesperson is the ability to neatly and conveniently organize my book of business for success and growth!" ka khyan a. Computer Software, 1,001-5,000 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "You can customise workflows, reporting, and dashboards to fit almost any sales process, and it integrates well with other tools. Once it’s set up properly, it becomes a very powerful system for managing pipelines, tracking activity, and giving leadership clear visibility over the sales process." JF Jennsy Suyapa F. Writing and Editing, 51-200 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "There is no duplicate message if the information is entered twice so can easily confuse during a call or resolving a ticket where you only have minutes to solve a client issue, we had moments when the system was down during peak season and that was very frustrating ." Nathaniel C. Computer & Network Security, 201-500 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Admin-level customization often requires technical expertise or certified support, which adds cost and dependency." Pricing Salesforce offers a range of pricing plans, including a dedicated section for small to mid-sized businesses. There's no free plan, but the ‘Solutions for SMBs’ plan starts at $25 per user, per month for the Starter Suite, which offers lead, account, contact, and opportunity management, plus email integration. The Pro Suite is $100 per user, per month and includes greater customization, automation, and sales quoting and forecasting. All plans are billed annually except the Starter Suite, which offers the option to pay monthly. [Learn more about Salesforce Sales Cloud pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/61368/Salesforce/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Dropbox** is a cloud storage and document management solution that users can integrate with Salesforce Sales Cloud to centralize data from multiple sources more comprehensively. - **Mailchimp** is a popular business email marketing platform that integrates with Salesforce Sales Cloud to collate data on open rates, clickthrough rates, and other relevant lead generation information. - **Gmail** offers integrated email services with Salesforce Sales Cloud, allowing users to keep using their existing mail accounts while tracking customer responses and analyzing critical email marketing data. [Learn more about Salesforce Sales Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/61368/Salesforce/) * * * [4.3 (6970)](https://www.capterra.com/p/155928/Zoho-CRM/reviews/) Highly rated for Value for Money Highly rated for Value for Money Starting Price: $14.00 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Contact Management Based on 394 reviews User rating: 51% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Zoho CRM works as a single repository for marketing, sales, and customer engagement tasks and data. This CRM platform has features that appeal to both business-business (B2B) and business-to-customer (B2C) organizations, including contact management, lead management, customer surveys, marketing automation, and analytics. According to our analysis of ratings and reviews for popular products from the past two years, Zoho CRM the highest rated for value for money, making it a good option for budget-conscious buyers. The platform has garnered 6,877 reviews and a rating of 4.3/5. Features Features reviewers most value **Mobile access** Reviewers rate this feature 4.5 out of 5. Users report that Zoho CRM's mobile access empowers them to work efficiently from anywhere, whether in the office, on the road, or remotely. They find the mobile app user-friendly and convenient for accessing contacts, checking email marketing status, and logging specific mobile calls. Reviewers indicate that the mobile UI is straightforward, allowing easy navigation through lead details. They say Zoho CRM's mobile access saves time and enhances productivity, though some mention it can be basic and challenging on small screens. **Appointment scheduling** Reviewers indicate that Zoho CRM's appointment scheduling capability helps manage time effectively and coordinate meetings within the organization; they give the feature a rating of 4.5 out of 5. They find it easy to integrate with tools like Calendly and Zoom, allowing customers to self-book appointments and sync calendars. Users report that the smart scheduler and reminders for scheduled meetings enhance efficiency. They say this aspect is helpful for tracking client interactions, though some feel there is room for improvement in ease of use. **Comprehensive CRM** Reviewers give this feature a 4.4 out of 5 rating. Reviewers highlight that Zoho CRM provides a comprehensive platform for managing customer relationships, sales, and marketing processes. They appreciate the centralization of customer data, automation of tasks, and integration with tools like Slack, Zoom, and Mailchimp. Users report that Zoho CRM enhances customer engagement, sales efficiency, and decision-making by offering valuable insights and a unified view of customer interactions. They find it user-friendly and beneficial for organizing lead data and improving customer service. Pros & Cons Ben W. Logistics and Supply Chain, 51-200 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "Zoho CRM made it easy to manage our Sales pipeline by providing a structured view of leads/deals, plentiful integration options, out of the box analytics and a helpful support team." Harshul S. Information Technology and Services, 10,001+ employees Used the software for: 2+ years "It helps me keep track of leads, follow‑ups and tasks without losing things in emails. Once everything is set up properly it runs smooth and fits into my daily workflow." Joseph T. Professional Training & Coaching, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "During that time, Zoho repeatedly threatened service suspension despite being unable to provide a functioning invoice or payment method. When a usable invoice and payment link were finally provided late on a Friday afternoon, Zoho suspended our services less than 48 hours later for “non-payment,” without prior notice that immediate payment was required and without allowing any reasonable payment window (e.g., net 7)." Kritik K. Computer & Network Security, 51-200 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "Zoho CRM's biggest drawbacks are its steep learning curve due to a cluttered interface and inconsistent customer support response times for non-premium users." Pricing There's no free plan for Zoho CRM, but you can start a 15-day free trial for any of the paid plans. The Standard plan is $14 per user, per month, billed annually,  and includes bulk emails, custom fields, Office 365 integration, sales forecasts, and more. The Professional plan is $23 per user, per month and adds inventory management, webhooks, and validation rules. There's also an Ultimate plan, which costs $52 per user, per month and provides advanced AI capabilities, augmented analytics, data storytelling, and more. All plans are billed annually. [Learn more about Zoho CRM pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/155928/Zoho-CRM/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **PayPal’s** global payment solutions integrate with Zoho CRM to allow customers to pay businesses directly for more efficient finance management.  - **Slack** is a popular business messaging tool that integrates with Zoho CRM to ensure all conversations can be seen and managed in a central location, enhancing collaboration across teams.  - **Trello** is a team collaboration and project management platform, and Trello users can integrate their accounts with Zoho CRM to monitor tasks and receive real-time alerts. [Learn more about Zoho CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/155928/Zoho-CRM/) * * * [### Pipedrive](https://www.capterra.com/p/132666/Pipedrive/) [4.5 (3045)](https://www.capterra.com/p/132666/Pipedrive/reviews/) Highly rated for Ease of Use Highly rated for Ease of Use [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/132666/Pipedrive/) Starting Price: $19.00 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Sales Pipeline Management Based on 177 reviews User rating: NT 64% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Pipedrive is a CRM tool heavily focused on sales management, making it a good choice not only for eCommerce and retail businesses but also for B2B businesses and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) providers. Features include visual sales pipelines, admin task automation, and sales task scheduling. According to our analysis of ratings and reviews for popular products from the past two years, Pipedrive the highest rated for ease of use, making it a good choice for businesses just starting out with CRMs or who need to provide access to non-technical personnel. Pipedrive has 3,022 reviews and scored an overall rating of 4.5/5. Features Features reviewers most value **CRM** Reviewers appreciate Pipedrive's CRM capabilities for its intuitive interface, automation, and visual pipeline, which support the sales process and increase efficiency; they rate this feature 4.6 out of 5. They find it easy to manage customer information, notes, and activities, with integrations like Talkdesk and Front. Users report that it is accessible from anywhere as a cloud service, easy to use, and customizable. However, some feel it is too sales-oriented and not ideal for Account Management or Customer Success teams. **Sales pipeline management** Reviewers give this feature a 4.6 out of 5 rating. They indicate that Pipedrive's sales pipeline management provides clear visibility and helps track the sales process from initial lead to deal closure. They value the ability to customize pipeline stages, forecast sales, and generate reports with visual elements like pie charts. Users appreciate the intuitive platform, automation, and real-time deal monitoring. They find it helpful for organizing sales processes, identifying bottlenecks, and optimizing resource allocation, although some suggest usability improvements for various sectors. **Lead management** Reviewers rate this feature 4.4 out of 5. They report that Pipedrive's lead management tools enable efficient lead capture, tracking, and nurturing. They highlight the ability to prioritize, segment, and schedule follow-ups, which prevents potential customer loss and improves conversion rates. Reviewers appreciate the visual management of leads, automated emails, and reminders. They find it easy to add and manage leads, although some mention limitations with the integrated email function and automation. Both small and large teams benefit from this tool. Pros & Cons Matt G. Legal Services, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "Overall it has helped me manage my funnel of leads much more effectively. If your company is sales focused it is built for that line of work" DL Daniela L. Computer Software, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "It’s like having a chessboard where each piece represents a sales opportunity, and you can easily move them from one stage to another. Plus, the task automation is a lifesaver; it saves you tons of time on repetitive tasks. And the real-time reports are awesome for knowing exactly how your sales are doing without having to do any complicated calculations." MS Marvin S. Computer Software, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "I'm only reporting/reviewing from the perspective of an admin user, and the only downside I can see is that with the mass of our leads we need to temper ourselves when updating because of the 10k a day rate limit." JA Josh A. Food & Beverages, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "All the customization can make it difficult to decide how to best implement the services across the company." Pricing Pipedrive offers a full-feature, 14-day trial for free. Beyond this, there's no free plan, but paid plans start at $12 per seat, per month (billed annually) for lead and pipeline management with 400+ integrations. The next step up is the Advanced plan at $24 per seat, per month, which includes email sync, templates, automation, and task scheduling. The Professional plan costs $49 per seat, per month and adds in AI-powered sales and email tools. The Power plan costs $64 per seat, per month and increases control of account permissions while offering project planning tools for expanded task tracking and delegation capabilities. [Learn more about Pipedrive pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/132666/Pipedrive/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Slack** is a business messaging service, and Pipedrive has a bespoke integration called Dealbot for Slack that provides real-time alerts on sales progress.  - **Mailchimp** offers a suite of email marketing and management tools that integrate with Pipedrive for centralized campaign management and the maintenance of accurate contact databases.  - **Microsoft 365** provides various time management and scheduling tools, which Pipedrive can integrate with to ensure sales tasks are automatically logged in on team or organizational calendars. [Learn more about Pipedrive](https://www.capterra.com/p/132666/Pipedrive/) * * * [### Act!](https://www.capterra.com/p/175860/Act/) [3.9 (891)](https://www.capterra.com/p/175860/Act/reviews/) Highly rated for Customer Support Highly rated for Customer Support [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/175860/Act/) Starting Price: $30.00 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Contact Management Based on 72 reviews User rating: JW 44% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Act! is a cloud-based and desktop CRM tool catering to small to mid-sized businesses. The platform includes email marketing tools, data centralization and organization, communication automation, and reporting tools. Act! is also module-based and customizable, making it suitable for many types of businesses. According to our analysis of ratings and reviews for popular products from the past two years, Act! has the highest rating for customer support by users. This software beenfits businesses without internal IT support and those who don't want to pay extra for support functions. This CRM has garnered 803 reviews and earned a rating of 3.8/5. Features Features reviewers most value **Contact management** Reviewers appreciate Act!'s robust contact management feature, giving it a 4.7 out of 5 feature rating. This feature allows users to easily schedule tasks, track interactions, and access comprehensive contact information. Users highlight the customizable data fields and the ability to manage contacts at various sales stages. They find it helpful for organizing and making global edits to contacts, and they note the helpful integration with BT Unifier for better client contact. They also mention the user-friendly layout and clear console as significant advantages. **Contact database** Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.6 out of 5. They find Act!'s contact database invaluable for capturing, saving, and retrieving detailed contact information. They report it allows for efficient data management, including tracking contacts, scheduling follow-ups, and running reports. Reviewers highlight the ease of accessing and managing high-capacity contacts, migrating from Excel and Word documents, and the ability to download and upload contact lists in Excel. They appreciate the logical data storage and the comprehensive features that support their business operations. **Sales pipeline management** Reviewers indicate Act!'s sales pipeline management is a powerful tool for organizing and monitoring sales activities; they rate this feature 3.3 out of 5. They report it helps them track deals against goals, identify strengths and weaknesses in revenue generation, and anticipate deal closures. Users find it easy to use and valuable for forecasting, with multiple team members able to manage individual forecasts. They also highlight the capability to link potential candidates to job orders and keep prospects engaged throughout the sales process. Pros & Cons JS Jack S. Marketing and Advertising, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Full data management / CRM making it easy to systematically process the collection, storing, updating and utilizing information about contacts to build and maintain relationships, streamline business operations, and improve customer service." JW Janet W. Public Relations and Communications, Self-employed Used the software for: 2+ years "What I like best is the fact that I can find ANYTHING in my database in seconds - before someone finishes telling their name when they call, I have found their record and scanned the notes." BC Brian C. Research, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "By tying our database to online forms, we increase the risk of bad info overwriting good data." TG Tyler G. Design, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Also, the I beleive texting out of ACT should not be a feature that I need to pay extra for. " Pricing There's no free plan for Act!, but there is a free trial of the cloud-based services. The cloud plan costs $30 per user, per month, and the package includes desktop synchronization. The full desktop-based CRM that’s installed on your own servers costs $37.50 per user, per month. Both packages are billed annually and have the same suite of features, including sales pipeline management, automated marketing emails, apps for smartphones, comprehensive analytics and reporting, and task management. Users can also opt for additional communications tools for an extra charge, and there are other chargeable modules such as event management and SMS marketing. [Learn more about Act! pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/175860/Act/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Slack** offers multi-channel business communication tools and connects to Act! to get Slack alerts directly within the CRM interface. - **Dropbox Business** supports cloud-based storage with access from multiple locations, and users can integrate their Dropbox accounts with Act! to effectively centralize data from various sources.   - **Google Workspace** provides a suite of productivity tools, which you can connect to Act! to keep all your tasks, schedules, and contacts in a single location. [Learn more about Act!](https://www.capterra.com/p/175860/Act/) * * * [### Dynamics 365](https://www.capterra.com/p/157279/Dynamics-365/) [4.4 (5817)](https://www.capterra.com/p/157279/Dynamics-365/reviews/) Highly rated for Functionality Highly rated for Functionality [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/157279/Dynamics-365/) Starting Price: $50.00 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Contact Management Based on 218 reviews User rating: 52% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a comprehensive platform that combines CRM and enterprise resource planning (ERP) features. Buyers can choose to deploy Dynamics 365 as an on-premise or cloud-based solution. Tools include customer management solutions, real-time dashboards with data visualizations, and extensive task automation. According to our analysis of ratings and reviews for popular products from the past two years, Dynamics 365 has the highest rating for functionality by users. This tool is a good choice for businesses that rely on their CRMs for multiple business tasks. Dynamics 365 has 5,764 reviews and a rating of 4.4/5. Features Features reviewers most value **Content management** Reviewers appreciate Dynamics 365's content management capabilities, rating them 4.6 out of 5. They highlight the intuitive and user-friendly interface, which simplifies creating, editing, and publishing content. Users report that the centralized repository for storing documents, images, and videos improves efficiency and reduces errors. They find the version control and collaboration aspects valuable for team projects. Additionally, reviewers mention the seamless integration with other Microsoft applications like SharePoint and OneDrive, as well as the powerful search and discovery capabilities. **Data import/export** Users report that Dynamics 365's data import/export capabilities are efficient and user-friendly; they give this feature a 4.6 out of 5 rating. They highlight the ability to handle bulk operations and diverse data formats, which simplifies data management. Reviewers appreciate the error handling and detailed feedback on import issues. They find the integration with third-party software, especially Outlook, beneficial. Users mention that the feature saves time by allowing quick data updates and seamless transitions from other ecosystems, enhancing overall productivity. **Contact database** Reviewers give this feature a 4.5 out of 5 rating. They indicate that Dynamics 365's contact database centralizes customer information, enhancing CRM capabilities. They appreciate the customization options for capturing detailed contact data and the ability to segment contacts for targeted marketing. Users find the integration with Microsoft tools like Outlook and Excel helpful for importing and exporting data. They highlight the collaboration features and insights into customer behavior, which improve engagement and relationship management. The centralized repository and robust data analysis capabilities are also valued by users. Pros & Cons LB Lucas B. Financial Services, 501-1,000 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "My overall experience with Dynamics 365 has been strong because it brings so many moving parts of a business into one connected platform, making it easier to see the full picture and act on it. Once you get past the initial learning curve, the system feels powerful and flexible—automation, reporting, and integrations all work together to streamline daily operations." LB Lucas B. Financial Services, 501-1,000 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "One of the things I liked most about Dynamics 365 is how seamlessly it brings different business functions together—sales, service, finance, operations, and marketing all live in one connected ecosystem." Vaibhav C. Financial Services, 51-200 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Another limitation is the lack of functionality to clearly distinguish between a quick “hi/hello” phone call and a more meaningful business conversation - both tend to be logged in the same way, which can be misleading when reviewing client engagement." MG Matt G. Insurance, 201-500 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "The system is very cumbersome, users have a hard time self-servicing and need a lot of hand-holding for simple entry and analysis." Pricing Pricing for Dynamics 365 can appear complex as the platform is split into multiple sections, each with its own price point. There's no free plan, although there is a 30-day free trial. The plans with CRM functionality are Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics 365 Sales. Business Central starts at $70 per user, per month for comprehensive business management tools, including Microsoft Copilot. There's a Premium plan that includes service management solutions at $100 per user, per month, and you can add additional users for $8 per month. The Sales platform starts at $65 per user, per month for core sales automation and dashboards. [Learn more about Dynamics 365 pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/157279/Dynamics-365/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Microsoft Excel** is a spreadsheet tool used by all types of businesses and integrates (like most MS products) with Dynamics 365 with ease for better data insights and management.   - **Salesforce Sales Cloud** is an alternative CRM and integrates with Dynamics 365 to allow for omnichannel communications with customers.  - **DocuSign** allows clients, customers, and partners to electronically sign digital documents and integrates with Dynamics 365 to keep contracts, invoices, and more in one centralized location. [Learn more about Dynamics 365](https://www.capterra.com/p/157279/Dynamics-365/) * * * [### HubSpot CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/152373/HubSpot-CRM/) [4.5 (4457)](https://www.capterra.com/p/152373/HubSpot-CRM/reviews/) Highly rated for Contact Management Highly rated for Contact Management [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/152373/HubSpot-CRM/) Starting Price: $20.00 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Contact Management Based on 484 reviews User rating: Dd 62% of reviewers rated it 5 stars The HubSpot CRM is a suite of sales, marketing, and customer relationship management tools, many of which are available free of charge. This makes HubSpot a good choice for businesses with budget constraints. Tools include real-time visualizations of the sales funnels, customer interaction tracking, email marketing tools, and AI-powered recommendations. Our analysis of ratings and reviews of popular products from the past two years shows that HubSpot CRM is the highest-rated CRM for contact management, making it suitable for sales-focused businesses and marketing teams. This platform has 4,257 reviews and a rating of 4.5/5. Features Features reviewers most value **Comprehensive platform** Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.4 out of 5. They appreciate HubSpot CRM's comprehensive and user-friendly platform for managing contacts, leads, deals, and tasks. They highlight its ability to centralize customer data, facilitate engagement, and align sales and marketing efforts. Users report that the CRM's automation capabilities, such as email tracking and segmentation, enhance efficiency. They also value the customization options and the integration with other tools. However, some users mention the need for improvements in search functionality and occasional unwanted emails. **Third-party integrations** Users report that HubSpot CRM offers robust third-party integrations, seamlessly connecting with popular apps like Slack, Zoom, and Google Workspace; they rate this feature 4.4 out of 5. They appreciate the extensive range of prebuilt software development kits (SDKs) and the ability to integrate with tools like Salesforce, invoicing systems, and lead assignment platforms. Reviewers indicate that while some integrations require customization, the overall functionality enhances productivity. They also value the open API and the use of integration tools like Zapier for new market applications. **Interaction tracking** Reviewers give this feature a 4.4 out of 5 rating. They highlight HubSpot CRM's effective interaction tracking capabilities, allowing them to log calls, emails, and social media interactions. They find it helpful for maintaining a complete picture of client interactions, which aids in better customer service and sales processes. Users appreciate the real-time updates and notifications for email opens and responses. They also value the ability to track interactions across different communication channels, although some mention the need for improved web interaction tracking. Pros & Cons Victoria S. Market Research, 51-200 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Besides, we use it to create our Knowledge Base (articles that are then integarted in our platform) and for Hubspot helpdesk (which is our system of helping clients on a project through ticketing system)." Katie C. Marketing and Advertising, Self-employed Used the software for: 6-12 months "With Hubspot CRM, I liked that I could create custom properties and have them displayed within the contact records. While the contact records aren't 100% customizable, having features like this where we could display custom properties was very helpful." Nicole M. Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing, Self-employed Used the software for: 2+ years "The absolute worst is email handling, emails to linked inboxes have no settings control and always link to multiple deals; emails linked to Helpdesk don't exist independently of tickets which means that the ticket functionality and email functionality are fused in a way that prevents either from working correctly." DV David V. Information Technology and Services, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "Duplicate leads, and lead buckets, we had a lot of issues with lead routing and lead attribution for a system that had been inhereted. " Pricing You can get started with HubSpot CRM for free, with no need to provide payment details. You can then scale up by upgrading to a plan that has additional features as needed. Free tools include contact management, website activity monitoring, deal tracking, task lists, and a range of templates and integrations. Small teams can opt for the Starter Customer Platform bundle at $20 a month, which also comes with performance tracking and customer engagement tools. Beyond this, business bundles range from $15 per month to $2,000 a month. [Learn more about HubSpot CRM pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/152373/HubSpot-CRM/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Zoom Workplace** combines video conferencing, chat, and other communications tools and integrates with HubSpot CRM so users can see all their scheduled meetings and attendance details in one place.  - **Stripe** is a payments platform used all over the world, and when integrated with HubSpot CRM, it allows clients and customers to pay businesses directly.  - **ActiveCampaign** offers email marketing automation and integrates with HubSpot CRM for enhanced email personalization and campaign management. [Learn more about HubSpot CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/152373/HubSpot-CRM/) * * * [### Keap](https://www.capterra.com/p/76390/Infusionsoft/) [4.1 (1298)](https://www.capterra.com/p/76390/Infusionsoft/reviews/) Highly rated for Activity Dashboard Highly rated for Activity Dashboard [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/76390/Infusionsoft/) Starting Price: $299.00 Usage Based, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Contact Management Based on 34 reviews User rating: GV 47% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Keap, formerly called Infusionsoft, uses automation and a drag-and-drop interface to create a CRM platform that the administrative burden on teams. Features include campaign builders, email marketing tools, contact management, and others designed to simplify complex marketing tasks. Our analysis of ratings and reviews for popular products from the past two years shows that Keap is highest-rated by buyers who prioritize a versatile activity dashboard. This CRM tool has 1,289 reviews and an overall rating of 4.1/5. Features Features reviewers most value **Email campaign management** Reviewers give Keap’s email campaign management feature a 4.5 out of 5 feature rating. This feature allows them to create personalized and targeted email campaigns, manage segments and track campaign performance. Users like that event-triggered automation saves time and keeps leads engaged.   **Contact management** Reviewers like Keap’s contact management feature, giving it a 4.3 out of 5 feature rating. This feature lets users schedule tasks, track customer interactions, and access information about customers. Users say this feature makes it easy to build better relationships with leads.  **Contact database** Users appreciate Keap’s contact database feature and give it a 4.1 out of 5 feature rating. The contact database feature captures, saves, and retrieves customer information, adding efficiency to data management and lead tracking. Pros & Cons DV David V. Information Technology and Services, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "Keap is great for providing an all encompassing solution for customer outreach and management as well as email service for small and medium sized businesses." SF Sarah F. Hospitality, 201-500 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "I found Keap super handy for handle clients relations and marketing automations, which makes it a solid tool for businesses that want to keep all their client talks in one single place." tW toshia W. Cosmetics, 1-10 employees Used the software for: I used a free trial "I sometimes wish for more customization options in reporting, and the mobile app doesn’t have all the desktop features, which can be frustrating when I'm on the go." Jerry W. Marketing and Advertising, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Way too much time on the support line for hit or miss solutions, and the ever increasing price for a product that is not keeping up feature wise for the price they are asking." Pricing There's no free plan for Keap and no starter or premium plans. Instead, software buyers enter the number of users they need access for and how many contacts they'll be handling to generate a price that includes all the features of the platform with no need to buy extras or upgrade. As your business scales up, you can add more users and increase the monthly cost. As an example, if your business needs CRM access for four users and 2,500 contacts, you'll pay $342 per month if you pay annually or $413 per month if you decide to pay monthly. [Learn more about Keap pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/76390/Infusionsoft/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Slack** is a multi-channel business messaging and organization tool that will integrate with Keap via a third-party integrator like Zapier. - **WordPress** is a popular website hosting and content publication platform that integrates with Keap via an application programming interface (API) connection for insights from one business website (multiple connections aren’t possible). - **Zoom Workplace** is an end-to-end communications suite that integrates (via an active Outlook or Google account) with Keap for centralized appointments and scheduling. [Learn more about Keap](https://www.capterra.com/p/76390/Infusionsoft/) * * * [### Bitrix24](https://www.capterra.com/p/113540/Bitrix24/) [4.2 (988)](https://www.capterra.com/p/113540/Bitrix24/reviews/) Highly rated for Lead Management Highly rated for Lead Management [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/113540/Bitrix24/) Starting Price: $69.00 Flat Rate, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Contact Management Based on 54 reviews User rating: RC 46% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Bitrix24 offers a free online collaborative workspace with CRM capabilities and the option to move to paid plans with more advanced features. Available tools include task management and tracking, shared calendars, a mobile CRM platform, and an omnichannel communications center. This latter feature makes the platform useful for businesses utilizing social media and traditional marketing channels. According to our analysis of ratings and reviews for popular products from the past two years, Zoho CRM the highest rated for lead management capabilities. This CRM platform has 921 reviews and is rated 4.2/5. Features Features reviewers most value **Real-time chat** Reviewers appreciate Bitrix24's real-time consumer-facing chat, rating it 5 out of 5. They report using it extensively for collaboration across multiple businesses within a group. Users indicate that the live chat quality surpasses other platforms like Teams, leading to their switch to Bitrix24. They find the chat management capabilities efficient and mention the helpful integration of bots in their operations. Reviewers feel this aspect significantly enhances their overall experience with Bitrix24. **Activity tracking** Reviewers indicate that Bitrix24's activity tracking is valuable for monitoring progress and evaluating results; they give the feature a 4.8 out of 5 rating. They appreciate the ability to import client and lead databases from other platforms, which simplifies adoption. Users report that notifications help them follow task progress and remind their teams about pending tasks. They find the dashboards useful for tracking activities and overall performance. Reviewers feel these characteristics contribute positively to their workflow management in Bitrix24. **Lead capture** Reviewers appreciate Bitrix24's lead capture capabilities, giving them a 4.6 out of 5 feature rating. They report that it effectively generates, manages, and converts leads into customers, leveraging automation for efficiency. Users highlight the ability to collect leads from multiple sources and the seamless integration with other tools, which facilitates communication and collaboration. They find the process of capturing information straightforward, although some mention difficulties integrating with HTML landings. Overall, reviewers feel Bitrix24 meets their lead capture needs. Pros & Cons SS Shenella S. Real Estate, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "However, once the initial hurdle is crossed it is a very helpful software because it integrates CRM and communication so there is no need to keep switching between apps to keep track of tasks and workflows." AU Adrian U. Computer Software, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "offers an all-in-one platform where you can manage sales, marketing, projects and internal communication in one place, eliminating the need for many separate tools" LR Larissa R. Legal Services, 51-200 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "Automations don't pull updated numbers or contact names, so we have to create new cards when we correct someone's number or contact name, otherwise it sends automated messages with the old/incorrect information." Ajay P. Building Materials, 10,001+ employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "Separately, I would like to note the work of the support service — at the start, the application for connecting to Bitrix24 did not work correctly, but experts quickly suggested an alternative option with direct connection via client\_id." Pricing Bitrix24 offers a Free Forever plan, which includes many CRM and organizational features. Users who want tools like telephony and the ability to integrate Marketplace apps must choose a paid plan, but each one offers a free 15-day trial. The Basic plan is $43 per month for five users and 24GB of storage, plus CRM features and task management. Then there are Standard and Professional plans at $87 and $175 a month, respectively. Each higher-tier plan increases the number of users, storage, and capabilities. [Learn more about Bitrix24 pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/113540/Bitrix24/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Google Drive** helps businesses manage, share, and secure documents, and it integrates with Britrix24 so that files and documents can be instantly attached to Bitrix24 entries. - **Dropbox** is another data storage option that users can integrate with Bitrix24 for digital asset management and data centralization.  - **Jira** is a project management platform, which when integrated with Bitrix24 allows user to edit and manipulate Jira entries directly from the CRM interface. [Learn more about Bitrix24](https://www.capterra.com/p/113540/Bitrix24/) * * * [### ActiveCampaign](https://www.capterra.com/p/79367/ActiveCampaign/) [4.6 (2561)](https://www.capterra.com/p/79367/ActiveCampaign/reviews/) Highly rated for Sales Pipeline Management Highly rated for Sales Pipeline Management [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/79367/ActiveCampaign/) Starting Price: $15.00 Flat Rate, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Contact Management Based on 110 reviews User rating: SM 66% of reviewers rated it 5 stars ActiveCampaign is an email and marketing automation platform with CRM features for lead tracking and contact management. Using the platform, businesses can create and publish content, create customer segments, schedule tasks such as sending welcome or follow-up emails, and create visual sales pipelines. According to our analysis of ratings and reviews of popular products from the past two years, ActiveCampaign is the highest-rated CRM for sales pipeline management, making it suitable for sales- and marketing-focused businesses and teams. ActiveCampaign has 2,484 reviews and a rating of 4.6/5. Features Features reviewers most value **Event-triggered actions** Reviewers rate this feature 4.6 out of 5. They appreciate ActiveCampaign's event-triggered actions for their ability to automate marketing processes effectively. They find it valuable for personalizing customer experiences and targeting specific audiences. Users report that it helps send timely reminders, such as cart abandonment emails, and keeps internal staff informed of critical activities. They highlight the ease of setting up these actions and the extensive customization options available, which cover various scenarios and enhance campaign management. **Email campaign management** Reviewers indicate that ActiveCampaign's email campaign management is highly effective and user-friendly; they give it a 4.4 out of 5 feature rating. They appreciate the ability to create personalized and targeted campaigns, manage multiple segments, and track performance through detailed reports. Users report that the intuitive interface and automation capabilities improve their marketing efforts. However, some mention that the reporting and analytics could be more detailed. They also note that customer support can be slow to respond to issues. **Marketing automation** Reviewers give this feature a 4.4 out of 5 rating. Users report that ActiveCampaign's marketing automation capabilities save significant time and effort by automating workflows and personalizing communications. They find it helpful for nurturing leads, segmenting audiences, and managing complex funnels. Reviewers appreciate the integration with other platforms like Shopify and LinkedIn, which enhances functionality. They also highlight the ease of setting up and tracking automations, although some mention a learning curve for beginners. Overall, they feel it optimizes marketing tasks and improves efficiency. Pros & Cons CA Christopher A. Glass, Ceramics & Concrete, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Its email management and powerful contact management capabilities are amazing, and this enables our commercial department to easily subdivide our world-wide glass dealers and concrete contractors according to their individual product acquisition track record." BY Brian Y. Legal Services, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "My automated workflows make it simple to establish six-month follow-up sequences that will nurture clients through a waiting period for government approval." DM David M. Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, 51-200 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "I do not like the fact that deep segmentation and more sophisticated features require time to master; there are moments that I fear that I am not fully utilizing it." JP Jonathan P. Education Management, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "I am using AC to send automated sequences to my leads, but I am not using the campaign features, and I am considering swtiching to another tool if I can't delete my inactive leads (else the costs will constantly increase)" Pricing ActiveCampaign doesn't currently offer a free plan but does provide a 14-day free trial and the option to book a demo. Plans start at $15 per month for the starter plan, which provides tools to help users craft personalized emails. The Plus plan is more useful for businesses seeking full CRM capabilities as it includes 900+ task automations and allows users to gain insights from customer data for $49 per month. The Pro plan unlocks omnichannel marketing automation, including predicting the best time to start campaigns and make contact, for $79 per month. There's also the option to add additional features as needed to create a modular package. [Learn more about ActiveCampaign pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/79367/ActiveCampaign/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Buffer** is an omnichannel social media management tool that integrates with ActiveCampaign to ensure contacts are up-to-date.   - **Bitly** helps shorten URLs to make them more accessible, and with ActiveCampaign integration, users can also gain insights like clickthrough history and referring domain data.  - **Act!** is an alternative CRM that can integrate with ActiveCampaign to trigger actions when new contacts are created, or new leads/sales opportunities are logged. [Learn more about ActiveCampaign](https://www.capterra.com/p/79367/ActiveCampaign/) * * * [### Odoo](https://www.capterra.com/p/135618/Odoo/) [4.2 (1300)](https://www.capterra.com/p/135618/Odoo/reviews/) Highly rated for Interaction Tracking Highly rated for Interaction Tracking [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/135618/Odoo/) Starting Price: $31.10 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Contact Management Based on 82 reviews User rating: NS 53% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Odoo is a customer-centric CRM that displays sales opportunities on visually appealing cards that highlight essential contact information and projected revenues. Users can drag and drop contact cards, schedule appointments, create quotes, send follow-up messages, and automatically track any relevant communication. According to our analysis of ratings and reviews of popular products from the past two years, Odoo is the highest rated for interaction tracking . Odoo has 1,160 reviews with a rating of 4.2/5. Features Features reviewers most value **Billing and invoicing**  Reviewers say Odoo's billing & invoicing features are easy to use and efficient, rating them 3.6 out of 5. Users report that the system supports multiple currencies, partial payments, and automated reminders, which improve cash flow and reduce administrative tasks. They find the automated invoicing capability particularly valuable for reducing manual work and ensuring timely billing. Users also highlight the customizable and professional invoice templates, as well as the insightful dashboards for managing bills and invoices. They indicate that the integration with other accounting systems could be improved. **Inventory management** Reviewers give this feature a rating of 3.4 out of 5. They indicate that Odoo's inventory management is highly effective for tracking inventory, managing stock levels, and forecasting quantities. Users report that it handles complex inventory needs, including multiple locations and warehouses, and supports detailed inventory analysis. They find the system practical and easy to use, with valuable features like automatic stock replenishment and integration with databases. However, some users mention challenges with managing large quantities and the complexity of setup for small inventories. They also appreciate the ability to make quick and informed business decisions based on inventory data. Pros & Cons Yatra P. Retail, 10,001+ employees Used the software for: Less than 6 months "Many features like customization, tasks tracking, multiple integration and automation are available which saves a lot of time." RP Ryan P. Design, 1-10 employees Used the software for: Less than 6 months "Instead of piecing together multiple tools, Odoo integrates key business functions in one system which can simplify workflows and reduce tool sprawl." hd hana d. Retail, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "My Odoo database — which I paid for and which should have been created under my company’s ownership — was created and controlled entirely under ADG’s ( odoo authorised partner) internal account. Because of this, ADG was able to delete my database and remove my access without any authorization." hd hana d. Retail, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "No one should be in this situation waking up to see that the fully paid subscription account with database and pos completly deleted without prior notice and althoug im the admin of the odoo shop account. But what i didnt know that the odoo partner i signed with have scamed me and created my odoo shop under there company accouny which is a clear data ownership Violation." Pricing If you don't have any pre-existing Odoo apps, the Odoo CRM is completely free. This CRM platform includes unlimited users and access to all the features available. If you need more than just CRM features, you can opt for the Standard plan, which includes access to all Odoo apps online. This costs $31.10 per user, per month and includes eCommerce tools and e-learning solutions, which may be useful for businesses interested in upskilling personnel, and POS tools for the retail and hospitality industry. There's also a custom plan priced at $37.40 per month, which includes API access and on-premise installation of tools. [Learn more about Odoo pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/135618/Odoo/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Google Docs** is a suite of online tools for text and document storage. When integrated with Odoo, users can create documents directly from the CRM.  - **PayPal** is a global payment platform, and Odoo users can integration with it to receive direct payments from anywhere in the world.  - **Gmail** offers free email services and integrates with Odoo via a Google Workspace Marketplace app so users can leverage the contacts in Odoo with their usual email accounts. [Learn more about Odoo](https://www.capterra.com/p/135618/Odoo/) * * * ## Top CRM software for small businesses at a glance Vendor Highly rated Starting Price [Zoho CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/155928/Zoho-CRM/)[4.3 (6970)](https://www.capterra.com/p/155928/Zoho-CRM/reviews/) Value for Money $14.00 Per Month [Salesforce Sales Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/61368/Salesforce/)[4.4 (18773)](https://www.capterra.com/p/61368/Salesforce/reviews/) Highest Rated $25.00 Per Month [ActiveCampaign](https://www.capterra.com/p/79367/ActiveCampaign/)[4.6 (2561)](https://www.capterra.com/p/79367/ActiveCampaign/reviews/) Sales Pipeline Management $15.00 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/79367/ActiveCampaign/) [Bitrix24](https://www.capterra.com/p/113540/Bitrix24/)[4.2 (988)](https://www.capterra.com/p/113540/Bitrix24/reviews/) Lead Management $69.00 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/113540/Bitrix24/) [Pipedrive](https://www.capterra.com/p/132666/Pipedrive/)[4.5 (3045)](https://www.capterra.com/p/132666/Pipedrive/reviews/) Ease of Use $19.00 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/132666/Pipedrive/) [Odoo](https://www.capterra.com/p/135618/Odoo/) [4.2 (1300)](https://www.capterra.com/p/135618/Odoo/reviews/) Interaction Tracking $31.10 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/135618/Odoo/) [HubSpot CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/152373/HubSpot-CRM/)[4.5 (4457)](https://www.capterra.com/p/152373/HubSpot-CRM/reviews/) Contact Management $20.00 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/152373/HubSpot-CRM/) [Dynamics 365](https://www.capterra.com/p/157279/Dynamics-365/)[4.4 (5817)](https://www.capterra.com/p/157279/Dynamics-365/reviews/) Functionality $50.00 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/157279/Dynamics-365/) [Act!](https://www.capterra.com/p/175860/Act/)[3.9 (891)](https://www.capterra.com/p/175860/Act/reviews/) Customer Support $30.00 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/175860/Act/) [Keap](https://www.capterra.com/p/76390/Infusionsoft/)[4.1 (1298)](https://www.capterra.com/p/76390/Infusionsoft/reviews/) Activity Dashboard $299.00 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/76390/Infusionsoft/) Explore our 1,466 CRM solutions[Browse Directory](https://www.capterra.com/customer-relationship-management-software/) ## Our methodology To be considered for this list, products had to: - Feature in the [2024 Capterra Shortlist for CRM](https://www.capterra.com/customer-relationship-management-software/shortlist/). - Meet our market definition for payroll software. - Have more than 20 reviews from small and midsized businesses (SMBs) in the past two years (August 1, 2022 to August 31, 2024). We took the highest rated products in each of the listed parameters unless that product already appeared on our list, in which case we featured the next highest rated.  **Most valued features selection:** Our research team analyzed verified CRM software reviews on Capterra (as of November 2024) to identify the features that users value the most in each of the listed tools. Features that received the highest rating were then included in the list. **Review excerpts selection:** Review excerpts are passages extracted from longer reviews written by verified reviewers. We obtain these excerpts by applying an algorithm that considers factors including, but not limited to, length, sentiment, topic coverage, and thematic relevance. Excerpts represent user opinion and do not represent the views of, nor constitute, an endorsement by Capterra or its affiliates. Excerpts are not edited for clarity or grammar. **Popular integrations selection:** We identified integrations from our internal database and selected products considered as “most popular.” ## What is CRM software? A CRM system enables small to midsized companies to manage interactions with current and potential customers. It provides a centralized platform that stores, organizes, and provides access to customer data and interactions. CRM tools also automate lead management, opportunity tracking, and sales forecasting processes.  CRM software solutions provide reporting and analysis capabilities to generate insights into customer behavior, sales performance, and marketing effectiveness. They can be linked to contact management systems, may be integrated with email services, and are often cloud-based. Gartner predicts that the CRM market will reach $200 billion by 2027, growing at about 15 percent each year.[\[2\]](#footnotes) Capterra covers 646 CRM products specifically for small businesses, with over 20,600 reviews published in the past two years. ## Importance of CRM software for small businesses Contrary to large companies with bigger budgets and teams, small businesses face a greater need to leverage resources efficiently. CRM software for SMBs facilitates better management of customer business data and helps small companies decide which products and services to offer each customer.  Other key reasons CRM software is important for small businesses include: - **More leads and enhanced sales performance:** Automated CRM software helps small businesses showcase their products/services on multiple channels and capture more leads. It also helps track leads throughout their lifecycle and convert them into customers. - **Data-driven decision making:** Small business CRM software gathers data across the buyer journey to provide insights into customer buying behavior. It deciphers trends and patterns, which helps businesses build strategies, improve brand loyalty, and launch customer-focused products or services. - **Improved customer management:** CRM software tracks the status of every customer/lead, so businesses can better manage their customers by reviewing their interactions and activities at each stage of the sales cycle. - **Easy integration with the software ecosystem:** CRM systems are usually able to integrate with other software tools, such as sales, social media, calendar, and email solutions, enabling seamless data sharing between systems. - **Enhanced scalability:** CRM systems accommodate business growth, adapting to increased data and customer interactions without reducing performance. ## Key features to look for in CRM software for small businesses CRM software includes features for contact management, interaction tracking, and lead management. Here is a list of other common features of CRM software that are particularly important for SMBs to look for as they search for the right tool. Among this list there are features that users from small businesses have rated as “highly important” or “critical” in Capterra reviews in the past two years. ### Contact and sales management tools Allows users to organize and manage information about customers and sales opportunities. Users can centralize contact data, track customer interactions, and monitor the status of ongoing negotiations. 90% of software reviewers rate contact management as a highly important feature, while 84% of software reviewers rate sales pipeline management as highly important. ### Lead management The lead management feature stores information about leads so users can track, manage, and nurture them throughout the sales process, from first contact to close. It gives a clear view of each lead's journey, allowing users to identify the most effective touchpoints. 84% of software reviewers rate lead management as a highly important feature.  ### Automation capabilities CRM systems can automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks such as sending follow-up emails, updating customer records, and managing marketing activities. In addition to reducing timelines, it also reduces the risk of manual errors, improving overall efficiency.  ### Integration with existing tools Integrations allow CRM software to connect with other applications already in use, such as email, accounting, and marketing software. This synergy eliminates the need for manual data entry across multiple systems, reducing errors and saving time. It also provides a unified and consistent view of business information, improving decision-making and operational efficiency. ### Scalability and flexibility Scalability and flexibility enable CRM systems to grow and adapt to a company's evolving needs. As a company grows, CRM software can handle increased volumes of data and users without compromising performance, while allowing for greater customization and integrations to meet new, specific business requirements. ## How to choose the right CRM software for your small business When selecting CRM software for your small business, it is crucial to consider a range of options. Here are some steps to help ensure that you choose one that aligns with your requirements—such as supporting lead lifecycle tracking or the integrations you need—while staying within your budget. ### 1\. Evaluate your feature requirements carefully The features offered by different CRM products can vary depending on the vendor. We listed the basic CRM features most small businesses need above, but your organization may have unique requirements. Before investing in any tool, identify your must-have features based on your business’s needs.   ### 2\. Calculate the total cost of ownership Unlike enterprises, small businesses can’t shell out huge amounts of money for software, and they must anticipate the total cost of ownership for any tool they’re considering purchasing. This goes beyond one-time licensing fees or monthly/annual subscription payments to include the cost of support services, data migration, implementation, etc. ### 3\. Verify the tool integrates with your software stack Your business likely already uses software for [accounting,](https://www.capterra.com/accounting-software/) [project management](https://www.capterra.com/project-management-software/), and [email marketing](https://www.capterra.com/email-marketing-software/). Make sure the CRM software you choose integrates with your existing tools to streamline data flow between them and prevent redundancies and other errors. ## Tips for implementing CRM software [Successfully implementing new software](https://www.capterra.com/resources/must-do-software-implementation-tips/) is just as important as finding the right tool, but you’ll face challenges if you don’t set specific goals and ensure clear communication. If you are a small business owner implementing software for the first time, or if you have not had success with software implementation in the past, keep these three things in mind throughout the process: ### 1\. Communicate constantly Maintaining constant communication with your team, stakeholders, and vendor throughout the implementation process is one of the most important elements for success. Here’s how to do it: - Establish a predefined method of communication and keep your conversations in one place so they’re easier to track. - Schedule meetings with the vendor to resolve problems in a timely manner.  - Always share documents with stakeholders to prevent issues around missing information. ### 2\. Customize to suit the needs of your business Today, typical CRM software is cloud-based, deployed on any device, and widely customizable. Customizations allow users to change the navigation, dashboard layout, or functionality in their view of the software, so users can work more efficiently and increase productivity. For example, users can add or remove fields, limit access to certain features according to roles, or create custom workflows. Ask vendors to demonstrate customizations before you deploy the software. ### 3\. Create checkpoints to measure progress Most vendors have a templated checklist to guide the implementation of your new software, but you may need to work with them to customize a plan to meet your business’s specific needs and goals. The checkpoints should include integration with existing software, data transfers, regular trainings, and launch dates. ## The future of CRM for small businesses ### Potential buyers and current users prioritize different functionality The features and functionality CRM software users deem the most important change between the purchase phase and implementation. At the purchase stage, [CRM software buyers prioritize sales automation functionality](https://www.capterra.com/resources/crm-software-buyer-insight/), while those currently using the software consider the contact database and lead management to be the most critical features. SMB software buyers should keep this in mind in the product research phase and choose a solution that excels in each of these areas.  ### Personalized messaging for buyers using customer intelligence According to Gartner, using CRM data to provide personalized, value-driven narratives that resonate with buyers’ specific needs and challenges enhances the buyer experience.[\[3\]](#footnotes) This AI-enabled approach can improve engagement rates, foster stronger relationships, and potentially increase conversion rates. By tailoring content to meet the needs of their target audience, small businesses can stand out in competitive markets, build stronger customer relationships, and maximize their marketing efforts. ## What does CRM software for small businesses cost? Pricing for CRM software for small businesses typically ranges from $11.95 to $200 per month for basic functionality. Pricing plans can differ depending on features and user seats. Some CRM tools may also offer a [free version](https://www.capterra.com/customer-relationship-management-software/?pricing_options=FREE_VERSION) or a [free trial](https://www.capterra.com/customer-relationship-management-software/?pricing_options=FREE_TRIAL).[\[4\]](#footnotes) We’ve compared the current pricing metrics for some of the most-reviewed CRM software tools. “Basic” includes core features of the product, such as contact management, interaction tracking, and lead management. ## What is the difference between CRM for small and large businesses? CRM needs are different for small and large businesses, and mostly relate to scalability, costs, and personalization.  Small businesses usually have a shorter sales cycle than large companies and can benefit from more basic CRM systems. In addition, SMBs typically have smaller teams in charge of customer relations and tend to require fewer customizations.  In contrast, large businesses operate on a larger scale. They usually have longer sales cycles involving multiple teams within the company, so they need CRM systems that offer complex customizations and many user seats. In addition, large companies track more leads and customers than SMBs and require more data storage. ## Common CRM software pitfalls small businesses need to avoid With the right preparation, small businesses can avoid the most common challenges associated with using CRM software. Here’s what to look out for.  ### Using multiple disconnected systems Using disparate systems to manage client information, orders, and sales information wastes time and risks data errors. By integrating your CRM system with your other existing software—your [email marketing tool](https://www.capterra.com/email-marketing-software/), for example—you can see a wealth of customer data in one place, making it easier to understand status and needs based on email interactions.  ### Taking software knowledge for granted The learning curve involved with the implementation of CRM software is one of the most common challenges identified by CRM software users—you need to spend time learning how to use it through onboarding and training in order to derive the most value. [As sales expert Mike Aldrich says](https://www.capterra.com/resources/what-is-crm-software/), “If you aren't diligent with your CRM strategy, it becomes this great big paperweight on your desk that doesn't do anything.“ ### The false belief that small businesses cannot afford a CRM tool A common misconception among new buyers is that they cannot afford a CRM, says Capterra software advisor manager Michael Ziemba.[\[5\]](#footnotes) “These systems are often priced at different levels depending on whether they are entry-level or premium. It's really important to go in and see what functionality you need. It may be more affordable at first than buyers think.” ## Frequently asked questions What is the best CRM for a small company? According to our analysis of products with high market demand and reviews from Capterra Shortlist, [Salesforce Sales Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/61368/Salesforce/) has the highest overall rating from verified small business reviewers. How much does CRM software cost for a small business? Pricing for CRM software for small businesses typically range from $11.95 to $200 per month for basic functionality. Pricing plans can differ depending on the features, on the number of users, and on the billing model. Some CRM tools may also offer a free version or a free trial. What is the easiest CRM to use? According to our analysis of products with high market demand and reviews from Capterra Shortlist, [Pipedrive](https://www.capterra.com/p/132666/Pipedrive/) has the highest rating for ease of use from verified small business reviewers. What is the cheapest CRM? According to our analysis of products with high market demand and reviews from Capterra Shortlist, [Zoho CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/155928/Zoho-CRM/) has the highest rating for value for money from verified small business reviewers. How to choose a CRM for small businesses? When selecting CRM software for your small business, it’s crucial to evaluate each option meticulously. To choose the right CRM for your small business: 1. Evaluate carefully your future requirements 2. Calculate the total cost of ownership 3. Verify the integrations with other applications **Sources** 1. **Capterra reviews data**: Capterra reviews are collected from verified users for individual software products. For this report, we analyzed reviews from the past year as of the production date. [Read the complete methodology](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/#software-buyers-guides-methodology). 2. [Forecast Analysis: Customer Experience and Relationship Management, Worldwide](https://www.gartner.com/document/5211563), Gartner 3. [13 Generative AI Use Cases for B2B Sales](https://www.gartner.com/document-reader/document/5468095), Gartner 4. **Capterra software pricing data:** Only products with publicly available pricing information and qualified software products within the category, as of the production date, are included in the pricing analysis. [Read the complete methodology.](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/#software-buyers-guides-methodology) 5. [Michael Ziemba](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mziembatx/), LinkedIn [Giorgia Pisano](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/giorgia-pisano/) Giorgia Pisano is a content associate at Capterra. She is always in search of the latest technology trends for small and midsize businesses, with a focus on retail and customer experience insights. Giorgia’s research and analysis is informed by more than 120,000 authentic user reviews on Capterra and nearly 8,000 interactions between Capterra software advisors and retail software buyers. Giorgia also regularly analyzes market sentiment by conducting surveys of retail and restaurant leaders, as... [Mehar Luthra](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/mehar-luthra/) Mehar Luthra is a team lead at Capterra and specializes in editing reports that cover the latest trends affecting small businesses. With nearly a decade of experience, she has edited a multitude of research articles, top-rated software reports, and thought leadership articles for diverse markets such as Brazil, Japan, Canada, France, Australia, and India. She finds it particularly rewarding to produce content that provides small-business owners with practical tips and helpful advice on topics... Related reading Best rated products on this list - [ Zoho CRM](#2143ac98-b65c-4bb1-ae6b-a6d200b7a22f) - [ Salesforce Sales Cloud](#8c7f8bf5-dbf6-47ee-9df7-a6d200b64092) - [ ActiveCampaign](#26796e10-bfab-4198-ba2d-a6d200b29051) - [ Bitrix24](#d4f9fc76-9ea5-40e1-99c4-a6d200b2e0b3) - [ Pipedrive](#5e920137-d0ff-4230-9579-a6d200b5b240) - [ Odoo](#49a68156-7e55-465d-bce6-a816004f00fd) - [ HubSpot CRM](#f1a11c4a-87bf-4bca-9f05-a6d200b46712) - [ Dynamics 365](#60cddbf1-a0da-4ce5-9679-a6e8007f8787) - [ Act!](#5394778a-b40c-41ca-9180-a6d200b29051) - [ Keap](#cae7adb2-fbca-493d-bb88-a6d200b48f17) Talk to a Capterra advisor for free and get results within 15 minutes.