Best CRM for Startups 2023

Quick Summary

In the dynamic journey of a startup, managing customer relationships effectively is critical, especially when operating in a competitive landscape. Knowing each contact in detail is vital, as building solid and personalized connections can set you apart from the big players and significantly impact your business's success.

A CRM for startups enables businesses to nurture customer relationships more effectively, optimize sales strategies, and make data-driven decisions that drive growth. It achieves this by providing a comprehensive view of customer interactions, automating routine tasks, and delivering insightful analytics for strategic planning.

In this article, we've carefully evaluated a range of options to assist you in choosing a CRM that aligns with your startup's specific requirements, focusing on affordability, ease of use, and scalability.

Let's get started!

Best CRM software for startups comparison (top 10 rated CRM solutions for startups)

Navigating the startup world requires the right tools. Our table of the top 10 best CRMs for startups lets you compare the apps in terms of what they're best for and pricing. Find the perfect match to support your business's unique needs and budget.

Here's the top 10 CRM software for startups: 

What is the best CRM for startups? Here's our top 19 list:

Choosing the right CRM tool (CRM meaning = Customer Relationship Management) can make all the difference for your business. 

In the following section, we've compiled our top 19 list of the best CRM for startups. Explore these leading CRMs selected to empower and streamline your startup's customer relationship management.

1. HubSpot CRM (best CRM for startups 2023)

Why we chose it:

HubSpot CRM is often seen as the best CRM software for startups for several reasons.

Firstly, it's budget-friendly. If you're a startup owner, you can take advantage of its robust core features without spending a dime, and as your company grows, there are affordable options to expand the toolset. This flexibility in pricing is especially beneficial for startups watching their bottom line.

Next, it's user-friendly. HubSpot is designed with beginners in mind. If you're new to CRMs, you'll find its interface intuitive, meaning less learning and more time doing. This ease of use is crucial for startups where every minute counts.

Lastly, it's feature-rich. HubSpot doesn't just offer essential CRM tools; it provides a comprehensive suite designed to help startups grow. From email tracking to scheduling, it covers a broad spectrum of needs.

Plus, with valuable resources like the HubSpot Academy, you can get even more from the platform. In short, HubSpot CRM's affordability, simplicity, and vast features make it the best CRM for startup companies aiming for success.

Read our HubSpot CRM review to learn more about our top pick.

Pros:

• Intuitive user interface
• Solid email integration features
• Integration with Outlook and Gmail
• Automatically syncs with other HubSpot hubs
• Tracking potential customers and their progress in the sales process
• A great pick for first-time CRM users
• Suitable for those who already use HubSpot's marketing or sales software
• Plans to fit every budget
• HubSpot community

Cons:

• Limited customization

• Potentially high costs with add-ons

• It might lack advanced features for large teams

Pricing:

• HubSpot CRM: Free, with unlimited users

• Starter CRM Suite: $30/user/month, billed annually 

• Professional CRM Suite: $1,600/month, billed annually 

Visit site
^{Go to HubSpot CRM's official website}

2. Close (best CRM tool for startups who want robust tracking and reporting capabilities)

Why we chose it:

Close is the best CRM tool for startups that need robust tracking and reporting capabilities. With an emphasis on sales and closing deals, Close is more than just a contact management tool. It's a good CRM for founders who want to streamline the sales process.

Unlike other CRMs that try to serve multiple departments, Close is explicitly designed with sales needs in mind. It offers a wide array of tools to enhance outreach via phone calls, SMS, and other avenues.

Close's focus on sales, coupled with features like lead and contact management, multichannel inbox, pipeline management, and integrations with tools like Zoom, makes it an excellent choice for any startup. 

Our Close CRM review provides an in-depth analysis of all these features, so check it out.

Pros:

• Sales-focused with tools for lead and contact management

• Solid sales pipeline management features

• Multichannel inbox for centralized communication

• Integration with popular tools like Zoom

• Suitable for growing startups

• Various pricing plans for different needs

Cons:

• Only the paid version is available

• Primarily geared toward sales, it may lack breadth

• Potential limitations for large teams

Pricing:

• Startup, $49/month, billed annually, includes one user 

• Professional, $299/month, billed annually, limited to three users

• Enterprise, $699/month, billed annually, limited to five users

Visit site
^{Go to Close CRM's official website}

3. Salesforce Essentials (best CRM for SaaS startups)

Why we chose it:

We voted Salesforce Essentials the best CRM for entrepreneurs explicitly operating in the SaaS startup space. Offering essential features without breaking the budget, this tailored solution caters to the unique needs and constraints of SaaS startups. 

Essentials is available with the Service Cloud and the Sales Cloud, starting at only $25 per user per month. With a very intuitive interface, even users unfamiliar with CRM software will get onboarded quickly. As your business grows, you can seamlessly upgrade to higher plans.

The software helps you organize customer data, track sales, and support customers from a centralized dashboard. Integrations with tools like ActiveCampaign, Zapier, and Docusign further enhance its appeal. This makes Salesforce Essentials a robust yet accessible tool, ideally suited to meet the evolving needs of your SaaS startup.

Read our Salesforce review to learn more about this CRM.

Pros:

• Sales-focused with tools for lead and contact management

• Offers features like organizing customer data and tracking sales

• Integration with popular tools

• Suitable for growing startups

• Various pricing plans for different needs

Cons:

• Only paid versions are available

• Limited features compared to the entire Salesforce version

• Potential upgrade costs and limitations for large teams

Pricing:

• Sales Cloud Essentials, $25/user/month

• Service Cloud Essentials, $25/user/month

Visit site
^{Go to Salesforce's official website}

4. Agile CRM (best CRM system for startups who want an all-in-one sales and marketing solution)

Why we chose it:

If you're a startup owner looking for one of the best CRM systems for startups, Agile CRM might be your solution. Unlike other platforms, Agile is designed with small to midsize businesses like yours in mind.

This cloud-based solution integrates sales, service, marketing, social media, and more into one centralized hub. It provides key metrics, reports, analytics, and marketing tools, all at different pricing levels. The CRM also offers a free plan for up to 10 users.

The Agile CRM platform is affordable and innovative, offering over 50 plug-ins and integrations with third-party websites and apps. Its gamification option can boost employee efficiency, and you'll find handy automated features, seamless integration with apps like Skype and Facebook, and quick and easy contact importing.

Agile is a newer but reliable CRM tool that has shown its worth. It's ready to help modern businesses with features like tracking website visits, making phone calls through the system, managing customer help requests, sending two-way emails, and more.

Read our Agile CRM review to decide if this tool is right for your startup.

Pros:

• Great CRM platform for sales teams

• A good selection of marketing features for engaging customers and capturing leads

• Clients get onboarding support

• Affordable pricing plans

• Integration with other tools 

Cons:

• Limited customization options 

• There are no separate modules for marketing, sales, or service

• Limited support in cheaper plans

Pricing:

• Free plan, available for up to 10 users

• Starter plan, $9.99/user/month, billed annually 

• Regular plan, $39.99/user/month, billed annually 

• Enterprise plan, $64.99user/month, billed annually 

Visit site
^{Go to Agile CRM's official website}

5. Copper (a top CRM solution for startups who need seamless integration with Google Workspace)

Why we chose it:

If your startup depends on Google apps, Copper might be the best CRM for you. Copper is the only CRM platform built explicitly for Google Workspace.

Unlike other CRMs that may offer partial integration with various Google Workspace tools and apps through add-ons or third-party support, Copper seamlessly integrates with all Google Workspace products, including Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Sheets.

Adding to its appeal, it comes packed with every feature startups need to seal deals. This includes workflow automation, contact management, pipeline management, and compatibility with other apps besides Google Workspace.

Our Copper CRM review has more details about this tool, so go ahead and check it out!

Pros:

• Specifically designed as a CRM system

• Google-like interface

• Robust and responsive

• Strong security measures

• Easy onboarding

• Suitable for first-time CRM users

• Flexible pricing

Cons:

• Limited workflow automation

• Lack of flexibility outside Google Workspace

• Basic plan restrictions

Pricing:

• Basic plan, $29/user/month, billed annually

• Professional plan, $69/user/month, billed annually

• Business plan, $134/user/month, billed annually

Visit site
^{Go to Copper CRM's official website}

6. Zoho CRM (a great cheap CRM for startups)

Why we chose it:

Zoho CRM is part of a broad suite of tools under the Zoho brand. Specifically designed for customer relationship management, it stands out as a user-friendly and versatile platform. With packages starting at just $14 per user per month, you can access many features that streamline your marketing, sales, and customer support flow.

The Enterprise plan, packed with nearly every CRM feature, is only $40/user/month. It's not just the affordability that makes Zoho appealing; it's the customization. You can create and configure custom modules, reorder them through simple drag-and-drop, and even set up rules-based workflows to automate tasks. 

Growing your network, fostering loyal customer relationships, and boosting your revenue becomes more straightforward with Zoho. Its integration across various business domains like finance management, human resources, and IT management ensures you have a holistic tool to manage your startup's needs. 

The free version is ideal if you're just getting starting or have a small team. It offers basic functionalities; you can always scale up as your business grows. Read our Zoho CRM review to discover what this tool can do for your team.

Pros:

• Affordable pricing

• Massive library of apps

• Robust marketing tools

• Customization options

• Integration capabilities

• Scalable plans

• Well-designed mobile apps 

Cons:

• The user interface looks outdated

• Limited free plan

Pricing:

• Free plan, supports three users

• Standard, $14/user/month, billed annually 

• Professional, $23/user/month, billed annually

• Enterprise, $40/user/month, billed annually

• Ultimate, $52/user/month, billed annually

Visit site
^{Go to Zoho CRM's official website}

7. Pipedrive (best sales CRM for startups)

Why we chose it:

Pipedrive excels in organizing and enhancing your sales process and helping you close more deals. It's not just about storing contacts; it's about managing leads and deals through customizable visual pipelines that fit your unique business needs.

If your team is often on the go, Pipedrive's dedicated mobile apps ensure you never miss an opportunity. Traveling salespeople and remote teams can genuinely leverage its pocket sales functionality.

Worried about a lead decaying? Pipedrive's deal rotting feature will alert you if a deal has been idle for too long. With additional features like automated workflow, AI-driven sales assistance, and integration with tools like Google Maps and Sheets, you get a comprehensive platform tailored to drive your sales.

What makes Pipedrive especially attractive to startups is its adaptability. You can start with the basics and add functionalities as your business grows without feeling overwhelmed.

The lack of a free version might be a hurdle, but the robust features in the paid plans, combined with a trial, ensure that you invest in what truly works for your startup. 

Read our detailed Pipedrive CRM review if you'd like to learn how this tool can help your startup.

Pros:

• Ease of use with minimal onboarding time

• Practical email tools, including automation and tracking

• Integrated calling, chatbot, and live chat functions

• Ideal for small businesses with aligned functionalities

Cons:

• Not suitable for larger companies, lacking robustness found in other solutions

• Limited customer service features requiring integration with other support SaaS

Pricing:

• Essential plan, $9.90/user/month, billed annually

• Advanced plan, $19.90/user/month, billed annually

• Professional plan, $39.90/user/month, billed annually

• Power plan, $49.90/user/month, billed annually

• Enterprise plan, $59.90/user/month, billed annually

Visit site
^{Go to Pipedrive's official website}

8. Less Annoying CRM (best simple CRM for startups)

Why we chose it:

Less Annoying CRM lives up to its name by offering a streamlined, easy-to-use platform that doesn't burden you with unnecessary complexities.

With LACRM, you get a hub that integrates all your contact information, leads, and calendar events in one place. The headache of jumping between apps vanishes as LACRM brings your tasks and events into one unified calendar that syncs with Google Calendar.

An intuitive lead report ensures you stay on top of every opportunity, with key details just a glance away. Collaborate easily with your team for just $15/user/month, and customize fields without needing tech-savvy skills.

You can access it from any device without syncing or installation worries and enjoy updates and support. Security and backups are handled for you, and daily agenda emails keep you on track. Importing contacts is a breeze, and with 256-bit encryption, your data is secure.

You can find more details about this tool in our Less Annoying CRM review.

Pros:

• Affordable and tailored for small businesses with essential features

• Efficient workspace view for enhanced efficiency in tracking the customer journey

• Sales automation to streamline the sales process

• Numerous integrations with apps like Mailchimp, Google Calendar, and more

Cons:

• System lag with more than 50,000 contacts, limiting scalability

• Potential confusion with notifications sent via SMS or email instead of in-app

Pricing:

• $15/user/month, billed monthly

Visit site
^{Go to LACRM's official website}

9. Salesflare (best CRM for B2B startups)

Why we chose it:

Salesflare's automation handles tedious tasks, letting you input less data and make more sales. Don't stress over contact details; it gathers all the information automatically from emails, signatures, and social profiles.

Moreover, Salesflare can log meetings and phone calls and even help you find anyone's business email address within seconds. You get real-time notifications on customer engagement, so you always know the right time to follow up.

You can collaborate efficiently with your team by sharing conversations, tracking internal communication, and working together on a unified customer address book. Salesflare even integrates with your existing email, like Outlook and Gmail.

Our Salesflare review contains more details and can help you decide if this tool is right for your startup, so go ahead and give it a read.

Pros:

• Intuitive drag-and-drop visual pipeline 

• Extensive integration with third-party tools

• Great engagement tracking tools 

• Offers real-time insights 

Cons:

• Limited options for customization

• Only paid plans

• Lacks phone support

Pricing:

• Growth, $29/user/month

• Pro, $49/user/month

• Enterprise, $99/user/month

Visit site
^{Go to Salesflare's official website}

10. Streak (best for startups that need CRM integration within Gmail)

Why we chose it:

Streak CRM is an excellent option if you're looking for an all-in-one solution that works seamlessly within your Gmail interface. If you're already using Gmail and other Google Workplace apps, Streak provides a highly intuitive platform for customer relationship management.

A key feature that makes Streak ideal for startups is its free plan, which offers basic CRM functionalities. With simple installation via the Chrome Web Store or Mac App Store, you can have Streak running quickly. Moreover, there's room to grow with premium plans offering more extensive features, and the solo version is notably affordable.

By leveraging Streak, you get comprehensive CRM features right in your inbox, from mail merge and task management to asset management and integrations. It's a tool built to streamline the business process, making it the best option for startups like yours needing CRM integration within Gmail. If you're interested in this tool, read our Streak CRM review for more details.

Pros:

• Seamless integration with Gmail for a unified experience

• Efficient workflow setup to enhance organizational efficiency

• Powerful email tools, including mail merge, send later, snooze, and thread splitter

• Specialized industry solutions catering to fields like real estate and fundraising

Cons:

• Limited to Gmail users

• Limited customer support options

• Reporting is not available on all plans 

Pricing:

• Free plan

• Solo, $15/user/month, billed annually 

• Pro, $49/user/month, billed annually 

• Pro+, $69/user/month, billed annually 

• Enterprise, $129/user/month, billed annually 

Visit site
^{Go to Streak's official website}

11. Bitrix24 (top option for collaboration and communication)

Why we chose it:

Bitrix24 is the best CRM for tech companies as it comes with all the tools startup owners need to manage their growing business. Voted top for collaboration and communication tools, it offers a comprehensive CRM with tools for chatting, video conferencing, social media, live chat, and more.

It lets you manage customer data, sales, and projects and offers a generous free version with unlimited leads, deals, contacts, and companies. Bitrix24's ease of use and robust features can take your business communication and collaboration to new heights, all within your budget.

Read our Bitrix24 review to learn more about the tool's features.

Pros:

• Unlimited storage for leads, deals, contacts, and companies (5GB limit on free plan)

• Scalability to accommodate everything from single entrepreneurs to large enterprises

Cons:

• Limited access to premium features like customer segmentation, bulk emailing, and sales intelligence in free or lower-tier plans

• Branding limitations that restrict the use of a custom logo, URL, domain name, and account renaming without a high-end business plan

Pricing:

• Free plan

• Basic, $43/month for five users, billed annually 

• Standard, $87/month for 50 users, billed annually 

• Professional, $175/month for 100 users, billed annually 

• Enterprise, $325/month for 250 users, billed annually 

Visit site
^{Go to Bitrix24's official website}

12. SugarCRM (great CRM with robust automation)

Why we chose it:

Since its debut in 2004, SugarCRM has become renowned for its robust automation and advanced features, serving big names like CBRE and Sennheiser. Though it's among the costlier platforms, starting at $49 per user per month, it offers extensive customization, 24-hour support, and integrations.

It's trusted worldwide with options for marketing automation, sales, and customer service. However, its complexity and high price might be challenging for smaller firms. If you have the budget and need advanced tools, SugarCRM could supercharge your business.

Our SugarCRM review covers all the features in detail, so make sure to read it.

Pros:

• A rich selection of tools

• Customization options

• Plenty of integrations

• Great support

• Large user community

Cons:

• There is a learning curve for new users

• Higher-priced monthly plans

Pricing:

• Sugar Sell starts at $49/user/month, billed annually 

• Sugar Serve begins at $80/user/month, billed annually

• Sugar Enterprise begins at $85/user/month, billed annually

• Sugar Market begins at $1000/user/month, billed annually

Visit site
^{Go to SugarCRM's official website}

13. Nimble (a simply smart CRM for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace)

Why we chose it:

A simply smart CRM for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, Nimble organizes all your contacts, communications, and social media connections into a unified system. It goes beyond simple management, offering actionable insights with features like email tracking, workflow automation, segmentation, and visual sales funnel management.

This CRM is designed to support your team whether you're in the office or on the go, integrating with 100+ apps for added convenience. Nimble's emphasis on ease, efficiency, and smart relationship management is why it earned our praise as a suitable choice for modern businesses.

Read our Nimble review to find out more about this tool.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface 

• Centralized data storage

• Social media-centric features

• Seamless connection with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace 

Cons:

• Android app limitations

• Support isn't always easy to get

Pricing:

• $24.90/user/month, billed annually 

Visit site
^{Go to Nimble's official website}

14. Insightly (good CRM with project management functionality)

Why we chose it:

Affordable and packed with robust features, Insightly offers scalability that ensures you'll never outgrow it. Imagine the ease of converting quality leads to opportunities, managing them effectively, and growing your business faster than ever.

Plus, customizable CRM options make Insightly fit your unique business needs. Need to manage projects post-sale? Insightly's seamless transitions and complete visibility into customer requirements make it attractive.

As a startup owner, you will appreciate Insightly's emphasis on relationships, customization, and effective communication, all contributing to delivering an excellent experience for your team and your customers.

Our Insightly review covers all these features in more detail, so make sure to check it out.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use platform

• Customization options

• Smooth pipeline integration

• Handy Chrome extension

• Relationship linking tools

• Marketing content builders

• Convenient mobile app

• Solid analytics and reporting features 

Cons:

• Google Calendar sync issues

• Limited customer support features

Pricing:

• Free plan for up to two users

• Plus plan, $29/user/month, billed annually

• Professional plan, $49/user/month, billed annually

• Enterprise plan, $99/user/month, billed annually

Visit site
^{Go to Insightly's official website}

15. Nextiva (top CRM option for startups that need advanced VoIP capability)

Why we chose it:

Nextiva is the best CRM for entrepreneurs seeking advanced VoIP capabilities. It offers unlimited calling across the U.S. and Canada, unlimited video calls, collaboration tools, and even free local and toll-free numbers.

With competitive pricing starting at $23.95 per user per month, Nextiva is designed to scale with your business, making it a perfect fit for small to midsize companies. Though it may not be ideal for very small teams and customer support could improve, its focus on unified communication and adaptability makes Nextiva a top CRM choice for a startup business.

Pros:

• Full integration with VoIP for all-in-one management

• Centralized data management for detailed insights into sales activity

• Designed explicitly for customer-facing roles, with chat, telephony, analytics, and surveys

Cons:

• Time-consuming implementation

Pricing:

• Essential plan, $23.95/user/month for 1-4 users, billed annually 

• Professional plan, $27.95/user/month for 1-4 users, billed annually 

• Enterprise plan, $37.95/user/month for 1-4 users, billed annually 

Visit site
^{Go to Nextiva's official website}

16. Freshsales (top CRM for sales teams)

Why we chose it:

As part of the Freshworks brand, Freshsales offers an array of functionalities, from email marketing to IT uses. The Freshsales Suite integrates sales and marketing tools, and many praise it as the best CRM for small business.

From contact management and AI-driven insights to integration with social media and mobile apps, Freshsales provides a comprehensive solution for managing customer relationships. Its versatility and robust features are why we've voted it the top CRM for sales teams.

Read our Freshsales review to find out more about the features.

Pros:

• Intuitive user interface
• Solid AI and email integration features
• Integration with popular email services

• Automatically assists in generating and converting new leads

• Tracking potential customers and their progress in the sales process

• Great pick for startups with flexible pricing plans

• Suitable for those needing effective lead generation and sales support

• Plans to fit every budget

• Innovative AI component, Freddy

Cons:

• Limited customization in module siloing

• Potentially high costs with premium packages

• It might lack advanced features in lower tiers

• Learning curve and task management complexities

Pricing:

• Free plan for up to 10 users

• Growth plan, starts at $15/user/month, billed annually

• Pro plan, starts at $39/user/month, billed annually

• Enterprise plan, starts at $69/user/month, billed annually

Visit site
^{Go to Freshsales' official website}

17. FreeAgent (best CRM for B2B sales teams)

Why we chose it:

Beyond standard CRM features, FreeAgent offers unique marketing, sales, and support tools. It's versatile and budget-friendly, with pricing ranging from $35 to $100 per user per month (when billed annually) and special nonprofit rates.

Its standout features include automatic task reminders, customizable email templates, and seamless integrations with platforms like Mailchimp and Quickbooks. Although there are only paid versions, a trial lets you explore its capabilities.

While it might not always be in CRM comparisons, its offerings are unmatched for startups prioritizing simple financial management. We have a separate FreeAgent review for more details about this software.

Pros:

• Good selection of phone, email, and SMS features

• Intuitive interface

• Automatically centralizes and updates data

• Good customization options 

• Integrates with a good deal of third-party apps

Cons:

• Minimal customer service features

• Only paid plans 

Pricing:

• Starter plan, $35/user/month, billed annually 

• Professional plan, $75/user/month, billed annually 

• Enterprise plan, $100/user/month, billed annually 

Visit site
^{Go to FreeAgent's official website}

18. EngageBay CRM and Sales Bay (best CRM for B2B and B2C)

Why we chose it:

EngageBay is one of the best free CRM for startups that offers three distinct business-oriented suites: Marketing Automation, Live Chat & Helpdesk, and CRM & Sales Bay. The CRM & Sales Bay comes with contact management tools that are not only designed for ease of use but also aimed at fostering company growth.

You'll find powerful features such as marketing automation tools, a visual deals pipeline, and targeted sales workflows. Its unified platform eliminates confusion between sales and marketing teams, streamlines processes, and boosts revenue. 

This all-in-one CRM includes functionalities like task management, contact management, email sequences, and much more. The free solution is designed for teams of up to 15 members and gives you 500 contacts and core tools for email marketing, helpdesk, and sales, which can help you align your teams and win customers like never before.

Pros:

• Tailored for startups with tools that support marketing, sales, and customer support

• Comprehensive tracking of contact activities, including web behavior and email responses

• Seamless integration with popular email services such as Gmail and Office 365

• Two-way sync capabilities for streamlined communication

Cons:

• Limited native integrations with third-party platforms and tools

• Email templates are limited and simplistic 

Pricing:

• Free plan, limited to 1,000 contacts and 1,000 branded emails

• Basic plan, $11.95/user/month billed annually

• Growth plan, $45.99/user/month billed annually

• Pro plan, $73.59/user/month billed annually

Visit site
^{Go to EngageBay's official website}

19. Keap (great for small businesses that need marketing automation)

Why we chose it:

Keap is the best CRM for startups that need marketing automation. The CRM is designed to foster your growth, handling customer relationship management, sales, and marketing. Its automation features free up time for high-level tasks like campaign building and customer relationship nurturing.

Keap offers a 14-day trial and integrates features such as contact management, advanced automations for sales and marketing, lead scoring, email and text marketing, and more. It's ideal if you're seeking a comprehensive solution for small business expansion. Read our Keap review for more details.

Pros:

• Startup-targeted features, ideal for new businesses

• User-friendly drag-and-drop interface for custom automations

• Practical tools for building marketing campaigns

• Allows for easy contact import from various sources

• Excellent for small businesses, especially on a budget

• Good use of email marketing, including A/B testing

• Mobile app for managing tools and tasks on the go

• Plans suitable for different needs and budgets

Cons:

• Inflexible pricing tiers

• Lacks tools for the customer service department

• It can be slow or buggy when processing heavy data

Pricing:

• Keap Pro starts at $159/month, billed annually

• Keap Max starts at $229/month, billed annually

Visit site
^{Go to Keap's official website}

Which of the best CRM tools for startups is right for me? Key takeaways

We voted HubSpot as the best CRM for a startup overall. It boasts a user-friendly free version, an intuitive user interface, suitability for first-time CRM users, diverse plans to fit every budget, and an engaged community, making it a prime choice for many. However, this doesn't mean it's the optimal tool for every startup.

Thanks to its specialized features that cater to this industry, Salesforce is the go-to if you're in the SaaS startup space. For those who rely heavily on Google Workspace, Copper stands out with its seamless integration capabilities. 

Pipedrive has set itself apart with dedicated sales CRM tools, driving sales operations to greater efficiency. If ease of use is your top priority, Less Annoying CRM offers a streamlined and intuitive experience. B2B sales teams would find a strong ally in FreeAgent, which provides tools tailored to their specific needs. If your operations hinge on advanced VoIP capabilities, Nextiva emerges as the clear frontrunner.

While HubSpot might be our top pick as the best CRM for a startup, your choice should revolve around your startup's distinct needs, industry focus, and budget. Considering these factors will ensure you choose the CRM system that propels your startup toward growth and success.

And if you are a very small startup that doesn't need software for teams, we recommend researching the best personal CRM software currently available to take care of your connections.

Best CRM for Startups FAQs

What is CRM for startup?

For startups, CRM refers to customer relationship management tools specifically designed or suited for new or small businesses. These tools help startups manage customer data, track interactions, and automate sales and marketing processes. CRM for startups is essential for streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency in early-stage businesses.

A startup-focused CRM is typically user-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable, allowing young businesses to grow their customer base and improve customer relations without the complexities of larger systems.

Which CRM is best for startups?

The best CRM for your startup depends on your specific needs. However, we voted HubSpot the best CRM for startups due to its affordability, user-friendly interface, and comprehensive features. It is suitable for startups of all sizes and offers a free version with essential CRM tools.

Other good CRMs for startups include Zoho CRM for its affordability and versatility and Salesforce for its comprehensive features and scalability. Agile CRM and Pipedrive are also frequently recommended for their user-friendly interfaces and efficient sales process management capabilities.

Does my startup need a CRM?

A CRM is not a must-have for startups, but it will give you an upper hand. A CRM will help you organize customer information, streamline communication, and automate sales processes, which are crucial for growing businesses. It also provides valuable insights into customer behavior and sales trends, aiding in strategic decision-making. 

A CRM is an essential tool for startups aiming to establish strong customer relationships and efficient sales workflows.

What CRM software is best for a small startup?

The best CRM for small startups would be cost-effective, simple, and easy to integrate with existing tools. HubSpot CRM is often recommended for its free plan and straightforward interface. Zoho and Agile CRM are also excellent choices, offering essential CRM functionalities at affordable prices. 

All these solutions are tailored to meet the needs of small startups, focusing on ease of use and basic yet effective CRM features.

Do small companies need a CRM?

Yes, small companies need a CRM to organize and grow their customer base effectively. A CRM helps efficiently manage customer data, track sales opportunities, and nurture customer relationships. Also, a CRM can automate repetitive tasks, allowing small business teams to focus on more strategic activities. 

Even with a limited customer base, a CRM can provide valuable insights and help in personalized customer engagement, which is crucial for growth and customer retention in small businesses.