Best CRM Software Tools & Systems: Top 15 Comparison 2023

1. HubSpot CRM (Best CRM Software Overall)

Why we chose it:

HubSpot made its name in inbound marketing. This helps companies attract new users through content. HubSpot also offers general CRM tools, and they are among the best overall.

But its capabilities don’t stop there; HubSpot's CRM system, with its impeccable user-friendliness, emerges as an all-encompassing suite tailored not just for small businesses but also for enterprises.

Everything in HubSpot is very intuitive. HubSpot's CRM offers products that are divided between marketing, sales, service, and CMS, and this is what makes it the best CRM software in our opinion.

The marketing segment empowers businesses with tools for efficient lead generation, coupled with marketing automation features, ensuring your brand remains top-of-mind for your clientele. For data-driven decisions, marketers benefit from its comprehensive analytics.

The sales module, on the other hand, boasts an advanced CRM integrated with tools such as a meeting scheduler, streamlining sales processes.

The service section is a haven for customer support, offering help desks, ticketing systems, knowledge bases, and platforms for gathering customer feedback.

We’ve got even more details in our HubSpot CRM review. so make sure to check it out.

Pros:

• HubSpot has an intuitive interface that’s easy for beginners to navigate.
• It offers a free CRM plan with basic features, ideal for small businesses.
• HubSpot seamlessly integrates with the marketing tools.
• It provides robust automation features for email marketing and lead nurturing.

Cons:

• The advanced features can be expensive, making it less budget-friendly.
• Customization options are somewhat restricted compared to other CRMs.
• Despite being user-friendly, it may take time for new users to learn all of the tool’s features.

Pricing:

• Free Tools: $0
• Starter: Around $30 monthly
• Professional: Around $ 1,780 monthly
• Enterprise: Starts at around $5,000 monthly

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

2. Salesforce (Best for Sales Teams)

Why we chose it:

The inclusion of Salesforce in our best CRM software list is rooted in its longstanding prowess in the CRM domain. Catering to the essential trio of marketing, sales, and customer support, Salesforce is a prime choice for medium-to-large scale businesses.

Its marketing suite offers tools for impactful email campaigns and advanced automation, coupled with unique social media integrations.

The Sales Cloud comprehensively manages the sales lifecycle, while its customer service tools enable swift issue resolutions through self-service resources and CRM contact data.

The tool is so versatile that it can be used in various industries, ranging from being utilized as one of the best hotel CRM to being used by IT companies and various agencies.

Although Salesforce excels in lead generation and retention, newcomers should anticipate an initial learning curve due to its expansive feature set.

Read our Salesforce review for more details on features.

Pros:

• Salesforce offers a wide range of sales, marketing, and customer service features.
• It’s highly customizable, allowing businesses to tailor it to their needs.
• Suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises.
• A vast marketplace of third-party apps and integrations.

Cons:

• The extensive features can be overwhelming, especially for small businesses.
• Salesforce has high pricing, so it’s not budget-friendly.
• Users may need time to learn how to use it effectively.

Pricing:

• Starter: Around $25 per user monthly
• Professional: Around $75 per user monthly
• Enterprise: Around $150 per user monthly
• Unlimited: Around $150 per user monthly

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

3. Pipedrive (Best Tool to Help Businesses with Pipeline Management)

Why we chose it:

Pipedrive's spot on our top CRM software list comes from its sharp focus on enhancing sales and revenue. True to its name, it embodies the sales pipeline, driving results and steering prospects smoothly through sales stages.

Beyond just tracking communications, Pipedrive ensures that throughout the customer's journey, satisfaction remains paramount. Its arsenal includes tools for managing leads and deals, and for those routine tasks, it’s got automation sorted.

What's really cool about Pipedrive is how visual it is, making monitoring sales activities and diving into analytics a breeze. Plus, with mobile apps for iOS and Android, you're never out of the loop.

All in all, Pipedrive wins big on user-friendliness, making it a breeze to navigate.

Pipedrive review

Pros:

• Pipedrive is straightforward, making it ideal for small businesses.
• It excels in managing sales pipelines and tracking deals.
• It offers competitive pricing for the features.
• Provides integration options with various apps and tools.

Cons:

• It focuses primarily on sales and lacks advanced marketing tools.
• It may not have all the features larger enterprises require.
• Less suitable for businesses with intricate sales processes.

Pricing:

• Essential: Around $9 per user monthly
• Advanced: Around $19 per user monthly
• Professional: Around $39 per user monthly
• Power: Around $49 per user monthly
• Enterprise: Around $59 per user monthly

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

4. Freshsales (Top CRM Software with AI lead scoring)

Why we chose it:

Can’t have a list of top CRM software without including Freshsales on it. Brought to you by Freshworks, this tool easily clinched a spot on our best CRM software list, and here's why. 

Freshworks has crafted an all-inclusive platform with specialized SaaS solutions catering to the needs of marketing and customer service teams.

The real game-changer is its adept use of AI, diving deep into understanding customers and leads, and its lead scoring system which flags your prime opportunities so you're always a step ahead.

With Freshsales, salespeople get a real treat - integrated email and phone tools right at their fingertips. The platform ensures you’re armed with crisp customer data, along with nifty tips guiding interactions, ensuring you always know when and how to make your move.

And if you're worried about missing an update, the email notifications have you covered on engagements and follow-ups. Plus, if you're into synergies, Freshsales gels seamlessly with other Freshworks offerings, especially Freshmarketer with its handy chatbot feature.

Check out our detailed Freshsales review for more information.

Pros:

• Freshsales has a simple and intuitive interface.
• Offers cost-effective plans, making it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
• Provides email tracking and automation features.
• Uses AI to help prioritize leads effectively.

Cons:

• It may lack some advanced features required by larger enterprises.
• Not as scalable as some other CRM options.
• Customization options are somewhat limited compared to other CRMs.

Pricing:

• Up to 3 users: $0
• Growth: Around $15 per user monthly
• Pro: Around $39 per user monthly
• Enterprise: Around $69 per user monthly

Visit site
^{Go to Freshsales’ official website}

5. Microsoft Dynamics 365 (Best CRM Platform for Business Intelligence)

Why we chose it:

Microsoft's prowess in business SaaS is undeniable, and Dynamics 365 is their testament to that. It's no surprise then that Dynamics 365, with its combined CRM and ERP prowess, made it to our top picks.

Powered by AI, this platform ensures companies don't just find customers but the right ones tailored to their offerings. Dynamics 365 offers a panoramic view of each customer, so you're never in the dark.

The platform streamlines the sales journey with automation, and its coaching features are there to bolster your sales reps’ skills.

On the marketing front, it's not just about garnering leads but also diving deep into sales forecasting and spotting trends early. The comprehensive customer service suite is the cherry on top, and for those who love to tinker, there's an API for customization.

And let's not forget the bonus - integrated project management and accounting tools that just sweeten the deal.

We’ve got a separate Microsoft Dynamics 365 review for those who want to find out more about the tool.

Pros:

• Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft products like Office 365.
• Suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises.
• Highly customizable to meet specific business needs.
• Offers AI-driven insights and automation.

Cons:

• It can be complex to set up and use effectively.
• Pricing can be higher, especially with advanced features.
• Integration heavily relies on other Microsoft tools.

Pricing:

• Sales Professional: Around $60 per user monthly
• Sales Enterprise: Around $90 per user monthly
• Sales Premium: Around $130 per user monthly
• Microsoft Relationship Sales: Around $160 per user monthly
• Customer Insights: Around $1,500 per user monthly
• Customer Voice: Around $100 (2,000 survey responses per tenant/monthly)

Visit site
^{Go to Microsoft Dynamics 365 official website}

6. Mailchimp (Best CRM Tool for Marketing Campaigns)

Why we chose it:

Okay, why is a newsletter tool on our list of the best CRM software?

From its humble beginnings as a newsletter-centric SaaS, Mailchimp has evolved impressively, earning its spot on our best CRM software list. Now, it's not just an email tool; it's a comprehensive CRM solution tailored for marketing teams in small businesses.

With Mailchimp, marketing gets a major boost: you can craft email campaigns, whip up social media ads, and design landing pages that resonate with your brand ethos. Dive deeper into audience analytics with their segmentation tools, and effortlessly pinpoint potential customers.

Their user-friendly visual editor ensures even the least tech-savvy can design automated marketing campaigns. Features like A/B testing and customer surveys aren’t just added frills; they’re essential tools in your marketing arsenal.

And with insights like lead purchase likelihood and a plethora of third-party integrations, topped with a developer API, Mailchimp isn’t just insightful—it’s transformative.

Check out our Mailchimp review for more details.

Pros:

• Mailchimp offers a simple and intuitive interface suitable for beginners.
• Integrates seamlessly with email marketing campaigns.
• Provides automation features for email marketing and customer engagement.
• It offers a free plan with basic email marketing and CRM capabilities.

Cons:

• Basic CRM functionalities compared to dedicated CRM software.
• It may not be suitable for businesses with intricate sales processes.
• Costs can add up as your contact list grows.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: $0
• Essentials: Around $6 monthly
• Standard: Around $10 monthly
• Premium: Around $170 monthly

Visit site
^{Go to Mailchimp’s official website}

7. Zoho CRM (Good Customer Relationship Management Software for Managing Customers)

Why we chose it:

Zoho, with its vast cloud-based business offerings, naturally finds its place on our best CRM software list. While there's a plethora of individual Zoho applications, what stands out is their CRM platform package.

Tailored predominantly for sales, Zoho CRM excels from the get-go, from capturing leads to adeptly steering them through the sales lifecycle using its stellar opportunity management tools.

Dive into the platform, and you're greeted with an exhaustive 360-degree customer view, ensuring every detail is at your fingertips. What's even cooler? Real-time notifications ping you the moment a customer interacts, ensuring you're always in the loop.

The analytics component sheds light on optimal ways and timings for lead engagement, and their AI-powered sales assistant, which also doubles up as a chatbot, is nothing short of a game-changer.

But Zoho CRM isn’t just about sales; its versatility extends to serving as a top-notch help desk for customer queries.

Our Zoho CRM review covers all the features in more detail, so make sure to check it out!

Pros:

• Zoho CRM offers cost-effective plans, making it accessible for small businesses.
• Highly customizable to fit specific business needs.
• Integrates well with other Zoho products and third-party apps.
• Provides workflow automation for sales and marketing tasks.

Cons:

• Users may take time to master all the features.
• The free plan has limitations and may not suit all businesses.
• Some users find the interface less modern than other CRMs.

Pricing:

• Up to 3 users: $0
• Standard: Around $14 per user monthly
• Professional: Around $23 per user monthly
• Enterprise: Around $40 per user monthly
• Ultimate: Around $52 per user monthly

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

8. Apptivo CRM (Best CRM System for Workflow Automation)

Why we chose it:

Apptivo's cloud-based offerings stood out to us, compelling its inclusion in our article. This SaaS doesn’t just cater to a particular business size; it has versatility at its core, fitting snugly for businesses ranging from startups to conglomerates.

What sets Apptivo's CRM software apart is its adaptability; each tool can be tailored to specific needs. From managing customer relationships to seamlessly converting leads and strategically planning sales, Apptivo has got you covered.

Delve into its analytics, and you’re presented with invaluable insights on your sales pipeline and opportunity metrics. Its harmonious integration with platforms like Gmail is commendable, and the pre-crafted email templates are handy for diverse marketing needs or regular customer check-ins.

Plus, competitive insights offer that added edge. And here's the clincher: starting at just $10 for its premium tier and even offering an impressive free version, Apptivo isn't just feature-rich—it's undeniably value for money.

Read our Apptivo CRM review for more details.

Pros:

• Apptivo offers a wide range of business apps, including CRM, which can benefit all-in-one solutions.
• Provides competitive pricing for the features.
• Allows customization of CRM modules to suit specific business processes.
• Good customer support and training resources.

Cons:

• The range of apps and features can be overwhelming for some users.
• It may lack some advanced CRM features needed by larger enterprises.
• Some users may encounter difficulties integrating third-party apps.

Pricing:

• Lite: Around $10 per user monthly
• Premium: Around $15 per user monthly
• Ultimate: Around $25 per user monthly
• Enterprise: Contact Apptivo

Visit site
^{Go to Apptivo CRM’s official website}

9. Insightly (Top CRM Software for Analytics and Reports)

Why we chose it:

In our quest for the crème de la crème of CRM solutions, Insightly effortlessly marked its territory. Tailored primarily for the professional landscape of medium to large businesses, this platform goes beyond the ordinary, fusing CRM functionalities with project management prowess.

At its core, Insightly aims for a holistic customer overview, promoting effortless data synchronization across sales, marketing, and project facets. Dive deeper, and you’ll find meticulously designed automated marketing funnels, geared to zoom in on specific audience clusters.

The cherry on top? An advanced email tracking system that keeps you informed about lead interactions, right from email opens to link engagement.

Furthermore, its lead routing mechanism ensures customers are always paired with their best-fit sales representative. Rounding it off with customizable dashboards, Insightly isn’t just functional; it's a masterclass in CRM finesse.

We’ve got an Insightly review ready for all those considering this tool as their next CRM.

Pros:

• Insightly has an intuitive and user-friendly interface.
• Offers cost-effective plans for small to medium-sized businesses.
• Combines CRM and project management capabilities.
• Integrates with popular apps like G Suite and Office 365.

Cons:

• It may not have all the advanced CRM features needed by larger enterprises.
• Customization options are somewhat limited.
• Not as suitable for large enterprises with complex needs.

Pricing:

• Plus: Around $29 per user monthly
• Professional: Around $49 per user monthly
• Enterprise: Around $99 per user monthly

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

10. Keap Infusionsoft (Good CRM Tool for Marketing and Sales Automation)

Why we chose it:

In our exploration of standout CRM solutions, the synergy between Keap and Infusionsoft stood out prominently. While Keap serves as the propelling force behind business growth, Infusionsoft steps in as a comprehensive marketing and sales maestro.

What's striking about Infusionsoft is its meticulous activity tracking system that keeps one informed, paired with timely reminders ensuring no follow-up gets missed.

The added advantage? Seamless integration capabilities with Gmail or Outlook, coupled with an arsenal of top-notch email marketing templates. Diving deeper, the platform's prowess to automate tailored email campaigns emerges, reinforcing a consistently personalized touch.

With its intuitively designed and customizable lead management dashboard, Infusionsoft takes efficiency up a notch. The inclusion of trigger emails further ensures that sales teams maintain a stellar customer experience, solidifying its position on our coveted list.

Check out our detailed Keap review for more information.

Pros:

• Offers powerful marketing automation features.
• Integrates well with email marketing campaigns.
• Allows for customization of marketing workflows.
• Suitable for businesses with online sales.

Cons:

• It can be challenging to set up and use, especially for beginners.
• Pricing can be higher, particularly with advanced features.
• It may have more features than small businesses need.

Pricing:

• Pro: Around $159 monthly
• Max: Around $229 monthly

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

11. Less Annoying CRM

Why we chose it:

In a world bustling with intricate software solutions, the aptly named Less Annoying CRM emerges as a breath of fresh air. Tailored for small business owners and those mindful of budget constraints, its interface is refreshingly uncomplicated.

At its heart, the CRM offers foundational features like appending notes, files, and tasks to individual customer profiles. Beyond just managing contacts, it elevates team collaboration: shared calendars, task organization, to-do lists, and seamless syncing with Google Calendar are part of the package.

Its lead reporting simplifies pipeline management, while its diligent follow-up reminders and daily agenda emails ensure that sales teams are consistently proactive.

Given its blend of simplicity and efficiency and the minimal learning curve it offers, it's clear why Less Annoying CRM effortlessly made its way onto our top CRM software picks.

Read our Less Annoying CRM review for more details on the features, pros, and cons of this tool.

Pros:

• Less Annoying CRM is designed to be simple and easy to use, making it ideal for small businesses.
• Offers a cost-effective pricing structure.
• Has an intuitive interface that minimizes the learning curve.
• Provides excellent customer support.

Cons:

• Lacks some advanced features required by larger enterprises.
• Customization options are limited, but it keeps the system user-friendly.
• It may not be suitable for businesses with intricate sales processes.

Pricing:

• Around $15 per user monthly

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

12. SugarCRM

Why we chose it:

In our quest for holistic CRM platforms, SugarCRM's comprehensive trifecta of marketing, sales, and service tools effortlessly caught our attention. Distinctively hosted on-premise, it offers a level of data control and customization that's hard to match.

When it comes to marketing, SugarCRM isn't just about generic campaigns; its tools extend to the nuances of social media advertising, enriched further by insightful SEO tips.

Crafting campaigns becomes a breeze with ready-to-use templates and an intuitive drag-and-drop editor. Beyond that, its prowess in automating these campaigns facilitates the seamless transformation of contacts into potential leads.

This naturally dovetails with its sales force automation, ensuring that every lead is meticulously tracked and nurtured through the sales journey.

And for those seeking optimal customer support? SugarCRM's intelligent routing ensures every user's concerns are addressed by the most suited agent, emphasizing the platform's commitment to a tailored user experience.

Our SugarCRM review explains all these features in detail, so make sure to have a look.

Pros:

• Sugar CRM offers extensive customization options to tailor the CRM to specific business needs.
• Suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises.
• Integrates well with various third-party apps and systems.
• Provides workflow automation and advanced reporting features.

Cons:

• The extensive features can be complex to set up and use.
• Pricing can be relatively high, especially for advanced features.
• Users may require training to utilize all capabilities effectively.

Pricing:

• Sell: Around $49 per user monthly
• Serve: Around $80 per user monthly
• Market: Around $1,000 per user monthly
• Enterprise: Around $85 per user monthly

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

13. Nimble 

Why we chose it:

For all those searching for user-friendly CRM systems, we recommend Nimble CRM, especially for its seamless integration with platforms like Office 365 and Google Workspace.

Being web-based, Nimble offers the versatility of operating within various web browsers and even integrates smoothly with applications like Microsoft Teams and Excel.

One of its standout features is its adeptness in contact organization, streamlining all engagements across myriad channels into a singular, cohesive history. This ensures that no interaction goes unnoticed.

Additionally, its capacity to meticulously track projects and tasks, combined with a standardized sales process management, provides a panoramic view of all open opportunities. The inclusion of unified team calendars further promotes collaborative efforts, ensuring everyone's on the same page.

And for those always on the move? Nimble's dedicated iOS and Android applications ensure uninterrupted connectivity. Given this suite of features, it's evident why Nimble secured a spot on our list of best CRM software.

Read our Nimble CRM review for even more details!

Pros:

• Nimble excels at social media integration, helping businesses manage relationships on platforms like LinkedIn.
• Offers affordable pricing plans suitable for small businesses.
• Provides excellent contact management and lead-tracking features.
• Nimble has a simple and user-friendly interface.

Cons:

• It’s not as customizable as some other CRM solutions.
• It may lack some advanced features required by larger enterprises.
• It may not be ideal for businesses with intricate sales processes.

Pricing:

• Around $24 per user monthly

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

14. NetSuite CRM

Why we chose it:

• NetSuite CRM offers many features, including ERP and financial management.

• Highly customizable to meet specific business processes.

• Suitable for growing businesses and large enterprises.

• Integrates well with other NetSuite modules and third-party apps.

Cons:

• It can be challenging to implement and may require professional assistance.
• Pricing can be higher, particularly for small businesses.
• It may have more features than small businesses need.

Pricing:

• The CRM plans range from $99.00 to $999.00 per month depending on the plan.

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

15. Really Simple Systems CRM

Why we chose it:

We have a detailed Really Simple Systems CRM review that will answer all your questions about this tool.

Pros:

• It has a straightforward and user-friendly interface.
• Offers cost-effective plans suitable for small businesses.
• Integrates with email marketing tools for efficient communication.
• Allows for basic customization of contact fields and layouts.

Cons:

• It may lack some advanced CRM features needed by larger enterprises.
• Customization options are somewhat limited compared to other CRMs.
• It may not be suitable for large enterprises with complex needs.

Pricing:

• Up to 2 users: $0
• Starter: Around $17 per user monthly
• Professional: Around $30 per user monthly
• Enterprise: Around $46 per user monthly

Visit site
^{Go to Really Simple Systems’ official website}

Which of the Best CRM Platforms is Right for Me? Key Takeaways

In the dynamic world of CRM software, choice can often seem overwhelming. Yet, through careful examination of a myriad of platforms, some undeniably stand out from the crowd. From the simplicity of Less Annoying CRM to the comprehensive suite of NetSuite, the market offers tools for every business size and requirement.

However, HubSpot CRM takes the crown as our top pick. Its user-centric design, integrated tools, and value proposition, especially for small to mid-sized businesses, set it apart.

HubSpot doesn't merely organize customer data; it provides a holistic ecosystem for sales, marketing, and service teams to work in harmony. Its intuitive design, combined with powerful analytics, makes it a beacon in the CRM realm.

Hot on HubSpot's heels, Salesforce stands as a formidable runner-up. With its robust set of features and scalability, it's the go-to for many large enterprises. Its reputation in the market is unparalleled, given its comprehensive tools and capabilities that cater to multifaceted business needs.

If you want something simple, Really Simple CRM and Less Annoying CRM are good options. For bigger businesses with more complex needs and fatter budgets, check out Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Oracle’s NetSuite.

If your small business or individual business is running on a tight budget, MailChimp and Apptivo are worth a try. You can also have a look at the top open source CRM software, as it’s free of charge.

In the end, each of these 15 CRM vendors has strong points, and all of them are far superior to simple but messy spreadsheets, whose lack of tools will make them more time-consuming in the long run.

We hope at least one of these top CRM suggestions have jumped up at you while reading this roundup. Now go out there and manage those customer relationships like a pro!

FAQs

Which CRM System is the Best?

It really depends on what you’re looking for, but Zoho CRM is fantastic for an all-around package. If you’re diving deep into reporting and analytics, Salesforce is your go-to. Now, if you’re into seamless project management and sales, monday.com is a winner. Apptivo is awesome if you want a suite of versatile business apps. Looking for a robust free option with rich features? Agile CRM has you covered. And, of course, if you need a comprehensive solution for sales, marketing, and service, HubSpot is a standout choice.

What is the Number 1 CRM Platform?

It depends on your specific team size and needs, but for enterprise-sized teams, Salesforce Sales Cloud takes the lead. Renowned in the CRM space, Salesforce offers a suite of tools for workflow automation and analytics tracking, making it a solid choice. Additionally, other contenders worth considering could be HubSpot and Zoho CRM, each with strengths and features that can meet different business requirements.

Is Salesforce Still the Best CRM?

Salesforce is a great CRM for businesses of any size. It’s easy to customize, scales well, and is accessible in the cloud—perfect for remote teams. However, it can be pricey and complex, which might not suit every business. Moreover, the “best” CRM varies based on team size, industry, and required functionalities.

Checking out alternatives like HubSpot, Monday Sales CRM, Pipedrive, Freshsales, Bitrix24, and Zoho CRM, among many others, could be a good idea to find the right fit.

What CRM Software is Best for a Small Startup?

If you’re starting your own business, you might want to check out a CRM for keeping everything organized and building relationships. HubSpot is user-friendly, and they’ve got a free version to get you started. Zoho is another solid option and won’t break the bank for a small setup.

If you’re diving into sales, Pipedrive keeps it simple. And if you practically live in your Gmail, Streak can fit right into your inbox. Give them a look and see which one clicks with your startup vibes!

What is the Most Popular CRM Software System?

The most popular CRM software system is Salesforce. The software is the #1 CRM provider worldwide, holding the top market share in North America, Latin America, Western Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan. In addition, Salesforce has ranked as the number one CRM Provider for ten consecutive years.

What Are the Most Easy to Use CRM Software Tools?

There are a few standouts in the market that offer intuitive interfaces and user-friendly features. HubSpot, Zoho, and Pipedrive often rank as the top CRM tools that are easy to learn to use. However, make sure to explore demos of different CRM software to assess their suitability for your needs.

What Do Good CRM Systems Look Like?

A CRM should have a simple and intuitive look and feel. There shouldn’t be too much information clutter in analytics dashboards. When a CRM platform is clean and minimal, it’s much easier to learn and use. This is key for tracking leads and not missing any sales opportunities.