# 10 Best Free CRM Software 2026 | Capterra > Learn about and compare the 10 best free CRM software in 2026. Understand the pros and cons and cost of each tool to narrow your choices. Source: https://www.capterra.com/customer-relationship-management-software/s/free --- # Best Free CRM Software in 2025 Last updated on September 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 Small sales teams with few resources often need an all-in-one customer relationship management (CRM) tool to generate and track leads, create sales pipelines, and manage customer interactions. A free CRM software can significantly boost productivity for small businesses by providing essential core features like contact management and sales pipeline tracking. Even in its free version, a CRM platform helps maintain great customer relationships by enabling timely and accurate responses to customer queries. By automating essential sales tasks like prospecting, a free CRM also ensures that small sales teams can manage their workload more efficiently. To help you find the right free CRM software with either a free plan or free trial, we analyzed more than 31,000 verified user reviews over the last two years, and 1,045 products that are either free or have a free trial, to identify the most important features, benefits, and limitations of free solutions.[\[1\]](#footnotes) ## 10 best free or free trial CRM software [ Zoho CRM ](#2143ac98-b65c-4bb1-ae6b-a6d200b7a22f) Highest rated 4.3 (6968) [ Odoo ](#49a68156-7e55-465d-bce6-a816004f00fd) Highly rated for Interaction Tracking 4.2 (1297) [ Bitrix24 ](#d4f9fc76-9ea5-40e1-99c4-a6d200b2e0b3) Highly rated for Customer Support 4.2 (986) [ HubSpot CRM ](#f1a11c4a-87bf-4bca-9f05-a6d200b46712) Highly rated for Value for Money 4.5 (4455) [ Salesforce Sales Cloud ](#8c7f8bf5-dbf6-47ee-9df7-a6d200b64092) Highly rated for Contact Management 4.4 (18770) [ Agile CRM ](#6509d69a-ebed-4d80-ab00-a6d200b29cad) Highly rated for Ease of Use 4.1 (524) [ Vtiger CRM ](#01169807-771b-4a7f-ae18-a6d200b77223) Highly rated for Functionality 4.3 (336) [ Freshsales ](#635c6928-5279-4793-8906-a6d200b7d5da) Highly rated for Activity Dashboards 4.5 (621) [ ActiveCampaign ](#26796e10-bfab-4198-ba2d-a6d200b29051) Highly rated for Lead Management 4.6 (2561) [ Dynamics 365 ](#60cddbf1-a0da-4ce5-9679-a6e8007f8787) Highly rated for Sales Pipeline Management 4.4 (5817) [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 were chosen based on independent research and user feedback as of November 2024. To qualify, each tool had to show essential features, be relevant to users across industries, offer either a forever free plan or free trial, and have equal to or more than 20 user reviews and overall rating of 4 and above.  All products in this list are organized by availability type, with forever free versions presented first, followed by free trial offerings, with solutions in each group ordered by overall rating from our verified reviews. * * * [4.3 (6968)](https://www.capterra.com/p/155928/Zoho-CRM/reviews/) Highest rated Highest rated Starting Price: $14.00 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Contact Management Based on 392 reviews User rating: 51% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Zoho CRM is a comprehensive CRM solution designed to help businesses of all sizes enhance customer engagement and streamline sales processes. The platform supports lead and deal management, workflow automation, and advanced analytics, enabling users to make more data-driven decisions regarding past, present, and forecasted sales performance. Notable features include multichannel communication tools, AI-powered sales assistants, and customizable dashboards. Based on our analysis of the most popular free CRM software, Zoho CRM is the highest-rated. Features Features reviewers most value **Mobile access** Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.5 out of 5 and 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 logging calls, accessing contacts, and checking email marketing statuses. Reviewers also indicate that the mobile user interface is straightforward, allowing easy navigation through lead details and comments. They appreciate the flexibility and time-saving aspects, although some mention the mobile version is basic and challenging to use on small screens. **Appointment scheduling** Reviewers rate this feature 4.5 out of 5 and indicate that Zoho CRM's appointment scheduling helps manage time effectively and enhances coordination. They find it easy to schedule meetings, with features like smart scheduler and calendar integration. Users also appreciate the integration with tools like Zoom and the fact that customers can self-book appointments. They report that the scheduling capabilities are convenient, though some mention room for improvement in terms of ease of use. They also highlight the helpful reminders for scheduled meetings and appointments. **Comprehensive CRM** Reviewers give this feature a 4.4 out of 5 rating and highlight that Zoho CRM provides a comprehensive solution for managing customer relationships, sales, marketing, and support. They appreciate the ability to centralize customer data, automate tasks, and integrate with tools like Slack, Zoom, and Mailchimp. Users also report that Zoho CRM enhances customer engagement, improves sales efficiency, and offers valuable insights into customer behavior. In addition, they find the platform user-friendly and effective for organizing lead data, tracking interactions, and making informed business decisions. 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." Ben W. Logistics and Supply Chain, 51-200 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "Zoho CRM is a solid product with a helpful support team and a strong product roadmap, Zoho CRM is a strong choice for any small business looking to manage their sales activity." 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)." AS AJ S. E-Learning, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Advanced Analytics to get core business intelligence is tricky, Core Metric tracking can be complete pain if embedded system values are over-written with semantics that are friendly to a particular business case." Pricing Zoho CRM offers a forever-free plan (Free Edition) tailored to small teams or users looking to try before they buy. For businesses with more extensive needs, the Standard plan is priced at $14 per user, per month (billed annually) and offers dozens of features, including API integrations, automated lead generation, and more. Higher-tier plans, such as Professional ($23 per user, per month), Enterprise ($40 per user, per month), and Ultimate (at $52), offer additional capabilities, such as Zia AI assistance and predictive analytics, to support more complex sales operations. [Learn more about Zoho CRM pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/155928/Zoho-CRM/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **PayPal** is a payment processing tool that integrates with Zoho CRM to track transactions and attach them to customer records. - **Slack** is a team communication platform that integrates with ZohoCRM to facilitate real-time collaboration and streamline customer engagement. - **Trello** is a project management tool that integrates with Zoho CRM to link customer records with task boards and cards for enhanced workflow management. [Learn more about Zoho CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/155928/Zoho-CRM/) * * * [4.5 (4455)](https://www.capterra.com/p/152373/HubSpot-CRM/reviews/) Highly rated for Value for Money Highly rated for Value for Money Starting Price: $20.00 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Contact Management Based on 484 reviews User rating: 62% of reviewers rated it 5 stars HubSpot CRM is a feature-rich platform designed to support small and midsized businesses (SMBs) in managing sales, marketing, and customer service operations. With tools for contact and deal management, email tracking, and marketing automation—all within an intuitive interface—HubSpot CRM is often cited as delivering excellent value for money, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses looking to better manage sales operations. In fact, among the most popular free CRM tools, HubSpot CRM is the highest-rated for value for money. Features Features reviewers most value **User-friendly platform** Reviewers give this feature a 4.4 out of 5 rating and 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 customer engagement, and align sales and marketing efforts. Additionally, users report that it effectively consolidates interactions through various communication channels, including email, phone calls, and social media, which aids in personalizing interactions. They find the automation and personalization capabilities valuable for managing and segmenting leads. Reviewers also mention the ease of collaboration across departments and the wide range of integrations available. **Third-party integrations** Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.4 out of 5. They report that HubSpot CRM offers robust third-party integrations, seamlessly connecting with popular apps like Slack, Zoom, and Google Workspace. They appreciate the wide range of pre-built integrations and the ability to use tools like Zapier for additional connections. Reviewers also indicate that these integrations enhance overall functionality and streamline workflows. They mention that while some integrations, like Salesforce, may require customization, most work smoothly and save time by consolidating tasks within HubSpot CRM. **Interaction tracking** Reviewers highlight HubSpot CRM's interaction tracking capabilities, rating them 4.4 out of 5. They note that it allows them to log and organize all customer interactions, including calls, emails, and social media messages. They find it helpful for viewing a complete picture of each client and ensuring seamless communication across teams. Users appreciate the notifications for email opens and the detailed history of customer actions. They also mention that this feature aids in tracking sales progress and improving customer service by keeping everyone informed and updated. 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 HubSpot CRM offers a Free Tools plan that’s free for up to two users, and comes with up to one deal pipeline, three email templates, and Facebook Messenger integration. The higher-tier Sales Hub Starter plan (for $20 per user, per month billed monthly) adds up to 1,000 personal and team meetings links, two deal pipelines per account, up to 5,000 email templates, and up to 10 dashboards with 10 reports per dashboard. [Learn more about HubSpot CRM pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/152373/HubSpot-CRM/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Zoom** is a virtual meeting platform that integrates with HubSpot CRM to schedule and automate meetings while syncing meeting notes with customer records. - **Stripe** is a payment processing solution that integrates with HubSpot CRM to manage billing and track transactions within the platform. - **ActiveCampaign** is a marketing automation tool that integrates with HubSpot CRM to enhance customer engagement with advanced workflows and email campaigns. [Learn more about HubSpot CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/152373/HubSpot-CRM/) * * * [### Agile CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/135148/Agile-CRM/) [4.1 (524)](https://www.capterra.com/p/135148/Agile-CRM/reviews/) Highly rated for Ease of Use Highly rated for Ease of Use [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/135148/Agile-CRM/) Starting Price: Not provided by vendor Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Contact Management Based on 16 reviews User rating: MB 48% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Agile CRM is an all-in-one CRM solution designed to amplify sales, marketing, and customer service. Useful for SMBs, Agile CRM’s intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionality allow users to manage contacts, automate workflows, and track sales pipelines with minimal technical expertise or training required. Key features include two-way email, telephony, helpdesk, social media integration, and appointment scheduling—alongside various marketing automations. Among the most popular free CRM solutions on Capterra, Agile CRM is the highest-rated for ease of use. Features Features reviewers most value **Contact management** Reviewers appreciate Agile CRM's contact management capabilities, rating them 4 out of 5. They highlight the flexibility in manipulating contacts and the valuable customization and automation options, although they note that setup can be challenging. Users also report that Agile CRM is easy to integrate with email clients and find the 5-star ranking system helpful for prioritizing accounts. However, they indicate that while Agile CRM is suitable for small businesses, it may not be ideal for larger enterprises. **Sales pipeline management** Reviewers appreciate Agile CRM's sales pipeline management capabilities, giving them a rating of 3.7 out of 5. They find the visual pipeline management helpful and the ability to create custom pipelines valuable. Users report that the sales pipeline provides insights into deal values and necessary sales activities. They also highlight the integration with Google Contacts as a significant advantage. However, some users feel that it resembles a giant spreadsheet and express concerns about data reliability. **Lead management** Reviewers appreciate Agile CRM's lead management capabilities and give them a 3.6 out of 5 rating. They highlight the visual pipeline and the ability to sync with Google Contacts convenient for managing leads. Users also report that the integration with outside lead capture sites and social media is beneficial. They find the lead scoring system helpful for prioritizing sales workflows. However, some reviewers feel that Agile CRM is not the best option for lead management and express concerns about data reliability. Pros & Cons MS Muadzam S. Restaurants, 201-500 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "It provides solid security and lets our team manage leads, tasks, and collaboration from one easy platform." MS Muadzam S. Restaurants, 201-500 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Real-time collaboration and automated workflows boost productivity and make managing multiple locations much easier." FK Farman K. Information Technology and Services, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Many users mention glitches, slowdowns, and other issues with automations or integrations from time to time, which get irritating when relying on the platform for everyday sales and support." DS D S. Health, Wellness and Fitness, 1-10 employees Used the software for: I used a free trial "Unbelievable response to put garbage data into a CRM as a work around which then negates nearly all the other functionality e.g., Campaigns, Emails, Tracking, etc. " Pricing Agile CRM offers a forever-free plan with seats for up to 10 individual users, providing access to core features (e.g., contact management, email campaigns, and deal tracking). Businesses seeking additional capabilities can upgrade to the Starter plan at $14.99 per user, per month, which includes advanced analytics, marketing automation, and additional integrations. The Regular ($29.99 per user, per month) and Enterprise ($47.99 per user, per month) plans both cater to larger teams with more comprehensive needs and offer features like application programming interface (API) access and premium customer support. Each plan includes discounts if you enroll in yearly billing or pay for two years at once. [Learn more about Agile CRM pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/135148/Agile-CRM/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Shopify** is an eCommerce platform that integrates with Agile CRM to sync customer data, automate order tracking, and manage post-sale communication. - **FreshBooks** is an accounting software that integrates with Agile CRM to help users track invoices, payments, and expenses alongside customer interactions. - **Stripe** is a payment gateway that integrates with Agile CRM to manage transactions and streamline billing processes. [Learn more about Agile CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/135148/Agile-CRM/) * * * [4.2 (986)](https://www.capterra.com/p/113540/Bitrix24/reviews/) Highly rated for Customer Support Highly rated for Customer Support 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 Based on our analysis of the most popular free CRM solutions, Bitrix24 is the highest-rated for customer support. Bitrix24 is a multifaceted, collaboration-focused CRM system designed to support SMBs with tools for collaboration, task management, and customer interaction tracking. It offers core CRM functionalities, including lead management, sales automation, and detailed reporting, alongside features for project management and social intranet functionality. Features Features reviewers most value **Real-time consumer-facing chat** Reviewers appreciate Bitrix24's real-time consumer-facing chat, rating the feature an impressive 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. Finally, reviewers feel this aspect significantly enhances their overall experience with Bitrix24. **Activity tracking** Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.8 out of 5 and indicate that Bitrix24's activity tracking is valuable for monitoring progress and evaluating results. They appreciate the ability to import clients and lead databases from other platforms, which simplifies adoption. Users also 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, rating them 4.6 out of 5. They report that this feature 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 landing pages. 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." GF George F. Civic & Social Organization, 1-10 employees Used the software for: I used a free trial "The AI Assistant is very clunky, The terminolgy, it took a while to get a handle on the workflow that Bitrix uses." Pricing Bitrix24 offers a Free plan for unlimited users, which includes up to 5GB of storage, all core CRM capabilities, task management tools, and basic collaboration tools. The Basic plan offers all the same features as the Free plan, adding customizable workflows and more robust contact centers. The Basic plan is priced at $43 per organization, per month. Notably, the Basic plan only allows for up to five users. The Standard Plan ($87 per organization, per month) additionally offers project management functionalities and increases the maximum number of seats to 50 users. The Professional plan is the highest-tier plan and includes all features Bitrix24 has to offer, including managed HR and all automations. All three paid plans are billed annually. [Learn more about Bitrix24 pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/113540/Bitrix24/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Google Drive** is a cloud storage solution that integrates with Bitrix24 to store and access documents directly within the CRM tool. - **Dropbox Business** is a file-sharing tool that integrates with Bitrix24 to enhance collaboration and document management for teams. - **Jira** is a project management platform that integrates with Bitrix24 to support ticket tracking and team collaboration on customer-related queries. [Learn more about Bitrix24](https://www.capterra.com/p/113540/Bitrix24/) * * * [### Vtiger CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/112491/vtiger-CRM/) [4.3 (336)](https://www.capterra.com/p/112491/vtiger-CRM/reviews/) Highly rated for Functionality Highly rated for Functionality [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/112491/vtiger-CRM/) Starting Price: $12.00 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Contact Management Based on 7 reviews User rating: 47% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Among the most popular free CRM software, Vtiger is the highest-rated for functionality. Built to support sales, marketing, and customer service within a unified platform, the software offers lead generation, email automation, SMS automation, revenue analysis and forecasting, risk reporting, proposal management, and a multitude of additional deal-facilitation features. Reviewers often cite the value of Vtiger CRM’s pipeline management, forecasting, and integration capabilities as key value drivers, making Vtiger CRM one of the most versatile solutions for meeting diverse business needs. Features Features reviewers most value **Contact database** Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.5 out of 5. The contact database feature in Vtiger CRM serves as a centralized repository for storing and managing all contact information. This feature allows businesses to organize and access detailed profiles of their contacts, including customers, prospects, and partners, in one place. It supports the efficient categorization and segmentation of contacts, enabling personalized communication and targeted marketing efforts. **Contact management** Reviewers appreciate Vtiger CRM's contact management capabilities, rating them 4.3 out of 5. The contact management feature in Vtiger CRM is valued for its ability to efficiently handle multiple contacts from various locations. It simplifies the management process by consolidating all types of contacts, such as prospects, business contacts, and personal connections, into a single tool. **Lead management** Reviewers appreciate Vtiger CRM's lead management capabilities, rating them 4.2 out of 5. The lead capture feature in Vtiger CRM is designed to streamline the process of gathering and managing potential customer information. It allows users to automatically collect leads from various sources, such as web forms, emails, and social media platforms, and consolidate them into the CRM system. Pros & Cons John S. Marketing and Advertising, Self-employed Used the software for: I used a free trial "With a comprehensive set of tools for managing sales, marketing, and customer service, you can manage all aspects of customer engagement from a single location." Helene V. Public Relations and Communications, 501-1,000 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "It is a very intuitive and dynamic program that has helped us to increase our sales, through different channels such as sending advertising and offers of our services by email." Nitish P. Computer Software, 51-200 employees Used the software for: Less than 6 months "Vtiger CRM have integration limitations and some performence issues" NM Nathan M. Internet, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Connecting modules together can be tricky for beginners." Pricing Vtiger offers a free plan called One Pilot which supports up to 10 users and 3,000 records, and comes with custom lists, tagging, contacts’ activity view, and more. The One Growth plan costs $12 per user, per month (billed annually) and supports up to 15 users, 100,000 records, and adds contact management, email tracking alerts, and up to five email sequences. The higher-tier One Professional plan (costing $30 per user, per month) supports unlimited users and records, as well as call and chat support, engagement scoring, and more. [Learn more about Vtiger CRM pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/112491/vtiger-CRM/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Google Docs** is a document collaboration tool that integrates with Vtiger CRM to enable real-time editing and sharing of documents within the CRM platform. - **Google Drive** is a cloud-based storage service that integrates with Vtiger CRM to organize and access customer-related files. - **PayPal** is a payment gateway that integrates with Vtiger CRM to track transactions and associates them with customer profiles. [Learn more about Vtiger CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/112491/vtiger-CRM/) * * * [4.4 (18770)](https://www.capterra.com/p/61368/Salesforce/reviews/) Highly rated for Contact Management Highly rated for Contact Management 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 Designed to enhance contact management and sales processes for businesses of all sizes, Salesforce Sales Cloud provides various tools intended to organize customer data, automate workflows, and generate actionable insights through AI-powered analytics. Users often cite the value of its customizable contact records, opportunity tracking, and built-in collaboration tools. It’s the most-requested solution for contact management among the most popular free CRM software on Capterra. Features Features reviewers most value **Activity dashboard** Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.7 out of 5 and appreciate Salesforce Sales Cloud's activity dashboard for its dynamic and graphical interface, which is customizable and easy to interpret. They find it helpful for tracking key metrics, such as active leads, follow-ups, and sales records. Users report that it gets updated daily, sometimes immediately, and allows for easy organization and prioritization of tasks. They also indicate that it provides a comprehensive overview of activities, making it easier to stay organized and effectively manage productivity. **Performance metrics** Users report that Salesforce Sales Cloud's performance metrics are valuable for tracking and evaluating productivity, rating them 4.5 out of 5. They find it useful for monitoring sales team performance, prioritizing leads, and optimizing resources. Reviewers indicate that they provide real-time data and help generate comprehensive reports, which are beneficial for weekly meetings and constructive feedback. They also say it helps in planning and improving sales operations. **Call logging** Reviewers give this feature a 4.4 out of 5 rating. They highlight Salesforce Sales Cloud's call logging capability for its efficiency in tracking call history and managing accounts. They find it easy to use and beneficial for maintaining consistent communication with clients. Users report that it helps in recording calls, tracking performance, and ensuring follow-ups. They also indicate that it provides greater visibility across the platform, although some mention occasional issues with crashes and lost phone numbers. Overall, they feel it enhances productivity and accuracy in 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 Although Salesforce Sales Cloud has no forever-free version, users can access a free trial. The Starter Suite (at $25 per user, per month, billed annually) comes with email integration, lead, contact, and opportunity management. The higher-tier Pro Suite (for $100 per user, per month) adds greater customization and automation, plus sales quoting and forecasting, and more. The Enterprise Suite costs $165 per user, per month, and adds conversation intelligence (an AI-powered feature), and advanced pipeline management and deal insights. [Learn more about Salesforce Sales Cloud pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/61368/Salesforce/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Dropbox Business** is a cloud storage platform that integrates with Salesforce Sales Cloud to enhance file-sharing capabilities for teams. - **Mailchimp** is an email marketing tool that integrates with Salesforce Sales Cloud to enable targeted outreach based on CRM data. - **Gmail** is an email solution that integrates with Salesforce Sales Cloud to manage communication history and streamline customer interactions. [Learn more about Salesforce Sales Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/61368/Salesforce/) * * * [### Freshsales](https://www.capterra.com/p/155563/Freshsales/) [4.5 (621)](https://www.capterra.com/p/155563/Freshsales/reviews/) Highly rated for Activity Dashboards Highly rated for Activity Dashboards [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/155563/Freshsales/) Starting Price: $11.00 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Contact Management Based on 52 reviews User rating: 65% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Freshsales is an intuitive CRM platform that takes a dashboard-focused approach to streamlining sales processes. Designed for SMBs, Freshsales helps teams manage leads, track customer interactions, and monitor data pipelines with ease. The activity dashboard centralizes tasks, appointments, and communications, providing users with a comprehensive view of ongoing and pending sales activities. Among the most popular free CRM tools, Freshsales is the most requested by users looking for activity dashboards. Features Features reviewers most value **Contact management** Reviewers appreciate Freshsales' contact management capabilities, giving them a rating of 4.5 out of 5. They find it easy to manage and customize contacts, maintain extensive data, and update stages. Users report that it helps track duplicate contacts, manage cold and invalid contacts, and communicate effectively. They indicate that all necessary fields are present for storing contacts, which aids in filtering and management. However, some reviewers feel improvements are needed, such as adding a Kanban view and better integration with WhatsApp Business API. **Contact database** Users report that Freshsales' contact database is highly customizable and user-friendly; they rate the feature 4.3 out of 5. They appreciate the ability to create lists for different geographies or industries and use various filters to search for contacts. Reviewers indicate that it supports running campaigns, tracking email interactions, and storing unlimited contacts. They find the layout easy to navigate and comprehensive. However, some users mention difficulties with adding, changing, and exporting contacts, suggesting the need for better auto-enrichment features. **Lead management** Reviewers give this feature a 3.8 out of 5 rating and highlight Freshsales' lead management capabilities as vital for prioritizing high-potential leads and automating follow-ups. They find it enhances efficiency and conversion rates through comprehensive interaction tracking and personalized communication. In addition, users note the ease of adding and importing leads, updating stages, and creating deals. They also appreciate the ability to add activities, notes, reminders, and connect leads to accounts. However, some reviewers mention the need for additional tools to track leads in the pre-deal stage. Pros & Cons ET Ellie T. E-Learning, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "The analytics section allow you to create reports that can update themselves, making it easy to monitor and view necessary information, the reports also easily convert to an Excel Spreadsheet." SC SooHoon C. Computer Software, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "The intuitive lead scoring and automated follow-up system helped us prioritize high-potential leads, maintaining consistent communication with minimal manual effort." ET Ellie T. E-Learning, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "The system only allows for a certain amount of field's per customer, meaning you have to make learning records for the courses, which are on a different page from their profile and are not as easy to view." S. A. Hospitality, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "It wasn't made crystal clear when we signed up and in hindsight it's a bit too much of a risk for us, we're in tourism so we work hard on weekends." Pricing Freshsales offers a forever-free plan for up to three users, which includes only core sales-tracking features. At $11 ($9 if billed annually) per user, per month, the Growth plan offers users a Kanban view of contacts, accounts, and deals, contact lifecycle stage visualization, built-in chat, email, and telephony, and other customer engagement features. At $47 ($39 if billed annually) per user, per month, the Pro plan adds AI-driven contact scoring, sales activity customization, and auto-assignment rules. At $71 ($59 if billed annually), the Enterprise plan comes with field-level permissions, AI-driven forecasting, and a development sandbox. [Learn more about Freshsales pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/155563/Freshsales/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Slack** is a communication platform that integrates with Freshsales to enable teams to collaborate and communicate in real time. - **Trello** is a project management tool that integrates with Freshsales to link customer records with task boards for seamless project tracking. - **Mailchimp** is a marketing automation tool that integrates with Freshsales to align CRM data with email campaigns for better customer engagement. [Learn more about Freshsales](https://www.capterra.com/p/155563/Freshsales/) * * * [### ActiveCampaign](https://www.capterra.com/p/79367/ActiveCampaign/) [4.6 (2561)](https://www.capterra.com/p/79367/ActiveCampaign/reviews/) Highly rated for Lead Management Highly rated for Lead 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 a dynamic marketing automation and CRM platform designed to help small sales and marketing teams produce enterprise-grade results. The platform's key features center around supporting email marketing, lead scoring, and predictive content so businesses of all sizes can better nurture relationships throughout the customer lifecycle. With its intuitive automation workflows and in-depth analytics, ActiveCampaign empowers businesses to create personalized marketing experiences that improve conversion rates. A mix of pre-built automations and integrations (including Facebook, Google, WordPress, Salesforce, Shopify, and Square) help power personalized marketing, transaction emails, and direct customer interaction. Among the most popular free CRM tools, ActiveCampagin stands out as the most requested tool by users looking for lead management. Features Features reviewers most value **Event-triggered actions** Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.6 out of 5 and appreciate ActiveCampaign's event-triggered actions for their ability to automate marketing processes and personalize customer experiences. They find it valuable for triggering emails based on user actions, such as cart abandonment, and for managing campaigns without needing manual input. Users highlight the variety of actions available, which cover different scenarios and enhance campaign effectiveness. They also mention the ease of use and the ability to tailor campaigns to specific audiences, making it a highly customizable tool. **Email campaign management** Users report that ActiveCampaign's email campaign management is effective for creating personalized and targeted email campaigns and give the feature a rating of 4.4 out of 5. They appreciate the ability to manage multiple campaigns, segment customer lists, and track campaign performance through detailed reports. Reviewers also find the email builder user-friendly and highlight the integration with other tools like SMS platforms and Facebook ads. However, some users mention that the reporting and analytics could be more detailed and that customer support needs improvement. **Marketing automation** Reviewers give this feature a 4.4 out of 5 rating and indicate that ActiveCampaign's marketing automation is a powerful tool for optimizing marketing efforts. They value the ability to create custom workflows, segment lists, and automate repetitive tasks, which saves time and enhances efficiency. Users highlight the integration with other platforms like Shopify and LinkedIn, and the ease of setting up complex funnels and email sequences. They also appreciate the detailed tracking and reporting capabilities, although some mention a learning curve for beginners. 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 does not offer a forever-free plan but does offer a 14-day free trial. Its four paid plans include Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise. Starter plans start at $15 per month and include basic CRM and email marketing capabilities. Plus plans start at $49 per month and add unlimited automation triggers and actions, web forms, and landing pages. Pro plans start at $79 per month and come with automated A/B testing, conditional content, and AI-powered predictive analytics. The top-tier plan, Enterprise, starts at $145 per month and adds custom objects, premium CRM integrations, and a dedicated account management team. [Learn more about ActiveCampaign pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/79367/ActiveCampaign/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Buffer** is a social media management tool that integrates with ActiveCampaign to schedule and post content aligned with marketing campaigns. - **Bitly** is a link management platform that integrates with ActiveCampaign to create trackable short links for campaign analysis. - **Act!** is a CRM tool that integrates with ActiveCampaign to enhance lead tracking and streamline workflows for sales teams. [Learn more about ActiveCampaign](https://www.capterra.com/p/79367/ActiveCampaign/) * * * [### 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 Sales Pipeline Management Highly rated for Sales Pipeline Management [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: SC 52% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based CRM platform designed by Microsoft for businesses seeking to optimize their sales pipelines. It combines AI-driven insights, customizable dashboards, and a centralized database to enhance lead tracking, deal opportunities, and customer interactions. With features like automated lead scoring, deal tracking, and comprehensive sales analytics, Dynamics 365 empowers businesses to improve productivity and make data-driven decisions. Among the most popular free CRM software, Dynamics 365 is the most requested by users looking for sales pipeline management tools. 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 that simplifies creating, editing, and publishing content. Users report the centralized repository helps in storing and managing documents, images, and videos, ensuring easy access and reducing errors. They find the version control and collaboration aspects valuable for tracking changes and working simultaneously. Users also mention the integration with Microsoft applications like SharePoint and OneDrive, and the workflow management capabilities that automate processes efficiently. **Data import/export** Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.6 out of 5. Users report that Dynamics 365's data import/export capabilities are efficient and user-friendly. They appreciate the seamless transition for importing data from various formats like XML and Excel, which saves time and reduces reliance on IT personnel. Reviewers also indicate that the error-handling feature is helpful for identifying and correcting issues. Additionally, they value the ability to export data for reporting and analysis, and the integration with other Microsoft tools like Outlook. Users find these capabilities crucial for managing large data sets effectively. **Contact database** Reviewers give this feature a 4.5 out of 5 rating and highlight Dynamics 365's contact database as a centralized and dynamic tool for managing customer information. They appreciate the customization options for capturing specific data and the integration with Microsoft applications like Outlook and Excel. Users report that the database supports segmentation and collaboration, allowing for targeted marketing and efficient teamwork. They find the insights into customer behavior and interactions valuable for improving engagement and building stronger relationships. Users also mention the robust data analysis capabilities and the ease of accessing and updating contact records. 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." Vaibhav C. Financial Services, 51-200 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "The search function, in particular, doesn’t always work as expected, making it frustrating when you’re trying to quickly find contacts or information." Pricing Dynamics 365 offers a flexible pricing structure suitable for various business sizes. The Free plan helps teams boost productivity and build customers’ trust. The Dynamics 365 Sales Professional plan costs $65 per user, per month and offers sales force automation, a mobile app, reporting and dashboards, and limited customization. The higher-tier Dynamics 365 Sales Enterprise Edition (for $105 per user, per month) adds custom apps, advanced sales force automation, and sales engagement. Those looking for a LinkedIn Sales Navigator can opt for the Dynamics 365 Sales Premium plan at $105 per user, per month. [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 that integrates with Dynamics 365 to export and analyze CRM data for better decision-making. - **Salesforce Sales Cloud** is a CRM platform that integrates with Dynamics 365 to synchronize data and streamline workflows across platforms. - **DocuSign** is an e-signature solution that integrates with Dynamics 365 to manage contracts and agreements directly within the platform. [Learn more about Dynamics 365](https://www.capterra.com/p/157279/Dynamics-365/) * * * [4.2 (1297)](https://www.capterra.com/p/135618/Odoo/reviews/) Highly rated for Interaction Tracking Highly rated for Interaction Tracking 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 modular, open-source business management suite tailored for SMBs. Its CRM module excels in interaction tracking, enabling users to capture and monitor customer interactions across various touchpoints, such as emails, calls, and meetings. The platform’s intuitive interface, customizable workflows, cost analysis capabilities, time-tracking system, and serial number traceability make Odoo a powerful tool for navigating complex sales landscapes. Odoo is the most by users looking for interaction tracking among the most popular free CRM tools. Features Features reviewers most value **Billing & invoicing** Reviewers appreciate Odoo's billing & invoicing capabilities for their efficiency and ease of use; they rate the feature 3.6 out of 5. They highlight the support for multiple currencies, partial payments, and automated reminders, which improve cash flow and reduce administrative tasks. Users report that automated invoicing reduces manual work and ensures timely billing. They also find the customization options for professional invoices valuable. Additionally, reviewers mention the integration with client communication tools and the ability to track payments and expenses effectively. However, some users feel it needs better adaptation to specific accounting systems like the Romanian one. 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 Odoo offers both a free trial of its paid features as well as a forever-free version. The One App Free plan is a no-cost, no-risk plan allowing unlimited users to access simple features in one app only. To access all the apps in the Odoo suite, you’ll need at least a Standard plan subscription, priced at $24.90 per user, per month. Odoo also offers Custom plans, with access to Odoo.sh, on-premise Odoo, multi-company profiles, and external APIs. Custom plans are billed at $37.40 per user per month. [Learn more about Odoo pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/135618/Odoo/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Google Docs** is a collaborative document editing tool that integrates with Odoo to streamline team collaboration within the CRM. - **PayPal** is a payment processing solution that integrates with Odoo to improve transaction tracking and customer payment management. - **Gmail** is an email service that integrates with Odoo to manage communication history and streamline customer interactions. [Learn more about Odoo](https://www.capterra.com/p/135618/Odoo/) * * * ## Top free CRM software at a glance Vendor Highly rated Starting Price [Zoho CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/155928/Zoho-CRM/)[4.3 (6968)](https://www.capterra.com/p/155928/Zoho-CRM/reviews/) Rated $14.00 Per Month [Odoo](https://www.capterra.com/p/135618/Odoo/) [4.2 (1297)](https://www.capterra.com/p/135618/Odoo/reviews/) Interaction Tracking $31.10 Per Month [Bitrix24](https://www.capterra.com/p/113540/Bitrix24/)[4.2 (986)](https://www.capterra.com/p/113540/Bitrix24/reviews/) Customer Support $69.00 Per Month [HubSpot CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/152373/HubSpot-CRM/)[4.5 (4455)](https://www.capterra.com/p/152373/HubSpot-CRM/reviews/) Value for Money $20.00 Per Month [Salesforce Sales Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/61368/Salesforce/)[4.4 (18770)](https://www.capterra.com/p/61368/Salesforce/reviews/) Contact Management $25.00 Per Month [Agile CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/135148/Agile-CRM/)[4.1 (524)](https://www.capterra.com/p/135148/Agile-CRM/reviews/) Ease of Use $8.99 [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/135148/Agile-CRM/) [Vtiger CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/112491/vtiger-CRM/)[4.3 (336)](https://www.capterra.com/p/112491/vtiger-CRM/reviews/) Functionality $12.00 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/112491/vtiger-CRM/) [Freshsales](https://www.capterra.com/p/155563/Freshsales/)[4.5 (621)](https://www.capterra.com/p/155563/Freshsales/reviews/) Activity Dashboards $11.00 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/155563/Freshsales/) [ActiveCampaign](https://www.capterra.com/p/79367/ActiveCampaign/)[4.6 (2561)](https://www.capterra.com/p/79367/ActiveCampaign/reviews/) Lead Management $15.00 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/79367/ActiveCampaign/) [Dynamics 365](https://www.capterra.com/p/157279/Dynamics-365/)[4.4 (5817)](https://www.capterra.com/p/157279/Dynamics-365/reviews/) Sales Pipeline Management $50.00 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/157279/Dynamics-365/) Explore our 1,455 CRM solutions[Browse Directory](https://www.capterra.com/customer-relationship-management-software/) ## Our methodology Our independent and objective research is based on market demand signals along with analysis of our proprietary data, including product information and verified user ratings and reviews as of November 2024. Eligible products must meet a standard set of inclusion criteria:  - Show evidence of offering required functionality for a given software category as demonstrated by publicly available sources, such as the vendor’s website. - Offer either a forever free version or a free trial period. - Have 20 or more user reviews within two years of the evaluation period, and an average rating of 4 and above on our site for one of these parameters: - Overall Rating - Value for Money - Ease of Use - Customer Support - Best Functionality - Rent Tracking - Reservations Management - Transaction History ## What is CRM software? [CRM software](https://www.capterra.com/customer-relationship-management-software/) stores, manages, and accesses customer data and interactions. It automates lead management, tracks sales opportunities, and forecasts sales. CRM software enables businesses to manage interactions with current and potential customers from one single platform. These systems typically integrate with [email marketing software](https://www.capterra.com/email-marketing-software/), [website builder software](https://www.capterra.com/website-builder-software/), and [project management software](https://www.capterra.com/project-management-software/) to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. ## What is free CRM software? CRM software typically offers two “free” options: a forever free version and products that come with a free trial for a specific time period. Some vendors offer both options, a free basic version to get started and a free trial of their full-featured system. ### Forever free options (free versions with limited features) The forever free options offer basic features that allow simple use of CRM software. These solutions usually have limitations, such as the amount of contacts that can be managed or the amount of storage to save customer data. A free version of a CRM system is ideal for small businesses that have a limited budget but need a tool to manage customer relationships. With 373 software vendors listed on our site with forever free versions, you’ll find plenty of options for a truly free CRM software that matches your needs. ### Free trial options (time-limited free access) Free trial options allow users to try the software with all its features for a specified period of time, usually 30 days. Users can try the system’s advanced features such as accounting integrations, integrations with automated email systems, and the ability to save more contacts and related data. However, once the trial period expires, users must either upgrade to a paid plan or lose access to the software and stored information. Growing or mid-sized companies can benefit from free trials, as they allow them to evaluate advanced features before a final investment is made. During the trial period, companies can also test integration with existing processes and tech stack as well as the user interface and effectiveness in managing customers. With 995 [software vendors listed](https://www.capterra.com/customer-relationship-management-software/?pricing_options=FREE_TRIAL) on our site with free trial options, you can thoroughly evaluate each option to find the best fit for your needs. ## Features included with free CRM software All CRM software offer core features like contact management, interaction tracking, and lead management. However, when you look at free CRM systems, you must look out for what features and capabilities you’ll actually get for free. ### Core features available in free CRM software - **Basic contact management:** Manage, organize, and store contact information. 91% of users find this feature highly important or critical. - **Lead management:** Store information about leads or contacts and track, and manage and nurture them throughout the sales process. 84% find this feature highly important or critical. - **Simple interaction tracking:** Track interaction history by documenting conversations with contacts for more personalized service. 82% find this feature highly important or critical. ### Common features of free CRM software - **Pipeline management:** Manage sales pipelines to track the progress of deals and opportunities, enabling visibility into the sales process. 81% of users find this feature highly important or critical. - **Task management:** Create, manage, and track all task activities and progression. 79%  find this feature highly important or critical. - **Data/document storage:** Store and organize documents in a centralized system for easy access and retrieval. ### Features “not” typically included in free CRM software - **Email management:** Manage, store, and organize emails within the system or via third-party apps. 85% of users find this feature highly important or critical. - **Calendar management:** Track and manage schedules and meetings via an integrated calendar. 71% find this feature highly important or critical. - **Lead qualification:** Score a lead on their quality or likelihood to buy based on certain behaviors. ## Key benefits of using free CRM software Our software advisors speak with thousands of CRM users each year, and from all these conversations one point stands out: data is often unwieldy, and buyers need a system to keep up, structure customer data, and automate routine tasks. In fact, nearly 40% of CRM users who contact us are struggling with efficiency, whether they’re using spreadsheets, notes, or manual methods.[\[2\]](#footnotes) CRM software helps streamline processes and allows automation of routine tasks. Mike Aldrich[\[3\]](#footnotes), a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in sales, knows firsthand the value a CRM platform can provide. In [our interview on CRM software](https://www.capterra.com/resources/what-is-crm-software/) he says: “A CRM keeps your communication, documents, quotes, and deals in one place. So when you start reviewing your history with an account, you can define the best use of your time and where you’re getting your business.”  Our analysis of user feedback reveals some benefits that you can expect even from free versions: - **Enhanced team collaboration:** CRM systems give teams a 360-degree view of tasks and workflows through features like activity dashboards and workflow management. This, in turn, helps stakeholders keep abreast of developments, while managers can easily zero in on bottlenecks and areas for improvement. - **Empowered and informed sales reps:** CRM tools provide sales professionals with powerful analytics capabilities that help them track key performance indicators (KPIs) and identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling, thereby boosting sales and revenue. - **Improved efficiency for small-businesses:** CRM software is specifically valuable for supporting and growing small businesses, especially as an all-in-one solution that can serve as the foundation for enhancing business efficiency. ## What to look for in free CRM software When evaluating free CRM software, look beyond the “free” label. Look out for these key aspects:  ### Hidden costs and fees Many solutions hide costs in transaction fees that you’ll need to pay; an example would be for payment processing for online payments. Plus, watch out for additional charges that come with basic operations, such as extra document storage costs, extra integrations, or fees for adding more users. ### Upgrade pathway Look for solutions that clearly show their paid tiers and let you upgrade specific features without requiring a complete switch to premium plans. This flexibility will help you scale your digital tools as your portfolio grows without needing to shell out money for full suites that are not required. ### User reviews Even with free tools, you should have access to basic help resources and clear ways to contact support when needed. Look for providers with a strong track record and positive user reviews—you can check Capterra's database of over 1,045 free CRM products based on independent research and verified user reviews.  ## How to choose free CRM software for your portfolio Choosing the right free CRM software for your business means ensuring it meets both your current needs and future growth plans. Here are some steps you can take to better inform your decision: ### 1\. Carefully evaluate your feature requirements The features offered by different software products can vary widely depending on the vendor. While the ones listed above are some of the basic features a free CRM software will provide, your organization may have unique requirements. Before investing time and workforce in any tool, study your needs carefully to determine what features are essential to your business. Also, keep your business strategy in mind; even if you’re looking for a free CRM system now, if you anticipate that in the near future you’ll have more customers, consider CRM systems that offer advanced plans that’ll align with your long-term needs. Understanding your expansion plans will help you decide between forever-free versions for long term basic use, or free trials of comprehensive solutions you can grow into. ### 2\. Consider your management style When deciding which CRM tool you will need, think about how you and your team will use the software day-to-day. How many people will have access to it? How long is your sales cycle? Understanding your management style will help you eliminate options that won’t fit your workflow, saving you time in the selection process and preventing adoption issues later. ### 3\. Create a focused shortlist While it might be tempting to try every free version available, our survey research shows that having [three options](https://www.capterra.com/resources/us-tech-trends/) on your shortlist leads to the most successful software choices.[\[4\]](#footnotes) Leverage our 2024 [Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/customer-relationship-management-software/shortlist/), [comparison tools](https://www.capterra.com/resources/capterra-software-comparison-tool/), and verified reviews to identify the most promising options. Focus on solutions where users specifically review their free plans, and include both forever free versions and free trials of paid solutions in your comparison. ## Common limitations of using free CRM software Usually, free CRM software comes with one or both of these limitations: - Free plans have limited functions. Typically, users will need to subscribe to higher-end, paid plans to get access to advanced features. - Limited storage and restrictions on the number of users. Beyond these standard restrictions, you'll often find yourself doing more manual work. Tasks like generating quotes or importing and exporting data usually require manual tracking and updates with free versions. You may also encounter difficulties in managing communications with customers, for example, the amount of emails that you can record and send automatically. ## When to consider free vs paid CRM software Free CRM software is a great starting point for new businesses transitioning from spreadsheets to a dedicated CRM tool with a limited budget. For example, a freelancer in our reviews says, “The feature of providing a free version of CRM is highly beneficial for start-ups which are growing day by day.” However, our advisor Michael Ziemba[\[5\]](#footnotes), highlights the [importance of thinking about how many times they’ve lost a sale](https://www.capterra.com/resources/what-is-crm-software/) or had a potential customer slip through the cracks because there wasn’t enough information on them. He says: “These systems will often have tiered pricing depending on whether they’re entry-level or premium. It's really important to just get in there and see what functionality you need. It might be more affordable at first than buyers think.” Consider upgrading to paid solutions when you: - Need more than three user accounts - Have 250+ contacts in your plan - Notice yourself or your team spending too much time on manual tasks, even with a free plan - Need to integrate multiple tools like accounting platforms ## What is the cost to upgrade from free CRM software to a paid package? CRM pricing can vary depending on different factors, for example, the number of users, the features needed, or the storage requested. Usually, basic CRM tools range from $12 up to $200 per user, per month. Typically, these are the kinds of plans you can expect to see[\[6\]](#footnotes): - **Entry level plans** usually cost $25 per month per user. They offer standard features like contact management, lead management, and pipeline management. - **Mid-tier plans** usually cost $48 per user, per month, adding features like customizable dashboards, email and calendar sync., and lead scoring. - **Higher-end plans** typically cost $141 per user, per month. They include advanced capabilities like custom reporting, customizable integrations, and dedicated support. ## FAQs What makes the best free CRM software? The best CRM software combines core features like contact management, interaction tracking, and lead management with additional functionalities such as pipeline, task, and email management. These help small businesses enhance productivity by streamlining processes and improving customer interactions. According to our analysis of products with high market demand and reviews on Capterra, [Zoho CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/155928/Zoho-CRM/) is the best free CRM with the highest overall rating from verified small business reviewers. Is there a completely free CRM? Yes, there are completely free CRMs that have core features that can help small sales teams. According to our analysis of products with high market demand and reviews on Capterra, [Zoho CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/155928/Zoho-CRM/), [HubSpot CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/152373/HubSpot-CRM/), [Agile CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/135148/Agile-CRM/), [Bitrix24](https://www.capterra.com/p/113540/Bitrix24/), [Vtiger CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/112491/vtiger-CRM/), [Salesforce Sales Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/61368/Salesforce/), [Freshsales](https://www.capterra.com/p/155563/Freshsales/), [ActiveCampaign](https://www.capterra.com/p/79367/ActiveCampaign/), [Dynamics 365](https://www.capterra.com/p/157279/Dynamics-365/), and [ODO](https://www.capterra.com/p/172831/ODO/), are the best free CRM tools. Is there a free CRM for small businesses? Yes, there are several options for free CRM tools for small businesses. According to our analysis of products with high market demand and reviews from Capterra, [Salesforce Sales Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/61368/Salesforce/), [Zoho CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/155928/Zoho-CRM/), [Dynamics 365](https://www.capterra.com/p/157279/Dynamics-365/), [HubSpot CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/152373/HubSpot-CRM/), [Bitrix24](https://www.capterra.com/p/113540/Bitrix24/), [ActiveCampaign](https://www.capterra.com/p/79367/ActiveCampaign/), and [ODO](https://www.capterra.com/p/172831/ODO/), are the best free CRM platforms for small businesses, valued by verified small business reviewers. What is the best free or cheap CRM for a startup? According to our analysis of products with high market demand and reviews on Capterra, [HubSpot CRM](https://www.capterra.com/p/152373/HubSpot-CRM/) is the best free CRM with the highest overall rating from verified small business reviewers. Startups can benefit from free CRM software to focus on growth and scale operations, without incurring additional costs. How can small businesses benefit from free CRM? A free version of a CRM tool is ideal for small businesses that have a limited budget but need a tool to manage customer relationships. These tools support scalability, collaboration, and remote access, enabling businesses to manage customer relationships efficiently and drive growth without significant financial investment. Why is CRM software important? CRM software is important for businesses because it helps sales and marketing professionals capture and organize customer data, streamline their sales pipelines, and optimize outreach. Why use a CRM? Companies should use a CRM to better manage their relations with actual clients and leads. A CRM helps organizations in: - Streamlining the sales pipeline - Organizing client and customer information and purchase history - Optimizing and automating email marketing campaigns  - Analyzing and tracking leads What is CRM automation? CRM automation refers to the use of technology to streamline repetitive tasks in sales, marketing, and customer service such as sending follow-up emails, generating quotes, and capturing customer data. It enhances efficiency and reduces manual effort. What types of businesses benefit most from using a free CRM? Because of its versatility, CRM software is one of the most ubiquitous technologies for customer-facing businesses of all sizes and spanning across industries. These systems are typically geared toward one or several of these categories: - Marketing - Sales - Digital commerce - Customer service and contact centers Is it possible to migrate data from one CRM to another? Yes, it’s possible to migrate data from one CRM to another. For successful migration, it’s important to pay attention to the following considerations: - Determine if your new software makes it easy to migrate your data from other tools - Create a list of stakeholders you’ll need assistance from - Conduct core team meetings with relevant stakeholders - Devise a timeline for implementation and onboarding **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. **Capterra advisor call notes:** Findings are based on data from telephonic conversations that Capterra’s advisor team had with businesses seeking customer relationship management (CRM) software. 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) 3. [Mike Aldrich](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikealdrich/), LinkedIn 4. **Capterra’s 2025 Tech Trends Survey** was conducted to understand the timeline, organizational challenges, adoption & budget, vendor research behaviors, ROI expectations and satisfaction levels for software buyers. Respondents were screened to ensure their involvement in business software purchasing decisions. [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 6. **Capterra software pricing data:** Only products with publicly available pricing information and qualified software products within the category are included in our pricing analyses. [Read the complete methodology.](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/#software-buyers-guides-methodology) [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) - [ Odoo](#49a68156-7e55-465d-bce6-a816004f00fd) - [ Bitrix24](#d4f9fc76-9ea5-40e1-99c4-a6d200b2e0b3) - [ HubSpot CRM](#f1a11c4a-87bf-4bca-9f05-a6d200b46712) - [ Salesforce Sales Cloud](#8c7f8bf5-dbf6-47ee-9df7-a6d200b64092) - [ Agile CRM](#6509d69a-ebed-4d80-ab00-a6d200b29cad) - [ Vtiger CRM](#01169807-771b-4a7f-ae18-a6d200b77223) - [ Freshsales](#635c6928-5279-4793-8906-a6d200b7d5da) - [ ActiveCampaign](#26796e10-bfab-4198-ba2d-a6d200b29051) - [ Dynamics 365](#60cddbf1-a0da-4ce5-9679-a6e8007f8787) Talk to a Capterra advisor for free and get results within 15 minutes.