Top Free CRM Apps You Should Try in 2025

it’s 2025, and you’re looking for a CRM.

Feels like everyone and their brother is selling you something, right? But hold on, it doesn’t have to be a bloodbath.

You can get a good CRM, a real one, without paying through the nose.

These free ones, they pack a punch, enough to make a difference without emptying your pockets.

We’re not talking about some stripped-down thing either, some of these can handle a million contacts, a million, and you can have all your buddies using it, no charge.

Take HubSpot CRM, for instance, that’s like getting a full-sized truck, not a tricycle.

It’s got everything: contacts, sales, marketing, customer service.

Ready to roll from the get go, no assembly required.

Most free CRMs are the same, they’ve got all the tools: contacts, deals, email, lead capture, dashboards to see what’s what.

No need to get bogged down, many businesses find the free version enough to keep running for a long time.

These things are versatile, that’s where the fun is.

It’s not just about where you store stuff, it’s about how you move your people, your customers, and that’s why you got to look.

A lot of these are about getting customers to come to you, instead of you chasing them with a big stick. HubSpot, they’re all about building relationships.

It all helps with making things work better, together, which is good.

Now, you got a few good ones to look at:

HubSpot CRM: It’s the heavy hitter, like the big guy at the bar who can handle his liquor. Hubspot CRM, does it all, and the free version is more than just a taste, it’s a full meal.
Zoho CRM: This one’s good if you like to tinker, if you want something custom made. It also has a bunch of other things that go along with it.
Bitrix24: This one’s for the teams, for people who need to talk to each other as much as they talk to customers. It keeps all the ducks in a row, not just the customer ducks but the internal ducks too.
Really Simple Systems: This one is for the new guys, for when you want something that’s like walking a straight line, simple and easy.
Freshsales Suite: It’s got a modern feel to it, good for sales teams that want to close more deals, get more money, always good.

These aren’t your run-of-the-mill tools.

They’re like a good Swiss army knife, they do many things, even for free.

And if you want to go off the beaten path, there are others, like SuiteCRM, if you like things open, or Agile CRM, if you want easy, or Insightly, if you want to manage your projects.

The world of free CRMs is big, real big, it has something for all kind of business.

You just need to find the one that works for you, the one that will make things smoother, get more customers and make your business bigger. And, the best part, it’s free.

Why not try one out? Hubspot CRM

Table of Contents

HubSpot CRM: The All-in-One Powerhouse

HubSpot. It’s a name you hear often, and for good reason.

It’s not just another CRM, it’s a comprehensive platform that aims to be the central hub for your sales, marketing, and customer service efforts. The free version is powerful, surprisingly so.

It’s like they are giving you the keys to a good car, not just a bicycle.

Many small businesses and startups begin here because it provides a solid foundation, and it’s designed to grow with your business.

It’s not just about managing contacts, it’s about managing growth.

HubSpot’s strength lies in its versatility and the seamless integration of its various tools.

It’s more than a simple contact database, it’s a tool to understand and improve your entire customer journey.

The fact that it is free at the basic level makes it a valuable starting point, allowing you to experience its capabilities without a financial commitment.

Think of it as a large toolbox, you get plenty of tools right out of the box.

Many are surprised to find that they do not need the paid version for a long time.

Why HubSpot Remains a Top Choice

HubSpot isn’t just popular by accident.

It maintains its position as a top choice for several reasons, mainly its comprehensive free tier that outpaces many competitors.

Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate even if you are new to CRM systems.

It is like picking up a well designed tool, intuitive and familiar.

The free version is generous, offering a suite of tools that include contact management, sales pipelines, email marketing, and basic customer service functionalities.

This is not a “lite” version, it’s a fully functional CRM designed to handle the core needs of small to medium sized businesses.

HubSpot’s appeal also comes from its inbound marketing philosophy.

The platform is designed to attract, engage, and delight customers, aligning with modern marketing strategies.

It is not just about chasing sales, it’s about building relationships. Here’s a breakdown:

Free CRM: A full featured CRM without costing anything.
Inbound Marketing Focus: Tools to draw customers in, not just push products.
All-in-One Platform: Integrates sales, marketing, and customer service.
Scalability: Can grow with your business from a small startup to larger organizations.
User-Friendly Interface: Easy to learn and use, even for beginners.
Large Community: A wide base of users who provide support and shared experience.
Free Educational Resources: HubSpot Academy offers many free courses.
Integration: Connects easily with many other tools that businesses use.

For example, the free version of HubSpot allows you to manage up to one million contacts and have unlimited users.

That’s something many other CRMs will charge for at a premium. The power is in its free offering.

And it is not just about the quantity, but the quality of those features.

It has a system to create forms for lead capturing and is connected to its email marketing tools. It’s all there, easy to use.

Key Features for Sales and Marketing

HubSpot’s strength is its extensive set of features, even on the free plan.

The sales tools let you track deals, manage your pipeline, and follow up with leads.

The marketing features allow you to send emails, create forms, and analyze website traffic.

It’s all connected and seamless, like different parts of a well-oiled machine working together. Let’s delve into specifics:

Contact Management: Store, organize, and track all your contacts with ease.
Deal Tracking: Manage your sales pipeline visually, seeing where each deal stands.
Email Marketing: Send marketing emails, track engagement, and segment your audience.
Forms: Create forms to capture leads on your website and social media.
Reporting Dashboard: Track key metrics, see where you are succeeding and where to improve.
Task Management: Organize tasks for your sales team and stay on top of follow ups.
Live Chat: Connect with website visitors in real time, answering questions and giving support.
Meeting Scheduler: Lets people book appointments directly onto your calendar.

HubSpot gives you the ability to manage all parts of the sales funnel, from the first contact to closing deals.

The free email marketing feature, while having some limitations, is still powerful enough for most small businesses.

You can create simple email campaigns and track metrics like open rates and click-through rates.

The deal tracking tool is also intuitive, with a drag-and-drop interface that makes managing your sales pipeline simple.

It’s like having a map of your sales process and seeing exactly where things are.

Here’s a quick table of the core free features:

Feature	Description
Contact Management	Unlimited contacts storage and tracking.
Deal Tracking	Basic sales pipeline management
Email Marketing	Send free marketing emails and track results.
Forms	Create lead capturing forms for your website.
Reporting	Basic reporting dashboards to track key sales & marketing data.
Task Management	Set up and track tasks for sales follow up.
Live Chat	Real-time support & interaction with website visitors.
Meeting Scheduler	Book meetings directly into your calendar.

The combination of these tools gives you a very good start in sales and marketing, which many small businesses do not have.

This is not just about functionality, it’s about building a system that is easy to use, powerful and that works together to support your business goals.

Setting Up Your Free HubSpot Account

Setting up a free HubSpot account is straightforward.

You start by heading to the HubSpot website Hubspot CRM, where you can sign up for a free account.

The process is quick and requires basic information about your business and your role within it.

It’s like opening a door, just need to turn the knob.

Once you have access, HubSpot will guide you through setting up your profile and getting familiar with the interface.

The initial setup includes:

Sign Up: Go to the HubSpot website and sign up for a free account.
Personalize Your Profile: Add your company information, and personal details.
Explore the Interface: Navigate to different parts of the CRM.
Import Contacts: Upload your existing contact database, or integrate with Google Contacts or other services.
Set Up Sales Pipeline: Define your sales stages and set up your deals pipeline.
Create Forms: Start creating forms to capture leads on your website.
Connect Email: Integrate your email account with the CRM.
Start a Live Chat: Set up your live chat option for website visitors.

HubSpot’s interface is designed to be intuitive.

The navigation is clear, allowing you to easily move between different sections of the CRM.

They provide onboarding materials to guide you, like a map to help you explore this new tool.

Take the time to explore, use their free tutorials, and do not be afraid to click around and find where different features are located.

It’s like learning how to ride a bike, the first time you will be careful, but soon it will become natural and familiar. The key is to start and keep exploring.

Zoho CRM: Scalable and Customizable

It offers a free version that is quite robust for smaller teams, but it really shines as your business grows and you start to explore their paid offerings.

The free version serves as a good testing ground to see if the ecosystem fits your needs, but it’s important to know that it does have its limits compared to their paid options.

It’s like a free test drive, you get to see how the car feels and handles, and can decide if it’s right for you.

Zoho is different from HubSpot in its philosophy, while HubSpot wants to be your all-in-one solution, Zoho offers a suite of products.

You can get many apps that integrate together, with the CRM as the central piece, but it means that you have to decide if you want to use their other tools as well.

It might make your whole ecosystem more coherent, but it might be an extra commitment for you.

It is a system that is great for companies that want to build their entire business tech stack in the same space.

Zoho’s Free Plan: What You Get

Zoho’s free plan is designed for small teams, offering a limited yet functional version of their CRM.

It allows up to three users, which might be fine for many smaller businesses.

The free version has a focus on the basic functionalities, with features such as contact management, deal tracking, and task management.

It is not as extensive as HubSpot’s free offering, but it has good fundamental capabilities for small teams and individual users.

Here is what’s included in Zoho’s free plan:

Up to 3 Users: Good for very small teams or individual users.
Contact Management: Store and organize contact information efficiently.
Deal Management: Track sales pipeline and deals.
Task Management: Organize sales-related tasks and stay on top of them.
Reporting and Analytics: Basic analytics to track performance.
Mobile Apps: Access your CRM from any device with their mobile apps.
Customizable Fields: Make the CRM fit your specific needs.
Basic Integrations: Integrates with some other Zoho apps and a few third-party services.

The plan lacks certain features that are available in the paid tiers, such as workflow automation and advanced reporting.

But for a free tool it is quite robust, and it’s enough for businesses that need the basics of CRM management without too much complexity.

It’s like getting a simple and reliable tool, not the most advanced, but enough for most jobs.

You can manage your customers, deals, and tasks within their ecosystem.

One of the major differences between Zoho and Hubspot’s free plans is the limited number of users, which is something to keep in mind.

Feature	Description
Users	Up to 3 Users
Contact Management	Organize contacts, companies, and deals in one place.
Deal Management	Basic sales pipeline management with deal tracking.
Task Management	Manage daily tasks and stay on top of sales follow-ups.
Analytics	Basic reports to monitor sales performance and activities.
Custom Fields	Ability to add custom fields for tailored information.
Mobile Apps	Access the CRM via mobile apps for Android and iOS.
Integrations	Limited integrations with other Zoho apps and third-party platforms.

Customization Options for Your Business

Zoho CRM’s customization capabilities are a notable advantage.

You can tailor the CRM to fit your specific needs through custom fields, modules, and layouts.

This allows you to organize your CRM in a way that fits your business workflow.

It’s like getting a suit tailored to your body, it will fit better than something off the rack.

The ability to adjust the CRM to your needs is very helpful for businesses that have specific processes and want to ensure their CRM reflects that.

Here are some of the key customization features you can explore in Zoho CRM:

Custom Fields: Add extra fields to capture specific information about your contacts, accounts, and deals.
Custom Modules: Create entirely new modules to manage unique business processes.
Custom Layouts: Organize the layout of your records, choosing what information is shown, where.
Custom Views: Create different views for your data based on what information is relevant at the moment.
Custom Buttons: Add buttons to perform specific actions that are important to your workflow.
User Permissions: Control access to different areas of the CRM, making sure that sensitive information is secure.
Branding: Change the visual appearance of the CRM to fit your brand.

The customization options in Zoho CRM mean you are not limited by default structures.

You can create a system that is tailored to your business.

It’s like having a customizable workspace, you can organize things in the way that works best for you.

The ability to have specific information in the way you need it makes the CRM much more useful for specific processes.

With custom fields you can track different customer behaviors, the specific nature of the deals you are working on, or anything that’s important for your workflow.

Integration with Other Zoho Apps

Zoho’s strength is its ecosystem of apps, with the CRM as the center.

The integration with other Zoho apps makes it a powerful platform for businesses that use their other products.

These integrations create a seamless flow of information across your business processes.

This means less switching between different programs and helps you to manage many business processes through a single system.

It’s like having all of your tools in the same workshop, all within easy reach.

Some of the key Zoho apps that integrate well with the CRM include:

Zoho SalesIQ: Live chat for your website that integrates directly into the CRM, to see visitors activity and engage directly.
Zoho Campaigns: Email marketing app to manage campaigns from the CRM.
Zoho Projects: Project management app to plan, track and collaborate on projects.
Zoho Desk: Customer support software to manage tickets and issues.
Zoho Books: Accounting software to track invoices and finances.
Zoho Analytics: Business intelligence platform to create in depth reports and analysis.
Zoho Social: Social media management app to connect with customers across different platforms.

These integrations give a complete view of customer data, allowing you to see all interactions within the company.

This helps you to make informed decisions and provide a great customer experience.

For example, you can see a customer’s previous support tickets, recent sales deals, and the emails they have opened, all in the same view. It’s about creating a holistic customer view.

If you have already adopted the Zoho ecosystem, then choosing their CRM is a very easy step.

Bitrix24: Collaboration and Communication Focus

Bitrix24 is a CRM that stands out for its focus on collaboration and communication within teams.

It’s a platform that not only helps manage customer relationships but also acts as a hub for internal operations.

If your team is very dependent on internal projects and communications, Bitrix24 might be a great fit.

The free version is relatively robust and caters to a small to medium sized team and business.

It offers many features but is often overlooked by people focusing on other popular brands.

Bitrix24’s philosophy is to bring together various aspects of business management into a single system.

It’s not just about sales, it’s also about projects, tasks, communication, and collaboration.

The free plan is designed to provide enough power and features for a growing business, allowing you to test its potential without a large investment.

It’s a diverse platform, which might be great if you want to get everything done in one place, but it might also feel like too much if you are looking for something more simple.

Bitrix24’s Unique Selling Points

Bitrix24 has several unique features that make it different from other free CRM platforms.

The collaborative aspect is central to its design, with tools for project management, team communication, and internal knowledge management.

It’s like a control panel for your entire operation, beyond just customer relationships.

If your team needs to keep track of internal projects as well as customer deals, then Bitrix24 might be a great option for you.

It’s more than just a CRM, it’s a comprehensive platform for running a business.

Here are some of the unique points:

Project Management Tools: Manage projects, tasks, and deadlines within the same system.
Team Chat and Communication: Built-in chat, video calls, and collaboration tools for your team.
Social Intranet: Internal social network to keep everyone in the loop.
Document Management: Centralize files and share them easily.
Website Builder: Create a website directly from Bitrix24.
HR Tools: Manage employee records, time off requests, and HR processes.
Automated Workflows: Automate business processes within the CRM.
Open API: Connect your CRM with other tools that you use.

The social intranet feature allows employees to communicate, share ideas, and collaborate on projects, creating a sense of community.

The built-in project management tools allow you to create and assign tasks, manage timelines and monitor your team’s workload.

This all in one platform is good for companies that like to keep their data in one central place and use the same ecosystem for many different activities.

This is great for companies that need to organize not only their customers but their entire team and projects.

Feature	Description
Project Management	Create, assign, and track tasks, projects, and deadlines.
Team Communication	Built-in chat, video calls, and team calendars for collaboration.
Social Intranet	Internal social network for company communication and knowledge sharing.
Document Management	Centralized document storage and sharing capabilities.
Website Builder	Create websites or landing pages directly from Bitrix24.
HR Tools	Manage employee information, time off requests, and HR processes.
Automation	Automate business processes with workflows, including sales, marketing and service.
Open API	Connect Bitrix24 with other business tools via the API.

Managing Projects and Teams Within the CRM

Bitrix24’s project management features are a central part of its offering.

It is designed to make it easier to manage tasks, deadlines, and team collaboration.

This focus on project management sets it apart from the typical CRM that is just centered around customer interaction.

Bitrix24 offers a comprehensive platform for internal projects.

It is good for companies that manage projects and collaborate internally as much as they need customer interaction.

Here are some of the key tools in Bitrix24 for project management:

Task Management: Create and assign tasks to team members, setting deadlines and priorities.
Project Templates: Create reusable templates for common projects.
Gantt Charts: Visualize project timelines and dependencies.
Time Tracking: Track the amount of time spent on each task.
Document Sharing: Share files and documents within specific projects.
Project Groups: Organize team members into project groups.
Reporting Tools: Track progress on tasks and projects to keep things on track.
Kanban Boards: Visualize workflow with a Kanban style project board.

The project management tools are integrated with the rest of the Bitrix24 system, meaning you can tie project tasks to sales deals, marketing campaigns, or other aspects of your business.

For example, when a sale is closed, you can have a project automatically start with specific tasks for your team.

This seamless integration makes sure that your team is aligned with sales goals.

The platform allows you to organize projects, track time, and ensure that your team is always on schedule, it makes sure that projects are not forgotten once a deal is closed.

Free Version Limitations to Consider

While Bitrix24 offers many features in its free version, it’s important to be aware of its limitations.

The free plan is designed for smaller businesses with smaller teams and usage.

If you want to take full advantage of all the functions, you need to look into their paid options.

The free plan is good for testing, but some teams might outgrow it quickly.

It is important to understand the restrictions, so you know if the free option is right for you.

Here are some limitations to be aware of:

Limited Storage Space: The free plan has a limited amount of cloud storage space for files.
Limited Number of Users: It supports a limited number of users on the free plan, you might need to upgrade when your team grows.
Certain Features are Locked: Some advanced features, such as automation capabilities, are only available in paid plans.
No Custom Branding: You cannot remove Bitrix24 branding from the system unless you move to a paid option.
Limited Support: Free plan support is more limited than their paid plan options.

While the free plan is generous, some growing businesses might find that they need to upgrade to a paid plan in order to get the functions and support that they need.

For example, you might want to automate certain workflows or need access to unlimited storage.

It’s important to understand these restrictions to help you decide if Bitrix24 is a good fit for your business.

The main limitations are on the number of users, storage and access to higher level features.

Really Simple Systems: A User-Friendly Option

Really Simple Systems, as the name suggests, focuses on providing a user-friendly CRM experience.

It is designed for small businesses and startups that want a straightforward approach, with a focus on core CRM functionalities.

It is not as feature-rich as some of the other options, but it is very good if you are looking for simplicity, with an easy to learn interface and very quick setup process.

If you value ease of use over lots of bells and whistles, then this might be the best option for you.

The philosophy of Really Simple Systems is to provide an easy CRM for small businesses without too much complexity.

The free version gives you access to all the basic functions, which is good for those who do not need many complicated tools.

It focuses on the core CRM functions and offers those in a well designed system.

This is good if you do not have a lot of experience with CRM software, or if you want something that your entire team can start using without any training.

Ease of Use and Quick Setup

Really Simple Systems excels in its simplicity and ease of use.

The platform is designed with user-friendliness in mind.

The setup process is straightforward, and it is easy to start using the system right away.

If you need a CRM that you can implement quickly, without a lot of training and setup, then this system is a great choice for you. It’s about getting right to work.

Here are some key reasons why Really Simple Systems is so easy to use:

Intuitive Interface: The system has a very clean and simple interface which makes navigation very easy.
Minimal Learning Curve: Because of its simplicity, you can quickly learn and get started without a lot of tutorials.
Quick Setup Process: It doesn’t require complicated setup processes, and you can start managing your customers soon after signing up.
Clear Navigation: The menus are well organized and easy to understand, it makes it very easy to find what you are looking for.
Mobile Friendly: The platform is responsive, which means it works on mobile devices as well as on computers.
Focused Functionality: It does not try to be everything to everyone, and focuses only on core CRM features.
No Unnecessary Features: It is streamlined, without too many extra functions that might confuse or distract you.

The focus on core CRM features means that you are not overwhelmed by a huge amount of different tools that you do not need.

The process of adding contacts, managing deals, and scheduling tasks is very simple and straightforward.

The simplicity is a very big advantage for those that do not want to deal with complicated systems and prefer to start using a tool right away.

Core CRM Functionality Covered

Really Simple Systems covers all the core CRM functionalities that small businesses require.

The CRM is focused on providing simple but effective tools for sales, customer management, and general customer interactions.

The features may not be as extensive as other CRM’s, but all the basic parts are included.

It has everything you need to manage your customer relationships.

Here are some of the core CRM features in Really Simple Systems:

Contact Management: Store and manage information about your clients and contacts.
Sales Opportunity Tracking: Track and manage your deals through a sales pipeline.
Task Management: Set reminders and manage your daily tasks.
Calendar Integration: Integrates with your calendar so you can see and manage your schedule.
Reporting: Basic reporting to track your sales and performance.
Customer Support Management: Manage customer support requests and interactions.
Email Integration: Integrate with your email to track communication and activities.
User Management: Set user roles and permissions for your team members.

The contact management system is very easy to use, you can add, edit and organize your contacts without any difficulty.

The sales pipeline lets you track the progress of each of your deals.

The task management system lets you schedule reminders and activities, to make sure you never forget a customer interaction.

The calendar integration makes it easy to manage appointments, meetings and deadlines.

It has all the elements that you need to manage your business.

Feature	Description
Contact Management	Basic contact management, including storing names, addresses, and contact details.
Sales Opportunity Tracking	Manage and track deals through your sales pipeline.
Task Management	Create, assign, and manage tasks to follow up on leads and activities.
Calendar Integration	Sync with your calendar to manage appointments and schedule meetings.
Reporting	Basic reports to track sales activities and metrics.
Customer Support	Manage customer support requests.
Email Integration	Track customer email communication.
User Management	Setup user permissions and roles for your team.

Ideal for Small Businesses and Startups

Really Simple Systems is particularly well-suited for small businesses and startups due to its simplicity and ease of use.

The platform was designed for organizations that need a very basic CRM, but that does not want to deal with complex tools.

It is a great option for businesses that are just starting out, that have a limited budget and a small team.

If you value simplicity and functionality without the need for complex features, then Really Simple Systems will be a great choice.

Here’s why it’s a good fit for small businesses and startups:

Affordable: The free plan is very usable and gives you core CRM functionality without spending anything.
Easy to Learn: Simple interface makes it easy for teams to learn and adopt the system quickly.
Quick Implementation: You can quickly set up your CRM and start using it very fast.
Focused Functionality: It includes the core CRM features that most small businesses need.
Scalability: You can easily upgrade to paid plans to get access to advanced functionality as you grow.
No Complexity: It does not include a lot of complicated functions that may overwhelm the team.
Mobile Access: The system works well on mobile devices, allowing you to use it anywhere.
Support: The company provides good customer support for any problems that arise.

The system provides a stable platform for smaller teams and organizations that value straightforward tools, without too many unnecessary options.

If you do not need advanced workflow automation, detailed reporting, or a lot of integrations, then this is a good option for you.

The idea of Really Simple Systems is to make it easier to use, without the complicated parts that some other platforms include.

Freshsales Suite: Modern and Intuitive

Freshsales Suite is a modern and intuitive CRM solution that focuses on providing tools specifically tailored for sales teams.

The interface is very well designed and easy to use, and it offers a good mix of basic and advanced features.

The free version is good for businesses that are just starting out, or need a CRM for a small sales team.

Freshsales is designed to streamline the sales process, with features aimed to help sales teams close more deals.

Freshsales wants to provide a more modern CRM experience compared to some of the older platforms.

It is designed to be easy to use, with a focus on sales-related features.

It offers a mix of basic and advanced functions, but it might be a bit more sales-focused than other free CRM options.

If your goal is to improve the way your sales team operates, then Freshsales might be worth trying.

Sales Focused Features and Tools

Freshsales Suite is all about providing features and tools specifically designed to support the sales process.

It understands the needs of a sales team and makes it easier for them to close more deals.

It has a lot of interesting features that make managing the sales pipeline much easier.

Freshsales focuses on sales performance and efficiency, which makes it a strong candidate for businesses that have a sales-centric approach.

Here are some of the key sales-focused features in Freshsales Suite:

Lead Management: Capture and manage leads in an organized way.
Deal Management: Visualize and track deals through the sales pipeline.
Contact Management: Manage all customer contacts and interactions.
Email Tracking: See when customers open emails, click on links and respond.
Phone Integration: Make calls directly from the CRM.
Sales Reporting: Get insights on sales performance with dashboards and reports.
Sales Campaigns: Create and manage your sales campaigns.
Mobile Access: Access your CRM from any location using the mobile apps.
AI powered insights: Gets insights from your sales data to improve your process.

The platform focuses on making it easier to manage sales activities, ensuring your team is always on top of their sales pipeline.

The built-in email tracking lets you know when a prospect engages with your messages, which can help you follow up at the right time.

It also has an integrated phone system, meaning that you can make calls directly from the platform.

It gives you insight into sales processes and helps you to improve performance.

Feature	Description
Lead Management	Capture, qualify, and manage leads from different sources.
Deal Management	Visualize and track sales deals through every stage of the pipeline.
Contact Management	Manage all customer contacts and interactions in one central place.
Email Tracking	Track email opens, clicks, and other engagement metrics.
Phone Integration	Make and receive calls directly from the CRM.
Sales Reporting	Get sales insights through reports and dashboards to improve performance.
Sales Campaigns	Plan, execute, and manage sales campaigns from within the CRM.
Mobile Access	Access CRM data and functionalities via the mobile app.
AI powered insights	Get insights from sales data with AI powered tools

Understanding the Free Plan Capabilities

Freshsales’ free plan provides a good starting point for small businesses that want to manage their sales activities.

The free version is designed to be useful, but it does have its limitations in terms of the number of users and the advanced features.

It’s important to understand what the free version includes, so you can decide if it suits your specific needs.

Here are the main things you get with the free plan:

Unlimited Users: Good for teams of any size without any additional cost.
Contact Management: Store and manage your contact information.
Deal Management: Track sales opportunities within a basic sales pipeline.
Email Integration: Connect your email accounts to the platform.
Phone Integration: Make and receive calls directly in the CRM.
Mobile App: Use the mobile app to manage your CRM from anywhere.
Basic Reporting: Get reports to see how the sales process is going.
Limited API Calls: Integration to other software using their API is limited.

While the free plan offers many useful features, the most significant limitation is that some of the advanced functions are not included.

However, the unlimited users feature is a significant advantage. It makes it suitable for teams of all sizes.

For example, in the free version you cannot do sales automation, but you can track all of your deals and interactions.

The free version is a good way to start, and then you can move to a paid plan when you are ready.

Getting Started with Freshsales

Starting with Freshsales is simple, you start by going to the Freshsales website and signing up for a free account.

The setup process is very straightforward, guiding you through each step.

Once you are set up, you can begin exploring all the features and set them up according to your needs.

The interface is designed to be user-friendly, so it will be easy to get started.

Here are the main steps to take when you begin with Freshsales:

Sign Up for Free: Go to the Freshsales website and sign up for a free account.
Setup your Profile: Add the company information and your user details.
Connect Your Email: Integrate your email with the CRM.
Import Contacts: Upload your existing contact list or connect it to other services.
Setup Your Sales Pipeline: Define your sales stages and sales process.
Explore the Interface: Familiarize yourself with different tools.
Start adding Leads: Start adding your leads and contacts to the system.
Start Managing Deals: Begin managing your sales deals using the platform.

The initial setup is easy, and you can begin adding your leads, contacts and deals directly into the system.

They provide onboarding tutorials, that guide you through all the features.

It’s important to explore different areas of the system, so you understand how everything is connected.

The key is to get started and see how Freshsales can work with your team.

This will give you an idea of its benefits to your specific business.

Exploring Less Well-Known But Powerful Free CRMs

There are some less known CRM’s that deserve attention, and that have quite a bit of power and good features.

These are good options if you need very specific functionalities, or are looking for something different than the most common platforms.

SuiteCRM, Agile CRM, and Insightly are all examples of free CRMs that can offer unique advantages to your business.

They have all developed dedicated user bases and have some interesting benefits if you are willing to look beyond the common platforms.

These platforms often offer specific advantages that the more popular platforms do not have.

They might be focused on open-source solutions, or have a focus on specific parts of business.

These CRMs are worth looking at if you are interested in something less common but also very powerful.

Each of these tools have different strengths and it’s worth exploring their options.

It’s important to know that these CRM systems might need a bit more setup and technical know-how than the more common platforms.

SuiteCRM: Open Source Flexibility

SuiteCRM is an open-source CRM platform, which means that you have a lot of flexibility in how you set it up and run it.

You can customize almost anything, and it’s a very good choice for those that value flexibility and customizability above anything else.

The community around the project is very active, which means that there are a lot of guides and information available.

If you like to customize things, and want an open source solution, then SuiteCRM might be a great option for you.

Here are some key aspects that make SuiteCRM stand out:

Open Source: Completely free and open source, giving you control over the software.
Customizable: You can tailor it completely to your needs, with custom modules, fields, and workflows.
Community Support: Large and active community to help you, provide support and contribute with new features.
Self Hosted: You have to host the software on your own servers, which gives you a lot of control over your data.
Scalable: The system can grow and adapt as your company grows.
Integrations: You can connect with many other systems through its open API.
Comprehensive: Offers the features that any business needs from a CRM.
Advanced Security: You can set up security measures as you wish, and control the access to your data.

The open-source nature of SuiteCRM means that you have complete control over your CRM, without any licensing restrictions.

It also means that you need to be more technical to manage the system, which might not be for everyone.

You can make it do whatever you need, without the limitations of other commercial systems.

You can adjust every part of the system to fit your specific needs and processes.

Feature	Description
Open Source	Completely free and customizable due to its open-source nature.
Customizable	Modify every aspect of the CRM to match your business needs.
Community Support	Large user base provides help, resources, and additional functionalities.

Final Thoughts

HubSpot shines as the all-in-one platform, ideal for companies seeking a comprehensive suite of tools for marketing, sales, and customer service.

Zoho CRM offers scalability and customization, perfect for businesses looking to grow and integrate within the Zoho ecosystem.

Bitrix24’s emphasis on collaboration makes it a great option for teams needing internal project management alongside CRM capabilities.

Really Simple Systems provides an easy and user-friendly experience, perfect for smaller businesses that prefer simplicity.

Freshsales Suite offers an intuitive, modern platform focused on sales performance, while SuiteCRM, Agile CRM, and Insightly bring added flexibility, open source solutions, and focused feature sets.

The decision of which CRM to use should be based on your specific needs and priorities.

Consider factors such as the size of your team, your business’s technical capabilities, the integrations you need, and the level of customization you require.

For example, a small startup might find that Really Simple Systems provides just the right set of features without overwhelming complexity, while a growing organization might prefer HubSpot for its all-encompassing approach or Zoho for its scalability.

Regardless of the CRM you pick, remember that implementing it is not just about installing software, but about changing the way you do business.

A CRM is not a magic bullet, you need to commit to use it to see results, and to make sure the team uses it as well.

Take the time to set it up, train your team, and make sure that the CRM is implemented in the way you need.

Data accuracy is key, so making sure that everyone uses it correctly is key to long term success, and will ensure you get the best insights from your data.

Ultimately, the best free CRM for you is the one that helps you better understand your customers, streamline your processes, and drive your business forward.

The free options are a good way to start, and you can always move to a paid tier when you need the additional features.

Use the free plans to test out and see what works best for you, and keep track of your metrics.

Experiment and see what is the best option for your specific needs.

Success is in the consistency and attention that you bring to it, and the data is your best guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes HubSpot CRM a good choice for a free CRM?

HubSpot CRM is a strong choice because it’s a full featured CRM, not a watered down version.

You get contact management, sales pipelines, email marketing and basic customer service tools for free.

It’s like getting a full toolbox, not just a wrench.

Many businesses start with it and grow for a long time before ever needing a paid option. It is all about giving you a strong foundation.

You can check out their offerings here: Hubspot CRM

How user-friendly is HubSpot CRM?

HubSpot CRM is designed to be user-friendly, that means even if you are new to CRM systems you’ll find it easy to navigate.

The interface is simple, like picking up a well-designed tool.

They also provide guidance and tutorials, like a good map when you are in a new city.

It is all about giving you tools you can use without a lot of struggle.

You can explore the platform more here: Hubspot CRM

Can I manage my sales and marketing in one place with HubSpot CRM?

Yes, it’s designed as an all-in-one platform.

It integrates sales, marketing, and customer service.

You can track deals, send emails, and manage customer interactions seamlessly. Like a good machine, all the parts work together.

It helps you not just to track sales, but build relationships.

To experience the integration, sign up here: Hubspot CRM or click on the image link below:

How does Zoho CRM’s free plan compare to HubSpot’s?

Zoho’s free plan is good for very small teams, offering core functions like contact and deal management but limits you to 3 users.

HubSpot’s free plan is more extensive, with more features and unlimited users.

Zoho is like a good test drive, while HubSpot gives you more to start with. It is important to pick one that suits you best.

What kind of customization options does Zoho CRM offer?

Zoho CRM has good customization.

You can tailor it using custom fields, layouts, and modules.

It’s like getting a suit tailored to your body, it will fit you better than something off the rack.

The option to make it yours helps you make it work for your specific needs.

How does Bitrix24 stand out from other CRMs?

Bitrix24 stands out by focusing on team collaboration and communication.

It offers built-in project management, team chat, and document sharing, all in one system.

It’s more than just sales, it is a complete business platform.

It is like a control center for all your company processes.

Is Bitrix24’s free version really useful, or just a “lite” version?

Bitrix24’s free version is useful for small to medium businesses, giving you tools for projects, communication, and sales.

It is not a “lite” version, it’s just that some of its advanced features are limited to paid plans.

It’s like a good starting position, with options to grow into more.

What is the focus of Really Simple Systems CRM?

Really Simple Systems focuses on ease of use and simplicity.

It’s designed for small businesses that want a straightforward approach, with the core CRM functions. It’s about getting right to work.

It is a tool for those that don’t want a complicated system.

Why should a small business consider Really Simple Systems?

Small businesses should consider it because it’s easy to learn and quick to set up.

The free plan has the core functions without a lot of complicated extras.

It is affordable, simple and functional, everything that a small business needs.

What kind of businesses will find Freshsales Suite useful?

Freshsales Suite is especially useful for businesses that have a strong focus on sales, since it offers many tools for the sales pipeline and management process.

The tool focuses on sales efficiency and performance.

If you have a sales team that needs better tools, Freshsales is worth considering.

What is unique about Freshsales’ approach to CRM?

Freshsales provides a modern and intuitive interface, with tools designed specifically for sales teams.

It offers strong lead management, sales pipeline, and sales reporting.

It’s about streamlining the sales process, and giving your team the best tools.

Is there a limit to the number of users on Freshsales’ free plan?

No, the free plan of Freshsales allows unlimited users, making it a good fit for a growing business with a growing sales team.

It’s like a wide table, always with space for more.

What is an open-source CRM, and how is SuiteCRM different?

An open-source CRM, like SuiteCRM, means you have full control over the software.

You can modify it, customize it, and host it yourself. It’s completely free.

SuiteCRM is for those that value flexibility above all else.

It is like a blank canvas that you can paint any way that you want.

Why is SuiteCRM good for those who value flexibility?

SuiteCRM allows a lot of flexibility, you can customize every aspect of the CRM and make it work exactly the way that you want. You get full control over the system.

It is great for companies with very specific needs, who don’t want to be constrained by commercial solutions.