Quick Overview
- 1#1: HubSpot CRM - Free robust CRM platform with sales pipelines, email tracking, and marketing automation for small businesses.
- 2#2: Zoho CRM - Feature-rich CRM with a free plan for up to 3 users, including automation, analytics, and multi-channel support.
- 3#3: Bitrix24 - Free unlimited-user CRM integrated with collaboration tools like tasks, chats, and telephony.
- 4#4: Freshsales - AI-powered sales CRM with a free edition offering contact management, deals, and email integration.
- 5#5: Capsule CRM - Simple, intuitive CRM free for up to 2 users and 250 contacts, ideal for small teams.
- 6#6: EngageBay - All-in-one free CRM with marketing, sales, and service tools for up to 250 contacts.
- 7#7: Bigin by Zoho CRM - Ultra-simple low-cost CRM starting at $9/user/month for managing pipelines and contacts.
- 8#8: Agile CRM - Free CRM for up to 10 users with marketing automation, landing pages, and telephony.
- 9#9: Pipedrive - Visual sales pipeline CRM starting at $14/user/month with deal management and automation.
- 10#10: Vtiger CRM - Open-source CRM with free self-hosted option and affordable cloud plans for sales and support.
Tools were selected and ranked based on a blend of core functionality (including sales pipelines, automation, and integration), user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, prioritizing those that deliver maximum utility at competitive or accessible price points.
Comparison Table
For businesses seeking budget-friendly customer relationship management, this comparison table evaluates leading low-cost tools like HubSpot CRM, Zoho CRM, Bitrix24, Freshsales, and Capsule, comparing features, pricing, and usability to help readers identify the right fit for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HubSpot CRM Free robust CRM platform with sales pipelines, email tracking, and marketing automation for small businesses. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 2 | Zoho CRM Feature-rich CRM with a free plan for up to 3 users, including automation, analytics, and multi-channel support. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 3 | Bitrix24 Free unlimited-user CRM integrated with collaboration tools like tasks, chats, and telephony. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.9/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Freshsales AI-powered sales CRM with a free edition offering contact management, deals, and email integration. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 5 | Capsule CRM Simple, intuitive CRM free for up to 2 users and 250 contacts, ideal for small teams. | other | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 6 | EngageBay All-in-one free CRM with marketing, sales, and service tools for up to 250 contacts. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 7 | Bigin by Zoho CRM Ultra-simple low-cost CRM starting at $9/user/month for managing pipelines and contacts. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 8 | Agile CRM Free CRM for up to 10 users with marketing automation, landing pages, and telephony. | other | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 9 | Pipedrive Visual sales pipeline CRM starting at $14/user/month with deal management and automation. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Vtiger CRM Open-source CRM with free self-hosted option and affordable cloud plans for sales and support. | other | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
Free robust CRM platform with sales pipelines, email tracking, and marketing automation for small businesses.
Feature-rich CRM with a free plan for up to 3 users, including automation, analytics, and multi-channel support.
Free unlimited-user CRM integrated with collaboration tools like tasks, chats, and telephony.
AI-powered sales CRM with a free edition offering contact management, deals, and email integration.
Simple, intuitive CRM free for up to 2 users and 250 contacts, ideal for small teams.
All-in-one free CRM with marketing, sales, and service tools for up to 250 contacts.
Ultra-simple low-cost CRM starting at $9/user/month for managing pipelines and contacts.
Free CRM for up to 10 users with marketing automation, landing pages, and telephony.
Visual sales pipeline CRM starting at $14/user/month with deal management and automation.
Open-source CRM with free self-hosted option and affordable cloud plans for sales and support.
HubSpot CRM
enterpriseFree robust CRM platform with sales pipelines, email tracking, and marketing automation for small businesses.
Forever-free CRM with unlimited users, contacts, and basic pipeline management
HubSpot CRM is a powerful, cloud-based customer relationship management platform that offers a fully free core version for managing contacts, deals, tasks, and emails. It excels in streamlining sales pipelines, automating workflows, and providing real-time insights without any upfront costs. Designed for scalability, it integrates seamlessly with marketing and service tools, making it ideal for growing businesses seeking a low-cost entry into CRM.
Pros
- Completely free core CRM with unlimited users and contacts
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app
- Seamless integrations with 1,000+ apps including Gmail and Outlook
Cons
- Advanced automation and reporting locked behind paid tiers
- Can become pricey for larger teams needing premium features
- Occasional performance lags with very large datasets on free plan
Best For
Small businesses, startups, and solopreneurs needing a scalable, no-cost CRM that grows with them.
Pricing
Free forever CRM; paid upgrades start at $20/user/month for Sales Hub Starter, with bundles up to $3,600/month for enterprise.
Zoho CRM
enterpriseFeature-rich CRM with a free plan for up to 3 users, including automation, analytics, and multi-channel support.
Zia AI assistant for predictive analytics, lead scoring, and automated insights
Zoho CRM is a cloud-based customer relationship management platform that helps businesses streamline sales, marketing, and customer support processes through lead management, automation, and analytics. It offers a free tier for small teams and scalable paid plans with advanced features like AI-driven insights via Zia and extensive integrations. As a low-cost solution, it provides enterprise-grade functionality without the high price tag of competitors, making it suitable for growing businesses.
Pros
- Exceptional value with a robust free plan and affordable paid tiers starting at $14/user/month
- Comprehensive feature set including AI automation, custom modules, and 500+ integrations
- Highly customizable with low-code tools and seamless Zoho ecosystem compatibility
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations and workflows
- Some premium features like advanced analytics locked behind higher plans
- Mobile app occasionally lags and support response times vary for free users
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking a feature-rich, scalable CRM on a budget.
Pricing
Free for up to 3 users; paid plans start at $14/user/month (Standard, billed annually) up to $52/user/month (Ultimate).
Bitrix24
enterpriseFree unlimited-user CRM integrated with collaboration tools like tasks, chats, and telephony.
Free unlimited users plan with full CRM and built-in team communication tools
Bitrix24 is an all-in-one online workspace platform that provides robust CRM capabilities for managing leads, deals, contacts, and sales pipelines, alongside tools for project management, team collaboration, and communication. It enables automation of workflows, invoicing, and reporting, all within a single interface that supports unlimited users on its free plan. Ideal for small businesses, it combines CRM with chat, video calls, tasks, and calendars to streamline operations without high costs.
Pros
- Free plan supports unlimited users with core CRM features
- Comprehensive all-in-one suite including tasks, chat, and telephony
- Strong automation, reporting, and 400+ integrations
Cons
- Cluttered interface and steep learning curve for beginners
- Free plan limited by 5GB storage and lacks advanced features
- Customization options can feel overwhelming
Best For
Small teams and startups needing a free, feature-packed CRM integrated with collaboration tools.
Pricing
Free basic plan; paid plans start at $49/month for 5 users (Standard, 24GB storage), up to $199/month (Professional).
Freshsales
enterpriseAI-powered sales CRM with a free edition offering contact management, deals, and email integration.
Freddy AI for intelligent lead scoring, deal insights, and predictive analytics
Freshsales is a sales-focused CRM from Freshworks that helps businesses manage leads, track deals through visual pipelines, and automate sales workflows. It includes built-in tools like email tracking, calling, and AI-powered insights via Freddy AI for lead scoring and predictions. Ideal for small to medium teams, it integrates seamlessly with other Freshworks apps and offers scalability without high costs.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a robust free tier
- Intuitive interface and quick setup
- AI-driven insights and built-in communication tools
Cons
- Advanced reporting and automation limited to higher tiers
- Customization options restricted in basic plans
- Integrations not as extensive as enterprise CRMs
Best For
Small to medium-sized sales teams needing an easy, budget-friendly CRM with essential automation.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 3 users; paid plans start at $15/user/month (Growth), $39 (Pro), $59 (Enterprise), billed annually.
Capsule CRM
otherSimple, intuitive CRM free for up to 2 users and 250 contacts, ideal for small teams.
Drag-and-drop Kanban sales pipelines for effortless deal tracking
Capsule CRM is a simple, intuitive customer relationship management platform tailored for small businesses and teams seeking straightforward contact management and sales tracking. It enables users to organize contacts, manage sales pipelines with drag-and-drop functionality, assign tasks, and schedule activities via integrated calendars. The tool emphasizes ease of use with mobile apps and key integrations like Google Workspace and Mailchimp, making it ideal for users avoiding complex enterprise CRMs.
Pros
- Exceptionally user-friendly interface with minimal learning curve
- Generous free plan supporting up to 250 contacts and 2 users
- Strong mobile apps for iOS and Android
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer built-in automation workflows than competitors
- Custom fields and storage limits on lower tiers
Best For
Small businesses and solopreneurs needing a no-fuss CRM for basic contact and pipeline management without high costs.
Pricing
Free (250 contacts, 2 users); Professional $18/user/month (10,000 contacts, unlimited users); Teams $36/user/month (advanced segmentation, 25,000+ contacts).
EngageBay
enterpriseAll-in-one free CRM with marketing, sales, and service tools for up to 250 contacts.
All-in-one integration of CRM, marketing automation, and service desk at budget-friendly pricing
EngageBay is an all-in-one CRM platform designed for small businesses, offering integrated marketing automation, sales CRM, and customer service tools. It includes email marketing, landing pages, live chat, appointment scheduling, helpdesk ticketing, and basic analytics in a unified dashboard. As a low-cost alternative to pricier suites like HubSpot, it enables efficient customer relationship management without high expenses.
Pros
- Affordable all-in-one suite with free plan for unlimited users and contacts
- Comprehensive tools for marketing, sales, and support in one platform
- Strong value with features like email automation and live chat at low cost
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization compared to premium CRMs
- Interface can feel cluttered for complex workflows
- Scalability issues for growing teams beyond small business size
Best For
Small businesses and startups needing an affordable, integrated CRM without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Free plan available; paid plans start at $12.74/user/mo (Basic), $48.99/user/mo (Growth), $97.99/user/mo (Pro), billed annually.
Bigin by Zoho CRM
enterpriseUltra-simple low-cost CRM starting at $9/user/month for managing pipelines and contacts.
One-click pipeline templates for instant setup
Bigin by Zoho CRM is a lightweight, pipeline-focused CRM designed for small businesses, freelancers, and startups to manage sales processes effortlessly. It offers drag-and-drop pipelines, contact management, task automation, and basic reporting without the complexity of full-scale CRMs. Seamlessly integrating with the Zoho ecosystem, it scales as teams grow while keeping costs low.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop pipeline builder
- Very affordable with a generous free plan
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go access
Cons
- Limited advanced automation and reporting
- Fewer integrations than enterprise CRMs
- Scalability constraints for larger teams
Best For
Small businesses, freelancers, and sales teams seeking a simple, budget-friendly CRM for basic pipeline management.
Pricing
Free (1 user, 500 records); Express $9/user/month; Premier $15/user/month (billed annually).
Agile CRM
otherFree CRM for up to 10 users with marketing automation, landing pages, and telephony.
Built-in telephony and SMS messaging directly within the CRM dashboard
Agile CRM is an all-in-one platform that integrates sales automation, marketing tools, and customer service features for small to medium businesses. It provides contact management, email marketing, telephony, live chat, appointment scheduling, and helpdesk ticketing within a unified dashboard. Designed as a cost-effective alternative to pricier CRMs, it emphasizes ease of setup and comprehensive functionality without requiring extensive technical expertise.
Pros
- Highly affordable with a robust free plan for up to 10 users
- All-in-one suite including telephony, SMS, and marketing automation
- Strong integration options with popular tools like Google Workspace and Zapier
Cons
- Dated user interface that can feel cluttered
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics in lower-tier plans
- Scalability challenges for very large contact lists or high-volume usage
Best For
Small businesses and startups needing a budget-friendly, feature-packed CRM without complex setup.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users/1,000 contacts; paid plans start at $8.99/user/month (Starter, billed annually), $29.99 (Regular), and $49.99 (Enterprise).
Pipedrive
enterpriseVisual sales pipeline CRM starting at $14/user/month with deal management and automation.
Visual, customizable sales pipeline with drag-and-drop deal management
Pipedrive is a sales-centric CRM platform designed to visualize and manage sales pipelines, helping teams track deals from lead generation to closure. It offers customizable pipelines, activity reminders, email integration, and basic automation to streamline sales workflows. While not the cheapest option, it provides solid value for small businesses focused on sales efficiency without enterprise-level complexity.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop visual pipelines
- Seamless email and calendar integration
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go sales management
Cons
- Limited built-in marketing and service tools
- Advanced reporting and automations require higher plans
- No free plan; starts at a moderate entry price
Best For
Small to medium sales teams needing a simple, visual CRM for pipeline management without advanced marketing features.
Pricing
Starts at $14.90/user/month (Essential plan, billed annually), scaling to $99/user/month (Enterprise).
Vtiger CRM
otherOpen-source CRM with free self-hosted option and affordable cloud plans for sales and support.
Integrated inventory and project management modules alongside core CRM functions
Vtiger CRM is an affordable, open-source-based customer relationship management platform that automates sales, marketing, customer support, and inventory management. Available in both cloud and on-premise editions, it offers extensive customization for small to medium-sized businesses seeking integrated business tools. While it provides robust features at a low cost, its interface and setup can feel dated compared to modern competitors.
Pros
- Highly affordable with a free open-source edition
- Comprehensive all-in-one features including marketing automation and inventory
- Strong customization and extensibility options
Cons
- Outdated user interface that impacts usability
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Inconsistent support and occasional bugs in community edition
Best For
Small businesses and startups needing a customizable, low-cost CRM with sales, support, and inventory tools.
Pricing
Free open-source edition; Cloud plans start at $12/user/month (billed annually) for Professional tier.
Conclusion
Low-cost CRM software solutions vary in focus, but the top contenders excel at balancing affordability with functionality. HubSpot CRM leads as the top choice, offering a robust, free platform ideal for small businesses with sales pipelines, email tracking, and automation tools. Zoho CRM and Bitrix24 follow, with Zoho’s feature-rich free plan and Bitrix24’s unlimited-user setup integrating collaboration tools, making them strong alternatives for diverse needs.
Don’t miss out on optimizing your workflows—start with HubSpot CRM, the top-ranked low-cost solution, and see how it can transform your business operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
