If you understand what CRM is, you’ll agree that deciding on the best CRM for startups can be daunting.
Startups face unique challenges in customer relationship management—from limited resources to rapidly evolving customer needs. This critical decision can make or break your business’s ability to effectively manage customer interactions and scale sustainably.
The lack of a suitable CRM system can lead to missed opportunities, disorganized customer data, and ultimately, hindered growth. It’s a predicament many startups find themselves in. They struggle with the complexity of choosing a CRM that aligns with their dynamic needs.
That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to explore the top 13 best CRM for startups in this article. Each solution is tailored to meet the diverse business requirements of startups.
You’ll discover comprehensive reviews, key features, and insights to guide your decision. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to select a CRM solution that not only addresses your current challenges but also prepares your budding company for growth.
Without further ado, let’s begin our review.
How We Choose the Best CRM for Startups
- Core CRM Features: Our selection of the best CRM for startups prioritizes essential features like contact management, deal tracking, and pipeline management. These features are crucial for startup operations.
- Analytics Capabilities: Effective decision-making in startups often hinges on insightful data analysis. We believe the best CRM for startups includes robust analytics and reporting features. This provides startups with valuable insights from their customer interactions.
- Additional Functionality: Recognizing the diverse needs of startups, our list includes CRM systems that offer additional functionalities for a more holistic solution. This includes project management, customer service, and marketing tools, among others.
- Cost Considerations: Startups are typically budget-conscious. Cost-effectiveness plays a significant role in our selection of the best CRM for startups. Some provide free plans, while others provide reliable options for growing startups.
- Customer Support: For startups, having reliable customer support is vital for effective CRM utilization. We’ve chosen the best CRM for startups that are known for their excellent customer support. This ensures that startups will always have access to assistance when needed.
- Integration Capabilities: The ability of a CRM to integrate with other tools is crucial for seamless operations. We’ve selected solutions that offer essential CRM integrations. Some provide a broad range of options to allow startups to choose based on their specific needs.
- Customization Options: Flexibility and customization are important to address the growing needs of a startup. The best CRM for startups offers varying levels of customization.
Top 13 Best CRM Software for Startups: A Comprehensive Review
Selecting the right CRM can be a game-changer for a startup. If you know what CRM is, you understand that it impacts everything from customer relations to data management.
To aid in this crucial decision, we’ve meticulously analyzed and reviewed the best CRM for startups. We’ve considered their suitability for startups in various stages and industries.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into each tool’s strengths, weaknesses, features, and pricing. This will help you decide which of the best CRM for startups aligns with your needs and goals.
Let’s explore each of them in detail.
1. HubSpot CRM
Star Rating: 4.7/5
Image via HubSpot
As a leader in the CRM space, HubSpot CRM offers an ideal solution for those searching for the best CRM for startups. It’s designed to streamline customer relationship management, making it a great fit for businesses eager to grow and scale efficiently.
HubSpot CRM is recognized for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. This makes it a prime choice for startups needing a robust yet accessible CRM solution.
Key Features
- Contact management
- Seamless integration with other HubSpot hubs
- Deal pipelines
- Sales forecasting tools
- Reporting dashboard and analytics
- Free email marketing and meeting scheduling tools
Pros
- Intuitive user interface that’s easy for startups to adopt and use
- Extensive integration capabilities
- Free version available
- Effective lead management and nurturing capabilities
Cons
- High costs for advanced features and higher tiers
- A steep learning curve for some customization options
Price
- Free Tools: Available with basic features
- Starter: $20/month/seat
- Professional: $890/month (up to 3 seats, additional seats at $45/month)
Image via HubSpot
Usability
- Highly user-friendly CRM software, especially for startups without extensive CRM experience
Tool Level
- Beginner to intermediate levels, scaling up to advanced as your startup grows
2. Agile CRM
Star Rating: 4.2/5
Image via Agile CRM
Agile CRM is a versatile and affordable option for startups. It provides an all-in-one solution that encompasses sales, marketing, and service automation. This makes it a top choice on our list of the best CRM for startups.
Agile CRM is known for its comprehensive feature set and user-friendly interface, making it an attractive choice for startups aiming to manage their customer relationships effectively without a hefty price tag.
Key Features
- All-in-one solution combining sales, marketing, and customer service
- Contact and lead management with detailed tracking
- Marketing automation features
- Unlimited deals, documents, and tasks
- Helpdesk features
- Extensive reporting and analytics
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one CRM software at an affordable price
- Easy to set up and use, perfect for startups with limited tech resources
- Free plan for up to 10 users
Cons
- Limited scope of features compared to specialized tools
- Cluttered interface with a wide range of features
Price
- Free: Basic features for up to 10 users
- Starter: $8.99/month
- Regular: $29.99/month
- Enterprise: $47.99/month
Image via Agile CRM
Usability
- Moderately user-friendly, designed for startups that need a comprehensive yet straightforward CRM solution
Tool Level
- Beginner to intermediate users, especially those seeking an all-in-one CRM solution
3. Zoho CRM
Star Rating: 4.6/5
Image via Zoho
Zoho CRM is a highly versatile option for startups seeking the best CRM software. It offers a balance of functionality, affordability, and user-friendliness. It’s particularly appealing to startups that require CRM software with extensive customization options and integrative capabilities.
Zoho CRM is known for its ability to adapt to various business models. This makes it a leading CRM software for startups with changing needs. Zoho CRM’s blend of features and pricing makes it a viable option for startups at different growth stages.
Key Features
- Sales force automation
- Sales enablement
- Wide set of customization features
- AI features like voice assistant and anomaly detection
- Multiple channels for communication
- Integration with Zoho’s extensive suite of business applications
- Real-time analytics and sales forecasting tools
- Social media integration and lead generation tools
Pros
- Highly customizable to suit diverse startup requirements
- Includes a 15-day free trial that doesn’t require a credit card
- Strong focus on automation to streamline business processes
- Effective lead and contact management features
Cons
- The interface can be overwhelming for first-time CRM software users
- Some advanced features are only available in higher-tier plans
Price
- Standard: $20/user/month
- Professional: $35/user/month
- Enterprise: $50/user/month
- Ultimate: $65/user/month
Image via Zoho
Usability
- Moderately easy to use, with a range of features suited for startups at various stages
Tool Level
- Beginner to intermediate, offering a good balance for startups as they grow
4. Pipedrive
Star Rating: 4.6/5
Image via Pipedrive
Pipedrive stands out as one of the best CRMs for startups, particularly for those focused on sales and pipeline management.
It’s recognized for its intuitive interface and robust sales management tools. Designed with usability in mind, Pipedrive is an excellent option for startups prioritizing a straightforward, efficient CRM software experience.
With its focus on pipeline visibility positions, Pipedrive is perfect for sales and marketing teams looking to track sales effectively.
Key Features
- Lead management
- Pipeline management
- Workflow and marketing automation
- Reporting and forecasting
- Over 350+ integrations
Pros
- User-friendly interface, ideal for startups without extensive CRM experience
- Strong focus on sales pipeline management and tracking
- Efficient organization of sales activities and customer interactions
- Automation of repetitive tasks
Cons
- Limited functionality outside of sales and pipeline management
- Some essential features are only available in higher-tier plans
Price
- Essential: $15/user/month
- Advanced: $29/user/month
- Professional: $59/user/month
- Power: $69/user/month
- Enterprise: $99/user/month
Image via Pipedrive
Usability
- Highly user-friendly, with a focus on simplifying sales processes for startups
Tool Level
- Beginners to intermediate users, especially for sales-focused startups
5. Freshsales by Freshworks
Star Rating: 4.5/5
Image via Freshworks
Freshsales by Freshworks is a robust choice for startups seeking a comprehensive yet intuitive CRM solution that keeps up with the latest CRM trends. It’s particularly suited for those seeking the best CRM for startups to streamline their sales process.
Recognized for its simplicity and effectiveness, Freshsales offers a range of powerful and accessible tools. Its focus on enhancing sales productivity and customer engagement makes it a popular choice among rapidly growing startups.
Key Features
- AI-driven lead scoring
- Inventory management
- Incident management
- Sales pipeline and analytics
- Multi-channel management
- Email integration
- Reports and analytics
- Seamless integrations with other Freshworks products and third-party apps
Pros
- Provides a 360-degree view of customer information
- Intuitive interface with minimal learning curve
- Comprehensive sales and marketing tools in one platform
- Customizable workflows and automation
- Recommended by leading industry experts like Gartner and GetApp
Cons
- Some advanced features can be complex to set up
- Higher-tier pricing may be a stretch for some startups
Price
- Free: Basic features for 3 users
- Growth: $11/user/month
- Pro: $47/user/month
- Enterprise: $71/user/month
Image via Freshworks
Usability
- Highly user-friendly despite having advanced features
Tool Level
- Beginners to intermediate users, with scalability for growing startups
6. Copper CRM
Star Rating: 4.3/5
Image via Copper
Copper CRM is an excellent CRM choice for startups, particularly those deeply integrated with Google Workspace. Known for its seamless integration with Google applications, Copper CRM offers a familiar interface and workflow, making it a natural fit for startups that already use Google tools.
Copper CRM excels in simplifying client management and fostering team collaboration. It’s a valuable asset for startups looking to enhance productivity and streamline their sales processes without a steep learning curve.
Key Features
- Easy integration with Google Workspace
- Email and marketing tools
- Automated data entry and contact management
- Sales pipeline with drag-and-drop functionality
- Task and project management
- Reporting and forecasting
Pros
- Intuitive user interface, especially for Google Workspace users
- Automated workflows to minimize manual data entry
- Strong collaboration features
- Efficient tracking of customer interactions and sales activities
Cons
- Limited customization options compared to other CRM tools
- Some advanced features require higher-tier plans
Price
- Basic: $29/user/month
- Professional: $69/user/month
- Business: $134/user/month
Image via Copper CRM
Usability
- Highly user-friendly, particularly for Google Workspace users
Tool Level
- Beginner to intermediate users, especially those seeking seamless integration with Google Workspace
7. Insightly
Star Rating: 4.4/5
Image via Insightly
Insightly is a powerful CRM software for startups, known for its versatility and project management capabilities. It helps startups manage not just customer relationships but also complex projects and workflows.
Offering a blend of CRM and project management tools, Insightly is a comprehensive solution for startups looking to streamline their operations.
A CRM pro tip for startups is to automate processes where you can. Insightly has got you covered. Its focus on integration and automation makes it a favored choice for startups seeking efficiency and scalability.
Key Features
- Lead management
- Sales lead tracking and opportunity management
- Business workflow and process automation
- Validation rules
- Advanced permissions
- Project and task management
- Customer email management
- Performance reporting and analytics
- Integration capabilities with popular apps and services
Pros
- Combines CRM and project management in one platform
- Provides a mobile app for both iOS and Android
- Compliant with HIPAA, GDPR, and EU/US Privacy Shield
- Customizable to fit specific business processes and needs
Cons
- The interface can be complex for new users
- Some advanced features are available only in higher-tier plans
Price
- Free Plan: Basic features for up to 2 users
- Plus: $29/user/month
- Professional: $49/user/month
- Enterprise: $99/user/month
Image via Insightly
Usability
- Moderate, with a focus on providing comprehensive CRM and project management features
Tool Level
- Intermediate, particularly startups needing integrated CRM and project management tools
8. ActiveCampaign
Star Rating: 4.5/5
Image via ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign distinguishes itself as one of the best CRMs for startups. Its robust automation capabilities and user-friendly interface make it a popular choice for startups looking to efficiently manage customer relationships and drive marketing campaigns.
Upon CRM evaluation, ActiveCampaign is ideal for startups that prioritize customer engagement and personalized communication. It offers a suite of tools to automate and optimize marketing and sales processes. This ensures that startups can maximize their impact with minimal effort.
Key Features
- Sales reporting
- Win probability
- Lead segmentation and scoring
- Email notifications for sales automation and nurturing campaigns
- Marketing automation
- Note creation
- Task assignment
Pros
- Provides exceptional marketing automation capabilities
- Ability to connect with email providers like Gmail and Outlook
- Offers seamless customer experience by unifying sales, marketing, and CRM
- Integration with a wide range of third-party applications
Cons
- CRM features may not be as extensive as standalone CRM systems
- Higher price point than other CRM software
Price
- Plus: $116/month, billed monthly
- Professional: $482/month, billed monthly
- Enterprise: $918/month, billed monthly
Image via ActiveCampaign
Usability
- Highly user-friendly, particularly for startups focused on marketing automation and customer engagement
Tool Level
- Beginner to intermediate users, especially those with a focus on marketing and sales automation
9. Bitrix24
Star Rating: 4.3/5
Image via Bitrix24
Bitrix24 offers a unique blend of CRM, project management, and team collaboration tools, making it a versatile choice for startups. It’s one of the best CRMs for startups that require a comprehensive platform to manage various aspects of their business, from customer interactions to internal workflows.
This CRM stands out for its extensive suite of tools and features, combined with a highly competitive pricing structure. Bitrix24 is ideal for startups looking for an all-encompassing solution that goes beyond traditional CRM functionalities.
Key Features
- Lead acquisition and management
- Sales and business automation
- Unified workspace
- Omni-channel marketing
- Project and sales management
- Communication tools, including chat, video conferencing, and social network
Pros
- Provides a wide array of features in one integrated platform
- Boosts your sales effort with AI
- Flexible and customizable to suit various startup needs
- Offers a generous free plan for small startups
Cons
- The extensive range of features can be overwhelming for new users
- Interface may not be as intuitive as some other CRM tools
Price
- Free: Basic features for unlimited users
- Basic: $61/month for 5 users
- Standard: $124/month for 50 users
- Professional: $249/month for 100 users
- Enterprise: $499/month for 250 users
Image via Bitrix24
Usability
- Moderate, with a learning curve due to the breadth of features offered
Tool Level
- Intermediate to advanced users, particularly for startups needing a comprehensive business management tool
10. Salesforce Sales Cloud
Star Rating: 4.4/5
Image via Salesforce
Salesforce Sales Cloud is a highly regarded CRM solution, especially for startups looking for a scalable and customizable platform. It provides an extensive feature set and robust integration capabilities. It’s among the best CRMs for startups aiming for rapid growth and needing a CRM system that can scale with their expanding operations.
As part of the Salesforce ecosystem, Sales Cloud offers startups a comprehensive suite of tools to manage customer relationships, sales processes, and data analytics—all within a flexible and powerful platform.
Key Features
- Lead and opportunity management
- Sales analytics and revenue intelligence
- Sales and workflow automation
- Integration options with the Salesforce AppExchange marketplace
- Sales performance management
- Revenue lifecycle management
- Partner relationship management
- AI-powered insights and recommendations with Salesforce Einstein
Pros
- Highly scalable, growing with the startup’s evolving needs
- Offers a vast range of customization options and integrations
- Provides strong analytics and reporting capabilities
- Provides access to Salesforce’s extensive resources and support network
Cons
- Can be more expensive compared to other CRM tools for startups
- The platform’s complexity may require a steeper learning curve
Price
- Starter: $25/user/month
- Professional: $80/user/month
- Enterprise: $165/user/month
- Unlimited: $330/user/month
- Unlimited+: $500/user/month
Image via Salesforce
Usability
- Moderate, designed for startups that require a comprehensive and scalable CRM system
Tool Level
- Intermediate to advanced users, especially for startups with a focus on growth and scalability
11. Keap
Star Rating: 4.3/5
Image via Keap
Keap, formerly known as Infusionsoft, is one of the best CRMs for startups and small businesses, particularly those with a strong focus on automation and marketing.
It’s renowned for its powerful automation capabilities that streamline customer interactions and marketing processes. This makes it an ideal CRM for startups looking to optimize their time and resources.
Keap is a great choice for startups seeking a CRM that offers a blend of sales and marketing tools combined with ease of use and efficiency. It’s designed to help startups nurture customer relationships and grow their business through effective marketing and sales automation.
Key Features
- Sales and marketing automation
- Text and email marketing tools
- CRM and sales pipeline management
- Online sales and payment processing
- Lead capture and management
- Lifecycle automation
- Integration with business apps
- Reporting and analytics
Pros
- Offers high-level marketing and sales automation capabilities
- User-friendly interface, suitable for startups without technical expertise
- Features integration with a wide range of third-party apps and services
- Provides strong support and training resources
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other CRM tools for startups
- Some features may require a learning curve to fully utilize
Price
- Pro: Starts at $199/month
- Max: Starts at $299/month
- Ultimate: Starts at $359/month
Image via Keap
Usability
- Moderate, suitable for startups looking to streamline marketing and sales
Tool Level
- Beginners to intermediate users, particularly those needing advanced automation features
12. Vtiger CRM
Star Rating: 4.4/5
Image via Vtiger
Vtiger CRM is a comprehensive solution with a balance of features, affordability, and ease of use. It’s designed to cater to the multifaceted needs of growing startups, including sales, support, and marketing. This makes it a standout option among the best CRM for startups.
Ideal for startups looking for an all-in-one CRM that’s both powerful and accessible, Vtiger offers a range of tools and integrations that streamline various business operations, making it a versatile choice for startups aiming to optimize their customer relationship management.
Key Features
- Unified platform for sales, marketing, and support
- Sales automation and enablement
- Helpdesk and marketing automation
- Lead and contact management tool
- Sales pipelines and workflow automation
- Built-in analytics and reporting
- Integration with popular email, telephony, and social media platforms
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one CRM solution at a reasonable price
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface, suitable for startups
- Offers customizable features to align with specific business needs
- Provides excellent customer support
- Access to a wealth of training resources
Cons
- Some users may find the interface less modern compared to competitors
- Advanced features and integrations may require higher-tier plans
Price
- One Growth: $15/user/month
- One Professional: Starts at $28/user/month
- One Enterprise: Starts at $42/user/month
Image via Vtiger
Usability
- Highly user-friendly, designed to provide an all-encompassing CRM experience for startups
Tool Level
- Suitable for beginners to intermediate users, offering a good balance of features and usability for growing startups
13. monday sales CRM
Star Rating: 4.5/5
Image via Monday.com
monday sales CRM, part of the wider Monday.com platform, is a versatile and user-friendly tool that’s gaining popularity among startups. It’s ideal for those looking for the best CRM for startups that’s easy to set up and customize.
Ideal for startups that value simplicity and visual project management, monday sales CRM provides a flexible solution to manage customer relationships, sales pipelines, and team collaboration within a single platform.
Key Features
- Sales pipeline
- Contact management
- Customer projects
- Lead capturing and management
- Customer onboarding
- Integration capabilities with a wide range of tools and apps
- Real-time reporting and analytics
Pros
- Exceptionally user-friendly with a visually intuitive interface
- Highly customizable to adapt to various startup needs
- Ideal for team-oriented workflows, with its strong collaboration features
- Offers a holistic view of sales, projects, and customer interactions
Cons
- Some advanced CRM functionalities may be less robust compared to specialized CRM tools
- Pricing can be higher for larger teams or when requiring advanced features
Price
The following are the price points if you only need less than 50 seats. Beyond this, you’ll need to contact sales for pricing.
- Basic CRM: $15/seat/month
- Standard CRM: $20/seat/month
- Pro CRM: $33/seat/month
- Enterprise CRM: Custom pricing
Image via Monday.com
Usability
- Highly user-friendly, especially for startups that prefer a visually oriented and customizable CRM tool
Tool Level
- Beginners to intermediate users, particularly those who value customization and visual project management
FAQ
Q1. What CRM do startups use?
Startups use a variety of CRM systems based on their specific needs, budget, and business size. Popular choices include HubSpot CRM, Agile CRM, and Zoho CRM. These are often regarded as some of the best CRM for startups due to their scalability, range of features, and ease of integration with other tools.
Q2. How do you build CRM for a startup?
Building a CRM for a startup typically involves assessing your specific needs and considering factors like customer management, sales tracking, and marketing automation.
Start by identifying your key requirements. Then, research and select a CRM platform that aligns with these needs.
Many startups choose a ready-made CRM solution for its cost-effectiveness and ease of implementation.
Q3. How do I find the best CRM for my small business?
To find the best CRM for your small business, evaluate your business processes, customer management needs, and budget. Look for CRMs that offer the functionalities you need, such as contact management, sales pipeline tracking, and integration with other tools you use.
Consider starting with a free trial or plan, such as those offered by HubSpot CRM or Zoho CRM, to test the platform’s suitability for your business.
Q4. Is there a free CRM for small businesses?
Yes, there are several free CRM options available for small businesses. HubSpot CRM offers a robust free plan that includes essential CRM features, making it a great starting point for many startups.
Zoho CRM and Bitrix24 also offer free versions with basic functionalities, suitable for small businesses looking to manage customer relationships effectively without a significant investment. This makes them top picks among the best CRM for startups and small businesses.
Q5. What CRM software is best for a small startup?
The best CRM software for a small startup depends on the startup’s specific needs, budget, and growth plans.
For those looking for comprehensive, all-in-one solutions, Agile CRM or Keap may be ideal. Meanwhile, startups needing a user-friendly and affordable option might find HubSpot CRM or Zoho CRM more suitable.
When selecting a CRM, it’s important to consider current needs while keeping in mind potential requirements as you scale your business.
Which of the Best CRMs for Startups Is Ideal for You?
Selecting the best CRM for startups involves matching your specific needs with the right set of features.
From HubSpot CRM’s user-friendliness to Agile CRM’s scalability and Zoho CRM’s cost-effectiveness, each CRM tool we discussed offers unique benefits.
Keep in mind that the best CRM for startups is the one that aligns with your business strategy, grows with you, and enhances your customer interactions.
The right CRM can transform your startup’s sales, marketing, and customer service approach. Reflect on your startup’s needs, consider the insights shared in this article, and take the step towards choosing a CRM that will support your startup’s journey to success. Good luck!
