As a business owner, you understand the importance of having a strong customer relationship management (CRM) system in place. A CRM system helps you manage your sales pipeline, track customer interactions, and improve your overall customer experience.
Salesforce is one of the most well-known and widely-used CRM platforms available, but it’s not always the best fit for every business. Depending on your business needs and budget, there are many best Salesforce alternatives that offer similar features and functionality at a more affordable price point.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 Salesforce alternatives for businesses, and help you choose the right CRM system.
Why Do You Need Salesforce Alternatives?
There could be several reasons why someone may need Salesforce alternatives. Here are a few common ones:
- Cost: Salesforce can be quite expensive, and some businesses may be looking for a more affordable alternative that still meets their needs.
- Complexity: Salesforce is a powerful tool, but it can also be complex and require a lot of time and effort to set up and maintain. Some businesses may be looking for a simpler alternative that is easier to use.
- Customization: While Salesforce is highly customizable, it may not be able to meet every business’s unique needs. Some businesses may be looking for an alternative that offers more customization options.
- Integration: Salesforce may not integrate well with all of the other tools and systems a business uses. Some businesses may be looking for an alternative that integrates more seamlessly with their existing tools.
- Support: While Salesforce offers support, some businesses may be looking for an alternative that provides better support or more personalized attention.
Which CRM Features for Every Business Need?
There are certain CRM features that every business can benefit from regardless of their industry or size.
Here are some essential CRM features that businesses can use to manage their sales, customer service, and marketing:
- Contact Management: The ability to store and organize customer information, such as name, email, phone number, and address, is an essential CRM feature.
- Lead Management: Managing leads is a crucial part of any business’s sales process. A CRM system should have features to track leads, set reminders for follow-up, and assign leads to sales reps.
- Sales Pipeline Management: This feature enables businesses to track their sales pipeline, from leads to closed deals. This helps sales reps prioritize their work and ensure they’re not missing out on any sales opportunities.
- Marketing Automation: This feature allows businesses to automate repetitive marketing tasks, such as email campaigns, social media posts, and lead generation.
- Customer Service Management: A CRM system should have features to manage customer service, such as ticketing systems, customer history, and automated responses.
- Reporting and Analytics: This feature enables businesses to track and analyze their sales and marketing data, such as conversion rates, sales forecasts, and customer trends.
- Mobile Access: Having a mobile CRM app allows sales reps to access and update customer data on-the-go, making it easier to manage their work from anywhere.
- Integrations: A CRM system that integrates with other tools and software, such as email marketing platforms, social media, and project management software, can help streamline business operations and improve productivity.
10 Best Salesforce Alternatives for Business
Whether you’re a small business looking for a simple CRM solution, or a larger enterprise seeking a comprehensive platform with advanced features, there is a Salesforce alternative to meet your needs.
By exploring the top Salesforce alternatives, you can find a CRM system that fits your budget and helps you achieve your business goals.
Here are 10 affordable Salesforce alternatives for small businesses:
1. Zoho CRM
Zoho CRM is a cloud-based customer relationship management software that offers features such as lead management, contact management, and sales pipeline management.
It offers a free version for up to 3 users, and paid plans start at $12/user/month.
Key Features
- Lead and contact management
- Sales forecasting and analytics
- Workflow automation
- Mobile app
- Social media integration
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- User-friendly interface
- Robust features
- Integrates with other Zoho apps
Cons
- Limited customization options
- Customer support can be slow to respond
Ratings: Capterra: 4.2/5 (4,400+ reviews), G2: 4.3/5 (1,500+ reviews)
2. HubSpot CRM
HubSpot CRM is a free, cloud-based customer relationship management software that offers features such as contact management, lead tracking, and sales pipeline management.
It also integrates with other HubSpot tools such as marketing and sales automation. Pricing starts at $45/month.
Key Features
- Contact and lead management
- Email tracking and templates
- Sales pipeline tracking
- Mobile app
- Integrates with other HubSpot apps
Pros
- Free to use
- User-friendly interface
- Robust features
- Integrates with other HubSpot apps
Cons
- Limited customization options
- Limited third-party integrations
- Limited reporting features
Ratings: Capterra: 4.5/5 (3,000+ reviews), G2: 4.2/5 (1,200+ reviews)
3. Insightly
Insightly is a cloud-based customer relationship management software that offers features such as lead management, contact management, and project management. It offers a free version for up to 2 users, and paid plans start at $29/user/month.
Key Features
- Lead and contact management
- Sales pipeline tracking
- Project management
- Mobile app
- Integrates with other apps
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- User-friendly interface
- Robust features
- Integrates with other apps
Cons
- Limited customization options
- Limited reporting features
- Customer support can be slow to respond
Rating: Capterra: 4.2/5 (1,500+ reviews), G2: 4.1/5 (300+ reviews)
4. Pipedrive
Pipedrive is a cloud-based sales management tool that offers features such as lead management, contact management, and sales pipeline management. It offers a free trial and paid plans start at $15/user/month.
Key Features
- Sales pipeline tracking
- Contact and lead management
- Activity tracking
- Mobile app
- Integrates with other apps
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Robust features for sales teams
- Integrates with other apps
Cons
- Limited customization options
- Limited features for marketing teams
- Pricing can be expensive for larger teams
Rating: Capterra: 4.4/5 (2,000+ reviews), G2: 4.4/5 (800+ reviews)
5. Freshsales
Freshsales is a cloud-based customer relationship management software that offers features such as lead management, contact management, and sales pipeline management. It offers a free version for up to 10 users, and paid plans start at $12/user/month.
Key Features
- Contact and lead management
- Sales pipeline tracking
- Email tracking and templates
- Mobile app
- Integrates with other apps
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- User-friendly interface
- Robust features
- Integrates with other apps
Cons
- Limited customization options
- Limited reporting features
- Customer support can be slow to respond
Rating: Capterra: 4.4/5 (500+ reviews), G2: 4.3/5 (400+ reviews)
6. Agile CRM
Agile CRM is a cloud-based customer relationship management software that offers features such as contact management, lead tracking, and marketing automation. It offers a free version for up to 10 users, and paid plans start at $8.99/user/month.
Key Features
- Contact and lead management
- Marketing automation
- Sales pipeline tracking
- Mobile app
- Integrates with other apps
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- User-friendly interface
- Robust features
- Integrates with other apps
Cons
- Limited customization options
- Limited reporting features
- Email automation can be buggy
Rating: Capterra: 4.3/5 (1,000+ reviews), G2: 4.1/5 (100+ reviews)
7. Capsule CRM
Capsule CRM is a cloud-based customer relationship management software that offers features such as contact management, sales pipeline management, and task management. It offers a free trial and paid plans start at $18/user/month.
Key Features
- Contact and lead management
- Sales pipeline tracking
- Task management
- Mobile app
- Integrates with other apps
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- User-friendly interface
- Simple but robust features
- Integrates with other apps
Cons
- Limited customization options
- Limited marketing automation features
- Limited reporting features
Rating: Capterra: 4.5/5 (200+ reviews), G2: 4.3/5 (100+ reviews)
8. SugarCRM
SugarCRM is a cloud-based customer relationship management software that offers features such as lead management, contact management, and sales pipeline management. It offers a free trial and paid plans start at $40/user/month.
Key Features
- Contact and lead management
- Sales pipeline tracking
- Marketing automation
- Mobile app
- Integrates with other apps
Pros
- Highly customizable
- Robust features
- Integrates with other apps
Cons
- Expensive pricing
- Steep learning curve
- Limited customer support
Rating: Capterra: 4.1/5 (1,000+ reviews), G2: 4.1/5 (400+ reviews)
9. Salesmate
Salesmate is a cloud-based sales management tool that offers features such as contact management, sales pipeline management, and task management. It offers a free trial and paid plans start at $12/user/month.
Key Features
- Contact and lead management
- Sales pipeline tracking
- Task management
- Mobile app
- Integrates with other apps
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- User-friendly interface
- Simple but robust features
- Integrates with other apps
Cons
- Limited customization options
- Limited reporting features
- Limited marketing automation features
Rating: Capterra: 4.8/5 (100+ reviews), G2: 4.4/5 (100+ reviews)
10. Vtiger CRM
Vtiger CRM is a cloud-based customer relationship management software that offers features such as contact management, sales pipeline management, and marketing automation. It offers a free trial and paid plans start at $30/user/month.
Key Features
- Contact and lead management
- Sales pipeline tracking
- Marketing automation
- Mobile app
- Integrates with other apps
Pros
- Highly customizable
- Robust features
- Integrates with other apps
Cons
- Expensive pricing
- Steep learning curve
- Limited customer support
Rating: Capterra: 4.3/5 (200+ reviews), G2: 4.2/5 (100+ reviews)
Zoho CRM Vs Salesforce
While Salesforce is one of the most popular CRMs on the market, Zoho CRM is a more affordable option with robust features for small to mid-sized businesses.
Zoho CRM offers a more user-friendly interface and more customization options than Salesforce.
- Pricing: Zoho CRM offers more affordable pricing options, with plans starting at $12/user/month, while Salesforce pricing starts at $25/user/month for the Essentials plan.
- Ease of use: Zoho CRM has a more user-friendly interface with simpler navigation and customization options, while Salesforce can be more complex to use and requires some technical expertise.
- Customization: While both CRMs offer customization options, Zoho CRM provides more flexibility with its drag-and-drop customization options and a wide range of integrations, while Salesforce requires more technical expertise to customize.
- Features: Both CRMs offer robust features for sales, marketing, and customer service, but Salesforce offers more comprehensive features for large enterprises, including advanced analytics and reporting, while Zoho CRM is better suited for small to mid-sized businesses with its affordable pricing and simpler features.
- Customer support: Zoho CRM offers strong customer support with live chat, phone support, and email, while Salesforce provides customer support through its community forums and support portal.
HubSpot CRM Vs Insightly
HubSpot CRM is a free option with basic features, while Insightly is a more affordable option with more robust features for small businesses. HubSpot CRM has a more user-friendly interface, while Insightly has better integrations with other tools.
- Pricing: HubSpot CRM offers a free plan with limited features, while its paid plans start at $45/user/month. Insightly offers a free plan for up to two users, with paid plans starting at $29/user/month.
- Ease of use: Both CRMs have a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop customization options. However, HubSpot CRM has a more intuitive and modern interface, while Insightly’s interface may feel a bit outdated.
- Features: Both CRMs offer robust features for sales, marketing, and customer service. HubSpot CRM provides a more comprehensive marketing automation suite, while Insightly provides stronger project management and workflow automation capabilities.
- Integrations: HubSpot CRM offers more integrations with popular marketing and sales tools, while Insightly offers integrations with popular project management and collaboration tools.
- Customer support: HubSpot CRM offers extensive support resources, including live chat, phone support, and a knowledge base. Insightly also provides phone and email support, but its support resources are not as extensive as HubSpot CRM.
Pipedrive Vs Freshsales
Pipedrive is a more sales-focused CRM with a user-friendly interface and robust features for sales pipeline tracking, while Freshsales is a more comprehensive CRM with features for sales, marketing, and customer service.
Freshsales has better email tracking and templates, while Pipedrive has better integrations with other tools.
- Pricing: Pipedrive offers affordable pricing options, with plans starting at $15/user/month, while Freshsales pricing starts at $29/user/month for the Blossom plan.
- Ease of use: Both CRMs have a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop customization options. However, Pipedrive has a simpler and more intuitive interface, while Freshsales can feel a bit overwhelming with its many features.
- Features: Both CRMs offer robust features for sales, marketing, and customer service. Pipedrive provides a more comprehensive sales pipeline management and reporting, while Freshsales provides stronger marketing automation and lead scoring capabilities.
- Integrations: Pipedrive offers more than 200 integrations with popular marketing and sales tools, while Freshsales offers integrations with popular marketing, sales, and customer support tools.
- Customer support: Pipedrive provides extensive support resources, including phone and email support, a knowledge base, and online training. Freshsales also offers phone and email support, but its support resources are not as extensive as Pipedrive.
Agile CRM Vs Capsule CRM
Agile CRM is a more affordable option with more robust features for small businesses, while Capsule CRM is a simpler option with basic features for contact and lead management. Agile CRM has better features for marketing automation, while Capsule CRM has better integrations with other tools.
- Pricing: Agile CRM offers a free plan with limited features, while its paid plans start at $8.99/user/month. Capsule CRM also offers a free plan with limited features, while its paid plans start at $18/user/month.
- Ease of use: Both CRMs have a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop customization options. However, Capsule CRM has a simpler interface and is easier to set up, while Agile CRM can be more complex and requires more technical expertise.
- Features: Both CRMs offer robust features for sales, marketing, and customer service. Agile CRM provides stronger marketing automation and web analytics capabilities, while Capsule CRM provides stronger contact and pipeline management capabilities.
- Integrations: Agile CRM offers more than 40 integrations with popular marketing, sales, and customer support tools, while Capsule CRM offers integrations with popular marketing, sales, and accounting tools.
- Customer support: Agile CRM provides extensive support resources, including live chat, phone support, and a knowledge base. Capsule CRM also offers phone and email support, but its support resources are not as extensive as Agile CRM.
SugarCRM Vs Salesmate
SugarCRM is a more customizable option with robust features for mid-sized to large businesses, while Salesmate is a more user-friendly option with simpler but robust features for small to mid-sized businesses.
SugarCRM has better marketing automation features, while Salesmate has better integrations with other tools.
- Pricing: SugarCRM pricing starts at $80/user/month for its Professional plan, while Salesmate pricing starts at $15/user/month for the Starter plan.
- Ease of use: Both CRMs have a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop customization options. However, Salesmate has a simpler and more intuitive interface, while SugarCRM can be more complex and requires more technical expertise.
- Features: Both CRMs offer robust features for sales, marketing, and customer service. SugarCRM provides stronger customer relationship management and customization capabilities, while Salesmate provides stronger sales automation and forecasting capabilities.
- Integrations: SugarCRM offers more than 100 integrations with popular marketing, sales, and customer support tools, while Salesmate offers integrations with popular marketing, sales, and accounting tools.
- Customer support: SugarCRM provides extensive support resources, including phone and email support, a knowledge base, and online training. Salesmate also offers phone and email support, but its support resources are not as extensive as SugarCRM.
Summary
In conclusion, Salesforce is a powerful CRM tool, but it’s not the only option available for businesses. There are several Salesforce alternatives that offer similar features and functionality at a more affordable price point.
Based on our research and comparisons, here are the best Salesforce alternatives for businesses:
- Zoho CRM: A comprehensive CRM with affordable pricing and robust features for sales, marketing, and customer service.
- HubSpot CRM: A user-friendly and affordable CRM with strong marketing automation and lead management capabilities.
- Pipedrive: A sales-focused CRM with a simple and intuitive interface and comprehensive pipeline management and reporting.
- Freshsales: A CRM with strong marketing automation and lead scoring capabilities, as well as robust features for sales and customer service.
- Agile CRM: A comprehensive CRM with strong marketing automation and web analytics capabilities, as well as features for sales and customer service.
- Capsule CRM: A simple and easy-to-use CRM with strong contact and pipeline management capabilities.
- Insightly: A simple and user-friendly CRM with robust project management and workflow automation capabilities.
- SugarCRM: A customizable and powerful CRM with strong customer relationship management capabilities.
- Vtiger CRM: A feature-rich CRM with strong customization and automation capabilities.
- Salesmate: An affordable and intuitive CRM with strong sales automation and forecasting capabilities.
Choosing the right CRM for your business depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider your business goals, team size, and the features you require when evaluating the best Salesforce alternatives.
With so many great options available, you’re sure to find the right CRM to help you grow and succeed.
