Our Review of Bitrix24 CRM

Bitrix24 is more than just a CRM; it’s a comprehensive business suite. However, its CRM functionality is a core component, designed to manage customer relationships, sales processes, and marketing efforts. This review will delve into Bitrix24’s CRM features, pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for businesses looking for a robust CRM solution.

Bitrix24 CRM Features

Bitrix24 provides a 360-degree view of your customer relationships, enabling you to manage all aspects of the sales process from a single platform.

1. Contact and Company Management

Centralised database for storing detailed information about contacts and companies.
Ability to track interactions, communication history, and relevant documents.
Segmentation and grouping of contacts for targeted marketing.

2. Lead Management

Capture leads from various sources (website forms, emails, calls).
Lead qualification and distribution to sales representatives.
Automated lead processing workflows.
Lead conversion into contacts, companies, or deals.

3. Deal Management

Visual sales pipelines to track deals through different stages.
Customisable deal stages to match your sales process.
Deal tracking, forecasting, and reporting.
Ability to attach documents, tasks, and communications to each deal.

4. Sales Automation

Automation of repetitive tasks, such as sending emails or creating tasks.
Workflow automation for sales processes, such as lead nurturing and deal progression.
Sales funnel automation to guide leads through the sales cycle.

5. CRM Marketing

Email marketing campaigns with templates and automation.
SMS marketing for direct customer communication.
Integration with social media platforms.
Web forms, for lead generation.

6. Reporting & Analytics

Sales reports, including sales funnel analysis and deal performance.
Customisable reports and dashboards.
Insights into sales trends and customer behaviour.

7. Communication Integration

Integration with email, phone, and chat.
Open Channels for connecting with social media and messaging apps.
Call tracking and recording.
All customer communication is stored within the CRM.

8. CRM Web Forms

The ability to create web forms, that when filled in, automatically create leads within the Bitrix24 CRM.

Bitrix24’s CRM features are layered across its subscription plans, providing a scalable CRM experience.

Free Plan

Essential CRM: Contact, company, and deal management
Quotes and invoices
Basic sales pipeline management
Limited customisation

Basic Plan

All Free Plan features plus:
CRM marketing tools: Email and SMS marketing
Sales funnel reporting
Lead management and automation
Time tracking related to CRM activities

Standard Plan

All Basic Plan features plus:
Advanced sales funnel customisation and automation
Business process automation within the CRM
Online documents integration for quotes and contracts
Advanced CRM reporting and analytics

Professional Plan

All Standard Plan features plus:
Advanced CRM marketing automation and segmentation
Business process designer for complex CRM workflows
Sales intelligence and analytics
HR integration with CRM (e.g., employee performance tied to sales)

Enterprise Plan

All Professional Plan features plus:
Maximum CRM data storage and user capacity
Priority support for CRM issues
On-premise CRM deployment option
Advanced CRM security and compliance features

Bitrix24 offers a powerful and versatile platform that, when properly implemented, can significantly enhance customer relationship management and overall business efficiency. The platform’s CRM capabilities are robust, encompassing sales automation, marketing tools, and detailed analytics, all designed to provide a 360-degree view of customer relationships.

How Much Does Bitrix24 Cost? (And Is It Worth It?)

Bitrix24’s scalable pricing model, including a free plan, makes it accessible to a wide range of businesses, from startups to large enterprises. The tiered structure allows for upgrades as needs evolve, ensuring businesses only pay for required features. We have included approximate pricing for each tier below.

Free Plan: £0
Basic Plan: From approximately £49 per month
Standard Plan: From approximately £99 per month
Professional Plan: From approximately £199 per month
Enterprise Plan: Contact Bitrix24 for a custom quote

Bitrix24 presents a compelling value proposition for businesses seeking a comprehensive CRM solution. Its strength lies in its “all-in-one” approach, integrating CRM functionalities with project management, communication, and collaboration tools. This eliminates the need for multiple software subscriptions, potentially leading to cost savings.

Our Thoughts on Bitrix24’s Free CRM Subscription

The free subscription option of Bitrix24 is a significant asset. It acts as an excellent entry point for small businesses, startups, or even individual entrepreneurs who are just beginning to explore CRM solutions. For those with limited budgets, it provides access to essential CRM functionalities, such as contact management, deal tracking, and basic sales pipeline management, without any financial commitment. This allows you to experience the benefits of a CRM system and determine if it aligns with your needs before investing in a paid plan.

We would recommend that you use the free plan to thoroughly test the platform’s user interface, features, and overall functionality before committing to a paid subscription. This reduces the risk of investing in a software solution that may not be a good fit.

Bitrix24’s free subscription can also work as a long-term solution for small businesses or teams with basic CRM needs. If your requirements remain relatively simple, the free plan might be sufficient to manage your customer relationships effectively.

Take a look at our comparison of the best free CRMs.

Bitrix24 CRM: Strengths and Weaknesses

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a quick rundown of Bitrix24’s key strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Comprehensive CRM feature set.	Can be overwhelming for users needing only basic CRM functions.
Strong sales pipeline management and automation.	Customisation, while powerful, can be complex.
Integrated CRM marketing tools.	Mobile CRM app performance can be inconsistent.
Robust reporting and analytics.	Customer support response times can vary.
Business process automation.	Complex configuration.

Our Analysis: What Type of Business is Bitrix24 Best Suited For?

Bitrix24 CRM is particularly well-suited for:

Sales-driven businesses: Companies that rely heavily on sales pipelines and lead management will find Bitrix24’s CRM features valuable.
Businesses with complex sales processes: The automation and customisation options are ideal for businesses with intricate workflows.
Marketing-focused businesses: The integrated marketing tools allow for seamless campaign management and customer engagement.
Growing SMEs: The scalable pricing and feature set enable businesses to expand their CRM capabilities as they grow.
Companies needing deep sales analytics.

Businesses needing only very basic contact management may find Bitrix24’s CRM too feature-rich.

Conclusion

Bitrix24 offers a powerful and comprehensive CRM solution. Its strengths lie in its robust sales pipeline management, marketing automation, and customisation options. While the learning curve can be steep, the platform’s versatility makes it a valuable asset for businesses looking to enhance their customer relationship management.

Bitrix24’s value proposition is strong, particularly for businesses that intend to leverage its extensive feature set. The free plan and trial periods offer a valuable opportunity to assess its suitability for specific business needs.

If you require a CRM that integrates seamlessly with marketing and sales automation, and provides deep sales analytics, Bitrix24 is a strong contender. Always test the free version, or free trial of the paid versions, to be certain it is the correct CRM for your specific business needs.

Bitrix24 CRM Competitors

Our Review of Agile CRM

by businesscomparisons.co.uk

Our Review of Agile CRM

Agile CRM is a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) system designed to help small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) streamline their sales, marketing, and service processes. It aims to provide a comprehensive platform that integrates various functions, eliminating the need for multiple disparate tools. Agile CRM focuses on affordability and ease of use, making it an attractive option for businesses seeking a cost-effective, all-in-one solution.

Agile CRM Features

Agile CRM aims to provide a unified platform, and its functionality reflects this. Here’s a breakdown of key areas:

1. Contact Management

Centralised Database: Agile CRM acts as a central repository for all your contact information, including customers, prospects, and partners.
Custom Fields: You can create custom fields to capture specific data relevant to your business, allowing for detailed contact profiles.
Contact Segmentation: Segment your contacts based on various criteria (e.g., demographics, purchase history, engagement level) to target your marketing and sales efforts effectively.
Activity Tracking: Record all interactions with contacts, including emails, calls, meetings, and social media activity, providing a complete history.
Contact Scoring: Assign scores to contacts based on their engagement and behaviour, helping you prioritise leads.

2. Sales Automation

Deal Tracking: Manage your sales pipeline with visual deal stages, track progress, and forecast revenue.
Task Management: Assign tasks to team members, set deadlines, and track completion, ensuring efficient workflow.
Calendar Integration: Sync your calendar with Agile CRM to schedule appointments and meetings.
Phone Integration: Make and receive calls directly from the CRM, record calls, and track call history.
Sales Reporting: Generate reports on sales performance, pipeline activity, and revenue, providing insights for decision-making.
Automated Workflows: Create automated workflows to move deals through the pipeline, send follow up emails, and assign tasks.

3. Marketing Automation

Email Marketing: Create and send targeted email campaigns, track open and click-through rates, and automate follow-up emails.
Landing Page Builder: Design and publish landing pages to capture leads and promote offers.
Web Forms: Create web forms to capture leads from your website and automatically add them to your CRM.
Social Media Monitoring: Track social media mentions, engage with followers, and monitor brand sentiment.
Marketing Automation Workflows: Build complex automation workflows with triggers, actions, and conditions, automating marketing tasks and nurturing leads.
Campaign Tracking: Track the performance of your marketing campaigns, measure ROI, and optimise your strategies.

4. Customer Service

Help Desk: Manage customer support tickets, track resolution times, and provide timely responses.
Knowledge Base: Create a knowledge base to provide self-service support to customers.
Service Reporting: Generate reports on customer service performance, including ticket volume, resolution times, and customer satisfaction.
Two-Way Email Integration: Allows for seamless communication with customers, and for all communications to be logged within the CRM.

5. Integrations

Third-Party Integrations: Integrate with a variety of third-party applications, including email providers (Gmail, Outlook), social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook), and e-commerce platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce).
API Access: Agile CRM provides API access, allowing developers to build custom integrations and extend the platform’s functionality.

6. Reporting & Analytics

Reporting and Analytics Tools: Track key metrics and gain insights into your business performance.
Customisable Dashboards: Allow for users to view the most important data for their role.
Reports on Sales, Marketing and Customer Service: Providing a comprehensive view of your business.

How the Features Work Together

Agile CRM’s strength lies in its ability to integrate these functionalities. For example:

A lead captured through a web form automatically enters the CRM as a contact.
Marketing automation workflows nurture the lead with targeted emails and content.
When the lead is ready, it’s passed to the sales team as a deal.
The sales team tracks the deal through the pipeline, using task management and calendar integration.
After the deal is closed, the customer enters the customer service system for ongoing support.
All interactions are tracked and recorded in the contact’s profile, providing a 360-degree view of the customer.

This interconnectedness provides a holistic view of the customer journey, allowing businesses to optimise their processes and improve customer relationships.

Access to Agile CRM’s range of features varies by subscription tier. Here’s a breakdown:

Free Tier

Contact Management: Basic contact storage and organisation.
Deal Tracking: Simple deal pipeline management.
Task Management: Basic task assignment and tracking.
Limited Email Tracking.
Up to 10 Users.

Starter Tier

Everything in Free, plus:
Email Marketing: Basic email campaigns.
Social Monitoring: Track social media mentions.
Custom Data Fields.
Phone Integration.
Unlimited Contacts.

Regular Tier

Everything in Starter, plus:
Marketing Automation: Advanced workflows and automation.
Landing Page Builder.
Web Analytics.
Two-Way Email Integration.
More Advanced Reporting.

Enterprise Tier

Everything in Regular, plus:
Advanced Customisation.
Dedicated Account Manager.
Priority Support.
Phone Support.
Advanced Integrations.

Agile CRM’s strength lies in consolidating sales, marketing, and service functionalities into a single, affordable platform, potentially eliminating the need for multiple costly tools. The inclusion of robust marketing automation features, even in its mid-tier offerings, significantly enhances its value, as this functionality is often a premium add-on in competing systems. Furthermore, Agile CRM’s integration capabilities with various third-party applications streamline workflows and enhance overall efficiency, contributing to its appeal.

However, the user interface can feel cluttered, potentially impacting efficiency and user satisfaction. While Agile CRM offers a broad range of features, you may find that certain functionalities lack the depth or customisation options available in more specialised, albeit more expensive, CRM systems

Take a look at our analysis of the functionality of the best CRMs to see how Agile compares.

How Much Does Agile CRM Cost (And Is It Worth It?)

Agile CRM employs a tiered pricing structure. The following are approximate “from” prices in GBP, please note that these prices are subject to change and it is always best to check the Agile CRM website for the most up to date information.

Free: £0 (limited features and users).
Starter: Approximately £11-£15 per user, per month (billed annually).
Regular: Approximately £35-£40 per user, per month (billed annually).
Enterprise: Approximately £55-£60 per user, per month (billed annually).

In our opinion, Agile CRM generally delivers good value for money for businesses seeking a comprehensive and budget-friendly CRM solution. Its broad feature set and competitive pricing make it a strong contender for SMBs and startups. Prospective users should, however, carefully assess their specific requirements and weigh the potential drawbacks related to user experience and customer support against the platform’s overall benefits. If a business prioritises a wide range of functionalities within a unified and affordable system, Agile CRM is a worthwhile consideration.

Take a look at where Agile CRM sits on our ranking of the most cost-effective CRMs.

Agile CRM: Strengths and Weaknesses

Here’s a breakdown of Agile CRM’s strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Affordable pricing, especially for SMBs.	User interface can sometimes feel cluttered.
Comprehensive feature set.	Some advanced features may require a learning curve.
Strong integration capabilities.	Customer support can be inconsistent, depending on the tier.
Good marketing automation features.	Reporting can be improved.
Free tier available for small teams.

Our Analysis: What Type of Business is Agile CRM Best Suited For?

Agile CRM presents a compelling value proposition, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses and startups. It is particularly well-suited for:

Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: Its affordability and all-in-one nature make it ideal for businesses with limited budgets and resources.
Startups: Startups can benefit from the free tier and scale up as they grow.
Sales and Marketing Teams: The integrated sales and marketing tools are beneficial for teams looking to align their efforts.
Businesses needing a comprehensive CRM: Businesses looking to remove multiple subscriptions to different software by using one all in one solution.
Businesses with a need for marketing automation: The marketing automation features in the higher tiers are very useful for companies looking to automate their customer journey.

Conclusion

Agile CRM offers a compelling value proposition for businesses seeking an affordable and comprehensive CRM solution. Its integrated features, including sales, marketing, and service tools, provide a unified platform for managing customer relationships. While there are some minor drawbacks, such as a potentially cluttered interface and occasional support inconsistencies, the overall benefits outweigh the limitations, particularly for SMBs and startups. By offering a free tier, Agile CRM allows businesses to test the platform before committing, making it a low-risk option. If you’re seeking a cost-effective, all-in-one CRM solution, Agile CRM is certainly worth considering.

Agile CRM Competitors

Check out our comparison of the best CRMs, and see where Agile CRM sits in the top ten.

CRM Pricing: Let’s Keep it Simple

by businesscomparisons.co.uk

CRM Pricing: Let’s Keep It Simple

So, you’re thinking about getting a CRM – smart move! They’re lifesavers for keeping track of customers and boosting sales. But let’s be real, figuring out CRM pricing can be a total headache. All those different plans, user fees, and extra features… where do you even start? This article’s here to break it all down for you. We’ll look at the typical ways CRMs charge and compare the costs of ten of the top players. Whether you’re just starting out or running a big company, we’ll help you get a handle on CRM pricing so you can find the perfect fit for your business (and your budget!).

How Much Does a CRM Really Cost?

Most CRM providers utilise a subscription-based model, meaning you pay a recurring fee (usually monthly or annually) for access to the software.

Common CRM Pricing Models

Per-User/Per-Month: This is the most prevalent model. You pay a monthly fee for each user.

Per-User/Per-Year: Annual subscriptions often come with a discount compared to monthly payments.

Tiered Pricing: Different plans offer different sets of features and user limits. You choose the tier that best suits your needs and budget.

Usage-Based Pricing: Some CRMs, particularly those with a strong focus on specific functionalities like marketing automation, might charge based on usage (e.g., number of emails sent, contacts stored).

Free CRMs: A few providers offer free CRMs, but these usually have significant limitations in terms of features, users, and storage. They can be a good starting point for very small businesses but might not be scalable.

General Pricing Ranges (per user, per month)

Basic CRMs: £10-£30
Ideal for small businesses with simple needs like contact management and basic sales tracking.

Mid-range CRMs: £30-£70
Offer more advanced features like marketing automation, reporting, and integrations. Suitable for growing businesses.

Enterprise CRMs: £70+
Provide highly customizable solutions with advanced features and dedicated support. Designed for large organizations with complex requirements.

Hidden CRM Costs to Watch Out For

Data Migration: Moving your existing data to a new CRM can be a complex process and might require professional services, adding to your costs.

Customisation: If you need to customize your CRM extensively to fit your specific workflows, you might incur development costs.

Integration Fees: Connecting your CRM with other business applications (e.g., accounting software, email marketing platforms) might involve integration fees.

Cancellation Fees: Some providers charge a fee if you cancel your contract early.

The Best CRM Platforms: Pricing Guide

Please note, pricing included is approximate and subject to change. To get accurate pricing:

Visit the CRM provider’s website: Most websites have detailed pricing pages.
Use their pricing calculator: Many providers offer calculators to estimate costs based on your needs.
Contact their sales team: For complex needs, it’s best to talk to a sales representative.

Pipedrive

Pipedrive is known for its ease of use and visual pipeline. Pricing is competitive, with plans ranging from £12.50-£75 per user/month.

Pricing: Starts around £12.50/user/month (essential plan).
Strengths: Visual sales pipeline, easy to use.
Weaknesses: Marketing automation less comprehensive.

Monday CRM

A highly customisable and flexible option. Pricing is based on “seats” (users) and starts at around £8 per seat/month.

Pricing: Starts around £8/user/month (basic plan).
Strengths: Highly customisable, excellent for project management.
Weaknesses: Can be overwhelming, CRM functionality might require add-ons.

HubSpot

HubSpot offers a wide range of features, including a free CRM. Paid plans start at around £14 per user/month for basic sales features, but can go up to thousands per month for marketing automation.

Pricing: Free CRM available; paid plans start around £14/month (Starter CRM Suite).
Strengths: Comprehensive, strong marketing automation, free option.
Weaknesses: Paid plans can get expensive quickly.

Salesforce

The most popular CRM, with a huge range of features and plans. Pricing is complex, but generally starts at around £20 per user/month for basic plans and can go up to hundreds per user/month for enterprise-level solutions.

Pricing: Starts around £20/user/month (Sales Cloud Essentials).
Strengths: Powerful, highly customisable, industry standard.
Weaknesses: Complex, expensive.

Capsule

A simple and affordable CRM, ideal for small businesses. Pricing is straightforward, with plans starting at around £12-£30 per user/month.

Pricing: Starts around £12/user/month.
Strengths: Simple, affordable, easy to use.
Weaknesses: Limited features.

ClickUp

This is a project management tool with CRM features. Pricing is competitive, with plans ranging from around £8-£20 per user/month.

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start around £8/user/month.
Strengths: Highly customisable, wide range of features.
Weaknesses: Complex, steep learning curve.

Zoho CRM

This CRM offers a wide range of features and plans, with competitive pricing. Plans start at around £12 per user/month.

Pricing: Free edition available; paid plans start around £12/user/month.
Strengths: Feature-rich, affordable.
Weaknesses: Interface can feel dated.

EngageBay

An all-in-one CRM with marketing, sales, and service features. Pricing is competitive, with plans starting at around £12 per user/month.

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start around £12/user/month.
Strengths: All-in-one platform, competitive pricing.
Weaknesses: Interface may not be as intuitive.

Insightly

A CRM focused on small to medium-sized businesses. Pricing is straightforward, with plans ranging from around £15-£50 per user/month.

Pricing: Starts around £15/user/month.
Strengths: User-friendly, good for sales and project management.
Weaknesses: Fewer features than some competitors.

Agile CRM

An affordable CRM with marketing automation. Pricing is competitive, with plans starting at around £10 per user/month.

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start around £10/user/month.
Strengths: All-in-one, good balance of features and affordability.
Weaknesses: Interface can be cluttered.

Which CRM is the Best Value For Money?

To recommend the CRMs that are the best value for money, we’ve considered not just the price, but also the features offered at each pricing tier. We looked at things like user limits, storage capacity, and whether essential features were locked behind expensive upgrades. We then compared this against similar platforms to determine if the pricing was competitive and justified by the functionality offered.

Our ranking:

	Starting Price (user/month)	Strengths	Weaknesses
Zoho CRM	£12	Feature-rich, affordable	Interface can feel dated
HubSpot	£14	Comprehensive, strong marketing automation, free option	Paid plans can get expensive quickly
Pipedrive	£12.50	Visual sales pipeline, easy to use	Marketing automation less comprehensive
EngageBay	£12	All-in-one platform, competitive pricing	Interface may not be as intuitive
Agile CRM	£10	All-in-one, good balance of features and affordability	Interface can be cluttered
Capsule	£12	Simple, affordable, easy to use	Limited features
Monday CRM	£8	Highly customisable, excellent for project management	Can be overwhelming, CRM functionality may require add-ons
ClickUp	£8	Highly customisable, wide range of features	Complex, steep learning curve
Insightly	£15	User-friendly, good for sales and project management	Fewer features than some competitors
Salesforce	£20	Powerful, highly customisable, industry standard	Complex, expensive

Next Steps: Choose the Best CRM For Your Budget

Remember, the best CRM isn’t necessarily the most expensive; it’s the one that best fits your specific business needs and budget. Take a look at our comparison of CRM features and functionality before making a decision.

By carefully considering your needs and researching available options, you can confidently choose a cost-effective CRM for your business.

Choosing the Best CRM For Your Business: A Comprehensive Guide to CRM Features and Functionality

by businesscomparisons.co.uk

Choosing The Best CRM For Your Business: A Comprehensive Guide to CRM Features and Functionality

Let’s be honest, CRMs are a must-have. When used right, they can be the ultimate organisational hub for all your customer info, helping you boost sales and keep customers happy. But with so many CRMs out there, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why we have researched the top CRM platforms and ranked them by features and functionality, to help you find the best CRM for your business.

We broke down the essential features a CRM should have – Contact Management, Lead Management, Opportunity Management, Workflow Automation, and Reporting & Analytics – and also looked at some extras like Email Marketing, Customer Service & Support, Integrations, Customisation, and the game-changing power of AI. Then, we put each platform to the test, seeing if it had these features, how well they worked, and how user-friendly they were. We scored and ranked each CRM, to help you decide which CRM has the best features for your business.

CRM Feature Comparison: Scoring the Top Platforms

Pipedrive

Core Functionality:

Contact Management: Visual pipeline, easy to use.
Lead Management: Strong pipeline focus, visual lead tracking.
Opportunity Management: Clear deal stages, revenue forecasting.
Workflow Automation: Sales-focused automation, easy to set up.
Reporting & Analytics: Customisable reports, sales performance metrics.

Additional Functionality:

Email Marketing: Simple campaigns, email tracking.
Customer Service & Support: Limited, focuses on sales process.
Integrations: Many integrations, especially sales tools.
Customisation: Good customisation, easy to adapt.
AI: Sales Insights (AI-driven recommendations).

Our Score for Functionality: 65%

Monday CRM

Core Functionality:

Contact Management: Flexible, customisable contact views.
Lead Management: Visual lead tracking, Kanban boards.
Opportunity Management: Customisable deal stages, progress tracking.
Workflow Automation: Highly customisable, project-style automation.
Reporting & Analytics: Customisable dashboards, progress visualisation.

Additional Functionality:

Email Marketing: Basic email marketing, more project-focused.
Customer Service & Support: Limited, project management focus.
Integrations: Growing number of integrations.
Customisation: Highly customisable, flexible workflows.
AI: Limited, primarily for workflow automation.

Our Score for Functionality: 75%

HubSpot

Core Functionality:

Contact Management: Comprehensive contact database, segmentation.
Lead Management: Inbound marketing focus, lead scoring.
Opportunity Management: Deal tracking, sales pipeline management.
Workflow Automation: Powerful marketing automation, complex workflows.
Reporting & Analytics: Detailed reports, marketing & sales analytics.

Additional Functionality:

Email Marketing: Advanced marketing automation, email sequences.
Customer Service & Support: Excellent, integrated with service hub.
Integrations: Wide range, strong marketing focus.
Customisation: Very customisable, especially marketing.
AI: Content optimization, sales insights.

Our Score for Functionality: 90%

Salesforce

Core Functionality:

Contact Management: Robust contact management, complex relationships.
Lead Management: Lead scoring, campaign management.
Opportunity Management: Advanced opportunity management, sales forecasting.
Workflow Automation: Enterprise-grade automation, complex workflows.
Reporting & Analytics: Comprehensive reports, dashboards, deep analytics.

Additional Functionality:

Email Marketing: Advanced email marketing, personalization.
Customer Service & Support: Extensive service cloud, omnichannel support.
Integrations: Vast ecosystem, countless integrations.
Customisation: Highly customisable, complex configurations.
AI: Einstein (AI for sales, service, marketing).

Our Score for Functionality: 95%

Capsule

Core Functionality:

Contact Management: Simple, easy-to-use contact management.
Lead Management: Basic lead tracking.
Opportunity Management: Simple opportunity management.
Workflow Automation: Limited automation.
Reporting & Analytics: Basic reporting.

Additional Functionality:

Email Marketing: Basic email marketing.
Customer Service & Support: Limited.
Integrations: Growing number of integrations.
Customisation: Some customisation, primarily fields.
AI: Limited.

Our Score for Functionality: 35%

ClickUp

Core Functionality:

Contact Management: Customisable contact views, task integration.
Lead Management: Lead tracking within projects, task management.
Opportunity Management: Opportunity tracking within projects.
Workflow Automation: Highly customisable, project-focused automation.
Reporting & Analytics: Customisable dashboards, project tracking.

Additional Functionality:

Email Marketing: Limited email marketing features.
Customer Service & Support: Limited, project management focus.
Integrations: Wide range, integrations with other tools.
Customisation: Highly customisable, flexible workflows.
AI: Limited, primarily for task automation.

Our Score for Functionality: 80%

Zoho CRM

Core Functionality:

Contact Management: Feature-rich contact management, social insights.
Lead Management: Lead nurturing, scoring, and automation.
Opportunity Management: Sales pipeline management, deal tracking.
Workflow Automation: Powerful automation, workflow rules.
Reporting & Analytics: Advanced reporting, analytics dashboards.
Email Marketing: Comprehensive email marketing, automation.

Additional Functionality:

Customer Service & Support: Strong customer support features.
Integrations: Extensive integrations, Zoho ecosystem.
Customisation: Highly customisable, many options.
AI: Zia (AI for sales, service, analytics).

Our Score for Functionality: 90%

EngageBay

Core Functionality:

Contact Management: Affordable, integrated contact management.
Lead Management: Sales & marketing automation for lead nurturing.
Opportunity Management: Deal pipeline management.
Workflow Automation: Marketing & sales automation, email sequences.
Reporting & Analytics: Reporting & analytics for sales and marketing.

Additional Functionality:

Email Marketing: Integrated email marketing, automation.
Customer Service & Support: Integrated helpdesk and live chat.
Integrations: Good number of integrations.
Customisation: Customisable fields and layouts.
AI: Limited.

Our Score for Functionality: 80%

Insightly

Core Functionality:

Contact Management: Relationship linking, contact insights.
Lead Management: Lead management, conversion tracking.
Opportunity Management: Opportunity management, project linking.
Workflow Automation: Workflow automation, process management.
Reporting & Analytics: Reporting & dashboards, sales performance.

Additional Functionality:

Email Marketing: Email marketing, templates, and tracking.
Customer Service & Support: Customer support features, case management.
Integrations: Integrations with popular apps.
Customisation: Customisable fields, layouts, and workflows.
AI: Limited.

Our Score for Functionality: 55%

Agile CRM

Core Functionality:

Contact Management: Contact management with social media integration.
Lead Management: Lead scoring, automation, and nurturing.
Opportunity Management: Opportunity tracking, deal management.
Workflow Automation: Marketing and sales automation.
Reporting & Analytics: Reporting and analytics dashboards.

Additional Functionality:

Email Marketing: Email marketing, automation, and tracking.
Customer Service & Support: Customer support features, helpdesk.
Integrations: Integrations with various platforms.
Customisation: Customisable fields and layouts.
AI: Limited.

Our Score for Functionality: 70%

	Contact Management	Lead Management	Opportunity Management	Workflow Automation	Reporting & Analytics	Email Marketing	Customer Service & Support	Integrations	AI
Salesforce	Robust contact management, complex relationships.	Lead scoring, campaign management.	Advanced opportunity management, sales forecasting.	Enterprise-grade automation, complex workflows.	Comprehensive reports, dashboards, deep analytics.	Advanced email marketing, personalisation.	Extensive service cloud, omnichannel support.	Vast ecosystem, countless integrations.	Einstein (AI for sales, service, marketing).
Zoho CRM	Feature-rich contact management, social insights.	Lead nurturing, scoring, and automation.	Sales pipeline management, deal tracking.	Powerful automation, workflow rules.	Advanced reporting, analytics dashboards.	Comprehensive email marketing, automation.	Strong customer support features.	Extensive integrations, Zoho ecosystem.	Zia (AI for sales, service, analytics).
HubSpot	Comprehensive contact database, segmentation.	Inbound marketing focus, lead scoring.	Deal tracking, sales pipeline management.	Powerful marketing automation, complex workflows.	Detailed reports, marketing & sales analytics.	Advanced marketing automation, email sequences.	Excellent, integrated with service hub.	Wide range, strong marketing focus.	Content optimisation, sales insights.
EngageBay	Affordable, integrated contact management.	Sales & marketing automation for lead nurturing.	Deal pipeline management.	Marketing & sales automation, email sequences.	Reporting & analytics for sales and marketing.	Integrated email marketing, automation.	Integrated helpdesk and live chat.	Good number of integrations.	Limited.
ClickUp	Customisable contact views, task integration.	Lead tracking within projects, task management.	Opportunity tracking within projects.	Highly customisable, project-focused automation.	Customisable dashboards, project tracking.	Limited email marketing features.	Limited, project management focus.	Wide range, integrations with other tools.	Limited, primarily for task automation.
Monday CRM	Flexible, customisable contact views.	Visual lead tracking, Kanban boards.	Customisable deal stages, progress tracking.	Highly customisable, project-style automation.	Customisable dashboards, progress visualisation.	Basic email marketing, more project-focused.	Limited, project management focus.	Growing number of integrations.	Limited, primarily for workflow automation.
Agile CRM	Contact management with social media integration.	Lead scoring, automation, and nurturing.	Opportunity tracking, deal management.	Marketing and sales automation.	Reporting and analytics dashboards.	Email marketing, automation, and tracking.	Customer support features, helpdesk.	Integrations with various platforms.	Limited.
Pipedrive	Visual pipeline, easy to use.	Strong pipeline focus, visual lead tracking.	Clear deal stages, revenue forecasting.	Sales-focused automation, easy to set up.	Customisable reports, sales performance metrics.	Simple campaigns, email tracking.	Limited, focuses on sales process.	Many integrations, especially sales tools.	Sales Insights (AI-driven recommendations).
Insightly	Relationship linking, contact insights.	Lead management, conversion tracking.	Opportunity management, project linking.	Workflow automation, process management.	Reporting & dashboards, sales performance.	Email marketing, templates, and tracking.	Customer support features, case management.	Integrations with popular apps.	Limited.
Capsule	Simple, easy-to-use contact management.	Basic lead tracking.	Simple opportunity management.	Limited automation.	Basic reporting.	Basic email marketing.	Limited.	Growing number of integrations.	Limited.

Our Top 10 CRMs for Functionality

We identified the key features users look for in a CRM, from contact management and sales tracking to marketing automation and reporting. We then thoroughly explored each platform, noting which features were included, how well they performed, and how intuitive they were to use. This formed the basis of our “Features” score.

From Comparison to Action: Choosing Your CRM

So, there you have it – our rundown of functionality for the best CRMs. Picking the right one is a big deal, and it all boils down to what your business actually needs. Think about the must-haves – like managing contacts, tracking leads, and getting those reports – and then add in the extras that’ll make your life easier. A good CRM isn’t just software; it’s like a teammate that helps you build stronger customer relationships and reach your business goals.

Next Steps

You’ve got the lowdown on these CRMs, now what? Here’s your action plan:

Check our Pricing Comparisons: We have ranked these CRMs from 1-10 for best value for money.
Pick Your Top 3: Based on what you need, choose the three CRMs that seem like the best fit.
Free Trials are Your Friend: Most CRMs let you try them out for free. Do it! Get your hands dirty with your top three and see if they actually work for you.
Get a Demo: Don’t be shy – ask for a demo! It’s a great way to get your specific questions answered and see how the CRM can solve your problems.
Check the Reviews: See what others are saying about these CRMs. Real-world experiences are super valuable.
Make Sure It Plays Nice: Double-check that your new CRM will work with your other tools, like your email marketing platform or accounting software.
Think Big (But Not Too Big): Consider where your business is headed. Will the CRM still work for you as you grow?
Make the Call: After all the testing and thinking, it’s time to choose your CRM and roll it out!
Train Your Crew: Nobody wants a fancy CRM that nobody knows how to use. Make sure your team gets some training so they can rock it.
Keep an Eye On Things: Your CRM should always be evolving with your business. Check in regularly and tweak things as needed to make sure it’s still doing its job.

The Best Free CRMs: A Feature-by-Feature Comparison

by businesscomparisons.co.uk

The Best Free CRMs: A Feature-by-Feature Comparison

For small businesses and startups, a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system can be a game-changer. However, with limited budgets, free CRM subscriptions are often the starting point. This article summarises the key features of six popular free CRM offerings: HubSpot CRM, Zoho CRM, Bitrix24, Agile CRM, Freshsales, and Monday.com CRM.

What Functionality Does a Free CRM Provide?

We have carried out a feature-by-feature comparison so that you don’t have to!

	HubSpot CRM	Zoho CRM	Bitrix24	Agile CRM	Freshsales	Monday.com
Contact Management	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Deal Tracking	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Task Management	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Activity Tracking	Yes	Limited	Yes	Yes	Limited	Yes
Email Marketing	Basic	No	Yes	Basic	No	No
Marketing Automation	Basic	No	No	Basic	No	No
Sales Forecasting	No	No	No	No	No	No
Advanced Reporting	No	No	No	No	No	No
Customisable Dashboard	Yes	Limited	Yes	Yes	Limited	Yes
Mobile App	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Built-In Communication Tools	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Number of Users	1	3	Unlimited	10	Unlimited	2
Storage	Limited	Limited	Limited	Limited	Limited	Limited
Support	Community	Community	Community	Community	Community	Community

Core Functionality: A Common Ground

All six platforms offer the fundamental CRM features: contact management, deal tracking, and task management. This means you can effectively organise your customer data, track sales pipelines, and manage daily tasks without spending a dime. Activity tracking, while present in all, varies in depth, with Zoho CRM and Freshsales offering “limited” capabilities compared to the others.

Marketing and Automation: Where Differences Emerge

The realm of marketing and automation reveals the most significant variations. Email marketing is present in HubSpot CRM, Bitrix24, and Agile CRM, albeit in a basic form. Marketing automation, however, is limited to basic functionality in HubSpot and Agile CRM, and completely absent in the others. This highlights a crucial point: free versions often prioritise core sales features over advanced marketing capabilities.

Advanced Features: Reserved for Paid Plans

Features like sales forecasting and advanced reporting are consistently absent in all free subscriptions. These are typically the premium features that vendors reserve for their paid plans. Similarly, while customisable dashboards are available in most platforms, Zoho CRM and Freshsales offer “limited” customisation.

Collaboration and Communication: A Mixed Bag

Mobile app access is a standard offering across all platforms, ensuring you can manage your CRM on the go. Built-in communication tools vary, with HubSpot, Bitrix24, Freshsales, and monday.com integrating communication features, while Zoho and Agile do not. This reflects the vendors’ varying approaches to integrated communication.

User Limits and Support: Key Considerations

The number of users allowed in the free plans ranges from 1 (HubSpot) to unlimited (Bitrix24, Freshsales), with Zoho (3), Agile (10), and monday.com (2) falling in between. This is a crucial factor for growing teams. Storage is consistently “limited” across all free plans, and support is primarily community-based, highlighting the limitations of free offerings.

HubSpot: Free CRM Pros and Cons

HubSpot’s free CRM is a popular choice for many small businesses, but it’s important to weigh its pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown.

Pros:

Ease of Use: HubSpot is known for its user-friendly interface, making it relatively easy to learn and navigate, even for those new to CRM software.
Free Features: It offers a robust set of free features, including contact management, deal tracking, task management, and basic reporting. The fact that it is a “freemium” model allows for a business to test the software, and grow into it.
Integration with Other HubSpot Tools: If you plan to use other HubSpot products (marketing, sales, service), the free CRM integrates seamlessly.
Contact Management: Strong tools for organising and tracking contact information.
Lead Capture: Tools to capture leads through forms and live chat.
AI Sales Tools: The inclusion of Breeze AI features adds value to the free product.

Cons:

Limited Features: The free version has limitations compared to paid plans, especially in areas like advanced automation, reporting, and customisation.
Scalability Limitations: As your business grows, you may find the free version’s limitations restrictive, requiring you to upgrade to a paid plan.
Limited Automation: Automation capabilities are basic in the free version, which can hinder efficiency for businesses with complex workflows.
Reporting Limitations: The level of reporting that is available in the free version is less than that of the paid versions.
Support Limitations: Free users have limited access to direct customer support, relying primarily on online resources and community forums.
Upselling: HubSpot’s business model is designed to encourage users to upgrade to paid plans, so you may encounter frequent prompts to do so.
Limitations on Customisation: While you can customise some fields, the level of customisation is much less than that of the paid versions.

Our Opinion: Is HubSpot a Good Free CRM?

HubSpot’s free CRM is a great starting point for small businesses that need basic CRM functionality. However, businesses with complex needs or those anticipating rapid growth should carefully consider the limitations of the free version.

Zoho: Free CRM Pros and Cons

Zoho CRM’s free version offers a starting point for small businesses, but it’s crucial to understand its limitations. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:

Pros:

Free for Up to Three Users: This is a significant advantage for very small businesses or startups.
Essential CRM Features: It provides core CRM functionalities like lead and contact management, deal tracking, and task management.
Mobile App: Accessing your CRM data on the go is valuable.
Document Management: Basic document storage and organisation.
Potential for Scalability: Zoho CRM is part of a larger suite of Zoho applications, making it easier to scale up to paid plans and integrate with other Zoho tools as your business grows.

Cons:

Limited Features: The free version lacks advanced features like sales forecasting, advanced reporting, and marketing automation.
Limited Customisation: Customisation options are restricted compared to paid plans.
Reporting Limitations: The reporting capabilities are basic, which may not be sufficient for in-depth analysis.
Limited Integrations: The free version has limitations on how many integrations it can utilise.
Customer Support Limitations: Free users typically have limited access to direct customer support.
Feature Restrictions: Features like sales forcasting, and many automation features are locked behind paywalls.
User Interface Complexity: Some users report that the UI can be less intuitive than other CRM’s.

Our Opinion: Is Zoho a Good Free CRM?

Zoho CRM’s free version is a suitable option for very small teams that need basic CRM functionality. However, businesses with growing needs or those requiring advanced features should consider upgrading to a paid plan.

Bitrix 24: Free CRM Pros and Cons

Bitrix24 is a comprehensive platform that offers a wide array of business tools, including CRM, project management, and communication features. This breadth of functionality is a key characteristic that influences its pros and cons.

Pros:

All-in-One Platform: Bitrix24 provides a vast suite of tools beyond just CRM, including project management, task management, and communication features. This can be very beneficial for businesses looking to consolidate their tools.
Unlimited Users (in the Free Plan): A significant advantage is that the free plan allows for an unlimited number of users, which is excellent for growing teams.
Communication Tools: Strong built-in communication features like chat, video conferencing, and internal social networking enhance team collaboration.
Variety of Features: It includes a wide range of features, from CRM functionalities to website building, which makes it a very versatile tool.
Mobile Apps: Bitrix24 has mobile apps that allow for work to be done on the go.

Cons:

Complexity and Learning Curve: The sheer number of features can make Bitrix24 overwhelming for new users. It has a steeper learning curve compared to simpler CRM systems.
Storage Limitations: The free plan has limited storage space, which can become a constraint for businesses with large amounts of data.
Feature Limitations: While it offers many features, advanced functionalities, such as advanced automation and reporting, are reserved for paid plans.
User Interface: Some users find the user interface to be cluttered or not as intuitive as other CRM platforms.
Customer Support: Free users typically have limited access to customer support, which can be an issue when encountering problems.

Our Opinion: Is Bitrix24 a Good Free CRM?

Bitrix24’s free plan is a powerful option for businesses that need a comprehensive suite of tools and have a team that is willing to invest time in learning the platform. However, businesses with simple CRM needs or those that prioritise ease of use may find other options more suitable.

Agile: Free CRM Pros and Cons

Agile CRM’s free subscription aims to provide a comprehensive suite of CRM tools for small businesses. However, like any free offering, it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown.

Pros:

All-in-One Functionality: Agile CRM attempts to consolidate sales, marketing, and service features into a single platform, which can be very appealing for small businesses looking for a unified solution.
Free for Up to 10 Users: This is a relatively generous offering, allowing small teams to utilise the CRM without immediate financial investment.
Core CRM Features: It provides essential CRM functionalities like contact management, deal tracking, and task management.
Marketing Automation: Even in the free version, there are some basic marketing automation capabilities, which can be valuable for lead nurturing.
Sales and Service Features: It also includes basic sales and customer service tools.

Cons:

Feature Limitations: The free version naturally has limitations compared to paid plans. Advanced features, such as more in-depth reporting and advanced automation, are typically restricted.
Potential for Bugs: Some users have reported experiencing bugs or glitches within the software.
Customer Support Limitations: Free users often have limited access to customer support, which can be problematic when encountering issues.
User Interface: We have found the UI to be less intuitive than other CRM platforms.
Scalability Concerns: As your business grows, you’ll likely encounter the limitations of the free plan, prompting the need to upgrade.
Complexity: Because Agile CRM tries to provide so many features, it can be a little complex to learn.

Our Opinion: Is Agile a Good Free CRM?

Agile CRM’s free subscription can be a good starting point for very small businesses that want an all-in-one CRM solution. However, it’s essential to be aware of the limitations and potential for bugs. If your business anticipates rapid growth or requires advanced CRM functionalities, you should consider exploring their paid plans.

Freshsales: Free CRM Pros and Cons

Freshsales CRM offers a free plan designed to get small teams started. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s right for your business.

Pros:

User-Friendly Interface: Freshsales is generally known for its intuitive design, making it relatively easy to learn and use.
Built-in Communication Tools: The inclusion of built-in phone and email functionality within the CRM can streamline communication.
Essential CRM Features: It covers core CRM needs, including contact management, deal tracking, and basic sales functionalities.
Mobile Apps: Mobile accessibility allows for on-the-go management of sales activities.
Free for Small Teams: It is a good option for very small businesses that need to get started.

Cons:

Limited Features in Free Plan: As expected, the free version has significant limitations compared to paid plans. Advanced features like sales forecasting, advanced reporting, and sophisticated automation are typically unavailable.
Reporting Limitations: The reporting capabilities in the free plan are quite basic, which can hinder in-depth sales analysis.
Scalability Concerns: As your business expands, you’ll likely outgrow the free plan’s capabilities, necessitating an upgrade.
Integration Limitations: While it has integrations, the amount of 3rd party integrations are less than some of its competitors.
Limitations on Customisation: The free plan will have limitations on the amount of customisation that can be done.

Our Opinion: Is Freshsales a Good Free CRM?

Freshsales’ free plan is a good option for very small businesses or startups that need basic CRM functionality. If your business requires advanced features or anticipates rapid growth, you should carefully evaluate the paid plans.

Monday.com: Free CRM Pros and Cons

It’s important to clarify that monday.com doesn’t offer a strictly “free CRM subscription” in the traditional sense. Instead, they provide a free plan for their work OS, which includes CRM functionalities. This distinction is crucial for understanding its pros and cons.

Pros:

Highly Visual and Customisable: Monday.com excels in its visual, drag-and-drop interface, making it easy to customise workflows and dashboards. This is a significant advantage for those who prefer a visual CRM.
Versatile Work OS: It’s not just a CRM; it’s a work OS that can be used for various business processes, including project management, task tracking, and team collaboration.
Collaboration Features: Excellent collaboration tools, including commenting, file sharing, and team communication features.
Flexibility: It is very flexible, and can be adapted to many different sales processes.
Base Automations: Even the free version allows for some basic automations.

Cons:

Limited CRM-Specific Features: While you can build a CRM workflow, it might lack some of the advanced features found in dedicated CRM software, such as sophisticated sales forecasting or in-depth sales analytics.
Learning Curve: The platform’s versatility can also lead to a steeper learning curve, especially for users who are only interested in basic CRM functionalities.
Feature Limitations: The free plan has limitations on the amount of boards that can be created, and the amount of automations that can be created.
Reporting Limitations: The reporting features are limited on the free plan.
Not a Dedicated CRM: Because it is a work OS, and not a dedicated CRM, some of the more niche CRM features may be missing.
Storage Limitations: The free plan has storage limitations.

Our Opinion: Is Monday.com a Good Free CRM?

Monday.com’s free plan is a good option for businesses that need a flexible work OS with basic CRM capabilities and prioritise visual workflows and collaboration. However, businesses that require advanced, dedicated CRM features may need to consider a paid plan or a dedicated CRM solution. If you are already using monday.com for other business functions, adding CRM functionality to it can be very efficient.

Our Analysis of the Best Free CRMs

HubSpot CRM: Ideal for businesses focused on basic sales and marketing integration, with a user-friendly interface.
Zoho CRM: Suitable for very small teams (up to 3 users) needing core CRM features.
Bitrix24: A comprehensive platform for teams needing a wide range of tools beyond CRM, with unlimited users.
Agile CRM: Caters to small teams (up to 10 users) seeking an all-in-one sales, marketing, and service solution.
Freshsales: Good for teams prioritising built-in communication and ease of use, with unlimited users.
Monday.com CRM: Excellent for visual workflows and collaboration, adaptable to various business processes, but less of a dedicated CRM.

Ultimately, the best free CRM depends on your specific needs and priorities. Evaluate your requirements, consider the limitations of each free plan, and choose the platform that aligns best with your business goals.

Remember that as your business grows, you may need to upgrade to a paid plan to access advanced features and support. Explore our analysis of the top 10 CRMs.

The Best CRM Software: Finding the Right Fit (and the Best Value) for Your Business

by businesscomparisons.co.uk

The Best CRM Software: Finding the Right Fit (and the Best Value) For Your Business

There are so many CRM options out there, all promising to boost your sales and make your customers happier. But how do you know which one actually delivers? We’ve done the legwork for you, putting ten popular CRM platforms to the test.

This isn’t just a list of features (though we’ve got that too!). We’ve ranked these CRMs based on what matters most: our overall impression of quality, whether they’re worth the price, and, of course, what they can actually do. So, whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, we’ll help you find the perfect CRM to boost your business.

The Contenders: Top 10 CRMs for Features, Value for Money, and Overall Quality

Note: Pricing is approximate and subject to change.

Pipedrive

Pricing: Starts around £12.50/user/month (essential plan)
Strengths: Visual sales pipeline, easy to use
Weaknesses: Marketing automation less comprehensive
Features: 65%
Value for Money: 80%
Quality Impression: 85%
Overall Score: 77%

Monday CRM

Pricing: Starts around £8/user/month (basic plan)
Strengths: Highly customisable, excellent for project management
Weaknesses: Can be overwhelming, CRM functionality might require add-ons
Features: 75%
Value for Money: 70%
Quality Impression: 78%
Overall Score: 74%

HubSpot

Pricing: Free CRM available; paid plans start around £14/month
Strengths: Comprehensive, strong marketing automation, free option
Weaknesses: Paid plans can get expensive quickly
Features: 90%
Value for Money: 85%
Quality Impression: 88%
Overall Score: 88%

Salesforce

Pricing: Starts around £20/user/month (Sales Cloud Essentials)
Strengths: Powerful, highly customisable, industry standard
Weaknesses: Complex, expensive
Features: 95%
Value for Money: 60%
Quality Impression: 92%
Overall Score: 82%

Capsule

Pricing: Starts around £12/user/month
Strengths: Simple, affordable, easy to use
Weaknesses: Limited features
Features: 35%
Value for Money: 75%
Quality Impression: 80%
Overall Score: 63%

ClickUp

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start around £8/user/month
Strengths: Highly customisable, wide range of features
Weaknesses: Complex, steep learning curve
Features: 80%
Value for Money: 70%
Quality Impression: 75%
Overall Score: 75%

Zoho CRM

Pricing: Free edition available; paid plans start around £12/user/month
Strengths: Feature-rich, affordable
Weaknesses: Interface can feel dated
Features: 90%
Value for Money: 90%
Quality Impression: 79%
Overall Score: 86%

EngageBay

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start around £12/user/month
Strengths: All-in-one platform, competitive pricing
Weaknesses: Interface may not be as intuitive
Features: 80%
Value for Money: 80%
Quality Impression: 72%
Overall Score: 77%

Insightly

Pricing: Starts around £15/user/month
Strengths: User-friendly, good for sales and project management
Weaknesses: Fewer features than some competitors
Features: 55%
Value for Money: 70%
Quality Impression: 77%
Overall Score: 67%

Agile CRM

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start around £7/user/month
Strengths: All-in-one, good balance of features and affordability
Weaknesses: Interface can be cluttered
Features: 70%
Value for Money: 75%
Quality Impression: 70%
Overall Score: 72%

Final Scores: The Best CRM Software

The CRM Software That Offers the Most Comprehensive Features

The CRM Software That Offers the Best Value for Money

We considered not just the price, but also the features offered at each pricing tier. We looked at things like user limits, storage capacity, and whether essential features were locked behind expensive upgrades. We then compared this against similar platforms to determine if the pricing was competitive and justified by the functionality offered.

Our Impression of Quality for the Best CRM Software

This score was a bit more nuanced. It took into account a combination of factors, including user reviews, our own hands-on experience with the software, and the overall polish and professionalism of the platform. We considered things like ease of use, customer support, and the frequency of updates and improvements.

Ranked: The Top Ten CRM Options

After scoring each CRM for its features, value for money, and quality impression, we ranked the top ten choices for CRM software. The individual scores were weighted equally and combined to create an overall percentage score for each CRM. Finally, these overall scores were used to generate our rankings, giving you a clear picture of which CRM platforms came out on top.

	Value for Money	Features	Product Quality	Overall
Pipedrive	80%	65%	85%	77%
Monday CRM	70%	75%	78%	74%
HubSpot	85%	90%	88%	88%
Salesforce	60%	95%	92%	82%
Capsule	75%	35%	80%	63%
ClickUp	70%	80%	75%	75%
Zoho CRM	90%	90%	79%	86%
EngageBay	80%	80%	72%	77%
Insightly	70%	55%	77%	67%
Agile CRM	75%	70%	70%	72%

Our Recommendations: Finding the Best CRM Software For Your Business

As our analysis reveals, the CRM landscape is diverse, with platforms catering to a wide range of needs and budgets. While some CRMs excel in specific areas, like advanced marketing automation or in-depth reporting, others offer a more balanced approach, providing a solid foundation of essential features at a competitive price. Our rankings, based on a combination of features, value for money, and overall quality, aim to guide you through this complex landscape and highlight the top contenders.

Ultimately, the best CRM for your business will depend on your specific requirements and priorities. We encourage you to use this article as a starting point, explore the top-ranked platforms in more detail, and even take advantage of free trials or demos where possible. By carefully considering your needs and leveraging our research, you can confidently choose a CRM that empowers your team, strengthens customer relationships, and drives business growth.

Book Free Trials and Demos: Essential!
Define Your Needs: Features, budget, integrations.
Know Your Required Features: Prioritise essential features and don’t pay for unused features.
Consider Product Quality: Reliability and support are crucial.