Top 10 CRM Tools for 2025

The CRM market is crowded with all sorts of tools. Some are built for large sales teams, others for startups. And while some come packed with a truckload of features, others focus on doing one thing well. The pricing across these tools varies just as much. 

With so many options, finding the right CRM tool can be a tad confusing. 

So, to make that search easier, we’ve made a list of the 10 best CRM tools available in 2025. 

But before that…

What Are CRM Tools? 

A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool helps businesses handle interactions with their customers and prospects, as the software is primarily designed to manage contacts and sales activity.

But CRMs today go well beyond contact lists. Most offer features like workflow automation, performance reporting, analytics dashboard, and more. 

The tool ultimately gives teams better visibility into their customer relationships. 

Benefits of a CRM tool 

A good CRM helps you: 

• Track your leads, deals, and conversations. 

• Automate routine tasks like follow-ups, reminders, or data entry. 

• Show what’s in the sales pipeline. 

• Tracks marketing campaigns and shows which ones bring in quality leads. 

• Give insights into customer behavior to make smarter decisions. 

• Support customer service teams connect with customers 

Also, here are a few quantifiable ways in which a CRM benefits your business: 

1. Improve sales productivity 

With a thorough insight into what your sales reps are doing on a daily basis, CRMs help boost sales productivity by 34%. 

2. Decrease customer churn 

You’ll receive all the warning signs related to customer or account health on the CRM. Check customer activities, product usage, and even track tickets raised on the CRM to improve customer lifetime value. 

With these benefits in mind, it’s time to find the right CRM for your needs. Here are 10 of the best platforms out there. 

1. LeadSquared

LeadSquared is a cloud-based CRM tool that offers a wide range of solutions such as sales automation, marketing automation, service CRM, field operations, and more. It’s tailored to fit the workflow needs of sectors like financial services, manufacturing, automotive, education, and healthcare with ISO-, GDPR- and HIPAA-compliant security standards.

Pros 

• Great lead capture and nurturing features. 

• Built-in mobile CRM that works well for field teams. 

• Versatile integration that allows users to connect with landing pages, messaging tools and several third-party apps. 

• Robust analytics and reporting tools. 

• Competitive pricing compared to enterprise-tier CRMs, offering solid value for small to mid-sized businesses. 

One user remarked that the platform is easy to use, with no coding required for administrative tasks or landing page creation. They also appreciated the ability to control mobile visibility of modules and highlighted the quick, helpful customer support.

Cons 

The user interface is sometimes described as clunky or dated, with occasional glitches in search or navigation. 

One user noted occasional crashes, slow data loading in the CRM. 

Pricing 

• Lite: $25/user/month  

• Pro: $50/user/month 

• Super: $100/user/month 

• Ultimate: Custom enterprise plan tailored to large teams and requirements 

2. Progress Podio CRM

Podio is a customizable, no‑code CRM built for managing leads, deals, tasks, and collaboration. It is a useful tool for teams that prefer to create their own workflows. This CRM tool offers integrations across tools like Google Workspace, Dropbox, and more. 

Pros 

• Great option for larger companies that require a dedicated project management solution along with basic CRM functions. 

• Highly flexible platform that lets teams design custom apps and workflows without code 

• Centralized collaboration hub that showcases activity feeds, comments, file sharing, direct messaging, which is all tied to work items  

• Built‑in automation for triggering tasks, reminders, and statuses 

• Solid integration ecosystem (cloud storage, calendars, CRM, analytics tools)

One user remarked that the platform’s ability to handle messaging, file management, and tool integration makes it a good fit for all kinds of businesses. 

Cons 

• Interface and terminology can feel clunky or unintuitive. 

• Since it is more of a project management tool, users often have a problem using it as a CRM out of the box. 

• It requires extensive configurations and often all the modules do not operate as coherently as it does in other CRM tools. 

According to one user, the large number of features made it difficult for new hires to learn quickly. 

Pricing 

• Free – $0 for up to 5 users 

• Plus – $11.20/user/month 

• Premium – $19.20/user/month  

3. Freshsales

Freshsales, part of the Freshworks software ecosystem, is a CRM that helps sales teams track their leads and manage conversations. With its simple layout most teams can get started without much time spent on setup. 

Pros 

• Well-liked for being intuitive and easy to use, even for teams new to CRM tools. 

• Inhouse AI tool (Freddy AI) provides lead scoring, deal insights and sales forecasting features. 

• Comes with a built‑in communication suite that integrates phone, email and chat with the CRM. 

• Good dashboards and reporting options, even for mid-tier plans, let teams visualize sales pipelines and performance. 

A user shared that FreshDesk makes it easy to handle issues in bigger organizations and liked being able to set up different paths to reach the right team. 

Cons 

• Lower tiers lack key features like custom reports and advanced automation. 

• The mobile app is functional but reported weaker than the web version. 

One user also noted that the backend system is difficult to understand, and the scripted customer support isn’t always helpful. 

Pricing 

• Free – $0 (up to 3 users) 

• Growth – $9/user/month 

• Pro – $39/user/month 

• Enterprise – $59/user/month 

4. HubSpot CRM

HubSpot CRM is a popular tool for managing customer relationships across sales, marketing, and support. It’s modular so you can start with the free version and add more tools as your needs grow. 

Its clean interface and generous free plan make it popular with small businesses, while much of the advanced features hide behind paid tiers. 

Pros 

• Offers a generous free plan that includes core CRM features for unlimited users and contacts. 

• Strong marketing automation capabilities for email campaigns, lead nurturing, and workflows (available in Marketing Hub tiers). 

• The lead generation features are quite comprehensive. 

• Provides easy-to-use page builder for email marketing and campaign landing pages. 

One user pointed out that the tool works well across their marketing, sales, and support teams, and appreciated how often it gets better with updates. 

Cons 

• Pricing increases quickly as you scale up or unlock more advanced features 

• Free and entry-level plans are limited in customization and reporting options 

A user shared that lead scoring can be tricky to use and has caused frustration, even though it’s getting better. They also wished the sales forecasting tool was more customizable. 

Pricing 

• Free – $0 

• Starter – from $15/user/month 

• Professional – from $90/user/month 

• Enterprise – from $150/user/month 

5. Apptivo

Apptivo is a CRM built to simplify how businesses capture leads, manage follow-ups, and stay organized. It combines core sales tools with extras like invoicing and project tracking on its platform. The mobile apps are easy to work with, and the built-in guides help teams get started quickly.

Pros 

• Deep customization and workflow automation capabilities. 

• A CRM that’s tightly integrated with quoting, invoicing, and project tools which is good for service-based or ecommerce businesses . 

• Strong customer support and onboarding help. 

• Comes with integration with Google’s software suite at a much lower price. 

One user noted that they can always reach an agent through the chat widget and compared it to having a helpful assistant by their side. 

Cons 

• Interface feels dated. Users also cite performance issues. 

• Many customizations require developer assistance, which can limit teams without technical support . 

One user noted that while there’s plenty of documentation, it’s still not enough to fully support development. They also mentioned that functionality is inconsistent across different apps, with some features missing or working differently between modules. 

Pricing 

• Lite – $15 user/month 

• Premium – $25 user/month 

• Ultimate – $40 user/month 

• Enterprise – Custom pricing 

6. Salesforce CRM

Salesforce is one of the most established names in the CRM space. Like HubSpot it offers a powerful set of tools to manage sales, marketing, and customer support. Businesses can track leads, automate sales workflows, and connect with thousands of apps through its marketplace. Salesforce’s high customizability makes it a strong choice for teams that need to handle complex processes. 

Pros 

• Strong automation for sales tasks, email follow-ups, and lead management. 

• Integrates with a wide range of business tools through its AppExchange marketplace. 

• Includes advanced reporting and dashboards. 

• Highly customizable to fit the specific workflows of different industries. 

• Mobile app supports offline access and includes voice assistance for field teams. 

One user pointed out that it’s a total gamechanger when used right, saying it reshaped how their team works and handles customers and deals. 

Cons 

• Pricing adds up quickly, especially with advanced features and AI tools. 

• Setup and customization can be complex without technical support. 

• Some newer AI features are still developing and may not be essential for all teams. 

One user pointed out that it’s not always easy to use, especially for new users. It can lag at busy times, and setting up reports usually needs help. They also found some features harder to learn than expected. 

Pricing 

• Starter Suite – $25/user/month 

• Professional – $80/user/month 

• Enterprise – $165/user/month 

• Unlimited – $330/user/month 

7. Acquire

Acquire is a customer engagement platform that helps you manage support conversations across multiple channels (chat, video, email, and more). It’s built for teams that need to assist customers in real time, all from one dashboard. If fast, multi-channel support is a priority, Acquire is worth a look. 

Pros 

• Combines live chat, email, text messages, phone, and video into one dashboard. 

• Co-browsing lets support teams walk customers through processes step-by-step. 

• Simple interface with clear dashboards and real-time activity tracking. 

• Analytics tools for tracking team performance, response times and more. 

A user shared that Acquire stood out with top-tier support and features, checking every box after an extensive search. 

Cons 

• Pricing may be too high for small teams or early-stage businesses 

• Takes time to get used to the full set of features 

• Some mobile functions are less smooth than the desktop version 

According to one reviewer, inconsistent desktop notifications and the absence of mobile alerts have resulted in missed chats. They expressed frustration with support, saying their concerns have gone unanswered. 

Pricing 

• Standard – around $50 

• Professional – around $80 

• Enterprise – custom pricing 

8. Odoo

Odoo is a top-ranking open-source CRM solution. When it comes to CRM tools, most are proprietary. But Odoo changes that by being open source. This makes the CRM extremely modular and customizable. 

Pros 

• Integrates seamlessly with other Odoo tools like accounting and inventory without extra connectors. 

• Custom pipelines and workflows match your own sales process. 

• Provides real‑time dashboards and forecasting for smart decision-making. 

• Offers a forever free “One App Free” plan for a single module with unlimited users. 

One user pointed out that they really like how easy Odoo CRM is to use and customize, especially when it comes to handling customers and bringing data together smoothly. 

Cons 

• Steep learning curve; customizing and setting up often requires technical support or a partner. 

• Users report slow or inconsistent support and hidden costs during implementation. 

• Some CRM features are basic. Email tracking and pipeline views are limited compared to dedicated CRMs. 

One user pointed out that company info isn’t fully grouped with profiles, so deleting or archiving has to be done one by one instead of all at once. 

Pricing 

• One App Free – $0 (choose one module) 

• Standard Plan – $24.90/user/month 

• Custom Plan – $37.40/user/month  

9. Zendesk Sell 

Zendesk is a popular name in the world of CRM and their platform Zendesk Sell as the name implies, is designed for sales teams. It provides a wide set of features to manage your sales funnel and helps make your brand more visible. 

Pros 

• Has a user-friendly interface and provides fast setup. 

• Comes with email, phone, and messaging tools. 

• Deep integration with Zendesk’s customer support platform Zendesk Support. 

• Relatively inexpensive starting plan with a decent set of available features. 

• Integrates well with other services and provides extensive customization. 

One user noted that since the beta release, the platform has integrated smoothly with Zendesk and includes all the core features of a CRM. They highlighted its ease of use for sending texts, emails, and calls, as well as tracking agent productivity and integrating with tools like Pandadoc. 

Cons 

• Limited customization and reporting options in lower-tier plans. 

• Advanced marketing automation is not built-in. You’ll need third-party integration  

One user pointed out that it’s great Odoo is open source and easier to update, but it’s tough to find clear info for developers. They also mentioned that editing some parts of the system, like sales workflows, isn’t as simple as it should be. 

10. Less Annoying CRM 

Most CRMs try to do too much, which is fine if you’ve got a big team. But this can feel like an overkill when all you want is an easy way to track leads and stay organized. Less Annoying CRM keeps things basic on purpose. It’s made for small businesses that don’t want to deal with complicated tools. 

Pros 

• Simple interface. 

• No set-up fee and helpful customer support. 

• Great for solo users or small teams without a dedicated IT person. 

• Covers core CRM tasks like contact tracking, pipelines, and calendar. 

A user shared that they quickly picked up LACRM during the trial and had time to train their team before subscribing. They liked how simple it was to get started and praised the helpful support. 

Cons 

• No automation or advanced reporting. 

• Limited integrations compared to other tools. 

• There is no dedicated mobile app. 

A reviewer pointed out that while the platform maintains HIPAA-level security, it lacks official certification, which may be a concern for some. 

Pricing 

• $15 per user/month (billed monthly) 

• No pricing tiers. Just one plan with all features included. 

How to find the best CRM tool for your business 

We’ve helped thousands of companies successfully implement CRM in their business. 

In conversations with customers, we’ve had the privilege to learn about the buying process, competition, horror stories and more. 

In short, our customers have helped us identify potential red flags that we can share with CRM buyers to prevent them from making the same mistakes. 

These red flags include: 

• The lack of proper customer support 

• An unscalable CRM 

• Manual updates and lack of access 

• Lengthy implementation time 

• Lack of integrations 

Apart from these, make sure to ask these before choosing your CRM vendor: 

• Who have they worked with? 

• Do they have well-reputed names under their belt with credible evidence? 

• Do they have good reviews? 

1. Instant support 

Moving on, we’ll focus on the best factors to consider to zero in on the CRM of your choice: 

While companies claim zero downtime, outages are still possible. 

Make sure your CRM vendor has a mechanism to support customers in such instances. 

Also, check if they respond promptly, in general. 

The best way to check this is to contact them. If they’re quick to communicate and offer help at every step of the way, you’re in good hands. 

2. Scalability 

Chances are, when you implement your CRM, you receive less than 100 leads per week, and you have 10 employees. But within a year or even a couple of months, your lead levels increase to 500 per day and you have 50 employees. 

So, check if the CRM is scalable and flexible to your needs. 

3. Implementation 

Implementation should be easy, fast, and free (for lighter/DIY implementations) or priced based on the level of customizations. 

Cloud-based deployments are usually faster, and you should be able to deploy a solution in two to four weeks.  

“We had a very smooth implementation experience. Earlier, we thought that it would take us at least two weeks to get it started, but LeadSquared said they can start work from the very next day. We could have failed miserably if we hadn’t taken this decision.” 

Siddhartha Nihalani, VP – Product, Practo 

4. Automated updates 

Two types of updates should happen in your CRM tool automatically. They are: 

1. Product updates 

2. Customer data and activity updates 

Product updates usually happen when your CRM provider adds or updates a feature on the software. In this case, you must receive communication from your vendor regarding the update and resources to help you use those features. 

Another aspect we spoke about is the customer data update. Here, the system should automatically update records for: 

• Whenever there’s a change in your lead/customer account, such as turnover, number of employees, and more. 

• Whenever your sales users add an activity. For example, when a user adds sales activity as “deal closed,” the stage of the lead should automatically change to “customer”. 

Doing it manually will only cost time and resources. Plus, you won’t be able to ensure data integrity. 

5. Training 

The users of your CRM tools may not be from a technical background. No matter how intuitive the CRM is, users need some training to utilize the software to its fullest. 

Check if your vendor provides live training and has training modules in place that your team can refer to anytime. Also, see if the vendor is comfortable providing training per your user’s preference. 

When we surveyed 3,061 CRM customers, we found more than 50% prefer live training over self-paced training. 

6. Information repository 

It should not happen that salespeople have to save email templates, proposals, or sales pitch decks, on their desktop or drive. 

Why? 

Because it’s time-consuming. 

To enable your sales teams, have a content library or information repository in the CRM. It will give them quick access to what they need without having to switch platforms. 

7. Reports and dashboards 

The greatest point of productivity when using a CRM is that you don’t have to use several spreadsheets, manually update information, or search for customer data. 

Make sure your CRM lives up to its name. 

While reports help you analyze data from the past, dashboards give you real-time metrics on campaigns, leads, and sales. 

To give you an example, LeadSquared provides both. A real-time dashboard (customizable for users) and 100+ automated reports to increase productivity across the organization. Managers rarely ask their teams to prepare reports – they fetch the information they need from the CRM directly. 

8. Integration 

The final and the most important aspect is, does your CRM integrate easily with popular tools and your core software? 

Make sure it does. Else, you’ll end up employing more resources for managing data across systems. 

Worse, you won’t be able to ensure data integrity. 

So, check for integration capabilities in your CRM. 

9. Compliance 

Since CRM tools store sensitive customer information, the software must comply with the regulatory requirements of the region the brand is located in. For example, if you are in the EU, you need to use a software solution that complies with the GDPR requirements. 

Similarly, if you’re from domains like healthcare, HIPAA compliance in the tools you use is a must. 

Conclusion

As we saw, there’s no single “best” CRM. Only the one that works best for how your team operates. 

As you compare features and pricing, make sure to take the time and try a few out hands-on. 
 
LeadSquared is one option that often comes up for teams looking to automate without getting overwhelmed by complexity. It’s flexible and built to support growth in the workflows of sectors like financial services, manufacturing, automotive, education, healthcare and more.  

Want a closer look? You can book a short demo to see if it fits your needs. 

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