This guide walks you through 15 widely used CRM products, each with a compact profile that includes a brief company background, standout features, target users, pricing basics, and balanced pros and cons. You’ll see a mix of cloud CRM solutions and on-premises-friendly options, along with tools that prioritize sales automation, marketing integration, or simple contact management.
When teams evaluate popular CRM software, they rarely judge on a single dimension. Practical buyers look at ease of adoption and time-to-value, feature fit (automation, reporting, integrations), and how well a tool plugs into existing stacks like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or HubSpot-style marketing ecosystems. They also weigh scalability and total cost of ownership — not just the per-seat fee but implementation, data migration, and ongoing admin costs.
Quick Links
What is popular crm software
A CRM centralizes customer and prospect data (contacts, interactions, deals, support tickets) so teams — sales, marketing, and support — work from the same single source of truth. It tracks where leads are in the buying process, automates follow-ups, generates reports, and often connects to email, calendars, marketing tools, and billing systems.
At the heart of a CRM is the contact record: a single profile that combines personal details, company information, communication history, open deals, recent support tickets, and any notes or files. Instead of hunting through inboxes or spreadsheets, reps open one profile and instantly see the full relationship context — past calls, last email, deal stage, and next actions. That clarity cuts response times and reduces duplicate outreach.
Top 15 Popular CRM software
1. Salesforce
Salesforce is widely recognized as the pioneer of cloud-based customer relationship management and remains the world’s best-known CRM provider. Founded in 1999 by Marc Benioff, Salesforce revolutionized the software industry with its “software as a service” (SaaS) model, making enterprise-grade CRM tools accessible through the cloud. Over two decades later, Salesforce has grown into a massive ecosystem that goes far beyond CRM. Its portfolio includes Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, Marketing Cloud, Commerce Cloud, and industry-specific solutions for sectors like financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail.
Salesforce also owns Slack, Tableau, and MuleSoft, further strengthening its capabilities in communication, analytics, and integration. With unmatched scale and an extensive partner network, Salesforce is the go-to choice for organizations seeking a CRM that can be deeply customized and extended to meet complex, global business needs.
Key Features
- Configurable sales pipelines and advanced workflow automation.
- AI-driven insights with Einstein for predictive analytics and recommendations.
- Custom objects and deep developer platform (Lightning/Platform).
- Robust reporting, dashboards, and analytics capabilities.
- Vast AppExchange marketplace for third-party integrations.
- Role-based security, compliance, and governance features for enterprises.
Target Audience
Large enterprises, mid-market firms with complex sales processes, and companies requiring heavy customization or industry-specific solutions. Best suited for teams with in-house admins or consulting resources for implementation.
Pricing
- Salesforce offers tiered editions and specialized bundles.
- Small-business Starter plans are available.
- Sales Cloud and other products have mid and high tiers with richer features.
- Entry-level pricing starts around standard starter tiers.
- Enterprise costs can rise substantially depending on add-ons, integrations, and implementation complexity.
- For up-to-date pricing, visit Salesforce’s official pricing page.
Pros
- Extremely flexible and extensible.
- World-class partner ecosystem and AppExchange marketplace.
- Powerful analytics and AI-driven insights.
Cons
- High cost compared to SMB-focused CRMs.
- Complex implementation requires admin or consultant support.
- Overkill for very small teams or simple sales processes.
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2. HubSpot CRM — Popular CRM Software
HubSpot began in 2006 as an inbound marketing platform, pioneering the concept of attracting customers through valuable content rather than traditional outbound tactics. Over time, the company expanded its offerings into a full customer relationship management ecosystem, introducing Marketing, Sales, Service, and CMS Hubs — all connected to a free CRM core. Today, HubSpot CRM is one of the most popular CRM software solutions globally, trusted by startups, SMBs, and even larger enterprises.
Its reputation is built on ease of use, an intuitive interface, and a powerful free plan that lowers the barrier for businesses adopting CRM for the first time. HubSpot also invests heavily in education through HubSpot Academy, which empowers users to learn inbound marketing and sales best practices while using the platform.
Key Features
- Contact and deal tracking with intuitive dashboards.
- Email integration, sequences, and meeting scheduling tools.
- Live chat and chatbot builders for lead capture and support.
- Basic automation features for workflows and follow-ups.
- Integrated marketing tools: email campaigns, landing pages, and forms.
- Unified CRM core ensures marketing, sales, and service share the same records.
Target Audience
Startups, SMBs, and teams seeking fast time-to-value and an integrated marketing + sales solution without complex setup. Also ideal for organizations that value education and self-service onboarding.
Pricing
- Core CRM is free with unlimited users and essential features.
- Premium capabilities offered through bundled Hubs (Starter, Professional, Enterprise).
- Pricing is per hub and per seat, scaling with usage.
- Many teams begin on free CRM and upgrade as contact lists or automation needs grow.
- Official pricing is transparent and available on HubSpot’s pricing page.
Pros
- Excellent free tier with robust features.
- Strong inbound marketing and automation integration.
- Easy onboarding and user-friendly interface.
- Scales smoothly from free to advanced paid tiers.
Cons
- Costs can escalate quickly when adding Hubs and seats.
- Deep customization requires higher-tier plans.
3. Zoho CRM
Zoho CRM is part of Zoho Corporation’s vast suite of cloud-based business applications, which includes everything from accounting and HR to collaboration and marketing tools. Founded in 1996, Zoho has become known worldwide for its affordable, all-in-one business solutions that give SMBs access to enterprise-grade features at a fraction of the cost. Zoho CRM, launched in 2005, has grown into one of the most popular CRM software options thanks to its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and seamless integration with the broader Zoho ecosystem.
It enables small and growing businesses to unify sales, marketing, and customer service on a single platform, reducing dependency on multiple vendors and ensuring smooth workflows.
Key Features
- Lead and pipeline management with customizable stages.
- Workflow automation and sales forecasting tools.
- Multichannel communication across email, phone, and social media.
- AI assistant “Zia” for predictive insights and recommendations.
- Customizable modules, fields, and layouts for tailored workflows.
- Native connectivity with Zoho apps and third-party integrations.
Target Audience
Small to mid-sized businesses and teams already using or planning to adopt the Zoho product suite. Also suited for budget-conscious buyers seeking customizable workflows without enterprise-level costs.
Pricing
- Multiple editions available: Free/basic starter for very small teams, plus Standard, Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate tiers.
- Transparent and competitive pricing published on Zoho’s official site.
- Generally undercuts many enterprise competitors while offering broad functionality.
- Flexibility makes it attractive for scaling businesses.
- Details available on the Zoho CRM pricing page.
Pros
- Highly cost-effective compared to enterprise CRMs.
- Broad suite of integrations with other Zoho apps.
- Strong customization options for modules and workflows.
- Global footprint with good multi-language support.
Cons
- User interface can feel dense for beginners.
- Advanced AI features often require higher-tier subscriptions.
4. Microsoft Dynamics 365
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a comprehensive business platform that combines both CRM and ERP capabilities in a modular suite of applications. Launched by Microsoft to unify customer relationship management with enterprise resource planning, Dynamics 365 covers sales, service, marketing, operations, finance, and beyond.
Backed by Microsoft’s global presence and deep integration with its broader ecosystem — Office 365, Azure, Teams, and LinkedIn — Dynamics 365 is positioned as a solution for organizations with complex processes that need enterprise-grade scalability, governance, and compliance. Its modular design allows businesses to start with core sales or service apps and expand into other areas as their needs grow, making it a flexible investment for large and growing enterprises.
Key Features
- Deep integrations with Microsoft products including Office 365 and LinkedIn.
- Built-in analytics and AI-driven sales insights.
- Configurable pipelines and workflow management.
- Omnichannel service experiences for customers.
- Modular licensing approach — pay only for the apps you need.
- Integration with ERP and finance systems for end-to-end processes.
Target Audience
Large enterprises, organizations already invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem, and companies that need CRM tightly integrated with finance, operations, and compliance requirements.
Pricing
- Product-level pricing (Sales Professional, Sales Enterprise, etc.).
- Licensed on a per-user monthly rate with multiple editions.
- Enterprise bundles available for large organizations.
- Pricing varies by region and edition.
- Full details published on Microsoft Dynamics 365 pricing page.
Pros
- Seamless Microsoft integration with Office, Azure, and LinkedIn.
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance.
- Modular licensing provides flexibility in adoption.
Cons
- Complex licensing structure can be confusing.
- Implementation cost and time may be significant.
5. Pipedrive — Popular CRM Software
Pipedrive is a sales-first CRM designed with a singular focus: making pipeline management intuitive and efficient for sales teams. Founded in 2010 by sales professionals frustrated with the complexity of existing CRMs, Pipedrive set out to build a platform that keeps reps selling instead of doing administrative work. Its hallmark is the visual sales pipeline — a drag-and-drop interface that helps users track deals at every stage with clarity and ease.
Over the years, Pipedrive has evolved from a simple deal tracker into a well-rounded CRM for small and mid-sized businesses, adding automation, reporting, and a growing marketplace of integrations while retaining its reputation for simplicity.
Key Features
- Visual pipeline with drag-and-drop deal management.
- Email sync and activity tracking with goals.
- Workflow automations for repetitive tasks.
- Revenue forecasting and sales reporting tools.
- Integration ecosystem including LeadBooster, payments, and marketing tools.
- Clean, sales-focused UX designed for quick adoption.
Target Audience
Small to medium-sized sales teams and organizations prioritizing pipeline clarity, usability, and fast adoption without complex implementation.
Pricing
- Tiered plans: Essential, Advanced, Professional, Power, and Enterprise.
- Pricing billed monthly or annually with discounts for long-term commitments.
- Features scale with each tier, especially automation and analytics depth.
- Transparent pricing available on the Pipedrive pricing page.
Pros
- Extremely user-friendly with minimal learning curve.
- Excellent pipeline visibility through visual dashboards.
- Affordable and well-suited for SMBs.
Cons
- Lacks advanced native marketing automation tools.
- Large enterprises may require deeper customization than Pipedrive offers.
6. Freshsales — Popular CRM Software
Freshsales, part of the Freshworks CRM portfolio, is an AI-enabled sales CRM designed primarily for small and mid-market businesses. Freshworks originally began as a customer support software provider but later expanded into a broader business suite, including CRM, marketing, and IT solutions. With Freshsales, the company’s goal is to simplify sales processes by offering an intuitive, all-in-one CRM that blends sales automation, built-in calling, and conversational AI.
Its mission is to give sales reps the tools to capture, qualify, and act on leads quickly while maintaining full context throughout the sales cycle. Freshsales distinguishes itself by focusing on usability and accessibility. Unlike enterprise-heavy CRMs that require long implementations, Freshsales emphasizes a quick setup, modern user experience, and integrated communications features.
Key Features
- AI-driven lead scoring and suggestions for sales reps.
- Built-in phone and email integration for seamless communication.
- Activity timelines and customer interaction tracking.
- Visual deal pipeline management for clarity and control.
- Modern mobile app for on-the-go sales productivity.
- Conversational sales tools for quick customer engagement.
Target Audience
Small and mid-sized sales teams that value all-in-one sales platforms with integrated calling, email, and AI-powered workflows.
Pricing
- Free tier available for small teams to get started.
- Paid plans designed to be affordable for SMBs.
- Higher tiers unlock advanced automation, analytics, and enterprise-level features.
- Full details published on the Freshworks CRM pricing page.
Pros
- Integrated calling and email functionality.
- AI-driven features for smarter sales engagement.
- Clean, modern, and user-friendly interface.
Cons
- Advanced features often reserved for higher-tier plans.
- May require add-ons for deeper analytics and reporting.
7. Zendesk Sell — Popular CRM Software
Zendesk Sell, formerly Base CRM, is part of Zendesk’s customer experience suite. It emphasizes lightweight, sales-focused tools that integrate seamlessly with Zendesk’s customer support platform. The product appeals to teams seeking simple adoption and tighter alignment between sales and support operations.
Zendesk acquired Base CRM in 2018 and rebranded it as Zendesk Sell, folding it into its well-known service-first ecosystem. This means Sell benefits from Zendesk’s reputation for customer support excellence while delivering focused sales features without overwhelming complexity.
Key Features
- Deal tracking and visual sales pipeline management.
- Email integration and activity management for reps.
- Sales forecasting and performance reporting.
- Mobile-first design for field and remote teams.
- Strong integration with Zendesk Support for a unified customer lifecycle view.
Target Audience
Sales teams looking for a simple and efficient CRM, and organizations already using Zendesk Support that want unified sales + service workflows.
Pricing
- Tiered plans available: Team, Growth, Professional, and Enterprise.
- Licensed per seat with monthly or annual billing options.
- Also offered in Zendesk Suite bundles for broader CX coverage.
- Current details and comparisons on the Zendesk Sell pricing page.
Pros
- Simple to adopt and easy-to-use interface.
- Seamless integration with Zendesk Support.
- Strong mobile capabilities for field teams.
Cons
- Not as extensible as enterprise-grade CRMs.
- Advanced analytics and customizations can be limited.
8. SugarCRM — Popular CRM Software
SugarCRM positions itself as a flexible, B2B-focused CRM that emphasizes sales automation and customer experience. Historically popular with companies that need tailored workflows and industry templates (manufacturing, financial services, etc.), Sugar is chosen when teams require deep customization and a partner-led implementation approach. It also offers deployment flexibility for organizations that prefer on-premises or private-cloud options.
Over the years, Sugar has expanded its portfolio into distinct products such as Sugar Sell (sales automation), Sugar Serve (customer service), and Sugar Market (marketing automation), all unified under the SugarCRM platform.
Key Features
- Configurable sales processes and workflow automation.
- Advanced reporting and analytics for sales and service metrics.
- Highly customizable data models and UI to fit industry needs.
- Strong API support for integrations and extension.
- Deployment flexibility — cloud, private cloud, or on-premises (where available).
- Industry templates and partner ecosystem for regulated sectors.
Target Audience
Mid-market to enterprise teams that need heavy customization, industry-specific templates, or private deployment options for regulatory or security reasons.
Pricing
- SugarCRM uses tiered pricing and enterprise licensing; organizations are often encouraged to contact sales for quotes on larger deployments.
- Pricing varies by deployment choice (cloud vs. private/on-premises) and add-on modules.
- See SugarCRM’s product and pricing pages for current edition details and enterprise guidance.
- (Reference: SugarCRM pricing/product pages.)
Pros
- Highly customizable to complex B2B workflows.
- Deployment flexibility for private-cloud or on-premises requirements.
- Strong API and partner ecosystem for integrations.
Cons
- Implementation can be resource-intensive and require partners.
- Smaller teams may find total cost of ownership relatively high.
- User experience can require configuration to reach modern UX standards.
9. Copper
Copper (formerly ProsperWorks) was built specifically for teams that live in Google Workspace. Founded to remove duplicate data entry and make CRM frictionless for Gmail users, Copper tightly embeds contact and deal workflows directly into Gmail and Google Calendar. The company focused on reducing setup time and admin overhead so small sales teams and account managers could adopt a CRM without changing how they work. Over time Copper added richer pipeline tools, automation, and integrations while keeping that core promise: make CRM feel like a natural extension of your email and calendar.
Key Features
- Native sync with Gmail and Google Calendar; auto-logs emails and contact activity.
- Quick contact creation from email signatures and inbox context.
- Simple pipeline and opportunity management designed for ease of use.
- Automation features that reduce manual data entry for reps.
- Clean, minimal UI focused on productivity within Google Workspace.
Target Audience
Small to mid-sized businesses that use Google Workspace and want a lightweight CRM that minimizes setup and administrative overhead.
Pricing
- Copper offers tiered plans (Starter, Professional, Business) with per-user pricing and a free trial period.
- Plans scale based on automation, reporting, and workflow features.
- See Copper’s pricing page for current rates and plan comparisons.
- (Reference: Copper pricing/product pages.)
Pros
- Deep Google Workspace integration—excellent for Gmail-centric teams.
- Very easy onboarding and minimal admin overhead.
- Good at reducing manual data entry through automation.
Cons
- Less customizable than large enterprise CRMs.
- Advanced automation and reporting often require higher-tier plans.
- Primarily optimized for Google Workspace users—limited value if you use other ecosystems.
10. Keap (formerly Infusionsoft)
Keap (formerly Infusionsoft) started by solving one problem: give small businesses a single platform to automate sales and marketing without hiring a developer. Over time it grew into a full CRM + automation suite that bundles contact management, campaign builders, email and SMS marketing, payments/invoicing, and appointment scheduling into one product — so a solo entrepreneur or a small team can run lead capture, nurture sequences, and billing from the same place. Keap’s strength is its automation-first approach. It provides visual campaign builders and pre-built funnel templates that map common small-business journeys (lead capture → nurture → sale → onboarding)
Key Features
- Advanced automation workflows for sales and marketing.
- Contact management and lead tracking.
- Invoicing and integrated payment processing.
- Pre-built templates for small business funnels.
- CRM + marketing automation packaged together.
- Focus on revenue generation for small businesses.
Target Audience
Small businesses, consultants, and agencies that need a combined CRM and marketing automation solution to manage sales and customer engagement efficiently.
Pricing
- Pricing starts higher than many SMB CRMs.
- Tiers are contact-based with a monthly base fee.
- Costs scale with the number of users and contacts.
- Best suited for small businesses with budget for automation tools.
- See Keap’s official pricing page for up-to-date plans.
Pros
- All-in-one automation tailored for small businesses.
- Good funnel templates streamline setup.
- Built-in invoicing and payment integrations.
Cons
- Pricing can get steep as contact counts grow.
- Some users report a learning curve with setup.
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11. Insightly — Popular CRM Software
Insightly is a CRM combined with project management, designed for small and growing businesses that need a single system for pre-sale and post-sale work. It merges contact and opportunity tracking with task and project workflows so teams can move seamlessly from lead capture to delivery and client success. Known for being easy to adopt, Insightly emphasizes practical automation, sensible defaults, and templates that reduce setup time — making it a sensible choice for teams that don’t want to stitch together separate CRM and project tools.
Key Features
- Pipeline and opportunity management with visual workflows.
- Automation for repetitive tasks and sales processes.
- Project management features integrated with CRM data.
- Email automation and campaign management tools.
- Integrations through AppConnect for external apps.
- Unified interface for sales and post-sale delivery.
Target Audience
Small to mid-sized businesses that want CRM plus simple project management capabilities in a single platform, especially where sales-to-project handoffs are common.
Pricing
- Plans include Plus, Professional, and Enterprise editions.
- Licensed per user with monthly pricing.
- Free trial available to evaluate features before purchase.
- Features, support, and storage limits vary by tier.
- See Insightly’s pricing page for current rates.
Pros
- Good fit for sales-to-project workflows.
- Affordable plans accessible for SMBs.
- User-friendly with a gentle learning curve.
Cons
- Advanced features and support only in higher tiers.
- Analytics and reporting not as deep as enterprise CRMs.
15. Monday.com CRM
monday.com began as a Work OS and has since expanded into CRM functionality using configurable boards and templates. Rather than following a classic CRM structure, monday.com allows teams to build custom sales pipelines and automations on top of its collaborative work platform. This flexibility makes it an attractive choice for organizations that want CRM features tightly connected to project and task management, enabling sales, delivery, and operations teams to work in the same system without heavy integration work.
Key Features
- Customizable sales pipelines and workflows built with visual boards.
- One-click automations to streamline repetitive tasks.
- Dashboards, mass emails, and sales sequences built into the platform.
- Highly visual and collaborative interface for cross-team usage.
- Deep integration options with popular tools and services.
- Low-code configuration enabling teams to adapt the system to their processes.
Target Audience
Teams that want a highly visual, customizable CRM tied to project and task management — especially creative agencies, operations teams, and sales organizations that collaborate closely with delivery teams.
Pricing
- CRM features are part of monday.com’s Work OS subscription plans.
- Seat-based pricing with free and multiple paid tiers available.
- Pricing varies by team size, automation volume, and advanced features.
- See monday.com’s pricing page for current details.
Pros
- Highly flexible and visual interface for sales processes.
- Excellent for cross-functional and collaborative teams.
- Integrates well with a wide range of tools and apps.
Cons
- Some advanced CRM-native features (e.g., deep analytics) lag behind dedicated CRMs.
- Automation usage and per-seat costs can add up quickly.
Final Wrap-Up: Why Choosing the Right CRM Matters
Choosing the right popular CRM software impacts sales efficiency, customer retention, and visibility into business data. When evaluating CRM platforms, consider these dimensions: ease of adoption, feature fit (automation, reporting, integrations), scalability, total cost of ownership, vendor support model, and whether the CRM aligns with your existing tech stack (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft, or HubSpot-style marketing ecosystems).
A CRM that’s difficult to use kills momentum. Measure time-to-productivity (how long until reps log meaningful activity), onboarding hours required, and the learning resources available (guided tours, help docs, training sessions). Favor platforms with a clear UI, templates for common sales processes, and admin consoles that don’t require a developer for routine changes.
Match features to the way your team actually works. Do you need multi-step automations, lead scoring, or complex quote generation? Can the CRM produce the reports your managers use daily (pipeline conversion rates, win/loss, forecast accuracy)? Check native integrations for email, calendar, marketing, billing, and support tools — less glue code means fewer breakages.
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