When you’re talking about Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, the options seem endless. Not just that, but the "top" CRM software is going to differ vastly depending on your company's unique needs and objectives. A niche nonprofit organization looking to scale their inventory management system may be more concerned with tailored functionalities compared to a large enterprise organization looking to integrate multiple third-party packages.

That being said, whether you're focused on cost-cutting, popularity, affordability, ROI tracking, or customization, there's a CRM solution that's going to fit your requirements. To help weed down those solutions, we've put together this Top Five Top 5s that explores the top CRM software options across five categories: free-to-use, most popular, most affordable, sales/marketing ROI tracking, and most customizable.

Before You Begin

Before jumping headfirst into yet another sea of TLAs (three-letter acronyms), be sure to truly evaluate the goals and objectives of this software. After all, it’s an investment, not an expense. You wouldn’t haphazardly throw money into the stock market, would you?

Identify Use Cases

There’s no way to improve the effectiveness of your CRM without considering the manner in which your current software is being utilized. Meet with your team to identify the most utilized use cases and features of your current system. Their firsthand experience with the system will provide you with just as much insight, if not more, than any report you can pull.

Identify Pain Points

Now that you know what parts of your current CRM software you’re actually using, it’s time to get personal and find the pain points within the functionalities themselves.

• — Are the functions user-friendly?
• — Is the software easy to navigate?
• — Are there redundancies in any processes?
• — Are there any integration opportunities?
• — How long are the load times?

Articulate Your Goals/Objectives

At this point, you’ve got a better understanding of your software’s current state, its inner workings, and the people who operate it. It’s time to organize these thoughts and articulate the goals that you hope to achieve by making the investment into your CRM. There is no right or wrong answer as to what the goal for your investment may be; it’s going to vary depending on a number of factors:

• — Your business model
• — Service/product offering
• — Organization structure
• — Financial objectives
• — Customer base, etc.

Truly take the time to hold conversations regarding these factors with fellow leadership in all divisions impacted by the software investment. The collective insights generated could be pivotal in future efforts.

Prioritize Pain Points

With an end goal now in mind and objectives to strive for, you can better sort the previously identified pain points in terms of priority. What are the features that absolutely need to be in the final product? What can you get by without? What is a waste of space?

Get the Green Light(s)

As always, money rules the world. This means that you’re going to have to get a green light from finance in some capacity. If that’s also you, perfect! Remember to remain objective in your decision and don’t let too much of that “inner techie” lead the way.

If that’s not you, be sure to talk with your finance team to verify that you’re in the position to be making the investment into new software systems. See what the budget is, check in on the timeline, get the contact information needed to provide to future vendors for payment, etc.

Get Ready to be Sold To

The natural step from here is to look around the different Top Five Top 5s we have listed below — but beware. When you start inquiring, the salesmen come out like sharks in bloody water. Do not hesitate to set boundaries, say no, and most importantly, negotiate.

It’s well known that the profit margins for many of these software solutions are quite ridiculous to say the least. That being said, if a price is out of your range or you’d simply like to save some money, counteroffer. The worst they can say is no.

Top 5 Free-to-Use CRM Softwares

For businesses looking to streamline operations without breaking the bank, free-to-use CRM software is an advantage. These platforms offer essential features without the hefty price tag, making them ideal for startups and small businesses. Free CRM software often comes with basic functionalities like contact management and lead tracking, providing a solid foundation for managing customer relationships. Moreover, the absence of upfront costs allows businesses to allocate resources to other areas of growth, such as marketing or product development. By leveraging free CRM solutions, businesses can lay the groundwork for efficient operations and scalable growth without financial constraints.

Here are the top five free-to-use CRM software options that pack a punch without draining your budget:

1. HubSpot CRM

Known for its user-friendly interface and robust features, HubSpot CRM tops the list of free CRM solutions. It offers contact management, email tracking, and integration with popular tools like Gmail and Outlook.

Hubspot's April update provides easy access to their modular dashboard for streamlined customization.
(Image Source: Hubspot)

2. Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM provides a comprehensive suite of CRM tools, including lead management, sales automation, and analytics. Its free version caters to small teams with limited budgets.

3. Freshsales

Freshsales offers a visually appealing interface and features like lead scoring, email tracking, and built-in phone capabilities in its free plan.

4. Bitrix24

Bitrix24 stands out for its all-in-one approach, combining CRM with project management, communication, and collaboration tools. Its free version includes CRM features for up to 12 users.

5. Capsule CRM

Capsule CRM is praised for its simplicity and ease of use. Its free plan includes basic contact management and sales pipeline tracking features.

Top 5 Most Popular CRM Softwares

Popularity often speaks volumes about a product's reliability and effectiveness. If you're a fan of the NFL, NWSL, or F1, then you've likely heard of a few of these on the list. They've paved the way for CRMs within niches across the world by garnering widespread acclaim and a loyal user base. Here are the top five most popular CRM software solutions that have earned the trust of businesses worldwide:

1. Salesforce

As a pioneer in the CRM industry, Salesforce remains a dominant force with its extensive feature set, scalability, and customizable solutions tailored to businesses of all sizes. With its innovative approach to customer relationship management, Salesforce continues to set the standard for CRM excellence.

An elegant remodel takes Salesforce's curb appeal to a whole new level.
(Image Source: Salesforce)

2. Microsoft Dynamics 365

Backed by the tech giant Microsoft, Dynamics 365 offers seamless integration with other Microsoft products and services, making it a preferred choice for enterprises. Its robust ecosystem ensures smooth collaboration and data flow across all Microsoft platforms, enhancing productivity and efficiency.

3. Oracle CX

Oracle CX provides a comprehensive suite of CRM solutions designed to deliver personalized customer experiences across marketing, sales, and service channels. By harnessing the power of data and AI, Oracle CX enables businesses to anticipate customer needs and deliver tailored experiences that drive loyalty and satisfaction.

Oracle Cloud Free Tier provides perpetual access to Always Free services and a 30-day Free Trial with a $300 credit for eligible Oracle Cloud Infrastructure services.

4. SAP Sales Cloud

SAP Sales Cloud empowers sales teams with advanced analytics, AI-driven insights, and automation capabilities to drive revenue growth and customer satisfaction. With its intelligent features and predictive analytics, SAP Sales Cloud equips sales professionals with the tools they need to close deals faster and exceed targets.

5. Adobe Experience Cloud

Adobe Experience Cloud combines CRM with marketing automation and analytics tools to deliver engaging customer experiences across every touchpoint. By integrating data-driven insights with personalized marketing campaigns, Adobe Experience Cloud helps businesses create seamless, memorable experiences that drive customer loyalty and advocacy.

Top 5 Most Affordable CRM Softwares

Cost-effectiveness is a crucial factor for businesses, especially for startups and small enterprises operating on tight budgets. Affordable CRM software offers essential features at competitive prices, allowing businesses to optimize their operations without breaking the bank. These budget-friendly solutions often come with flexible pricing plans, ensuring scalability as the business expands. Additionally, affordable CRM software typically includes customer support and updates, minimizing hidden costs and maximizing value for money. By investing in cost-effective CRM solutions, businesses can allocate resources strategically, fostering sustainable growth and long-term success.

Here are the top five most affordable CRM software solutions that offer excellent value for money:

1. Pipedrive

Pipedrive's intuitive interface and flexible pricing plans make it a favorite among small businesses and sales teams. It offers pipeline management, email integration, and sales forecasting features at affordable rates. The user-friendly design ensures smooth navigation and efficient sales processes, earning it high praise from users worldwide.

Pipedrive’s essential tier starts at $14 per month.

Pipedrive's ability to streamline tedious activities makes the low price point even sweeter.
(Image Source: Pipedrive)

2. Insightly

Insightly provides CRM and project management functionalities in one platform, catering to the needs of small and midsize businesses at budget-friendly prices. A seamless integration of CRM and project management streamlines operations and enhances collaboration, making it a valuable asset for growing organizations.

Insightly’s beginning price starts at $29 per month.

3. Nimble

Nimble's pricing model is designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes, with features like contact management, social media integration, and sales pipeline tracking available at affordable rates. The focus on relationship building and social selling empowers businesses to engage with prospects and customers effectively, driving growth and revenue.

Nimble has a 14-day free trial that will switch to $24.90 per-month.

4. Less Annoying CRM

True to its name, Less Annoying CRM offers a hassle-free experience at an affordable price point, with straightforward pricing and essential CRM features tailored for small businesses. A minimalistic approach prioritizes simplicity and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs and small teams seeking a straightforward CRM solution.

The starting price is $15 per month plus tax.

5. Agile CRM

Agile CRM combines sales, marketing, and service automation features in one platform, offering scalable pricing plans suitable for startups and growing businesses looking for budget-friendly CRM solutions. The comprehensive suite of tools empowers businesses to manage customer interactions across the entire lifecycle, driving efficiency and productivity.

Agile CRM has a free plan available where starting plans will change to $8.99 per month.

Top 5 CRM Softwares for Sales/Marketing ROI Tracking

Measuring the return on investment (ROI) of sales and marketing efforts is essential for optimizing strategies and maximizing revenue generation. CRM software equipped with robust ROI tracking capabilities enables businesses to analyze the effectiveness of their campaigns and identify areas for improvement. By identifying the most profitable marketing channels and campaigns, companies can focus their efforts on strategies that deliver the highest returns, resulting in increased profitability and competitiveness.

Here are the top five CRM software solutions renowned for their sales and marketing ROI tracking features:

1. Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM offers advanced analytics and reporting tools to track sales performance, marketing campaigns, and customer engagement metrics, helping businesses measure ROI effectively.

Keping data organized, accessible, and measurable — that's the Zoho goal.
(Image Source: Zoho)

2. HubSpot CRM

HubSpot CRM's built-in reporting dashboard provides insights into marketing and sales activities, allowing businesses to assess the ROI of their inbound marketing efforts and sales initiatives.

3. Salesforce

Salesforce's comprehensive analytics tools enable businesses to track the ROI of marketing campaigns, sales activities, and customer interactions, empowering data-driven decision-making.

4. Pipedrive

Pipedrive's sales reporting features allow businesses to monitor the ROI of their sales efforts, track deal progress, and identify areas for improvement to optimize revenue generation.

5. Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers powerful analytics capabilities to measure the ROI of sales and marketing activities, providing actionable insights to drive business growth and profitability.

Top 5 Most Customizable CRM Softwares

Every business is unique, with its own set of processes, workflows, and requirements. Customizable CRM software allows businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs, ensuring optimal efficiency and effectiveness.

(Luckily, this is our specialty here at Active Logic. Organizations such as Stanford University, Nelnet/Aware 3, and Penmac Staffing have long trusted us with the management & development of their tailored CRM solutions)

By adapting the CRM system to their unique requirements, businesses can enhance user adoption and maximize the value derived from their investment. Moreover, customizable CRM software fosters scalability, enabling businesses to evolve and grow without outgrowing their CRM solution.

Here are the top five CRM software solutions renowned for their customization abilities:

1. Salesforce

Salesforce's extensive customization options, including custom objects, fields, and workflows,
empower businesses to create tailored CRM solutions that align with their unique processes and objectives.

2. Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers a flexible platform with extensive customization capabilities, allowing
businesses to adapt the CRM system to their evolving needs and requirements.

3. Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM's drag-and-drop customization interface enables businesses to modify layouts, fields, and modules easily, ensuring the CRM system reflects their unique business processes.

4. HubSpot CRM

HubSpot CRM's flexible customization options allow businesses to create custom properties, workflows, and reporting dashboards, ensuring the CRM system meets their specific requirements.

5. Insightly

Insightly's customizable CRM platform enables businesses to create custom fields, pipelines, and automation rules, ensuring the system adapts to their unique workflows and processes.

Selecting the right CRM software is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on your business's success. Whether you prioritize cost-effectiveness, popularity, affordability, ROI tracking, or customization, the top five CRM software options outlined in this article offer a diverse range of solutions to meet your needs and objectives. By carefully evaluating your requirements and exploring these top contenders, you can find the perfect CRM software to streamline your operations, enhance customer relationships, and drive business growth.

Looking for a Customized CRM for Your Business?

Well you're in the right place. Our team of expert software developers are ablet to not only build your ideal solution, but work with you to conceptualize what that 'ideal' looks like to begin with. Whether you've got a pre-existing solution or are looking to build a suite from the ground up, feel free to contact us!