10 Best CRM Software I Found After Evaluating 30+ CRMs

Choosing the best CRM software can feel overwhelming. With countless options on the market, it’s easy to get lost in features, pricing models, and promises.

I’ve spent years working with sales and marketing teams, seeing firsthand what works and what doesn’t when it comes to managing customer relationships. Sitting with sales reps during their meetings taught me about their frustration with clunky software and deals falling apart because critical follow-ups slipped through the cracks. I’ve also seen my sales colleagues lose valuable time troubleshooting CRMs that were not designed to meet their needs.

A clunky or overly complicated CRM slows down your team and impacts your bottom line. The best CRM software acts as an extension of your sales process—empowering reps with insights, automating repetitive tasks, and enabling them to focus on what matters the most: building relationships and closing deals.

To help businesses avoid the missteps I’ve encountered in the past, I've partnered with sales professionals and Blue Bowen, our resident expert on CRM solutions, to assess 30+ CRM solutions based on real-world sales needs: usability, automation capabilities, scalability, reporting, and integration with email and marketing software. I’ve also analyzed G2 reviews to get a clearer picture of what real CRM users value most. These insights helped me understand the common pain points users face, ensuring the CRM recommendations below align with your business needs.

10 best CRM software for 2025: My top picks

A CRM helps you store customer contact details, manage the sales pipeline, gain insights into sales forecasting trends, and automate repetitive tasks like sending follow-up reminders. CRM tools let you share notes on customer interactions, so you can collaborate better with account executives, BDRs, and customer success teams. 

Best CRM software goes one step further by letting you access customer data, performance metrics, and sales pipeline from a single dashboard. I’m all about tools that make life easier, so I love it when CRM systems include automation for managing leads and running email campaigns. Plus, they integrate with analytics tools and calendars. And some also offer AI-powered insights to help you stay on top of high-value leads and sales KPIs. 

What I believe sets the best CRM software apart

The importance of CRM features depends on the role of end users and their daily tasks. Here's what I think sets the best CRMs apart from the rest. These are also the criterion based on which we evaluated the CRM solutions.

• Intuitive user interface: Ease of use is an absolute must for any software, no doubt about it. Working with the sales and marketing teams has shown me just how much different teams rely on their own set of metrics. If a CRM isn’t easy to use, they won’t be able to create role-specific dashboards with the key metrics and tasks they need. Plus, I know my sales teammates would love using drag-and-drop Kanban boards to visualize their deals, but can't do so if the CRM isn’t easy to use.
• Task and activity management: If you’re anything like me, you love task management software for how easily it keeps you on top of to-dos and deadlines. It’s the same with CRMs—I’ve noticed a lot of users prefer automatic task creation triggered by events like deal stage changes or lead inquiries. From what I’ve seen, they also really appreciate activity timelines that give a clear, chronological view of all interactions.
• Reporting and analytics: I’ve noticed my sales peers are big fans of custom report builders. They love real-time dashboards for tracking the latest metrics on sales pipelines, campaign performance, and support tickets. Plus, based on my research and G2 review data, CRM users today prefer tools with predictive analytics to forecast trends, spot churn risks, and suggest the next best steps.
• Integrated communication tools: Having spent a good amount of time with sales and marketing teams, I know the last thing they want is to bounce between tools before or after client meetings. That’s why it’s crucial for your CRM to have shared inbox capabilities and automatically log interactions—whether it’s emails, calls, or messages—and link them to the right accounts.
• Integration: I know for a fact that CRM users, myself included, love having solid integration options. Native integrations offer out-of-the-box connections to tools like marketing platforms, ERPs, accounting software, and customer support systems. Plus, you may also want API access in case you're building custom integrations for unique business needs.
• Advanced automation: CRM software with advanced workflow builders make it easy to set up time-based triggers—like automatically sending follow-up emails after a demo. I’ve also seen my sales teammates get excited about event-driven automation, where things like form submissions or customer interactions trigger real-time responses.

Over the past few weeks, I've evaluated over 30 CRM tools, and the 10 that made the cut really stood out. They impressed me with how easy they are to use, their ability to automate sales processes, deliver data-driven insights, and handle task management.

To be included in the CRM software category, a product must:

• Offer a set of sales-focused tools
• Manage leads, contacts, accounts, and opportunities effortlessly
• Capture and store all sales activities and interactions in one place
• Combine customer history and transactions into a single, easy-to-use interface
• Track prospects and contacts as they move through the sales pipeline
• Support communication at every stage of the customer lifecycle
• Provide reporting tools to monitor and improve sales performance
• Streamline processes with workflow automation features
• Bring everything together on one unified database and platform

1. Salesforce Sales Cloud

I’ve come across consistently strong feedback on Salesforce Sales Cloud's comprehensive CRM capabilities. Users highlight its ability to manage leads, contacts, and opportunities seamlessly, while also appreciating the advanced reporting tools and real-time dashboards that support data-driven decision-making.

What stands out across many reviews is the platform’s high level of customization and scalability. I’ve read that businesses can adapt Salesforce to suit their unique workflows and that it scales effectively as teams grow. The integration capabilities are another major plus—users frequently mention how well it connects with marketing automation tools, accounting software, and customer support platforms.

That said, I’ve noticed some recurring concerns. Many users mention that the platform’s vast feature set can be overwhelming at first, especially for those new to CRM systems. While customization is a key strength, it often requires technical know-how, which can introduce delays if in-house expertise is limited.

Pricing is another consideration—advanced features can drive up costs, which may be challenging for smaller businesses. Additionally, I’ve seen feedback pointing to occasional performance slowdowns when handling large volumes of data.

What I dislike about Salesforce Sales Cloud:

• While the integration capabilities are powerful, I’ve read multiple G2 reviewers mention struggles with achieving the desired setup without technical expertise.
• I’ve noticed that G2 users often express concern over pricing, especially for smaller businesses, as costs tend to rise with added features and users.

What G2 users dislike about Salesforce Sales Cloud:

“The new Salesforce Lightning version has so many click-throughs and is generally slower. It takes a lot of time to hover over links to reveal key data items you need to see, or worse, having to open multiple browser tabs to see more detailed account/opportunity information.

There's so much data they are trying to show or link to on a page. Still, I find that most important data is buried or hidden behind ‘view more/all’ links or shown in the pop-up windows, so I constantly have to dig deeper to find what I need and often get lost in dozens of browser tabs.”

- Salesforce Sales Cloud Review, Ted G.

2. HubSpot Sales Hub

I’ve come across a lot of positive feedback about HubSpot Sales Hub, particularly around its user-friendly design and productivity-focused tools. One standout feature that users frequently mention is the Prospecting Workspace. It brings daily sales activities into one centralized view, which many say helps them stay organized and avoid the distraction of switching between tools.

Another feature that consistently gets praise is the Meeting Scheduler. I’ve read that its seamless calendar integration makes it easy for prospects to book time, reducing the need for back-and-forth emails. The Sequences functionality is also well-received—it allows for automated, personalized follow-ups that maintain a human touch, which users find valuable for nurturing leads efficiently.

While the overall usability is a strength, I’ve noticed that some users feel the more advanced tools can be a bit daunting initially. There are also comments about the limited customization options, especially in the free or entry-level tiers, which can restrict flexibility for growing teams. Additionally, a few reviewers have pointed out that contact management features could be more robust, especially when compared to other CRM platforms in the market.

What I dislike about HubSpot Sales Hub:

• Based on my review of G2 feedback, customization options can feel limited—particularly for businesses on lower-tier plans.
• I’ve come across noticeable dissatisfaction around the contact management system, with users finding it less effective for handling complex relationships.

What users dislike:

“I wish you could organize the static lists better. When referring to leads in a list, you cannot click ‘next’ within the list to go to the next lead. You have to go back to the main list page and click on a different contact when it would be much more ideal if you didn't have to keep going back.”

- HubSpot Sales Hub Review, Cole L.

3. ActiveCampaign

From what I’ve seen, ActiveCampaign earns praise for effectively blending CRM functionality with robust marketing automation. Many users appreciate how the platform streamlines customer relationship management while enabling complex, dynamic workflows that make personalized engagement easier and more efficient.

I’ve read that one of its biggest strengths is ease of use—after the initial learning curve, teams often find it intuitive to manage customer lists and launch campaigns. The wide range of integration options also stands out. Whether it’s connecting to eCommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce or other business tools, users note the process is smooth and reliable.

The platform’s customer-centric approach also receives frequent mention. I’ve come across positive feedback about ActiveCampaign’s responsive and helpful support team, which plays a big role in reducing downtime during troubleshooting. In addition, its segmentation and behavioral targeting tools are highly valued for enabling personalized campaigns that resonate with different audiences.

That said, there are a few areas where users see room for improvement. The email template editor is often described as slightly clunky, with limited design flexibility. I’ve also noticed that some of the more advanced features can feel overwhelming without referring to the help documentation. Pricing is another concern—several small business users mention that the cost can add up quickly as feature needs expand.

What I dislike about ActiveCampaign:

• I’ve noticed users mention that the email editor can feel a bit clunky, making it harder to create and customize emails smoothly.
• Negative feedback tends to focus on pricing, with many users noting that it can be a challenge for smaller businesses, especially as costs increase with additional features.

What G2 users dislike about ActiveCampaign:

"I dislike the pricing model. It almost feels like we are penalized for growing our database because the more people in there, the more expensive it gets. I also don't know that I feel that it's incredibly intuitive. I spend a lot of time learning how to do things by reading articles in the Support section. I'm usually able to figure it out, but I wish it was more intuitive."

- ActiveCampaign Review, Karin C.

4. ClickUp

I’ve come across a lot of positive feedback on ClickUp as a versatile, feature-rich CRM and productivity tool. Users frequently highlight its flexibility in managing tasks and workflows, making it a strong choice for teams with diverse working styles and needs.

One of the most commonly praised aspects is ClickUp’s customizable interface. I’ve read that features like tags, custom fields, and multiple view options—such as Kanban boards, lists, calendars, and timelines—make it easy for teams to tailor their workspace. The ability to switch between views is a particular favorite among users, especially when team members prefer different formats. Integrations with tools like Slack and Google Drive also come up often, allowing for smooth communication and file sharing.

ClickUp also gets credit for helping users consolidate their work. By combining tasks, documents, reminders, and automation in one place, many teams have found it easier to stay organized without needing multiple tools. Features like task dependencies and workflow automation are often mentioned for giving a clearer view of project progress and resource allocation. For small teams, the free tier and cost-effective premium plans are seen as a big advantage.

That said, I’ve noticed several users mention that the initial setup can be overwhelming due to the breadth of features. There’s often a learning curve to tailoring the platform effectively. Performance issues—like occasional lags, bugs, and delayed notifications—also surface in reviews, particularly on large or complex projects. Additionally, while ClickUp rolls out frequent updates, some users feel the platform focuses more on releasing new features than refining existing ones, which can impact stability and reliability.

What I dislike about ClickUp:

• I’ve come across multiple G2 reviews mentioning that it takes time to fully understand the vast number of features, which can be overwhelming for new users.
• I’ve noticed some G2 reviewers express frustration with occasional lags, bugs, and delayed notifications, which can disrupt workflows and impact user experience.

What G2 users dislike about ClickUp:

"In some cases, preparing our entire work team may be a little slow, due to the large number of functions and customization options that can be overwhelming for new users, requiring training time.

It may be that when working with many tasks and projects simultaneously, we feel a little slow down, but I think it does not affect the team's efficiency.

Although the free version is robust, certain advanced features come at a cost that can be high compared to other tools.

On the other hand, the interface could sometimes look complex compared to the structure of other similar platforms, making it difficult to quickly navigate large projects."

- ClickUp Review, Jose R.

5. Close

While exploring Close, I’ve noticed it’s often praised for its simplicity and ease of use, particularly for small to mid-sized sales teams. The interface is clean and intuitive, making daily operations straightforward even for those new to CRM tools.

One of the standout features I’ve come across is the integrated calling and email functionality. Users appreciate being able to manage all communications directly within the platform, streamlining workflows without needing to switch between tools. Smart Views—customizable, real-time mini-reports—also receive positive mentions for offering quick insights into lead activity and sales progress. Additionally, the bulk editing capability is valued for making it easy to update multiple records efficiently.

That said, several users feel Close can be somewhat limited as sales operations grow more complex. The platform’s automation and reporting tools aren’t as robust as some competitors, which may pose challenges for scaling teams with more advanced needs. Pricing is another concern—I've read feedback about limited flexibility in the plans and some frustration over unexpected increases.

Customer support experiences seem to be mixed. While basic queries are typically handled well, I’ve seen mentions that resolving more technical issues can take longer than expected. The data import process also gets occasional criticism, particularly around handling custom fields, which can slow down onboarding for teams migrating from other CRMs.

What I dislike about Close:

• Based on my review of G2 feedback, Close lacks comprehensive reporting and robust automation capabilities, which some users find limiting.
• I’ve seen multiple G2 reviewers mention frustration with the inflexible pricing structure and occasional unexpected price hikes, especially for businesses on a budget.

What G2 users dislike about Close:

“I would really like the ability to use my Close number to send as an iMessage. Nearly all of our clients have iPhones, and sending green texts looks bad and makes people think you're not texting a real person. And that person-to-person connection with our clients is super important.

Also, I'd really like more functionality on triggers for workflows. It seems pretty basic, and a lot of what we're trying to automate can't be done only in Close with the current native triggers. We have to integrate other services to get it to do what we want."

- Close Review, Nate E.

6. SAP Sales Cloud

From what I’ve seen, SAP Sales Cloud is a robust CRM solution designed for organizations managing complex, end-to-end sales processes. Users frequently highlight its comprehensive suite of features—from lead and opportunity management to account and territory planning—which makes it a strong fit for enterprise-level sales teams.

What stands out is its deep integration with the broader SAP ecosystem. I’ve read that syncing with SAP ERP and SAP S/4HANA allows for a unified view across departments, helping teams work from a single source of truth. The platform also earns praise for its flexibility, with customizable dashboards and advanced reporting that can scale with evolving business needs. Its built-in analytics and AI tools are often cited as valuable for generating predictive insights and supporting confident sales forecasting.

That said, the implementation process is widely noted as a challenge. I’ve come across several comments about the complexity involved in configuring SAP Sales Cloud to fit specific workflows. The learning curve is steep, and users often require extensive training to leverage the full range of capabilities.

Cost is another common concern. Given its enterprise focus, SAP Sales Cloud is not the most accessible option for smaller businesses or startups. Additionally, while the platform is feature-rich, I’ve seen users mention that customizing beyond standard modules can require significant effort or add-ons. Performance can also be inconsistent—some teams have reported occasional lags when working with large datasets, especially during peak usage periods.

What I dislike about SAP Sales Cloud:

• I’ve come across multiple G2 reviews mentioning that setting up SAP Sales Cloud can be challenging, requiring significant time and expertise to align it with team workflows.
• I’ve noticed some G2 reviewers express concern over the pricing, with many finding it steep and tough to justify, particularly for smaller businesses or those with tighter budgets.

What G2 users dislike about SAP Sales Cloud:

“Although it's an all-rounder, it doesn't integrate well with third-party solutions outside its ecosystem. That's its biggest drawback. Other minor drawbacks I've encountered are sometimes slow user support, though rare, and some occasional system issues.”

- SAP Sales Cloud Review, Kayci J.

7. Pipedrive

I’ve come across a lot of positive feedback about Pipedrive, especially when it comes to ease of use. Its clean, intuitive interface is one of its strongest points—many teams, including ours, found it easy to get started without needing much training. The visual sales pipelines are a real asset, helping users track deals, activities, and progress in real-time, which ultimately speeds up the sales cycle.

Another key advantage is its time-saving automation features. I’ve read that teams appreciate being able to streamline repetitive tasks so they can spend more time actually selling. On top of that, the pricing is considered reasonable for small teams or businesses looking for a straightforward CRM without the overhead of a complex setup.

However, Pipedrive isn’t without its limitations. While it does well with core pipeline management, it falls short on more advanced CRM capabilities. Users often mention that automation and email campaign features feel basic, and deeper customization isn’t always easy. Integrations can be hit or miss—many rely on third-party tools to sync with other platforms, which adds complexity and potential cost.

I’ve also noticed feedback around occasional bugs and inconsistencies, such as problems with document uploads or email deliverability. Reporting is another area where users feel the platform could be stronger. The analytics features are fairly limited, and truly customizable reports often require higher-tier plans. While the base pricing is attractive, the costs can add up quickly as your needs grow.

What I dislike about Pipedrive:

• I’ve noticed many G2 reviews mention that Pipedrive lacks robust automation and customizable email campaign tools, which can make it challenging to manage more complex needs.
• I’ve come across noticeable dissatisfaction around how Pipedrive relies on third-party tools for integrations, leading to added complexity and extra costs for users.

What g2 users dislike about Pipedrive:

“The lack of features in the Campaigns app is very frustrating, missing some basic things like ‘view in browser’ page hosting. Certain things about the interface make no sense, like editing email templates, setting up your meeting scheduler, etc. It's all hidden within contact records after many clicks instead of having their dedicated editing pages. With their funding/buy-out by Vista Equity Partners, I am not seeing as many features or updates to the app.”

- Pipedrive Review, Chris L.

8. Bigin by Zoho CRM

I’ve come across Bigin by Zoho CRM as a standout option for teams that value simplicity without compromising on functionality. One of the first things I noticed is how easy it is to get started—there’s barely any learning curve. The platform is intuitive, and most users seem to navigate it comfortably without needing to spend much time with documentation or onboarding guides.

The visual pipeline management is another highlight. It offers a clean, straightforward view of the sales stages, making it easy to track deals from initial contact to closure. I found the setup process smooth, and customizing the pipeline to align with our team’s sales flow took just a few minutes.

Bigin’s pricing model is also a major draw. It’s significantly more affordable than many other CRMs I’ve looked into, which makes it especially appealing for small businesses and startups. Despite its low cost, it still includes essential features like contact management, email integration, and basic automation—features that can really streamline daily operations.

That said, I’ve noticed a few limitations. The number of custom fields is relatively low, which can be a constraint for businesses with more specific data needs. While the email campaign functionality is useful, the absence of pre-designed templates can slow things down if you’re not ready to build from scratch.

Reporting is another area where Bigin could improve. The existing reports cover core metrics, but they lack depth and customization options. For teams looking to dive deeper into analytics or performance insights, the reporting tools may feel a bit too basic.

What I dislike about Bigin by Zoho CRM:

• Based on my review of overall user feedback, most users didn’t like the restrictions on adding custom fields, which limited flexibility in customization.
• I’ve noticed some G2 reviewers mention frustration with the lack of pre-designed email templates, as creating templates from scratch added extra work when managing email campaigns.

What G2 users dislike about Bigin by Zoho CRM:

“Browser notifications are missing. The email templates could improve slightly, and the default system notifications can´t be modified. Dashboards do not have a PDF export option. Can´t determine incoming internet message access protocol (IMAP) messages dates; it just grabs everything that the inbox connected has.”

- Bigin by Zoho CRM Review, Mario U.

9. Thryv

I’ve come across several reviews highlighting Thryv as a comprehensive CRM solution that brings scheduling, client communication, and even social media management into one platform. This all-in-one approach seems especially valuable for small businesses looking to streamline their operations.

From what I’ve read, users appreciate that Thryv includes practical tools like automated appointment reminders and built-in marketing features. These seem to help many stay organized and nurture client relationships without juggling multiple platforms.

Another recurring theme I’ve noticed is the praise for Thryv’s customer support. Many users mention the reliability of their 24/7 assistance and note that support is easily accessible via chat, phone, or email—something that seems to offer peace of mind when issues arise.

That said, some users mention a learning curve when getting started with the platform. I’ve also seen feedback around the pricing, which a few feel is on the higher side compared to similar tools. Additionally, there are occasional concerns about feature limitations—for instance, certain integrations, like with dialer systems, don’t appear to be supported.

What I dislike about Thryv:

• I’ve come across multiple G2 reviews mentioning that getting familiar with all the features took more time than most users expected, which can be a learning curve.
• I’ve noticed some G2 reviewers express frustration with how Thryv doesn't connect with certain dialer systems that many users rely on, leading to integration challenges.

What G2 users dislike about Thryv:

“While there are areas to include standard business information, webpage, phone number, etc., there are too many instances where the same information is requested in other modules or fields. This is not a significant issue until you change an address or a number. Then, it becomes a challenge to locate each field so it can be edited.”

- Thryv Review, Mike P.

10. Monday CRM

I've noticed that  Monday CRM is widely praised for its user-friendly interface and high level of customization. The platform's design makes it easy to navigate, even for those without much technical experience. I’ve read that users appreciate how the workflows are visualized clearly, whether through Kanban boards, timelines, or simple lists, making it easier to track progress.

What I dislike about Monday CRM:

• I’ve noticed some G2 reviewers mention that key features, like advanced time tracking, are only available in higher-tier plans, which can be limiting for some users.
• I’ve come across noticeable dissatisfaction around the reporting options, with many users feeling that the available reports are too simple and lacking the level of detail and customization they need.

What users dislike:

"I hate that there is no undo button, so if you accidentally remove data or change the wrong line item, it is difficult to get the old information back. My company utilizes mirror columns and connected boards a good bit; I wish that Monday would work on updates for that process to simplify how you make everything connect and work through multiple boards."

- Monday CRM Review, Jody O.

CRM software: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions related to a CRM solution.

1. Which CRM software is the best? 

After analyzing G2 user reviews, we found that Salesforce Sales Cloud, HubSpot Sales Hub, and ActiveCampaign are the best CRM software options.

2. What is the easiest CRM to use?

From the 30+ CRM software we evaluated reviews for, Floww.ai, Less Annoying CRM, and Capsule CRM stood out as the easiest to use. 

3. Which CRM is best for a small business?

Based on real reviews from CRM users, Salesforce Sales Cloud, HubSpot Sales Hub, and ActiveCampaign are the top three CRMs for small businesses. 

4. What is the best CRM software for startups?

Salesforce Sales Cloud, HubSpot Sales Hub, and ActiveCampaign. 

5. What are the challenges with CRM software?

After evaluating reviews for over 30 CRM software, I’ve identified the following common challenges:

• Overwhelming features: CRMs can include valuable features like lead management automation, analytics, email management, and more. Most companies ignore these extra features and focus on opportunity and contact management.
• Dated information: CRMs function as a repository of contact information. However, it can be challenging to update this information when contacts switch companies or change emails. You can solve this problem by removing outdated and duplicate entries from your CRM. Also, clean your contact database periodically.
• Change management: It is challenging for employees to change their work habits to adapt to a CRM. CRMs can be substantial in size and have countless features and peculiarities to figure out.

I’ve explored these CRMs, now it’s your turn.

By taking the time to evaluate what works best for your goals, you’ll find a CRM system that aligns with your vision and empowers your team to work more efficiently. For our team, the right CRM software made a huge difference in streamlining processes, improving communication, and staying on top of customer relationships.

We hope this list of the best CRM providers takes you one step closer to finding the right solution! 

Integrate your CRM tools with the best project management software to create smarter workflows.