Updated: August 17, 2025
A practical guide to the best free CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platforms you can use today—both cloud-based and open-source/self-hosted. Includes a quick comparison table and FAQs.
Table of Contents
Choosing the right Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool helps you organize contacts, manage leads, and improve sales performance. The good news: there are plenty of free CRM websites you can use today—no budget required.
🌐 Cloud-Based Free CRMs (Hosted)
These options are hosted online—no server or installation needed. Create an account and start using them immediately.
1) HubSpot CRM
- Free forever with unlimited users
- Contacts, deals, email tracking, meeting links, chatbot, dashboards
- Excellent integrations (Gmail, Outlook, Slack, Zapier, etc.)
- Best for: Sales & marketing teams that want an all-in-one hub
2) Freshsales (Freshworks)
- Built-in phone, email, chat, and deal management
- Free tier suitable for small teams
- Best for: Sales-led teams needing communication tools
3) Zoho CRM
- Automation, reports, lead/account/contact management
- Strong integration across the Zoho ecosystem
- Best for: SMBs that prefer a cohesive app suite
4) Agile CRM
- Email marketing, automation, landing pages
- Good for small teams (limits on users/contacts)
- Best for: Teams that need simple email campaigns + CRM
5) Bitrix24
- Unlimited users & contacts on the free plan
- CRM + collaboration + project tools; 5 GB cloud storage
- Best for: Teams wanting an all-in-one workspace
6) EngageBay
- Marketing automation, live chat, contact tracking
- Best for: Lead nurturing & customer engagement
7) ClickUp (CRM-like)
- Task/project management with pipelines & dashboards
- Great for productivity-first teams (not a full CRM)
👉 ClickUp
8) Insightly
- CRM + project management
- Good for very small teams getting started
📊 Quick Comparison Table
CRM Platform | Highlights | Best For |
---|---|---|
HubSpot CRM | Unlimited users, broad features, dashboards | Sales & marketing teams |
Freshsales | Built-in phone/chat/email, pipeline tools | Sales-heavy small teams |
Zoho CRM | Automation & reporting, Zoho integrations | SMBs using Zoho ecosystem |
Agile CRM | Email marketing + landing pages | Small marketing teams |
Bitrix24 | CRM + collaboration + projects | All-in-one workspace seekers |
EngageBay | Marketing automation & live chat | Lead nurturing |
ClickUp | Task/project-first with CRM views | Productivity-focused teams |
Insightly | CRM + project tracking | Very small teams |
🖥️ Open-Source / Self-Hosted CRMs
If you prefer hosting your own CRM for more control, privacy, and customization, consider these open-source platforms.
1) SuiteCRM
- Popular open-source CRM for sales, marketing, and support
- Rich extension ecosystem and active community
👉 SuiteCRM
2) EspoCRM
- Lightweight, customizable, and analytics-friendly
- Modern UI with REST API for integrations
👉 EspoCRM
3) ERPNext
- Full ERP with CRM module (sales, accounting, HR, inventory)
- Great for businesses needing more than CRM
👉 ERPNext
4) Dolibarr
- Modular ERP & CRM—easy to install and extend
- Good documentation and community modules
👉 Dolibarr
5) Vtiger (Community Edition)
- Open-source edition with core CRM features
- Also offers a free cloud version for small teams
6) YetiForce
- Advanced CRM with granular modules and permissions
- Best for technical users who want deep configuration
7) CiviCRM (Non‑profits)
- Built for NGOs; excellent donor & event management
- Integrates with WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla
👉 CiviCRM
✅ Conclusion
If you want something simple and quick, start with HubSpot CRM or Zoho CRM—both are free and beginner‑friendly. Prefer to self‑host and customize? Check out SuiteCRM or EspoCRM. Need a complete business suite? ERPNext or Dolibarr provide ERP + CRM in one.
❓ FAQs
What is the best truly free CRM?
HubSpot CRM is a popular “free forever” choice with generous features and unlimited users, making it a great starting point for most teams.
Which free CRM is best for self‑hosting?
SuiteCRM and EspoCRM are top open‑source options with active communities and robust features.
Is there an all‑in‑one free CRM + ERP?
ERPNext and Dolibarr include CRM within a broader ERP, ideal for businesses that need accounting, inventory, and HR alongside CRM.
Tags: CRM, Free Software, Open Source, Business Tools, HubSpot, Zoho CRM, SuiteCRM