In the early days of a startup, every lead, conversation, and relationship feels monumental. Juggling contacts in spreadsheets or scattered email threads quickly becomes a bottleneck to growth. A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system isn't a luxury; it's the operational backbone for building a repeatable sales process and nurturing customer relationships. But high software costs can be a major hurdle for new businesses. This guide cuts through the noise to showcase the 12 best free CRM for startups available today, so you can start organizing your sales pipeline without spending a dime.
We'll dive deep into what each platform truly offers on its free tier, exposing the practical limitations and highlighting the specific scenarios where each one shines. This isn't just a list of features. It's a detailed comparison with screenshots and direct links to help you find a tool that scales with you, not against you. Before committing to a paid plan, it's helpful to understand the landscape of the best sales CRM software options to see what features are standard across the industry. Our goal is to equip you with the insights needed to select a powerful, genuinely free CRM that fits your team's workflow and helps you grow your business from day one.
1. HubSpot Free CRM
HubSpot’s platform is arguably the best free CRM for startups that need an all-in-one solution without an initial investment. It goes far beyond simple contact management, offering a suite of free tools for marketing, sales, and customer service. Startups can immediately set up a sales pipeline, track deals, and manage customer interactions in a single, clean dashboard.
What makes HubSpot stand out is its seamless integration and scalability. As your startup grows, you can unlock more advanced features by upgrading to paid "Hubs," but the free version is incredibly robust on its own. It's perfect for teams that want to hit the ground running without a complex implementation process.
Core Features & Limitations
| Feature | Details | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Management | Track unlimited contacts, companies, and deals. | Some advanced data properties are paid. |
| Email Marketing | 2,000 email sends per month. | All emails include HubSpot branding. |
| Live Chat & Bots | Add chat widgets to your website for lead capture. | Advanced chatbot logic requires a paid plan. |
| Reporting Dashboard | Access pre-built dashboards for sales and service. | Custom reporting is a premium feature. |
Who Is It Best For?
HubSpot is ideal for early-stage startups, particularly those in the US, that prioritize ease of use and a wide range of free tools. If your team needs a central hub for sales, marketing, and service activities with minimal setup, this is an excellent starting point. If you need a solid foundation in contact management, you can learn more about the basics of customer relationship management.
Website: HubSpot Free CRM
2. Zoho CRM (Free Edition)
Zoho CRM's free edition is a powerful and best free CRM for startups that need a mature, dedicated sales tool for a small team. It provides a solid foundation for managing leads, contacts, and deals without overwhelming users with unnecessary features. For startups with up to three users, Zoho’s free plan offers a robust, no-cost entry point into a comprehensive sales ecosystem.
The platform’s strength lies in its scalability within the wider Zoho ecosystem. While the free version is a standalone powerhouse for sales activities, it seamlessly connects to other Zoho apps as your business grows. This makes it an excellent choice for startups anticipating future needs for more advanced marketing, finance, or HR tools, ensuring a smooth growth path.
Core Features & Limitations
| Feature | Details | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Force Automation | Manage leads, contacts, accounts, and deals. | Free for up to 3 users only. |
| Workflow & Automation | Automate basic tasks and set up standard workflows. | Advanced automation and AI (Zia) are paid features. |
| Integrations | Connect with other Zoho apps and some third-party tools. | Deeper API access and extensive integrations require paid plans. |
| Document Management | Store and share documents associated with contacts. | Storage limits are modest on the free tier. |
Who Is It Best For?
Zoho CRM is ideal for small, sales-focused startups (up to three people) that need a dedicated tool for managing their pipeline and customer relationships. It's a fantastic choice for founders who foresee scaling their operations and want a platform that can grow with them, eventually tapping into a full suite of integrated business applications.
Website: Zoho CRM (Free Edition)
3. Freshsales by Freshworks (Free plan)
Freshsales positions itself as one of the best free CRM for startups focused squarely on sales activities. Its modern interface and built-in communication tools, including a phone and chat, make it a powerful choice for teams that need to connect with leads across multiple channels without juggling different applications. The platform is designed for speed and simplicity, allowing small sales teams to get started quickly.
What makes Freshsales stand out is its unified approach to sales communication. Even on the free plan, you can manage contacts, track deals on a Kanban board, and communicate directly from the CRM. This tight integration is perfect for startups aiming to build efficient sales processes from day one, ensuring no lead falls through the cracks.
Core Features & Limitations
| Feature | Details | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Contact & Deal Management | Visually track contacts, accounts, and deals on a Kanban board. | Limited to 3 users on the free plan. |
| Built-in Communication | Integrated phone, email, and chat capabilities. | Phone credits and bulk emails require paid plans. |
| Email Templates | Create and reuse templates for common sales communications. | Lacks advanced personalization and tracking. |
| Mobile App | Access CRM data and manage tasks on the go. | Some advanced features are desktop-only. |
Who Is It Best For?
Freshsales is ideal for small, sales-driven startups that need a straightforward tool with built-in communication features. If your team lives on the phone and in email, the free plan provides a frictionless way to track interactions and manage your pipeline. It’s a great fit for those looking to implement strong sales enablement best practices without the complexity of an all-in-one suite.
Website: Freshsales Free CRM
4. Bitrix24 (Free plan)
Bitrix24 offers a unique position as a best free CRM for startups by bundling powerful CRM features with a full-blown collaboration and project management suite. Its free plan supports unlimited users, making it an excellent choice for growing teams that need more than just contact management. It provides a central workspace for tasks, projects, communication, and sales, all without a price tag.
What sets Bitrix24 apart is its all-in-one approach. While other CRMs focus purely on sales, Bitrix24 integrates internal company operations directly with the customer relationship journey. This is ideal for startups where sales, marketing, and project delivery teams work closely together and need shared visibility.
Core Features & Limitations
| Feature | Details | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| CRM with Pipelines | Manage deals across customizable sales funnels. | Only one pipeline is included in the free plan. |
| Project Management | Create and manage tasks, projects, and Gantt charts. | Advanced features like task dependencies are paid. |
| Contact Center | Includes live chat, web forms, and social media integrations. | Telephony integrations and call tracking are paid. |
| Website Builder | Build and host unlimited landing pages and websites. | Bitrix24 branding is present on all free sites. |
Who Is It Best For?
Bitrix24 is best for startups that need a unified platform for both customer management and internal collaboration. If your team requires robust project management tools alongside a functional CRM and can handle a steeper learning curve, this is a cost-effective solution. You can also explore more dedicated tools for sales pipeline management software if that's your primary focus.
Website: Bitrix24 (Free plan)
5. Streak CRM for Gmail (Free tools)
For startups that live and breathe inside Gmail, Streak is a unique and lightweight CRM that integrates directly into your inbox. It transforms your email into a flexible, fully-featured customer management tool, eliminating the need to switch between tabs. This email-centric approach allows you to track sales pipelines, manage contacts, and follow up on deals without ever leaving Gmail.
What makes Streak stand out is its simplicity and incredibly fast setup. As a Chrome extension, it installs in seconds and builds pipelines right alongside your emails. This makes it an excellent free CRM for startups, especially for solo founders or small teams who want to manage their sales process with minimal friction and zero learning curve.
Core Features & Limitations
| Feature | Details | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Pipelines in Gmail | Create and manage custom pipelines inside your inbox. | The free plan is limited to private, individual pipelines. |
| Email Tracking | View tracking for up to 200 emails per month. | Unlimited tracking requires a paid plan. |
| Mail Merge & Snippets | Use 50 mail merge sends and create unlimited snippets. | Higher limits on mail merge are a premium feature. |
| Contact Management | Automatically link emails to contacts and organizations. | Lacks the advanced reporting of standalone CRMs. |
Who Is It Best For?
Streak is ideal for solo founders, freelancers, and small teams deeply integrated with the Google Workspace ecosystem. If your sales process is primarily driven by email and you want the fastest possible way to get organized without adopting a separate, complex platform, Streak's free plan offers a powerful and seamless solution directly within your inbox.
Website: Streak CRM for Gmail
6. Capsule CRM (Free plan)
Capsule CRM offers a refreshingly simple approach, making it one of the best free CRM for startups transitioning from spreadsheets. Its "free forever" plan is designed for small teams that prioritize ease of use and relationship management over complex features. The platform focuses on core CRM functions like contact and opportunity tracking, presented in a clean, intuitive interface.
What makes Capsule stand out is its minimal learning curve. Startups can get up and running in minutes, connecting their Gmail or Outlook inboxes to centralize communication without feeling overwhelmed. It’s an ideal choice for teams that need a tidy, no-frills system to organize their sales activities from day one.
Core Features & Limitations
| Feature | Details | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Management | Store and manage contacts, organizations, and communications. | Limited to just 250 contacts on the free plan. |
| Sales Pipeline | Track deals and opportunities on a single sales pipeline. | Only one pipeline is available; more require an upgrade. |
| User & Storage Limits | The free plan accommodates up to 2 users. | Storage is capped at 50 MB. |
| Integrations | Connects with Gmail and Outlook via free add-ins. | Most other integrations are reserved for paid tiers. |
Who Is It Best For?
Capsule CRM is perfect for solo founders or two-person teams that need a basic, clean system to manage their initial contacts and sales funnel. If you find other CRMs too bloated and simply want to organize client relationships without a steep learning curve, Capsule’s free plan is an excellent starting point.
Website: Capsule CRM
7. EngageBay (Free CRM & Sales Bay)
EngageBay positions itself as a powerful, affordable all-in-one platform, making it a strong contender for the best free CRM for startups looking beyond basic contact management. Its free plan combines sales, marketing, and service tools, allowing you to manage deals while also running email campaigns and building landing pages without juggling multiple subscriptions.
What sets EngageBay apart is the breadth of marketing features included in its free tier. While other CRMs focus purely on sales pipelines, EngageBay gives startups the tools to generate and nurture leads from day one. It's an excellent choice for teams that need to run lean marketing operations alongside their sales efforts.
Core Features & Limitations
| Feature | Details | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Management | Store up to 250 contacts and companies. | Contact limit is low compared to competitors. |
| Email Marketing | 1,000 branded emails per month with sequences. | Limited sending volume before upgrading. |
| Landing Pages | Build and host landing pages for lead capture. | Advanced features require a paid subscription. |
| Scheduling | Allows prospects to book appointments directly. | Customization options are basic on the free plan. |
Who Is It Best For?
EngageBay is ideal for solo founders and small startups that need an integrated marketing and sales solution on a tight budget. If your strategy involves email campaigns, landing pages, and appointment setting, this platform provides a unified toolkit to get started. For more ideas on capturing new customers, you can explore some lead generation best practices.
Website: EngageBay Free Sales Plan
8. Bigin by Zoho CRM (Free plan)
Bigin is Zoho’s answer for startups needing a lightweight, pipeline-centric CRM. It strips away the complexity of its enterprise-grade sibling, Zoho CRM, offering a solution that is arguably one of the best free CRM for startups focused purely on managing deals. The free plan is designed for individual users, making it perfect for solo founders or freelancers testing the waters of sales management.
What makes Bigin stand out is its simplicity and mobile-first design. Everything revolves around a visual sales pipeline, allowing you to track deals from initial contact to close with minimal friction. While the free version is restrictive, it provides a clean, user-friendly entry point into the Zoho ecosystem with a clear and affordable upgrade path as your team grows.
Core Features & Limitations
| Feature | Details | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Deal Management | Manage one customizable sales pipeline. | Limited to just one pipeline on the free plan. |
| Contact Records | Store up to 500 contacts, companies, and deals. | Low record limit requires upgrading for growth. |
| Built-in Telephony | Make and receive calls directly within the CRM. | Call credits must be purchased separately. |
| Integrations | Connect with Zapier, Zoho Forms, and other apps. | Native integrations are limited compared to paid plans. |
Who Is It Best For?
Bigin's free plan is ideal for individual founders, freelancers, or micro-businesses that need a straightforward, pipeline-focused tool to organize their sales process. If you find comprehensive CRMs overwhelming and just want to visualize your deal flow, Bigin offers a clean, effective, and free starting point. It’s particularly useful for those anticipating growth, as transitioning to paid plans or the full Zoho CRM is seamless.
Website: Bigin by Zoho CRM
9. Vtiger One Pilot (Free Cloud) + Open Source
Vtiger offers a unique dual-path for startups, providing both a free cloud plan and a self-hosted open-source version. The “Pilot” edition is a free-forever cloud CRM for up to 10 users, making it a great choice for small teams needing core sales, help desk, and inventory tools without any hosting overhead. This flexibility makes it one of the best free CRM for startups that want to choose their own deployment path based on technical resources.
The primary advantage of Vtiger is this choice. Startups can begin with the easy-to-use cloud version and, if they outgrow its limitations or require deeper customization, migrate to the open-source edition. This provides a clear, cost-effective scaling path without needing to switch platforms entirely.
Core Features & Limitations
| Feature | Details | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| User & Record Limits | Up to 10 users and 3,000 records on the free Pilot plan. | Open-source version has no limits but requires self-hosting. |
| Sales & Service Tools | Includes sales pipeline, basic automation, and a core help desk. | Advanced automation and AI features are paid. |
| Open-Source Option | Full access to the source code for complete customization. | Requires technical expertise and server resources to manage. |
| Booster Packs | Add extra features like email credits or storage for a small fee. | Can add costs to the "free" plan if needed regularly. |
Who Is It Best For?
Vtiger is ideal for tech-savvy startups or those with access to IT resources who value the control of an open-source solution. It's also a great fit for cost-conscious teams of 10 or fewer who can operate within the generous limits of the free Pilot cloud plan and appreciate having a self-hosted option for the future.
Website: Vtiger One Pilot Edition
10. Odoo (One App Free – CRM)
Odoo offers a unique proposition as a best free crm for startups with an eye on future growth. Its model allows you to use any single application, like their robust CRM, completely free for unlimited users. This makes it an incredibly scalable option for startups that want a powerful sales pipeline management tool today, with a clear path to an all-in-one business management suite tomorrow.
What sets Odoo apart is its modular nature. While the free CRM is powerful on its own, it exists within a massive ecosystem of business apps (like accounting, inventory, and project management). This provides an integrated upgrade path, eliminating the need to stitch together disparate systems as your company scales. It's perfect for startups that anticipate needing more than just a CRM in the long run.
Core Features & Limitations
| Feature | Details | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Users | Add your entire team to the CRM app at no cost. | This only applies to a single app; adding a second app triggers a paid plan. |
| Pipeline Management | Customize sales stages with a drag-and-drop interface. | Advanced BI and forecasting tools are part of the paid platform. |
| Lead & Opportunity Tracking | Manage leads, create opportunities, and schedule activities. | Integrations with external marketing tools may require paid connectors. |
| Quotation Builder | Create and send professional quotes directly from the CRM. | Advanced quote templates and e-signatures require other Odoo apps. |
Who Is It Best For?
Odoo is ideal for startups that need a free CRM with no user limits and foresee the need to integrate other business operations like accounting, project management, or manufacturing in the future. If you value a single, unified system and are willing to adopt the Odoo ecosystem as you grow, its free CRM module is an excellent entry point.
Website: Odoo (One App Free – CRM)
11. SuiteCRM (Open-source, free download)
SuiteCRM offers a unique proposition as a completely open-source and free CRM for startups with technical expertise. Unlike cloud-based SaaS products, you download the software and host it on your own servers, giving you complete control over your data and infrastructure. There are zero licensing fees, making it an incredibly cost-effective option for teams that can manage the technical setup.
What makes SuiteCRM stand out is its infinite customizability. Technical founders or startups with developers can modify the source code, build custom modules, and integrate it with any other system. It provides a powerful foundation for sales, marketing, and service automation without the limitations imposed by a vendor's pre-defined plans.
Core Features & Limitations
| Feature | Details | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Ownership | Host on-premise or on a private cloud for full data control. | Requires technical expertise for setup and maintenance. |
| Unlimited Customization | As an open-source platform, you can modify anything. | Out-of-the-box UI/UX is less polished than modern SaaS CRMs. |
| Core CRM Modules | Includes sales automation, marketing, and customer support. | Fewer native integrations; most require custom development. |
| Community Support | Access to a large, active community via forums for help. | No dedicated customer support team unless you purchase a plan. |
Who Is It Best For?
SuiteCRM is ideal for tech-savvy startups, especially those with in-house developers, who prioritize data ownership and deep customization over a plug-and-play experience. If you need a powerful, no-cost CRM that you can mold to your exact business processes and are comfortable with self-hosting and maintenance, SuiteCRM offers unparalleled freedom.
Website: SuiteCRM
12. ERPNext (Open-source with CRM module)
ERPNext offers a unique approach for startups looking for a best free crm for startups by packaging it within a full-featured, open-source ERP system. This is an ideal solution for businesses that anticipate needing more than just a CRM, such as inventory management, accounting, or HR modules, down the line. You can start with the free, self-hosted version and only use the CRM module, then activate other functions as your company scales.
While the self-hosted version is completely free, it demands technical expertise for setup and maintenance. For teams without an IT department, Frappe Cloud offers a managed hosting solution that simplifies deployment. This makes ERPNext a powerful, long-term platform that grows with you, far beyond basic contact management.
Core Features & Limitations
| Feature | Details | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Lead & Opportunity Tracking | Manage your entire sales funnel from lead to conversion. | Interface can feel complex compared to CRM-only tools. |
| Full ERP Suite | Includes accounting, inventory, manufacturing, and HR modules. | Overwhelming for teams that only need a simple CRM. |
| Email Integration | Sync your email accounts to track correspondence with leads. | Setup requires manual configuration. |
| Deployment Options | Free self-hosting or paid managed hosting on Frappe Cloud. | The free option requires significant technical skill to implement. |
Who Is It Best For?
ERPNext is best suited for tech-savvy startups or those with development resources that plan to integrate multiple business operations into one system. If you want a free platform that can eventually run your entire company-not just sales-this is a powerful, future-proof option. It's less ideal for teams needing a simple plug-and-play CRM.
Website: ERPNext
Free CRM Features Comparison for Startups
| CRM Solution | Core Features | User Experience | Value Proposition | Target Audience | Price Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HubSpot Free CRM | Contact/deal tracking, email marketing, chat | Fast setup, deep integrations | Generous free tools beyond CRM | Early startups, US market | Free with branding |
| Zoho CRM (Free Edition) | Leads/contacts/deals, docs, mobile, analytics | Mature platform, strong support | Richer app ecosystem as you scale | Very small teams | Free forever |
| Freshsales (Free plan) | Kanban, email templates, phone, chat, mobile | Easy to learn, multichannel | Clear upgrade path | Small sales teams | Free plan |
| Bitrix24 (Free plan) | CRM, website builder, project mgmt, chat | All-in-one suite, scalable | Unlimited users, teamwork focus | Startups needing collaboration | Free forever |
| Streak CRM for Gmail | Pipelines in Gmail, email tracking, snippets | Gmail native, fast setup | Lightweight, email-centric CRM | Solo founders, Google users | Free tools |
| Capsule CRM (Free plan) | Contacts/opportunities, activity log, mobile | Simple interface, minimal learning | Good starter for small teams | Relationship-driven small teams | Free for 2 users |
| EngageBay (Free CRM & Sales) | Contacts, email marketing, landing pages | Broad toolkit, easy migration | Marketing + CRM in free tier | Growing small businesses | Free with limits |
| Bigin by Zoho CRM | Pipeline, contacts, phone, dashboards | Streamlined, good integrations | Lightweight with upgrade path | Small teams/startups | Free for 1 user |
| Vtiger One Pilot (Free) | Sales pipeline, help desk, automation | Multiple free options, clear path | Cloud & open source options | Cost-sensitive startups | Free with caps |
| Odoo (One App Free) | Leads, pipeline, quotes, app marketplace | Unlimited users on 1 app | Modular ERP expansion | Companies wanting ERP + CRM | Free for single app |
| SuiteCRM (Open-source) | Sales, marketing, service modules | Highly customizable, requires setup | No license fees, flexible | Technical founders | Free download |
| ERPNext (Open-source) | Leads, email integration, full ERP modules | Scalable, managed hosting available | Free ERP with CRM | Teams needing full ERP | Free/self-hosted options |
Making Your Final Choice: Beyond the Feature List
We've explored a dozen of the best free CRM for startups, from the all-in-one powerhouses like HubSpot and Zoho to the nimble, niche solutions like Streak and Bigin. The truth is, there is no single "best" option. The right choice depends entirely on your unique business needs, your team's workflow, and your vision for growth.
Choosing a CRM isn't just about ticking off feature boxes. It's a strategic decision that will shape how you interact with your most valuable asset: your customers. The ideal free CRM for your startup is the one you will actually use, every single day.
From Theory to Action: Your Next Steps
You have the information, now it's time to act. Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis. Here’s a simple framework to guide your decision-making process:
- Identify Your Core Need: What is the single biggest problem you need a CRM to solve right now? Is it disorganized contact data, a leaky sales pipeline, or a lack of marketing automation? Pinpoint this primary pain point.
- Shortlist 2-3 Contenders: Based on your core need, select two or three CRMs from our list that seem like the best fit. For example, if you live in Gmail, your shortlist should include Streak. If you need a comprehensive solution with marketing tools, HubSpot and EngageBay are top candidates.
- Run a Small-Scale Test: Sign up for your shortlisted free plans. Don't try to migrate your entire business overnight. Instead, pick a small project or a handful of leads and run them through each system for a week. This hands-on experience is more valuable than any review.
- Evaluate User Adoption: Which tool did your team find easiest to use? A CRM with powerful features is useless if no one logs in. Simplicity and an intuitive interface often win, especially in a fast-moving startup environment.
Key Factors to Consider Before You Commit
As you test your options, keep these critical implementation factors in mind. Thinking about them now will save you major headaches later.
- Scalability: The free plan is your starting point, not your final destination. Look at the paid tiers. Can this CRM grow with you? Are the pricing jumps reasonable, and do the upgraded plans offer the features you'll need in six months or a year? A difficult migration can stall your momentum.
- Integration is Everything: Your CRM doesn't exist in a vacuum. How well does it connect with the other tools you rely on, like your email marketing platform, calendar, or accounting software? Check their integration marketplaces and API documentation. Strong connectivity streamlines workflows and creates a single source of truth.
- Data Quality and Hygiene: A CRM is only as powerful as the data within it. Before you import your contact lists, commit to a data hygiene strategy. Using a reliable B2B email verifier to clean your lists is a non-negotiable first step. This protects your sender reputation, boosts deliverability, and ensures your outreach efforts are based on accurate information.
Finding the best free CRM for startups is a foundational step in building a customer-centric business. Start with the tool that solves today’s problems, but choose with an eye on tomorrow’s ambitions. The right platform will not only organize your contacts; it will become the engine that powers your growth.