Find the Best CRM Tools

Our team of CRM experts signs up for each platform and uses it as a real startup sales team would for a minimum of two weeks. We import contacts, build pipelines, run email sequences, test integrations, and evaluate reporting. We also analyze thousands of verified user reviews from G2, Capterra, and TrustRadius to supplement our firsthand testing.

Each CRM receives an overall score from 0 to 10 based on a weighted rubric covering six criteria: ease of use, feature depth, pricing fairness, integration ecosystem, customer support, and scalability. Sub-scores are calculated individually and weighted based on what matters most to startup teams. We update scores quarterly as platforms release new features or change pricing.

We update our reviews and pricing information at least quarterly. When a major platform releases significant new features, changes pricing, or undergoes a rebrand, we update the affected reviews within two weeks. All review pages show the last-updated date so you know how current the information is.

Yes, we may earn affiliate commissions when you sign up for a CRM through our links. However, this never influences our ratings or rankings. Our editorial team operates independently from our business team, and many of our top-rated CRMs offer no affiliate program at all. We believe transparency builds trust, which is why we disclose this openly.

HubSpot CRM offers the most comprehensive free plan, with unlimited users, up to 1,000 contacts, and a solid pipeline view. For very small teams (2-3 people), Zoho CRM and Freshsales also offer capable free plans. Check our Free CRM category for a detailed comparison of all free plans.

Yes, but it gets harder the longer you wait. Most CRMs support CSV import and export, making basic migrations straightforward. Some platforms like HubSpot and Salesforce offer dedicated migration tools. The best approach is to choose a CRM that can scale with you, so look for platforms with affordable starter plans and reasonable upgrade paths rather than tools you will outgrow in six months.

A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platform is a centralized system for managing all customer interactions, contacts, and deal data. Sales tools like email outreach platforms, dialers, or prospecting tools handle specific tasks within the sales process. Many modern CRMs include built-in sales tools, blurring the line between the two. For startups, an all-in-one CRM that includes essential sales tools is usually the most cost-effective choice.

We are always looking to expand our coverage. If you know of a CRM that serves startups well and is not yet on our site, reach out to our editorial team. We prioritize platforms with active development, transparent pricing, and a genuine focus on startup and small business users.