In this article, we will discuss the top free and conditionally best free CRM software for 2023. CRM software keeps a database of customers, and works with transactions, documents, sales, and calls.

CRM: what is it?

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) automates many processes related to communicating with customers and partners. It also allows you to configure interactions between departments within a company.

It aims to increase conversions and, in turn, revenues. CRM simplifies company processes, eliminates some of the routine work from managers, speeds up the processing of information, and structures it.

What are the benefits of implementing CRM?

As per a Finances Online article, CRM on average pays for itself eight times over. And in 2011, the investment was averaging a five-fold return on investment, an increase of 38% since then, and it continues to grow. Furthermore, you have a free trial period during which you do not have to pay anything.

What is the best CRM system to choose?

You should analyze your company’s needs before purchasing and configuring CRM software. Most often, this helps professionals who implement CRM determine the company’s problems and objectives.

Answer the following questions to determine what kind of CRM solution you need:

What is the budget for purchasing, training employees to use the program, and further monthly payments?

With the CRM, what tasks do you hope to accomplish?

Is there anything else you need in addition to CRM: cloud service, IP telephony, etc.?

Is there any plan to expand the program’s functionality in the future?

Is it necessary to set up individual CRM access?

CRM platforms that are free or conditionally free

As a first point, we need to note that there is no completely free CRM that has sufficient functionality for work. The majority of serious products in this area offer a trial period: 14 days for example, or a limited number of users and features. To get to know a particular system and determine if it is right for you, this is sufficient time.

Nothing stops you from buying the full version and using the tools to the fullest extent if you want to test them out to the fullest extent.

A good free CRM should have the following features

• Our rating includes only those programs with all the basic features, even in the free version.
• Management of counterparty cards, customizable fields, and autofill.
• Keeping track of transactions at various stages, controlling their status.
• Create projects and individual tasks for employees, and collaborate on them.

Our CRM should work online, without installing special applications. The last important factor is the entry threshold: the easier the program is to use, the better.

Now for the rating!

The Hubspot Company

The free version of this program is available to an unlimited number of users and was developed in 2006 in the United States.

The advantages are:

• With the free plan, you can access all the basic features of the software.
• Email marketing at its best.
• Integrates with Microsoft Office and social networking sites.

The disadvantages are:

Paid options are limited, so some companies may not be able to fully customize the platform.

24 Bitrix

The advantages are:

• A free version is available.
• Compatibility with other 1C programs.
• Using the built-in website builder, you can create a landing page to promote the company’s products.
• Creates and maintains a customer base for you.
• Based on a preset algorithm, divides customers into groups.
• Work with marketing, documents, orders, and customer payments in a convenient way.
• Sets up advertising campaigns.
• Provides analytics services.
• Customers can interact with it in a variety of ways: by phone, in chats, etc.
• Services can be cloud-based or boxed.

The disadvantages are:

There are few features in the free version.

If an employee has never used CRM systems or similar software before, they will need training on how to use the service.

Google Apps

Designed for small and medium-sized businesses, this system is free for three users.

The advantages are:

• Interface that is simple and clear.
• Social networks can be integrated with the service.
• The free version has a sufficient set of features.

The disadvantages are:

Emails cannot be sent from the free version.

Paid rates are expensive.

In a call center, CRM can be used because it integrates with cloud PBX (automatic telephone exchange). The program is free if you connect to cloud IP telephony, which costs 20-40 dollars a month. It is also suitable for companies where managers frequently communicate with clients by phone.

The advantages are:

• Basic features, data collection, and analysis are available.
• Data export and import capabilities.
• The program can be used by more than 50 users.
• A user-friendly interface with a clear display of the current cases.
• Calls are recorded in the journal and converted into text.

The disadvantages are:

• It is essential to have uninterrupted Internet access.
• Telephony is required to use the system.

CRM by AMO

Among the most popular programs in the rating of paid and conditionally free systems. The market has been active since 2009. Subscription fees range from $8 to $15 per month.

The advantages include:

• A cloud-based service eliminates the need for additional hardware.
• Most employees will be able to master the interface quickly.
• Installing the program application on users’ phones is possible.
• SaaS integration.

The disadvantages are:

• There is no free version.
• Using the program for a minimum of six months.
• Most companies have to buy cloud storage space because they lack disk space.
• Low-cost plans do not offer full functionality.