Choosing the right CRM is more than just comparing features; it’s about finding the best value for your business.
Most CRMs cover the basics, but pricing can vary significantly based on factors like contact limits, advanced tools, and scalability. For example, a CRM pricing plan at $15 might include robust features but limit you to 250 contacts, while a $20 plan could allow 1,000 contacts but with fewer functionalities.
Understanding these pricing models is crucial to avoid overpaying for features you don’t need or outgrowing a budget-friendly plan too soon.
In this best CRM pricing comparison guide, we’ll break down what drives CRM pricing and compare the top 10 options to help you make the best choice for your business.
Table of Contents
Key Factors Affecting CRM Pricing
While the base price gives a general idea of affordability, the true cost depends on your business’s specific requirements.
Factoring in customization, scalability, and additional features will help you make a more accurate CRM cost comparison and find the best value.
Here are the key factors that influence CRM pricing:
User-based pricing
Many CRM providers charge based on the number of users. Some platforms offer per-user pricing, where businesses pay a fixed rate for each user added.
This model is great for small teams but can become expensive as the company grows. Others provide unlimited user plans, often at a higher base price, making them more suitable for larger businesses with multiple departments needing CRM access.
Subscription models
CRMs typically follow three main payment structures:
Monthly subscriptions: Provide flexibility and are ideal for startups or businesses that don’t want long-term commitments. However, they often cost more over time compared to annual plans.
Annual subscriptions: Offer cost savings, with most CRM vendors providing discounts for paying upfront. This is a good option for businesses committed to long-term CRM use.
One-time payment: Some on-premise CRMs require a hefty upfront investment but eliminate recurring costs. While this can be budget-friendly in the long run, it may lack ongoing updates and support.
Feature-based plans
Most CRMs offer tiered pricing based on features:
Basic plans: Include core CRM functionalities like contact management, task tracking, and simple reporting. Best for startups or small businesses.
Professional plans: Add more advanced tools like workflow automation, sales forecasting, and analytics. Suitable for growing teams that need deeper insights.
Enterprise plans: Provide extensive customization, AI-powered insights, API access, and multi-level security. Designed for large organizations with complex needs.
Customization & integration costs
Not all CRMs come with out-of-the-box solutions that fit every business. Customizing workflows, dashboards, or automation rules often incurs additional costs.
Similarly, integrating the CRM with third-party tools (e.g., accounting software, email marketing platforms, or customer support systems) may require premium API access or developer assistance, increasing the overall cost.
Cloud-based vs on-premise CRM costs
The deployment model affects pricing as well.
Cloud-based CRMs operate on a subscription basis, with costs covering storage, maintenance, and updates. They offer lower upfront costs but require ongoing payments.
On-premise CRMs involve a one-time license fee but require businesses to handle their own server infrastructure, security, and updates.
This is often a better fit for companies with strict data security requirements.
AI & automation add-ons
AI-driven CRM features — such as predictive analytics, lead scoring, and chatbots — can improve efficiency but often come at an additional cost. While some platforms include basic AI capabilities in higher-tier plans, others charge separately for automation tools.
Businesses should evaluate whether these features justify the added expense.
Pricing Comparison: Top 10 CRM Tools for 2025
Here’s a quick overview of the top 10 CRM pricing comparisons that are currently available in the market.
| CRM Software | Free Plan | Basic Plan | Mid-Tier Plan | Enterprise Plan |
| HubSpot CRM | ✅ Free | $20/user/mo | $1,300/user/mo | $4,300/user/mo |
| EngageBay | ✅ Free | $14.99/user/mo | $64.99/user/mo | $119.99/user/mo |
| Salesforce | ❌ No | $25/user/mo | $100/user/mo | $165/user/mo |
| Zoho CRM | ✅ Free | $14/user/mo | $23/user/mo | $40/user/mo |
| Pipedrive | ❌ No | $19/user/mo | $34/user/mo | $74/user/mo |
| Freshsales | ✅ Free | $9/user/mo | $39/user/mo | $59/user/mo |
| Monday.com CRM | ❌ No | $15/user/mo | $20/user/mo | Custom Pricing |
| Insightly | ❌ No | $29/user/mo | $49/user/mo | $99/user/mo |
| Close CRM | ❌ No | $29/user/mo | $109/user/mo | $149/user/mo |
| Microsoft Dynamics 365 | ❌ No | $65/user/mo | $105/user/mo | $150/user/mo |
** Please note that while most prices mentioned are billed monthly, some CRMs only offer annual billing. Be sure to check the provider’s pricing details for exact billing terms.
CRM Usage Limits: What Do You Get in Each Plan?
Let’s break down what each CRM pricing plan offers in terms of free vs paid options, contact and storage limits, feature access, integrations, and support availability.
1. HubSpot CRM
HubSpot CRM is a great choice for small businesses and startups looking for a free, user-friendly CRM. It offers a free plan with core features like contact management, email tracking, and deal pipelines.
However, businesses looking for advanced automation and custom reporting may need to upgrade to a paid plan, which can get expensive as user counts increase.
Free vs paid CRM plans: what’s included?
HubSpot CRM’s free plan provides essential features, but upgrading unlocks premium tools like automation, advanced reporting, and increased contact limits.
Feature access differences
| Feature | Free Plan | Starter ($20/user/mo) |
Professional ($20/user/mo) |
Enterprise ($20/user/mo) |
| Contact Limit | 1,000 | 1,000 | 2,000 | 10,000 |
| Contact Management | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Sales Automation | ❌ No | ✅ Limited | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Full |
| AI Insights | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Custom Reports | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Integration & API limitations
- Free Plan: Limited integrations (Google Workspace, Outlook, Stripe).
- Starter Plan & Above: Unlocks custom API integrations, Salesforce, and more.
- Enterprise: Advanced customization with unlimited API calls.
Support availability
| Plan | Support Type |
| Free | Community forum, basic documentation |
| Starter | Email & chat support |
| Professional | Phone support, knowledge base |
| Enterprise | Dedicated account manager, premium support |
2. EngageBay
Best use case
EngageBay CRM is an affordable all-in-one solution for CRM, marketing, sales, and customer support that can be used by both small and large enterprises alike.
It offers a generous free plan and budget-friendly paid plans with advanced marketing and sales automation, live chat, and integrations — making it a strong alternative to HubSpot for businesses on a tight budget.
Free vs paid CRM plans: what’s included?
EngageBay’s free plan includes core CRM features and marketing automation for up to 250 contacts. Paid plans unlock advanced automation, higher contact limits, and integrations with third-party apps.
Feature access differences
| Feature | Free Plan | Basic ($14.99/user/mo) | Growth ($64.99/user/mo) | Pro ($119.99/user/mo) |
| Contact Limit | 250 | 500 | 5,000 | Unlimited |
| Contact Management | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Marketing & Sales Automation | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| AI Insights | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Custom Reports | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Integration & API limitations
- Free Plan: Basic integrations (Google Workspace, Stripe, Zapier).
- Basic & Growth Plans: Unlock third-party CRM and marketing integrations.
- Pro Plan: API access for advanced customization and automation.
Support availability
| Plan | Support Type |
| Free | Email & Chat Support |
| Basic | Email & Chat Support |
| Growth | Email & Chat Support, Free Onboarding Sessions, Dedicated Account Manager |
| Pro | Email & Chat Support, Free Onboarding Sessions, Dedicated Account Manager, Phone Support |
3. Salesforce
Best use case
Salesforce CRM is best suited for large enterprises and growing businesses that need a highly customizable, scalable CRM with advanced automation, AI-powered insights, and deep integrations.
Free vs paid CRM plans: what’s included?
Salesforce doesn’t provide a free plan, but its higher-tier plans unlock advanced AI-driven insights, workflow automation, and deep customization options.
Feature access differences
| Feature | Starter ($25/user/mo) | Pro ($100/user/mo) |
Enterprise ($165/user/mo) |
| Lead & Contact Management | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Workflow Automation | ❌ No | ✅ Limited | ✅ Yes |
| Forecasting | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Custom Reports & Dashboards | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Integration & API limitations
- Starter Plan: Limited integrations (Google Workspace, Slack, Microsoft 365).
- Pro Plan: Web-service APIs with an additional $25 USD/user/month
- Enterprise Plan: Full API access for deep automation and third-party system integration.
Support availability
All plans include access to knowledge articles, documentation, and Salesforce Trailhead for self-guided learning. However, for expert guidance and priority support, you’ll need to subscribe to the Salesforce Success Plan.
| Premier Success Plan | Signature Success Plan |
| 30% of net license fees | Contact them directly |
4. Zoho CRM
Best use case
Zoho CRM is an affordable and flexible solution ideal for small and mid-sized businesses, especially those already using Zoho’s ecosystem (Zoho Books, Zoho Desk, etc.). It offers seamless integration, making it a cost-effective all-in-one platform.
Free vs paid CRM plans: what’s included?
Zoho CRM offers a free plan for up to three users, making it a great option for startups. However, paid plans unlock advanced tools, making it a scalable option for growing teams.
Feature access differences
| Feature | Free Plan | Standard ($14/user/mo) | Professional ($23/user/mo) | Enterprise ($40/user/mo) |
| Contact Limit | 100,000 | 250,000 | 500,000 | 1,000,000 |
| Lead & Contact Management | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Workflow Automation | ❌ No | ✅ Basic | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Full |
| AI Insights (Zia AI) | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Custom Reports & Dashboards | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Zoho Ecosystem Integration | ✅ Limited | ✅ Limited | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Integration & API limitations
- Free & Standard Plans: Basic integrations with Google Workspace and Outlook.
- Professional & Enterprise Plans: API access, third-party integrations (Slack, WhatsApp Business, QuickBooks), and seamless Zoho ecosystem connectivity.
Support availability
| Plan | Support Type |
| Free Plan | Community forum, email support |
| Paid Plans | Email, call, chat, or schedule a remote assistance session |
| Premium Support | Personalized onboarding sessions and priority support |
5. Pipedrive
Best use case
Pipedrive is an excellent choice for businesses that need a no-fuss, sales-focused CRM with an intuitive interface and strong automation capabilities at affordable pricing.
It excels in deal tracking, automation, and lead management, making it a great option for businesses that prioritize sales efficiency over complex CRM features.
Free vs paid CRM plans: what’s included?
Pipedrive does not offer a free plan, but all paid plans come with unlimited contacts, deal tracking, and customizable pipelines.
Feature access differences
| Feature | Essential ($19/user/mo) | Advanced ($34/user/mo) | Professional ($64/user/mo) | Power ($74/user/mo) |
| Contact Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Pipeline Management | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Sales Automation | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| AI Sales Assistant | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Custom Reports | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Integration & API limitations
- All plans include 500+ integrations and access to its API.
Support availability
| Plan | Support Type |
| Essential & Advanced | Chatbot Support, Online Help Center |
| Professional | Personalized Onboarding, Live Chat 24/5 |
| Power | Phone Support, Personalized Onboarding, Dedicated Account Manager, 24/7 Premium Support |
6. Freshsales
Best use case
Freshsales is a powerful yet affordable CRM that combines AI-powered automation, built-in telephony, and intuitive sales management tools, making it an excellent option for growing businesses looking for an all-in-one sales solution.
Free vs paid CRM plans: what’s included?
Freshsales’ free plan is free for up to three users. Paid plans offer AI-powered insights, advanced automation, and workflow customization.
Feature access differences
| Feature | Free Plan | Growth ($9/user/mo) | Pro ($39/user/mo) | Enterprise ($59/user/mo) |
| Contact Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Pipeline Management | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Sales Automation | ❌ No | ✅ Limited | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Full |
| AI Insights (Freddy AI) | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Built-in Phone Dialer | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Custom Reports & Dashboards | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Integration & API limitations
- You get access to its API and Freshworks Marketplace with all its paid plans.
Support availability
| Plan | Support Type |
| Free & Paid Plans | 24/5 Phone, Chat & Email Support |
7. Monday.com CRM
Best use case
Monday.com CRM is ideal for teams that prioritize collaboration and workflow automation over traditional sales features.
Its visual pipeline management, extensive customizability, and seamless integration make it an excellent choice for marketing teams, agencies, and businesses managing multiple projects.
Free vs paid CRM plans: what’s included?
Monday.com CRM does not offer a free plan, but its paid tiers provide increasing levels of automation, lead scoring, and reporting tools.
Feature access differences
| Feature | Basic ($15/user/mo) | Standard ($20/user/mo) | Pro ($33/user/mo) | Enterprise (Custom Pricing) |
| Contact Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Customizable Dashboards | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Sales Automation | ❌ No | ✅ Limited | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Full |
| Advanced Analytics | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Lead Scoring | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Custom Reports | ❌ No | ✅ Basic | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Full |
Integration & API limitations
- Basic and Standard: Limited third-party integrations like Gmail.
- Pro: API access, integration with Mailchimp, HubSpot, and other CRMs.
- Enterprise: API calls, advanced security, and compliance features.
Support availability
| Plan | Support Type |
| All Paid Plans | Self-Serve Knowledge Base, 24/7 Assistance, and Daily Live Webinars |
| Enterprise Plan | Dedicated Account Manager, 24/7 Support, 99.9% uptime SLA |
8. Insightly CRM
Best use case
Insightly CRM is an excellent choice for service-based businesses, consultants, and project-focused teams that need a CRM with built-in project tracking.
Its Google Workspace integration, project automation, and affordable pricing make it a strong alternative to traditional sales-first CRMs.
Free vs paid CRM plans: what’s included?
Insightly does not offer a free plan, but its paid tiers provide access to contact management, pipeline automation, email tracking, and project management features.
All Insightly plans are billed annually, and they offer a 14-day free trial so businesses can test the features before committing to a paid plan.
Feature access differences
| Feature | Plus ($29/user/mo) | Professional ($49/user/mo) | Enterprise ($99/user/mo) |
| Contact Limit | 100,000 | 250,000 | 500,000 |
| Pipeline Management | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Project Management Tools | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Lead Assignment Automation | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Custom Dashboards & Reports | ❌ No | ✅ Limited | ✅ Unlimited |
| Built-in Business Intelligence Dashboards | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Integration & API limitations
- All plans: Basic integrations with Google Workspace, PandaDoc, QuickBooks, etc, and access to REST public API.
- Enterprise Plan: Supports AppConnect low-code, no-code integration, enterprise-grade security, and full customization capabilities.
Support availability
| Plan | Support Type |
| All Plans | 24-hour email response and weekday phone support (9 AM–4 PM PT) |
| Premium Support | Available for an additional 20% of your plan cost |
9. Close CRM
Best use case
Close CRM is best suited for sales-driven teams and startups that prioritize outbound calling, email automation, and pipeline management.
Unlike traditional CRMs, Close is built specifically for inside sales teams, offering features like a built-in power dialer, SMS automation, and multi-channel outreach.
Free vs paid CRM plans: what’s included?
Close CRM does not offer a free plan. However, its feature-rich sales automation tools justify the pricing for teams that need high-volume sales engagement.
Feature access differences
| Feature | Startup ($29/user/mo) | Professional ($109/user/mo) | Enterprise ($149/user/mo) |
| Contact Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Built-in Calling | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Sales Automation | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| AI Insights | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Custom Reports | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Integration & API limitations
- Close CRM offers 100+ one-click integrations with popular third-party apps like Zoom, Zapier, Calendly, and Google Workspace.
- Users also get access to the Close REST API, allowing developers to build custom integrations.
Support availability
| Plan | Support Type |
| All Plans | Email Support & Knowledge Base, Security Compliance |
| Enterprise Plan | Custom Onboarding, Screen Share Support, & Dedicated Account Manager |
10. Microsoft Dynamics 365
Best use case
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is best suited for large enterprises and businesses already using Microsoft products like Office 365, Teams, and Azure.
It offers robust AI-driven automation, deep customization, and enterprise-grade security, making it ideal for companies needing advanced CRM capabilities with strong sales, marketing, and customer service modules.
Free vs paid CRM plans: what’s included?
Microsoft Dynamics 365 does not offer a free plan. However, its paid plans provide a scalable and highly customizable solution for businesses of all sizes.
Feature access differences
| Feature | Sales Professional ($65/user/mo) | Sales Enterprise ($105/user/mo) | Sales Premium ($150/user/mo) |
| Contact Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Contact Management | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Customization and Automation (Requires additional licenses) | ✅ Limited | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Conversation Intelligence | ❌ No | ✅ Included capacity | ✅ Included capacity |
| Reporting and Dashboard | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Integration & API limitations
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 seamlessly integrates with the entire Microsoft ecosystem, including Office 365, Teams, SharePoint, and Azure AI.
- It also supports third-party integrations through Power Automate and APIs, allowing businesses to connect with external tools like Salesforce, Slack, and SAP.
Support availability
| Plan | Support Type |
| All Plans | 24/7 Microsoft Support Portal & Community Forum |
| Add-On Support | Paid premium support for faster response times |
Hidden CRM Costs to Watch Out For
Setup & implementation fees
Many CRM providers charge a one-time setup fee for onboarding, data migration, and initial configuration. For enterprise-level CRMs, implementation can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the complexity.
Customization & API integration fees
Customizing workflows, dashboards, and API integrations often require developer support or third-party tools, which can lead to additional costs. Some CRMs charge extra for access to advanced APIs.
Training & support costs
While basic support is often included, premium customer support (priority assistance, dedicated account managers, or personalized training) is usually an add-on service that can increase your costs.
Scaling costs as your business grows
As your team expands, adding more users or upgrading to higher-tier plans may be necessary, significantly increasing your CRM expenses over time. Some CRMs also charge based on the number of contacts stored.
Storage & automation limits that may require upgrades
Most CRM limits storage space for files, emails, and contacts. If you exceed these limits, you may have to pay for additional storage or upgrade to a more expensive plan. Similarly, advanced automation features might only be available in higher-tier plans.
Conclusion
While doing CRM pricing comparison, consider features, scalability, and hidden costs.
CRM pricing models vary widely, from user-based pricing to feature-based tiers, and some tools charge extra for customization, integrations, and premium support.
Best CRM picks based on business size and budget:
| Best Free CRM | HubSpot CRM, Zoho CRM, EngageBay |
| Most Affordable CRM for Small Businesses | EngageBay, Pipedrive, Freshsales |
| Best Mid-Tier CRM for Growing Teams | Monday.com CRM, Insightly, Close CRM |
| Best Enterprise CRM with Advanced Features | Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365 |
Before committing, take advantage of free trials and demos to compare pricing structures and ensure the CRM fits your business needs.
Many CRMs offer limited free plans, so testing different platforms can help you make an informed decision.
Start a free trial today and compare CRM pricing plans to see what works best for your business.
