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Best CRM for small business: 4 options compared

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Our top pick: HubSpot. A small business should be able to start at no cost and grow. HubSpot starts with a free CRM and has the largest integration library listed (2,000+), so you can add marketing, sales and service tools later.
ToolBest forFree optionStarting price
1. HubSpot Our pickteams that want a free CRM now and marketing, sales and service tools laterFree CRMFree CRM; paid hubs vary
Zoho CRMsmall teams that want a free edition and per-user pricingFree editionFree for up to 3 users
Pipedrivesales teams that want a simple visual pipeline14-day free trialSee official pricing
Keapsmall businesses that want guided onboarding and phone supportTrial with limitsFrom $299/mo

How we chose

We looked at free options, integrations, ease of growth and support. Facts come from each vendor’s own public pages; where a price or limit was not shown we say so instead of guessing.

The options in detail

Our pick

HubSpot

Best for: teams that want a free CRM now and marketing, sales and service tools later.

  • 2,000+ integrations, per the official site
  • Marketing, Sales, Service, Content and Data hubs on one record
  • Small Business Bundle with starter editions

Watch out: Costs can rise as you add hubs and contacts.

Read the HubSpot review
Also consider

Zoho CRM

Best for: small teams that want a free edition and per-user pricing.

  • Free edition for up to 3 users
  • Paid editions: Standard, Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate
  • Workflow automation and mobile apps on the free edition

Watch out: Free edition limits: 10 email templates, 10 data exports, 5,000 API calls a day.

Official site
Also consider

Pipedrive

Best for: sales teams that want a simple visual pipeline.

  • Kanban-style pipelines with follow-up reminders
  • 500+ marketplace apps
  • AI Sales Assistant and meeting intelligence

Watch out: Sales-focused, so check whether you also need marketing and service tools.

Official site
Also consider

Keap

Best for: small businesses that want guided onboarding and phone support.

  • U.S.-based phone support and a dedicated Customer Success Manager
  • CRM, landing pages, texting, quotes, invoices and recurring payments
  • 2 users included; extra users $39/mo

Watch out: Implementation services are required, and annual contracts carry an early termination fee.

Official site

Verdict

If the points above match your needs, start with HubSpot and use its free option or trial to confirm. Choose another option only when a specific limit blocks you.

Go deeper: hubspot vs zoho pipedrive · HubSpot review · HubSpot alternatives

Prices and limits can change; always confirm on the official sites. Last verified: 2026-10-13