Building strong customer relationships is more than just good business — it’s the foundation of long-term growth. But in today’s fast-moving world, staying connected with customers and keeping track of every interaction can be challenging. That’s where cloud CRM solutions step in. By keeping all your customer data in a secure, online workspace, your team can follow up on leads, monitor ongoing conversations, and keep deals moving forward — whether they’re in the office, at home, or halfway across the world.
One platform making waves in this space is Lark. It pairs the capabilities of a powerful CRM with the tools teams use every day to chat, meet, share files, and manage tasks — all in one place. The result? Faster communication, more organized workflows, and smoother sales cycles. In this guide, we’ll break down what a cloud-based CRM really is, the features worth paying attention to, and our top picks for 2025 — starting with why Lark has become a front-runner.
What is a cloud-based CRM solution?
When you're using a cloud-based CRM, you can think of it as your sales and customer management center - without cumbersome hardware. Rather than local contacts, sales records, and customer communications being stored on a local server that does not just sit there but needs to be continually maintained, it is all up-to-date and stored individually on the web. The only requirement is a device and an internet connection to access the most up-to-date customer information.
From this, your team can:
See real-time customer updates as soon as they are available
Work on the same opportunities together as a team (even if you are on different continents)
Automate the boring admin work, like sending follow-up emails and adding activities to the log.
Add more users or modules instantly with little or no cost from IT resources.
For small businesses, it allows you to start strong without heavy upfront investment, and for large businesses, it allows you to scale quicker and keep the customer experience whole.
Key features of CRM software cloud-based solutions
Choosing the right cloud CRM solution comes down to the features it offers and how well they support your sales and customer management goals. The best platforms go beyond storing contact information — they help teams work more efficiently, stay organized, and make better-informed decisions. Here’s what to look for:
Centralized database: A cloud CRM serves as a single source of truth for all customer data, encompassing everything from basic contact details to communication history and purchase records. With everything stored in one place, your sales, support, and marketing teams can quickly access the same information without having to chase multiple spreadsheets or emails.
Sales automation: Automating routine tasks, such as lead assignment, follow-up reminders, and opportunity updates, frees your team to focus on building relationships. A sound cloud CRM can move leads through your pipeline automatically, ensuring no prospect gets lost along the way.
Real-time reporting: Live dashboards enable you to monitor sales performance, pipeline health, and customer engagement in real-time. This means you can react quickly to shifts in trends, coach team members effectively, and keep everyone on track toward targets.
Works smoothly with other business tools: A modern CRM connects effortlessly with tools you already use — like email, calendar apps, or social media channels. This ensures that communications, meeting schedules, and customer interactions are automatically logged without manual entry.
Customization: Every business has its own unique processes, and your CRM should be able to adapt to them. Custom fields, tailored workflows, and personalized reports allow you to mold the system to match your sales strategy, rather than forcing your team to work around it.
Brief overview of the best cloud-based CRM software
Top 12 Cloud CRM solutions for 2025
Here are the top cloud CRM solutions that businesses are using to streamline customer management and sales processes in 2025.
1. Lark – Robust all-in-one cloud CRM solution
Lark combines customer relationship management, team communication, and workflow automation into one seamless platform, making it one of the most comprehensive cloud-based CRM solutions on the market. At the heart of Lark’s CRM capabilities is Lark Base, which supports the entire sales journey — from prospecting and qualification to deal closing — while connecting directly with your daily work tools.
Key features:
no-code, flexible CRM backbone: Lark Base allows teams to design complete CRM operations—spanning lead capture, qualification, handoffs, fulfillment, and renewals—within a single no-code workspace. Build pipelines, accounts, contacts, SLAs, activities, and even custom objects using relational tables, forms, multiple views, and AI-driven automation—without writing a single line of code.
Automated workflows that keep momentum: Eliminate repetitive tasks with workflows triggered by form submissions, record updates, or pipeline stage changes. Leads can be auto-assigned, SLAs enforced, follow-ups generated, and smart alerts sent for meetings or stalled deals. Manual reminders become unnecessary as the system drives progress automatically.
Comprehensive pipeline management with AI forecasting: Configure pipelines to mirror your sales process in kanban, table, and timeline views. Enforce required fields and stage-entry rules to maintain CRM hygiene. With AI forecasting, sales leaders gain predictive insights into rep activity, deal health, and pipeline coverage—identifying risks and improving accuracy.
AI-enriched data for sharper decision-making: Leads can be enriched automatically with details like company size and industry, while AI Classify tags records for streamlined segmentation. In Lark Sheets, AI formula generators speed up reporting by removing the need for complex syntax knowledge.
Dashboards with actionable insights: Base dashboards highlight key CRM metrics like pipeline coverage, conversion rates, and rep productivity. AI recommendations surface next-best actions and call out bottlenecks by stage, owner, or segment—helping teams stay proactive rather than reactive.
Jumpstart with pre-built CRM templates: Get up and running in minutes with proven CRM templates in Lark Base, such as lead intake, account planning, QBRs, playbooks, and post-sale handoffs. These ready-made structures accelerate setup while remaining fully customizable.
Pros:
All-in-one platform for collaboration and CRM
Easy to use with no coding required
Secure and scalable for teams of any size
Cons:
There is a learning curve for users to be accustomed to all the features
Pricing:
Starter plan: Lark's Free forever plan that includes 11 powerful tools for up to 20 users. It also comes with 100GB of storage, 1000 automation runs, AI translations, and more.
Pro plan: Lark starts at $12/user/month (billed annually) for up to 500 users. It includes everything in Starter plus group calling for up to 500 attendees, 15TB of storage, 50,000 automation runs, and more.
Enterprise plan: Contact sales for custom pricing of Lark. Supports unlimited users and includes even more automation runs and advanced security, compliance, and management features.
2. Salesforce: Best for enterprise Cloud CRM
Salesforce is one of the most established names in the CRM world, offering a vast suite of tools for managing customer relationships at scale. Known for its flexibility and depth, it’s built to handle the complex needs of large enterprises — from sales forecasting to advanced service management — while supporting deep customization for different industries.
Image source: salesforce.com
Key features:
Comprehensive sales automation: Manage your entire sales process with automated lead routing, deal tracking, and follow-up reminders. Salesforce’s AI-powered recommendations help sales reps prioritize the most promising opportunities.
Advanced analytics & reporting: Create detailed, customizable reports and dashboards to monitor KPIs, forecast sales, and evaluate team performance. Data can be segmented by region, industry, or product line for granular insights.
Customer service management: With Salesforce Service Cloud, businesses can track and resolve support cases, integrate chatbots, and provide omnichannel service — from email to social media — in one platform.Extensive app ecosystem: The Salesforce AppExchange offers thousands of third-party extensions and add-ons to tailor the platform to your exact needs.
Industry-specific solutions: Salesforce provides dedicated modules for industries like healthcare, finance, retail, and manufacturing, ensuring teams get features tailored to their sector.
Pros
Highly customizable to fit complex business processes
Robust analytics and AI-driven insights
Large ecosystem of integrations and add-ons
Scalable for global enterprise operations
Cons
Can be expensive for small and mid-sized businesses
Steeper learning curve compared to simpler CRMs
Requires ongoing admin and configuration support
Pricing
Essentials: $25/user/month
Professional: $80/user/month
Enterprise: $165/user/month
Unlimited: $330/user/month (30-day free trial available)
3. HubSpot CRM: Best for small businesses
HubSpot CRM is a popular choice for small to mid-sized businesses looking for a straightforward, user-friendly system without the heavy setup costs. It’s designed to help companies manage leads, track deals, and improve customer communication — all while offering a generous free plan that covers the basics. HubSpot’s modular structure lets you start simple and scale up by adding marketing, sales, or service hubs as your needs grow.
Image source: hubspot.com
Key features:
Contact & lead management: Store unlimited contacts and track every interaction — from email opens to meeting notes — in one central record.
Deal pipeline tracking: Visualize your sales process with drag-and-drop pipelines. You can customize stages to match your sales cycle and monitor deal progress in real time.
Email tracking & templates: Get notifications when a prospect opens an email, clicks a link, or downloads an attachment. Save time with reusable email templates.
Built-in marketing tools: Use the free marketing hub for forms, landing pages, and live chat to capture and convert leads.
Integrations with popular apps: Connect with Gmail, Outlook, Slack, and hundreds of other tools to keep workflows consistent.
Pros
Generous free plan with no expiry
Simple, intuitive interface ideal for small teams
Strong email tracking and lead capture tools
Scales with add-on hubs for marketing, sales, and service
Cons
Advanced features can get expensive as you scale
Limited customization compared to enterprise CRMs
Some features are locked behind paid tiers
Pricing
Free Plan: Includes core CRM features for unlimited users
Starter: From $20/user/month (billed annually)
Professional: From $100/user/month
Enterprise: Custom pricing (Free plan available)
4. Zoho CRM: Best for customization and automation
Zoho CRM is one of the most flexible cloud-based CRM solutions, making it ideal for businesses that want to adapt their CRM to match unique workflows. It combines sales automation, marketing tools, and AI-powered analytics in a single platform, giving teams full control over how they manage customer relationships. With a strong focus on customization, Zoho CRM is often considered one of the best cloud-based CRM options for companies looking to tailor every aspect of their sales process.
Image source: zoho.com
Key features:
Customizable modules & fields: Create custom fields, workflows, and layouts to suit your business requirements without touching code.
Advanced sales automation: Automatically assign leads, trigger follow-ups, and update deal stages to keep your pipeline moving without manual work.
AI-powered sales assistant: Zia, Zoho’s AI assistant, can predict deal closures, suggest the best times to contact leads, and detect anomalies in sales trends.
Multi-channel communication: Manage email, social media, live chat, and phone interactions all within the same CRM dashboard.
Analytics & reporting: Get real-time reports and dashboards to track performance, measure KPIs, and make data-driven decisions.
Pros
Highly customizable without developer support
Strong automation and AI capabilities
Affordable pricing with robust features
Integrates with a wide range of business tools
Cons
Can be overwhelming for beginners due to customization depth
UI feels dated compared to some newer CRMs
Some advanced AI features require higher-tier plans
Pricing
Free Plan: For up to 3 users
Standard: $14/user/month
Professional: $23/user/month
Enterprise: $40/user/month
Ultimate: $52/user/month (Free plan available)
5. Pipedrive: Best for sales-focused CRM
Pipedrive is a streamlined cloud CRM solution built specifically for sales teams that want to focus on closing deals faster. Known for its intuitive, pipeline-driven interface, Pipedrive helps businesses visualize every stage of the sales process, making it one of the best cloud-based CRM options for companies that prioritize deal management over complex, multi-module setups.
Image source: pipedrive.com
Key features:
Visual sales pipelines: Drag-and-drop deals through customizable pipeline stages to track progress and ensure no opportunity slips through the cracks.
Activity & goal tracking: Set sales targets, schedule follow-ups, and track activities to keep your team aligned and motivated.
Lead management & prospecting tools: Capture leads from web forms, chatbots, and emails, then route them directly into the sales pipeline for immediate action.
Sales forecasting: Get accurate revenue forecasts based on deal stages, historical data, and team performance trends.
Integrations & add-ons: Connect Pipedrive with email platforms, marketing tools, and third-party apps to keep all sales data in sync.
Pros
Extremely user-friendly and fast to set up
Strong focus on visual deal tracking
Affordable for small and mid-sized sales teams
Good mobile app for on-the-go sales management
Cons
Limited marketing and customer service tools compared to all-in-one CRMs
Automation features are not as advanced as larger platforms
Some reporting tools require higher-tier plans
Pricing
Essential: $14.90/user/month
Advanced: $27.90/user/month
Professional: $49.90/user/month
Enterprise: $99/user/month (14-day free trial available)
6. Freshsales: Best CRM for sales teams
Freshsales by Freshworks is a modern, AI-driven cloud-based CRM solution designed to help sales teams close deals faster with less manual work. It combines lead management, workflow automation, and built-in communication tools, making it one of the best cloud CRM solutions for growing businesses that want a balance of ease of use and powerful automation.
Image source: freshworks.com
Key features:
AI-powered lead scoring: Freshsales uses AI to automatically score leads based on engagement, helping sales reps focus on the most promising opportunities.
Built-in phone & email: Communicate with leads directly from the CRM via phone or email, with all interactions logged automatically.
360-degree customer view: See all contact details, past interactions, and deal history in a single unified view for better customer engagement.
Workflow automation: Automate routine tasks like follow-ups, deal stage changes, and data updates to save time and reduce errors.
Customizable dashboards & reports: Monitor sales KPIs with interactive dashboards and generate detailed reports for performance analysis.
Pros
User-friendly interface with minimal learning curve
Strong AI features for smarter selling
Native communication tools reduce app-switching
Affordable plans with a free option available
Cons
Fewer third-party integrations than larger CRMs
Limited advanced customization in lower tiers
AI tools only available in paid plans
Pricing
Free Plan: Core CRM features for unlimited users
Growth: $15/user/month
Pro: $39/user/month
Enterprise: $69/user/month (Free plan available)
7. SugarCRM: Best for customization and flexibility
SugarCRM is a highly adaptable cloud CRM solution built for businesses that require deep customization and control over their customer management processes. With its robust automation features and advanced analytics, SugarCRM is considered one of the best cloud-based CRM solutions for companies with complex sales cycles and unique operational requirements.
Image source: sugarcrm.com
Key features:
Advanced customization options: Modify modules, fields, workflows, and layouts to match your exact business processes without being locked into a rigid system.
Powerful automation: Automate lead routing, follow-ups, and data updates to keep your sales and service teams working efficiently.
Comprehensive analytics: Access advanced reporting tools that deliver detailed insights into sales performance, customer behavior, and revenue trends.
Multi-channel support: Manage customer communication across email, phone, and social media within a unified CRM workspace.
AI-driven insights: Use predictive analytics to identify trends, forecast outcomes, and uncover growth opportunities.
Pros
Extremely flexible and customizable for niche workflows
Strong automation and reporting capabilities
Suitable for enterprise-scale deployments
Supports both sales and customer service teams
Cons
Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
Higher pricing compared to basic CRMs
Some advanced features require premium tiers
Pricing
Professional: $49/user/month (minimum 3 users)
Enterprise: Custom pricing
Ultimate: Custom pricing with full feature set (Free trial available)
8. Insightly: Best CRM for project management integration
Insightly is a versatile cloud-based CRM solution that blends customer relationship management with robust project management capabilities. This makes it one of the best cloud CRM solutions for businesses that want to manage the entire customer journey — from lead capture to project delivery — in one platform.
Image source: insightly.com
Key features:
Lead & opportunity management: Track every interaction from first contact to deal closure, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Built-in project management: Convert closed deals directly into projects, assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress without switching tools.
Workflow automation: Automate repetitive processes like data entry, follow-up reminders, and approval flows to boost team productivity.
Email tracking & templates: See when prospects open your emails and use ready-made templates to speed up outreach.
Custom dashboards & reporting: Gain visibility into sales, marketing, and project KPIs with customizable dashboards and real-time reports.
Pros
Combines CRM and project management in one platform
Easy-to-use interface with clear workflows
Strong automation capabilities for sales and projects
Good integration with productivity tools like G Suite and Office 365
Cons
Limited marketing automation features compared to some CRMs
Reporting can feel basic without add-ons
More suitable for SMBs than large enterprises
Pricing
Plus: $29/user/month
Professional: $49/user/monthEnterprise: $99/user/month (14-day free trial available)
9. Monday: Best for Team Collaboration and CRM
Monday.com is a flexible cloud-based CRM solution that blends sales pipeline management with powerful team collaboration features. Known for its highly visual and customizable interface, it’s one of the best cloud CRM solutions for companies that want to centralize customer data while keeping cross-functional teams aligned on projects and deadlines.
Image source: monday.com
Key features:
Customizable sales pipelines: Build and modify pipelines to match your sales process, from lead capture to closing, with simple drag-and-drop functionality.
Collaboration boards: Manage leads, customer communication, and team projects on shared boards for full transparency.
Automations: Automate repetitive actions like lead assignment, deal status updates, and follow-up reminders to save time.
Centralized customer database: Store and access all customer interactions, documents, and contact details in one secure location.
Advanced reporting: Generate sales performance reports and track KPIs with visual dashboards to support data-driven decisions.
Pros
Highly visual and easy-to-use interface
Flexible workflows that adapt to different business needs
Strong collaboration features beyond CRM
Integrates with many marketing, sales, and productivity tools
Cons
Lacks some advanced CRM-specific features found in dedicated CRMs
Can get expensive with add-ons and higher-tier plans
Initial setup can take time for complex workflows
Pricing
Basic: $10/seat/month
Standard: $12/seat/month
Pro: $20/seat/month
Enterprise: Custom pricing (14-day free trial available)
10. Nimble: Best for Social CRM Integration
Nimble is a relationship-focused cloud CRM solution that excels at combining contact management with social media insights. As one of the best cloud-based CRM tools for social selling, Nimble helps businesses build stronger connections by aggregating customer data from multiple platforms into a single, easy-to-use dashboard.
Image source: nimble.com
Key features:
Unified contact profiles: Automatically gathers contact details, emails, social media profiles, and past interactions to create rich customer records.
Social media integration: Monitor and engage with prospects across channels like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook without leaving the CRM.
Smart contact segmentation: Organize and filter contacts based on tags, activities, and engagement history for targeted outreach.
Activity tracking: Keep track of calls, meetings, emails, and social messages to maintain consistent follow-ups.
Pipeline management: Visualize sales opportunities and track them through customizable pipeline stages.
Pros
Strong social media insights for relationship-driven sales
Simple and intuitive interface
Affordable for small teams and individual users
Good at unifying fragmented customer data
Cons
Limited automation compared to more robust CRMs
Not ideal for large enterprises with complex workflows
Reporting features could be more advanced
Pricing
Business Plan: $24.90/user/month (14-day free trial available)
11. Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM: Best for Integration with Microsoft Products
Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM is a powerful cloud CRM solution that seamlessly works with the Microsoft ecosystem, making it one of the best cloud-based CRM solutions for organizations already using tools like Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint. It offers a wide range of modules covering sales, customer service, marketing, and field service.
Image source: microsoft.com
Key features:
Deep Microsoft product connectivity: Syncs effortlessly with Outlook, Teams, Excel, and SharePoint, allowing users to manage customer interactions without switching platforms.
AI-driven sales insights: Leverages Microsoft AI to provide predictive lead scoring, opportunity insights, and customer behavior forecasts.
Customizable dashboards: Build interactive dashboards to monitor KPIs, pipeline health, and customer satisfaction in real-time.
Omnichannel engagement: Manage customer communications across phone, email, live chat, and social channels within one unified workspace.
Industry-specific solutions: Offers tailored CRM capabilities for sectors like retail, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
Pros
Ideal for businesses deeply embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem
Strong AI and analytics capabilities
Highly scalable for enterprise deployments
Supports a wide range of business functions beyond sales
Cons
Higher cost compared to SMB-focused CRMs
Steeper learning curve for new users
Complex setup for organizations without dedicated IT resources
Pricing
Sales Professional: $65/user/month
Sales Enterprise: $95/user/month
Other modules: Custom pricing based on needs (30-day free trial available)
12. Breezy HR: Best for Hiring and CRM Integration
Breezy HR is a recruitment-focused cloud CRM solution that combines applicant tracking with basic customer relationship management features. While primarily designed for hiring, it’s one of the best cloud-based CRM options for companies that want to manage candidate pipelines alongside client and partner relationships in one platform.
Image source: breezy.hr
Key features:
Applicant tracking system (ATS): Streamline hiring with visual candidate pipelines, from application to offer stage.
Candidate sourcing tools: Post jobs to multiple boards, use AI-powered sourcing, and track candidate engagement across channels.
Team collaboration on hiring: Share candidate profiles, exchange feedback, and schedule interviews directly in the platform.
Automated workflows: Automate interview scheduling, candidate reminders, and status updates to save time.
Talent CRM: Maintain relationships with passive candidates and build talent pools for future hiring needs.
Pros
Strong recruitment and applicant tracking features
User-friendly interface for hiring teams
Supports both hiring workflows and light CRM functions
Offers a free plan for small teams
Cons
Limited as a full-scale CRM for customer management
Advanced features require higher-tier plans
Not ideal for companies without a focus on hiring
Pricing
Free Plan: Basic hiring tools for unlimited users
Startup: $157/month (billed annually)
Business: Custom pricing with advanced features (Free plan available)
Real-world use cases of cloud-based CRM
Cloud CRM solutions have transformed how industries manage relationships, track interactions, and close deals. By centralizing customer data and automating repetitive tasks, these platforms enable businesses to deliver better service while improving operational efficiency. With Lark’s all-in-one approach, companies can combine customer management with team communication, project tracking, and real-time collaboration to achieve even greater results.
Retail
Retailers can use cloud CRM systems to track customer purchase history, manage loyalty programs, and create targeted marketing campaigns. With Lark Base, retail teams can maintain a centralized customer database while collaborating on seasonal promotions in real time via Lark Docs and Messenger.
Food & Beverage
Restaurants and cafés can track reservations, customer preferences, and supplier orders within a cloud-based CRM. Lark’s calendar and task management features help coordinate staff schedules, while its CRM capabilities make it easy to track repeat customers and special requests.
E-commerce
Online stores can manage leads, abandoned carts, and personalized offers in a unified platform. Lark enables e-commerce businesses to automate follow-ups, share sales reports instantly, and coordinate marketing strategies with their teams through chat and shared documents.
Healthcare clinics & wellness centers
Healthcare providers can store patient records, appointment history, and follow-up reminders securely in a cloud CRM. Lark’s role-based permissions ensure sensitive data remains secure, while its calendar and meeting tools streamline appointment scheduling.
Real estate agents & brokerages
Real estate teams can manage client pipelines, property listings, and transaction timelines all in one place. Lark Base provides a visual pipeline for deals, and integrated messaging keeps agents in sync with updates from clients and partners.
Educational institutions
Schools and universities can track student enrollment, alumni relations, and fundraising campaigns. With Lark Docs and Base, institutions can store records, collaborate on grant proposals, and communicate with stakeholders in one secure platform.
Travel agencies & tour operators
Travel businesses can manage client itineraries, vendor contracts, and booking histories in a cloud CRM. Lark’s shared workspaces allow teams to co-edit travel plans, track deadlines, and provide real-time updates to clients on the go.
Conclusion
Cloud CRM solutions have become indispensable for modern businesses, offering flexibility, scalability, and the ability to manage customer relationships from anywhere. From retail to real estate, these tools streamline processes, improve team collaboration, and provide data-driven insights to boost performance.
Lark stands out as the top choice for 2025—not just as a cloud CRM solution but as a complete business platform. With Lark Base for managing pipelines, Lark Docs for collaborative work, Messenger for instant communication, and AI-powered automation, your team can handle the entire customer journey in one place without juggling multiple apps.
FAQs
What are the advantages of using cloud-based CRM over traditional systems?
The biggest difference is freedom. A cloud CRM solution lets you log in from anywhere, work with the latest data instantly, and skip the hassle of software installs or server maintenance. Costs are lower upfront, updates occur automatically, and scaling is as simple as adding more seats. With Lark, you also get built-in collaboration tools, so your sales, marketing, and support teams can chat, meet, and share documents without jumping between apps.
How does Lark's CRM software enhance team collaboration and customer engagement?
Because Lark’s CRM is part of the same workspace your team uses for messaging, video calls, and document sharing, collaboration feels effortless. If a client calls with an urgent change, you can discuss it in chat, edit the proposal together in real time, and update the deal status on the spot. This keeps everyone in sync and helps customers feel valued with quicker, more informed responses.
Can Lark's cloud CRM solutions be customized to fit specific business needs?
Absolutely. With Lark Base, you can set up custom fields, design your own workflows, and build dashboards that match the way your business operates. Whether you’re tracking a sales pipeline, managing client onboarding, or even organizing recruitment, the system adapts to your process instead of forcing you to change how you work.
What support does Lark offer for businesses transitioning to cloud CRM?
Moving to a cloud-based CRM can feel like a big step, but Lark makes it smoother. You’ll have access to onboarding sessions, step-by-step training resources, and a dedicated success team to guide the switch from older systems. And because CRM tools sit alongside chat, meetings, and file sharing, your team can get up to speed quickly without a steep learning curve.
