In an environment where building strong customer relationships is essential, choosing the right tools has never been more important. CRM tools are designed to help businesses simplify and improve their interactions with customers. These tools not only streamline communication but also boost overall efficiency.
Effective Customer Relationship Management (CRM) means understanding customer needs and preferences. By implementing the right tools of CRM customer relationship management, businesses can gain valuable insights that drive sales and enhance customer loyalty.
This article is your comprehensive guide to the customer relationship management tools list. We’ll define CRM software, highlight the key features to consider, and explore different types of CRM tools. We'll present a list of the top 15 CRM tools for 2025, highlighting Lark first for its unique offerings. Let’s dive into this exciting topic!
What is CRM software?
At its core, CRM software is a powerful system designed to manage a business's interactions with customers and potential clients. These tools help you streamline everyday tasks, organize data, and improve company-wide communication.
CRM tools facilitate these efforts in several ways:
Organizing Customer Data: CRM systems keep all your customer information in one place. This centralized database makes it easy to access contact details, transaction histories, and interaction logs whenever needed.
Enhancing Communication: The best CRM tools enable seamless communication between team members and customers. Automated communication features, such as email reminders and follow-ups, help ensure you never miss important touchpoints.
Tracking Sales Performance: CRM software often includes analytics that allows your business to track sales trends and team performance effectively. This data is crucial for making informed business decisions.
The evolution of CRM software has transformed how companies operate. Many organizations have shifted from traditional, on-premises systems to cloud-based platforms. This shift offers greater accessibility, scalability, and affordability—key factors for businesses looking to stay competitive.
In the past, CRM solutions required extensive upfront investments in hardware and IT support. However, today’s cloud-based CRM systems offer flexibility, allowing users to access their data from anywhere with an internet connection. This means teams can work together more effectively, whether they’re in the office or on the go. Plus, many cloud solutions come with automatic updates, eliminating downtime and ensuring your software is always up to date.
Key features to look for in CRM tools
When exploring the CRM tools list, it’s essential to identify which features align best with your business needs. Here are some critical functionalities to consider:
Contact and lead management
Look for customer relationship management tools that help you organize and maintain your customer data effectively. With robust contact management features, you can segment leads based on various criteria, allowing your team to focus on nurturing the right relationships.
Sales automation
CRM tools names that offer sales automation features can significantly streamline your sales processes. Automation handles repetitive tasks like sending follow-up emails and scheduling meetings, giving your sales team more time to connect with customers.
Reporting and analytics
Data-driven insights are essential for any business. Make sure your chosen CRM tool includes reporting and analytics features that help you track key performance indicators (KPIs). This data will allow you to understand customer behavior, sales patterns, and areas for improvement.
Integration capabilities
Today’s businesses often rely on multiple software solutions. A solid CRM should integrate easily with your existing tools, such as marketing platforms and accounting software. This integration guarantees data consistency and boosts workflow efficiency. For example, Lark has strong integration capabilities.
User-friendly interface
Lastly, a customer relationship management tools list should include options with intuitive designs. A user-friendly interface encourages team adoption and minimizes training time, facilitating a smoother transition to the new system.
Types of CRM tools
When considering your options, remember that not all CRM tools are created equal. There are several different types available, each designed to meet various business needs:
Operational CRM
Operational CRM focuses on automating customer-facing processes such as sales, marketing, and customer service. These tools help organizations improve the efficiency of their interactions with customers, ultimately driving higher conversion rates.
Analytical CRM
If you’re looking for insights, analytical CRM tools are your best bet. These systems gather and analyze customer data to reveal trends and preferences. This information allows businesses to make informed decisions that enhance the customer experience.
Collaborative CRM
Collaborative CRM tools prioritize communication and teamwork within an organization. They enable departments to share customer information and insights, leading to better overall service and a more personalized customer experience.
Choosing the best CRM: A step-by-step guide
While we've broken down the best CRM tools, their key features, and pricing, choosing the right CRM requires more than just reading reviews. You need to assess your unique business needs and match them to the right tool. Here's how to evaluate and choose the CRM that fits like a glove.
How to evaluate a CRM for your business
When evaluating CRM systems, it's important to approach it strategically. Here are some key questions to guide your decision:
How big is my company?
Small businesses or startups may benefit from free or low-cost tools with simple onboarding. Larger organizations often require more advanced features like automation, customization, and role-based access.What is my primary use case?
Do you need a CRM focused on sales automation, marketing campaigns, customer service, or an all-in-one solution? Identifying your main use case helps eliminate tools that aren’t built for your goals.What is my budget for CRM software?
CRM pricing varies widely—from free basic versions to enterprise-level platforms. Be clear about what you can afford now and what you're willing to pay later as your business scales.How scalable is the CRM as my business grows?
Look for CRMs that offer tiered plans or add-ons so you can expand functionality without switching platforms.Does it integrate with my existing tools?
Seamless integration with tools like your email provider, project management software, or e-commerce platform can significantly boost efficiency.
Answering these questions will help you narrow down your options and choose a CRM that supports—not complicates—your workflow.
Top 15 CRM Tools in 2025
Finding the right CRM tool can significantly enhance customer relationships and drive business growth. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine the perfect fit. Below is a detailed CRM tools list that features the top 15 CRM tools you should consider in 2025, along with their unique features and ideal users.
Summary Table
1. Lark
Overview: Lark is an all-in-one collaboration platform that combines chat, video calls, document sharing, and CRM functionalities. This makes it a fantastic choice for teams that want to foster strong collaboration while managing customer relationships.
Free plan: Includes 11 powerful products, supporting up to 20 users, 100 GB storage, 1,000 automation runs and unlimited AI translation in chats, docs and email.u
Paid plans: Starts at $12/user/month, supporting up to 500 users. Includes unlimited message history, 50,000 automated Base workflow executions per month.
Enterprise plan: Custom pricing.
👉Try Lark’s Savings Calculator: Switching to Lark’s Pro plan can lead to significant cost savings— for example, a 100-employee company using Slack, Google Workspace, and Airtable could save approximately $25,200 annually by consolidating their tools with Lark.
Features:
Integrated Communication: Keep everything in one place—chat, video calls, and emails.
Task Management: Assign tasks and set deadlines to keep teams organized.
CRM Functions: Manage customer interactions directly from the platform.
Collaboration Tools: Real-time document editing enhances teamwork.
Automation: Streamline repetitive processes with built-in automation.
Ideal Users: Perfect for teams looking for a comprehensive solution that promotes collaboration and effective CRM.
2. Salesforce
Image source: tech.com
Overview: Salesforce is a leading name in customer relationship management. Its customizable and scalable platform can cater to a variety of business needs.
Pricing: The pricing model is tiered, allowing businesses to select plans based on required features.
Paid plans:
Starter Suite: $25 per user/month
Pro Suite: $100 per user/month
Features:
Sales Cloud: Comprehensive sales automation to streamline processes.
Marketing Cloud: Tools for targeted marketing campaigns and customer engagement.
Analytics and Reporting: Protect your investments with robust reporting tools.
AppExchange Marketplace: A vast selection of third-party integrations.
AI Integration: Einstein AI provides predictive analytics for better decision-making.
Ideal Users: Best for mid-sized to large enterprises that require a highly customizable CRM solution.
3. HubSpot CRM
Image source:hubspot.com
Overview: HubSpot CRM is designed for ease of use and integrates seamlessly with HubSpot's marketing tools. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses focusing on inbound marketing.
Pricing:
Free tools: Free
Starter: $15 per user/month
Professional: $90 per user/month
Features:
Contact Management: Easily organize and segment contacts based on behaviors.
Email Tracking: Track email engagement to optimize follow-up strategies.
Deal Pipeline Management: Visualize deals throughout the sales process.
Custom Form Builders: Create forms to capture leads efficiently.
Reporting and Analytics: Built-in tools for insightful analysis of sales performance.
Ideal Users: Suitable for small to medium-sized businesses focused on inbound marketing and accessible CRM solutions.
4. Zoho CRM
Image source: zoho.com
Overview: Zoho CRM provides a rich feature set that includes robust automation and customization options for various industries.
Pricing:
Free for up to 3 users
Standard: $14 per user/month
Professional: $23 per user/month
Enterprise: $40 per user/month
Ultimate: $52 per user/month
Features:
Multi-Channel Communication: Manage interactions via email, phone, chat, and social media.
Sales Automation: Automate routine tasks like follow-up emails.
Analytics: Powerful reporting and analytics to gain insights into sales metrics.
Customization: Tailor the interface and features to fit specific business needs.
Integration Capabilities: Easily connect with other Zoho products and third-party applications.
Ideal Users: Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an affordable yet powerful CRM tool.
5. Microsoft Dynamics 365
Image source: Microsoft.com
Overview: Microsoft Dynamics 365 combines CRM and ERP functionalities, making it ideal for enterprises that need a wide range of operational tools.
Pricing: Offers various pricing models based on selected modules.
Features:
Sales Automation: Tools for automating the sales process from lead generation to closure.
Customer Insights: AI-driven insights provide a comprehensive view of interactions.
Integration with Microsoft Products: Seamless integration enhances productivity.
Flexible Reporting: Customize dashboards and reports for analyzing business performance.
Field Service Management: Manage field service operations efficiently.
Ideal Users: Large enterprises or organizations already using Microsoft products.
6. Pipedrive
Image source: pipedrive.com
Overview: Pipedrive is known for its user-friendly interface and sales pipeline management, designed specifically to optimize sales processes.
Pricing: Operates on a month-to-month subscription model, allowing flexibility for businesses.
Features:
Visual Pipeline: Manage sales visually, making it easy to track deals.
Activity Reminders: Stay organized with automated reminders for follow-ups.
Customization: Adjust stages and fields to match specific sales processes.
Email Integration: Manage emails from within the platform.
Reporting and Insights: Generate reports to measure sales performance and identify trends.
Ideal Users: Small to medium-sized businesses focused on enhancing their sales processes.
7. Freshsales
Image source: freshwork.com
Overview: Freshsales, part of the Freshworks suite, combines CRM features with built-in communication tools for effective customer interaction.
Pricing: Includes a free version with basic features and tiered paid plans for more functionalities.
Features:
AI-Based Insights: Use AI to score leads and prioritize follow-ups.
Built-In Phone and Chat: Communicate directly from the CRM without needing other applications.
360-Degree Customer View: Access complete histories and interactions for better service.
Workflow Automation: Streamline processes with automated workflows.
Customizable Dashboards: Tailor dashboards for specific team needs.
Ideal Users: Startups and small businesses looking for an easy-to-use CRM.
8. Monday.com CRM
Image source: retrocube.com
Overview: Monday.com CRM provides a flexible platform that combines project management and CRM features for teams that need both.
Pricing: Monday’s free plan includes up to two seats, unlimited docs, 8 column types, and access to 200+ templates. The pricing structure for paid plans is listed below:
Basic plan: $9 per seat per month
Standard plan: $12 per seat per month
Pro plan: $19 per seat per month
Enterprise plan: Contact for pricing
Features:
Customizable Workflows: Create workflows tailored to team processes.
Visual Project Tracking: Use boards to visualize both CRM tasks and project management tasks.
Team Collaboration Tools: Built-in communication features enhance teamwork.
Integration Options: Connect with third-party apps easily.
Automated Notifications: Alerts for deadlines and important updates.
Ideal Users: Teams needing a blend of CRM and project management solutions.
9. ClickUp
Image source: clickup.com
Overview: ClickUp merges project management and CRM functionalities in a comprehensive platform.
Pricing: Offers various pricing plans, including a free version that provides key features.
Features:
Task Management: Organize tasks with customizable statuses to manage workload efficiently.
Goal Tracking: Set and track goals aligned with business objectives.
Time Management Tools: Analyze productivity with time tracking.
Custom Fields: Create tailored fields to capture specific data.
Integrations: Connect effortlessly with numerous applications.
Ideal Users: Organizations looking for a unified platform for managing projects and customer relationships.
10. SAP Sales Cloud
Image source: sap.com
Overview: Part of the SAP suite, SAP Sales Cloud offers extensive CRM functionalities tailored for large enterprises.
Pricing: The pricing model is subscription-based, varying based on features chosen.
Features:
Predictive Analytics: Gain insights and forecasts for better decision-making.
Collaboration Tools: Enhance communication between sales and marketing teams.
Customizable Dashboards: Reflect key metrics relevant to your business.
Integration with ERP: Strong integration with SAP ERP solutions for comprehensive data management.
Lead Management: Tools for managing and nurturing leads effectively.
Ideal Users: Large businesses needing robust CRM solutions with enterprise-level features.
11. Nimble
Image source: nimble.com
Overview: Nimble focuses on relationship building for small businesses and professionals through social media.
Pricing: $24.90 per user/month
Features:
Unified Inbox: Manage emails and social media communications in one place.
Social Listening: Monitor social platforms for mentions and customer interactions.
Contact Enrichment: Gather customer info from social profiles automatically.
Pipeline Management: Track interactions easily with a visual sales pipeline.
Integrations: Connect with popular apps like Mailchimp and Trello.
Ideal Users: Small businesses and social media professionals focused on building relationships.
12. Insightly
Image source: insightly.com
Overview: Insightly combines CRM and project management, making it ideal for companies that need both.
Pricing: Offers a free plan for small teams, with premium features available in paid plans.
Features:
Contact Management: Manage relationships with instant access to contact histories.
Project Management: Monitor projects alongside customer interactions.
Reporting and Analytics: Detailed reports for analyzing performance and customer engagement.
Email Integration: Seamlessly connect email accounts for better communication tracking.
Workflow Automation: Create automated workflows to enhance efficiency.
Ideal Users: Small to medium-sized businesses seeking CRM and project management capabilities.
13. EngageBay
Image source: engagebay.com
Overview: EngageBay is an all-in-one CRM designed to integrate sales, marketing, and customer service functionalities.
Pricing: Offers a free plan and affordable premium subscriptions for small businesses.
Features:
Email Marketing Automation: Create and automate effective email campaigns.
Landing Page Builder: Create attractive landing pages to optimize lead capture.
Helpdesk Functionality: Manage support tickets and customer inquiries effectively.
Lead Scoring: Automate lead scoring based on engagement levels.
Campaign Management: Oversee multiple marketing campaigns from a single platform.
Ideal Users: Small businesses needing a comprehensive solution for marketing and customer interactions.
14. SugarCRM
Image source: sugarcrm.com
Overview: SugarCRM offers customizable CRM solutions tailored for businesses of all sizes.
Pricing: Features bespoke pricing based on selected features and the number of users.
Features:
Customization Options: Tailor the CRM to fit specific business needs.
Automation: Automate marketing and sales processes for improved efficiency.
Advanced Analytics: Gain insights with comprehensive reporting tools.
Collaboration Tools: Encourage teamwork with integrated communication features.
Mobile Accessibility: Use the mobile app to manage relationships on the go.
Ideal Users: Medium to large businesses seeking flexible CRM solutions.
15. Close
Image source: close.com
Overview: Close is specifically designed for sales teams, emphasizing communication and lead management.
Pricing: Operates on subscription-based pricing with various plans.
Features:
Built-In Calling: Make calls directly from the CRM with call recording capabilities.
Automated Follow-Ups: Set automated reminders to ensure no leads slip through the cracks.
Email Tracking: Monitor email interactions to customize future outreach.
Lead Management: Organize leads through customizable pipeline stages.
Reporting Tools: Analyze sales performance and team productivity with detailed reports.
Ideal Users: Sales teams focusing on communication and efficient lead management.
Why Lark stands out
When you assess various CRM tools, it’s evident that each platform offers unique features and benefits tailored to different business needs. Lark distinguishes itself as a standout solution that seamlessly combines collaboration and customer relationship management in one powerful package.
1. All-in-One Collaboration Platform
Lark is not just another CRM; it’s an all-in-one collaboration platform that integrates communication, project management, and customer relationship management functionalities. Lark Base is a zero-code data management platform that can be used for a wide variety of use cases, including project management, task management, work management, CRM, and more. This comprehensive approach means you can manage customer interactions while collaborating in real time, all in one place. For teams looking to enhance efficiency, Lark simplifies operations and minimizes the hassle of using multiple tools.
2. Enhanced Communication Features
One of Lark’s standout aspects is its robust communication capabilities. With integrated chat (Lark Messenger), video conferencing (Lark Meetings), and document sharing (Lark Docs), team members can connect instantly, whether in the office or working remotely. This ensures that critical customer information is readily accessible and shared among team members effortlessly, leading to improved customer service and satisfaction.
3. User-Friendly Interface
Lark’s user-friendly interface encourages quick adoption among team members. With intuitive navigation and design, users can easily access CRM functionalities without extensive training. This ease of use helps minimize disruptions and allows teams to focus on what matters most—building strong relationships with their customers.
4. Automation and Workflow Streamlining
Lark Base incorporates automation features that help streamline everyday tasks. Users can set automated reminders for follow-ups, manage sales pipelines efficiently, and automate routine processes. These time-saving capabilities enable teams to concentrate on higher-value activities, such as engaging customers and strategizing for growth.
5. Real-Time Document Collaboration
The real-time document collaboration feature is particularly valuable for teams. Users can work on documents together instantly, promoting a collaborative culture and ensuring that everyone is aligned. This functionality is essential for tasks like proposal creation or customer report generation, where input from various team members is crucial.
6. Flexibility and Integration
Lark offers excellent flexibility when it comes to integrating with other tools and platforms. Companies can connect existing software solutions, enhancing their operational ecosystem. Whether you’re using marketing tools, e-commerce platforms, or customer support software, Lark integrates seamlessly to support your business processes. This versatility makes it a strong candidate on any customer relationship management tools list.
7. Affordable Pricing Structure
Another advantage of Lark is its affordable pricing. The generous free tier is well-suited for startups and small businesses, allowing them to leverage powerful CRM and collaboration features without significant investment. With flexible premium options available, businesses can scale as they grow, making it a sustainable choice.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are CRM tools used for?
CRM tools help businesses manage relationships with customers by organizing and tracking interactions, sales, and customer data. They enhance sales automation, marketing efforts, and customer support.
2. How do I choose the right CRM tool for my business?
Consider your specific business needs, the features required, and your budget. Evaluate various CRM tools based on ease of use, customer support, and integration capabilities.
3. What are the most essential features to look for in a CRM tool?
Key features to look for include contact management, sales automation, analytics and reporting, integration capabilities, and user-friendly interfaces.
4. Are there free CRM tools available?
Yes, many CRM tools offer free versions or trials, including HubSpot CRM and Lark, which allow businesses to try their features before committing.
5. How can CRM tools improve my sales process?
CRM tools streamline sales processes by automating tasks, providing insights into customer behavior, prioritizing leads, and facilitating better communication among sales teams.
Conclusion
In summary, navigating the world of CRM tools can be overwhelming, but understanding the key features, comparisons, and trends can simplify the decision-making process. Lark stands out as a powerful solution that integrates collaboration and CRM functionalities.
For businesses seeking to improve customer relationships and enhance teamwork, I highly recommend exploring Lark. Its unique combination of features is designed to foster effective communication and streamline workflows, making it a valuable asset for any organization.
