Top 10 best Pipedrive alternatives

You know that moment when you're working in your CRM and think, "This used to feel perfect for us, but now...." Maybe it's the pricing that's creeping up as you add more team members. Or perhaps you've outgrown some of the features and keep bumping into limitations. It's not that anything's wrong—it's just that your business has evolved.

Here's the thing about business tools: What worked brilliantly for your startup with five employees might start creaking under the pressure when you hit 25 people. Or maybe your needs have evolved. You started needing just pipeline management, but now you're craving better automation, deeper insights, or... honestly, just something that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

The good news? The CRM landscape in 2025 is more diverse than ever. There are CRMs designed specifically for small teams, others that scale beautifully with growing businesses, and some that pack enterprise-level features without the complexity (or the price tag) that usually comes with them.

Why are people jumping ship from Pipedrive?

Before we dive into the alternatives, let's talk about why you might be reading this article in the first place. Because if you're here, chances are you've experienced at least one of these pain points:

The pricing treadmill gets expensive, fast

Users consistently complain about Pipedrive's tendency to gate essential features behind higher-tier plans. Need automation? That'll cost extra. Want advanced reporting? Pay more. Email marketing features? You guessed it—another add-on. What starts as an affordable solution becomes a budget-buster.

Customer support has gone downhill

Multiple users report that support response times have stretched from 10-15 minutes to 12+ hours. One frustrated user mentioned they're considering canceling because even basic support queries get routed to ineffective chatbots.

Limited features for the price

At its core, Pipedrive is a sales pipeline tool—and that's about it. If you need email marketing, project management, or advanced automation, you're looking at additional costs or using different tools.

Reliability issues

Several users report that Pipedrive tends to go down during their busiest days, which is... not ideal when you're trying to respond to leads.

Email deliverability problems

This one's a big deal. Users report that emails sent through Pipedrive's system end up in spam folders, even when the same emails sent manually land in inboxes.

The bottom line? Pipedrive works fine if you just need basic pipeline management and don't mind paying extra for everything else. But if you want a CRM that actually grows with your business without bleeding you dry, it's time to explore other options. 

What to expect in this article

We've done the heavy lifting for you. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk through the top 10 Pipedrive alternatives that are actually worth your time and money. For each option, we'll break down the standout features, real user feedback (both good and bad), pricing details, and our honest take on who it's best suited for.

Whether you're a solopreneur just starting out or running a growing team, we'll help you find a CRM that fits your needs—and your budget—without the constant upselling and hidden costs that have made Pipedrive CRM software feel more like a burden than a tool.

A quick overview

Bigin by Zoho CRM: The smart choice for small businesses that want powerful features without the premium price. Offers pipeline management, automation, and built-in telephony at just $7 per month.

One Page CRM: An action-focused CRM with a unique to-do list approach that keeps follow-ups front and center. Perfect for relationship-driven businesses.

Less Annoying CRM: Lives up to its name with unlimited contacts and pipelines at a flat $15/month. No frills, no complexity, just solid CRM basics.

Freshsales: AI-powered CRM with generous free plan and built-in communication tools. Great balance of features and affordability.

Insightly: Bridges CRM and project management beautifully, making it ideal for service businesses that need to track deals through delivery.

Keap: An all-in-one platform combining CRM, email marketing, and payments. Powerful but pricey—best for businesses that need everything integrated.

Creatio: A no-code platform with powerful workflow automation. More expensive but incredibly flexible for businesses with unique processes.

Attio: A modern, AI-native CRM with Notion-like flexibility. Perfect for startups and tech-savvy teams who want customization without complexity.

Close: Communication-first CRM with excellent calling features. Built for outbound sales teams who live on the phone.

Copper CRM: The Google Workspace native choice. If your business runs on Gmail and Google apps, this integration is seamless.

Top Pipedrive alternatives for your business

Below are some of the top CRM options that businesses often turn to when they’re ready to move on from Pipedrive. Each one comes with practical details to help you figure out which tool best matches your needs—whether you’re focused on affordability, simplicity, or the right set of features to support your growth.

1. Bigin by Zoho CRM

Here's something that might surprise you: The best Pipedrive alternative isn't trying to compete with the giants. Instead, Bigin by Zoho CRM took a completely different approach—they built a CRM specifically for small businesses from the ground up.

When Zoho launched Bigin in 2021, they had a simple mission: Create a pipeline-centric CRM that small teams could actually afford and easily use. Instead of loading up a platform with enterprise features that most small businesses never touch, they focused on what actually matters for growing companies.

Since launching, Bigin has quietly become the go-to choice for thousands of small businesses worldwide. It's not trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, it does the core CRM functions exceptionally well, at a price point that won't make your accountant wince.

Standout features

Pipeline management

Unlike Pipedrive's rigid structure, Bigin lets you create multiple team pipelines and connect them through workflow automations. You can track everything from lead qualification to post-sales operations in one cohesive system, and it doesn't feel like you're fighting the platform to make it work for your business.

Customer data capture without the hassle

Build custom forms to collect information from any source, then get instant alerts when prospects take action. Import existing data from spreadsheets with ease, and export everything whenever you need backups or analysis.

Built-in communication across every channel

Make calls, send emails, and connect via WhatsApp without leaving your CRM. Track campaign performance, maintain conversation history, and automatically link every interaction to the right contact record. No more juggling separate tools or losing track of important conversations.

Smart automation that works behind the scenes

Create workflows that trigger actions when deals move between stages. Set up automatic follow-up emails, deal tracking reminders, and task assignments. Free your team from repetitive work so they can focus on building relationships and closing deals.

True team collaboration built in

Share pipelines across departments, coordinate activities seamlessly, and integrate directly with Microsoft Teams. Tag teammates in notes, manage shared calendars, and access customer information during video calls. Everyone stays informed without constant status meetings or email chains.

Flexibility to match your business exactly

Add custom fields for industry-specific data, create new modules for unique processes, and handle multiple currencies for international clients. Configure Bigin to mirror how your business actually operates rather than forcing your processes into someone else's template.

What users like about Bigin

The feedback for Bigin is remarkably consistent; users love how quickly they can get up and running. The interface is clean and intuitive, with almost no learning curve. Small business owners particularly appreciate the pipeline templates that let them start tracking deals immediately without spending days on configuration.

At $7 per user per month (billed annually), it's hands-down the most cost-effective solution in this space. Users frequently mention that they get more functionality in Bigin's basic plan than they did in Pipedrive's premium tiers.

The mobile app gets praise for actually being useful on the go, and the integration ecosystem—particularly with other Zoho products—provides a clear growth path as businesses expand.

What users dislike about Bigin

Some users want more advanced reporting capabilities for deeper data analysis. While the standard dashboards cover the basics well, power users sometimes feel limited.

A few users mention limitations in adding custom fields to certain modules, though this rarely impacts day-to-day operations

Pricing

Express - $7 per user per month (billed annually)

Premier - $12 per user per month (billed annually)

Bigin 360 - $18 per user per month (billed annually)

All three plans include core CRM features, pipeline management, automation, and built-in telephony. The main difference is the number of pipelines and records you can manage.

Our take

Bigin is the standout choice for small businesses that want to escape Pipedrive's pricing treadmill without sacrificing functionality. At $7 per month, you get features that would cost you $50+ in Pipedrive with add-ons.

The built-in telephony alone saves you money compared to Pipedrive's calling costs. Add the automation capabilities, multi-pipeline support, and seamless integration options, and Bigin delivers exceptional value.

What really sets Bigin apart is the upgrade path. When your business outgrows Bigin, you can easily transition to Zoho CRM with one click and take all your data with you. You're not locked into a platform that can't scale with your growth.

If you're tired of Pipedrive's limitations and constant upselling, Bigin should be at the top of your list to evaluate as a Pipedrive alternative. Read our detailed comparison between Bigin and Pipedrive.

2. One Page CRM

Sometimes the best solutions come from the most personal frustrations. One Page CRM was born when its founders got tired of juggling spreadsheets and to-do apps alongside their CRM. They wanted something that put action items front and center, not buried in endless tabs and menus.

The result is a CRM that thinks differently about how sales actually happen. Instead of focusing on pipeline stages and deal values, One Page CRM organizes everything around what you need to do next. It's refreshingly simple and surprisingly powerful.

Standout features

An Action Stream that keeps you moving

This is One Page CRM's signature feature. Every contact gets an action item with a due date, and your entire workflow is organized around these next steps. No more digging through deal stages to figure out what you should be working on today.

Contact management that makes sense

All contact information lives on one scrollable page, including past interactions and future touchpoints. You can visualize relationships between contacts (who's the decision maker, who influences the budget, etc.) without clicking through multiple screens.

Lead generation tools that actually work

The Lead Clipper lets you capture contact details from any webpage and automatically create new contacts in your CRM. Build unlimited forms with unlimited submissions. It's lead capture without the technical headaches.

Built-in communication hub

Send bulk emails, manage templates, track opens, and sync with your email client—all from within your CRM. It's like having a simple marketing automation tool built right in.

A mobile CRM that's actually decent

An AI-powered route planner, a speed dialer, and a business card scanner make One Page CRM actually useful when you're out meeting prospects.

What users like about One Page CRM

Users consistently praise One Page CRM for its simplicity and focus on action. The Action Stream keeps everyone on track without feeling overwhelming. The pricing is straightforward at $9.95 per month with no per-user limits on basic features.

The customer service gets high marks for being responsive and helpful. Users also appreciate that the BCC email functionality is included in the base price—something many competitors charge extra for.

The integration ecosystem is solid, with connections to popular tools like Mailchimp, Xero, and Google apps.

What users dislike about One Page CRM

While it's One Page CRM's biggest strength, the Action Stream can become unmanageable if you don't stay on top of it. Users report that if you have many prospects in long sales cycles, the action list can get overwhelming.

The Evernote integration loses formatting when notes sync over, making it difficult to review detailed notes. Some users find the reporting capabilities limited compared to more traditional CRMs.

Pricing

Professional - $9.95 per user per month (billed annually)

Business - $19.95 per user per month (billed annually)

Enterprise - Custom pricing

All plans include unlimited contacts and the core Action Stream functionality.

Our take

One Page CRM is perfect for businesses where relationship building and follow-up consistency matter more than complex deal tracking. If your sales process is relationship-driven—think consulting, real estate, or professional services—the Action Stream approach can be game-changing.

The focus on "what needs to happen next" rather than "where is this deal in the pipeline" feels more natural for many businesses. You spend less time managing your CRM and more time actually engaging with prospects.

However, if you need detailed sales reporting or manage complex deals with multiple stakeholders, One Page CRM might feel too simplified. It's designed for businesses that value action over analysis.

3. Less Annoying CRM

The name says it all, doesn't it? Less Annoying CRM was created by a software engineer who got frustrated trying to set up a complex CRM for his boss. His solution? Build something that actually makes sense for normal humans running normal businesses.

True to its origins, Less Annoying CRM strips away the complexity and focuses on what small businesses actually need: a clean, simple way to manage contacts and track interactions without the bloat.

Standout features

Unlimited everything at one price

Contacts, pipelines, and custom fields—all unlimited at $15 per user per month. No artificial limits, no surprise charges when you grow.

Contact management that's actually manageable

Get a clean interface for searching, filtering, and viewing contacts. No cluttered screens or confusing navigation. Everything you need is right where you'd expect to find it.

Custom pipelines without the complexity

Create custom pipelines or choose from nine pre-built templates for different scenarios. Whether you're tracking sales, job applications, or project requests, you can set up what you need quickly.

A calendar integration that works

Get a comprehensive view of tasks and events, all linked to specific contacts and companies. Your CRM and calendar actually talk to each other properly.

Team collaboration without drama

Enjoy unlimited user access with controllable permissions. Share data across teams while maintaining security. Don't pay extra for basic collaboration features.

What users like about Less Annoying CRM

Users love the simplicity and the fact that it works on mobile devices with voice-to-text functionality. The flexibility of customizing fields for contacts and companies gets consistent praise.

Getting unlimited contacts and pipelines at a single price point is a major draw, especially for businesses that have been burned by per-contact pricing models elsewhere. Customer support is also highly rated; you can actually talk to humans who solve problems!

What users dislike about Less Annoying CRM

Some users find the lack of comprehensive pipeline views frustrating, and instead have to update contact profiles manually. The reporting and analytics capabilities are basic compared to more feature-rich platforms.

Users can't easily associate contacts with multiple businesses, which can be limiting for complex relationship mapping. There are no AI automation features, and the platform lacks built-in email capabilities.

The single pricing plan means you're paying for features you might not need, or missing features you might want.

Pricing

$15 per user per month (plus tax). That's it.

Our take

Less Annoying CRM delivers exactly what it promises: a straightforward CRM without the headaches. If you've been frustrated by complex systems that require training manuals and dedicated administrators, this is refreshingly simple.

It's perfect for small teams that prioritize usability and affordability over advanced features. You can be up and running in minutes, not hours or days. The unlimited contacts and pipelines remove growth anxiety; you won't suddenly get hit with overage charges as you scale.

However, if you need advanced automation, detailed reporting, or built-in marketing tools, you'll outgrow Less Annoying CRM quickly. It's honest about what it is: a basic, reliable CRM for businesses that want to focus on relationships, not technology.

4. Freshsales

Freshsales comes from Freshworks, a company that understands something important: Small businesses need AI-powered tools but shouldn't have to pay enterprise prices for them. While competitors like Salesforce charge hundreds extra for AI features, Freshsales builds them into affordable plans.

The platform combines solid CRM fundamentals with intelligent automation and multichannel communication—all at pricing that won't break your budget.

Standout features

AI that actually helps without the premium price

Freddy AI helps with lead scoring, email personalization, and deal insights, starting at just $39 per month. That's a fraction of what other platforms charge for similar AI capabilities.

Built-in communication across all channels

Email, phone, SMS, and chat—they're all included in the platform. You can engage prospects wherever they are without juggling separate tools or paying for add-ons.

Visual sales pipeline with intelligence

Freshsales offers customizable pipelines with AI-driven insights about deal progression and likelihood to close. The system helps you focus on the opportunities most likely to convert.

A generous free plan that's actually useful

Unlike HubSpot's limited free offering, Freshsales provides genuine functionality at no cost, including unlimited users and core CRM features.

Email automation without the complexity

Set up drip campaigns, automated follow-ups, and trigger-based emails with a visual workflow builder. You get plenty of power for sophisticated nurturing sequences, no coding required.

What users like about Freshsales

Users appreciate the powerful filtering capabilities and the clear visualization of sales processes. The free plan is particularly attractive for growing teams that need real functionality without upfront costs.

The user experience gets consistent praise for being intuitive and effective. Teams find it easy to create pipelines that match their actual sales processes without forced customization.

The integration ecosystem is solid, and the customer support is generally responsive and helpful.

What users dislike about Freshsales

Some users report frustration with the inability to sync email accounts by salesperson territory, which limits customization for larger teams. The export functionality is also limited; you can't export contact views directly and have to recreate them as segments.

Customer support chat can be inconsistent, with some users experiencing mid-session failures and lost chat history. The task management features lack Kanban-style boards that some users prefer.

Pricing

Growth - $9 per user per month (billed annually)

Pro - $39 per user per month (billed annually)

Enterprise - $59 per user per month (billed annually)

Our take

Freshsales hits a sweet spot between functionality and affordability. The AI features at the Pro level ($39 per month) provide genuine value without the premium pricing of competitors. For businesses that want intelligent CRM capabilities without the complexity or cost of enterprise platforms, it's an excellent choice.

The generous free plan makes it easy to test whether Freshsales fits your workflow before committing to paid features. The built-in communication tools eliminate the need for separate calling or email platforms.

However, if you need extensive customization or advanced reporting, you might find Freshsales somewhat limiting. It's designed to work well out of the box rather than being endlessly configurable.

5. Insightly

Most CRMs stop at "deal closed." Insightly keeps going. This platform understands that for many businesses, closing the deal is just the beginning—you still need to deliver the project or provide the service, as well as maintain the relationship.

Insightly bridges the gap between sales and project delivery, making it particularly valuable for service businesses, agencies, and consultancies that need to track opportunities through to completion.

Standout features

Seamless transition from deals to projects

When you close an opportunity, you can convert it directly to a project with all the relevant details and tasks intact. No re-entering information or losing context during handoffs.

Workflow automation that spans sales and delivery

Set up automations that trigger across both CRM and project management functions. Automatically create project tasks, assign team members, and notify stakeholders when a deal moves to "closed-won."

Quote management integrated with project delivery

Generate professional quotes with product catalogs and price books, then seamlessly transition to project tracking once the deal closes. Everything stays connected throughout the entire customer lifecycle.

A visual project runway for clear visibility

The Project Runway feature provides clear visibility into project management alongside your sales pipeline. You can see both your incoming opportunities and your current workload in one place.

Data integrity controls for reliable information

Validation rules and advanced permissions ensure your data stays clean and accurate as it moves between sales and delivery teams.

What users like about Insightly

Users consistently praise the Visual Project Runway feature for providing clear visibility into both sales and project management. The ability to transition easily from closed opportunities to active projects is particularly valuable for service businesses.

The task list functionality helps organize daily activities for team members and keep everyone focused on the right priorities. Customer support gets high marks for being responsive and helpful.

What users dislike about Insightly

Some users report frustrating glitches in certain modules, particularly the Service module. Screen refreshes are sometimes required to see updates, which can be disruptive to workflows.

Bulk editing functionality can also be inconsistent, and some users are disappointed that the Actual Close Date field doesn't populate automatically for lost opportunities. The free plan is significantly limited in terms of records and storage capacity.

Pricing

Plus - $29 per user per month (billed annually)

Professional - $49 per user per month (billed annually)

Enterprise - $99 per user per month (billed annually)

Our take

Insightly shines where most CRMs stumble: bridging the gap between sales and delivery. For businesses that both win deals and execute projects—consultancies, agencies, and service businesses—Insightly eliminates the typical handoff problems between sales and operations teams.

The platform excels when relationships continue long after the initial sale. You get both CRM and project management functionality in one integrated system, which is genuinely valuable for service-based businesses.

The downsides? Reported glitches and a limited free plan are concerning. Plus, pricing runs higher than some alternatives, making this better suited for established businesses rather than bootstrapped startups.

6. Keap

Keap (formerly Infusionsoft) is the Swiss Army knife of small business software. It combines CRM, email marketing, appointment scheduling, invoicing, and payments into one platform. The question is: Do you need all those tools, and are you willing to pay for them?

Keap is designed for businesses that want everything in one place and don't mind paying premium prices for that convenience.

Standout features

All-in-one business automation

Get CRM, email marketing, appointment scheduling, invoicing, and payment processing—all integrated into one platform. Manage your entire customer journey from first contact to final payment without switching tools.

Powerful automation workflows

Set up complex multi-step automations that can handle lead nurturing, customer onboarding, and follow-up sequences. The automation builder is visual and quite sophisticated once you learn it.

Built-in payment processing

Accept credit cards, debit cards, and ACH payments directly through the platform. You can send invoices with payment links and track payment status within your CRM records.

eCommerce integration

Create quotes, send invoices, set up promo codes, manage tax rates, and build custom checkout forms. For businesses that sell online, Keap can handle the entire transaction flow.

What users like about Keap

Users appreciate Keap's comprehensive feature set and the ability to manage their entire business from one platform. The automation capabilities are particularly powerful for businesses that want to systematize their marketing and sales processes.

The built-in payment processing and invoicing features eliminate the need for separate billing software. For businesses that need both CRM and marketing automation, Keap can replace multiple tools.

What users dislike about Keap

The pricing is the biggest complaint. At $299 per month for 1,500 contacts, Keap is significantly more expensive than alternatives. The learning curve is also steep, and many users find the interface outdated and slow.

Email deliverability can be problematic, with some users reporting high bounce rates and spam folder issues. The automation system, while powerful, can be buggy and prone to duplicating emails.

Customer support gets mixed reviews, with some users frustrated by slow response times and an inability to resolve complex issues.

Pricing

Pricing starts at $299 per month for 1,500 contacts and two users, scaling up based on contact count. Additional users cost extra.

Our take

Keap is a powerful platform for businesses that need comprehensive automation and don't mind paying premium prices. If you're running a business that requires sophisticated email marketing, payment processing, and CRM functionality, Keap can replace multiple tools.

However, the high price point and complexity make it unsuitable for most small businesses. You're paying enterprise-level prices for features you may never fully utilize. The learning curve is significant, and the user interface feels dated compared to modern alternatives.

Unless you specifically need the advanced automation and payment processing features, there are more affordable and user-friendly alternatives that will serve you better.

7. Creatio

Creatio takes a fundamentally different approach than most CRMs. Instead of forcing you to adapt your business processes to their software, Creatio lets you build the exact workflows you need using visual, no-code tools.

This flexibility comes at a price—both in terms of cost and complexity—but for businesses with unique processes, Creatio can be transformative.

Standout features

No-code platform for custom workflows

Build complex business processes using a visual workflow designer without writing code. You can model exactly how your business operates rather than compromising on pre-built templates.

AI-powered automation throughout

Advanced AI tools help with forecasting, lead scoring, and process optimization. The AI capabilities are built into the platform rather than being expensive add-ons.

Industry-specific solutions

Creatio includes pre-built solutions for finance, real estate, and other industries that understand the unique requirements of different business types.

Comprehensive business process management

Creatio goes beyond CRM to handle marketing automation, customer service, and operational workflows. Manage your entire business process ecosystem in one platform.

Advanced analytics and reporting

Get robust reporting capabilities with customizable dashboards and deep insights into business performance.

What users like about Creatio

Users appreciate its flexibility and customization capabilities that let them build exactly what they need. The no-code approach makes it accessible to business users without requiring IT development resources.

The visual workflow builder is intuitive for mapping complex business processes, and the platform scales well for growing businesses with changing requirements.

What users dislike about Creatio

The pricing is expensive, starting at $25 per user per month, with a minimum of five users. The complexity can be overwhelming for simple use cases; you're paying for power you might not need.

The learning curve is steeper than simpler alternatives, and the extensive customization options can lead to over-engineering.

Pricing

Growth - $25 per user per month (minimum of five users)

Enterprise - $55 per user per month

Unlimited - $85 per user per month

Our take

Creatio makes sense for established businesses with unique processes that simply can't be handled by standard CRM platforms. The no-code flexibility is genuinely powerful; you can build exactly what your business needs rather than compromising on pre-built templates.

This strength comes with obvious trade-offs: complexity and costs that many businesses don't need. Starting at $25 per user per month with a five-user minimum—plus the learning curve involved in customizing workflows—means you're making a significant investment.

For straightforward sales processes, simpler and more affordable alternatives will serve you better. But if you have specific industry requirements or complex workflows that don't fit standard models, Creatio's flexibility might justify the investment. 

8. Attio

Attio represents the new generation of CRM platforms—built from the ground up for the AI era with a modern user interface design that feels more like Notion than traditional CRM software.

Founded by entrepreneurs who experienced the limitations of legacy CRMs firsthand, Attio offers maximum flexibility without the usual complexity.

Standout features

AI-native platform built for modern workflows

Unlike older CRMs with AI bolted on, Attio was designed with AI capabilities from the beginning. Email and calendar event retrieval, contact enrichment, and relationship insights happen automatically.

Notion-like flexibility with CRM power

Create custom objects, define relationships between data types, and build views that match exactly how your business thinks about customers. The interface is clean, fast, and intuitive.

Object-based data structure

Enjoy total freedom to model your data exactly how you need it, whether you're tracking traditional sales deals or managing complex multi-stakeholder relationships.

Powerful automation without complexity.

Set up sophisticated workflows that streamline key processes without needing engineering resources. The automation tools are intuitive and powerful.

A modern interface that teams actually enjoy using

Clean design, fast performance, and customizable views make Attio feel more like a modern productivity tool than traditional enterprise software.

What users like about Attio

Users consistently praise its flexibility and modern interface. The object-based structure gives you total freedom to model data exactly as needed. The automation features are powerful and intuitive.

Attio's AI-powered contact enrichment and timeline features save significant time on data entry and relationship tracking. Teams find it easy to adopt across different roles and functions.

What users dislike about Attio

You can't rename system object attributes (like "Companies" or "People"), which can be limiting for specialized workflows. Call transcription and enrichment features don't support all languages yet.

As a newer platform, the integration ecosystem is still growing compared to established competitors.

Pricing

Plus - $29 per user per month (billed annually)

Pro - $69 per user per month (billed annually)

Our take

Attio is perfect for startups and growing businesses that want modern CRM capabilities without the baggage of legacy platforms. The Notion-like interface makes it approachable for teams that have been intimidated by traditional CRMs.

Attio's AI-native approach provides genuine productivity benefits rather than just marketing buzzwords. For teams that value clean design and flexible data modeling, Attio can be transformative.

As a newer platform, though, it lacks some deep integrations and specialized features found in established alternatives. Attio works best for modern, tech-savvy teams rather than traditional sales organizations set in their ways.

9. Close

Close was built by salespeople who got tired of CRMs that got in the way of actually selling. This communication-first platform integrates calling, email, and SMS into one streamlined interface designed to keep sales reps focused on engaging prospects rather than managing software.

If your sales process is heavy on outbound calling and direct communication, Close might be exactly what you've been looking for.

Standout features

Built-in communication hub

Make calls, send emails, and text directly from your CRM without switching between tools. All communications are automatically logged and associated with the right records.

Advanced calling features

Close offers premium phone numbers with lead-based routing, customizable phone menus (IVR), and round-robin routing to sales reps. It's like having a business phone system built into your CRM.

Sales automation

Automate email sequences, follow-up reminders, and call logging without complex workflows. The automation focuses on communication rather than administrative tasks.

AI-powered insights

Lead summaries, email writing assistance, and activity analysis help sales reps work more efficiently. The AI features are practical rather than gimmicky.

What users like about Close

Users consistently praise the built-in communication tools and the fact that everything is automatically logged. The calling features are particularly strong, with smooth call quality and comprehensive recording capabilities.

The user interface is clean and focused on sales activities rather than administrative tasks. Sales reps can stay in the flow of prospecting and following up without getting bogged down in CRM maintenance.

What users dislike about Close

Close lacks advanced marketing automation features found in other platforms. The customization options are more limited compared to more complex CRMs.

There's no free plan, which makes it less accessible for very small teams or startups. The pricing can get expensive for teams that need advanced features like calling and detailed automation.

Some users need external tools for more extensive reporting or data visualization.

Pricing

Essentials - $35 per user per month (billed annually)

Growth - $99 per user per month (billed annually)

Scale - $139 per user per month (billed annually)

Calling and SMS features are usage-based with credits included in each plan.

Our take

Close excels for businesses where direct communication is central to the sales process. If your team spends significant time on calls, Close's built-in telephony and communication logging can dramatically improve productivity.

The focus on sales activities rather than administrative complexity makes it particularly appealing for outbound sales teams and businesses with shorter sales cycles.

However, if you need extensive customization, advanced reporting, or integrated marketing automation, Close might feel limiting. It's designed to excel at communication-focused sales rather than being a comprehensive business platform.

10. Copper CRM

If your business lives in Google Workspace, Copper CRM feels like a natural extension of the tools you already use. This isn't just another CRM with Google integrations; it's built specifically for businesses that have fully embraced the Google ecosystem.

Copper eliminates the friction of switching between Gmail and your CRM because it works directly inside Gmail.

Standout features

Native Google Workspace integration

Work directly from Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive without switching tabs. Copper automatically populates contact data from your email conversations and calendar meetings.

Zero data entry approach

Contact records are automatically created and updated based on your Gmail interactions. Files and documents attached to emails are automatically associated with the right contacts and deals.

Seamless workflow within familiar tools

Add leads, update deals, create calendar events, and manage tasks directly from your Gmail inbox. It feels like Google built CRM functionality into Gmail.

Automated data synchronization

All email communications and calendar meetings are automatically logged and synced across your team. Everyone has access to the complete interaction history without manual data entry.

Google Sheets and Data Studio integration

Export CRM data directly to Google Sheets for custom analysis and connect to Data Studio for advanced reporting and visualization.

What users like about Copper CRM

Users love that they never have to leave Gmail to manage their CRM activities. The automatic data population from email conversations eliminates tedious manual entry.

The setup process is remarkably fast; many users are fully operational within hours rather than days or weeks. The interface feels familiar because it matches Google's design language.

The integration with Google Calendar automatically tracks meetings and calls, providing complete interaction history without manual logging.

What users dislike about Copper CRM

Copper is specifically designed for Google Workspace and doesn't integrate with Microsoft Outlook or Office 365. If you're not fully committed to Google's ecosystem, Copper won't work for you.

Some users find the feature set more limited compared to platform-agnostic CRMs that need to work with multiple email systems. The reporting capabilities, while good, may not match specialized analytics platforms.

Pricing

Starter - $9 per user per month (billed annually)

Basic - $23 per user per month (billed annually)

Professional - $59 per user per month

Business - $99 per user per month

All plans include the core Google Workspace integration features.

Our take

For businesses that have fully embraced Google Workspace, Copper CRM is transformative. The deep integration eliminates the context switching that makes other CRMs feel disruptive to daily workflows.

The automatic data population and email integration mean your CRM stays current without manual effort. If your team lives in Gmail and Google Calendar, Copper feels like a natural extension of your existing toolkit.

However, this strength is also a limitation. If you use mixed systems or might switch away from Google Workspace in the future, Copper's deep integration becomes a constraint rather than a benefit.

Wrapping up

Here's the truth about choosing a Pipedrive alternative: There's no single "best" option for every business. What matters is finding the CRM that fits your needs, budget, and working style—not the one with the longest feature list or the slickest marketing.

If you're a small business that wants powerful features without premium pricing, Bigin by Zoho CRM offers exceptional value at $7 per month with built-in telephony, automation, and easy scaling options.

For relationship-driven businesses that prioritize follow-up consistency, One Page CRM's action-focused approach keeps important tasks front and center.

Teams that value simplicity above all else will appreciate Less Annoying CRM's straightforward approach and unlimited features at a flat rate.

The key is to actually try the platforms that seem promising. Most offer free trials, and a few hours of hands-on testing will tell you more than any review ever could.

Remember: Your CRM should make your business easier to run, not harder. If you find yourself fighting your CRM instead of using it to grow your business, it's time to make a change.

Ready to leave Pipedrive CRM software behind? Start with Bigin by Zoho CRM's free trial, which offers the best combination of features, affordability, and growth potential for most small businesses making the switch.

FAQs

 What are the best alternatives to Pipedrive?

Some top Pipedrive alternatives include Bigin by Zoho CRM, One Page CRM, Less Annoying CRM, Copper CRM, Insightly, Keap, Creatio, Attio, and Close. Each of these offers different features and pricing to suit a range of small business and enterprise needs.

Why switch from Pipedrive to another CRM?

Common reasons for switching include the need for more advanced automation, better customer support, lower pricing, additional marketing or project management features, or deeper customization options. Some businesses also outgrow Pipedrive's core pipeline model and look for solutions that scale as they grow.

Which free CRM is better than Pipedrive?

Bigin by Zoho provides a free trial and entry-level pricing suitable for small teams who want a simpler, more streamlined solution. Users can also use a free forever plan if that suits their requirements.

What features should I look for in a Pipedrive alternative?

Look for built-in automation, customizable pipelines, multichannel communication (calls, email, WhatsApp), robust reporting, integrations with your favorite tools, and affordable pricing. Ease of use and scalability are also important for growing businesses.

Is Bigin by Zoho CRM better than Pipedrive?

For small businesses prioritizing affordability, ease of use, and modern automation features, Bigin by Zoho CRM is a strong alternative. It’s especially suited to those who want to avoid costly add-ons and value easy migration to the more full-featured Zoho CRM as they grow.