Quick comparison
Shortlist first, details second. Always double-check current pricing and plan limits on the vendor site.
| Tool | Best for | Setup time | Pricing | Why it’s here | Watch-out |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| See pricing →Top pick | Simple pipelines | See current pricing | Paid | Fast to adopt | Less all‑in‑one marketing |
| See pricing → | All‑in‑one growth | See current pricing | Free + paid | Grows with you | Can get pricey as you scale |
| See pricing → | Outbound + follow-up speed | See current pricing | Paid | Fast pipeline + calling/email | Less marketing suite |
| See pricing → | Feature depth on a budget | See current pricing | Paid | Lots of knobs | More setup/complexity |
How we picked
- Optimized for agency workflows: delivery visibility, client collaboration, and handoffs.
- Prioritized fast setup and simple ownership/permissions (so you actually adopt it).
- Checked integrations and reporting (so you don’t build a spreadsheet on the side).
- Included a clear watch‑out for each option to avoid bad fits.
We refresh guides when pricing/features shift. Always verify current terms on the vendor site.
Pipedrive — a clean sales pipeline for small teams
Where it shines
- Super fast to set up pipelines and stages
- Great visibility for follow‑ups and next steps
- Plays nicely with a lean sales process
Common gotchas
- If you want heavy marketing automation, you may need add‑ons
- Be strict about data hygiene (stages, required fields) early
Pick it if…
- You want a simple ‘deal board’ your team will actually use
- You sell services with a straightforward pipeline
Skip it if…
- You need an all‑in‑one marketing suite on day one
HubSpot CRM — a suite that can expand into marketing + automation
Where it shines
- Solid free starting point for basic CRM
- Easy path into email, forms, and automation later
- Good ecosystem and integrations
Common gotchas
- Costs can climb as you add seats/features
- It’s easy to overbuild—start simple and expand later
Pick it if…
- You expect to grow into marketing automation
- You want one platform to consolidate tools over time
Skip it if…
- You want the simplest CRM possible and hate suites
Zoho CRM — a customizable CRM when you’re price‑sensitive
Where it shines
- Big feature set for the money
- Custom fields, workflows, and modules (plan‑dependent)
- Works well if you like tweaking systems
Common gotchas
- Setup takes longer than ‘plug‑and‑play’ CRMs
- UI/flow can feel busy if you enable everything
Pick it if…
- You’re comfortable configuring tools and documenting your process
- You want flexibility without enterprise pricing
Skip it if…
- You need zero setup and a super minimal UI
Salesflare — best if you want an email‑first CRM with less manual logging
Salesflare is a lightweight CRM that leans into automatic activity capture (email, calendar) so the pipeline stays accurate with less admin.
Try Salesflare Compare with Pipedrive
Bottom line
Start with Pipedrive if you want something simple and effective. Choose HubSpot if you’re heading toward a bigger marketing stack. Pick Zoho if you’re comfortable configuring and maintaining a more flexible system.
FAQ
What’s the best crm for a small agency?
Start with the Top pick in the quick comparison, then sanity‑check the watch‑out against your workflow and budget.
How long does it take to set up crm?
Most teams can get a workable setup in a half day to two days. The real work is deciding your workflow (stages, ownership, and client touchpoints).
Do these tools support client access and permissions?
Usually, yes — but it varies by plan. Before committing, confirm guest seats, client permissions, and whether clients need paid accounts.