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Ranked guide · RevOps Software

Best Free CRM Software (2026)

Six genuinely free CRM plans ranked by useful features, user and contact limits, upgrade pressure, and the operating model each one fits.

Best Free CRM Software (2026)

The picks

  1. Our pick

    HubSpot Smart CRM

    Best for A two-person team that wants sales, marketing, service, forms, meetings, and integrations around one customer record

    9.4/10WireRanked score
  2. Best for three users

    Zoho CRM

    Best for A three-person sales group that wants leads, deals, activities, workflow rules, reports, APIs, and mobile access

    9.1/10WireRanked score
  3. Budget pick

    Bigin by Zoho CRM

    Best for One operator replacing a spreadsheet with a simple visual pipeline, activities, forms, basic automation, and a dashboard

    8.8/10WireRanked score

HubSpot is the best free CRM software overall because this guide ranks the usefulness of the entire ongoing free plan. Zoho supports three users instead of two, but HubSpot’s connected sales, marketing, service, forms, meetings, reporting, and integration toolkit outweighs that extra seat for most micro teams.

Here, “free CRM” means an ongoing $0 plan, not a free trial or limited-time promotion. This is official-source desk research, not hands-on testing; we compared the first limit likely to force an upgrade.

Pricing checked October 17, 2026

At a glance

Compare the top picks

Swipe to compare all columns

RankLogoProductWireRankBest forStarting priceStandoutAction
#2Zoho CRM9.1 / 10A three-person sales group that wants leads, deals, activities, workflow rules, reports, APIs, and mobile access$0 forever for 3 usersLast verified October 17, 2026Best traditional free CRM for three usersVisit site
#3Bigin by Zoho CRM8.8 / 10One operator replacing a spreadsheet with a simple visual pipeline, activities, forms, basic automation, and a dashboard$0 for 1 user and 500 total recordsLast verified October 17, 2026Best free CRM for a solo pipelineVisit site
#4EngageBay8.5 / 10A team with many users but a very small database that wants basic CRM, email marketing, forms, sequences, appointments, and tickets together$0 for up to 15 users; 250 contactsLast verified October 17, 2026Best free CRM for a 15-person micro teamVisit site
#5Bitrix248.2 / 10A team that wants basic deals and contacts alongside tasks, chat, video, calendars, and file storage in one free workspace, and accepts less CRM depth$0 with 5 GB storageLast verified October 17, 2026Best free CRM with built-in collaboration toolsVisit site
#6Capsule7.9 / 10One or two people managing a small, stable book of contacts and opportunities with minimal configuration$0 for up to 2 users; 250 contacts (Pricing as of October 2026; pricing may change)Last verified October 19, 2026Best free CRM for lightweight relationship trackingVisit site
#2

Best traditional free CRM for three users

Zoho CRM

Best for
A three-person sales group that wants leads, deals, activities, workflow rules, reports, APIs, and mobile access
Starting price
$0 forever for 3 usersLast verified October 17, 2026
Our rating
9.1/10WireRanked score
Visit site
#3

Best free CRM for a solo pipeline

Bigin by Zoho CRM

Best for
One operator replacing a spreadsheet with a simple visual pipeline, activities, forms, basic automation, and a dashboard
Starting price
$0 for 1 user and 500 total recordsLast verified October 17, 2026
Our rating
8.8/10WireRanked score
Visit site
#4

Best free CRM for a 15-person micro team

EngageBay

Best for
A team with many users but a very small database that wants basic CRM, email marketing, forms, sequences, appointments, and tickets together
Starting price
$0 for up to 15 users; 250 contactsLast verified October 17, 2026
Our rating
8.5/10WireRanked score
Visit site
#5

Best free CRM with built-in collaboration tools

Bitrix24

Best for
A team that wants basic deals and contacts alongside tasks, chat, video, calendars, and file storage in one free workspace, and accepts less CRM depth
Starting price
$0 with 5 GB storageLast verified October 17, 2026
Our rating
8.2/10WireRanked score
Visit site
#6

Best free CRM for lightweight relationship tracking

Capsule

Best for
One or two people managing a small, stable book of contacts and opportunities with minimal configuration
Starting price
$0 for up to 2 users; 250 contacts (Pricing as of October 2026; pricing may change)Last verified October 19, 2026
Our rating
7.9/10WireRanked score
Visit site
01

Best free CRM software overall

HubSpot Smart CRM

HubSpot has the broadest coherent free toolkit here, but its two-user and 1,000-contact caps make the upgrade boundary easy to hit.

9.4/10WireRanked score
Visit site
Best forA two-person team that wants sales, marketing, service, forms, meetings, and integrations around one customer recordUpgrade whenA third regular user or premium automationStarting price$0; up to 2 users and 1,000 contactsLast verified October 17, 2026Editorial callBest free CRM software overall

HubSpot ranks first because its free CRM extends beyond a deal board. Two users can manage contacts and pipelines while using reporting, meetings, forms, live chat, ticketing, email tools, and a marketplace with more than 2,000 advertised integrations around the same customer record.

The plan is ongoing rather than a countdown: HubSpot says it has no expiration date and requires no credit card. Its first upgrade triggers are a third regular user, more than 1,000 contacts, or premium automation, reporting, governance, and Hub functionality. Price the first paid configuration the team would actually need.

Best for: two people wanting basic sales, marketing, and service in one system. Skip this if: three users need access immediately. Key tradeoff: the broadest integrated free toolkit here has a firm two-user ceiling. Final verdict: choose HubSpot when total free-plan usefulness matters more than one additional seat.

Key tradeoff: Only two free users

Free-plan scope
$0; up to 2 users and 1,000 contacts · SourceChecked October 17, 2026
Binding limit
Free is capped at two users and 1,000 contacts; premium automation and controls require an upgrade. · SourceChecked October 17, 2026
02

Best traditional free CRM for three users

Zoho CRM

Zoho gives a small team the strongest conventional CRM core at $0, but email integration, multiple pipelines, calling, forms, and forecasting sit above Free.

9.1/10WireRanked score
Visit site
Best forA three-person sales group that wants leads, deals, activities, workflow rules, reports, APIs, and mobile accessUpgrade whenA fourth user, email integration, or multiple pipelinesStarting price$0 forever for 3 usersLast verified October 17, 2026Editorial callBest traditional free CRM for three users
Zoho CRM with Zia product interface
Zoho CRM product interface · Official vendor image

Zoho CRM is the strongest conventional free sales database here. Three users can manage leads, contacts, deals, activities, workflows, standard reports, mobile access, imports, and developer access without paying.

The upgrade boundary arrives when the CRM must handle communication or a more complex operating model. Email integration, multiple pipelines, calling, forms, forecasting, enrichment, and custom modules sit above Free. Zoho’s wider application portfolio creates a long runway, but also more edition and configuration work.

Best for: a three-person team wanting a traditional lead-and-deal workflow. Skip this if: free email integration or multiple pipelines is essential. Key tradeoff: one more free user than HubSpot, but a narrower integrated toolkit. Final verdict: choose Zoho when the third seat and conventional CRM depth matter most.

Key tradeoff: Free user cap is three

Free-plan scope
$0 forever for 3 users · SourceChecked October 17, 2026
Binding limit
Free includes one small-team CRM core; multiple pipelines, email integration, calling, forms, forecasting, enrichment, and custom modules require Standard or above. · SourceChecked October 17, 2026
03

Best free CRM for a solo pipeline

Bigin by Zoho CRM

Bigin is the cleanest solo starting point in this list. The compromise is a 500-record pool shared by contacts, pipeline entries, activities, and notes.

8.8/10WireRanked score
Visit site
Best forOne operator replacing a spreadsheet with a simple visual pipeline, activities, forms, basic automation, and a dashboardUpgrade whenA second user or more than 500 total recordsStarting price$0 for 1 user and 500 total recordsLast verified October 17, 2026Editorial callBest free CRM for a solo pipeline
Bigin by Zoho CRM product interface
Bigin by Zoho CRM product interface · Official vendor image

Bigin is the focused choice for one operator leaving a spreadsheet. Free includes one pipeline, contacts, products, tasks, calls, events, three automations, forms, one booking page, APIs, a dashboard, and selected integrations.

Its 500-record pool includes pipeline records, contacts, activities, and notes, so history consumes capacity faster than a “500 contacts” allowance would. A second user, email or WhatsApp integration, team pipelines, additional automation, or database growth triggers the paid decision.

Best for: one person needing a simple visual pipeline and light automation. Skip this if: a second user or large activity history is required. Key tradeoff: focused adoption with a small shared record pool. Final verdict: choose Bigin as a deliberate solo bridge from spreadsheets.

Key tradeoff: Free is single-user only

Free-plan scope
$0 for 1 user and 500 total records · SourceChecked October 17, 2026
Binding limit
One user, one pipeline, 500 total records, three automations, and one booking page. Email integration and team pipelines require Express. · SourceChecked October 17, 2026
04

Best free CRM for a 15-person micro team

EngageBay

EngageBay pairs a generous 15-user allowance with an unusually tight 250-contact cap. It works when collaboration matters more than database size.

8.5/10WireRanked score
Visit site
Best forA team with many users but a very small database that wants basic CRM, email marketing, forms, sequences, appointments, and tickets togetherUpgrade whenMore than 250 contacts or broader automationStarting price$0 for up to 15 users; 250 contactsLast verified October 17, 2026Editorial callBest free CRM for a 15-person micro team
EngageBay product interface
EngageBay product interface · Official vendor image

EngageBay has the most unusual free-plan shape here: up to 15 users but only 250 contacts. It combines basic CRM, appointments, email tracking, forms, a landing page, two sequences, ticketing, and support for a small shared account list.

The contact ceiling is the real price. A team can exhaust 250 records quickly, and the free marketing, reporting, field, page, sequence, and automation allowances are constrained. Define which records belong in the CRM before importing.

Best for: many collaborators working a deliberately small named-account list. Skip this if: the database will soon exceed 250 contacts. Key tradeoff: generous user access paired with the tightest database tier. Final verdict: choose EngageBay when collaboration matters more than contact volume.

Key tradeoff: Only 250 contacts

Free-plan scope
$0 for up to 15 users; 250 contacts · SourceChecked October 17, 2026
Binding limit
Free is capped at 250 contacts, 1,000 branded emails, two lists, 10 forms, 10 web pop-ups, one landing page, and two email sequences, with limited reporting and customization. · SourceChecked October 17, 2026
05

Best free CRM with built-in collaboration tools

Bitrix24

Bitrix24 pairs a basic free CRM with built-in tasks and collaboration tools. Its 5 GB storage and basic free CRM make it a collaboration-first choice, not the cleanest sales system, and its free user limit is stated inconsistently.

8.2/10WireRanked score
Visit site
Best forA team that wants basic deals and contacts alongside tasks, chat, video, calendars, and file storage in one free workspace, and accepts less CRM depthUpgrade whenMore storage or advanced sales executionStarting price$0 with 5 GB storageLast verified October 17, 2026Editorial callBest free CRM with built-in collaboration tools
Bitrix24 product interface
Bitrix24 product interface · Official vendor image

Bitrix24 pairs a basic free CRM with a collaboration workspace: deals and contacts sit alongside tasks, chat, video, calendars, file storage, and collaboration, with no time limit on the Free account. Bitrix24’s FAQ says the free plan allows unlimited users, while its plan comparison table lists Free for 1–2 users, so confirm the user limit at signup.

The free CRM is explicitly basic. Storage is capped at 5 GB, while advanced pipelines, telephony, sales automation, and marketplace apps create upgrade pressure. Its broad operating surface also requires more setup, permissions, navigation, and ownership than a focused CRM.

Best for: a team sharing a basic CRM and collaboration layer. Skip this if: the sales team needs advanced execution tools for free or a confirmed free-user count. Key tradeoff: a broad collaboration workspace does not mean deep free CRM. Final verdict: choose Bitrix24 when built-in collaboration matters more than CRM depth.

Key tradeoff: Only 5 GB storage

Free-plan scope
$0 with 5 GB storage; plan table lists Free for 1–2 users · SourceChecked October 17, 2026
Binding limit
Free provides basic deals and contacts with 5 GB storage and 1 sales pipeline. Multiple pipelines, telephony, sales automation, and other advanced tools appear on paid plans. · SourceChecked October 17, 2026
06

Best free CRM for lightweight relationship tracking

Capsule

Capsule is deliberately small and legible: 250 contacts, five custom fields, and one pipeline. It is easy to outgrow, which is also what makes the free scope understandable.

7.9/10WireRanked score
Visit site
Best forOne or two people managing a small, stable book of contacts and opportunities with minimal configurationUpgrade whenMore than 250 contacts or workflow automationStarting price$0 for up to 2 users; 250 contacts (Pricing as of October 2026; pricing may change)Last verified October 19, 2026Editorial callBest free CRM for lightweight relationship tracking
Capsule product interface
Capsule product interface · Official vendor image

Capsule Free is deliberately legible: two users, 250 contacts, five custom fields, one sales pipeline, and Gmail or Outlook sending. It fits a small relationship-led team that values a narrow operating model.

Contact growth is the first obvious upgrade trigger. Workflow automation, reporting, shared mailbox features, templates, premium integrations, multiple pipelines, and higher limits also require payment. That ceiling makes Capsule poor for fast growth but easy to model for a stable book of relationships.

Best for: one or two people with fewer than 250 important relationships. Skip this if: automation, reporting, or multiple pipelines are current requirements. Key tradeoff: clarity and low complexity come with a small database ceiling. Final verdict: choose Capsule for intentionally lightweight relationship tracking.

Key tradeoff: Only 250 contacts

Source for Capsule pricing
Pricing as of October 2026: Free $0 for up to 2 users and 250 contacts; paid plans from $18 per user/month billed annually ($22 monthly). Pricing may change. · SourceChecked October 19, 2026
Binding limit
Free is capped at two users, 250 contacts, five custom fields, and one sales pipeline. Workflow automation is paid. · SourceChecked October 17, 2026

Capsule is a registered mark, displayed with permission.

Choose This CRM If...Upgrade to This CRM If…

If you need a fourth user, email integration, or multiple pipelines

Zoho Free supports three users, but communication and multi-pipeline requirements move the team into paid editions.

Visit site
If you need a second user or more than 500 total records

Bigin Free is single-user, and its shared record pool includes contacts, pipeline records, activities, and notes.

Visit site
If you need more than 250 contacts or broader automation

EngageBay allows 15 users, but the database and marketing allowances are deliberately small.

Visit site
If you need more storage or advanced sales execution

Basic deals and contacts are free, but storage, telephony, pipelines, and automation create the paid boundary.

Visit site
If you need more than 250 contacts or workflow automation

Capsule Free supports two users and one pipeline; database growth and automated processes force the upgrade.

Visit site

How to choose free CRM software

Buying criteria and research

Start with the first limit you will hit

Count the people who must edit records, not everyone who might read a report. Estimate contacts, companies, deals, tasks, notes, files, email sends, workflows, pipelines, and integrations for the next twelve months. Bigin counts activities and notes inside its 500-record pool; EngageBay allows 15 users but only 250 contacts; Bitrix24 limits storage and free sales depth, and states its free user limit inconsistently.

Separate a free plan from a free trial

A trial temporarily exposes paid features and then expires. An ongoing free tier remains usable within stated limits. This ranking excludes monday CRM because its official FAQ describes a 14-day trial rather than a continuing free CRM, and it excludes Freshsales because the current page did not clearly establish live free-plan limits.

Test the operating workflow with representative data

Import a realistic sample, assign ownership, move deals, schedule follow-up, connect required mailboxes, build the weekly report, test permissions, and export contacts, companies, deals, activities, notes, and attachments. We did not perform this hands-on acceptance test. It belongs to the buyer because data shape, process, integrations, and export quality vary by organization.

Price the first unavoidable upgrade

Identify the event that forces payment: a third HubSpot user, a fourth Zoho user, a second Bigin user, more EngageBay or Capsule contacts, or advanced Bitrix24 sales functions. Price that exact future configuration, including annual prepayment, onboarding, communications, AI, storage, support, add-ons, and migration work.

Keep an exit path from day one

Document field names, ownership rules, pipeline stages, automation logic, connected apps, and export procedures. Run a complete export before the CRM becomes the only copy of important context. A no-cost subscription can still create expensive lock-in if notes, attachments, activity history, and relationships cannot be moved cleanly.

Model migration cost before choosing the free tier. Estimate the hours required to clean and import data now, then repeat that exercise for a future move: map fields, preserve notes and activity history, reconnect forms and mailboxes, rebuild automations, retrain users, and verify reports. If the team is likely to cross a free limit within six to twelve months, compare that labor with the annual cost of a modest paid plan that already fits the expected user count and workflow.

How we chose the best free CRM software

We reviewed live official vendor pricing, product, FAQ, and partner pages on October 17, 2026. We weighted usable free sales workflow, explicit user and database limits, communication and collaboration tools, reporting, automation, integrations, upgrade pressure, export risk, and operating complexity.

We did not install the products, treat vendor demonstrations as independent evidence, or make speed, usability, or reliability claims from use. Affiliate payout did not affect inclusion or rank. Free-plan terms can change, and regional, tax, add-on, communication, storage, AI, implementation, and paid-upgrade costs can vary. Confirm the live signup terms and run a representative acceptance test before migrating data.

Who shouldn't use a free CRM?

A growing team that expects to exceed the free plan’s user, contact, storage, pipeline, or automation limits soon may save time by starting on an inexpensive paid plan. Migrating later can cost more than the subscription once field mapping, activity history, attachments, integrations, retraining, and workflow rebuilding are included.

Final recommendation

Final recommendation

Choose HubSpot when two people need the broadest integrated free toolkit and 1,000 contacts. Choose Zoho CRM for a conventional three-user sales system, Bigin for a solo pipeline, EngageBay for up to 15 collaborators on a very small database, Bitrix24 for a free CRM with built-in collaboration tools, or Capsule for deliberately lightweight relationship tracking.

Top pick: HubSpot Smart CRM for a two-person team that wants sales, marketing, service, forms, meetings, and integrations around one customer record.

Before committing, verify the current free signup, import representative data, test the weekly workflow and required integrations, calculate the first paid upgrade, and export every important object and attachment.

Visit site

Pricing checked October 17, 2026

At a glance

Compare the top picks

Swipe to compare all columns

RankLogoProductWireRankBest forStarting priceStandoutAction
#2Zoho CRM9.1 / 10A three-person sales group that wants leads, deals, activities, workflow rules, reports, APIs, and mobile access$0 forever for 3 usersLast verified October 17, 2026Best traditional free CRM for three usersVisit site
#3Bigin by Zoho CRM8.8 / 10One operator replacing a spreadsheet with a simple visual pipeline, activities, forms, basic automation, and a dashboard$0 for 1 user and 500 total recordsLast verified October 17, 2026Best free CRM for a solo pipelineVisit site
#4EngageBay8.5 / 10A team with many users but a very small database that wants basic CRM, email marketing, forms, sequences, appointments, and tickets together$0 for up to 15 users; 250 contactsLast verified October 17, 2026Best free CRM for a 15-person micro teamVisit site
#5Bitrix248.2 / 10A team that wants basic deals and contacts alongside tasks, chat, video, calendars, and file storage in one free workspace, and accepts less CRM depth$0 with 5 GB storageLast verified October 17, 2026Best free CRM with built-in collaboration toolsVisit site
#6Capsule7.9 / 10One or two people managing a small, stable book of contacts and opportunities with minimal configuration$0 for up to 2 users; 250 contacts (Pricing as of October 2026; pricing may change)Last verified October 19, 2026Best free CRM for lightweight relationship trackingVisit site
#2

Best traditional free CRM for three users

Zoho CRM

Best for
A three-person sales group that wants leads, deals, activities, workflow rules, reports, APIs, and mobile access
Starting price
$0 forever for 3 usersLast verified October 17, 2026
Our rating
9.1/10WireRanked score
Visit site
#3

Best free CRM for a solo pipeline

Bigin by Zoho CRM

Best for
One operator replacing a spreadsheet with a simple visual pipeline, activities, forms, basic automation, and a dashboard
Starting price
$0 for 1 user and 500 total recordsLast verified October 17, 2026
Our rating
8.8/10WireRanked score
Visit site
#4

Best free CRM for a 15-person micro team

EngageBay

Best for
A team with many users but a very small database that wants basic CRM, email marketing, forms, sequences, appointments, and tickets together
Starting price
$0 for up to 15 users; 250 contactsLast verified October 17, 2026
Our rating
8.5/10WireRanked score
Visit site
#5

Best free CRM with built-in collaboration tools

Bitrix24

Best for
A team that wants basic deals and contacts alongside tasks, chat, video, calendars, and file storage in one free workspace, and accepts less CRM depth
Starting price
$0 with 5 GB storageLast verified October 17, 2026
Our rating
8.2/10WireRanked score
Visit site
#6

Best free CRM for lightweight relationship tracking

Capsule

Best for
One or two people managing a small, stable book of contacts and opportunities with minimal configuration
Starting price
$0 for up to 2 users; 250 contacts (Pricing as of October 2026; pricing may change)Last verified October 19, 2026
Our rating
7.9/10WireRanked score
Visit site
#1

HubSpot Smart CRM

Best free CRM software overall

9.4/10WireRanked score

Best for A two-person team that wants sales, marketing, service, forms, meetings, and integrations around one customer record

Upgrade when A third regular user or premium automation

Visit site

Our take

HubSpot ranks first because its free CRM extends beyond a deal board. Two users can manage contacts and pipelines while using reporting, meetings, forms, live chat, ticketing, email tools, and a marketplace with more than 2,000 advertised integrations around the same customer record.

The plan is ongoing rather than a countdown: HubSpot says it has no expiration date and requires no credit card. Its first upgrade triggers are a third regular user, more than 1,000 contacts, or premium automation, reporting, governance, and Hub functionality. Price the first paid configuration the team would actually need.

Best for: two people wanting basic sales, marketing, and service in one system. Skip this if: three users need access immediately. Key tradeoff: the broadest integrated free toolkit here has a firm two-user ceiling. Final verdict: choose HubSpot when total free-plan usefulness matters more than one additional seat.

Starting price $0; up to 2 users and 1,000 contacts

Key tradeoff: Only two free users

#2

Zoho CRM

Best traditional free CRM for three users

9.1/10WireRanked score

Best for A three-person sales group that wants leads, deals, activities, workflow rules, reports, APIs, and mobile access

Upgrade when A fourth user, email integration, or multiple pipelines

Visit site

Our take

Zoho CRM is the strongest conventional free sales database here. Three users can manage leads, contacts, deals, activities, workflows, standard reports, mobile access, imports, and developer access without paying.

The upgrade boundary arrives when the CRM must handle communication or a more complex operating model. Email integration, multiple pipelines, calling, forms, forecasting, enrichment, and custom modules sit above Free. Zoho’s wider application portfolio creates a long runway, but also more edition and configuration work.

Best for: a three-person team wanting a traditional lead-and-deal workflow. Skip this if: free email integration or multiple pipelines is essential. Key tradeoff: one more free user than HubSpot, but a narrower integrated toolkit. Final verdict: choose Zoho when the third seat and conventional CRM depth matter most.

Zoho CRM with Zia product interface
Zoho CRM product interface · Official vendor image

Starting price $0 forever for 3 users

Key tradeoff: Free user cap is three

#3

Bigin by Zoho CRM

Best free CRM for a solo pipeline

8.8/10WireRanked score

Best for One operator replacing a spreadsheet with a simple visual pipeline, activities, forms, basic automation, and a dashboard

Upgrade when A second user or more than 500 total records

Visit site

Our take

Bigin is the focused choice for one operator leaving a spreadsheet. Free includes one pipeline, contacts, products, tasks, calls, events, three automations, forms, one booking page, APIs, a dashboard, and selected integrations.

Its 500-record pool includes pipeline records, contacts, activities, and notes, so history consumes capacity faster than a “500 contacts” allowance would. A second user, email or WhatsApp integration, team pipelines, additional automation, or database growth triggers the paid decision.

Best for: one person needing a simple visual pipeline and light automation. Skip this if: a second user or large activity history is required. Key tradeoff: focused adoption with a small shared record pool. Final verdict: choose Bigin as a deliberate solo bridge from spreadsheets.

Bigin by Zoho CRM product interface
Bigin by Zoho CRM product interface · Official vendor image

Starting price $0 for 1 user and 500 total records

Key tradeoff: Free is single-user only

#4

EngageBay

Best free CRM for a 15-person micro team

8.5/10WireRanked score

Best for A team with many users but a very small database that wants basic CRM, email marketing, forms, sequences, appointments, and tickets together

Upgrade when More than 250 contacts or broader automation

Visit site

Our take

EngageBay has the most unusual free-plan shape here: up to 15 users but only 250 contacts. It combines basic CRM, appointments, email tracking, forms, a landing page, two sequences, ticketing, and support for a small shared account list.

The contact ceiling is the real price. A team can exhaust 250 records quickly, and the free marketing, reporting, field, page, sequence, and automation allowances are constrained. Define which records belong in the CRM before importing.

Best for: many collaborators working a deliberately small named-account list. Skip this if: the database will soon exceed 250 contacts. Key tradeoff: generous user access paired with the tightest database tier. Final verdict: choose EngageBay when collaboration matters more than contact volume.

EngageBay product interface
EngageBay product interface · Official vendor image

Starting price $0 for up to 15 users; 250 contacts

Key tradeoff: Only 250 contacts

#5

Bitrix24

Best free CRM with built-in collaboration tools

8.2/10WireRanked score

Best for A team that wants basic deals and contacts alongside tasks, chat, video, calendars, and file storage in one free workspace, and accepts less CRM depth

Upgrade when More storage or advanced sales execution

Visit site

Our take

Bitrix24 pairs a basic free CRM with a collaboration workspace: deals and contacts sit alongside tasks, chat, video, calendars, file storage, and collaboration, with no time limit on the Free account. Bitrix24’s FAQ says the free plan allows unlimited users, while its plan comparison table lists Free for 1–2 users, so confirm the user limit at signup.

The free CRM is explicitly basic. Storage is capped at 5 GB, while advanced pipelines, telephony, sales automation, and marketplace apps create upgrade pressure. Its broad operating surface also requires more setup, permissions, navigation, and ownership than a focused CRM.

Best for: a team sharing a basic CRM and collaboration layer. Skip this if: the sales team needs advanced execution tools for free or a confirmed free-user count. Key tradeoff: a broad collaboration workspace does not mean deep free CRM. Final verdict: choose Bitrix24 when built-in collaboration matters more than CRM depth.

Bitrix24 product interface
Bitrix24 product interface · Official vendor image

Starting price $0 with 5 GB storage

Key tradeoff: Only 5 GB storage

#6

Capsule

Best free CRM for lightweight relationship tracking

7.9/10WireRanked score

Best for One or two people managing a small, stable book of contacts and opportunities with minimal configuration

Upgrade when More than 250 contacts or workflow automation

Visit site

Our take

Capsule Free is deliberately legible: two users, 250 contacts, five custom fields, one sales pipeline, and Gmail or Outlook sending. It fits a small relationship-led team that values a narrow operating model.

Contact growth is the first obvious upgrade trigger. Workflow automation, reporting, shared mailbox features, templates, premium integrations, multiple pipelines, and higher limits also require payment. That ceiling makes Capsule poor for fast growth but easy to model for a stable book of relationships.

Best for: one or two people with fewer than 250 important relationships. Skip this if: automation, reporting, or multiple pipelines are current requirements. Key tradeoff: clarity and low complexity come with a small database ceiling. Final verdict: choose Capsule for intentionally lightweight relationship tracking.

Capsule product interface
Capsule product interface · Official vendor image

Starting price $0 for up to 2 users; 250 contacts (Pricing as of October 2026; pricing may change)

Key tradeoff: Only 250 contacts

Choose This CRM If...Upgrade to This CRM If…

If you need a fourth user, email integration, or multiple pipelines

Zoho Free supports three users, but communication and multi-pipeline requirements move the team into paid editions.

Visit site
If you need a second user or more than 500 total records

Bigin Free is single-user, and its shared record pool includes contacts, pipeline records, activities, and notes.

Visit site
If you need more than 250 contacts or broader automation

EngageBay allows 15 users, but the database and marketing allowances are deliberately small.

Visit site
If you need more storage or advanced sales execution

Basic deals and contacts are free, but storage, telephony, pipelines, and automation create the paid boundary.

Visit site
If you need more than 250 contacts or workflow automation

Capsule Free supports two users and one pipeline; database growth and automated processes force the upgrade.

Visit site

How to choose free CRM software

Buying criteria and research

Start with the first limit you will hit

Count the people who must edit records, not everyone who might read a report. Estimate contacts, companies, deals, tasks, notes, files, email sends, workflows, pipelines, and integrations for the next twelve months. Bigin counts activities and notes inside its 500-record pool; EngageBay allows 15 users but only 250 contacts; Bitrix24 limits storage and free sales depth, and states its free user limit inconsistently.

Separate a free plan from a free trial

A trial temporarily exposes paid features and then expires. An ongoing free tier remains usable within stated limits. This ranking excludes monday CRM because its official FAQ describes a 14-day trial rather than a continuing free CRM, and it excludes Freshsales because the current page did not clearly establish live free-plan limits.

Test the operating workflow with representative data

Import a realistic sample, assign ownership, move deals, schedule follow-up, connect required mailboxes, build the weekly report, test permissions, and export contacts, companies, deals, activities, notes, and attachments. We did not perform this hands-on acceptance test. It belongs to the buyer because data shape, process, integrations, and export quality vary by organization.

Price the first unavoidable upgrade

Identify the event that forces payment: a third HubSpot user, a fourth Zoho user, a second Bigin user, more EngageBay or Capsule contacts, or advanced Bitrix24 sales functions. Price that exact future configuration, including annual prepayment, onboarding, communications, AI, storage, support, add-ons, and migration work.

Keep an exit path from day one

Document field names, ownership rules, pipeline stages, automation logic, connected apps, and export procedures. Run a complete export before the CRM becomes the only copy of important context. A no-cost subscription can still create expensive lock-in if notes, attachments, activity history, and relationships cannot be moved cleanly.

Model migration cost before choosing the free tier. Estimate the hours required to clean and import data now, then repeat that exercise for a future move: map fields, preserve notes and activity history, reconnect forms and mailboxes, rebuild automations, retrain users, and verify reports. If the team is likely to cross a free limit within six to twelve months, compare that labor with the annual cost of a modest paid plan that already fits the expected user count and workflow.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best free CRM software?

HubSpot is our best free CRM software overall for a two-person team because it combines contact and pipeline management with reporting, meetings, forms, chat, tickets, email tools, and a large integration ecosystem. Zoho CRM is stronger for a three-person team that wants a conventional sales database, while Bitrix24 suits a team that wants collaboration tools alongside a basic CRM.

Is there a completely free CRM?

Yes. HubSpot, Zoho CRM, Bigin, EngageBay, Bitrix24, and Capsule all advertise ongoing free plans rather than only trials. “Free” still comes with limits: users, contacts, storage, pipelines, email, automation, reporting, and integrations can be capped. Confirm the current checkout and export rules before moving production customer data.

What is the best free CRM for a small business?

HubSpot is the broadest two-user option, while Zoho CRM supports three free users and provides a more traditional lead-and-deal workflow. Bigin is cleaner for one owner moving from a spreadsheet. A small business should choose by the first binding limit—usually users, contacts, pipelines, email integration, or automation—not by the longest feature list.

Which free CRM allows the most users?

EngageBay states up to 15 free users, the highest clearly stated limit in this comparison. Bitrix24’s FAQ says the free plan allows unlimited users, while its plan comparison table lists Free for 1–2 users, so confirm the limit at signup. Zoho CRM supports three free users, HubSpot and Capsule two, and Bigin one. Bitrix24’s free CRM is also basic, with 5 GB storage and paid access to several advanced sales tools.

Is HubSpot CRM really free?

HubSpot’s official page says its free CRM is not a trial, has no expiration date, and supports up to two users and 1,000 contacts. The free tools include contact and pipeline management, reporting, meetings, forms, chat, ticketing, and email features. Premium automation, reporting, governance, and additional products require paid upgrades.

What are the limits of free CRM software?

Common limits include user seats, contacts or total records, storage, pipelines, custom fields, workflows, email sends, integrations, reports, permissions, and support. Bigin’s 500-record pool also counts activities and notes, while EngageBay allows 15 users but only 250 contacts. Map expected usage for twelve months so a free migration does not create a surprise paid migration later.

Can I use a free CRM forever?

The vendors in this ranking describe their $0 tiers as ongoing or free forever, but plan terms can change. Export representative data before committing, document the limits you depend on, and recheck pricing regularly. A free plan is sustainable only while the team stays below its seat, record, storage, communication, and workflow thresholds.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best free CRM software?

HubSpot is our best free CRM software overall for a two-person team because it combines contact and pipeline management with reporting, meetings, forms, chat, tickets, email tools, and a large integration ecosystem. Zoho CRM is stronger for a three-person team that wants a conventional sales database, while Bitrix24 suits a team that wants collaboration tools alongside a basic CRM.

Is there a completely free CRM?

Yes. HubSpot, Zoho CRM, Bigin, EngageBay, Bitrix24, and Capsule all advertise ongoing free plans rather than only trials. “Free” still comes with limits: users, contacts, storage, pipelines, email, automation, reporting, and integrations can be capped. Confirm the current checkout and export rules before moving production customer data.

What is the best free CRM for a small business?

HubSpot is the broadest two-user option, while Zoho CRM supports three free users and provides a more traditional lead-and-deal workflow. Bigin is cleaner for one owner moving from a spreadsheet. A small business should choose by the first binding limit—usually users, contacts, pipelines, email integration, or automation—not by the longest feature list.

Which free CRM allows the most users?

EngageBay states up to 15 free users, the highest clearly stated limit in this comparison. Bitrix24’s FAQ says the free plan allows unlimited users, while its plan comparison table lists Free for 1–2 users, so confirm the limit at signup. Zoho CRM supports three free users, HubSpot and Capsule two, and Bigin one. Bitrix24’s free CRM is also basic, with 5 GB storage and paid access to several advanced sales tools.

Is HubSpot CRM really free?

HubSpot’s official page says its free CRM is not a trial, has no expiration date, and supports up to two users and 1,000 contacts. The free tools include contact and pipeline management, reporting, meetings, forms, chat, ticketing, and email features. Premium automation, reporting, governance, and additional products require paid upgrades.

What are the limits of free CRM software?

Common limits include user seats, contacts or total records, storage, pipelines, custom fields, workflows, email sends, integrations, reports, permissions, and support. Bigin’s 500-record pool also counts activities and notes, while EngageBay allows 15 users but only 250 contacts. Map expected usage for twelve months so a free migration does not create a surprise paid migration later.

Can I use a free CRM forever?

The vendors in this ranking describe their $0 tiers as ongoing or free forever, but plan terms can change. Export representative data before committing, document the limits you depend on, and recheck pricing regularly. A free plan is sustainable only while the team stays below its seat, record, storage, communication, and workflow thresholds.