Need a CRM to grow your small business without the hassle? I’ve been there—trying to keep track of customer data, sales leads, and follow-ups can feel like juggling fire. A good CRM can save you hours and help you close more deals. In 2025, 60% of small businesses using CRMs report better sales (Salesforce, 2024). I’ve researched the best options for small businesses, focusing on affordability, ease of use, and features that grow with you. Let’s find the right CRM to help you grow smarter!
Top Pick: ActiveCampaign
- What: $15-$149/month, CRM with email integration, automation, 500-25,000 contacts.
- Why: ActiveCampaign stands out by combining a solid CRM with powerful email marketing—perfect for small businesses needing both in one tool. Its automation features, like lead tagging and follow-up emails, can save you hours, with users on r/smallbusiness reporting a 30% cut in workflow time. It’s affordable, starting at just $15/month, and integrates seamlessly with tools like Gmail and Shopify.
- Downside: Advanced features, like deep analytics, require higher plans, which might be overkill for tiny teams.
- Who: Small businesses wanting a CRM that doubles as an email marketing tool. Try it here.
Runner-Up: Pipedrive
- What: $14-$99/month, sales-focused CRM, unlimited contacts.
- Why: Pipedrive is a sales-first CRM with a visual pipeline that makes managing leads a breeze—great for small teams. It integrates with over 400 tools, like Gmail and Slack, and includes an email builder to craft campaigns that drive sales. Users on r/marketing call it “the easiest CRM to navigate,” and it starts at $14/month.
- Downside: There’s no free plan, and advanced features like e-signatures cost extra ($32.50/month).
- Who: Sales-driven small businesses needing a simple, visual CRM. Try it: https://www.pipedrive.com.
Honorable Mention: HubSpot
HubSpot offers a free CRM plan with unlimited contact storage, making it a great choice for startups on a budget. It’s user-friendly and scales well as your business grows, though paid plans (starting at $45/month) can get pricey if you need extras like email marketing. It’s a solid option if you’re just starting out.
What to Look For
- Ease of Use: Pick a CRM with a simple interface—your team shouldn’t need a tech degree to use it. ActiveCampaign and Pipedrive both shine here with intuitive dashboards.
- Pricing: Start with plans under $20/month per user. Look for free trials or free plans (like HubSpot’s) to test the waters.
- Features: Focus on contact management, sales tracking, and email integration. Automation, like ActiveCampaign’s, is a bonus for saving time.
- Scalability: Choose a CRM that grows with you. Both ActiveCampaign and Pipedrive offer plans that scale as your business expands.
Get Started
ActiveCampaign’s my pick—affordable at $15/month, with CRM and email integration to streamline your workflows. Users on r/smallbusiness report saving hours with its automation. Ready to grow smarter? Try ActiveCampaign.