Introduction
For small businesses, choosing the right CRM software is essential to streamline customer interactions, improve sales processes, and boost overall productivity. But with so many CRM options available, understanding the costs can be overwhelming. As of 2025–2026, CRM pricing varies significantly based on features, user plans, and subscription length. In this guide, we’ll break down the average CRM software pricing for small businesses, highlighting free options, budget-friendly plans, and more comprehensive paid features.
Quick Answer
CRM software typically costs $9–$50 per user per month for small businesses. Free plans are available, but most affordable paid plans start at $10–$20 per user/month for essential features.
TL;DR
• CRM prices for small businesses typically range from $9 to $50 per user/month.
• Free CRM options are available, but they often come with limitations.
• Paid plans start at $10–$20 per user/month for essential features.
• Advanced features or larger teams may see higher pricing.
• Annual plans often offer better savings compared to month-to-month pricing.
How Much Does CRM Software Cost for Small Businesses?
CRM software pricing varies based on features, the number of users, and whether you choose a monthly or annual subscription. Here’s an overview of what you can expect for small business CRM software pricing:
• Entry-Level Pricing: Most basic CRM systems offer plans starting around $9–$20 per user/month. These plans often include core features like contact management, task tracking, and email integration.
• Mid-Tier Pricing: More advanced plans start from $30–$50 per user/month, offering features like sales forecasting, reporting, and multi-channel support.
• Enterprise-Level Pricing: Larger businesses with complex needs may pay upwards of $100 per user/month for advanced CRM software with AI-driven insights, custom integrations, and extensive customer support.
Free CRM Options for Small Businesses
Many small businesses opt for free CRM tools to manage customer relationships without breaking the bank. These free plans typically support limited features, but they can be a great starting point:
• Zoho CRM: Offers a free plan for up to 3 users, providing basic CRM features like contact management and sales pipeline tracking.
• HubSpot CRM: Known for its free tier, it offers unlimited users, making it an excellent option for startups or small teams.
• Agile CRM: Free for up to 10 users, with essential features like contact management and email tracking.
• Bitrix24: Offers a free plan for up to 12 users, including features like task management and lead management.
While free CRMs are a great option for businesses with limited budgets, they often come with restrictions in terms of users, features, or integrations. For businesses that need more robust functionality, upgrading to a paid plan is often necessary.
Cheapest CRM Plans for Small Businesses
If you’re working with a limited budget, several CRM providers offer affordable paid plans with essential features for small businesses. Here are some of the most budget-friendly CRM options:
• BigContacts: Starting at $9.99/month for 1–3 users, offering essential CRM features like contact management and basic reporting.
• Agile CRM: $8.99/month per user, offering core features like email automation and sales pipeline management.
• Zoho CRM: Starting at $14/month per user for the Standard plan, which includes basic sales automation and reporting tools.
• Nimble: Priced at $19.90/month per user, Nimble is a user-friendly CRM that integrates well with social media and email marketing.
These plans are perfect for small teams looking to optimize their customer management without breaking the bank.
Here’s a table summarizing the CRM software pricing for small businesses in 2025–2026, highlighting different CRM providers, pricing tiers, and key features:
| CRM Provider | Free Plan | Basic Paid Plan | Advanced Paid Plan | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HubSpot CRM | Unlimited users | Starting at $50/month | Custom pricing | Contact management, sales tools, reporting, email integration |
| Zoho CRM | Up to 3 users | Starting at $14/user/month | Starting at $23/user/month | Sales automation, custom workflows, analytics |
| Agile CRM | Up to 10 users | $8.99/user/month | $29.99/user/month | Email marketing, lead scoring, contact management |
| Pipedrive | No free plan | Starting at $12.50/user/month | Starting at $24.90/user/month | Deal tracking, email integration, reporting tools |
| BigContacts | No free plan | Starting at $9.99/month | Custom pricing | Contact management, task tracking, reports |
| Salesforce | No free plan | Starting at $25/user/month | Starting at $75/user/month | Lead management, forecasting, advanced reporting |
| Nimble CRM | No free plan | $19.90/user/month | $25.90/user/month | Social media integration, relationship management |
| Freshsales | Free for 10 users | Starting at $12/user/month | Starting at $35/user/month | Contact management, email tracking, sales reporting |
CRM Software Pricing: Monthly vs. Annual
When comparing CRM software, it’s essential to understand the difference between monthly and annual pricing. Most CRM providers offer discounts for annual subscriptions, making them more affordable in the long run:
• Monthly Plans: These plans are more flexible, but they usually cost $10–$20 more per user annually compared to an annual plan.
• Annual Plans: CRM providers often offer discounts for annual plans, with savings of up to 20–30%. For example, a plan that costs $15 per user/month could be as low as $10 per user/month if you opt for an annual commitment.
If you’re confident in your CRM choice, opting for an annual plan can save your business money in the long run.
What Features Affect CRM Pricing?
CRM software costs vary significantly based on the features included. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to pay for advanced functionality:
• Contact Management: Most CRM tools include contact management in their basic plans, but some premium options offer more advanced features like customer segmentation.
• Automation: Sales automation tools, including email automation and lead nurturing, are typically available in mid-tier or premium plans.
• Reporting & Analytics: Many CRMs offer basic reporting in their low-cost plans, but advanced reporting tools (like sales forecasting) come with higher-tier plans.
• Integrations: Custom integrations with third-party tools (like accounting software or email platforms) are usually part of higher-priced plans.
• Support: Premium CRM software often comes with 24/7 support, including phone and live chat options.
CRM Pricing for Teams: How Many Users?
When budgeting for a CRM, it’s important to know how user-based pricing works. Here’s a breakdown:
• Small Teams (1–5 users): Many CRM providers offer affordable plans for small teams. For example, you might pay $9–$20 per user/month for 1–5 users, depending on the CRM.
• Larger Teams (10+ users): Some providers offer bulk pricing or discounts for larger teams. For example, you might get discounted rates for teams of 10–50 users.
It’s worth noting that larger teams will likely need more advanced features, which can push the price up. For small businesses, pricing can vary widely based on the number of users and the features you need.
CRM Software for Micro Businesses and Startups
Startups and micro businesses often need affordable CRM options with basic features to keep things simple. Here are a few low-cost CRMs designed for smaller businesses:
• HubSpot CRM: Free for unlimited users, offering core features like contact management and task tracking.
• Freshsales: Offers a free plan and paid plans starting at $12 per user/month with sales automation features.
• Pipedrive: A cost-effective option with plans starting at $12.50/month for 1–2 users, offering pipeline management and basic reporting.
Conclusion
When choosing CRM software for your small business, pricing plays a crucial role in selecting the right tool. While free plans are available, businesses typically need to invest in a paid plan to unlock advanced features. Most small business CRMs range from $9 to $50 per user per month, with discounted rates for annual subscriptions. Always consider your business size, team needs, and budget when evaluating CRM options.
FAQs
How much does CRM software cost for small businesses?
CRM software typically costs between $9 and $50 per user/month for small businesses, depending on the features and plan type. Free options are also available with limited features.
Are there free CRM options for small businesses?
Yes, free CRM options like HubSpot and Zoho CRM are available for small businesses with essential features like contact management and task tracking.
What features affect CRM pricing?
Pricing varies based on features like contact management, sales automation, reporting, and custom integrations. Premium features usually come with higher costs.
Can I get a CRM for under $20/month?
Yes, several CRM providers offer affordable plans starting around $9 to $20 per user/month for basic features, making them ideal for small teams.
What’s the difference between monthly and annual CRM pricing?
Annual CRM plans often come with discounts of 20–30% compared to monthly subscriptions, providing better savings over time.
