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Update 06/06/2019: This post has been updated with additional Top Free and Open Source Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software.

The current business scenario is scary. The internet and technological evolution have been blessings and a curse for businesses. However, savvy marketers have always found a way of beating this challenge.

For those not in the know, CRM is short for customer relationship management. This is a web-based application used by businesses to organize information about their prospects, customers, and leads. In other words, it is kind of a database containing customer’s details, and the history of their transactions with the organization.

Looking for CRM Software? Check out SoftwareSuggest’s list of the best CRM Software solutions.

Besides, most CRM systems help track organizations’ earnings by hooking into the business’s financial and accounting systems. It also helps in improving client retention which leads to the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization.

Why Businesses should use CRM Systems?

Those who have dealt with chunks of customers’ information can attest to the loads of challenges they have had to beat. It’s a challenge to create and effectively maintain relationships with customers. And, that is where the CRM comes in. Moreover, CRMs are essential for a business’ survival and growth.

Disappointingly though, most CRMs are beyond the reach of much business and especially startups because of financial limitations. However, the proliferation of open-source software (including CRM) has made it more convenient for businesses with financial limitations to enjoy this powerful software.

Best Free & Open Source CRM Software

SuiteCRM is a free and open source CRM software version. Some people say that it is a perfect alternative to SugarCRM although it uses other open source add-ons to make it more powerful than its close alternative. The top benefit of the suite is that it offers a preconfigured version especially for the users without the ability to install it or configure it in-house.

Features



Gives you total control over deployment — either choose your private cloud or directly on your servers

Enables creation of sales pipeline models and design template customer quote

With its unique self-service portal, it enables users to deliver high-quality customer support

Freshsales by Freshwork is a free CRM software, designed to serve the needs of all sizes of companies. There are both paid and free versions available. It can handle multiple aspects of the sales process at the same time without much hassle.

In addition, it offers easy integration with third-party apps and all your data are stored in clouds.

Features

Offers user-friendly and intuitive interface; its drag-and-drop feature makes it easy to carry out tasks

Generates custom reports for every contact, opportunity, or deal

Offer 24/7 professional support via live chat, calls, and emails

The capsule is a free CRM software but with conditions: for up to two users, 10 MB of storage, and 250 contacts. However, to upgrade to a premium version, it’s $18 per user per month. The benefits of the upgraded version are 2GB of storage space and 50,000 contacts.

Besides, you can integrate it with applications such as MailChimp, Gmail, or Freshbooks. In fact, it can integrate with more than 33 software programs. The downside to the CRM is that it is really lacking in customer support.

Features

Allows you to create custom categories to store various data from your customers

Enables easy sharing of data with your co-workers without any hassle

It is hosted in Amazon’s data centers, which ensures data security

Just as the name entails, Insightly is a great free CRM software program. It is most suited for small businesses or startups. Their website is also very friendly. They are free for two users with 2500 records, 200 MBs of storage and ten customer fields. Interestingly, they offer free customer support, even for free users of the system via email.

If you want to upgrade, the fee is $29/user/month. This package includes 100,000 records limit, 1 GB storage, and integration to email systems like MailChimp. According to reviews by most users, the program is not ideal for larger businesses as its capability cannot match the needs of a bigger business.

Features

Automates your workflow such as sending email alerts, updating records, and more for smooth functioning

Has a user-friendly and intuitive interface, so it makes it easy to invite new users and customize features

Its mobile app is compatible with iPad, iPhone, Amazon Kindle HD, Google Nexus, and more

One strong point about Bitrix is that it offers really flexible price options. No one hates flexibility, including yourself. If you go for a completely free CRM software account you will get 12 users, five GB of storage and no restriction as to what you can do with the storage. However, the deal gets better when you upgrade to a premium version.

You’ll get: get unlimited users, 50 gigabytes of storage at $99. Moreover, if you need more users or maybe more storage Bitrix offers an additional 12 users to the same program for $25/user/month. The website is, according to user reviews, easy to use, but rather tacky when it comes to aesthetics.

Features

You can either choose to store data on the cloud or on your own server

Offers a user-friendly and intuitive interface

Enables import and export of contact, documents, and other necessary information

Most of the free CRM software UI is sort of a terror den; you will find millions of buttons to navigate through. But, if you have had enough of horror experiences, try RayNet. The CRM effortlessly addresses client tracking and lead management for its customers with its cloud-based customer relationship management application.

When it comes to aesthetics and simplicity, they score with their super-intuitive UI and lean design. Furthermore, the automation of routine activities and faster administration process, it saves you time and cost. And, just to give a breakdown: the software is easy to use, gives you value for your money as well as good customer support.

It’s free for up to 2 users, with up to 150 accounts and 50MB storage. The upgraded version comes at a cost of $19/user/month, 30 days trial for up to 20, 000 accounts and 1TB of storage. Both plans enjoy customer support.

Features

Compatible with mobile devices; enables you to access your account from anywhere

Easily keeps track of the activities of your teammates and customers

Gives you detailed insights on the activities of your customers in real-time

OpenCRX is open source CRM software for organizations requiring multifunctional, enterprise-wide coordination of sales generation. The software allows easy integration with your existing applications (for those who still need to use them). In case you need to extend its usability, the app is extremely flexible and designed to be extended.

You can also customize it in all aspects and at all levels. Detailed pricing for this awesome piece of software is not publicly available. In case you want to use their services, you can contact them.

Features

Supports multi-language and multi-currency for players in a global market

Allows easy integration with your existing system

Extremely flexible and scalable, it can be customized as per your business needs and requirements

MyITCRM is a free and open source CRM software. This CRM is perfectly tailored to meet the needs of the service and repairs industries. The upshot with the CRM is that it provides requisite tools, specific to these industries to maintain and track customer information, work orders, payments, invoicing, employees and jobs.

Some of the programs’ strong features are billing invoicing, work order management, storage of customers’ details, and acceptance of payments (credit cards, PayPal, cash or gift).

If you want to experience CRM, you can download your copy and start optimizing your business with these easy features. In case you need detailed information about their pricing, you can contact them.

Features

Offer backup of the database so that you can restore it back in case something goes wrong

Accepts payments via PayPal, credit cards, Paymate, cheques, gift certificates, or cash

You can schedule your work order via the per-employee calendar

Skyward CRM is built to meet all the companies’ needs to accelerate their sales. It is packed with custom features that differentiate from its competitors. This CRM comes with few defaults features like salesforce automation, territory and partner management, sales forecasting, sales performance, and innovative dashboard.

Furthermore, it can be customized and integrated with third-party tools for both versions — online and on-premise. It offers a one-month free subscription with full features and also can go ahead as per the client’s requirement. This is a perfect fit for small and medium businesses across the world.

Features

Offers vast customization options for the dashboard

Captures lead directly from online sources

It has a calendar feature which allows you to store information on customers’ calls and meetings

Bottom Line

To form and maintain relationships with customers is one of the most important aspects of any business. Without positive relationships, it’s hard to thrive in any industry and long-term success can be jeopardized. That’s why it’s so advantageous to implement a customer relationship management (CRM) system into your operations.