Best Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud Alternatives & Competitors for 2025
Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist
HubSpot Sales Hub
4.5 / 5
Read more about HubSpot Sales Hub
HubSpot Sales Hub revolutionizes the way organizations manage their sales pipelines by automating critical tasks—like updating deal stages, scheduling follow-ups, and triggering notifications—which frees sales teams to focus on high-impact strategic initiatives. This platform’s sophisticated automation capabilities, including behavioral triggers and A/B testing, empower teams to send personalized communications at the optimal moment, thereby significantly enhancing conversion rates. In addition to these dynamic personalization features, HubSpot Sales Hub boosts overall productivity by automating lead prioritization and follow-up processes, ensuring that sales representatives concentrate on the most promising leads. Finally, its robust analytics, seamless integrations with other HubSpot tools and third-party applications, and an intuitively designed interface make it an attractive solution for those seeking to optimize their sales efforts without the steep learning curve.
Key Features of HubSpot Sales Hub
- Free CRM centralized contact management
- Email Tracking for engagement signals
- Reusable email templates for consistency
- Live Chat for real-time engagement
- Meeting Scheduler streamlines appointment booking
- Deal Pipeline Management visualizes deals
- Sales Automation streamlines repetitive tasks
- Reporting and Analytics drive performance
Price of HubSpot Sales Hub
HubSpot Sales Hub features three tiered pricing models designed to address distinct business needs. The Starter plan costs $20 per month per seat, enhancing your CRM and providing basic sales tools with limited pipelines. The Professional, at $100 per seat monthly with an annual commitment and a one-time onboarding fee of $1,500, adds advanced automation and expanded limits. The Enterprise plan, at $150 per month per seat (annual paid upfront) with a $3,500 onboarding fee, offers custom objects and intricate capabilities ideal for larger teams. Pricing details are clearly structured.
Read more about Freshsales
Freshsales is an AI-driven CRM solution designed to boost sales team productivity by streamlining lead capture and accelerating deal closures. Its high degree of customization allows businesses to tailor the platform with custom fields, sales activities, and modules, aligning perfectly with unique sales processes. Featuring workflow automation and task management, Freshsales minimizes manual tasks, freeing up valuable time for more strategic efforts. Additionally, the AI assistant Freddy offers predictive insights based on historical data, empowering teams to make smarter decisions and maintain a competitive advantage.
Key Features of Freshsales
- Sales Process Automation and Optimization
- Comprehensive Contact and Account Management
- Dynamic Opportunity and Pipeline Management
- Intelligent Lead Management and Scoring
- Integrated Powerful Email Marketing Campaigns
- Detailed Reporting and Analytics Insights
- Mobile CRM Access Anytime, Anywhere
- Seamless Third-Party Integrations and Support
Price of Freshsales
Freshsales offers three pricing tiers designed for various business sizes. The Growth Plan, starting at $9 per user monthly (annual billing), targets startups with essential CRM features and basic automation. For growing businesses, the Pro Plan at $39 per user monthly (annual billing) extends the functionality with advanced workflows and AI-powered insights. The Enterprise Plan, at $59 per user monthly (annual billing), caters to larger companies with enhanced customization, security, and governance tools. A 21-day free trial provides full platform access while monthly billing is available at a higher rate.
Apollo.io
5 / 5
Read more about Apollo.io
Apollo.io Overview: The source intended to shed light on Apollo.io as a solution in the sales intelligence software space, but the detailed overview data isn’t available in the provided content. This absence of specific insights leaves the core functionalities and benefits of the platform largely undefined, which might make it challenging for prospective users to grasp its full potential. Although its inclusion in discussions about sales intelligence tools suggests it holds promise for improving sales processes, the lack of concrete information means its unique advantages and feature set remain unspecified. Consequently, readers interested in evaluating Apollo.io as a viable software solution may need to seek additional details to fully understand how it could align with their sales strategy.
Key Features of Apollo.io
- Vast B2B contact database access
- Reliable, consistently accurate, current data
- Robust lead quality intelligence insights
- Advanced search and filtering capabilities
- AI-driven hyper-personalized email outreach assistant
- Automated engaging multi-channel outreach sequences
- Effortless CRM integration with systems
- Detailed in-depth sales analytics reports
Price of Apollo.io
Apollo.io offers versatile pricing for sales intelligence. The Free plan lets individual users experiment with limited sequences, mobile, and export credits—ideal for basic exploration. The Basic plan at $49 per month boosts capabilities with additional credits, A/B testing, and email tracking for growing teams. The Professional plan at $79 monthly brings advanced reporting and custom features for deeper insights. The Organization plan, priced at $119 per user for a minimum of three users, offers extended API access and data enrichment. A 14-day free trial is also available, ensuring maximum value.
Read more about Zoho CRM
Zoho CRM offers extensive customization options that enable businesses to adapt fields, page layouts, workflows, and automation rules to their specific needs, thereby enhancing lead management and streamlining the sales process from initial contact to deal closure. Its comprehensive suite supports sales, marketing, and customer support through features like detailed reporting, analytics, and an intuitive interface that facilitates easy navigation. The platform integrates AI-powered tools such as the Zia assistant, which provides predictive sales insights and helps personalize customer interactions using real-time behavioral data. Moreover, Zoho CRM’s competitive pricing—including a free tier for smaller teams—and its mobile and third-party app integrations make it a versatile choice for organizations aiming to improve collaboration and decision-making across diverse work environments.
Key Features of Zoho CRM
- Zia AI Assistant
- Lead and Deal Prediction
- Sales Process Builder
- Blueprints
- Enhanced Automation
- Advanced Dashboard Functionality
- Forecast Adjustment and Hierarchy
- WhatsApp for Business Integration
Price of Zoho CRM
The Zoho CRM Free Plan supports up to 3 users with basic contact management and automation at no cost. The Standard Plan costs $14 per user monthly if billed annually, offering sales forecasting and custom dashboards. The Professional Plan, priced at $23 per user monthly with annual billing, adds inventory management and Google Ads integration. The Enterprise Plan, at $40 per user monthly billed annually, includes advanced customization and AI analytics. The Ultimate Plan, $52 per user monthly billed annually, provides enhanced analytics and premium support. All paid plans have a 15-day free trial available.
Read more about Nutshell
Nutshell is introduced as a CRM solution designed to support business efforts in managing customer relationships effectively. It is portrayed as a tool that strives to blend a user-friendly experience with the operational requirements of tracking interactions and streamlining sales processes. Overall, the product appears to focus on delivering a balanced approach to customer relationship management, aiming to simplify complex workflows for its users.
Key Features of Nutshell
- Robust and centralized Contact and Lead Management
- Flexible and visual Sales Pipeline Management
- Intelligent and automated Sales Processes
- Integrated and personalized Email Marketing
- Advanced, detailed Reporting and Analytics
- Responsive Mobile Application Access
- Seamless, reliable Third-Party Integrations
- Customizable, insightful Data Dashboards
Price of Nutshell
Nutshell’s pricing offers plans for businesses of all sizes. The Foundation plan starts at $13 per user (annually) or $19 monthly, ideal for basic contact and lead management. For small teams needing advanced reporting, the Growth plan begins at $25 annually or $32 monthly. The Pro plan, starting at $42 ($49 monthly), includes sales automation and multiple pipelines. The Business tier at $59 or $67, and the Enterprise option at $79 or $89 monthly, deliver extensive features. Robust support included. A 14-day free trial lets users explore every feature risk-free.
Read more about Zendesk Sell
Zendesk Sell streamlines the sales process by seamlessly integrating with Zendesk Support, giving sales teams immediate access to essential customer service data and thus empowering more informed and personalized follow-ups. With its intuitive interface, the platform caters effortlessly to users of diverse technical backgrounds, ensuring that even those with minimal technical expertise can navigate its features with ease. Additionally, its built-in automation tools—such as task sequences and smart lists—coupled with robust reporting and customizable dashboards, enable teams to monitor performance metrics and optimize their sales strategies effectively. Moreover, the availability of a mobile app ensures that sales professionals can manage leads and communicate via email or calls anytime, anywhere.
Key Features of Zendesk Sell
- Comprehensive Integrated Sales CRM Platform
- Seamless Email Account Integration
- Efficient and Targeted Sales Engagement Tools
- Mobile App for On-the-Go Sales
- Robust and Detailed Reporting and Analytics
- Customizable Sales Dashboards
- Accurate Sales Forecasting Capabilities
- Easy Integration with Third-Party Apps
Price of Zendesk Sell
Zendesk Sell presents a tiered pricing model designed for diverse sales teams. The Sell Team plan, at $19 per agent month billed annually, offers essential sales pipelines, integrations, call tracking, and basic APIs. The Sell Growth expansion, $55 per agent monthly, enhances capabilities with additional pipelines, premium APIs, and advanced reporting and forecasting features. For more complex needs, the Sell Professional plan at $115 per agent monthly enables lead scoring and automation, while the Sell Enterprise, starting at $169, provides unlimited pipelines and customization. Each plan features a free trial.
Outreach
4.4 / 5
Read more about Outreach
For prospective customers seeking a dynamic sales solution, Outreach presents a robust platform that automates the mundane—from follow-up emails and data entry to meticulous lead tracking—freeing up valuable time for building genuine customer relationships. Its sophisticated analytics and reporting modules delve deep into sales activities and customer interactions, providing granular insights that pave the way for informed, data-driven decisions. Moreover, the platform's multichannel communication capabilities meld emails, calls, and social media initiatives within one unified interface, ensuring your messaging remains consistent and engaging. With personalization tools allowing tailored templates and dynamic content, along with seamless integration with popular CRM systems, Outreach offers an all-encompassing solution designed to efficiently streamline your sales process.
Key Features of Outreach
- Robust Multichannel Outreach Communication Platform
- Automated Personalized Email Sequence Engine
- Advanced Email Engagement Tracking System
- AI-Powered Conversation Intelligence Insights Module
- Seamless CRM Integration and Sync
- Comprehensive Pipeline and Deal Management
- Fully Mobile-Optimized User Access Platform
- Interactive Sales Playbooks Collaboration Hub
Price of Outreach
Outreach pricing is structured on a per-user basis and separated into five distinct plans: Engage, Call, Meet, Deal, and Forecast. The Engage plan provides sequencing, templates, CRM sync, and smart account mapping. The Call package delivers an integrated sales dialer, live monitoring, and AI-powered summaries, while the Meet plan offers real-time call recording, transcription, and meeting assist features. The Deal plan supports smart deal assistance and activity tracking, and the Forecast plan offers pipeline dashboards and scenario planning. A one-time implementation fee starting at roughly $1,000 may also apply directly.
HubSpot Sales
5 / 5
Read more about HubSpot Sales
HubSpot Sales stands out as a comprehensive tool that consolidates contact and deal management into one streamlined platform, allowing sales teams to efficiently track leads and tailor communications with precision. By automating routine tasks like follow-up emails and lead nurturing, it frees up sales professionals to concentrate on more strategic efforts while reducing the risk of overlooking important steps. Its powerful analytics provide detailed insights through customizable dashboards, helping businesses measure performance, anticipate revenue, and refine their sales tactics. Furthermore, the platform’s seamless integration with marketing and customer service enhances collaboration across departments, offering a complete perspective on each customer’s journey.
Key Features of HubSpot Sales
- Core CRM Functionality
- Multiple Deal Pipelines
- Email Tracking and Notifications
- Automated Sequences
- Meeting Scheduling Links
- Workflow Automation
- Reporting and Dashboards
- Sales Forecasting
Price of HubSpot Sales
HubSpot Sales offers a Free plan with basic CRM features at no cost. The Starter plan is $20 per month per seat, including one seat, removing HubSpot branding and adding custom properties and meeting links. The Professional tier requires a $100 monthly per-seat fee, with a yearly commitment and a $1,500 onboarding fee, enhancing automation and sales process tools. Enterprise costs $150 per seat monthly, billed annually upfront, plus a $3,500 onboarding fee, offering advanced features and higher limits for larger teams and complex needs.
Introduction
In the competitive world of selling, having an intelligent and powerful sales customer relationship management (CRM) system like Salesforce Sales Cloud allows you to have more leverage. However, businesses have different goals when employing CRMs, and even the innovative features of the sales platform from Salesforce may not satisfy the needs of certain organizations. If that is the case, expand your possibilities with Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud alternatives.
Our research team has carefully researched software products for sales professionals so that we can objectively present the benefits of using Sales Cloud and compare these with the advantages of using other top sales software. We made sure to include points to consider when deciding which sales hub is best for your selling needs. We also highlight a few pros and cons for each of the Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud alternatives we included on this list so you can carefully compare and assess which ones are worth looking into.
What is Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud?
Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud, also known as Sales Cloud, is a complete tech suite built for sales teams that want to become a sales powerhouse. The software comes with automation and AI capabilities so businesses can achieve faster, smarter, and more efficient selling.
Sales Cloud is designed to be a central hub for all selling-related activities. As such, it offers productivity-boosting features like lead management, forecasting, workflow and process automation, templated quotes, team collaboration, data organization and sharing, pipeline and account management, dashboards, billing, and reporting tools.
What makes Sales Cloud stand out as a CRM system are its automation, AI, and analysis capabilities like the Activity 360, Sales Cloud Einstein, and Sales Engagement features. You can also test the product with a free 30-day trial. When you are ready, you can choose from one of the paid plans that are priced per user.
Overall, Sales Cloud offers a scalable and user-friendly sales platform with good integration capabilities. However, it can be quite expensive for small businesses. Certain powerful features are also only available for the pricier paid plans. Users may also find that getting customer support may take some time and patience. Another reason sales teams consider looking for Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud alternatives is that it can be challenging to access the platform offline or when in the field since the software is cloud-dependent.
What to look for in a Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud alternative?
The right sales software can do wonders for your organization’s productivity, efficiency, and growth. The question now is, “how will you know which Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud alternatives are best for your business?" To help you get a solid grasp of how to choose a platform that meets your needs, our researchers examined credible industry sources and relevant user data to identify the features and capabilities sales teams should look into when picking an alternative to the Sales Hub CRM.
- Customizations and insights. The ability to customize dashboards, automated tasks, reports, and even the homepage of a sales platform can make it easier for sales professionals to learn the tools and features as well as adopt and tailor the capabilities of the system to their selling needs. Built-in business intelligence solutions are also valuable because they supply sales teams with relevant and real-time data on customer preferences and market trends that can affect selling outcomes. It is best to find a product that is designed and can be tailored not only for sales managers but also for agents who have different access and permission levels.
- Mobility and communication. Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud competitors should provide solutions for better collaboration between departments and among sales experts whether they are working in the office or in the field. You want sales software that has communication tools and mobile apps that are compatible with different devices and carry similar features as desktop versions. This ensures that your agents are on the same page since they know what the next action is required in the pipeline, and that they have access to the same real-time data which lets them make critical and quick decisions on-site.
- Simple setup and interface. Ease of use must be on top of your list when picking business tech tools, whether you are choosing a sales platform or the best ERP systems for your organization. After all, what is the point of adopting CRMs and other business software if it requires extensive training, has a steep learning curve, or needs a permanent admin or IT professional to run it for you? Sales software that is too complex also tends to hinder sales managers and agents from focusing on their main task of selling and nurturing customer relationships. You want an intuitive and simple interface that makes work easier, not more complicated.
- Contact syncing and integrations. Look for Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud alternatives that allow you to sync your contacts list, email, and other datasets for easier data migration. A good CRM is one that provides solutions to keep all essential information that your sales team uses in a single, central location. Make sure to also check the integration capabilities of the system to third-party tech tools and to the current business solutions you are using. A robust and flexible integration capability lets you expand the built-in functionalities and streamline collaboration among your salespeople and your marketing, finance, and other departments.
- Value for money and flexibility. A common reason for sales teams to look for Sales Cloud alternatives is due to cost. Certain sales CRMs are designed for enterprises and others also offer an extensive list of features that usually require additional fees. Small and mid-sized businesses usually do not have the same budgets as large-scale organizations and need software that is affordable yet complete with essential out-of-the-box features. Find Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud alternatives that offer product demos, free trials, custom quotes, and flexible, scalable paid plans.
- Support options. Finally, you want to invest in a sales software provider who can provide you with free and reliable customer support and learning resources. Find out if their support agents are real human beings who can respond to your queries via chat, email, or phone call and if they will charge extra for different levels of support.
Where does data security and privacy stand in Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud alternatives?
With data breaches and cyber threats on the rise, data security and privacy are crucial considerations when selecting a CRM. Many Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud alternatives offer varying levels of security features to protect customer data. When evaluating CRM options, ensure they meet industry standards for data encryption, user authentication, and access control. Also, check for compliance with major regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, or HIPAA, depending on your business’s needs.
Here are key data security features to look for in CRM alternatives:
- Data Encryption: Ensures data is protected both in transit and at rest.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Provides an extra layer of security for user access.
- Role-Based Access Controls: Limits data access based on user roles to enhance security.
- Audit Logs: Allows tracking of changes and access to sensitive data.
- Compliance Certifications: Look for CRM providers who comply with key regulatory standards.
Importance of Seamless Billing Integration in Sales CRM
Efficient billing management is a critical component of the sales process, as it directly impacts the customer experience and operational efficiency. When evaluating CRM alternatives to Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud, businesses should prioritize platforms that provide seamless integration with robust billing solutions. A CRM with well-aligned billing capabilities ensures accurate invoicing, quicker payment processing, and streamlined financial operations—key factors for maintaining strong customer relationships and sustainable growth.
One effective way to enhance your sales CRM is by pairing it with the best billing software solutions available. These tools can automate recurring billing, manage subscription plans, and generate detailed financial reports, enabling sales teams to focus more on closing deals rather than administrative tasks. Check out this comprehensive guide on the best billing software to discover platforms that can complement your chosen CRM and drive end-to-end operational efficiency. By integrating top-tier billing software, you can align your sales and finance processes for better decision-making and improved cash flow management.
Key Insights
- Comprehensive Features: Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud offers a wide range of features, including lead management, sales forecasting, workflow automation, team collaboration, data sharing, and AI capabilities, making it a versatile tool for sales teams.
- Scalability and Integration: The platform is highly scalable and integrates well with various business systems, allowing for seamless data migration and synchronization.
- Cost Considerations: While feature-rich, Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud can be expensive for small businesses, with certain powerful features available only in higher-priced plans.
- Ease of Use: It can be challenging to use for non-technical users and requires some time to learn. Simpler and more intuitive interfaces are preferred by teams seeking faster adoption.
- Offline Access: The cloud-dependence of Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud can be a limitation for teams needing offline access or those frequently in the field.
- Customer Support: Getting customer support can sometimes be time-consuming, which may hinder immediate issue resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud
Businesses might look for alternatives due to the high cost, complexity, and need for simpler, more intuitive interfaces. They may also seek platforms that offer better offline access and faster customer support.
Key considerations include customization options, mobility and communication tools, ease of use, contact syncing, integration capabilities, value for money, flexibility, and customer support.
HubSpot Sales Hub offers a user-friendly interface, a free version with essential features, and robust integration capabilities. It provides seamless collaboration between sales and marketing teams and offers 24/7 customer support.
Freshsales is affordable and offers AI-powered contact scoring, workflow automation, and a unified CRM for sales, marketing, and support teams. It provides a 360° view of customer profiles and automates repetitive tasks to enhance efficiency.
Apollo.io excels in large-scale lead generation and outreach capabilities, offering automation templates, email writing assistance, and robust integration options. It also provides a free plan with advanced features, making it a cost-effective option.
Zoho CRM is an affordable entry-level CRM that connects multiple communication channels, offers fast deployment, and has an intuitive interface. It is ideal for sales teams seeking a simple yet effective CRM solution.
Zendesk Sell offers a simple, flexible CRM solution with sales engagement tools, email integration, task management, and call recording. It is ideal for those new to CRM systems and seeking a straightforward platform.
Pipeliner CRM offers a user-friendly interface with extensive customization options, visual data representations, and built-in automation tools. It is designed to be easy to use without requiring full-time technical staff.
Salesflare is an affordable CRM designed for small teams, offering seamless email integration, automatic meeting and call logging, and built-in email marketing tools. It is easy to use and provides essential CRM functionalities for growing businesses.
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