Customer relationship management (CRM) software is one of the most powerful tools around for new and existing businesses. CRM solutions can manage or automate sales leads, organize customer records, launch loyalty programs, or handle customer promotions and retention. They bring sales, marketing, and customer service onto a single platform and offer a range of useful tools including customer communication channels, lead and deal tracking, customer behavior analysis, and AI.They are also scalable which means you can opt for more features as your business grows. Options include HubSpot, Zoho CRM, and Salesmate CRM.In ZDNET's January update, we revised our 2026 guide, including more information on the CRM space, additional insights on our top recommendations, and alternative CRM solutions to consider. Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers.
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Best personal data removal service deals of the week $162 (save $198) Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article. What is the best small business CRM software right now?The best CRM software for small businesses is HubSpot. HubSpot, available from $9 per seat per month, is also a terrific way to enter the CRM market without spending a single dollar. Although the free plan is limited, you can still unlock sales, lead generation, and customer support packages with a paid upgrade once you're comfortable.Another option I like for emerging businesses is Monday.com, which is excellent if workflow management is your top priority. A free plan includes two seats; basic plans start at $9 per seat per month. Also: The best remote access software: Expert testedZDNET has kept an eye on the customer relationship management market for years, and we extensively research and compare vendors when we compile our recommendation lists. Read on to discover the best CRM software solutions for small businesses in 2026. HubSpot If you're looking for a way to implement a CRM as the next stage of your growing business, many people will recommend HubSpot. Why we like it: This CRM starts you off with a free plan -- no payment card details required. Just enter an email address, complete the verification process, and let HubSpot know if you're new to CRM software, and away you go.What I particularly like about this CRM is that it tailors your learning experience to your priorities, whether you want to automate marketing campaigns, generate sales leads, build a website, or improve your customer support system.You'll find that the basic, free CRM can be used for tasks such as contact management and email marketing. The company is also moving quickly in exploring how AI and AI agents can benefit small businesses. HubSpot launched a deep research connector with ChatGPT for business predictions and analytics. It also has a connector for Anthropic's Claude, a chatbot AI assistant designed to assist customers and staff.Who it's for: HubSpot is a good option if you're just entering the CRM space, with many smaller organizations reporting they're happy with the system. However, some also note that the costs can quickly escalate if you want advanced features.Paid plans typically start at $15 per user per month for starter plans, but a current promotion has reduced the price to $9 per user per month. However, subscription to the next level can leap to more than $800 per month, depending on what bolt-ons you want, such as marketing, sales, or customer service.Who should look elsewhere: You'll need to pay to access the sales dashboard, help desk suite, surveys, or customer portal. If you need these features, the free option won't be suitable for you. In that case, consider upgrading, or check out our other recommendations. HubSpot features: Different workspaces | Website help | Dashboards | Contact sync | Tutorials | App marketplace | Free plan, 14-day Pro trial
