Top 13 CRM software packages for masterful customer relationship management
Customer Relationship Management(CRM) software has become an indispensable tool for managing customer relations.
According to a study, while 90% of companies believe that exploiting data is a major challenge for customer relations, only 9% of them think they have a sufficient level of customer knowledge.
And that's where CRM software comes in. What are you waiting for to improve your customer experience with such a tool? What's the best CRM tool for your needs? We'll advise you on your choice.
What is CRM software?
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software is used to :
- manage your sales activity,
- manage your customer relations
- collect, concentrate and analyse customer data,
- optimise your customer data management to achieve better results and, ultimately, improve your sales.
This type of software can be used by VSEs, SMEs and start-ups as well as large groups.
Why use customer relationship management software? Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of CRM software include
- centralisation and security of customer information,
- tracking customers with a history in each customer profile or prospect file,
- better customer knowledge to build loyalty, etc.
Our page dedicated to CRM software goes into more detail about its benefits.
As for the disadvantages, we can mention :
- the time needed to complete your CRM project and to set up the tool, if necessary,
- the cost of the tool.
But are these disadvantages really disadvantages when they allow you to save time so you can focus on your customers and increase your sales?
💡 Looking for a CRM for a particular need? Read our dedicated articles:
Selection of free GRC software
Clouderial
This suite of online applications is ideal for entrepreneurs. It includes all the management functions you need to automate your tasks (quotations/invoices, planning, customer follow-up, etc.) so you can concentrate on the essentials.
Please note that the free version of Clouderial offers less disk space and fewer shareable items than the paid versions.
Clouderial
Advantages :
- automatic data exchange between applications to avoid re-typing,
- document sharing (customer file, to-do list, invoice, etc.),
- management functionalities in addition to customer relations.
Lead CRM Vocal
Lead CRM Vocal is designed for salespeople in the field, whether they work for SMEs, start-ups or freelancers. Enter your reports using voice recognition and save a considerable amount of time! Keep track of your current files efficiently thanks to the dynamic interface, and share information easily internally.
Lead CRM Vocal is free for a single user and up to 70 contact records.
Advantages :
- the mobile application requires no configuration: it couldn't be easier to use;
- sales news feed: keep track of all the milestones in your sales relationship with your customers for even greater efficiency;
- synchronisation with your diary ;
- customer geolocation ;
- the ability to share customer files with colleagues.
The limits of freeware
Open source CRM and freeware CRM, false friends
Open source CRM is often confused with free CRM. But not all open source software is free, and vice versa.
- Open source means that the software's source code is accessible and can be modified. You can therefore customise the software to suit you better, provided you have the necessary skills.
- Freeware software can be used free of charge.
When looking for CRM software, make sure you don't confuse these two concepts to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Free trial version only
Many publishers try to attract customers by promising free CRM software. But a closer look reveals that only the trial version is free, but that you actually have to pay to purchase the software. So beware of broken promises.
Paying options
Depending on the size of your company and the growth of your business, the free version of a software package may not be enough. Free versions often don 't include all the features you really need; only the paid versions are complete. For more advanced features, such as analysis tools, you will need to allocate a dedicated budget. The same goes for exceeding a certain number of users or contacts, for example.
Selection of professional CRM software to take your customer management to the next level
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Axonaut
Axonaut is a perfectly integrated CRM and ERP solution for optimising your sales management and customer relations. The solution automates sales processes and marketing actions, and supports the growth of small businesses with a range of functions open to all.
Axonaut
Benefits :
- the customer portal, which gives customers access to their invoices and quotes, and enables notifications to be sent ;
- statistics generated to help the company score leads and make decisions: documents opened, response rates, etc. ;
- connection to Google and all its tools (calendar, email, etc.);
- electronic signature;
- online payment with Stripe and GoCardless;
- free support.
Blue Note systems CRM
Blue note systems CRM manages all aspects of customer relations: sales force management, customer service management, marketing automation, etc. It incorporates specialisation by business line and places the individual at the centre of the solution for a personalised customer relationship.
Blue note systems CRM
Advantages :
- a personalised lead scoring system to identify targets likely to become customers quickly ;
- responsive user interface with dashboard for tracking data;
- multi-channel lead integration;
- native integration with Freshdesk thanks to a connector developed by Blue note systems.
Cirrus Shield
This CRM solution is a platform that brings together marketing, sales prospecting, sales and customer service in a single environment. Cirrus Shield allows you to create a tailor-made application with the mouse: you can be sure that your solution matches your needs.
A free version is valid for a single user and does not include: customised reports, API access, customised profiles and support (excluding forums).
Cirrus Shield
Benefits :
- customised solution with no coding required, available immediately on mobile, tablet and PC,
- data import and synchronisation,
- interoperability of your applications with Cirrus Shield's REST API,
- ecosystem of external applications integrated with the product (Sendinblue, Yammer, Stripe, etc.).
RingCentral
RingCentral is a modular, easy-to-use telephony software package that enables you to offer your customers a responsive, intelligent and tailor-made support service to boost their loyalty over the long term.
Thanks to customised features powered by Artificial Intelligence, you can offer your customers more than just support - you can offer them a truly efficient contact centre that's available at all times.
RingCentral
Benefits :
- a new-generation telephony module for simple communication with all your employees via a single interface,
- a 360° view of your call history coupled with an intuitive real-time statistics tool,
- ISO 27001, PCI-DSS and GDPR certifications for enhanced security, and much more!
Salesforce Sales Cloud
Salesforce is the world leader in CRM. It enables you to manage the entire customer relationship cycle, giving you fast, convincing results. Manage your marketing campaigns, sales workflow, customer files, etc. using customisable dashboards. The Einstein module developed by Salesforce integrates artificial intelligence to take customer relations even further, helping you to improve efficiency and quality.
Salesforce Sales Cloud
Advantages :
- Takes into account the complexity and plurality of customer profiles,
- possibility of developing CRM-compatible applications,
- integration with other online applications (natively or via API connectors).
Sellsy
Sellsy is an all-in-one 100% cloud solution. Manage your entire customer relations cycle from A to Z: from prospecting to invoicing, including marketing and customer follow-up. The interface is pleasant, dynamic and ergonomic, making it easy for you to get to grips with. Sellsy is popular with small and medium-sized businesses because, in addition to its CRM functions, the software offers management, accounting and invoicing functions - in short, a unique and comprehensive solution.
Benefits :
- Simplification of the sales process: automation of invoices, electronic signature, etc. ;
- Sellsy strengthens collaboration between all company departments to serve the customer;
- software produced in France: you benefit from support in France.
Simple CRM
Simple CRM is part of the trend towards new-generation CRM tools: the solution incorporates artificial intelligence (A.I.) to revolutionise the way salespeople prospect.
The HaPPi intelligent virtual assistant is changing the day-to-day lives of poorly-equipped sales teams who are still using Excel and tearing their hair out by accumulating rejections during cold calls.
Salespeople can concentrate on what they do best: selling! Armed with qualitative information on a given profile, they can prepare a personalised sales proposal.
Simple CRM Enterprise
The benefits of Simple CRM
- Voice CRM with synchronised mobile version,
- geolocation of contacts,
- automation of the sales process,
- SMS and email marketing campaign management,
- data analytics,
- APIs and connectors for interoperability with numerous third-party applications (Google services, Office 365, Drupal, WordPress, Outlook, VOIP, etc.).
Teamleader
If you're looking for an all-in-one CRM tailored to VSEs and SMEs, Teamleader is the right software. Built around the three pillars of a business (sales, invoicing and organisation), it provides a range of functions for your customer projects. Centralise your prospects' data, enter a VAT number to automatically fill in the required company data, link your Gmail and Outlook accounts and get an overview thanks to the shared diary.
Teamleader
Benefits :
- manage customers in an orderly fashion,
- track sales opportunities,
- 2 distinct offers to suit your needs,
- free customer support in French,
- a free 14-day trial with no credit card required.
Webmecanik Pipeline - CRM
Webmecanik Pipeline - CRM is a truly all-in-one, scalable and modular tool for companies of all sizes. Manage your sales pipeline with ease, thanks to the many features available to help you become more efficient.
Collaborative and intuitive, the tool provides your teams with a complete, central interface for all your customers and prospects. Webmecanik Pipeline also helps you comply with the RGPD!
Webmecanik Pipeline - CRM
Advantages :
- an intuitive platform that's easy to learn and use,
- a customisable dashboard that gives you a clear view of your sales activity,
- a collaborative calendar to optimise your internal communication,
- Customer data security thanks to the access control function,
- automatedsales and marketing campaign creation thanks to synchronisation with Webmecanik Marketing Automation software.
Zoho CRM
Zoho CRM is CRM software available for all types of business, regardless of sector. It is a scalable tool that adapts to the needs of your business. Create customer-focused tasks and assign them to members of your team. Each member of staff has a defined role and clear objectives, and no sales opportunity is overlooked.
Over 250,000 businesses sell smarter, better and faster thanks to Zoho CRM's automation of time-consuming tasks.
Zoho CRM
Advantages :
- Scalable pricing: 5 packages, from €0 to €52/month depending on the features required,
- Secure professional messaging,
- Online file management for teams,
- Powerful real-time data analysis,
- Find the information you need with Zia, an AI sales assistant.
Selection of software for customer relationship and service management
While the term CRM is very often associated with Customer Relationship Management, many experts equate this concept with ' customer service ', with all that this implies in terms of functionalities: pre-sales/post-sales customer relationship management, unification of cold or conversational channels with a 360° view of the customer, and so on.
Our selection should therefore also include this type of more specialised tool.
easiware
easiware is a French all-in-one CRM software dedicated to customer services. Its aim? To centralise all customer data and unify all communication channels in order to optimise and contextualise request management.
The result: faster processing, productivity gains... and, above all, improved customer satisfaction and experience!
easiware
Advantages :
- integration of multiple communication channels (email, web form, telephone, dynamic FAQ, social networks, WhatsApp, etc.),
- a 360° customer file, containing all the history of exchanges, so you can get to know your customers better,
- functionalities that focus on the human element and customer satisfaction (NPS tracking, for example),
- a knowledge base and response models,
- the high level of support provided by the publisher: dedicated Customer Success Manager, help centre, e-learning platform, training, webinars, etc.
FAQ on CRM software: we answer your questions
How do I choose the right CRM software for my business?
Choosing CRM software isn't like choosing a playlist on Spotify. 🎶
The first step is to determine your real needs:
- contact management
- sales tracking
- marketing automation,
- customer service?
Then ask yourself the right questions:
- Is the team comfortable with technology?
- Do you want an all-in-one tool or a modular solution?
- An open source CRM or a turnkey SaaS?
Finally, look at integration (with an ERP, accounting tools, website, etc.), scalability (the tool should grow with you) and, of course, value for money. The right software is the one that integrates seamlessly into your daily life, not the one that makes you miss Excel.
If you're still unsure about the software presented in this article, here's a comparison table to help you:
| Software | Typical users | Key features | Differentiating advantage (stated objectively) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axonaut | French VSEs and SMEs | Contact and opportunity management, invoicing and expense management, project and cash flow monitoring | All-in-one solution designed for small businesses, intuitive and quick to learn, according to extensive user feedback. |
| Blue Note Systems CRM | Small and medium-sized businesses, demanding sectors | Sales force management, marketing automation, real-time dashboards and statistics | Modular CRM that can be precisely adapted to complex business needs, particularly appreciated for its flexibility. |
| Cirrus Shield | SMEs, training organisations | Customer relationship management, process automation, advanced interface customisation | Customisable CRM without code, highly rated for its ability to adapt quickly to regulated or specific sectors. |
| RingCentral CRM | SMEs and large enterprises | Integration with market CRMs, call and message management, customer interaction tracking | Unified communications platform that improves customer responsiveness by centralising all exchanges within the CRM. |
| Salesforce Sales Cloud | Start-ups, growing SMEs, key accounts | Lead and opportunity management, sales automation, advanced reporting and forecasting | An ultra-complete CRM, recognised for its functional power and its ability to adapt to complex, scalable environments. |
| Sellsy | VSEs and SMEs | Sales CRM, invoicing and pre-accounting, subscription management | All-in-one French platform with responsive local support, acclaimed for its ease of use on a day-to-day basis. |
| Simple CRM | VSEs and SMEs with little digital presence | Contact management, collaborative diary, project tracking | A sober tool designed for teams with little technical experience, appreciated for its clean interface and quick start-up. |
| Teamleader | Self-employed, VSEs, agencies | Commercial CRM, project management, integrated invoicing | A tool well suited to service providers, often highlighted for its clear interface and centralised activity management. |
| Webmecanik Pipeline | SMALL BUSINESSES | Pipeline tracking, sales team management, RGPD compliance | Free French CRM, effective for structuring a sales approach that's simple and quick to deploy. |
| Zoho CRM | From very small to large companies | Lead management, workflow automation, integration with a wide range of tools | Excellent value for money, with a wealth of functions and scalability that rivals the market leaders at an affordable price. |
What essential features should CRM software have?
A good CRM tool is a bit like a Swiss Army knife: you don't need 37 blades, just the right ones at the right time. At the very least, it should offer :
-
Centralisation of customer data (history, interactions, contact details),
-
Monitoring sales opportunities (pipeline, tasks, follow-ups),
-
Marketing campaign management (emailing, segmentation, scoring),
-
Reporting (customisable dashboards),
-
And ideally, a touch of automation to avoid time-consuming tasks.
🍒 The icing on the cake: tools with embedded AI or predictive capabilities give you a real edge. And if the UX is pleasant, that's even better: no one likes fighting with their CRM at 8am.
What is the average cost of CRM software?
Prices vary enormously. There are free CRMs (like HubSpot or Zoho in their basic versions), which are perfect for getting started.
For more advanced features, expect to pay between €20 and €80 per user per month on average. The bigger tools (Salesforce, Dynamics 365, etc.) can cost more than €100, especially if you add modules, support, training, etc.
But the right thing to do is to calculate the ROI rather than just look at the cost: a well-used CRM often boosts sales and customer satisfaction. And that's priceless (or almost priceless).
What are the risks of working without CRM software?
Working without CRM is a bit like flying a plane without a dashboard. You can move forward... but you're flying blind. 🙈
Without a structuring tool, customer information gets lost in the maze of mailboxes, Excel files, Post-it notes (and sometimes a salesperson's head). The result? Poorly followed-up leads, missed opportunities, uneven customer service... and lost sales lying in wait.
On a larger scale, the absence of CRM also blocks performance analysis, slows growth and makes for an inconsistent customer experience. In short, not using CRM means taking the risk of staying small when you could be growing with method, vision... and data.
Is there any CRM software available in France or hosted in France?
Yes, that's right! There are a number of GRC software packages made in France, designed to meet the needs of local businesses, particularly in terms of RGPD, French-language support and sovereign hosting. This is a real plus for sensitive sectors or organisations concerned about data localisation. Names to remember include easiware, Axonaut, Sellsy and noCRM.io.
Is CRM software useful if I work alone or with a small team?
Clearly, yes. Even if you work alone, your time is precious. And your memory is not a hard drive! Good CRM software helps you to keep track of everything: customer follow-up, reminders, quotes, exchange history... Everything is centralised, automated and ready for action. The result: less chaos, more impact.
For a small team, it's even more strategic: you lay solid foundations, make collaboration more fluid and avoid relying on the famous "I thought you were taking care of it". And all without breaking the budget: many CRMs offer free or very affordable packages.
How can I get my teams involved in adopting CRM software?
A good tool is good. A team that really uses it is even better. To get everyone on board, you first need to explain the 'why': show how CRM will simplify their daily lives, not add constraints.
Next, choose a tool that is easy to use, not a gas factory. Suggest a test phase, appoint one or two motivated referents, and don't forget to train quickly (even a 1-hour tutorial can make all the difference).
And above all: make the most of the benefits from the very first weeks! Better visibility, fewer oversights, more deals signed. The good old lever of shared success always works. 💪
Improve your customer relations with CRM software
In 2025, the customer must be the No. 1 concern of every business, and online CRM software is the essential tool for success. Not only will you build customer loyalty, but your prospecting will also be improved, and your results enhanced.
Don't hesitate to take advantage of a free trial to discover all the features of this software and what it can do for your business!
Have you made your choice?
Maëlys De Santis, Growth Managing Editor, started at Appvizer in 2017 as Copywriter & Content Manager. Her career at Appvizer is distinguished by her in-depth expertise in content strategy and marketing, as well as SEO optimization. With a Master's degree in Intercultural Communication and Translation from ISIT, Maëlys also studied languages and English at the University of Surrey. She has shared her expertise in publications such as Le Point and Digital CMO. She contributes to the organization of the global SaaS event, B2B Rocks, where she took part in the opening keynote in 2023 and 2024.
An anecdote about Maëlys? She has a (not so) secret passion for fancy socks, Christmas, baking and her cat Gary. 🐈⬛