21 alternatives to Zoho for smoother management of your business
We all know Zoho: a suite of cloud applications that covers just about everything: CRM, project management, accounting, customer support and even online meetings. The ambition? To offer an all-in-one platform for managing your business from A to Z.
But let's be honest: this versatility has its limits. Too many tools, an interface that's sometimes overloaded, complex integrations, or features that lack depth depending on the module. The result? Many teams are looking for a smoother, more intuitive alternative to Zoho... and one that's better suited to the way they work.
👉 That's why we've selected 21 high-performance alternatives for each application:
- CRM,
- ERP
- project management
- accounting,
- customer support.
Our aim? To help you choose the solution that really matches your business needs, your budget and your existing tools.
What is Zoho?
Zoho offers more than 50 integrated applications designed to cover the full range of business management needs, from CRM and accounting to project management, team collaboration, online meetings and customer support.
Zoho's strength lies in its centralisation: all applications communicate with each other, with a common database and unified analysis reports. So you can build a truly bespoke suite, depending on your use cases and budget.
📌 Some of Zoho's flagship features :
- Zoho CRM: sales management, automation, pipeline and lead tracking ;
- Zoho Projects: collaborative project management with Gantt charts, time tracking and shared tasks ;
- Zoho Books: invoicing, quotes, bank reconciliation, VAT and multi-currency management;
- Zoho Desk: omnichannel customer service tool with knowledge base and integrated messaging;
- Zoho Analytics: advanced analysis reports, customisable dashboards, real-time analysis;
- Zoho Meeting: online meetings, webinars, recording, screen sharing;
- Zoho People: HR management, time tracking, holidays and performance reviews.
Zoho is a comprehensive solution, ideal for small businesses and SMEs that want to manage everything from a single source... provided they accept a steep learning curve and an interface that lacks modernity.
 
 Zoho One
Why consider an alternative to Zoho?
A dense interface that slows you down
Zoho is full of modules, options and menus... and it shows. If you're looking for a simple collaboration tool that's accessible even to non-technophiles, the experience can quickly become frustrating.
Users say it: some applications like Zoho Projects or Zoho CRM require a significant amount of training time, which makes it difficult to use them primarily in already busy teams.
📌 Common criticisms:
- unintuitive navigation ;
- visual overload ;
- tedious parameter setting when starting up.
Limited integration outside the Zoho ecosystem
Yes, Zoho offers an integration application between its own tools, which facilitates internal synchronisation. But as soon as you want to connect other services (like Slack, Trello, Google Workspace, Stripe...), you come up against limitations or underpowered connectors.
💡 The result: for a company already equipped with specialist tools, integration can become a major barrier to adoption.
Attractive prices... up to a point
Zoho is attractive because of its prices: some modules start at just a few euros a month, for example Zoho CRM starts at €14/month, and the whole suite remains competitive. But this apparent simplicity masks a more complex reality:
- several packages per month, with functional restrictions;
- essential options accessible only from premium packs;
- a final cost that can rise rapidly depending on the number of agents per month or the modules activated.
Powerful modules, but not all at the same level
One of Zoho's strengths is its broad functional coverage: CRM, ERP, accounting, project management, helpdesk, and so on. But not all modules are created equal.
For example :
- Zoho Projects lacks the flexibility of tools such as ClickUp or Wrike;
- Zoho Books remains simplistic for more complex accounting structures;
- Zoho CRM, while useful, is less robust than Pipedrive or Salesforce.
👉 Zoho plays the versatility card, but sometimes to the detriment of functional specialisation and advanced mode capability.
Customer support seen as slow and unresponsive
The quality of customer service is a point often mentioned in Zoho reviews. Despite a good help centre and a well-stocked knowledge base, users report :
- long response times;
- support that is sometimes impersonal or not very proactive;
- difficulties in obtaining precise answers to technical questions.
Comparative table of the 21 best alternatives to Zoho
1 of 20
Our top 5 ERP alternatives to Zoho
Odoo
Odoo has established itself as one of the best ERP alternatives to Zoho, thanks in particular to its modularity and open source model. Where Zoho offers a pre-packaged suite, Odoo lets you put together your own solution, activating only the applications you really need: CRM, billing, accounting, project management, etc. This is a particularly popular choice for growing SMEs or organisations with specific business processes.
Another major advantage is its integration ecosystem. Odoo has an open API and a rich App Store with over 20,000 modules. It also offers a high level of automation and detailed analysis reports. In short, a flexible, powerful and affordable alternative to Zoho.
⚒️ Here's an overview of Odoo's most relevant features for replacing Zoho in ERP applications:
- Complete ERP: CRM, project management, inventory, accounting, HR, invoicing ;
- modules that can be activated according to business needs;
- modern interface, intuitive UX, mobile access;
- powerful application integration (open API + Odoo Apps Store);
- automation: workflows, reminders, quotes, project tasks, etc;
- analysis reports customisable by application.
 
 Odoo
Axonaut
Axonaut is a 100% French Zoho ERP alternative, designed specifically for SMEs and the self-employed. Where Zoho can quickly become complex to configure, Axonaut focuses on simplicity, without sacrificing essential functionality. Its main asset: a genuine all-in-one, fluid and coherent solution for centralising CRM, invoicing, accounting, HR and project management in a single application.
Highly appreciated for its user-friendliness, Axonaut is a turnkey solution, ideal for teams who want their software up and running in just a few days. It also offers responsive customer support, based in France, and a clear knowledge base.
⚒️ Here are the main features that make Axonaut a serious alternative to Zoho ERP:
- complete sales management: quotes, invoices, purchase orders, reminders, etc;
- integrated CRM with sales pipeline and customer history ;
- automated accounting with VAT, bank reconciliations, balance sheet ;
- HR tools: holidays, expense reports, employee records, etc;
- project tracking: tasks, deadlines, employee assignments, etc;
- mobile application for remote management;
- French customer support included in all plans.
Oracle NetSuite
Oracle NetSuite is clearly aimed at companies that have outgrown the SME stage. It is a high-end cloud ERP solution, designed for multi-site, international or high-growth organisations. Where Zoho offers a generalist approach, NetSuite offers ultra-complete business coverage, with extensive customisation capabilities.
What makes the difference is the functional depth of each module: financial management, procurement, production, CRM, e-commerce, real-time reporting... everything is designed to adapt to the complexity of operations. What's more, omnichannel management is native, making it a strategic choice for companies with multiple sales channels. On the downside, implementation takes longer and pricing is bespoke.
⚒️ Here is an overview of the features that make NetSuite a premium alternative to Zoho ERP:
- Modular ERP: finance, sales, CRM, e-commerce, supply chain ;
- multi-entity, multi-currency and multi-country management;
- customised dashboards and advanced analysis reports;
- native omnichannel mode (retail, wholesale, B2B/B2C);
- powerful automation of complex workflows;
- tool integration with over 300 third-party applications;
- Oracle cloud hosting, with guaranteed security and scalability.
 
 Oracle NetSuite
SAP Business One
SAP Business One is an ERP solution designed for industrial or commercial SMEs that need to structure their business with rigour. Unlike Zoho, which remains a generalist, SAP offers a business ERP, with a more rigid but ultra-solid approach. The focus is on production management, stocks, purchasing and logistics processes.
SAP relies on a robust architecture, a centralised database and excellent analysis capabilities. It integrates naturally with other SAP solutions and has a network of certified partners to support implementation. Ideal for organisations looking to move upmarket and professionalise their tools.
⚒️ Here are the key features that make SAP Business One a structuring alternative to Zoho ERP:
- All-in-one ERP: purchasing, sales, production, accounting, CRM ;
- stock, supplier and bill of materials management; and
- customised dashboards for analysis by centre and by team;
- mobile access for sales and field forces;
- application integration with other SAP or BI solutions;
- real-time analysis reporting tools;
- deployment in the cloud or on site, depending on your requirements.
 
 SAP Business One
Sage
Sage offers a scalable ERP range: Sage 100 for SMEs, Sage X3 for ETIs. These solutions are designed to offer a centralised view of operations, while adapting to specific business needs (industry, services, distribution). An alternative to the more mature Zoho, particularly in terms of accounting and regulatory aspects.
Sage's strength lies in its knowledge of French companies: compliance with local accounting standards, VAT management, pay slips, DSN... all critical elements that Zoho finds more difficult to manage. At the same time, Sage offers a high level of customisation, detailed financial analysis reports and connectors to most business tools.
⚒️ Here are the key features that put Sage in a strong position against Zoho:
- commercial management: quotes, sales, purchasing, stocks ;
- advanced accounting with analytical and multi-company management ;
- integrated payroll, HR and social declarations ;
- project and resource planning modules;
- connectors with the main third-party integration applications;
- reporting, analysis and monitoring of financial performance;
- SaaS or on-premise deployment.
 
 Sage X3 ERP
Our top 5 CRM alternatives to Zoho CRM
Salesforce
Salesforce is the CRM giant. It is the global benchmark for sales teams who want an ultra-customisable tool that can be adapted to all sales models and all sizes of business. Compared with Zoho CRM, it offers far greater functional depth and far greater analytical capacity.
This CRM is designed to manage the entire customer cycle, from prospecting to customer loyalty, with a customisable interface and a rich integration application (Slack, Outlook, Mailchimp, etc.). Its main advantage? Outstanding analytical power, thanks to real-time reports, visual dashboards and integrated AI tools (Einstein).
⚒️ Here is an overview of Salesforce's advanced CRM functionality:
- complete pipeline management, scoring, advanced automation ;
- integrated marketing tools + fine-grained segmentation ;
- multi-channel customer service and support;
- predictive intelligence (AI) for sales;
- integration with hundreds of third-party applications ;
- behavioural analysis, KPI tracking, customised analysis reports;
- high-performance mobile version.
 
 Salesforce Starter
Insightly
Insightly is a popular Zoho CRM alternative for B2B SMEs. It combines CRM, project management and marketing automation in a simple, modern interface designed for collaboration and sales productivity.
One of its major strengths is the 360° view of the customer it offers: enriched records, interaction history, integration with Gmail or Outlook, etc. Insightly offers good tool integration capability without functional overload. Ideal for sales teams who want to get straight to the point.
⚒️ Here are the main features that make Insightly stand out from the crowd:
- management of contacts, organisations and opportunities ;
- customer project tracking
- simple automation: email, tasks, CRM updates, etc;
- integration with Google Workspace, Office 365, Mailchimp ;
- personalised dashboards with application analysis;
- integrated lead scoring function.
 
 Insightly
Pipedrive
Pipedrive is the CRM for field sales staff. With its ultra-visual, pipeline-focused design, it will appeal to teams who want to sell more, without getting lost in the tool. A real alternative to Zoho CRM for those who want efficiency without complexity.
Pipedrive stands out for its ease of use, intuitive interface and value for money. It also offers well thought-out automation and integration features, with a large library of connectors (Zapier, Slack, Trello, etc.). Perfect for VSEs and SMEs with fast sales cycles.
⚒️ Here are the functional advantages that make Pipedrive a formidable CRM:
- customisable visual pipeline by stage ;
- tracking of calls, emails and sales activities
- simple automation via workflow builder;
- integration with over 300 third-party applications
- reporting functionalities and visual analysis reports;
- sales forecasting and objectives tool.
 
 Pipedrive
Bitrix24
Bitrix24 is a complete collaboration platform that includes a robust CRM. Unlike Zoho, Bitrix24 focuses on extreme centralisation: CRM, project management, customer support, intranet, videoconferencing, it's all there - in a single interface.
The approach is modular, with a comprehensive free cloud version to get you started. Bitrix24 also offers a highly developed omnichannel mode, ideal for teams managing customers via email, chat, telephone and social networks. A Zoho CRM alternative that's particularly well-suited to in-house customer services departments.
⚒️ A closer look at Bitrix24's CRM features:
- Integrated CRM with management of contacts, leads, deals ;
- team messaging, video calls and shared tasks;
- multi-channel customer service (email, telephone, chat, social networks);
- dashboards, analytics and reporting;
- internal knowledge base and customer extranet.
 
 Bitrix24
monday CRM
monday CRM is based on the monday.com platform, renowned for its visual project management. This CRM uses the same codes: simplicity, customisation and collaboration. A good alternative to Zoho CRM for teams who like tables, workflows and real-time transparency.
The big strength of monday CRM is its flexibility. You can build your own CRM without coding, by adding columns, automations, integrations... The result: a tailor-made integration application that fits in perfectly with your internal processes.
⚒️ Here are the CRM features offered by monday.com:
- customisable customer tracking tables ;
- automated workflows: reminders, allocation, scoring, etc;
- Kanban view, timeline, calendar, Gantt ;
- integration with Gmail, Outlook, Slack, HubSpot, etc. ;
- analysis reports and real-time dashboards;
- team collaboration: mentions, comments, notifications.
 
 monday CRM
Our top 5 alternatives to Zoho Projects for project management
ClickUp
ClickUp has established itself as one of the most comprehensive project management tools on the market. Where Zoho Projects is content with a traditional approach (tasks, Gantt, time tracking), ClickUp takes customisation and collaboration to the extreme, without sacrificing ergonomics.
It's a real central productivity hub, allowing you to manage everything in one place: tasks, documents, meetings, OKRs, and even CRM. The integration application is powerful (Slack, GitHub, Google Drive...), the views are multiple (list, table, Gantt, calendar) and the automation makes daily teamwork a breeze.
⚒️ Here are the ClickUp features that make it an excellent alternative to Zoho Projects:
- multiple views: table, Gantt, list, calendar, workload ;
- tracking of tasks, sub-tasks, dependencies and milestones;
- integrated document tools and team messaging;
- customisable automations (no code required);
- native time tracking and analysis reports by member or by project;
- integration with over 1,000 applications (Zapier, Notion, Outlook, etc.).
 
 ClickUp
Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a spreadsheet-based project management tool, ideal for teams who already do a lot of work in Excel or Google Sheets, but want to take things to the next level. It's the perfect Zoho Projects alternative for structured projects with high monitoring and reporting requirements.
Smartsheet's strength lies in its organisational flexibility: you can model processes, automate workflows and generate dynamic reports, while retaining a familiar interface. It is used in demanding sectors such as construction, HR and event management.
⚒️ Here are the features that make Smartsheet so powerful:
- dynamic spreadsheets with formulas and linked cells;
- Gantt, Kanban, calendar, grid views ;
- task tracking, milestones, dependencies ;
- automated workflows and conditional alerts;
- real-time collaboration, comments, attachments;
- customised dashboards and analysis reports.
 
 Smartsheet
Wrike
Wrike is a collaborative project management tool that is highly appreciated in multi-project team environments. It combines functional power, strategic vision and an excellent level of customisation, well beyond what Zoho Projects can offer.
Designed for medium-sized companies or agencies, Wrike enables work, priorities, exchanges and performance to be centralised by team. Its analysis capability is particularly well developed, with automatic reports on time spent, tasks at risk and delays.
⚒️ Here's an overview of Wrike's key features:
- multi-project management with dynamic prioritisation ;
- table view, Gantt, workload, shared calendar ;
- time tracking, SLAs, performance indicators;
- integrated collaboration tool (files, comments, @mentions) ;
- automatic, customisable analysis report;
- integration with Salesforce, Adobe, Microsoft 365...
 
 Wrike
Celoxis
Celoxis is a top-of-the-range Zoho Projects alternative, designed for companies managing complex projects with critical budgets, resources and deadlines. It offers functional depth that is rare in a cloud tool.
The software stands out for its portfolio vision, its ability to model complex processes, and its advanced reporting features. It is particularly popular in technical sectors such as engineering, R&D and finance.
⚒️ Celoxis' key features for advanced project management include
- ultra-detailed Gantt charts with constraints ;
- resource management, workload, availability
- budget tracking, ROI, margins, real costs ;
- customisable analysis reports, automated exports ;
- team collaboration, comments, attachments;
- integration with Jira, MS Project, Google Apps.
 
 Celoxis
Asana
Asana is probably the most familiar project management software for marketing, product and tech teams. It's a simple, visual alternative to Zoho Projects, designed to streamline collaboration and provide clarity on upcoming tasks.
Its strengths: a streamlined interface, an excellent balance between structure and flexibility, and multiple views that adapt to all working styles. Asana is also very well equipped in terms of integrations, with over 200 applications available.
⚒️ Here's what Asana has to offer to boost your productivity:
- tasks, sub-tasks, dependencies and milestones ;
- list, table (Kanban), calendar and timeline views ;
- simple automations (assignment, reminders, rules);
- integrated collaboration tool (comments, @mentions, notifications) ;
- dashboards with visual analysis reports;
- integrations: Slack, Gmail, Zoom, Notion, etc.
 
 Asana
Our top 3 best alternatives to Zoho Books for your accounting
Xero
Xero is one of the best cloud alternatives to Zoho Books, which is very popular with freelancers, start-ups and small businesses around the world. It's a modern, intuitive solution, with strong bank reconciliation and financial reporting capabilities.
Xero is also attractive for its openness to applications, with over 1,000 integrations available with tools such as Stripe, PayPal, Gusto, HubSpot and Shopify. Its ability to generate accounting reports in real time, combined with intelligent automation of entries, makes it a powerful ally for managers who want to manage their business without being a chartered accountant.
⚒️ Here are the Xero accounting features you need to know about:
- automatic invoice, payment and reminder management ;
- bank synchronisation and automatic reconciliation
- cash flow monitoring, forecasts and financial dashboards;
- VAT, multi-currency and fixed asset management;
- multi-user access with personalised roles;
- integration with 1,000 applications (e-commerce, CRM, payroll, etc.).
 
 Xero
FreshBooks
FreshBooks is an alternative to Zoho Books designed for freelancers, agencies and small service businesses. The interface is ultra-simple, the menus clear, and everything is designed to save time: invoice creation, expense tracking, automatic reminders, activity reports.
This cloud software also focuses on the customer experience: you can create personalised portals, offer online payments, track quotes, etc. At the same time, FreshBooks provides visual analysis reports that are easy to understand, even for those unfamiliar with accounting.
⚒️ Here are the main features of FreshBooks:
- recurring invoicing, quotes, automatic reminders ;
- tracking of expenses, billable hours and projects;
- online payment (Stripe, PayPal, cards);
- customer portal, exchange history and shared files;
- clear financial reports: income, expenses, profitability;
- intuitive mobile application.
 
 FreshBooks
Indy
Indy is an automated accounting tool designed for French freelancers and self-employed people. Unlike Zoho Books, which is general-purpose, Indy is 100% geared towards French tax returns, with dedicated support for micro-businesses, BNCs and SASUs.
Indy connects directly to your bank account, categorises your transactions, generates your accounting records and prepares your returns (VAT, 2035, 2065, etc.). It's an all-in-one solution that combines automation, time-saving and compliance. All with responsive customer service based in France.
⚒️ Here are the key features that make Indy a highly relevant alternative to Zoho Books in France:
- secure bank connection and automatic synchronisation ;
- generation of accounting documents (revenue book, general ledger, etc.) ;
- automated VAT, 2035 and 2065 declarations;
- intelligent categorisation of expenses;
- simplified dashboard with income and expenditure analysis;
- French-language customer support, by chat or telephone.
Our top 3 best alternatives to Zoho Assist for customer support
Zendesk
Zendesk is the global benchmark for SaaS customer support. Designed for companies that want to set up a multi-channel helpdesk, it offers much more than a simple remote support tool. It's an omnichannel platform that combines messaging, chat, email, telephone and social networks, with an integrated knowledge base and advanced centre analysis.
Its strength lies in its modularity. You can build a real customer service centre, with automation, ticket allocation, escalation and satisfaction monitoring. Compared with Zoho Assist, Zendesk offers a much more complete experience that is better integrated with the company's other tools.
⚒️ Here are the key features of Zendesk:
- ticket management across all channels (email, chat, telephone, social networks) ;
- customisable agent interface according to channel or priority;
- public and internal knowledge base;
- automation: pre-recorded responses, rules, dynamic tags, etc;
- omnichannel reporting: response time, resolution rate, satisfaction, etc;
- integration with over 1,000 SaaS tools.
 
 Zendesk
Freshdesk
Freshdesk is a simple, intuitive and very powerful alternative to Zoho Assist for SMEs. It offers a ticketing-centric approach, while incorporating advanced features such as omnichannel mode, automation and a customisable customer portal.
It's a very popular solution, thanks to its fluid interface, controlled cost and ability to adapt to different levels of maturity. It is just as well suited to a 3-person support team as it is to an after-sales service unit with 100 agents. It's a truly scalable customer service tool, much richer than Zoho Assist in terms of reporting and channels.
⚒️ Here's a summary of Freshdesk's key features:
- intelligent ticketing with automatic assignment ;
- multi-channel support: email, telephone, chat, social networks;
- integrated knowledge base for self-help;
- collaboration between agents (sharing, internal notes, mentions);
- real-time analysis reports: resolution, SLA, satisfaction, etc;
- customised automations and scenarios. 
 
 Freshdesk
TeamViewer
TeamViewer is the historic tool for remote control. Unlike Zoho Assist, which integrates support functions into a broader suite, TeamViewer is entirely dedicated to remote technical assistance, with impeccable performance and enhanced security.
It is the ideal tool for IT departments, MSPs or software publishers who need to work on client workstations, servers or industrial equipment. It also offers monitoring, device management and remote collaboration functions. A highly specialised, performance-oriented alternative to Zoho Assist.
⚒️ TeamViewer's key features include
- secure remote access on all types of device (PC, Mac, mobile) ;
- file transfer, in-session chat, remote reboot;
- installation-free connection for clients;
- multi-screen support and multi-user assistance;
- IT asset management and device monitoring;
- end-to-end encryption + two-factor authentication.
 
 TeamViewer
How do you choose the right alternative to Zoho?
Summary table of the best alternatives to Zoho
| Software | Service | Who it's for | Key features | Entry price | 
| Odoo | ERP | SMEs, tech start-ups | CRM, project management, invoicing, HR, automation, integration of third-party applications | Free offer | 
| Axonaut | ERP | French SMEs | CRM, quotations/invoicing, accounting, HR, project management, mobile application | From €34.99 / month | 
| Oracle NetSuite | ERP | Large international companies | Modular ERP, finance, supply chain, e-commerce, CRM, omnichannel mode, BI | On quotation | 
| SAP Business One | ERP | Industrial and commercial SMEs | Production, stock, purchasing, finance, BI, cloud/on-premise deployment | On quotation | 
| Sage X3 | ERP | SMEs, regulated sector | Advanced accounting, payroll, multi-company management, project, knowledge base, reporting | From €40/month | 
| Salesforce | CRM | Large sales teams | Pipeline, automation, AI, omnichannel, advanced integrations, dynamic reporting | From €25 / month | 
| Insightly | CRM | SME B2B | CRM, linked project management, simple automation, scoring, dashboards | From €24.97 / month | 
| Pipedrive | CRM | Commercial SMEs | Visual pipeline, automation, simple reporting, multiple integrations | From €14 / month | 
| Bitrix24 | CRM + collaboration | Small businesses, support teams | CRM, internal messaging, calls, project management, customer service, knowledge base, omnichannel | Free offer | 
| monday CRM | CRM | Project/marketing teams | Customised tables, automation, Gmail/Slack integration, pipeline management, collaborative dashboards | From €12/month | 
| ClickUp | Project management | All types of team (tech, product, HR, etc.) | Tasks, docs, Gantt, time, automation, reporting, integrations | Free offer | 
| Smartsheet | Project management | Spreadsheet-oriented project managers | Dynamic spreadsheets, Gantt, automation, real-time collaboration | From €8 / month | 
| Wrike | Project management | Agencies, multi-project teams | Multi-project, workload, time tracking, automation, collaborative reporting | Free offer | 
| Celoxis | Project management | Complex projects, engineering/finance | Gantt, budget, ROI, resource management, customised reporting, on-premise version | From €8.61 / month | 
| Asana | Project management | Product, marketing and start-up teams | Tasks, milestones, Kanban, automation, collaboration, visual reports | Free offer | 
| Xero | Accounting | VSEs, freelancers, international startups | Invoicing, bank reconciliation, VAT, multi-currency, numerous integrations | From €24.97 / month | 
| FreshBooks | Accounting | Freelancers, agencies, service providers | Recurring invoicing, online payments, project management, visual reports | From €9.04 / month | 
| Indy | Accounting | French freelancers and self-employed | Tax returns (VAT, 2035, 2065), automation, dashboard, French support | Free offer | 
| Zendesk | Customer support | Structured support / after-sales service teams | Omnichannel, knowledge base, automation, SLA reports, customised agent interface | From €19 / month | 
| Freshdesk | Customer support | VSE/SME support | Ticketing, knowledge base, omnichannel support, agent collaboration | Free offer | 
| TeamViewer | Remote support | IT teams, software publishers | Remote control, chat, file transfer, monitoring, enhanced security | From €15.90 / month | 
Criteria for selecting an alternative to Zoho
Finding the best alternative to Zoho depends above all on your specific needs, the size of your team and your existing stack. Here are the key criteria to consider when choosing the solution that's right for you:
- main use case: CRM, ERP, accounting, project management, support... prioritise the tool that covers your core need without compromise;
- ease of use: a clear interface, quick learning curve, adoption by the team... this is essential to avoid wastage;
- functionalities and capabilities: analyse the functional depth of each software package: automation, customisation, tool integration, analysis reports, etc. ;
- pricing model : compare monthly packages, limitations by functionality and cost per agent/month;
- scalability: the software must be able to support your growth, whether you go from 3 to 30 or 300 employees;
- integration with your stack: check compatibility with your existing applications (email, accounting, CRM, in-house tools);
- customer service: a good tool without responsive support is risky;
- free trial: ideal for testing the application integration, the user experience and the relevance of the functionalities, with no commitment;
- hosting and security: cloud, on-premise, RGPD... some tools like TeamViewer or Sage offer specific options for sensitive data;
- omnichannel mode (for CRM and support).
What if the best alternative to Zoho was the one you were testing tomorrow?
As we've seen, Zoho has its qualities, but it also has its limitations. Fortunately, the SaaS ecosystem is full of more flexible, more specialised or more powerful solutions, depending on your priorities: CRM, ERP, project management, accounting or customer support.
Our selection offers you a balanced range of solutions:
- all-in-one tools like Odoo or Bitrix24,
- global leaders like Salesforce and Zendesk,
- French nuggets like Axonaut or Indy...
And all these software solutions offer flexible packages, often with a free trial to validate their relevance in real-life conditions.
🧠 The right thing to do: identify your 3 business priorities, test 2 or 3 solutions, and choose the one that fits naturally into your day-to-day teamwork. Because the alternative to Zoho isn't just a tool... it's a long-term efficiency lever.
Article translated from French