CRM Pricing & Features Compared: See $/Seat Prices

Our CRM pricing guide provides a pricing benchmark on the available CRM software in the market and explains factors influencing CRM costs.

We have established a detailed tiered classification to outline the essential features that any CRM tool should include, depending on its package level.By categorizing features systematically, we aim to provide a structured framework that aligns with varying levels of functionality and user needs, facilitating informed comparisons and selections.

1. Essential Tier

• Contact Management: Maintain a centralized database of customer information, with key details like names, contact info, notes, and interaction history, enabling quick access to customer data.
• Pipeline and Deal Tracking: Visualize the sales funnel to manage opportunities across stages. Track leads as they progress through the sales journey for better organization and efficiency.
• Basic Reporting and Analytics: Access standard reports on deals, sales activities, and pipeline status to gain basic insights into team performance and sales trends.
• Email Integration: Sync with major email platforms like Gmail or Outlook, allowing users to log email communications and track responses directly within the CRM.
• Mobile Access: Enable full mobile functionality to stay productive on-the-go. View contacts, update deals, and manage tasks from a mobile device for flexibility.
• Task Management: Organize tasks with reminders for follow-ups, scheduled meetings, and deadlines to ensure that no sales opportunity is missed.
• Basic Customization: Limited customization options allow for adjusting fields and basic interface elements to fit specific business needs without overcomplicating the interface.

2. Advanced Tier

• Workflow Automation: Automate repetitive tasks such as assigning leads, sending follow-up reminders, or triggering emails. Save time and maintain consistency by streamlining these processes.
• Lead Scoring and Prioritization: Set criteria to score and rank leads, helping sales teams focus on high-value prospects and boost conversion rates.
• Advanced Reporting and Customizable Dashboards: Access detailed reporting and configure dashboards to track metrics and KPIs relevant to team goals, productivity, and sales effectiveness.
• Collaboration Tools: Integrate shared calendars, in-app messaging, and team-based views to enhance collaborative efforts between sales, marketing, and customer support teams.
• Customizable Sales Pipelines: Create multiple pipelines or tailor pipeline stages for different products, markets, or sales teams to accommodate specific workflows.
• Sales Forecasting: Utilize historical and real-time data to forecast revenue, providing teams with insight into expected sales performance and helping in resource allocation.
• Email Campaigns and Tracking: Launch basic email campaigns and track engagement metrics, such as open rates and click-through rates, to gauge the effectiveness of outreach efforts.

3. Enterprise Tier

• Advanced Automation and AI-Powered Insights: Leverage AI-driven insights and advanced automation, such as predictive lead scoring, smart recommendations, and complex workflow automations, to drive sales efficiency.
• Extensive Customization Capabilities: Customize nearly every aspect of the CRM—from fields and layouts to custom objects and workflows—to fit unique business models and data requirements.
• Hierarchical Team Structure and Permissions: Set up tiered access levels, supporting complex team hierarchies with role-based permissions, ensuring data security and controlled access.
• In-Depth Analytics and Predictive Reporting: Access analytics with advanced reports, predictive models, and actionable insights, providing a deep understanding of sales performance and trends.
• Integration with External Systems: Connect with ERP systems, customer service platforms, accounting software, and more, creating a unified ecosystem for data sharing and streamlined workflows.
• Customizable APIs: Provide API access for custom integrations tailored to unique business workflows, allowing developers to build specialized connections or applications within the CRM.
• Enterprise-Grade Security and Compliance: Implement high-level security features like SSO, data encryption, audit logs, and compliance tools to meet regulatory standards and protect sensitive data.
• Dedicated Support and Success Management: Access priority support options, including dedicated account managers, specialized training, and consulting services to ensure long-term CRM success and maximize value.

CRM pricing models from the top 12 CRM platforms

*Average ratings on G2, Trustradius & Capterra

Note: With sponsors at the top, we sorted vendors based on number of reviews in a descending order.

**These prices are relevant when paid annually. Monthly billing options are also available for a higher price.

Here, we looked at the pricing models of vendors offering CRM tools. We narrowed our vendor list using various criteria as there are many CRM providers on the market. We used certain criteria in calculating companies’ market presence because these factors are transparent and verifiable.

Therefore, we set certain limits to focus our work on top companies in terms of market presence, selecting firms with

• 600+ employees
• 400+ reviews on review platforms G2, Trustradius, and Capterra

Note: The data is based on vendor claims from their websites.

If you are interested in CRM software, check out our comprehensive vendor guide.

How much does CRM cost?

Our benchmarking study showed that the basic CRM plans start from 5$ per user. However, determining the cost of a CRM system is not as straightforward as looking at a single price tag. The expense varies significantly based on a multitude of factors, such as the features you require, the size of your business, and the pricing model you choose. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider not just the upfront costs but also the long-term value and ROI the CRM system will bring to your organization.

What are the factors influencing CRM pricing?

1- Features provided by the vendor

The range of features offered by a CRM vendor can significantly impact the overall cost. Basic CRMs usually offer only the essential functions like:

• Project management
• Workflow automation
• Email tracking
• Task management
• Lead management is usually available in lower-tier plans.
   

However, advanced features such as:

• AI-driven analytics
• Marketing automation
• Sales forecasting
• Third-party integrations may require more investment.

Businesses should carefully check whether the basic plan offered by vendors includes any advanced features. They should also assess their needs and only opt for plans that offer features they will actually use to avoid unnecessary expenses.

2- Size of the business

The size of your business, often measured by the number of employees who will use the CRM platform, is another significant factor in determining costs. Most CRM vendors offer tiered pricing based on the number of users. Larger businesses may also require more advanced features, like enterprise-level security and scalability, which can add to the cost.

3- Pricing model

CRM vendors offer 3 pricing models:

Annual payment

Many CRM providers offer annual payment plans, which usually come at a discounted rate compared to monthly plans. These are ideal for businesses that have a stable customer base and are looking for long-term solutions.

Monthly payment

Monthly payment plans offer more flexibility and are generally more suitable for startups or businesses that are still scaling. Businesses do not have to invest all of their money in a CRM system at once; instead, they can pay monthly and quickly cancel their membership if their needs are not met. However, they can be more expensive in the long run compared to annual billing.

Custom pricing plan

Some CRM providers offer custom pricing plans tailored to the specific needs of a business. These are often negotiable and may include additional services like training, data migration, and dedicated support.

4- Level of customization required

Some CRM solutions offer a high level of customization to fit the unique needs of a business. While this can be a significant advantage, it often comes with higher initial setup costs and may require ongoing maintenance. Customizable CRMs may also involve additional costs for specialized modules or add-ons.

5- Customer support and employee training

Quality customer support and employee training are crucial for the successful implementation and ongoing use of a CRM system. Some vendors offer basic support and training as part of their standard packages, while others charge extra for premium support services, such as:

• 24/7 availability
• Dedicated account managers
• In-depth user training sessions.

For those interested, here is our data-driven list of CRM software.

Transparency statement:

AIMultiple serves numerous emerging tech companies, including Creatio.

Further Reading

• Top 10 CRM Trends to Watch
• Top 4 Zendesk CRM Alternatives
• No-Code CRM Benefits & 8 Use Cases
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Best Practices