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Best Customer Resource Management Software Shortlist

Here’s my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.

With many customer resource management software options, selecting the right one can be challenging. You're looking to manage customer relationships and stream your sales process effectively, but the question remains: which software will serve you best? 

I understand and I'm here to guide you through it! Drawing from my extensive experience with various resource project management tools, I'll help simplify your decision. Here are my picks for the best customer resource management software.

Why Trust Our Software Reviews

We’ve been testing and reviewing resource management software since 2012. As project managers, we know how critical and difficult it is to decide when selecting software. 

We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested over 2,000 tools for different project management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our customer resource management software review methodology.

Best Customer Resource Management Software Summary

Tools Price
EngageBay From $12/user/month (billed annually)
Nimble From $25/user/month (billed annually)
Streak From $49/user/month (billed annually)
Keap From $249/user/month (billed annually)
Thryv From $15/user/month
Act! CRM From $30/per/user/month (billed annually)
Insightly From $29/user/month (billed annually)
Copper CRM From $9/user/month (billed annually)
Vtiger CRM From $12/user/month (billed annually)
Agile CRM From $8.99/user/month (billed annually)
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Compare Software Specs Side by Side

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How To Choose Customer Resource Management Software

As you work through your software selection process, remember the following points.

  • Identify Business Needs: Before exploring CRM options, it's important to outline your business's specific needs. For instance, a real estate firm might require a CRM that excels in contact management and property listings, while a retail business may prioritize sales tracking and customer interaction history. By pinpointing your exact requirements, you can narrow down the software choices that cater to your industry's unique demands.
  • Ease of Integration: The CRM software should easily integrate with your existing systems. If your business relies heavily on email marketing, ensure the CRM can connect with your email platform. This consideration is vital for companies that want to maintain consistency across platforms.
  • Scalability: As your business grows, your CRM should keep up. Start-ups or small businesses planning to expand should look for software that can handle increasing customers and sales without compromising performance.
  • Customization: Every business operates differently, and your CRM should reflect that. A customizable CRM can adapt to the specific workflow of a niche service provider, such as a legal practice that needs to track case details. Customization allows the software to be tailored to the unique processes of any industry.
  • Cost Efficiency: Evaluate the cost against the features provided. A small business with a tight budget might consider a CRM that offers essential features at a lower price. Conversely, a larger enterprise might find value in a more expensive CRM with advanced analytics and automation capabilities. Assessing the ROI based on the software's ability to meet your business needs is important.

Best Customer Resource Management Software Reviews

Discover the strengths and weaknesses of leading customer resource management software. My reviews provide detailed feature breakdowns and identify ideal scenarios for each platform’s use.

Best for marketing automation

  • Free demo + free plan available
  • From $12/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.7/5

EngageBay is an all-in-one CRM solution that aims to simplify marketing, sales, and service processes. Its marketing automation capabilities let businesses nurture leads and boost conversions.

Why I Picked EngageBay:

I selected EngageBay for its exceptional marketing automation features, differentiating it from other CRM software. EngageBay is best for marketing automation because it can create targeted marketing campaigns and provide in-depth analytics to monitor campaign success.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include advanced automation, email marketing, lead scoring, and integrated CRM capabilities. These features are pivotal for managing customer relationships and implementing marketing initiatives. 

Integrations include Zapier, Shopify, SendGrid, Mailgun, Mandrill, Xero, Amazon SES, Stripe, QuickBooks, and JustCall.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • A broad range of third-party application integrations
  • Integrated CRM and live chat features
  • Extensive marketing automation capabilities

Cons:

  • No email syn in lower subscription level
  • Mobile app could be improved

Best for social insights

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $25/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Nimble is a CRM that enriches contact data with social media details, providing valuable context for business relationships.

Why I Picked Nimble:

I selected Nimble for its ability to integrate social media insights into contact management. Nimble is best for social insights because it automatically populates contact profiles with social media information, which offers a deeper understanding of contacts.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include relationship management, sales and marketing automation, and pipeline management. It also can sync with emails, contacts, and calendars.

Integrations include Zapier, MailChimp, Wufoo, PandaDoc, HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, CircleLoop, 366 Degrees, Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • 14-day free trial available
  • Syncs with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
  • Integrates social media insights into contact data

Cons:

  • A learning curve for some users
  • Limited to 25,000 contact records in the base plan

Best for Gmail integration

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $49/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

Streak CRM integrates directly into Gmail, providing a CRM solution within your inbox. It is recognized as the best for Gmail integration because it allows users to manage customer relationships without leaving their email environment.

Why I Picked Streak CRM:

I chose Streak CRM for its ability to function within Gmail, which I find particularly beneficial for heavy email users. This CRM is best for Gmail integration as it leverages the familiar Gmail interface to manage customer interactions, which can improve the efficiency of Gmail users.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include email tracking, mail merge, and snippets to manage customer interactions. It also provides collaboration tools, including shared pipelines, tasks, and notes.

Integrations include Google Workspace, including Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and Google Sheets.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Advanced reporting for detailed insights into customer interactions
  • Customizable pipelines for tailored workflow management
  • Direct integration with Gmail for convenience

Cons:

  • Some users may prefer a standalone CRM platform for more extensive features
  • Limited to Gmail, not suitable for users of other email services

Best for small business growth

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $249/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.2/5

Keap CRM is an all-in-one customer relationship management and automation platform. It's best for small business growth because it offers tools that simplify customer management and marketing automation.

Why I Picked Keap CRM:

I chose Keap CRM because its feature set caters to small businesses looking to scale. Its integrated platform combines CRM, marketing automation, sales automation, and payments, which makes it stand out from other CRM solutions. Keap CRM is best for small business growth because it offers a cohesive system that simplifies complex business processes. Small businesses can focus on growth rather than getting bogged down by administrative tasks.

Keap Standout Features & Integrations:

Features include marketing and sales automation, customizable campaigns, and a visual sales pipeline that clarifies business progress. The CRM also offers a dedicated business phone line, SMS, and email capabilities to stay connected with clients.

Integrations include Gmail, Outlook, PayPal, Venmo, and Stripe.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive CRM and marketing automation platform
  • Customizable features to suit various business needs
  • Native integrations with popular tools and services

Cons:

  • Higher starting price point compared to some competitors
  • Pro plan lacks marketing analytics

Best for all-in-one management

  • Free demo available
  • From $15/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 5/5

Thryv simplifies customer relationship management for small businesses by centralizing business functions. More specifically, it consolidates customer information and interactions into one platform.

Thryv is considered best for all-in-one management because it provides tools that manage the entire customer lifecycle, from acquisition to payment. This integration of services allows businesses to maintain a consistent and personalized approach to customer management.

Why I Picked Thryv:

I chose Thryv for this list because its approach to combining essential business functions into one platform differentiates it from other customer resource management software. Its centralized system for managing customer interactions is particularly beneficial for small businesses wanting more efficiency.

I think Thryv is the best all-in-one management solution because it offers a broad range of features for business operations. These include appointment scheduling, payment processing, and social media management.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a centralized dashboard for communication management, tools for daily business operations, marketing automation capabilities, and a marketplace for additional services. The software also provides industry-specific resources, free tools, and educational webinars.

Integrations include Clover, Facebook Messenger, Gmail, Indeed, Instagram Messenger, Jotform, Mailchimp, MYOB, QuickBooks, Twilio, Typeform, and Zoom.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers industry-specific resources
  • Centralized customer data and interactions
  • Integrates multiple business functions

Cons:

  • Higher cost for multiple locations
  • May require a learning curve for new users

Best for nurturing customer relationships

  • From $30/per/user/month (billed annually)

Act! CRM offers tools for nurturing customer relationships. It can track interactions, automate workflows, and manage customer connections. Its user-friendly interface and customizable features make it an ideal choice for businesses focused on enhancing their CRM efforts.

Why I picked Act! CRM:

I chose Act! CRM because its customer relationship management capabilities set it apart from other CRM software. Act! CRM is best for managing customers as it offers tools for tracking interactions, automating workflows, and nurturing customer connections. It also has a user-friendly interface and customizable features, making it ideal for businesses.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include contact management, sales pipeline management, marketing automation, customizable dashboards, and task and activity management. 

Integrations include Microsoft Outlook, Google Workspace, Zapier, QuickBooks, and Dropbox. 

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Easy to set up and use
  • Good value for money with various pricing plans
  • Comprehensive CRM functionalities

Cons:

  • Outdated interface
  • Can be difficult to delete duplicate contacts

Best for project clarity

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $29/user/month (billed annually)

Insightly CRM is a versatile platform designed to enhance project clarity and simplify business customer relationship management. Due to its project management features, it stands out as the best CRM for project clarity.

Why I Picked Insightly:

I chose Insightly for this list because it offers tools that cater to various business needs, from sales and marketing to customer service. Its project management capabilities, in particular, provide a clear view of each project's progress. Insightly ensures that all relevant project details and tasks are always carried forward.

Insightly Standout Features & Integrations:

Features include a project and task management system for post-sale transitions and efficient project completion. It also offers intuitive customization, allowing businesses to tailor the CRM to specific processes. Additionally, Insightly provides workflow and process automation to eliminate manual tasks and enhance productivity.

Integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, QuickBooks Online, Xero, Mailchimp, Slack, Dropbox, and Box.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive workflow and process automation
  • Customizable CRM to fit unique business processes
  • Strong project management features for enhanced clarity

Cons:

  • May require guided onboarding for optimal use
  • Starting price is a bit higher than some other PM software tools

Best for Google Workspace integration

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $9/user/month (billed annually)

Copper CRM is a CRM platform designed to integrate with Google Workspace. It is recognized as the best for Google Workspace integration due to its native synchronization capabilities.

Why I Picked Copper CRM:

I chose Copper CRM as it readily integrates with Google Workspace. Additionally, it allows users to manage their workflows within the familiar Google environment, which benefits those already using Google apps for business. Cooper CRM enables teams to collaborate quickly, improving productivity.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include contact management, task automation, and insightful reporting. It also offers accessible information sharing within the Google Workspace. 

Integrations include Slack, Zendesk, HubSpot, QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Dropbox, Asana, Trello, and LinkedIn.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Customizable pipelines and reporting
  • User-friendly interface
  • Deep integration with Google Workspace

Cons:

  • Some users say it's difficult to combine duplicate contacts
  • Limited integration outside Google Workspace

Best for one view customer data

  • From $12/user/month (billed annually)

Vtiger CRM is an all-in-one platform that aligns marketing, sales, and support teams. It's best for providing a unified view of customer data.

Why I Picked Vtiger CRM:

I chose Vtiger CRM for its unique approach to customer relationship management. Its ability to consolidate customer information into a single view makes it stand out from other CRM software. I believe it's best to view customer data because it ensures that all teams have access to the same information. Access to this data is essential for customer interactions and informed decision-making.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include sales automation, pipeline management, and help desk automation. It leverages artificial intelligence through its Calculus AI for insights and analytics. Vtiger CRM also supports communication and collaboration tools. 

Integrations include Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Outlook, Zapier, Mailchimp, Xero, QuickBooks, Webex, Dropbox, and Google Workspace​

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • AI-powered insights and analytics
  • Extensive integrations with over 500 apps
  • Unified customer data view

Cons:

  • Document customization is tricky at times
  • May require a learning curve for new users

Best for affordability

  • Free plan available
  • From $8.99/user/month (billed annually)

Agile CRM offers a solution for customer relationship management, marketing automation, and sales enablement. It offers affordable pricing, including a free plan for small teams.

Why I Picked Agile CRM:

I selected Agile CRM for this list as it offers a wide range of features at a cost-effective price, making it accessible for businesses with budget constraints. Agile CRM is an affordable option because it provides small—to medium-sized companies with the tools they need to manage customer relationships and automate marketing at a reasonable price.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a 360° Contact View for customer and interaction insights. Other features include marketing automation tools, telephony, project management, and analytics capabilities.

Integrations include Gmail, Twitter, Stripe, Xero, Shopify, Twilio, RingCentral, and many others. Other integrations include Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, LinkedIn, FullContact, and Zendesk.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive CRM functionalities
  • Cost-effective paid plans
  • Free version for small teams

Cons:

  • Takes time to learn how to use every feature
  • Fewer customization options than some competitors

Other Customer Resource Management Software

Below is a list of additional customer resource management software that I shortlisted but did not make it to the top list. It’s worth checking them out!

Customer Resource Management Software Selection Criteria

When selecting this software, the criteria should meet buyer needs, address pain points, and align with its intended use. Having personally tested and researched these tools, I have established criteria that reflect the most important aspects buyers should consider.

Core Customer Resource Management Software Functionality: 25% of Total Weighting Score

  • Contact management
  • Lead management
  • Sales forecasting
  • Email integration
  • Reporting and analytics

Additional Standout Features: 25% of Total Weighting Score

  • Identify unique features that set a product apart from competitors, such as advanced AI capabilities or unique integrations.
  • Look for tools that offer innovative ways to engage with customers, like personalized video messaging or social media integration.
  • Evaluate how these features can provide a competitive edge by enhancing customer interactions and data analysis.

Usability: 10% of Total Weighting Score

  • Assess the balance between powerful features and a user-friendly interface.
  • Consider whether the design aesthetic contributes to a clear and intuitive user experience.
  • Evaluate the interactivity of the interface, such as drag-and-drop functionality for organizing contacts or sales pipelines.

Onboarding: 10% of Total Weighting Score

  • Look for resources, such as training videos or interactive product tours, that facilitate a quick and easy transition to the new system.
  • Evaluate the availability of templates and chatbots that assist with setting up the system.
  • Consider the presence of webinars or other educational materials that help users maximize the value of their purchase.

Customer Support: 10% of Total Weighting Score

  • Compare the responsiveness and availability of customer support teams across products.
  • Assess the variety of support channels, such as live chat, phone support, or a knowledge base.
  • Consider the quality of support provided, including the speed of issue resolution and the technical expertise of support staff.

Value For Money: 10% of Total Weighting Score

  • Analyze the pricing structure of each product and how it correlates with the features and benefits offered.
  • Consider the scalability of pricing plans to accommodate business growth.
  • Evaluate additional costs, such as customization or additional users, to ensure transparency and affordability.

Customer Reviews: 10% of Total Weighting Score

  • Investigate overall customer satisfaction by reviewing feedback on various platforms.
  • Look for recurring themes in reviews that may indicate strengths or weaknesses in the product.
  • Assess the credibility of reviews, giving weight to those from verified users with detailed accounts of their experiences.

Customer resource management software is advancing rapidly. Here are the key trends shaping its future.

  • Integration with AI and Machine Learning: Artificial intelligence and machine learning are becoming integral to CRM software. They enable predictive analytics and enhance customer interactions. This trend is crucial for personalized and proactive customer service.
  • Enhanced Data Privacy and Security Measures: Data privacy and security are at the forefront of CRM software advancements. With increasing cyber threats, strong security protocols are now standard. This is vital for maintaining customer trust and complying with regulations.
  • Adoption of Conversational User Interfaces: Conversational interfaces, such as chatbots, are widely adopted in CRM systems. They offer real-time, interactive communication with customers. This trend is transforming customer service efficiency and accessibility.
  • Shift to Mobile-First CRM Solutions: CRM providers are prioritizing mobile-first designs. This ensures access to customer data and CRM functionality on the go.
  • Expansion of CRM into New Verticals: CRM software is expanding beyond traditional sales and marketing roles. It's now being tailored to specific industries and operational functions. This specialization is key for meeting diverse business needs.

These trends set the stage for a more dynamic and responsive approach to customer resource management.

What Is Customer Resource Management Software?

Customer resource management software is a digital platform designed to manage and analyze customer interactions and data throughout the customer lifecycle. It is used by salespeople and businesses of various sizes to improve customer relationships, streamline processes, and increase sales. The software serves as a central repository for customer information, which can be accessed and managed by sales, marketing, and customer service teams to enhance customer engagement and retention.

Customer resource management software includes contact management, interaction tracking, lead management, email automation, and analytics. Contact management stores customer details, interaction tracking records every customer engagement, lead management helps track potential customers, email automation streamlines communication, and analytics provide insights into customer behavior.

Features Of Customer Resource Management Software

When selecting customer resource management software, consider the features that will most effectively support your business's unique needs. Here are the top features to look for.

  • Contact Management: This feature serves as a database for contact information and allows customer interactions to be tracked.
  • Lead Management: This allows tracking potential customers and managing leads throughout the sales pipeline.
  • Sales Forecasting: This feature uses historical data to predict future sales trends.
  • Email Tracking: This feature enables the monitoring of customer email interactions.
  • Workflow Automation: This feature automates repetitive tasks to save time and reduce errors.
  • Document Management: This allows for the storage and management of sales-related documents.
  • Analytics and Reporting: This feature provides insights into customer data and business performance.
  • Integration Capabilities: This ensures the software can integrate with other systems.
  • Mobile Access: This allows users to access the CRM system from mobile devices.
  • Customization: This feature allows the software to be tailored to a business's needs.
  • Add-ons: Additional software components enhance the functionality of a primary CRM application.
  • Cloud-based CRM: A Customer Relationship Management system is hosted on remote servers and accessed via the Internet.
  • Email Campaigns: Automated or scheduled email marketing efforts targeting specific groups of customers within the CRM system.
  • Metrics: Quantitative measures used to assess and track the performance of various CRM-related activities.
  • Routing: This process refers to directing customer data or workflows to the appropriate locations or resources within the CRM system.
  • Touchpoints: Interaction points between a customer and the CRM system are used to track customer engagement and behavior.

By focusing on these features, businesses can ensure they choose a CRM system that meets their current needs and scales with their future growth.

Benefits Of Customer Resource Management Software

Below are five primary benefits that CRM software provides to users and organizations.

  1. Centralized Customer Information: CRM software consolidates customer data into a single database. This allows users to access and manage customer information.
  2. Enhanced Communication: By tracking all customer communication, CRM software ensures you can maintain consistent and informed interactions. This results in a more cohesive customer experience and helps build stronger relationships.
  3. Improved Sales Management: CRM tools help track sales activities, forecasting, and performance. This enables sales teams to identify opportunities, streamline the sales process, and close deals more efficiently.
  4. Efficient Marketing Campaigns: CRM software allows for targeted marketing campaigns. With detailed customer data, users can segment the customer base and tailor marketing efforts to specific groups.
  5. Data-Driven Decision Making: CRM systems provide analytics and reporting features that help businesses understand customer behavior and preferences. This data supports strategic decision-making and helps identify trends and growth opportunities.

CRM software is an indispensable asset for businesses that aim to foster strong customer relationships and drive growth. By leveraging a CRM, organizations can improve customer interactions and gain valuable insights.

Costs & Pricing Of Customer Resource Management Software

CRM software offers various plans and pricing to meet users' needs. Below is a table summarizing the plan options and pricing for CRM software, including common features included in each plan.

Plan Comparison Table for Customer Resource Management Software

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free$0Basic CRM features, contact management, lead tracking, limited user access
Entry-Level$25/user/monthLead capture, contact and account management, basic reporting, email integration
Mid-Tier$100/user/monthWorkflow automation, customizable dashboards, advanced reporting, email marketing
High-Tier$400/user/monthAI-powered insights, advanced customization, unlimited automation, full integration
A breakdown of plan types, costs, and features for customer resource management software.

It's important to note that prices can vary significantly based on the provider and your business's specific needs. Some CRM providers offer free plans with basic functionality, which may suit small companies or startups. Entry-level plans are generally affordable and provide essential CRM functions, making them a good starting point for most businesses.

Mid-tier plans offer more advanced features like workflow automation and customizable dashboards, which can help businesses streamline their operations. High-tier plans are typically designed for larger organizations with complex needs and offer extensive customization, advanced automation, and integration capabilities.

Customer Resource Management Software FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about customer resource management software.

How does customer resource management software improve customer relationships?

CRM software improves customer relationships by providing a complete view of all customer interactions, tracking customer engagements, and managing customer accounts. It is designed to help businesses understand their customer base and the stages of their customer’s journey, which can lead to more effective communication and improved customer service.

Can customer resource management software be integrated with other systems?

Yes, most CRM software can be integrated with other systems such as email, calendar, marketing automation, and customer service software. This integration allows data synchronization across platforms, providing a unified view of customer interactions and streamlining business processes.

Is customer resource management software suitable for small businesses?

CRM software is beneficial for businesses of all sizes, including small businesses. It helps small businesses manage customer data, track sales leads, conduct marketing campaigns, and provide customer service. Many CRM providers offer scalable solutions that can grow with a business.

How does customer resource management software help with sales?

CRM software assists with sales by organizing customer data, tracking sales interactions, and automating key tasks. It provides sales teams with tools to manage leads, opportunities, and sales pipelines, which can lead to increased sales productivity and higher conversion rates.

Is customer resource management software software difficult to use?

CRM software’s ease of use varies by provider. However, many CRM systems are designed with user-friendly interfaces and provide training resources to help users get the most out of the software. Some CRM solutions also offer customization options to tailor the system to the business’ needs.

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Hermann Fink
By Hermann Fink

Hermann Fink is a technology enthusiast and the co-founder of Rünna Advertising, a multinational digital agency that has been active for over a decade and served clients like Ford, AstraZeneca, Disney, and Didi. In addition to being a business owner, Hermann gathered corporate experience in project management during his time at Hewlett Packard in the mid-2010s.