10 Best Client Management Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best client management software:
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Between deadlines, miscommunications, and the seemingly endless emails, managing client relationships can be a headache. It’s a lot to handle, and that’s where client management software can be valuable.
In my experience, the right software can make all the difference. It helps organize your contacts, track interactions, and keep your team on the same page, allowing you to dedicate more time to what matters most: your clients.
I've tested and reviewed various tools to bring you an unbiased list of the best options out there. Whether you're a small team or a large enterprise, there’s something here for you.
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Best Client Management Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top client management software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for customizable pipelines | 14-day free trial | From $12/user/month (billed annually, min. 3 seats) | Website | |
2 | Best for law firms | 7-day free trial | From $39/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
3 | Best for process automation | Free trial available | From $25/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
4 | Best for creative professionals | 7-day free trial | From $16/month | Website | |
5 | Best for project management | 30-day free trial | From $10.99/user/month (min 3 users, billed annually) | Website | |
6 | Best for small businesses | 14-day free trial | From $249/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
7 | Best for integrations | Free trial available | From $29/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
8 | Best for non-profits | Free download available | Free, open source software | Website | |
9 | Best for an all-in-one solution | 14-day free trial | From $19/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
10 | Best for real estate agents | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
Best Client Management Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best client management software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
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Smartsheet
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.4 -
Wrike
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
monday.com
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6
monday CRM is a customizable client management software designed to help you track leads, manage contacts, and oversee your entire sales pipeline. It centralizes customer data, communication, and activities in one place, making it easier to stay organized and responsive.
Why I picked monday CRM: I picked monday CRM for its focus on pipeline management, which lets you customize and manage multiple pipelines and edit stages easily. This flexibility allows you to tailor sales and communication processes to fit your unique business needs, ensuring that you can track every stage of your client interactions. Additionally, the tool offers contact and lead management features that help you organize and nurture your leads, improving your chances of converting them into clients.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include project tracking, which helps you keep tabs on ongoing projects and deadlines to ensure timely delivery. The tool also provides real-time dashboards that allow you to monitor client status and team performance at a glance, so you're always informed.
Integrations include NetSuite, Salesforce, HubSpot, Slack, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Teams, Zendesk, Jira Software Cloud, Google Sheets, Gmail, Google Drive, and Mailchimp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile CRM experience for on-the-go access
- Custom dashboards and client pipelines
- Automates repetitive tasks to save time
Cons:
- Limited native communication tools
- Reporting features may lack depth for some users
Clio is a cloud-based software platform built to support the everyday operations of legal practices. It helps professionals organize their cases, manage client communications, and handle administrative tasks like billing and scheduling.
Why I picked Clio: Clio is made specifically for legal professionals, so everything is built around how a law office works. You can track time directly from case files, manage documents within specific matters, and send invoices that match legal billing formats. Clio Grow helps you handle client intake, while Clio Manage keeps ongoing casework organized. Furthermore, if you need to stay compliant or follow industry billing codes, the system is set up for that too.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include task management tools that let you assign and monitor case-related work, built-in calendars to keep track of court dates and meetings, and document automation tools so you can generate standard legal documents faster. You can also log phone calls and emails directly into client records. There’s an option to collect e-signatures through the platform as well.
Integrations include Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, QuickBooks Online, Dropbox, Zoom, Fastcase, DocuSign, LawPay, NetDocuments, and Albato.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile app available
- Effective document management
- Strong compliance support
Cons:
- Complex for first-time users
- Can be pricey for small firms
Creatio is a platform that combines customer relationship tools with low-code technology to help businesses automate workflows and manage operations across departments. It’s built for teams looking to run both customer-facing and internal processes from a single system.
Why I picked Creatio: Creatio gives your team a way to automate both client interactions and behind-the-scenes workflows without writing code. You can use visual editors to set up process flows, manage pipelines, and build dashboards to track performance. The system connects customer data with tasks, approvals, and follow-ups so nothing gets missed. Its low-code studio lets you create apps to handle more complex or unique workflows. That flexibility makes it easier to manage long or layered client journeys.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a dynamic case management tool that adjusts workflows based on client needs, analytics dashboards you can build with drag-and-drop tools, and a business rule designer that lets you set conditions to trigger actions. There’s also a mobile app builder so your team can create tools for field or remote work.
Integrations include OneLogin, Google Calendar, Microsoft 365, Webitel, Asterisk, Cisco Finesse, TAPI, CallWay, Infinity, and Avaya.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Handles both internal and client work
- Good support for layered automation
- Low-code platform for customization
Cons:
- Setup needs strong planning upfront
- Performance can slow under heavy use
Honeybook is a client management platform designed for creative entrepreneurs and freelancers. It manages projects, contracts, and payments to help you focus on your craft.
Why I picked Honeybook: Honeybook is tailored for creative professionals, making it easy to manage the business side of your projects. You can send proposals, manage contracts, and handle invoices all in one place. Its user-friendly interface saves you time, allowing you to focus on your creative work. The automation of administrative tasks also makes it a valuable, time-saving tool for artists and freelancers.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include customizable templates that allow you to create branded proposals and contracts quickly. The client portal also provides a central place for your clients to view and interact with project details. Additionally, the time-tracking feature helps you keep track of billable hours and manage your time effectively.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Calendly, Zapier, Meta Leads, Pic-Time, Zoom, Prismm, and Canva.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Time-tracking feature
- Client portal available
- Customizable templates
Cons:
- Limited scalability for large teams
- Can be complex for beginners
Teamwork.com is a project management platform built to help teams plan, track, and deliver client work. It’s used by service-based businesses to manage everything from tasks and deadlines to resources and billing.
Why I picked Teamwork.com: Teamwork.com is built to support project-heavy teams that work with clients on a regular basis. You can manage client projects across timelines, assign tasks, and track workloads in real time. The platform also includes budgeting tools so you can monitor billable hours and project profitability. Time tracking is also built in, which makes it easier to report on client work. Everything connects back to helping your team deliver projects on time and within budget.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include built-in templates that help your team launch repeatable projects faster, a client-facing dashboard so your clients can follow along with progress, and resource management tools to balance workloads. You can use portfolio views to get a big-picture look at ongoing projects. The platform also offers a built-in document editor for real-time collaboration.
Integrations include Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Calendar, Dropbox, HubSpot, QuickBooks Online, OneDrive, Harvest, Xero, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Portfolio views help manage multiple clients
- Easy to copy and reuse project templates
- Supports large teams
Cons:
- Hard to manage recurring tasks efficiently
- Needs better bulk editing tools
Keap is an all-in-one platform that helps small teams organize leads, automate follow-ups, and manage client communications in one place. It's built for small businesses and startups that want to handle sales, marketing, and customer data from a single system.
Why I picked Keap: Keap offers simple tools to help you capture leads, send personalized follow-ups, and set up sales automations without needing a tech team. You can build email sequences, assign tasks, and tag contacts based on actions they take. It comes with built-in forms and landing pages so your team can collect new leads right away. You can also schedule appointments and send invoices without switching apps.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a drag-and-drop email builder that makes it easy to create campaigns, a business phone line that works from your mobile device, and a calendar booking tool that syncs with your client list. You can also score leads based on how they interact with your business. The reporting dashboard shows how your emails, forms, and sales efforts are performing.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Calendar, QuickBooks, and Zoom.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Built-in lead capture tools
- Helps manage email and text in one place
- Built for non-technical business owners
Cons:
- Automation builder lacks visual clarity
- Contact records can feel cluttered
Insightly is a cloud-based platform that helps businesses manage customer relationships, projects, and sales pipelines. It's built for teams that want to keep everything from contact records to workflows in one place while staying connected across departments.
Why I picked Insightly: Insightly ties together project management, lead tracking, and workflow automation in a way that fits teams juggling both sales and delivery. You can create custom apps using Insightly AppConnect and automate tasks without coding. Its built-in project tracking links back to customer records, so you can follow each job from lead to delivery.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a built-in email marketing tool that lets you send and track marketing campaigns right from the platform. The lead management feature helps you capture and nurture leads, turning them into customers. Additionally, you can build dashboards using drag-and-drop tools to track goals or monitor sales activity.
Integrations include Mailchimp, QuickBooks Online, Xero, Slack, Dropbox, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zapier, Evernote, and Box.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Custom apps through AppConnect
- Built-in project tracking tools
- Easy to scale across departments
Cons:
- Custom fields feel limiting sometimes
- Reports can be slow to load
CiviCRM is an open-source client management tool tailored for non-profits. It helps manage contacts, track donations, and organize events, making it ideal for organizations focused on community engagement.
Why I picked CiviCRM: CiviCRM offers a flexible solution that aligns with the specific requirements of non-profits. The tool includes features like donor management, event planning, and email marketing, all of which are essential for non-profit operations. You can additionally track contributions, manage memberships, and engage with supporters effectively. Overall, the platform’s open-source nature allows you to customize it to fit your non-profit's unique needs.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include case management tools that let you track interactions and services provided to each contact over time. You can also segment your contacts into groups and set up automated workflows to trigger follow-ups or task assignments based on their activity.
Integrations include WordPress, Drupal, Moodle, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Stripe, PayPal, Mosaico, Authorize.Net, and Google Apps.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scales with organization size
- Open-source flexibility
- Strong community support
Cons:
- Complex setup process
- Requires technical knowledge
Suitedash is an all-in-one client management platform designed for businesses that need to manage projects, invoicing, and client communication in one place. It's ideal for small-to-medium-sized businesses looking for comprehensive functionality without the need for multiple tools.
Why I picked Suitedash: Suitedash combines project management, CRM, and invoicing into a single platform, making it a versatile choice for businesses. You can manage client interactions, track project progress, and handle billing seamlessly. The platform is also customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your specific business needs. Furthermore, its all-in-one approach reduces the need for multiple subscriptions, which saves you time and money.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a client portal that simplifies communication and collaboration with clients. The invoicing tool allows you to create and send invoices directly from the platform, streamlining your billing process. The software’s project management features can additionally help you keep track of tasks, deadlines, and team responsibilities.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Stripe, PayPal, Zapier, Google Calendar, Braintree, WordPress, Zoom, Twilio, and Authorize.Net.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Reduces need for multiple tools
- Customizable features
- Versatile project tools
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Complex initial setup
Lone Wolf Relationships is a client management platform tailored for real estate professionals. It offers tools to nurture leads, manage client connections, and enhance communication throughout the transaction process.
Why I picked Lone Wolf Relationships: Lone Wolf Relationships is designed to simplify client management for real estate agents. It offers AI-powered email composing, helping you craft personalized messages effortlessly. Seamless contact syncing ensures your client information is always up-to-date across all devices. Additionally, the unified inbox keeps all your client communications in one place, making it easy to stay organized.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include contact activity tracking so you can stay on top of every conversation. Smart reminders help you follow up with the right people at the right time. You can also create and manage tasks directly from your inbox.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, Bubble, Utility Concierge, Mailchimp, RentSpree, Sellers Shield, myNHD, Updater, and Earnnest.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automates routine tasks
- Keeps client data synchronized
- Tailored for real estate
Cons:
- Occasional syncing issues reported
- Limited customization options
Other Client Management Software
Here are some additional client management systems that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Less Annoying CRM
For small teams
- Copilot
For client portals
- Pipedrive CRM
For sales teams
- ClickUp
For task management integration
- HubSpot
For inbound marketing tools
- Zoho CRM
For customization options
- Salesforce CRM
For enterprise-level solutions
- Odoo
For open-source flexibility
- Zendesk
For customer support teams
- monday.com
For visual project tracking
Client Management Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best client management software to include on this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like improving client communication and managing customer data efficiently. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion on this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Managing client contacts
- Tracking client interactions
- Scheduling appointments
- Generating reports
- Automating follow-ups
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Customizable dashboards
- Advanced analytics
- Integration with social media
- AI-driven insights
- Workflow automation
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interfaces
- Easy navigation
- Customization options
- Mobile accessibility
- Smooth performance
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to webinars
- Use of templates
- Support from chatbots
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 availability
- Response times
- Help center resources
- Live chat support
- Email assistance
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Features included in base plan
- Cost of additional features
- Flexibility of subscription plans
- Discounts for annual billing
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Frequency of updates
- Feedback on customer service
- Ease of integration
- Performance reliability
How to Choose Client Management Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
Scalability | Ensure the software can grow with your business. Consider if it can handle more clients, users, and data as your team expands. |
Integrations | Check if the software connects with tools your team already uses, like email platforms, calendars, and social media. |
Customizability | Look for options to tailor the software to fit your processes. This could include custom fields, dashboards, or workflows. |
Ease of Use | Evaluate if your team can quickly learn and navigate the software. A user-friendly interface saves time and reduces frustration. |
Budget | Consider the cost relative to your budget. Look for hidden fees or tiered pricing that might affect your total investment. |
Security Safeguards | Verify that the software has strong security measures, such as data encryption and user authentication, to protect client information. |
Support | Assess the availability and quality of customer support. Reliable support can be crucial during implementation and troubleshooting. |
Features | Identify which features are essential for your team’s success, such as reporting tools, automation, or mobile access, and ensure they meet your needs. |
Trends in Client Management Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different client management software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- AI-Powered Insights: AI is being used to analyze client data and predict trends, helping businesses make informed decisions. Some vendors offer AI-driven recommendations for improving client relations or optimizing sales strategies.
- Voice Command Features: Voice command is gaining popularity, as it allows users to interact with their software hands-free. This is especially useful for multitasking or when users are on-the-go.
- Remote Collaboration Tools: As remote work grows, tools that enhance virtual team collaboration are in demand. Features like shared workspaces and video conferencing integrations are therefore becoming essential.
- Client Self-Service Portals: More software now offers portals where clients can access their information, make updates, and communicate with businesses directly. This trend empowers clients and reduces the workload on customer service team members.
- Data Visualization Tools: Visual dashboards and reporting tools are evolving to provide clearer insights into customer interactions and sales data. Vendors are focusing on making data more accessible and actionable through intuitive visuals.
What Is Client Management Software?
Client management software is a tool that helps businesses manage their interactions with current and potential clients. These tools are commonly used by sales teams, customer service representatives, and business managers to improve client relationships and enhance customer satisfaction.
Features like contact management, task scheduling, and data visualization support efficient client communication and data-driven decision making. Overall, these tools help businesses build stronger client relationships and increase efficiency.
Features of Client Management Software
When selecting client management software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Contact management: Organize and store client information to keep track of interactions and build better relationships.
- Task scheduling: Plan and assign tasks to ensure timely follow-ups and efficient workflow management.
- Data visualization: Use visual dashboards to gain insights into client interactions and sales performance.
- Client self-service portals: Allow clients to access and update their information, reducing the workload on your team.
- Email marketing automation: Automate email campaigns to reach clients with personalized messages and improve engagement.
- Lead scoring: Prioritize leads based on their likelihood to convert, helping your team focus on the most promising opportunities.
- Customizable dashboards: Tailor your interface to fit your unique business processes and preferences.
- AI-powered insights: Leverage AI to analyze data and provide actionable recommendations for improving client relations.
- Remote collaboration tools: Facilitate teamwork with features that support virtual communication and project management.
Benefits of Client Management Software
Implementing client management software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved client relationships: Keep all client interactions organized and accessible, making it easier to build and maintain strong relationships.
- Increased efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks like email marketing and follow-ups, freeing up time for more important work.
- Better decision-making: Use data visualization and AI-powered insights to make informed choices based on real-time data.
- Enhanced collaboration: Remote collaboration tools and shared dashboards help your team work together effectively, no matter where they are.
- Prioritized sales efforts: Lead scoring helps your team focus on high-potential leads, improving conversion rates.
- Reduced workload: Client self-service portals empower clients to manage their own information, reducing the burden on your support team.
- Personalized communication: Email automation allows you to send targeted messages that resonate with each client, improving engagement.
Costs and Pricing of Client Management Software
Selecting client management software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in client management software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Client Management Software
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
Free Plan | $0 | Basic contact management, limited support, and email integration. |
Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Advanced contact management, task scheduling, and basic reporting tools. |
Business Plan | $30-$60/user/month | Full CRM capabilities, automation features, and custom dashboards. |
Enterprise Plan | $70-$150/user/month | Advanced analytics, AI-powered insights, enhanced security safeguards, and premium support. |
Client Management Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about client management software:
What is the difference between CSM and CRM software?
CRM (customer relationship management) focuses on managing customer data, sales processes, and interactions, while CSM (customer service management) software is centered around content creation and management. CRM tools help you store and track customer information and sales, whereas CSM tools let you create and manage digital content like websites and blogs.
What is the major challenge faced by CRM?
One major challenge is the cost of implementation, which can be high depending on the size of your team and the features you need. Employee training is also essential to ensure everyone can use the system effectively. Resistance to change within your organization can also be a major hurdle.
Can client management software integrate with other systems?
Yes, many client management software solutions offer integrations with other tools like email platforms, calendars, and accounting software. This helps streamline your processes and keeps all your data connected, saving you time and reducing manual entry errors.
How do I choose the best client management software for my business?
Consider factors like your budget, the size of your team, and the specific features you need. Look for software that offers the scalability and integrations your business requires. Evaluating customer reviews and trialing different options can also help you make an informed decision.
How can client management software improve customer relationships?
Client management software helps you organize and access client information easily, enabling more personalized communication. Automated follow-ups and reminders also ensure timely interactions, which can strengthen relationships and improve customer satisfaction.
Are there any security concerns with client management software?
Security is a key consideration when choosing client management software. Look for solutions that offer data encryption, user authentication, and regular security updates. Ensuring your software provider complies with relevant data protection regulations is also crucial.
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