The Best CRM Software for Indian SMBs – A Comparative Guide

For most Indian SMBs, managing leads, follow-ups and team tasks feels harder than it should be. Data is scattered across tools, updates are missed and there’s no clear way to track what’s actually happening. 

The result? Wasted time, lost deals and a frustrated sales team.

That’s where the right CRM software can really help — not the complicated ones made for huge teams with endless budgets, but tools that are simple, reliable and built for how Indian SMBs actually sell. 

The challenge is, with so many options out there, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming — especially if previous solutions fell short or felt too complicated to use.

In this guide, we’ll compare the best CRM for SMBs in India based on how well they handle real, day-to-day sales challenges. You’ll also get a clear, step-by-step way to choose the right CRM that fits your workflow, budget and business goals. 

What is CRM software for SMBs?

CRM (customer relationship management) software for SMBs is a simple, centralised tool to manage leads, follow-ups, telecalling, WhatsApp chats and customer interactions in a centralised hub. Instead of jumping between spreadsheets, notes and apps, it brings everything together so your team can stay on track.

It simplifies lead management by providing a clear view of every contact, conversation and next step — all in one place. It keeps your sales process clean, easy to follow and team focused on closing deals, not chasing updates.

How does CRM work?

An agile CRM offers support to your team’s daily work, whether they’re on calls, following up or out in the field.

• New leads are auto-captured from calls, forms or campaigns
• Each lead is tracked with full activity history — calls, chats, tasks and notes
• Team members can assign, update or follow up from a single dashboard
• Telecalling is integrated with call logs, recordings and follow-up status
• CRM automation handles repetitive actions like sending reminders or updating status
• Admins can monitor team activity and performance in real-time

5 reasons why Indian SMBs need a CRM

Let’s walk through the real reasons why a CRM solution is no longer optional — it’s what helps you stay organised, respond faster and actually close more deals.

1. Leads are slipping away with no system to catch them

You get a new enquiry today, but by tomorrow it’s forgotten. No one logs it, no one follows up and the lead moves on. There’s no structure to track who called, what was said or what’s next. It’s frustrating — and it’s costing you real sales.

A CRM platform ensures no lead is missed or forgotten:

• Captures leads from calls, forms and chats
• Assigns leads instantly to a team member
• Sends follow-up reminders automatically
• Keeps a timeline of all actions per lead

2. All your customer information is scattered across different apps

Sales updates are in WhatsApp, lead details sit in spreadsheets and notes are on paper or stuck in someone’s head. You lose time switching between tools, chasing updates and figuring out what’s already been done.

A CRM solution brings your sales workflow into one system

• One place for lead info, calls and messages
• Shared updates everyone can access
• No more toggling between apps
• Clear visibility for the whole team

3. There’s no clarity on what your team is doing

You’re stuck asking, ‘Who followed up with this lead?’ or ‘What’s the status of that deal?’ There’s no visibility, and without it, you can’t coach, correct or celebrate team efforts.

A CRM software shows you what’s happening in real-time:

• Track follow-ups, status and next steps
• Assign, monitor and manage tasks easily
• Activity logs for every team member
• Spot what’s working and fix what’s not

4. Long sales cycles are hard to manage manually

Leads move slowly, and your team struggles to stay on top of every deal. Key tasks are delayed, conversations get forgotten, and opportunities slip through.

A CRM software brings structure to your pipeline:

• Custom stages for each lead
• Simple view of where deals stand
• Add notes, files and next actions
• Close deals faster with fewer gaps

5. You’re working without the right data

Decisions are being made based on gut feel, not facts. You don’t know which source brings the best leads, who’s closing most deals or where things are stuck — and it’s holding you back.

A CRM helps you make smarter decisions:

• Real-time sales and team reports
• Source-wise and stage-wise insights
• Forecasts based on real numbers
• See what drives growth and what doesn’t

Quick comparison of the best CRM software for Indian SMBs

If you’re running a growing business, you want to save time by not scrolling endlessly. You want the facts

• What does it cost?
• Does it offer a free plan?
• What are the top features?
• Which businesses is it ideal for?

Here’s a quick table to help you spot the best CRM software that fits your business operations before getting into the full details.

 Top 10 CRM Software for Indian SMBs

With so many CRM tools out there, it’s easy to get lost in features that sound good but don’t really help your team on the ground.

We’ve handpicked these 10 best CRM software that actually make sales easier. They’re built for Indian SMBs, simple to get started with and focused on what matters.

Let’s take a closer look at what each one offers and how they fit different business needs.

1. Telecrm

Telecrm is a tele-calling and WhatsApp-based CRM software built specifically for Indian SMBs that rely heavily on phone conversations, WhatsApp chats and fast lead management. Designed for teams that aren’t always tech-savvy, it’s simple to use, quick to onboard and loaded with practical features that match the way Indian sales teams actually work.

Key features:

• Auto‑capture leads: Automatically logs leads from calls, forms, Facebook or Google Ads so nothing gets missed
• One‑click and auto‑dialler: Let’s agents make more calls without switching apps or entering numbers manually
• Smart follow‑up reminders: Sends reminders and schedules next actions to keep your pipeline moving
• WhatsApp and SMS integration: Enables seamless outreach and follow-ups directly from the dashboard
• Call recording and analytics: Records calls, shows agent performance and tracks conversations in real time
• Custom sales pipeline: Allows you to tailor your sales flow to match your business processes
• Task and team management: Auto‑assigns leads, tracks ownership and keeps your team on the same page
• Mobile app: Gives your team full access to leads, calls and follow-ups from their phones
• Interaction history tracking: Keeps all touchpoints — calls, chats, follow‑ups — in one place
• Sales automation: Automates repetitive actions like sending bulk follow‑ups and updating lead statuses

Pros:

• Powerful telecalling tools built for high-volume outreach
• Quick onboarding with a simple, intuitive interface
• Affordable pricing tailored to Indian SMB needs

Cons:

• No built-in email automation for campaigns
• No free version, though a demo is available

Pricing:

• Core CRM: ₹599/user/month (billed annually)
• Core CRM + WhatsApp chat sync: ₹749/user/month (billed annually)

Check the Telecrm site for further pricing details.

2. Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM platform is a cloud-based crm solution popular among Indian SMBs for its flexibility, robust features and generous free tier.

Key features:

• Lead scoring: Automatically highlights your most promising leads so you can focus on the right ones
• AI assistant (Zia): Suggests actions, detects anomalies and helps you close deals faster
• Sales forecasting: Gives you revenue predictions based on your current pipeline and deal stages
• Multichannel support: Brings emails, web forms, calls and social media interactions into one place
• Custom workflows and dashboards: Help you automate daily tasks and track performance in real time

Pros:

• Flexible pricing options
• Easy to integrate with other tools
• Scales well as your team grows

Cons:

• The interface can feel busy or overwhelming
• Setup might take some time and training

Pricing:

• Standard: ₹800/user/month (billed annually)
• Professional: ₹1,400/user/month (billed annually)
• Enterprise: ₹2,400/user/month (billed annually)
• Ultimate: ₹2,600/user/month (billed annually)

Check the Zoho site for further pricing details.

3. Salesmate

Salesmate is a sales-focused CRM platform with built-in calling and automation, well suited for Indian SMBs looking for simplicity and control.

Key features:

• Multi-pipeline management: Let’s you track and manage multiple sales pipelines with complete clarity
• Email tracking: Notifies you when leads open your emails or click on links
• Workflow automation: Automatically assigns tasks, sends follow-up alerts and keeps things moving
• AI assistant (Sandy): Helps improve messaging and boost sales team productivity with smart suggestions
• Built-in dialer: Allows you to call leads directly from the CRM and log the details instantly

Pros:

• User-friendly inbox, sales management features and contact management
• Simple, transparent pricing structure

Cons:

• Some key CRM features are locked behind higher-tier plans
• Reporting tools are basic compared to others

Pricing :

• Basic: ₹1991/user/month (billed annually)
• Pro: ₹3376/user/month (billed annually)
• Business: ₹5454/user/month (billed annually)

Check the Salesmate site for further pricing details.

4. Freshsales (by Freshworks)

Freshsales is an AI-powered sales CRM system with a free tier and seamless integration with other Freshworks tools, ideal for Indian SMBs.

Key features:

• Contact scoring via AI helps you focus on high-potential leads
• Auto-assignment directs new leads to the right team members instantly
• Multiple pipelines let you manage several sales processes at once
• Integrated email and phone ensure all communications are logged

Pros:

• Simple to use with a strong free tier
• AI tools add real value without complexity

Cons:

• Some reports are only available in paid plans
• Integrating large systems can get complex

Pricing:

• Free tier available
• Growth: ₹749/user/month (billed annually)
• Pro: ₹3239/user/month (billed annually)
• Enterprise: ₹4899/user/month (billed annually)

Check the Freshsales site for further pricing details.

5. Capsule CRM

Capsule CRM system is known for its simplicity, delivering core sales tools through a clean, easy-to-use interface.

Key features:

• Contact & opportunity management: Keeps lead data organised in one dashboard
• Email templates: Let your team send consistent follow-ups quickly
• Task and automation: Ensures nothing gets missed
• Project boards: Help teams collaborate and track progress

Pros:

• User-friendly interface that’s quick to learn
• Affordable pricing with strong customer satisfaction support

Cons:

• Doesn’t support advanced workflow options
• Third-party integrations are limited compared to larger CRM systems

Pricing:

• Starter: ₹1558/user/month (billed annually)
• Growth: ₹3116/user/month (billed annually)
• Advanced: ₹4675/user/month (billed annually)
• Ultimate: ₹6233/user/month (billed annually)

Check the Capsule site for further pricing details.

6. Pipedrive

Pipedrive is a visual, pipeline-focused CRM system known for its simplicity and quick onboarding, ideal for Indian SMBs.

Key features:

• Visual pipeline management: Let’s you drag and drop deals through stages with ease
• Email sync and tracking: Automatically logs emails and tracks opens and clicks
• Custom fields and multiple pipelines: Tailor your sales process to different products or services
• Task automation: Automate repetitive tasks like reminders and follow-up emails

Pros:

• Intuitive interface with little setup time
• Flexible plans and transparent pricing

Cons:

• No free CRM tier beyond the trial phase
• The full feature set requires higher-tier plans

Pricing:

• Essential: ₹1212/user/month (billed annually)
• Advanced: ₹2077/user/month (billed annually)
• Professional: ₹4242/user/month (billed annually)
• Power: ₹5108/user/month (billed annually)
• Enterprise: ₹6840/user/month (billed annually)

Check the Pipedrive site for further pricing details.

7. HubSpot CRM

HubSpot CRM system is a forever-free platform that covers core sales and marketing efforts as well as service tools.

Key features:

• Contact and deal tracking: Manages contacts and pipeline stages with ease
• Email integration and live chat: Includes email, forms and free chat tools out of the box
• Built-in ticketing and support tools: Let you track and resolve customer requests from one place
• Extensive integrations and library of add-ons: Scales up with marketing, sales and service hubs

Pros:

• Built-in tools like email tracking and meeting scheduling
• Smooth integration across apps and tools

Cons:

• Mobile app offers limited functionality
• Custom reports and deeper automation require higher plans

Pricing:

• Sales Hub Starter: ₹779/user/month (billed annually)
• Sales Hub Professional: ₹7792/user/month (billed annually)

Check the Hubspot site for further pricing details.

8. ActiveCampaign

ActiveCampaign blends customer relationship management and email marketing. It offers powerful automation and tools to track customer interactions for growing SMBs.

Key features:

• Sales automation: Let’s you set rules that trigger actions like follow-ups and lead assignments
• Email marketing and drip campaigns: Help you stay in touch with leads through personalised, automated emails
• Lead scoring: Ranks contacts based on engagement and sales-readiness
• Pipeline tracking: Gives you a clear view of every deal’s progress

Pros:

• Excellent email automation and personalisation options
• Flexible customisation to match your sales process

Cons:

• Learning curve is steeper for non-tech users
• Pricing increases with list size and advanced CRM features

Pricing:

• Starter: ₹1298/user/month (billed annually)
• Plus: ₹4242/user/month (billed annually)
• Pro: ₹6840/user/month (billed annually)
• Enterprise: ₹12554/user/month (billed annually)

Check the ActiveCampaign site for further pricing details.

9. EngageBay

EngageBay is an all-in-one CRM with tools to track sales, marketing efforts and service —ideal for SMBs looking for value and simplicity.

Key features:

• Lead and contact management: Centralises all lead interactions and history
• Email templates and campaigns: Help you send emails quickly with marketing automation
• Built-in telephony: Let’s you call leads directly from the platform
• Drag-and-drop deal pipelines: Makes it easy to visualise and manage deals

Pros:

• Affordable for startups and growing teams
• Combines multiple tools in one place

Cons:

• UI can feel dated in parts
• Some advanced features are limited in lower tiers

Pricing:

• Free plan limited to 15 users
• Basic: ₹1103/user/month (billed annually)
• Growth: ₹4782/user/month (billed annually)
• Pro: ₹8830/user/month (billed annually)

Check the EngageBay site for further pricing details.

10. Insightly

Insightly is a CRM and project management tool combined, built for business processes that focus on managing customer data and internal operations in one place.

Key Features

• Lead and contact management: Tracks every interaction and opportunity from enquiry to close
• Built-in project tracking: Turns won leads into projects and assigns tasks across teams easily
• Email templates and scheduling: Sends emails directly from Insightly and saves time with reusable templates
• Custom dashboards and reporting: Creates tailored reports and tracks key metrics to support business processes
• Marketing automation: Automates repetitive sales and admin tasks without writing code

Pros

• Combining customer relationship management and project tracking
• Customisable fields and layouts
• Good integration with G Suite and Microsoft tools

Cons

• Learning curve for non-technical users
• UI can feel dated for some teams

Pricing

• Free plan limited to 2 users
• Plus: ₹2510/user/month (billed annually)
• Professional: ₹4242/user/month (billed annually)
• Enterprise: ₹8571/user/month (billed annually)

Check the Insightly site for further pricing details.

Real CRM struggles faced by Indian SMBs

Choosing a CRM isn’t just about comparing features. It’s about whether the tool actually works in your day-to-day flow. Many Indian SMBs have tried CRMs in the past—only to drop them a few weeks later.

Here are the most common CRM challenges that small and medium businesses face and how you can avoid them.

It’s too complex for the team

You sign up, set it up and then realise your team doesn’t know how to use it. Sales reps find the system confusing, managers avoid logging in and it becomes just another unused tool.

It doesn’t fit the marketing strategies of Indian teams

Many CRMs are built for Western workflows — emails, calendars and lead forms. But Indian SMBs rely heavily on phone calls, WhatsApp and local campaigns.

It promises automation, but nothing actually moves

You expected it to save time. Instead, your team is still stuck updating statuses manually and creating follow-up lists from scratch.

There’s no real support when something breaks

You face a sync issue or something stops working, but no one responds for days. You’re left chasing customer care or searching forums.

It looks affordable, but the actual cost keeps adding up

The basic plan looks great—until you realise that essential tools like calling or WhatsApp need add-ons or third-party tools.

So, how do you avoid these challenges and choose a CRM that truly supports your sales pipeline? Let’s break it down step by step in the next section.

7 Steps to choose the best CRM for SMBs

Choosing the best CRM for SMBs isn’t about getting the one with the longest feature list. It’s about finding a tool that fits your team’s everyday sales flow, feels easy to use and supports you as you grow.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to cut through the clutter and pick the right one.

1. Start with your real problems

What’s breaking your current process?

Is it missed follow-ups, scattered customer data or too much manual work?

Focus on the daily struggles. Your CRM should directly solve those, not just offer fancy dashboards.

2. Check how your team works right now

Are you managing leads through calls, WhatsApp and sheets?

Or using email and forms?

Go for a CRM solution that blends with your current flow. Tools made for Indian SMBs usually support telecalling, WhatsApp sync and mobile-first use by default.

3. Test for ease of use and safety to switch

Your best CRM software won’t work if your team avoids using it.

Choose something that your team can pick up without needing multiple training sessions.

Look for a clean layout with clear steps to add leads, set follow-ups and view the pipeline. It also makes switching easier and reduces the risk of losing customer data in the process.

4. Evaluate core features, not just extras

Focus on what actually helps you close more deals— Lead capture, auto‑dialling, follow-up reminders, WhatsApp messaging and call tracking.

A good CRM solves these from day one. Avoid tools that need third‑party plugins just to do the basics.

5. Compare pricing with what’s included

A low price may hide high effort.

Do you need to pay more for every add-on?

Choose a CRM solution with built‑in calling, WhatsApp integration and reporting in the base plan itself. This keeps things simple and avoids surprise costs later.

6. Look at after-sales support

Things will break or get stuck. That’s normal.

What matters is how fast and how well your CRM provider helps you fix it. Prioritise Indian support teams who understand local needs and respond without making you wait days.

7. Book a hands-on demo, not just a free trial

Most CRMs offer free trials, but they leave you figuring things out on your own. No guidance, no clarity and you end up wasting time.

Instead, go for a guided demo that shows how the CRM works for your exact sales flow. It saves you the guesswork and gives your team a clear picture of how things like follow-ups, calling and lead tracking will work from day one.

Telecrm offers this kind of tailored walkthrough. You can book a free demo – ask questions, get answers and see how it fits before making the buying decision.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, the best CRM software is the one that helps you increase sales, save time and bring clarity to your daily work. Not the one with endless tabs and complicated steps.

Bonus tip: If your sales team relies on telecalling, WhatsApp and fast follow-ups, try Telecrm that already brings these together. You’ll spend less time switching between tools and more time closing deals.

Telecrm is built around the exact flow most Indian sales teams follow. It combines telecalling, WhatsApp messaging and lead management in one clean dashboard, with automation and reminders that keep your pipeline moving.

If that sounds like what your team needs, go ahead and book a quick demo. You’ll see how it fits before making any commitment.

Turn scattered workflows into consistent sales, every single day.