7 Best pipedrive alternatives to scale in 2026

Key takeaways
  • Pipedrive's visual simplicity works for early teams, but growing businesses quickly outgrow its limited automation and integrations.
  • Modern CRMs combine sales, marketing, and customer service, breaking down silos and giving teams full visibility into the pipeline and communication.
  • Affordable Pipedrive alternatives now include built-in calling, texting, email campaigns, and AI-powered sales automation features.
  • The right CRM should scale effortlessly while keeping costs predictable, workflows automated, and customer data unified.

If you've used Pipedrive, you already know why people love it. It's clean, visual, and easy to set up, which makes it a great starting point for small sales teams.

But once your business begins to grow, that simplicity starts to feel limiting. You want more automation, more connected communication, and more flexibility without constantly paying for extra features.

If that sounds familiar, this article is for you.

As your business grows, managing deals, channels, and communication manually starts to hold you back.

Today's sales teams need more than just a visual pipeline. They need a CRM software that centralizes all calls, texts, and emails and automates the repetitive tasks that slow them down.

That's why more businesses are choosing affordable Pipedrive alternatives that offer automation, simplicity, and scalability.

In this guide, you'll find the best Pipedrive alternatives for growing teams, starting with one that eliminates nearly every limitation users face as they scale.

7 Best Pipedrive CRM software alternatives for growing teams (2026 edition)

The search for the right CRM often begins by identifying where Pipedrive may feel limited for your team.

The following Pipedrive alternatives were chosen for their balance of affordability, scalability, user experience, and features.

1. Salesmate CRM – A unified, AI-powered alternative to Pipedrive

Salesmate CRM

Salesmate is an AI-powered revenue operating system that helps teams sell smarter, market better, and support customers from a single connected platform.

Designed for small businesses and scalable for enterprises, it brings sales, marketing, and customer service together in one intuitive workspace.

Salesmate automates repetitive work, gives complete pipeline visibility, and helps teams engage customers through built-in calling, texting, chat, and email campaigns.

With Skara AI agents, you can handle sales prospecting, follow-ups, communication summaries, and support.

Key features

  • Built-in calling with Power Dialer: Call, log, and record conversations directly from the CRM software.
  • Text Messaging CRM: Enable two-way texting and automated sequences for faster customer communication.
  • Sales pipeline management system: Visual, drag-and-drop pipelines with automated deal tracking and task workflows.
  • Email campaign software: Design, send, and track personalized campaigns with advanced marketing automation features.
  • AI agents for contact insights and follow-ups: Get instant summaries, smart suggestions, and predictive insights from every customer interaction.
  • Smart marketing automation: Streamline lead generation, nurturing, and segmentation for more personalized engagement.
  • Unified inbox: Manage emails, calls, SMS, chat, and WhatsApp messages in a single, organized workspace.
  • AI Employee: Works like a virtual team member, automating follow-ups, summarizing conversations, and qualifying leads 24/7.
  • Integrated ticketing software: Streamline customer support operations with built-in service automation.
  • Custom dashboards and analytics: Track sales data, revenue performance, and campaign results using visual analytics.
  • 700+ integrations: Connect with Google, Microsoft, Slack, and other top business tools for seamless data synchronization.

Why choose Salesmate as a Pipedrive alternative

Salesmate replaces the need for multiple tools by combining sales, marketing, and support within a single platform, helping teams streamline business processes effortlessly.

It simplifies operations while adding the automation, intelligence, and visibility modern teams need to scale.

With AI agents handling time-consuming tasks, teams can focus on building relationships, improving team performance, and closing deals faster.

Transparent pricing ensures all essential features are included in every plan, and quick CRM onboarding makes adoption easy.

Backed by reliable support and frequent updates, Salesmate keeps your business agile as it scales.

Limitations (based on G2 user reviews)

  • Some users mention that A2P verification for texting can take longer than expected, and others note occasional limitations when connecting with third-party tools or external integrations.
  • A few reviews also highlight the need for faster customer support during weekends.

Pricing plans

  • Basic: $23/user/month - core CRM, automation, and communication tools
  • Pro: $39/user/month - advanced reporting, marketing automation, and integrations
  • Business: $63/user/month - AI agents, conversation insights, and workflow automation
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing - tailored data, user, and AI limits for large teams

Build smarter relationships with AI

Transform every customer interaction into insight. Salesmate's AI-powered CRM helps your team sell intelligently, not endlessly.

 Build smarter relationships with AI

2. HubSpot CRM

 HubSpot CRM

HubSpot Sales Hub is a powerful sales platform built to help growing teams build a pipeline, deepen customer relationships, and close deals faster.

Powered by HubSpot's Smart CRM, it connects customer data, AI insights, and sales engagement tools into a single intuitive workspace.

Teams can track deals, automate outreach, and personalize communication at every stage of the buyer journey, all without juggling multiple tools.

With Breeze AI embedded across the platform, HubSpot enhances productivity through automated note-taking, next-step recommendations, and real-time prospect research.

It's built to help businesses scale efficiently, ensuring that data, context, and automation work seamlessly together across teams.

Key features

  • Built on HubSpot's Smart CRM for unified customer data
  • AI-powered Breeze for note-taking, sales forecasting, and productivity
  • Robust email tracking, sequencing, and workflow automation
  • Customizable sales pipelines and activity tracking
  • Sales analytics with forecasting and deal velocity insights
  • Integration with 1,000+ tools, including Gmail, Slack, and Zoom
  • Conversation intelligence and call recording
  • Fast onboarding and a clean, intuitive interface

Why choose HubSpot as a Pipedrive alternative

Unlike point tools that require multiple integrations, HubSpot Sales Hub is deeply tied to Marketing and Service Hubs, creating a complete revenue engine.

Its AI-powered capabilities, like Breeze, empower teams to automate manual tasks, analyze sales data, gain predictive insights, and improve overall efficiency.

HubSpot combines analytics, integration depth, and proven scalability for growing businesses.

Limitations (based on verified G2 reviews)

  • Some users note that HubSpot's advanced CRM features are available only in higher-tier plans, which can get expensive for smaller teams.
  • Others mention a moderate learning curve for setting up complex automations or dashboards.

Pricing plans

  • Starter: $45/user/month - removes HubSpot branding, adds permissions & enriched data.
  • Professional: $450/user/month - advanced automations, reporting, and customization
  • Enterprise: $1200/user/month - AI insights, custom objects, advanced governance

Explore: Top HubSpot alternatives worth considering in 2026.

3. Freshsales by Freshworks

Freshsales by Freshworks

Freshsales from Freshworks is built for teams that want a fast, intelligent, and easy-to-use CRM.

Designed to simplify the entire sales journey, it combines automation, analytics, and Freddy AI to help reps identify high-intent leads, predict deal outcomes, and craft better customer conversations.

The platform's drag-and-drop pipelines, built-in calling and email tools, and unified 360° contact view make it ideal for growing businesses that want clarity without complexity.

Freshsales helps teams close deals faster and automate repetitive tasks with AI-powered insights.

Key features

  • Freddy AI for predictive insights, lead scoring, and email suggestions
  • Built-in phone, chat, and email for multichannel engagement
  • Visual Kanban pipelines for simple deal tracking
  • Automated workflows and sales sequences
  • AI-driven forecasting and reporting dashboards
  • 360° customer view for full-context selling
  • Native integrations with Freshdesk, Google Workspace, Slack, and Zoom
  • Fast onboarding with low setup effort

Why choose Freshsales as a Pipedrive alternative

If you're looking for a CRM that blends intelligence with simplicity, Freshsales is worth exploring.

It helps sales teams cut down repetitive admin work, stay organized, and personalize outreach with AI insights.

Freddy AI highlights which leads to focus on and when to follow up, helping teams convert faster without micromanaging data.

Unlike tools that rely on add-ons, Freshsales unites sales, marketing, and customer data in a single, intuitive interface.

Limitations (based on verified G2 reviews)

  • While Freshsales earns high marks for usability and value, some users mention that advanced customization and reporting features are reserved for higher-tier plans.
  • Others note that mobile responsiveness and integration depth could improve for complex workflows.

Pricing plans

  • Growth: starts at $9/user/month (basic CRM, pipeline, email, chat)
  • Pro: $39/user/month (AI lead scoring, workflows, custom reports)
  • Enterprise: $59/user/month (advanced AI insights, forecasting, governance)

Hot topic: Looking for an alternative to Zendesk Sell? Check how Salesmate can be the ideal solution for you!

4. EngageBay

EngageBay

EngageBay is an AI-powered, all-in-one CRM built for small and growing businesses that want enterprise-level capability at startup-friendly pricing.

It combines marketing automation features, sales CRM, and customer support into a single platform, reducing the need for costly integrations or multiple tools.

With EngageBay AI, teams can create campaigns, score leads, predict outcomes, and deliver personalized customer experiences at scale.

EngageBay simplifies engagement and conversions with automation built into every channel.

Key features

  • AI-powered content, lead, and deal scoring
  • Unified CRM (Customer Relationship Management) solution for sales, marketing, and support
  • Visual pipelines and workflow automation
  • Integrated helpdesk and live chat tools
  • Drag-and-drop email and landing-page builders
  • Social media and campaign tracking
  • Appointment scheduling and reminders
  • Integrations with Google Meet, WooCommerce, QuickBooks, and Zoom

Why choose EngageBay as a Pipedrive alternative

EngageBay is ideal for teams that want the power of HubSpot or Salesforce without the cost or learning curve. It lets marketing, sales, and support teams collaborate with a shared customer view.

Its AI capabilities help you prioritize leads, personalize outreach, and deliver faster responses to customer queries.

Limitations (based on verified G2 reviews)

  • While EngageBay offers great value, some users mention that its interface can feel dense when managing advanced workflows.
  • Others note that custom reporting and deeper analytics could be more flexible, particularly in the lower-tier plans.

Pricing plans

  • Basic: $12.74/user/month - core CRM, marketing automation, and ticketing
  • Growth: $55.24/user/month - full automation and advanced features
  • Pro: $101.99/user/month - predictive AI, advanced analytics, and priority support

Automate your workflow, not your warmth

Let Salesmate handle the busywork from follow-ups to deal updates while you focus on human conversations that close deals.

5. Bitrix24

 Bitrix24

Bitrix24 is an AI-powered online workspace that brings CRM, collaboration, and project management together under one roof.

Beyond being a project management tool, it also serves as a unified system for communication, document sharing, and client engagement.

Bitrix24 replaces multiple tools with a single ecosystem for managing clients, projects, and communication.

Designed for scalability and accessibility, Bitrix24 offers both cloud and on-premise deployment options, making it suitable for startups, SMEs, and large enterprises alike.

Key features

  • Full-featured CRM for leads, deals, and contact management
  • AI-powered automation for sales and workflow processes
  • Built-in communication tools, including chat, calls, and video conferencing
  • Project and task management with Kanban and Gantt views
  • Document management and intranet capabilities
  • Free website and online store builder with CRM integration
  • Customizable business workflows and HR management tools
  • Enterprise-grade compliance (SOC 1/2/3, ISO 27001, GDPR, PCI DSS)

Why choose Bitrix24 as a Pipedrive alternative

Bitrix24 stands out as a true all-in-one workspace. It integrates CRM, HR, marketing, and communication in one flat-fee platform.

The CRM system helps businesses automate repetitive processes, manage collaboration efficiently, and maintain visibility across departments. The platform offers predictable pricing with no per-user costs.

Limitations (based on verified G2 reviews)

  • Users appreciate Bitrix24's powerful CRM and automation tools, but note that its interface can feel complex due to its extensive feature set.
  • Some also mention that support responsiveness varies by plan and that custom configurations may require additional setup time.

Pricing plans

  • Basic: $49/month - advanced CRM, automation, and collaboration tools
  • Standard: $99/month - analytics, document management, and team workflows
  • Professional: $199/month - full automation and HR suite
  • Enterprise: $399/month - up to 10,000 users, extended storage, and enhanced security

6. Copper CRM

Copper CRM

Copper CRM is a smart and simple CRM designed specifically for Google Workspace users.

It integrates directly with Gmail, Calendar, and Drive, so you can manage your contacts, track conversations, and close deals without switching tabs.

Trusted by over 2,000+ business-services companies and recommended by Google, Copper helps teams organize relationships, automate admin work, and gain complete visibility into every client interaction.

Ideal for consultants, agencies, and small businesses, it simplifies client and project management from prospecting to delivery.

Key features

  • Native integration with Gmail, Calendar, and Google Drive
  • Automated data capture from emails and meetings
  • Visual pipelines for deals, projects, and client work
  • Workflow automation for follow-ups and reminders
  • Relationship tracking and activity insights
  • Real-time email tracking and performance analytics
  • Integrations with Slack, QuickBooks, LinkedIn (Surfe), PandaDoc, and DocuSign
  • Simple setup with no manual data entry required

Why choose Copper as a Pipedrive alternative

Copper is perfect for teams that already use Google Workspace and want a CRM that feels like a natural extension.

Unlike Pipedrive, which requires multiple integrations to sync contacts or calendar data, Copper keeps everything unified - emails, meetings, tasks, and files - automatically.

Its intuitive interface, automation options, and lightweight setup make it a strong fit for teams focused on building long-term client relationships rather than managing complex pipelines.

Limitations (based on verified G2 reviews)

  • While Copper excels in simplicity and Google integration, it's less flexible for businesses outside that ecosystem.
  • Advanced reporting and extensive customization may require higher-tier plans, and users note that it offers fewer deep-automation options than enterprise-level CRMs.

Pricing plans

  • Starter: $29/user/month - contact and pipeline management basics
  • Professional: $69/user/month - workflow automation and integrations
  • Business: $134/user/month - advanced reporting, email sequences, and priority support

Stay ahead of the 2025 sales curve. Download our State of Sales & CRM 2025 report.

7. Capsule CRM

Capsule CRM

Capsule CRM is a growth-oriented CRM platform that helps salespeople, marketers, and business owners manage relationships, streamline tasks, and close more deals with ease.

Capsule stands out for its simplicity, intuitive design, and quick setup, making it ideal for growing teams.

Rated 4.7/5 on G2, it helps you keep track of every contact, deal, and project in one place while maintaining clear visibility into your pipeline and performance.

Key features

  • Unified contact and account management with interaction history
  • Visual sales pipelines and project tracking
  • Task management, reminders, and calendar scheduling
  • Sales analytics and forecasting dashboards
  • Built-in email marketing via Transpond integration
  • 70+ native integrations including Google Workspace, QuickBooks, Xero, Slack, and Zapier
  • Custom fields, labels, and automation workflows
  • Secure mobile access for iOS and Android users

Why choose Capsule as a Pipedrive alternative

Capsule offers everything small teams love about Pipedrive: a user-friendly interface, clean workflows, and sales tracking. It requires no onboarding fees, is easy to implement, and offers exceptional customer support.

Capsule offers impressive value for small businesses and service-based teams.

Limitations (based on verified G2 reviews)

  • While Capsule is highly intuitive, users note that some features, such as advanced automation, reporting customization, and mobile functionality, could be more robust.
  • A few reviewers also mention occasional email management challenges, such as attachments getting buried among embedded images.

Pricing plans

  • Starter: $9/user/month - Tasks + Activity feed, forms, and Zapier integration
  • Basic: $23/user/month - Task automation, pipelines, and project management
  • Professional: $59/user/month - workflow automation and reports
  • Business: $99/user/month - multiple pipelines and advanced automations

Here is a quick comparison chart for effective decision-making:

CRMBest forStarting price
SalesmateGrowing SMBs need automation & AI$23/user/mo
HubSpotTeams wanting advanced analytics & integrations$45/user/mo
FreshsalesSimple, AI-driven sales workflows$9/user/mo
EngageBayAll-in-one marketing + sales platform$12.74/user/mo
Bitrix24Collaboration-heavy teams$49/mo flat
CopperGoogle Workspace users$29/user/mo
CapsuleSmall teams prioritizing simplicity$9/user/mo

Now that you've explored the top Pipedrive alternatives, the next step is understanding how to choose the right CRM for your team's growth and long-term goals.

How to choose the right Pipedrive alternative for long-term growth

Choosing a CRM is about laying the foundation for how your team operates, collaborates, and scales, and about identifying better alternatives to Pipedrive that align with your long-term growth goals.

However, the real challenge is identifying the best Pipedrive CRM alternatives that offer both scalability and simplicity without overwhelming your team with complex setups.

When evaluating alternatives to Pipedrive, focus on five core principles that determine whether your next CRM will grow with your business or eventually feel like another limitation.

1. Balance usability with capability

Pipedrive's simplicity works well early on, but it's not enough once workflows and complex processes start demanding automation and deeper visibility.

But many teams learn the hard way that simplicity alone isn't enough once workflows become more complex.

Your next CRM should maintain ease of use while offering deeper automation, better analytics, enhanced deal management, and multichannel capabilities.

A platform like Salesmate strikes that balance, familiar in design but powerful in execution, giving teams visual pipelines with the intelligence Pipedrive lacks.

2. Look for true cost transparency

Hidden fees are the most common trigger for churn in the CRM market.

Pipedrive's modular pricing, charging extra for campaigns, automation, and add-ons, makes budgeting unpredictable.

The right CRM should offer transparent pricing with automation, communication, and integrations included in the core package.

Over the long term, the predictable cost of ownership matters more than a low entry price.

Interesting finds: 6 Costly signs it's time for a CRM migration [Before revenue slips]

3. Prioritize automation as a growth multiplier

Modern CRMs automate lead management, including data capture, nurturing, and follow-ups across channels.

Look for systems that automate lead assignments, nurture sequences, and follow-ups across channels without requiring external connectors.

Platforms like Salesmate and Freshsales embed automation into daily workflows, helping teams save time, maintain consistent outreach, and accelerate sales cycles.

4. Evaluate integration depth, not just breadth

Integration depth matters more than quantity. Your CRM should act as a central hub that seamlessly syncs data with email, calendar, communication, and marketing platforms.

For example, Salesmate integrates directly with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zoom, WhatsApp, and native calling, eliminating the fragmented tech stack that often frustrates Pipedrive users.

5. Future-proof your operations with AI and scalability

The next evolution of CRM lies in AI. Predictive analytics, conversation intelligence, and smart task recommendations are becoming standard expectations.

Choosing a CRM that already incorporates AI ensures you won't need to switch again in two years.

Salesmate's built-in AI assistant, for instance, can analyze conversations, summarize meetings, and prioritize leads, helping teams move faster and make smarter decisions.

Equally important is scalability.

Your CRM should be able to expand from a 5-person startup to a 50-person sales team without changing systems, retraining staff, or rebuilding custom workflows.

Head on: Salesmate vs. Pipedrive: A value-based comparison?

How to migrate from Pipedrive without losing data?

Switching from Pipedrive is easier than you think.

Modern CRMs like Salesmate, Freshsales, and HubSpot offer guided imports, live onboarding, and field mapping that simplify migration.

  1. Clean before you move: Remove duplicates and outdated records to keep only quality data.
  2. Export and map: Export contacts, deals, and activities from Pipedrive as CSV and map them into your new CRM.
  3. Test first: Import a small dataset, validate automations, and check workflows.
  4. Go live: Train your team and start using your new CRM.

With assisted migration and quick onboarding, modern CRM solutions help teams move from Pipedrive in days, not weeks.

Also check: How to Build a Winning Black Friday CRM Strategy for 2026

Conclusion

Choosing a new CRM sets the foundation for long-term growth. It's about recognizing when your sales process has outgrown its limits.

For small teams, Pipedrive's simplicity is its greatest strength. But as workflows expand and customer touchpoints multiply, the need for automation, integrated communication, and real-time analytics becomes unavoidable.

The goal is to find one of the best Pipedrive alternatives CRM options that saves time, strengthens collaboration, and provides clarity at every stage of growth.

Modern platforms like Salesmate help businesses move beyond basic deal tracking into a unified system that connects sales, marketing, and customer engagement in one place.

With automation, AI-driven insights, and built-in communication tools, it's designed for teams that want to scale efficiently without losing simplicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are businesses switching from Pipedrive?

Most businesses switch from Pipedrive because:

  • Pricing complexity: Add-ons and modular pricing make costs unpredictable as teams scale.
  • Limited automation: Manual workflows slow down lead nurturing and follow-ups.
  • Lack of integration: Communication channels and marketing tools aren't unified.
  • Scalability issues: Features that work for small teams fall short as businesses grow.
2. What is the best alternative to Pipedrive for small and growing teams?

The best all-in-one alternative to Pipedrive for growing teams is Salesmate CRM. It combines Pipedrive's ease of use with advanced automation, built-in calling and texting, and transparent pricing. Unlike Pipedrive, all essential tools, email campaigns, workflow automation, and analytics are included in every plan.

3. Can I easily migrate data from Pipedrive to another CRM?

Yes. Most Pipedrive CRM alternatives now include guided import tools that simplify migration. You can export contacts, deals, and activities from Pipedrive in CSV format and map them automatically into your new CRM.

Solutions like Salesmate even offer assisted migration, helping you move data safely without losing custom fields or notes.

4. Which Pipedrive alternative offers the best automation features?

Salesmate leads in automation depth among Pipedrive alternatives. It supports advanced workflows for lead scoring, deal movement, follow-ups, and multichannel sequences.

Freshsales and HubSpot also offer automation tools, but they either come with limitations or higher costs at scale.

5. Are there any free alternatives to Pipedrive?

HubSpot CRM, EngageBay, and Bitrix24 all offer free plans suitable for very small teams. However, free CRMs often lack the automation, communication, and scalability that growing businesses need. Paid options like Salesmate provide more long-term value.

6. What should I look for in a CRM if I'm leaving Pipedrive?

Focus on five key factors:

  1. Transparent pricing - no hidden fees or required add-ons.

  2. Built-in automation - for lead nurturing and follow-ups.

  3. Unified communication - calls, emails, and texts in one system.

  4. Scalability - the ability to grow without switching again.

  5. Ease of adoption - minimal setup and intuitive design.

7. How do I choose between Pipedrive and Salesmate?

If you're an early-stage team focusing only on visual deal tracking, Pipedrive still works. But if you're ready to scale, whether managing multiple pipelines, running campaigns, or automating follow-up, Salesmate is a stronger, more complete solution. It eliminates add-ons, provides AI insights, and supports communication across calls, emails, and WhatsApp from a single unified platform.

8. What are the best Pipedrive alternatives that also offer project management?

Other options, such as Monday CRM, Zoho CRM, EngageBay, and Bitrix24, also include built-in task and project management modules for businesses seeking complete workflow visibility.

9. What are the best alternatives to Pipedrive CRM for SMBs?

For SMBs seeking scalability and affordability, Salesmate, Freshsales, and EngageBay rank among the best alternatives to Pipedrive CRs. They provide advanced automation, unified communication, and easy setup.

Content Writer
Content Writer

Sonali is a writer born out of her utmost passion for writing. She is working with a passionate team of content creators at Salesmate. She enjoys learning about new ideas in marketing and sales. She is an optimistic girl and endeavors to bring the best out of every situation. In her free time, she loves to introspect and observe people.

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