Zoho is the leading platform for seamless project management and CRM. As companies grow, it's important to find tools that exceed expectations. In addition to keeping pace, these alternatives offer new ways to engage, manage, and grow. Find out which tool best suits the future of your business by exploring these new opportunities.
They are catalysts for transformation, designed for enterprises big and small to meet today's challenges. From CRM to task management, alternatives to CRM push the boundaries of business tools. If you want to improvise your capabilities or change to a platform then there are plenty of Zoho alternatives out there.
Why Look for Zoho Alternatives?
Looking for Zoho alternatives can be driven by several reasons, as businesses have unique needs and what works well for one might not suit another.
Cost Concerns:
While Zoho offers competitive pricing, some businesses might find the costs add up quickly, especially as they scale and need more advanced features or additional licenses.
Features required:
Some businesses may need specific features or capabilities that aren't available or not as developed in Zoho. Customization, industry-specific functionality, or powerful analytics and reporting are some examples of this.
UX and Usability:
Zoho's interface may be less intuitive than other alternatives. Businesses that prioritize ease of use and minimal training will likely seek simpler, more user-friendly alternatives.
Integration Needs:
There may be some key tools or platforms a business uses that are not supported by Zoho. Businesses might look for alternatives with better integration capabilities.
Customer Support:
A user might consider alternatives that offer more comprehensive or reliable support if they are not satisfied with Zoho's support.
Performance and Reliability:
Slow loading times, frequent downtimes, and bugs can all cause businesses to seek more reliable alternatives.
11 Best Zoho Alternatives for Work Management
1. Cone Work Management Software
Cone Work OS is a comprehensive project management and automation tool designed for professional services. It streamlines operations from proposal to payment, featuring interactive proposals, e-sign for agreements, automated billing, and payment processing.
With project scheduling, task management, a client portal, and document management, Cone enhances team collaboration and client satisfaction. It also offers analytics for informed decisions, ensuring compliance and security.
Top Features:
- Premium, customizable project proposal templates with a flexible editor for personalized adjustments and web-based project presentations.
- Instant eSignatures for project agreements, accessible via computers and smartphones, and legally recognized.
- Automated invoice generation linked to project milestones or tasks, complemented by both recurring and one-off billing automation and payment reminders.
- Supports multiple payment methods including direct debit and credit/debit cards, with integration into major gateways like Stripe and options for upfront deposit collection.
- Online booking and scheduling tools for project milestones, integrated with time tracking for precise billing and project management.
- Secure messaging platform for client and team communication, with email and SMS features, and integration with external communication tools.
- Task and project management capabilities, including assignment and tracking of tasks, with notifications for deadlines and completions and a dashboard for real-time project status.
- Client portal offering self-service access for clients to view project progress and invoices, with online payment functionalities.
- Secure document storage and management with template creation for common project documents and e-signature capabilities.
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for project financials, team performance, and client engagement, alongside real-time dashboards showing key performance indicators.
Pros:
- Streamline your accounting tasks with Cone's all-in-one platform that includes CRM, proposals, projects, workflows, billing, invoicing, and email management.
- Automate and optimize your workflows, reducing manual work and boosting productivity, with features like automatic billing, invoicing, and project initiation.
- Save significant costs with Cone, offering a fraction of the price compared to alternatives, potentially saving over $10,000 annually for a 20-member team.
- Enhance client interaction through a centralized client portal where clients can chat, make payments, upload files, and sign documents, all in one place.
- Gain comprehensive visibility and control over team tasks and project progress with advanced tracking and reporting capabilities.
Cons:
- The learning curve for maximizing all features.
Best for:
- Small to medium businesses looking for an all-in-one work management tool.
Pricing:
Starter plan - $5 per user/month
Essentials plan - $10 per user/month
Business plan - $15 per user/month
2. Cone Proposal & Billing Software
Cone’s Proposal to Payment Software is a comprehensive solution designed to streamline the process from drafting proposals to managing payments.
This software integrates various functionalities including interactive web proposals, e-signature capabilities, automated invoicing, payment processing, and proposals in a single tool.
It provides a seamless, web-based interface that simplifies transactions and enhances the efficiency of business operations.
Top Features
- Offers premium, customizable templates and a flexible editor to personalize proposals.
- Enables instant legally recognized eSignatures accessible via computers or smartphones, facilitating quicker deal closures.
- Supports automatic and recurring invoice generation, integrated with major accounting software like QuickBooks Online (QBO), Zoho Books, and Xero.
- Allows multiple payment methods including direct debit and credit/debit cards, with integrations for major payment gateways like Stripe.
- Provides a dashboard for insights into business cash flow and compliance with standards like SOC-2 Type-1 and GDPR.
Pros
- Automates several processes from proposal creation to payment, reducing manual effort and speeding up business transactions.
- Offers highly customizable templates and editing tools to meet diverse business needs.
- Ensures legal validity of eSignatures and complies with major data protection regulations.
- Seamless integrations with popular accounting and payment systems simplify financial management.
Cons
- A bit of a learning curve
Best for
Small and medium-sized businesses that need to streamline their proposal and payment processes will benefit most from this software. Consulting, marketing, and sales companies, for example, benefit from it because proposals and contracts are frequently used and require quick, legally binding responses.
Pricing
The software is priced at $10 per user per month.
3. Freshworks
Freshworks provides an extensive range of customer engagement and CRM solutions to enhance business operations. Freshsales offers a wide variety of services like sales processes, improves customer service, and drives marketing campaigns by combining AI and intuitive design.
Top Features:
- AI-powered CRM (Freshsales)
- Multichannel customer service (Freshdesk, Freshchat)
- IT service management (Freshservice)
- Marketing automation (Freshmarketer)
- Sales and marketing alignment (Freshsales Suite)
Pros:
- Comprehensive CRM functionalities
- User-friendly interface
- Extensive third-party integrations
- AI-driven insights and automation
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for small teams due to its extensive features
- Pricing can escalate with add-ons and higher-tier plans
Best For:
- Businesses who are looking to scale up their CRM and customer engagement solutions
- Companies who are seeking AI-driven insights and automation to enhance sales and customer service
Pricing:
- Free plan available for up to 3 users
- Growth: ₹749/user/month (billed annually)
- Pro: ₹3,239/user/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: ₹4,899/user/month (billed annually)
- Additional costs for add-ons like CPQ and Freshbots
4. HubSpot CRM
HubSpot CRM platform enables businesses to improve how they reach, engage, and delight customers. It provides powerful and easy-to-use tools for sales, marketing, customer service, and content management.
Top Features:
- The Software helps to integrates sales, marketing, and customer service
- Free CRM tools for every team member
- Real-time sales activity tracking and analytics
- Automated marketing and email campaigns
- Advanced reporting and dashboard capabilities
Pros:
- All-in-one platform for various business needs
- Extensive free plan available
- User-friendly interface and easy setup
- Powerful automation and analytics
Cons:
- Can become expensive as you add premium features
- Somewhat steep learning curve for advanced features
Best For:
- Businesses of all sizes seeking to streamline operations across sales, marketing, and customer service
- Companies looking for a scalable CRM solution with extensive tools and features
Pricing:
- Free CRM available with a comprehensive set of tools
- For Professionals, Marketing Hub starts at $800/mo and for Enterprises it starts at $3,600/mo
5. Pipedrive
Pipedrive acts as an effective sales management tool. It provides seamless management of leads, sales pipelines, and communications in one central location.
Top Features:
- Sales pipeline visualization and management
- Automated lead nurturing and follow-ups
- Comprehensive sales reporting and forecasting
- Customizable for any sales process
- Over 400 integrations
Pros:
- Intuitive interface
- Strong automation features
- Customizable pipelines
- Excellent customer support
Cons:
- Limited functionality on lower-tier plans
- Can get pricey with add-ons
Best For:
- SMEs seeking CRM solutions that are scalable
- For sales teams seeking an easy-to-use CRM with robust automation capabilities
Pricing:
- Essential: $12/user/month (annually)
- Advanced: $24/user/month (annually)
- Professional: $49/user/month (annually)
- Power: $59/user/month (annually)
- Enterprise: $79/user/month (annually)
- Discounts available on annual plans
6. Salesforce
Salesforce enables businesses of all sizes to drive growth and maintain customer satisfaction by combining marketing, sales, commerce, and service teams around a comprehensive CRM platform.
Top Features:
- Unified view of customer data
- AI-powered insights with Salesforce Einstein
- Extensive app marketplace with Salesforce AppExchange
- Customizable sales and service workflows
Pros:
- Highly scalable for any business size
- Wide range of integrations
- Strong customer support and community
Cons:
- Complexity may overwhelm new users
- Premium features can be costly
Best For:
- Businesses seeking a robust, all-in-one CRM platform
- Companies requiring extensive customization and scalability
Pricing:
Salesforce's pricing tiers vary based on business size and needs, starting with their Salesforce Starter Suite. To obtain detailed pricing, you'll have to contact Salesforce directly or visit their website.
7. Bitrix24
Collaboration, CRM, project management, and more are available through Bitrix24, a cloud-based platform. The integrated solution combines communication, task management, and extensive CRM capabilities.
Top Features:
- Comprehensive CRM system
- Task and project management
- Real-time chats and video conferencing
- Website and online store builder
- Automation of sales and marketing
Pros:
- All-in-one platform for various business needs
- Free plan for unlimited users
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Complexity in navigation due to extensive features
- Limited customization in the free version
Best For:
- Businesses of any size looking for a unified platform for CRM, project management, and collaboration
- Teams working remotely or in hybrid environments
Pricing:
- Free for unlimited users with basic features
- Basic: ₹1,590/month (5 users)
- Standard: ₹3,990/month (50 users)
- Professional: ₹7,990/month (100 users)
- Enterprise: Starts at ₹15,990/month (250 users and up)
8. Agile CRM
With Agile CRM, you can automate sales, marketing, and service from one platform. Over 15,000 businesses around the world use Agile CRM to consolidate customer engagement strategies.
Top Features:
- Comprehensive CRM with sales, marketing, and service automation
- Extensive integrations and plugins
- Customizable data fields and lead scoring
Pros:
- Free plan available for up to 10 users
- Affordable pricing for small to medium businesses
- Easy implementation with great support
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version
- Can become complex with extensive customization
Best For:
- SMEs seeking affordable CRM solutions
- Those companies that require an integrated platform for sales, marketing, and customer service
Pricing:
- Free for up to 10 users
- Starter: $8.99/user/month
- Regular: $29.99/user/month
- Enterprise: $47.99/user/month
9. Copper CRM:
A seamless integration between Copper CRM and Google Workspace simplifies sales, marketing, and customer service processes for over 30,000 companies.
Top Features:
- Deep Google Workspace integration
- Automated workflows and task management
- Comprehensive sales pipeline and contact management
Pros:
- Intuitive, especially for Google users
- Quick setup with no extensive training required
- Efficient email and calendar integration
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Might be less suitable for non-Google Workspace users
Best For:
- Businesses heavily utilizing Google Workspace
- Teams looking for a CRM with minimal learning curve
- Small to mid-sized businesses focusing on growth and customer relationship management
Pricing:
- Basic: $29/user/month (annually)
- Professional: $69/user/month (annually)
- Business: $119/user/month (annually)
10. Keap:
With Keap, you can manage customers, follow up and sales processes, and manage team tasks with AI tools and expert consulting for growth, profit, and freedom.
Top Features:
- Comprehensive CRM with customer management
- Automation Builder for sales and marketing processes
- Integrations with key business tools, including Google Workspace
- Customizable pipelines for clear sales process visibility
- Email and text marketing capabilities
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Extensive automation to save time
- Strong support and training resources
Cons:
- Can be pricey for smaller businesses
- Complexity of features may require a learning curve
Best For:
- Small to medium businesses seeking to automate their sales and marketing
- Companies looking to tightly integrate their CRM with Google Workspace
Pricing:
- Pro: Starting at $159/month
- Max: Starting at $229/month
- Ultimate: Custom pricing
11. EngageBay:
EngageBay offers comprehensive marketing, sales, and customer support solutions. With features such as CRM, marketing automation, helpdesk, and live chat, it streamlines operations and enhances customer engagement for small to medium-sized businesses.
Top Features:
- Comprehensive CRM with unlimited contact storage.
- Advanced marketing automation including email sequences and template builders.
- Integrated helpdesk software for superior customer support.
- Live chat software to instantly assist customers.
Pros:
- All-in-one platforms eliminate the need for multiple subscriptions to different software products.
- Up to 15 users can be accommodated on a free plan, making it an excellent option for small businesses.
- The user interface is easy to use and easy to integrate with popular tools.
Cons:
- May lack some advanced features found in more specialized standalone solutions.
- Can become expensive as you scale and require more advanced features and higher contact limits.
Best For:
- SMEs looking for an affordable all-in-one solution for marketing, sales, and customer service.
Pricing:
- Basic: $11.04 per month, 500 contacts.
- Growth: $55.24 per month, 5,000 contacts.
- Pro: $101.99 per month, unlimited contacts.
How Should You Choose an Alternative to Zoho?
There are a few factors you need to consider when looking for Zoho alternatives.
Specific Functionality and Features:
Identify the specific features and functionalities you use in Zoho and ensure the alternative offers those. Look for a CRM alternative that provides advanced sales analytics, automation, lead management, and integration capabilities that are as good as or better than Zoho's.
Ease of Use:
The user experience is another reason why you may want to consider an alternative to the current software. The new technology should provide an intuitive interface that will enhance the productivity of your team by reducing the learning curve.
A scalable solution that can be customized:
The alternative should allow customization to fit your business processes and be scalable to grow with your business needs without significant additional costs or complexities.
Integration Capabilities:
The more integrations available, the more streamlined your workflow will be. Make sure that the alternative seamlessly integrates with other tools and platforms your business uses, such as email marketing services, social media platforms, accounting software and more.
Cost-Effectiveness:
Compare the pricing plans of the alternatives with Zoho. Take into account the total cost of ownership, including add-ons, integrations, and any necessary training or support.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I Migrate My Data from Zoho to Another CRM Easily?
Depending on the CRM you are moving to, migrating your data from Zoho to another CRM can generally be straightforward. Many CRM providers offer migration tools or services to make the transition seamless. A Zoho alternative should offer features compatible with your business needs, scalability, pricing, user interface, and customer support.
How Do I Choose the Best Zoho Alternative for My Business?
You should prioritize an easy-to-use interface to ensure your team adopts the CRM quickly, as well as integration with existing tools and customer support. Consider these factors when selecting your CRM solution. Focus on your business goals, operational flow, and customer engagement.
Are There Any Free Zoho Alternatives That Are Good?
Small businesses or startups can manage their customer relationships effectively without making a significant investment with free Zoho alternatives. HubSpot CRM, for example, offers a robust free plan, while Bitrix24, a freemium business tool suite, is another example.
What Should I Do If I Encounter Problems with My New CRM?
Your first step should be to contact the CRM provider's customer support or helpdesk if you have problems with it. You can get help with most CRMs through comprehensive knowledge bases, live chat, email, and phone support. In addition, online communities and forums can be valuable for troubleshooting and advice..
How Often Should I Reevaluate My CRM Needs?
If your business grows and changes, you should evaluate your CRM system annually to determine whether it still aligns with your business strategies, processes, and goals.
Conclusion
Cone Work OS redefines work management for professional services, offering a wide range of features that are designed to streamline and optimize project workflows. From interactive project proposals and e-sign agreements to comprehensive invoicing and billing, Cone simplifies the proposal-to-payment process, ensuring seamless operation. Its project scheduling and time tracking tools enhance project oversight, while integrated communication tools foster better collaboration among team members and clients.
Cone helps businesses manage tasks, monitor progress, and handle documents securely. The software's ability to automate routine tasks allows teams to concentrate on delivering exceptional services, making it an ideal choice for firms looking to boost productivity.