It’s natural for businesses to outgrow their tools as needs evolve. While Bigin by Zoho is a solid starting point for very small teams, growing businesses often require more – whether it’s advanced integrations, deeper customization, or scalable features to handle increasing demands.
We’ve curated five alternatives that go beyond the basics – each offering unique capabilities for small and medium-sized businesses.
What is Bigin CRM?
For businesses that need a simple way to keep track of contacts, deal tracking, and sales pipelines, Bigin CRM is a great solution. Unlike complex CRMs that can feel overwhelming, Bigin keeps things simple with a clean layout and an easy setup that saves time.
Beyond sales, Bigin adapts to tasks like managing support tickets, tracking projects, or onboarding new hires. It integrates with tools like Google Workspace and Zoho apps, creating a small software hub for your team.
Bigin CRM features
For small businesses, Bigin by Zoho offers the right balance of simplicity and utility. Here’s what it brings to the table:
- Multiple pipelines. Manage different sales, support, or HR processes by setting up separate pipelines to fit each workflow.
- Built-in telephony. Call clients directly from the platform. All calls get logged automatically.
- Custom workflows: Automate routine tasks like follow-ups and reminders.
- Email integration: Integrate your email with the conversation tracking system.
- Mobile access: Use the app on iOS or Android to stay on top of leads wherever you are.
- Simple contact management: Organize client details, track interactions, and keep your records tidy.
- Affordable setup: Get up and running in minutes, with features designed to make onboarding quick and painless.
- Data security: GDPR-compliant tools keep your information safe while giving you complete access control.
Bigin CRM pricing
There is nothing complicated about Bigin by Zoho's pricing. One-person teams can benefit from the free plan while larger teams can use the express and premier plans to unlock more features, such as automation and advanced analytics.
Seems inexpensive, right? Before you grab your credit card, though, let's talk about what Bigin CRM lacks.
source: G2
Why it's worth considering alternatives to Bigin CRM
Bigin CRM is budget-friendly and easy to use, but reviews highlight a few areas where it falls short.
- Integration problems: Users report issues connecting Bigin with tools like Zoho Books, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp. One reviewer said, 'The worst is it does not integrate with Zoho Books, there is no point. I spent time exporting contacts from Books and importing to Bigin and then realized this is foolish to do.' (Capterra)
- Customization struggles: The system offers limited custom fields, and some workflows can’t be adjusted for specific processes. Another user noted, 'Limited number of custom fields, no email templates, and difficult to create email templates on my own.' (Capterra)
- Technical glitches: Bugs and breakdowns during setup left users feeling like beta testers. A reviewer shared, 'There are bugs, as in some things don’t even work, important things. I’ve reported enough to make me feel like we’re beta testers.' (Capterra)
- Support concerns: Several reviewers stated that customer support needs to be more consistent or easier to work with. One reviewer stated, 'They need to train their support team better. Sometimes I end up having to find answers myself and then train them.' (Capterra)
- Scaling challenges: While great for small businesses, it lacks features like advanced reporting and detailed automation for growing teams. A user explained, 'For more advanced reporting or scalability, the platform might feel a bit constrained as your business grows.' (Capterra)
- Short trial periods: Users mentioned the trial time wasn’t enough to explore its capabilities, especially for non-technical teams. One reviewer said, 'Short trial time – if you’re not into IT systems, it can take a while to set up.' (Capterra)
- Essential functionality gaps: Features like bulk WhatsApp messaging, editable forms, and advanced document handling need to be included. A reviewer mentioned, 'There’s no option to upload or store documents such as quotes, contracts, or invoices directly in the CRM, which would have been helpful.' (Capterra)
- Time-consuming processes: Tasks like lead allocation and creating email templates require manual effort, slowing teams down. A frustrated user shared, 'No automated lead allocation is something I hated most.' (Capterra)
Bigin handles simple needs effectively, but its lack of advanced tools and integration options might not suit more demanding teams.
Top 5 alternatives to Bigin by Zoho CRM
If you’re ready to explore CRMs that go beyond Bigin’s offerings, you’re in the right place. Whether it’s more features, smoother integrations, or easier navigation, other CRMs might be a better fit.
#1 Capsule CRM
Capsule CRM is built for small businesses aiming to grow without the stress of complicated systems. It combines a simple interface with powerful features and integrates with dozens of external tools to centralize your workflows.
Capsule CRM features
- Contact management: Create and manage custom fields and tags to easily search customer, vendor, and partner information.
- Sales pipelines: Tailor your pipeline to match your sales process and keep track of deals as they progress.
- Workflow automation: Automate repetitive tasks like follow-ups and status updates – so you can spend less time on them!
- Advanced reporting: Gain insights into your sales performance and identify potential bottlenecks.
- Integrations: Capsule connects with tools like Zapier, Xero, or Transpond, to make your work a breeze.
- Mobile app: Access contacts and leverage sales opportunities on any device.
- Task management: Keep track of deadlines and to-dos within Capsule.
- Shared mailboxes: Organize and centralize team communication.
Capsule CRM pricing
Capsule offers flexible pricing plans to suit businesses of all sizes:
- Free Plan: Includes 2 users, 250 contacts, 10 custom fields, and Gmail/Outlook integrations.
- Starter Plan ($18/user/month): 30,000 contacts, 50 custom fields, 1 sales pipeline, 1 project board, 5 email templates, and 1 shared mailbox. It also features Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace integrations.
- Growth Plan ($36/user/month): Offers 60,000 contacts, 150 custom fields, 5 sales pipelines, 5 project boards, 50 email templates, and 3 shared mailboxes. Adds features such as workflow automation, advanced sales reporting, and user roles.
- Advanced Plan ($54/user/month): Expands to 120,000 contacts, 300 custom fields, 50 sales pipelines, 50 project boards, 500 email templates, and 5 shared mailboxes. Perfect for scaling businesses needing customization.
- Ultimate Plan ($72/user/month): Designed for large teams with 240,000 contacts, unlimited custom fields, 100 sales pipelines, 100 project boards, and 1,000 email templates. Includes dedicated support and custom training.
Why Capsule CRM is the perfect alternative to Bigin CRM
Flexible customization
Capsule CRM puts customization in your hands, from custom fields to adjustable sales pipelines. Its flexibility helps businesses stay agile and ensures the CRM works for you, not the other way around.
Better integrations
Capsule works with tools you already use, like Gmail, Zapier, Xero, and QuickBooks, to keep customer data synced and accessible. It minimizes manual effort and keeps your focus on what matters most – your customers.
Advanced reporting
Capsule’s advanced reporting tools provide a comprehensive view of your sales performance – highlighting areas for improvement. With real-time analytics, you can refine strategies and make smarter decisions to stay ahead!
Grow with Capsule CRM.
Try it free for 14 days—no credit card required.
#2 Copper CRM
Copper CRM works mainly with Google Workspace – bringing Gmail, Calendar, and Drive into your CRM workflow. It’s a solid option for teams seeking an intuitive way to manage leads within their existing ecosystem.
Copper CRM features
- Google Workspace integration: Connect Gmail, Calendar, and Drive for a unified workflow.
- Contact management: Track customer interactions and organize data with custom fields and tags.
- Sales pipelines: Visualize opportunities and manage deals with intuitive pipeline tools.
- Task automation: Reduce repetitive work by automating reminders and follow-ups.
- Reporting and insights: Access precise analytics to measure performance and find opportunities.
Copper CRM pricing
- Starter ($12/month): 1,000 contacts, task management, and integrations with Google Workspace.
- Basic ($29/month): 2,500 contacts, pipelines, and project management tools.
- Professional ($69/month): 15,000 contacts, workflow automation, bulk email, and advanced reporting.
- Business ($134/month): Unlimited contacts, email campaigns, custom analytics, and multi-currency support.
Copper CRM cons
- Limited to Google Workspace: It heavily depends on Google tools, which might restrict businesses that use other platforms.
- High costs at upper tiers: Pricing can be steep for advanced features, making it less accessible for small teams. (G2)
- Lack of flexibility: Customization options are more limited, compared to competitors like Capsule. (G2)
Copper CRM’s Google integration is strong, but Capsule CRM stands out with wider integrations, affordable pricing, and customizable features. Capsule gives you the freedom to tailor it to your business without being tied to one platform.
#3 Nimble CRM
Designed for small teams, Nimble CRM combines customer data, email, and social media in one place. It’s suitable for businesses that want to strengthen relationships while keeping everything accessible.
Nimble CRM features
- Social media integration: Engage with customers directly through their social platforms while gaining valuable insights.
- Lead management: Keep track of prospects with intuitive sales pipelines that adapt to your business.
- Email marketing automation: Save time with automated outreach and follow-ups tailored to your audience.
- Nimble Prospector: Quickly fill in missing details like emails or phone numbers directly from social sites or web searches.
- Group messaging: Send personalized bulk messages with tracking for opens and clicks.
Nimble CRM pricing
At $29.90 per user per month, Nimble includes 25,000 contact records, 2 GB of storage per user, and integrations with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. Additional contacts or storage upgrades cost $10/month each.
Nimble CRM cons
- Limited storage: The 2 GB cap can be restrictive for teams handling larger datasets. (G2)
- Add-on complexity: Managing extra costs for credits or upgrades can become tedious.
- Integration gaps: Nimble's integration options may be too limited for larger tech stacks. (G2)
Nimble suits social-heavy workflows, but Capsule CRM’s flexibility and integrations offer a more comprehensive solution for growing businesses.
#4 Salesflare CRM
Salesflare CRM reduces admin work with automation that collects contact data from your communication. Its visual pipeline and mobile access are built for sales teams prioritizing efficiency.
Salesflare CRM features
- Automated data entry: Updates contact records by pulling details from emails, meetings, and calls.
- Contact and company management: Tracks interactions in a centralized database for better visibility.
- Visual sales pipeline: Offers a clear view of deals and their stages for improved prioritization.
- Email tracking and automation: Monitors email activity and helps schedule follow-ups with templates.
- Integrations: Connects with over 400 apps, including Google Workspace, Slack, and Trello.
Salesflare CRM pricing
- Growth Plan ($35/user/month): Includes automated data input, email tracking, 25 email-finding credits, and mobile access.
- Pro Plan ($55/user/month): Adds custom dashboards, advanced workflows, and 500 email-finding credits.
- Enterprise Plan ($99/user/month): Features unlimited email-finding credits, custom onboarding, and a dedicated account manager.
Salesflare CRM cons
- Limited bulk editing options: Editing multiple entries simultaneously can feel restrictive. (Capterra)
- Price concerns: Small businesses may have trouble affording Salesflare. (Capterra)
- Integration gaps: Relies heavily on Zapier for integrations. (Capterra)
Salesflare’s automation is useful, but Capsule CRM stands out with integrations that go beyond basic needs, pricing built for small teams, and workflows you can truly make your own. Capsule adapts where Salesflare feels limited.
#5 Nutshell CRM
Nutshell CRM is made for teams tired of over-complicated systems. It offers just the right balance of automation, email tools, and reporting to help growing businesses take control of their sales pipelines and build relationships.
Nutshell CRM features
- Unlimited contacts and storage: Keep all your data organized without worrying about space limitations.
- Customizable sales pipelines: Tailor pipelines to fit your business.
- Email and calendar sync: Schedule meetings easily and follow up on tasks.
- Sales automation: Automate repetitive tasks like follow-ups and reminders.
- Activity reporting: Monitor and improve team performance.
Nutshell CRM pricing
- Foundation Plan ($19/user/month): Includes unlimited storage, contacts, and a single customizable pipeline with basic reporting.
- Growth Plan ($32/user/month): Adds activity and email reports, sales quotas, and up to 25 custom fields.
- Pro Plan ($49/user/month): Features advanced reporting, multiple pipelines, and personal email sequences.
- Business Plan ($67/user/month): Expands with AI-powered note-taking and enhanced customization options.
- Enterprise Plan ($89/user/month): Offers unlimited pipelines, custom fields, and dedicated support.
Nutshell CRM cons
- Limited third-party integrations: Mostly uses Zapier to connect to other tools. (G2)
- High cost at upper tiers: Advanced features come at a premium, which might not suit smaller teams. (G2)
- No free plan: Startups would benefit from a free plan.
Nutshell offers simplicity, but Capsule CRM excels with wider integrations, a more adaptable free plan, and stronger support for small and medium-sized businesses. Capsule grows with you, offering value that’s hard to beat.
Tired of working around your CRM? Here’s a smarter solution
Don’t let your CRM limit your potential. Capsule CRM offers small and medium-sized businesses the tools they need to grow without the headaches of rigid systems. From effortless integrations to intuitive workflows, Capsule adapts as you do.
Try Capsule CRM for free and see how it supports your success.
