Best SaaS CRM for Small Business on a Budget

Highlight

The best CRMs for small businesses on a budget strike the right balance between affordability and functionality.
Small businesses need cost-effective CRM platforms that provide essential features like contact management, sales pipeline tracking, and reporting.
Small business teams often lack the time or resources for extensive training, so they need SaaS CRM with intuitive design — ensures quick adoption without heavy training.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems have become essential for businesses to effectively manage customer interactions, streamline workflows, and drive growth.

For small businesses, a CRM can be a game-changer, enabling them to build stronger customer relationships and boost overall efficiency. Despite the potential benefits, only 26% of small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have integrated a CRM into their tech stack.

The gap is significant—businesses that use CRM report substantial advantages, with 83% experiencing a positive return on investment, 61% seeing improved customer retention, and 86% achieving their business goals more effectively.

This guide will explore the best saas CRM for small business designed specifically to meet their unique needs.

1. Mekari Qontak

Mekari Qontak stands out by offering enterprise-level CRM capabilities in a package that’s both powerful and accessible. Whether you’re managing sales, marketing, or customer service, its comprehensive feature set helps businesses build stronger customer relationships while improving operational efficiency.

What sets Mekari Qontak apart is its perfect balance of sophisticated functionality and user-friendly design, all backed by professional support and security you can trust.

Key advantages:

Cloud based: Zero installation, maintenance, or development costs. You can access your CRM anywhere, anytime
Enterprise-grade security: ISO 27001 certified, international security standards compliance
Comprehensive customer support: Consultation services, implementation guidance and after-sales support
User-friendly design: Intuitive interface, streamlined user experience
Integration capabilities: Flexible API support, seamless integration with existing tools
Community support: Access to professional networking, active practitioner community in Indonesia

Core features:

1. Sales pipeline

Efficient prospect management and prioritization
Sales funnel optimization
Customer interaction tracking
Comprehensive sales analytics
Enhanced team collaboration

2. Marketing segmentation

Precision targeting capabilities
Campaign ROI tracking
Personalized marketing campaigns
Advanced lead scoring
Seamless marketing-to-sales handoff

3. Customer service

Swift, accurate service delivery
End-to-end request tracking
Effective complaint management
Personalized customer care
Detailed interaction history

4. Cross-departmental efficiency

Streamlined business processes
Data-driven decision making
Enhanced interdepartmental collaboration
Scalable solutions
Cost-effective operations

2. Vtiger

Vtiger stands out as one of the best SaaS CRM for small business.

It effectively combines essential business tools in one platform – from contact and deal management to inventory control, marketing campaigns, and customer support. Despite its comprehensive feature set, the interface remains clean and navigable, with an intuitive menu system for efficient navigation between functions.

Key advantages:

Highly customizable modules to match your business processes
Flexible two-tier pricing structure based on user access requirements
Seamless integration across features (deals can be converted to projects instantly)

Consider this:

Initial learning period required to maximize platform benefits

Notable features:

Streamlined contact creation process
Clear visual sales pipeline for effective deal management
Integrated help desk with live chat and knowledge base options
Customizable email marketing system with personalization
Comprehensive project management tools
Practical inventory tracking system

3. Flowlu

Flowlu distinguishes itself as a versatile business management platform that effectively combines CRM functionality with robust project management features.

The platform presents a modern, intuitive interface complemented by a structured onboarding process, making it particularly suitable for businesses seeking to integrate sales operations with project execution, financial management, and team collaboration.

Key advantages:

Integrated financial management with invoicing capabilities
Optimized for Agile methodology implementation
Cost-effective for teams of eight or more

Consider this:

Sales reporting functionality could be more comprehensive

Notable features:

Dynamic dashboard with comprehensive activity feeds and team updates
Streamlined sales tools with automated pipeline management
Versatile project management supporting both Waterfall and Agile approaches
Centralized information system for enhanced team coordination

4. Capsule

Capsule delivers a balanced combination of CRM capabilities and project management tools, prioritizing user experience through its thoughtfully designed interface.

The platform’s dashboard effectively manages information flow, preventing the common challenge of task overload while maintaining productivity.

Key advantages:

Exceptional task visibility across teams
Clean, user-friendly interface design

Consider this:

Support limited to ticket-based system

Notable features:

Versatile project views (Calendar, Kanban, List) for flexible task management
Comprehensive dashboard combining daily tasks and team activities
Detailed productivity analytics and pipeline tracking
Clear task prioritization and assignment
Streamlined file management and collaboration
Insightful performance tracking and team productivity monitoring

5. Freshsales

Freshsales stands out as one of the best SaaS CRM for small business, by balancing sophisticated functionality with user accessibility, offering an intuitive CRM solution that doesn’t compromise on features.

The platform’s thoughtful design ensures users can harness powerful tools without facing overwhelming complexity.

Key advantages:

Seamless integration with Freshworks ecosystem
Advanced AI capabilities (Freddy) for intelligent business insights

Consider this:

Occasional performance fluctuations

Notable features:

Guided onboarding with contextual help resources
AI-powered assistant (Freddy) providing: Lead prioritization, smart follow-up recommendations, automated customer support capabilities
Comprehensive business tools including document management and product tracking
Direct phone support available across service tiers
Expandable functionality through Freshworks ecosystem

6. folk

folk distinguishes itself by taking a refreshingly human approach to contact management and relationship building. Rather than focusing on complex analytics, the platform prioritizes meaningful connections and personalized communication at scale.

Key advantages:

Adaptable pipeline management for diverse relationships
AI-enhanced personalization capabilities
Chrome extension for major platform integration

Consider this:

Desktop-only platform currently

Notable features:

Intuitive Notion-like interface for seamless contact management
Versatile relationship tracking across different stakeholder groups
Smart email personalization with dynamic field integration
Automated contact enrichment for comprehensive profiles
50+ ready-to-use relationship management templates
Browser extension supporting major platforms (Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Gmail)

7. Kommo

Kommo revolutionizes customer communication by integrating multiple messaging platforms into a unified CRM system.

The platform excels in connecting businesses with clients across their preferred communication channels, from traditional methods to modern messaging apps.

Key advantages:

Multi-platform messaging integration
Intelligent conversation automation with AI
Comprehensive pipeline customization

Consider this:

Basic task management functionality

Notable features:

Unified messaging hub integrating major platforms: Meta ecosystem (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), popular messaging apps (Viber, Telegram, WeChat), business communication tools (Slack, SMS)
Advanced communication tools: Broadcast messaging with performance tracking, automated response system (Salesbots), keyword-triggered actions, real-time conversation monitoring
Analytics dashboard focusing on: Response time metrics, conversation engagement, sales performance analysis

8. Salesmate

Salesmate is considered as one of the best SaaS CRM for small business, differentiates itself through comprehensive communication integration, focusing on seamless phone and SMS capabilities alongside traditional email management.

The platform transforms standard CRM functionality into an intuitive communication hub.

Key advantages:

Built-in AI assistant for enhanced productivity
Flexible interface customization
Integrated communication tools

Consider this:

Call pricing could be more competitive

Notable features:

Team inbox for collaborative email management
Integrated phone system with instant contact access
SMS integration with automatic activity logging
Smart caller identification with instant contact display
Intuitive onboarding process
Context-sensitive tutorials
Adaptable screen layouts
Pipeline-integrated calling features

9. NetHunt

NetHunt reimagines CRM functionality by integrating directly into Gmail’s ecosystem while maintaining a standalone platform for comprehensive business management. This dual approach offers unique flexibility in how users interact with their CRM tools.

Key advantages:

LinkedIn integration capabilities
Multi-channel messaging support (WhatsApp, Telegram)
Seamless Gmail integration

Consider this:

Significant price increments between subscription tiers

Notable features:

Gmail-centric design: Native Gmail interface integration, browser extension for enhanced functionality, familiar user experience
Business tools: Deal tracking and contact management, email campaign orchestration, automated workflow creation, basic performance analytics, Looker Studio integration for advanced reporting

10. Keap

Keap is a user-friendly sales and marketing CRM designed for small businesses looking to simplify and streamline their processes. Keapcaptures and organizes valuable lead information, helping you qualify and assess potential clients efficiently.

Key advantages:

Purpose-built for small businesses with user-friendly interface
Built-in payment processing system
Comprehensive automation features
Easy customization options

Consider this:

Limited messaging capabilities for team communication
May need supplementary phone system for larger teams

Notable features:

Contact management: Lead information capture and organization, customer segmentation tools, B2B management capabilities
Email integration: Google and Outlook sync, marketing automation tools, pre-built email templates
Business tools: Internal forms, built-in payment processing, automated appointment reminders, task management system
Integration: 2,500+ app connections, seamless cross-platform functionality

11. Pipedrive

Pipedrive is a specialized cloud-based CRM platform engineered specifically for sales teams and pipeline management. The platform stands out for its sales-centric approach, offering comprehensive deal tracking and pipeline visualization tools that help teams optimize their sales processes.

Key advantages:

Web-based accessibility from any browser or mobile device
Activity-based sales focus
Quick installation and activation
AI-powered prioritization suggestions

Consider this:

Feature limitations on basic plan
Learning curve for new users

Notable features:

Sales management: Lead tracking, interaction tracking, lead nurturing
Communication tools: Chat box functionality, live chat, web forms
Organization: Calendar/reminder system, contact database, campaign management
Analytics: Customizable dashboard, activity tracking, performance metrics

Conclusion

Choosing the right CRM system is a critical decision that can significantly impact your small business’s growth and customer relationships.

While there are numerous options available in the market, three factors stand out as essential for small business success: affordability to maintain healthy profit margins, seamless integration capabilities to work with your existing tools, and reliable after-sales support to ensure smooth operations.

Mekari Qontak emerges as a standout solution by delivering on all these crucial aspects. Its competitive pricing structure makes it accessible for small businesses, while its robust integration capabilities ensure it works harmoniously with popular business tools and platforms.

Perhaps most importantly, Mekari Qontak’s dedicated customer support team provides the reliable assistance small businesses need to maximize their CRM investment and maintain uninterrupted operations.

For small businesses looking to enhance their business performance without straining their resources, Mekari integrated SaaS ecosystem offers the ideal balance of functionality, affordability, and support.