Pipedrive Alternatives (2026): 10 Tools Compared

Pipedrive is popular because it's built around a visual sales pipeline, and for many small teams that's all they need. But people look elsewhere for good reasons: they want something simpler, a CRM that fits into the inbox they already use, a way to begin without committing, or software they can host themselves. The choice is wider than most roundups suggest.

This page lists ten alternatives, from small independent CRMs built for owner-run businesses to a couple of larger names. I've deliberately included the smaller tools, because a focused CRM often fits a small team better than a heavy one. I compared each tool's own website and documentation, and the tools are in no particular order, which in practice means alphabetical. For the wider picture, my guide to CRM software for small businesses explains what a CRM should do for you.

Pipedrive alternatives side by side

The free plan column shows what each tool's own site says. Yes means a free plan or free-to-run software, and Trial only means a free trial but no ongoing free plan. Plans change, so check the current plans before you sign up.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Attio	Relationship CRM	Flexible CRM that syncs your email and calendar	Yes
Bigin	Simple small-business CRM	A light pipeline CRM from the Zoho family	Yes
Capsule	Small-business CRM	Contacts, pipelines, tasks and projects in one place	Yes
Close	Sales CRM	Built-in calling, email and text messaging for sales teams	Trial only
Copper	Google Workspace CRM	A CRM that lives alongside Gmail, Calendar and Drive	Trial only
Less Annoying CRM	Simple small-business CRM	Contacts, pipelines and tasks without a long learning curve	Trial only
Nutshell	Sales CRM	A sales CRM with forms, landing pages and email marketing	Trial only
Streak	Gmail CRM	Pipelines that run inside your Gmail inbox	Yes
Twenty	Open-source CRM	A CRM you can run on your own server	Yes
Zoho CRM	Full CRM suite	Leads, deals, workflows and reports from a large vendor	Yes

Ten CRMs to weigh against Pipedrive

Attio

Best for: Small teams who want a modern, flexible CRM that fills itself from email and calendar.

Bigin

Best for: Very small businesses that want a simple pipeline and a starter plan to begin on.

Capsule

Best for: Owners and small teams who want a tidy CRM with contacts, tasks and a sales pipeline.

Close

Best for: Sales teams who spend their day on calls and messages and want it all inside the CRM.

Copper

Best for: Businesses that run on Google Workspace and want the CRM to fit around it.

Less Annoying CRM

Best for: Small businesses that want a straightforward CRM they can learn in an afternoon.

Nutshell

Best for: Small sales teams who want CRM and basic marketing tools in one product.

Streak

Best for: People who live in Gmail and want to track deals without leaving their inbox.

Twenty

Best for: Technical founders who want to own their data and can host their own software.

Zoho CRM

Best for: Businesses that want a broad CRM they can grow into, with a free edition to begin on.

Matching a CRM to how your team sells

Start with how you sell. A one-person consultancy chasing a handful of warm leads doesn't need what a team making cold calls all day needs, and you'll save yourself a lot of faff by admitting which one you are.

• How many people will use it? Some tools suit a single owner, others are built for a team with shared pipelines.
• Where do you work? If you live in your inbox, a CRM that sits inside it saves clicking between windows.
• Pipeline shape: can you rename the stages so they match how your sales really move?
• Calling and messaging: decide whether you need these inside the CRM or are happy using separate apps.
• Marketing tools: check whether forms, landing pages and email are included or need another subscription.
• Your data: can you import your contacts easily and export them again if you leave?

Pipedrive migration: practical queries for every vendor

Switching CRMs means moving live deals, so it's worth asking a few practical questions. They're dull, but they're the ones that stop a Monday-morning surprise of every shortlisted tool.

• Can I import my people, companies and open deals with their history?
• Will my email and calendar connect without a workaround?
• What happens to my automations and reminders?
• How hard is it to add a colleague, or remove one?
• Is there a mobile app, and does it handle quick notes after a call?
• Does the free plan or trial let me run a real pipeline, not just a demo?

If you're also weighing up the bigger names, my comparison of HubSpot and Pipedrive covers that match-up, and my roundup of HubSpot alternatives widens the field. For larger organisations, see my guide to Salesforce alternatives.

Data and import slip-ups when leaving Pipedrive

• Importing messy data and carrying every old problem into the new system.
• Copying every custom field across when half of them were never used.
• Switching in the middle of your busiest sales month.
• Not telling the team which tool is the single source of truth.
• Forgetting to export notes and attachments before cancelling anything.
• Judging a CRM on its feature list instead of whether people open it every day.

The case for a small, focused CRM over Pipedrive

Smaller CRMs are often built around one clear idea, such as staying in your inbox, keeping things simple or letting you own the software. That focus can make them quicker to learn and easier to keep tidy. Before you commit, check that the product is still being updated, that you can export your data, and that someone answers support questions. Run a few real deals through it for a week before you decide.

Do you make a CRM or sales tool? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

Settling on your Pipedrive replacement

Shortlist two tools, import a small batch of real contacts and move a few live deals through each one. Choose the one that feels natural to use, because you'll only keep it up if it's pleasant, fits the way you sell and lets you take your data with you. Then agree a switch date and a single place where everyone logs their sales activity.

Frequently asked questions

Why look for a Pipedrive alternative?

Common reasons are wanting something simpler, a CRM that works inside your inbox, a way to start without committing, or software you can host yourself. Knowing your reason helps you shortlist.

Is there a CRM I can run on my own server?

Yes. Some CRMs are open source, which means technical users can host them themselves. That gives you control of your data but also makes you responsible for setup and updates.

Do I need a CRM that includes email marketing?

Not always. Some CRMs include forms, landing pages and email campaigns, while others focus on sales and expect you to use a separate email tool. Decide which suits how you work.

Can I move my deals from one CRM to another?

Usually yes, through a spreadsheet import or a built-in importer. Check how each tool handles deal history, notes and attachments, and export everything before you cancel.

Are there free CRMs for small businesses?

Some CRMs have a free plan and others offer a free trial. The table shows which, but plans change, so check each site before you decide.