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Which CRM is right for you?
Seven quick questions, then a straight answer with the reasons. It compares SmartContact, HubSpot, Pipedrive, Capsule and Zoho CRM, the CRMs UK small businesses ask us about most.
We make SmartContact, so we've kept this fair: the facts about other CRMs come from their own pricing pages (checked 25 October 2026), and when two CRMs tie, the one first in the alphabet wins, not us.
Your best fit
How the others scored
The facts behind the quiz
Each CRM's free plan and cheapest paid plan, as stated on its own pricing page on 25 October 2026. Prices change, so check the vendor's page before you buy.
| CRM | Free plan | Cheapest paid plan | Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| SmartContact | Basic: free forever for up to 2 users and 500 companies | Standard: £10 per user per month, or £100 per user per year, excluding VAT | Your first workspace gets Standard free for 30 days, no card |
| HubSpot | Free for up to 2 users | Sales Hub Starter, priced per seat in US dollars | Free plan; paid plans bought directly |
| Pipedrive | No free plan | Lite, £14 per seat per month billed annually (£168 per seat per year) | 14-day free trial |
| Capsule | Free for up to 2 users and 250 contacts | Starter, £14 per user per month billed annually | 14-day free trial, no card |
| Zoho CRM | Free edition for up to 3 users | Standard edition, priced per user per month (see Zoho's page for your currency) | Free edition; paid editions on monthly or annual contracts |
Moving from one of these? See HubSpot alternative, Pipedrive alternative, Capsule alternative, Zoho CRM alternative.
How to choose a CRM
- Start with how you sell. If you look after companies and relationships, pick a CRM built around companies and contacts. If you push a high volume of one-off deals, pick one built around the pipeline.
- Count the real cost. Price per user times the team you'll have next year, plus the add-ons you'll need. A cheap entry plan can cost more once lead capture, email or reports are extras.
- Check it works with your email. The CRM your team uses is the one that logs emails and meetings without extra typing.
- Make sure you can leave. You should be able to export your data at any time, in a format another CRM can import.
- Try it with real data. Import a few hundred real contacts and run a week of calls and follow-ups before you decide.
Try SmartContact free
A simple CRM for UK teams: companies, contacts, calls, tasks and pipeline in one place, hosted in London. Free for up to 2 users, and switching is free: we move your data for you.