17 Best Open Source CRM Software Reviewed In 2024
Best Open Source CRM Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 17 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
With so many different open source CRM software options available, figuring out which is right for you is tough. You want to manage customer relationships better, but need to figure out which tool is the best fit.
Using my extensive experience in digital software, I tested and reviewed several of the top open source CRM software on the market to help teams locate their ideal solution. From there, I compiled my insights into in-depth reviews, making sure that companies not only find a CRM software that meets their individual needs, but also drives operational success.
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Best Open Source CRM Software Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Vtiger | From $12/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| YetiForce | Free download available | Website |
| SuiteCRM | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Odoo CRM | From $24/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| X2CRM | Pricing upon request | Website |
| phpList | From $1/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Twenty | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Axelor CRM | Free download + demo available | Website |
| Espo CRM | Free download available | Website |
| CiviCRM | Free download available | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow to Choose an Open Source CRM Software
As you work through your own unique software selection process, keep the following points in mind:
- Customization Capabilities: Open source CRM software often allows for extensive customization, which is valuable for businesses with unique workflows or industry-specific requirements. For example, a healthcare provider might need to integrate patient management features, while a retail business might focus on inventory and sales tracking.
- Cost Efficiency: One of the primary advantages of open source CRM is the potential for reduced costs. This is particularly relevant for startups or small businesses that need strong CRM functionalities without the high price tag of proprietary software.
- Community Support: Open source CRM solutions typically have active user communities that contribute to software improvements and provide support. This can be a significant advantage for companies that prefer collaborative problem-solving and continuous updates.
- Data Ownership: With open source CRM software, businesses have full control over their data, which is essential for industries with strict data privacy regulations, such as finance or healthcare. This ensures that sensitive customer information is managed in compliance with legal standards, reducing the risk of data breaches.
- Scalability: Open source CRM software can be scaled to meet the growing needs of a business. This is particularly important for companies anticipating rapid growth or seasonal fluctuations in customer interactions. For instance, a growing SaaS company can start with basic CRM features and gradually add more complex functionalities as their customer base expands.
Best Open Source CRM Software Reviews
This section provides an in-depth analysis and overview of various open source CRM software. Below, I will walk through the pros and cons of each tool, their features, and their best use cases.
Vtiger is an open source CRM software that integrates AI to enhance customer relationship management. Its advanced AI features like Calculus AI provide predictive insights and automation capabilities.
Why I picked Vtiger: Vtiger’s strong AI capabilities help to set it apart from other CRM tools. Using AI, the software can provide predictive insights and chatbot functionalities to help teams enhance decision-making processes and improve productivity. As a result, Vtiger is a powerful tool for businesses looking to leverage advanced analytics and automation.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include sales automation, pipeline management, and AI-driven analytics. Its standout features include Calculus AI for predictive insights, a low-code platform called VTAP, and extensive communication and collaboration tools.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Xero, Shopify, WooCommerce, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Low-code platform
- Extensive integrations
- Advanced AI features
Cons:
- Potential performance issues with larger data sets
- Limited mobile app functionality
YetiForce is a Polish CRM/ERP system that offers advanced implementation and technical and business support services. It includes over 80 modules that allow for unlimited expandability and customization.
Why I picked YetiForce: YetiForce is known for its extensive customization capabilities, which stand out in the open-source CRM market. Its ability to be tailored to specific business needs makes it unique compared to other CRM tools. As such, the software offers a wide range of modules and features that can be adapted to various business processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced implementation services, technical and business support, and a marketplace for cloud services and addons. The software also boasts over 80 modules for customization, making it highly adaptable to different business needs.
Integrations include Trello, Slack, Redmine, Asana, Jira, Roundcube, GitHub, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Twitter.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong support team
- Extensive module library
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- Requires technical expertise
- Limited documentation
SuiteCRM is an open source CRM software that offers a 360-degree view of customers and businesses. Its open source flexibility allows extensive customization to meet bespoke business needs.
Why I picked SuiteCRM: SuiteCRM’s unparalleled flexibility makes it a top software option among organizations. Unlike other CRM solutions, SuiteCRM offers the freedom to modify and distribute the software, making it highly adaptable. Additionally, its open REST API and extensive range of plugins help to enable integration with various business systems.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include sales pipeline management, workflow automation, and customer self-service portals.
Integrations include Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird, Google Calendar, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Xero, Joomla, WordPress, Drupal, and Magento.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong community support
- Extensive plugin support
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- Limited out-of-the-box features
- Complex setup
Odoo CRM is an open source customer-centric software designed to help sales teams track leads, forecast accurately, and focus on closing opportunities. It excels in AI lead scoring and automation, ensuring sales teams prioritize the most promising leads and automate repetitive tasks.
Why I picked Odoo CRM: Odoo CRM offers users strong AI lead scoring and automation capabilities, which help to set it apart from other CRM tools. This AI-driven approach ensures that sales teams can focus on high-priority leads, making Odoo CRM one of the best choices for businesses looking to optimize their lead management processes. Additionally, the software provides extensive customization options, allowing businesses to tailor the platform to their specific needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include AI lead scoring, automated lead creation, team assignment, and scheduled activities. It also provides a Kanban view for efficient organization, real-time sales metrics, and communication through integrated email, live chat, SMS, and VoIP.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, Slack, Trello, Dropbox, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time sales metrics
- Extensive automation
- AI lead scoring
Cons:
- Requires customization
- Higher starting price
X2CRM is an open-source CRM solution designed to enhance business operations and customer interactions. It excels in marketing automation with features like drip campaign builder and web visitor tracking.
Why I picked X2CRM: X2CRM provides in-depth marketing automation capabilities, which sets it apart from other CRM tools. Its ability to automate and track marketing campaigns makes it ideal for businesses looking to enhance their marketing efforts. Additionally, the software’s open-source nature provides flexibility for developers to extend its functionalities and integrate with other systems.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include contact management, sales automation, workflow automation, email marketing, mobile apps, quotes creation, task management dashboards, reporting and analytics, and a social activity stream.
Integrations include tools like AWS, Google Analytics, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Zapier, Twilio, Slack, Dropbox, PayPal, and Stripe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile accessibility
- Comprehensive marketing automation
- Open-source
Cons:
- Complex for beginners
- Limited third-party integrations
phpList is an open source email marketing platform. It excels in open source email marketing due to its strong deliverability features, including DKIM, SPF, SSL, and IP pool management.
Why I picked phpList: phpList offers a specialized focus on email marketing within the open source ecosystem. Its deliverability features, such as automatic throttle calibration and abuse complaint management, make it stand out from other email marketing tools. Additionally, the software offers advanced technical configurations for secure authentication and delivery.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include DKIM, SPF, SSL, IP pool management, bounce automation, and abuse complaint management. It also provides real-time data tracking and segmentation for targeted campaigns.
Integrations include WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Magento, PrestaShop, WooCommerce, Shopify, Zapier, Google Analytics, and Mailgun.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time data tracking
- Flexible pricing
- Superior deliverability
Cons:
- No built-in AI tools
- Requires technical setup
Twenty is an open source CRM software that integrates various communication tools and project management features, making it easier for teams to work together efficiently.
Why I picked Twenty: Twenty comes with next-level features that facilitate team collaboration and communication among teams within an organization. Unlike other CRM tools, Twenty stands out with its integrated communication channels and project management capabilities, making it ideal for teams that need to stay connected and organized.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time messaging, video conferencing, task management, and file sharing.
Integrations include Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Zoom, Trello, Asana, Dropbox, OneDrive, GitHub, and Jira.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Task management
- Video conferencing
- Real-time messaging
Cons:
- Potential integration challenges
- Limited customization
Axelor CRM is an open-source CRM software that offers an advanced solution for managing sales, prospecting, and marketing. It allows businesses to tailor the software to their specific needs without extensive coding knowledge.
Why I picked Axelor CRM: Axelor CRM provides users with unique low-code customization capabilities, which sets it apart from other CRM solutions. This feature allows businesses to tailor the software to their specific needs without extensive coding knowledge. As a result, Axelor CRM offers a flexible and adaptable platform that can be easily modified to fit various business processes and requirements.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include contact management, lead management, opportunity management, quote management, event management, and marketing campaign management.
Integrations include Gmail, Google Workspace, Outlook, Office 365, Brevo, Docusign, and Axelor Connect.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of integrations
- Comprehensive feature set
- Low-code customization
Cons:
- Initial setup complexity
- Limited free support
Espo CRM is a free, open-source CRM software that helps businesses manage customer relationships.
Why I picked Espo CRM: Espo CRM comes with a strong feature set and the ability to self-host without any cost, making it ideal for businesses looking to manage customer relationships without incurring additional expenses. Its extensive customization options and support for various industries allow businesses to tailor the solution to their specific needs, boosting engagement and intuitiveness.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include sales automation, calendar management, email integration, social activity tracking, customer support, document management, sales and purchases, telephony integration, and analytics.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar, Mailchimp, VoIP systems, Google Contacts, Outlook Contacts, and LDAP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multi-industry support
- Extensive customization
- Manages sales and purchasing processes
Cons:
- Limited native integrations
- Requires technical setup
CiviCRM is an open source constituent relationship management software designed for non-profits, NGOs, and advocacy organizations. It offers specialized features like donor management, event registration, and membership tracking, which are valuable for these organizations.
Why I picked CiviCRM: CiviCRM stands out in the non-profit sector with its strong feature set tailored specifically for NGOs and advocacy groups. Its ability to handle large volumes of donations, event participants, and contacts makes it indispensable for non-profit organizations. The software also provides advanced tools for managing donor relationships, organizing events, and tracking memberships.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include contact management, contributions, events, memberships, email marketing, and customizable reports.
Integrations include WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, Backdrop, Mailchimp, Stripe, PayPal, QuickBooks, Google Analytics, and Eventbrite.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong community support
- Extensive customization
- Tailored for non-profits
Cons:
- Requires technical expertise
- Limited commercial support
Other Open Source CRM Software
Below is a list of additional open source CRM software that I shortlisted. While they didn’t make the top 10, they’re still valuable and worth further research.
- Krayin
For enhanced productivity
- OroCommerce CRM
For B2B customer insights
- CRM Creatio
For 360-degree customer views
- Attio
For customizable workflows
- Bitrix24
For team collaboration tools
- Copper
For Google Workspace integration
- Pipeline
For sales pipeline management
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Open Source CRM Software Selection Criteria
The criteria for choosing an open source CRM software should directly address buyer needs and common pain points, ensuring that the software serves its intended purpose effectively. As an expert who has personally tried and researched these tools, here are the requirements I use when evaluating software:
Core Functionality: 25% of total weighting score
- Contact Management
- Sales Automation
- Customer Support
- Reporting and Analytics
- Integration Capabilities
Additional Standout Features: 25% of total weighting score
- Customizable Dashboards
- AI-Powered Insights
- Mobile Accessibility
- Workflow Automation
- Social Media Integration
Usability: 10% of total weighting score
- Intuitive Interface
- Drag-and-Drop Functionality
- Customizable Views
- User-Friendly Navigation
- Minimal Learning Curve
Onboarding: 10% of total weighting score
- Availability of Training Videos
- Interactive Product Tours
- Chatbots for Assistance
- Webinars for In-Depth Learning
- Pre-Built Templates
Customer Support: 10% of total weighting score
- 24/7 Availability
- Multi-Channel Support (Email, Phone, Chat)
- Dedicated Account Managers
- Comprehensive Knowledge Base
- Fast Response Times
Value For Money: 10% of total weighting score
- Competitive Pricing
- Transparent Cost Structure
- Flexible Subscription Plans
- Free Trial Availability
- Cost-Benefit Analysis
Customer Reviews: 10% of total weighting score
- Overall Satisfaction Ratings
- Feedback on Usability
- Comments on Customer Support
- Insights on Feature Effectiveness
- User Experience Narratives
Trends for Open Source CRM Software
Here are some trends I’ve noticed for open source CRM software, plus what they might mean for the future. I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs to tease out the most important insights.
- AI-Powered Automation: AI is being integrated into open source CRM tools to automate repetitive tasks. This is important because it allows teams to focus on strategic activities, effectively reducing manual effort and increasing efficiency.
- Enhanced Data Privacy: Open source CRM platforms are prioritizing data privacy features. This is vital as data regulations become stricter and users gain more control over their data, ensuring compliance and trust.
- Customizable User Interfaces: Developers are focusing on creating highly customizable user interfaces. This allows businesses to tailor the CRM to their specific needs, ultimately enhancing user experience and adoption rates.
- Integration with IoT Devices: Open source CRMs are starting to integrate with IoT devices. This provides real-time data and insights from connected devices, which is significant for industries relying on IoT for operational efficiency.
- Community-Driven Development: The open source community is playing a larger role in CRM development. This leads to faster innovation and more diverse features, ensuring the software evolves to meet a wide range of user needs.
As more companies recognize the cost-effectiveness and collaborative benefits of open source platforms, the demand for strong, community-driven CRM systems continues to rise. By staying on top of these trends, companies can efficiently gain control over processes while maintaining a competitive advantage.
What is Open Source CRM Software?
An open source CRM software is a customer relationship management tool whose source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. Businesses, developers, and IT professionals commonly use it to manage customer interactions, sales processes, and data analytics.
The primary components of open source CRM software include contact management, sales automation, customer support, and reporting tools. These elements help users track customer interactions, automate sales tasks, provide customer service, and generate insights from data.
Features of Open Source CRM Software
When choosing open source CRM software, it's important to understand the key features that can help your business manage customer relationships effectively. Here are the most important features to look for:
- Customization: The ability to tailor the software to fit your specific business needs is important as it ensures that the CRM aligns with your processes and workflows.
- Integration: The software should integrate with other tools and systems you use. This allows for a unified approach to managing customer data and streamlines operations.
- Scalability: Scalability ensures that the software can handle an increasing amount of data and users. As your business grows, the CRM should be able to grow with you.
- User-Friendly Interface: A simple and intuitive interface is essential, as it makes it easier for your team to adopt and use the software effectively.
- Reporting and Analytics: The ability to generate detailed reports and analyze data is important. This feature helps you make informed decisions based on customer insights.
- Automation: Automating repetitive tasks saves time and reduces errors, helping your team focus on more strategic activities.
- Security: Protecting customer data is a top priority. A software with strong security features ensures that sensitive information is kept safe and locked behind several firewalls.
- Mobile Access: Accessing the CRM from mobile devices is important for teams on the go. With mobile access, your team can work from anywhere, increasing productivity and overall engagement.
- Community Support: Open source software often has a strong community of users and developers to help provide valuable resources and assistance when necessary.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Open source CRM software is usually more affordable than proprietary options, allowing you to allocate resources to other areas of your business.
Choosing the right open source CRM software with these features can significantly improve how you manage customer relationships and drive business success. By keeping these features in mind, you can find a solution that improves operations while boosting team collaboration, all within budget.
Benefits of Open Source CRM Software
Unlike proprietary CRM solutions, open source CRM software provides greater flexibility, cost savings, and customization options. But these aren’t the only perks you may experience. Here are some additional benefits you may receive when using an open source CRM software.
- Cost-Effective: Open source CRM software is typically free to use, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of ownership for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Customizability: Users can modify the source code to tailor the CRM system to their specific needs, ensuring that the software aligns perfectly with their business processes and requirements.
- Community Support: Those with open source CRM software often gain access to an active communities of developers and users who contribute to the software's improvement and provide support. This makes it easier to troubleshoot issues and implement new features.
- Integration Capabilities: This type of software can be easily integrated with other business systems and applications, allowing for data flow and improved operational efficiency.
- Transparency and Security: With open source CRM, users have full visibility into the software's code, which enhances security by allowing for thorough code reviews and quick identification of vulnerabilities.
Open source CRM software provides a versatile and cost-effective solution for businesses looking to enhance their customer relationship management capabilities. By leveraging the benefits of customizability, community support, integration capabilities, and transparency, organizations can create a CRM system that is perfectly suited to their needs.
Costs & Pricing of Open Source CRM Software
Open source CRM software provides the flexibility to tailor the software to specific business needs without the high costs associated with proprietary software. While most open source CRMs are free to download, some providers do offer paid plans for added features and benefits.
Below, we explore various open source CRM options, their pricing plans, and the features they offer.
Plan Comparison Table for Open Source CRM Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic CRM functionalities, limited users, contact management, and email integration |
| Entry-Level | $10 - $25 per user/month | Enhanced contact management, basic automation, reporting, and analytics |
| Mid-Tier | $25 - $50 per user/month | Advanced automation, multiple pipelines, AI insights, and custom dashboards |
| High-Tier | $50 - $100+ per user/month | Full customization, advanced analytics, unlimited users, and premium support |
When choosing an open source CRM plan, consider the size of your business, the level of customization required, and your budget. In doing so, you can make sure you pick the right CRM for your business while keeping within your current finances.
Open Source CRM Software FAQs
Is open source CRM software secure?
The security of open source CRM software depends on several factors:
- Community and Developer Activity: Active communities and developers frequently update the software to patch vulnerabilities.
- Code Transparency: The open nature of the code allows for thorough inspection and identification of security issues.
- User Responsibility: Users must ensure they are using the latest versions and applying security patches promptly. Additionally, proper configuration and security practices are essential to maintain a secure environment.
Can open source CRM software be integrated with other business tools?
Yes, open source CRM software can often be integrated with other business tools. Many open source CRM solutions offer APIs and plugins that facilitate integration with various applications such as email marketing tools, accounting software, e-commerce platforms, and more. This flexibility allows businesses to create a cohesive ecosystem of tools that work together efficiently.
What kind of support is available for open source CRM software?
Support for open source CRM software typically comes from the following sources:
- Community Forums: Many open source CRM projects have active forums where users can ask questions and share solutions.
- Documentation: Comprehensive documentation is often available to help users understand and utilize the software.
- Professional Support: Some open source CRM providers offer paid support services for businesses that require more reliable and dedicated assistance.
- Third-Party Consultants: Businesses can also hire third-party consultants who specialize in open source CRM systems for implementation and support.
Is open source CRM software suitable for small businesses?
Yes, it’s often ideal for small businesses due to its low cost and flexibility. Small businesses can customize it to meet specific needs.
Can open source CRM software support large enterprises?
Yes, some open source CRM solutions are robust enough to support large enterprises. They offer scalability and advanced features to meet the needs of larger organizations.
What is the difference between open source CRM and proprietary CRM?
Open source CRM offers access to the source code and flexibility for customization, while proprietary CRM is closed-source and typically requires paid licenses. Proprietary CRMs often come with dedicated support and regular updates.
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