In today’s competitive digital landscape, businesses of all sizes need smart, efficient, and cost-effective solutions to manage customer relationships. A reliable CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system not only helps track leads and sales but also improves collaboration and customer satisfaction.
Recently, Forbes Advisor released its list of the Best CRM Software of 2025, highlighting platforms that combine powerful features with affordable options. At Elitbuzz Technologies Ltd., we believe these tools can significantly empower startups, SMEs, and agencies to streamline their workflows.
Let’s dive into the top CRMs of 2025 according to Forbes.
1. Odoo CRM — Best for Startups and New Teams
Forbes rating: ⭐ 4.9/5
Why Forbes Recommends Odoo:
Odoo stands out with its normal plan offering one app for unlimited users. This makes it an excellent choice for startups and growing teams who want scalability without additional cost.
Key Features:
- Contact and lead management
- Kanban-style pipelines and task boards
- Built-in reporting dashboards
- Calendar and messaging integration
- Easy scalability with additional apps (Sales, Inventory, Accounting, Marketing, etc.)
Elitbuzz Insight: Odoo is not just a CRM—it’s an all-in-one business suite. Perfect for agencies like ours that handle multiple projects and clients simultaneously.
2. Agile CRM — Generous Normal Plan for Small Teams
Forbes rating: ⭐ 4.7/5
Why Forbes Recommends Agile CRM:
Agile CRM offers a robust normal plan that supports 1,000 contacts and 5,000 branded emails per month. It’s designed for small businesses that want marketing automation alongside CRM functions.
Key Features:
- Lead scoring and appointment scheduling
- Marketing automation workflows
- Email tracking and templates
- Customer support ticketing
Elitbuzz Insight: Ideal for small businesses looking for sales + marketing automation in one place.
3. HubSpot CRM — Market Leader for Beginners
Forbes rating: ⭐ 4.0/5
Why Forbes Recommends HubSpot:
HubSpot is one of the most popular CRMs worldwide, and its normal version provides powerful tools for sales, marketing, and service teams.
Key Features:
- Contact and pipeline management
- Email marketing and tracking
- Meeting scheduler
- Live chat and chatbot features
Elitbuzz Insight: HubSpot’s normal tier is beginner-friendly, with a clean interface and great integrations.
4. Freshsales (Freshworks CRM) — Unlimited Users for Teams
Forbes rating: ⭐ 3.9/5
Why Forbes Recommends Freshsales:
Freshsales offers a normal plan with unlimited users, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses that want entire team collaboration without worrying about per-seat licenses.
Key Features:
- Built-in chat and telephony
- Contact and deal management
- Activity timeline tracking
- AI-based lead scoring
Elitbuzz Insight: A smart choice for teams that prioritize communication and customer engagement.
5. Zoho CRM — Best for Customization
Forbes rating: ⭐ 3.8/5
Why Forbes Recommends Zoho CRM:
Zoho’s normal plan supports up to three users and provides excellent flexibility for businesses that want customizable workflows.
Key Features:
- Lead and contact management
- Workflow automation
- Custom dashboards
- Social media integrations
Elitbuzz Insight: Perfect for small teams that need flexibility and growth-friendly features.
Other Forbes-Featured CRMs Worth Exploring
Alongside the big names above, Forbes also highlighted other CRM options like monday CRM, Flowlu, EspoCRM, Raynet, and eWay—each with unique strengths depending on business needs.
According to Forbes Advisor’s Best CRM Software of 2025, platforms like Odoo, Agile CRM, Freshsales, HubSpot, and Zoho CRM provide incredible value with their normal plans.
For Elitbuzz Technologies Ltd., we see Odoo CRM as the standout choice because of its scalability, unlimited users, and all-in-one ecosystem. Whether you’re a startup, SME, or agency, Odoo provides the flexibility to grow seamlessly while keeping your costs under control.
👉 Ready to explore how the right CRM can transform your business? Contact Elitbuzz Technologies Ltd. today for consultation and implementation support.