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10 Best CRM Software for Freelancers to Use in 2025

Being a freelancer often involves handling multiple clients, projects, and deadlines—which can become too much to handle. You play multiple roles—from the creative problem solver to project manager, and even accountant.

Best CRM for Freelancers

To streamline your work and stay organized, finding the best CRM for freelancers is crucial.

A CRM is a lifesaver for freelancers, keeping all organized, reducing communication complexity, and fostering productive relationships with clients. With so many options available, how do you choose the best CRM as a freelancer?

Here at Expaat, we understand how important it is to maximize work efficiency among freelancers. We connect successful freelancers with great projects and equip them with tools for success.

Here we will cover the top 10 CRM software for freelancers, including the best free CRM, to help you find the right one for your business.

You Can Also Check Out: 10 Best Free Project Management Tools for Freelancers

What is a CRM, and Why Do Freelancers Need One?

A CRM is like an ultra-smart assistant that stores all your client relationships, projects, and communications under one roof.

Think of a CRM as your single-stop destination where you can store all your client information, track your interactions, and collaborate with your team (if you have any). 

Think of having a personal assistant who will take care of everything and update it so that you can focus on the most critical aspect - distributing excellent work to your clients.

So, why would freelancers need a CRM? Well, for starters, it keeps you on track and organized. With a CRM, you can:

  • Have all your client contact information in one place

  • Track your interactions and communications

  • Keep several projects and deadlines straight

  • Work with your team (if you have one)

  • Get paid faster with automated invoicing

In a nutshell, a CRM helps you streamline your workflow, improve your relationship with your clients, and build your freelance business.

Read Also - 7 Interview Tips for Freelancers to Help You Land Your Dream Job

10 Best CRM for Freelancers to Use in 2025

2024 gave birth to so many interesting and life-changing tools for freelancers. In 2025, freelancers now have many CRM software to manage client relationships, workflow automation, and productivity. 

But making the right choice by selecting the best to work with can be daunting. 

The best CRM for freelancers is one that is simple to use, yet affordable, and integrates flawlessly with other software applications that they use daily. 

Here, we’ve researched and curated the ten best CRM software for freelancers that serve the unique requirements any freelancer needs:

1. HubSpot CRM


HubSpot CRM was found to be easy, handy, and usable. It's still one of the most desirable CRM applications for small and mid-sized companies as it can be accessed with its free version when companies want to begin with it without shelling out lots of money.

Its power lies in the fact that it is straightforward, easy to use, and can easily integrate with numerous marketing, sales, and service applications.

HubSpot will become more powerful with more advanced automation features and improved AI tools, making it a powerful solution for businesses that wish to scale their marketing and sales operations.

Whether you’re using it for email campaigns, sales pipeline management, or customer support, HubSpot makes it easy to track and engage with customers across multiple touchpoints.

2. Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM is an affordable, highly flexible platform that best suits small and medium businesses. It offers a robust set of features including sales automation, marketing, and analytics and robust integration with other Zoho products and third-party applications.

Zoho makes its AI-driven capabilities even more robust with the inclusion of more advanced analytics and automation capabilities within it, making it all the more valuable.

Zoho CRM is so flexible that it enables businesses to customize it according to their requirements, and hence it is the best option for businesses requiring customization at affordable prices in relation to other websites.

Its scalability makes it easy to grow with your business, with a solution that will be beneficial to your evolving needs.

3. Pipedrive 

Pipedrive carved out a niche for itself among CRM players by focusing on pipeline sales management. Its ease enables sales teams to see their process easily, track interactions with prospects, and close deals quicker.

With best-of-breed capabilities such as AI-powered deal suggestions, automated alerts, and insightful analytics, Pipedrive is increasingly becoming an essential tool for sales teams that seek to optimize productivity.

The ease of use and simplicity of the platform mean that even non-technical users will be able to get started quickly. Small and medium-sized companies looking for a solid but not too complicated CRM, Pipedrive is still one of the best out there.

Also Read - 13 Best Freelance Websites to Hire Top Freelancers in Nigeria (2024)

4. Monday.com

 

Monday.com, as an original project management operating system, has evolved to be a general-purpose work operating system with CRM capabilities integrated into it. It is designed to allow teams to manage customer relationships, close follow-ups on leads, and simplify workflows within an easy-to-use and highly intuitive interface. 

Monday.com, by its drag-and-drop functionality and extremely intuitive interface, makes it simple for teams to customize the platform in relation to their own purposes.

The CRM aspect of the platform is extremely robust in managing the sales pipeline, automation, and interdepartmental collaboration without any gaps. Monday.com enables you to track interactions with customers, automate lead-nurturing, and collaborate in real-time with your team.

This flexibility makes it a desirable choice for businesses that need a centralized, easy-to-use solution with the lack of complexity of big, conventional CRM systems. As businesses grow, Monday.com can grow and develop along with them, providing powerful features for customer interaction and internal collaboration in one place.

5. Freshsales

Freshsales is yet another top CRM solution that stands out for its robust set of sales features, including AI-powered lead scoring, email tracking, and pipeline management. Freshsales is made to help organizations maximize their sales productivity through an integrated customer relationship management approach.

It will continue to offer robust capabilities like workflow automation and deep integrations with other Freshworks products, and it will continue to be one of the top options for organizations looking for a CRM solution that simplifies the sales process.

Freshsales is highly customizable in terms of the extent to which a company is able to adapt it to meet their own sales needs. It is highly applicable to business that operate in eCommerce, technology, and SaaS industries, where lead management and sales automation play the biggest role in growth.

6. Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a business management platform that combines CRM and enterprise resource planning (ERP). It is therefore appropriate for companies that require an all-inclusive solution to handle both operational processes and customer relationships.

Microsoft's focus on integrating CRM with other business systems such as finance, HR, and supply chain management sets Dynamics 365 apart. As a cloud-based application, Dynamics 365 offers flexibility, scalability, and AI-driven insights to help businesses make data-driven decisions and deliver customer-facing experiences.

With sales, customer service, and marketing automation combined in one, Dynamics 365 is a great system for large corporations and organizations that need all-in-one software to manage all the operations of their company.

Read Also - 10 Reasons Why Companies Hire Freelancers Today

7. Keap

Keap is a popular CRM among small businesses that offers CRM, marketing automation, and eCommerce capabilities in one solution.

It provides such features as lead management, pipeline tracking, and auto-marketing campaigns and is a great option for entrepreneurs who need an easy-to-use yet powerful system with which to manage customer relationships.

Keap is simple to use, enabling small businesses to automate their business and focus on growing their business.

8. Insightly

Insightly offers CRM and project management in one platform that is best suitable for organizations who have to work on customer relationships and projects as a whole. 

It gives sales automation, pipeline, customer support features and integration features that help make it perform more smoothly. 

Insightly gives report and analytics features that allow the companies to keep track of their performance, working flows, and make intelligent choices to improve the customer relationship.

9. Agile CRM

Agile CRM is an online web application built to enhance the ease of managing small businesses' communications with customers, sales, and marketing. It has contact management, email marketing, lead scoring, and automated activities but with ease-to-use.

What is special in Agile CRM is that it is extremely inexpensive and applicable for a firm with limited funds but which needs to be an agile firm. It also comes with numerous integrations with other applications, so it is easy to extend its functionality.

10. Bitrix24

Bitrix24 offers a complete CRM solution with sales, marketing, and project management. It offers lead management, automated tasks, and email marketing, among others, with team collaboration, and is ideal for businesses that need an end-to-end solution.

Bitrix24 is extremely popular due to its free plan, which has an amazing number of features and tools that would be the perfect option for small businesses starting out with CRM software.

Also Read - How to Get & Retain Clients as a Freelancer in Nigeria

What are the Features to Look for in a Freelancer-Friendly CRM?

In selecting the top CRM for freelancers, certain factors are being considered. The comparison of these tools with some features and ease of use will allow freelancers to make smart decisions that will guide them toward success in a convenient way. Some of the features to consider in top CRM for

  • Contact Management: Organize your client details in place and within reach.

  • Project Management: Monitor the progress of your current projects and milestones.

  • Automation: Automate follow-ups and reminders sending.

  • Analytics: View analytics on customer interactions and sales performance.

  • Integration: Ensure that it is integrated with other software tools that you utilize daily.

Choosing a CRM with these tools allows freelancers to automate their process and manage their client relationships more effectively. A few CRM software also includes mobile applications, which allow freelancers to stay connected with clients and monitor things wherever they are. This can be highly beneficial for those who are constantly on the move or who work remotely, so they never miss an important message or alert.

Also, that clients can be segmented based on different parameters—nature of the project, budget, or communication frequency—can lead to more focused interaction. Not just client satisfaction, but long-term relationships are the result as well, which is essential for freelancers who must build a sustainable business.

Carefully Read Through: How to Market Yourself as a Freelance Writer: 10 Things You Must Do

How Do You Choose the Right CRM from So Many?

With so many options available, the job of selecting the ideal CRM tool can seem overwhelming. However, based on your specific business requirements, you can narrow down the selection.

Knowing Your Business Needs

What do you really require from a CRM tool? Finding that out is the beginning of this exercise.

You would do well to ask yourself some questions such as: Do you require project management capability? How critical is analytics to your action decision?

Understanding your unique business needs allows you to minimize your choices and select the tool that best aligns with your business goals.

Budget Implications of CRM Tools

Freelancers also have varying financial commitments. Budgeting for a CRM tool is thus essential. Opt for those that offer free trials or scalable pricing plans that can expand as your business does.

Also, weigh the value a CRM tool will deliver in the form of time saved and enhanced client relationships.

At times a relatively pricier option can deliver more value if it radically enhances your productivity.

Read Also - 10 Best Invoicing Software For Freelancers in Nigeria (FREE)

Take Your Freelance Career Further With Expaat

At Expaat, we not only wish to place you in great projects but also see you grow professionally by having access to information like this guide to the best CRM software for freelancers—keeping our community ahead in their professional endeavors!

Kickstart your freelancing career and work with top clients today by signing up on Expaat.

By joining Expaat today, you'll be surrounded by a community of high-quality professionals who share knowledge and applaud each other's success stories! Here's how Expaat can elevate your freelancing:

  1. Access Top Talent & Projects: As a part of our community, you get directly connected to high-paying clients who require specialized skills in varied fields such as software development or digital marketing.

  2. Efficient Hiring Process: No longer sift through countless resumes; our site matches clients in a timely and efficient manner.

  3. Global Opportunities: Whether locally or internationally based, our site offers access worldwide—both local and international opportunities

  4. Quality Vetted Professionals: In our site, freelancers are vetted for quality work every time.

  5. Flexibility: Work on long-term or short-term projects depending on your requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Do freelancers require a CRM?

A CRM is highly beneficial for freelancers as it simplifies the workflow, facilitates easier client management, and assists them in growing their business. It is less required, however, for freelancers who have a very small client base.

Can a freelancer utilize a free CRM?

Yes, there are some free CRMs, such as HubSpot CRM and Zoho CRM. There are limitations on the free ones, but they're a good place to begin.

Can I integrate my CRM with other tools and software?

Most CRMs will integrate with other well-known tools and software, such as email providers, project management tools, and social media. Check out the integrations of the CRM before you begin.

How much is freelancer CRM?

CRM can cost anywhere from free to hundreds of dollars per month. You'll be paying $10-$50 per month for a startup CRM plan as a freelancer based on the feature and company.

Will a CRM get me more clients as a freelancer?

A CRM will serve your existing clients but won't get you new ones. But if you automate the work, you'll get more time to market and get new clients.

Conclusion

It is not a difficult job to get the best CRM for freelancers in 2025. There are so many products in the market that the best CRM for freelancers will be based on your requirements and budget.

Whether you need a generic application or a highly rated free CRM for freelancers, there is something for everyone. The problem is to find the most suitable CRM software for freelancers that will save you time and keep you organized. Try a few of them and see which one works best for you.

Finally, the best CRM will have you spending more time growing your freelance business and less time on paperwork.

 

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