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Ranking · CRM Software

Best Contact Management Platforms for Digital Marketing Agencies

6 products scored on six criteria. Salesforce leads at 9.3, with scores running from 8.7 to 9.3. Every product opens to the evidence behind its number.

6 products scored6 criteria57 sources citedUpdated Jul 23, 2026
Jump to the ranking How the scores work
1 Salesforcesalesforce.com

Salesforce leads CRM market share but hides real costs.

Read the reviewVisit ↗
2 Ascend by Wixwix.com

Wix discontinued Ascend as a unified suite in 2023.

Read the reviewVisit ↗
3 ClickUpclickup.com

ClickUp CRM includes a genuine free forever plan

Read the reviewVisit ↗
6Products
8.7 to 9.3Score spread
2Free plan or tier
01

The ranking

Order follows the score. Six little boxes show each product's criterion scores: green or red is above or below the category average, grey means too few products share that criterion to compare. The full review sits right under each one.

Nothing matches that filter here. Tap All to see every product.

1

Salesforce

salesforce.com · Salesforce CRM · scored Dec 2025

Salesforce leads CRM market share but hides real costs.

Best forLarge enterprises needing highly customizable, scalable CRM with big ecosystems.

From $25 per user/mo #1 CRM by IDCAppExchangeEinstein AI
Top score
Visit Salesforce ↗ See the evidence

The world's top CRM platform for sales, service, and marketing, with deep customization and AI features.

Standout factSalesforce has been named the #1 CRM provider by IDC for 12 straight years.salesforce.com
Biggest catchExtra data storage can cost around $125 per month per 500MB block.salesforcenegotiations.com
20.7%CRM market sharebizsugar.com
6,000+AppExchange appsappexchange.salesforce.com

By the numbers

20.7%CRM market share, 2024
6,000+AppExchange apps
91%customers using an AppExchange app

Source: appexchange.salesforce.com

What changed

$125/mocost per extra 500MB storage block

Source: salesforcenegotiations.com

Upside

  • Named #1 CRM provider by IDC
  • AppExchange offers over 6,000 apps
  • Deep Einstein AI and Agentforce automation

Catch

  • Hidden storage and support costs add up
  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • Premium support can cost 20 to 30% extra
Pick it ifLarge enterprises needing highly customizable, scalable CRM with big ecosystems.
Skip it ifSmall businesses lacking budget or dedicated technical administrators.
PricingFrom $25/user/month, with added costs for storage and premium support

Editor's takeSalesforce held a 20.7 percent CRM market share in 2024, more than any competitor, according to IDC data. Its AppExchange marketplace lists more than 6,000 apps, and 91 percent of customers use at least one. Extra data storage and premium support plans can add significant costs beyond the list price.

How much does Salesforce CRM cost?

Plans start at $25 per user per month, with higher tiers for advanced features. Extra data storage costs around $125 per month per 500MB block, and premium support can add 20 to 30 percent to license fees.

Is Salesforce hard to learn?

Many new users find it complex. G2 reviewers describe a steep learning curve, especially without dedicated technical support or a trained administrator.

The evidence: 6 criteria
9.7
Product Capability & Depthsalesforce.comsalesforce.com
9.6
Market Credibility & Trust Signalsgartner.com
8.8
Usability & Customer Experiencehelp.salesforce.com
8.9
Value, Pricing & Transparencysalesforce.com
9.5
Integrations & Ecosystem Strengthappexchange.salesforce.com
9.3
Security, Compliance & Data Protection
Visit Salesforce ↗ Back to the top of the ranking
2

Ascend by Wix

wix.com · scored Apr 2026

Wix discontinued Ascend as a unified suite in 2023.

Best forSolopreneurs on Wix wanting basic CRM and email in one dashboard.

From $10 per month small businessno-codepaid
−0.3 vs #1
Visit Ascend by Wix ↗ See the evidence

All-in-one CRM, email and automation suite built directly into Wix websites.

Standout factWix officially discontinued the unified Ascend Business Suite in early 2023, splitting it into separate modules.sec.gov
Biggest catchThe unified Ascend suite was discontinued in 2023, and its tools now live as separate products.sec.gov
20+Built-in toolstwipla.com
7Basic tier automation capecommerce-platforms.com
$10/moStarting price

In their words

“With Ascend by Wix, users get access to a complete set of built-in marketing and CRM tools designed to eliminate the need for third-party services.”

ballistic.media

Before you sign up

  • Already hosting your site on Wix
  • Need unlimited multi-step automations
  • Want basic CRM without third-party tools

Upside

  • Native data pull from Wix Stores, Bookings
  • Over 20 tools in one dashboard
  • No third-party connectors like Zapier needed

Catch

  • Unified suite discontinued as of 2023
  • Basic tier caps at 7 automations
  • Locks users into the Wix ecosystem
Pick it ifSolopreneurs on Wix wanting basic CRM and email in one dashboard.
Skip it ifBusinesses hosting outside Wix or needing advanced CRM customization.
PricingFrom $10/month, tiers up to $49/month

Editor's takeAscend's core idea, pulling CRM, email marketing and automation into the Wix dashboard so store, booking and form data sync without Zapier, still works well for a solo business owner. But the product itself has moved: Wix restructured the unified Ascend Business Suite into separate core features and standalone plans in early 2023, so buyers should check what is actually bundled today. Entry pricing starts at $10 a month, though the Basic tier caps automations at 7 simple workflows.

Is Ascend by Wix still sold as one product?

Not exactly. Wix officially discontinued the unified Ascend Business Suite in early 2023 and restructured its tools into separate core website features and standalone Email Marketing plans.

How many automations does the Basic Ascend plan allow?

Up to 7 automations, each with two steps. Reviewers recommend upgrading to a higher tier for unlimited automation templates and more complex workflows.

The evidence: 6 criteria, 1 penalty (−0.11 points)
8.8
Product Capability & DepthLooked for: We look for a comprehensive suite of marketing and sales tools that provide sufficient functionality for small to medium-sized businesses without requiring external software.Ascend by Wix delivers a broad spectrum of over 20 business tools, including a native CRM, email marketing, live chat, invoicing, and SEO wizards. While it successfully centralizes these features under one roof, individual tools lack the deep, advanced capabilities found in standalone, specialized software.twipla.com
9.4
Market Credibility & Trust SignalsLooked for: We evaluate the product's reputation, parent company stability, and aggregate user satisfaction across major third-party review platforms.As a product of Wix, Ascend benefits from the parent company's massive market presence and resources. Wix maintains strong aggregate user ratings across major review platforms like G2 and Capterra, indicating broad user trust and reliability in their ecosystem.stylefactoryproductions.com
9.0
Usability & Customer ExperienceLooked for: We assess how easily non-technical users can navigate the platform, set up campaigns, and manage customer data from a unified interface.Ascend is highly praised for its beginner-friendly, intuitive interface that integrates seamlessly directly into the main Wix dashboard. However, users occasionally note that certain features, like the chat tool, are buried within non-intuitive menus.tooltester.com
8.9
Value, Pricing & TransparencyLooked for: We look for clear, transparent pricing tiers that offer measurable return on investment and scalable features for growing businesses.Ascend requires a separate premium subscription on top of standard Wix hosting, with tiers at $10, $24, and $49 per month. While convenient, the lower tiers impose strict limitations on basic functions like automations and email sends, forcing upgrades.ecommerce-platforms.com
9.5
Ecosystem Integration & SynergyLooked for: We look for deep, native connectivity between the marketing suite and the core website builder, eliminating the need for complex API setups.Ascend's greatest strength is its native integration with the Wix website builder. It automatically pulls data from Wix Stores, Bookings, and Forms into a central CRM, creating a frictionless workflow without requiring third-party connectors like Zapier.ballistic.media
8.8
Marketing Automation & Lead NurturingLooked for: We look for robust workflow builders that allow businesses to automate routine tasks, send triggered communications, and nurture leads effectively.The platform offers a straightforward 'if this, then that' automation builder capable of handling abandoned cart emails, welcome sequences, and internal team reminders. It is highly effective for basic use cases but lacks the complex conditional branching of premium CRM competitors.doba.com

Score adjustments−0.11 points in total

−0.11Wix officially discontinued the unified 'Ascend Business Suite' in early 2023, restructuring the tools into separate core website features and standalone Email Marketing plans, making the exact product highly fragmented.sec.gov · severity 85/100
Visit Ascend by Wix ↗ Back to the top of the ranking
3

ClickUp

clickup.com · ClickUp CRM for Digital Marketing · scored Jul 2026

ClickUp CRM includes a genuine free forever plan

Best forDigital marketing agencies seeking a unified project and CRM workspace

Free tier From $5 per user/mo free planSOC 2GDPR
−0.5 vs #1
Visit ClickUp ↗ See the evidence

Customizable CRM built on ClickUp's project management platform with pipelines, dashboards and agency templates.

Standout factClickUp offers a Free Forever plan alongside per-user paid tiers, with Enterprise on custom quoteclickup.com
Biggest catchThe feature volume and customization depth create a reported steep learning curve.g2.com
$5/user/moStarting paid priceclickup.com
1,000+Integration countclickup.com

Free vs paid

Free Forever

$0
  • Core CRM and task views

Paid from

$5/user/mo
  • Dashboards
  • Automations

Source: clickup.com

Standout number

1,000+app integrations available

Source: clickup.com

Upside

  • Free Forever plan available
  • Prebuilt agency CRM templates
  • Over 1,000 integrations plus open API

Catch

  • Steep learning curve reported
  • Enterprise pricing needs a quote
  • CRM sits atop a general PM tool
Pick it ifDigital marketing agencies seeking a unified project and CRM workspace
Skip it ifTraditional sales teams needing advanced, enterprise-grade CRM reporting
PricingFree Forever plan, paid tiers from about $5/user/month, Enterprise custom quote

Editor's takeClickUp turns its general project management workspace into a working CRM with pipeline views, dashboards and prebuilt agency templates. A genuine Free Forever plan sits alongside per-user paid tiers, with over 1,000 documented integrations and a public API. Reviewers repeatedly flag a steep learning curve given how many features and views the platform exposes.

Is ClickUp CRM free?

Yes. A Free Forever plan exists alongside paid Unlimited and Business tiers priced per user, with Enterprise requiring a custom quote.

Does ClickUp CRM integrate with other tools?

Yes. It connects to over 1,000 apps through a documented integration library plus a public API for custom builds.

The evidence: 6 criteria, 3 penalties (−0.13 points)
9.0
Product Capability & DepthLooked for: Whether the tool gives marketing agencies real CRM depth for tracking leads, deals, and client relationships in one place.ClickUp positions its CRM around visual pipeline management, customizable views (List, Board, Table), dashboards for revenue and deal analytics, automations, email integration, and prebuilt agency CRM templates, layered on top of its broader project-management platform.clickup.comclickup.comclickup.com
9.1
Market Credibility & Trust SignalsLooked for: Evidence that a large, satisfied user base and independent review platforms validate the product's reputation.ClickUp maintains high aggregate ratings on major independent review sites (G2 and Capterra) with tens of thousands of cumulative reviews, and publicly promotes adoption by large numbers of teams worldwide across its marketing materials.g2.comcapterra.comvendr.com
8.7
Usability & Customer ExperienceLooked for: How easily an agency team can adopt, navigate, and configure the CRM without heavy technical overhead.The platform offers multiple flexible views, drag-and-drop pipelines, and ready-made templates that speed setup, though third-party reviews commonly note a steep initial learning curve due to the sheer number of features and customization options.clickup.comclickup.comg2.com
8.8
Value, Pricing & TransparencyLooked for: Whether pricing tiers are publicly published, affordable for agencies, and clear about what each plan includes.ClickUp publishes transparent tiered pricing including a Free Forever plan and paid Unlimited and Business tiers priced per user per month, with an Enterprise tier requiring a custom quote; multiple third-party sources corroborate the published structure.clickup.comvendr.comcloudeagle.ai
9.0
Integrations & Ecosystem StrengthLooked for: How well the CRM connects to the email, marketing, and productivity tools an agency already uses.ClickUp advertises a large integrations ecosystem (over 1,000 connections) spanning email, calendars, communication, and marketing tools, plus a public API and native email-in-CRM capabilities relevant to agency client workflows.clickup.comclickup.comclickup.com
8.9
Security, Compliance & Data ProtectionLooked for: Whether the platform holds recognized security certifications and protects sensitive client and lead data.ClickUp publishes a security program citing SOC 2 compliance, GDPR alignment, encryption in transit and at rest, and additional enterprise-grade controls, with certain compliance features (such as HIPAA) reserved for higher plans.clickup.comclickup.comclickup.com

Score adjustments−0.13 points in total

−0.05The platform's extensive feature set and customization options create a recognized learning curve that can slow initial adoption for smaller agency teams.g2.com · severity 45/100
−0.05CRM functionality is delivered as a configurable layer within a general project-management tool rather than a dedicated standalone CRM, requiring setup effort.clickup.com · severity 40/100
−0.03Enterprise pricing is not published and requires contacting sales, reducing upfront cost clarity for larger agency buyers.clickup.com · severity 35/100
Visit ClickUp ↗ Back to the top of the ranking
4

HubSpot

hubspot.com · HubSpot Free CRM · scored Jul 2026

Free forever for 1,000 contacts, then price jumps fast

Best forStartups and small teams wanting a genuinely free CRM foundation.

Free tier free planSOC 21000+ integrations
−0.5 vs #1
Visit HubSpot ↗ See the evidence

No-cost CRM with contacts, pipeline, live chat, and email tracking that scales into paid hubs.

Standout factApp Marketplace surpassed 1,000 integrations in 2022hubspot.com
Biggest catchNew free accounts are capped at 1,000 contacts, 2 users, and 1 pipeline.mo.agency
4.4/5G2 ratingg2.com
238,000+Customershubspot.com
1,000Free contact capmo.agency

Free vs paid

Free CRM

$0
  • 1,000 contacts
  • 2 users
  • 1 pipeline

Sales Hub Pro

$90/seat/mo
  • Multi-step automation
  • Custom objects
  • +$1,500 onboarding fee

Source: buyersprint.com

What reviewers say

G2
4.4/5 · 35,766

Source: g2.com

Upside

  • Free forever, no credit card
  • 1,000+ app marketplace integrations
  • SOC 2 Type II certified

Catch

  • Free tier caps at 1,000 contacts
  • Multi-step automation is paid only
  • Steep jump to paid tiers
Pick it ifStartups and small teams wanting a genuinely free CRM foundation.
Skip it ifFast-growing teams needing multi-step automation or custom objects.
PricingFree plan, no card required; Professional from $90/seat/mo plus $1,500 onboarding fee

Editor's takeHubSpot's free CRM is not a trial. It runs indefinitely with no card required, though new accounts are capped at 1,000 contacts and 2 users. Reviewers on G2 rate it 4.4 stars across nearly 36,000 reviews, largely for onboarding ease. Teams that outgrow the free cap face a steep jump, with Professional running $90 per seat plus a mandatory $1,500 onboarding fee.

Is HubSpot's free CRM really free forever?

Yes. It has no time limit and requires no credit card, though new accounts are capped at 1,000 contacts, 2 users, and 1 pipeline.

How many integrations does HubSpot support?

Its App Marketplace passed 1,000 integrations in 2022, and independent listings now count over 1,800 apps spanning marketing, sales, and service.

The evidence: 6 criteria, 3 penalties (−0.13 points)
8.8
Product Capability & DepthLooked for: Whether the free CRM actually delivers a working set of sales, marketing, and service tools rather than a stripped-down teaser.The free tier bundles contact and pipeline management, email tracking, meeting scheduling, live chat, forms, and basic marketing email across a shared CRM database. Advanced automation, custom objects, and AI insights remain paid-only, and free workflows are capped at a single automated action.hubspot.commo.agencyzeeg.me
9.3
Market Credibility & Trust SignalsLooked for: Evidence of large-scale adoption, third-party awards, and consistently high verified review ratings.HubSpot reports over 238,000 customers and 750,000+ weekly CRM users, with awards from Gartner, G2 and TrustRadius. HubSpot products carry a 4.4-star average across 35,766 verified G2 reviews, and its free CRM was previously named highest-rated free CRM by G2 users.hubspot.comg2.comhubspot.com
9.0
Usability & Customer ExperienceLooked for: How easy the platform is to adopt, navigate, and run day-to-day without technical help.Reviewers repeatedly cite an intuitive, easy-to-use interface and smooth onboarding, with an ease-of-adoption comment appearing in most positive reviews. Some users find seat management and permissions confusing, adding administrative overhead.marketbetter.ainutshell.commarketbetter.ai
8.4
Value, Pricing & TransparencyLooked for: Whether the free plan delivers real value with clear limits and predictable upgrade costs.The plan is free forever with no credit card or time limit, but newer accounts are capped at 1,000 contacts, 2 users, 1 pipeline, and 2,000 marketing emails monthly. Upgrades escalate sharply: Sales Hub Starter at $20/seat and Professional at $90/seat with a mandatory $1,500 onboarding fee.buyersprint.commo.agencybuyersprint.com
9.1
Integrations & Ecosystem StrengthLooked for: The size and breadth of the connected app ecosystem available to extend the CRM.HubSpot's App Marketplace surpassed 1,000 integrations in 2022 spanning marketing, sales, and service use cases, and independent listings now cite well over 1,800 available apps, alongside native Gmail, Outlook and Exchange connections on the free tier.hubspot.comempathyfirstmedia.commo.agency
9.0
Security, Compliance & Data ProtectionLooked for: Whether the platform maintains recognized security certifications and privacy compliance for customer data.HubSpot maintains SOC 2 Type II and SOC 3 reports, plus HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA and NIST alignment, and is certified under the EU Cloud Code of Conduct (Level 2) for GDPR compliance, with data encrypted at rest and in transit.trustlists.orgtrust.hubspot.comhuble.com

Score adjustments−0.13 points in total

−0.04New free accounts created after September 2024 are capped at just 1,000 contacts, a sharp reduction from the legacy 1,000,000-contact limit many guides still describe, pushing teams to upgrade sooner.buyersprint.com · severity 55/100
−0.06Automated multi-step workflows are unavailable on the free plan, which caps workflows at a single action, limiting scalable sales and marketing automation.mo.agency · severity 45/100
−0.03HubSpot branding appears on all free-tier emails, forms, landing pages, meeting links and chat widgets, limiting white-label professionalism until users pay to upgrade.markestac.com · severity 35/100
Visit HubSpot ↗ Back to the top of the ranking
5

Act!

act.com · Act! CRM for SMBs · scored Dec 2025

Act! syncs cloud and desktop, keeps a 1990s look

Best forSMBs wanting hybrid cloud-desktop deployment and built-in marketing automation.

From $30 per user/mo hybrid CRMdesktop syncmarketing automation
−0.6 vs #1
Visit Act! ↗ See the evidence

A hybrid CRM syncing cloud and desktop data, bundling marketing automation with 2,500 monthly email sends in the base price.

Standout factThe Standard cloud plan costs $30 per month and already includes 2,500 email sends.act.com
Biggest catchReviewers describe the interface as outdated and complex, taking 30 to 60 minutes just to get comfortable with the layout.techradar.com
$30/user/moStandard plan priceact.com
2,500/moIncluded email sendsact.com

Starting price

$30/user/moStandard plan, includes 2,500 email sends/mo

Learning curve

AfternoonWeeks

Interface feels dated, 30-60 minutes to get comfortable

Upside

  • Hybrid cloud-desktop sync, works offline
  • 2,500 email sends included in base price
  • Much cheaper than Salesforce or HubSpot

Catch

  • Interface feels dated, 1990s-style
  • Phone support costs extra on lower tiers
  • Perpetual license discontinuation upset legacy users
Pick it ifSMBs wanting hybrid cloud-desktop deployment and built-in marketing automation.
Skip it ifCompanies wanting a modern, intuitive UI with minimal learning curve.
PricingFrom $30/user/mo, includes 2,500 email sends/mo

Editor's takeAct!'s hybrid deployment, syncing a full desktop app with cloud data, is genuinely rare among modern CRMs and appeals to businesses that want local data control without giving up cloud access. That legacy shows in the interface too: reviewers repeatedly compare the look to 1990s software, even as the price undercuts Salesforce and HubSpot by a wide margin.

What does Act!'s hybrid deployment actually mean?

Data syncs bi-directionally between a cloud database and a fully functional desktop application, so users can work offline on desktop and stay in sync with the cloud version.

Does Act! include marketing automation in the base price?

Yes. Even the Standard plan at $30 per month includes basic email marketing with 2,500 sends per month, without a separate marketing add-on fee.

The evidence: 6 criteria, 3 penalties (−0.14 points)
8.7
Product Capability & DepthLooked for: We evaluate the breadth of CRM features, including contact management, sales pipelines, and customization options available to SMBs.Act! combines robust contact management with integrated marketing automation, offering features like custom tables, visual sales pipelines, and activity tracking that rival enterprise solutions.techradar.comact.com
9.0
Market Credibility & Trust SignalsLooked for: We assess the vendor's longevity, security certifications, and reputation within the SMB market.Act! has been a market player for over 35 years with a loyal user base, backed by SOC 2 certification and GDPR compliance measures.pcmag.comact.comact.com
8.2
Usability & Customer ExperienceLooked for: We examine the user interface design, ease of onboarding, and the learning curve for new users.While functional, the interface is frequently described as outdated and reminiscent of older software, presenting a steeper learning curve than modern competitors.techradar.comg2.com
8.8
Value, Pricing & TransparencyLooked for: We analyze the cost-to-value ratio, transparency of pricing tiers, and inclusion of essential features in base plans.Act! offers significant value for SMBs by bundling CRM and marketing automation at a price point well below enterprise competitors like Salesforce.act.comact.com
9.4
Deployment Flexibility & Hybrid AccessLooked for: We evaluate the available deployment options, including cloud, on-premise, and hybrid models.Act! stands out with a unique hybrid model that allows users to sync cloud data to a local desktop for offline access and security control.bestbusinessstrategies.comasdscomputer.com
8.9
Marketing Automation & Email MarketingLooked for: We assess the integration and capability of marketing tools within the CRM environment.Unlike many CRMs that require third-party integrations, Act! includes native marketing automation with email sending limits included in the base subscription.act.comact.com

Score adjustments−0.14 points in total

−0.06The user interface is frequently criticized for being outdated, complex, and reminiscent of 1990s software, which increases the learning curve.g2.com · severity 60/100
−0.05The discontinuation of perpetual licenses has caused significant friction and dissatisfaction among the long-term legacy user base.techbenders.com · severity 50/100
−0.03Phone support is restricted to higher-tier plans or requires an additional fee, limiting access for users on basic subscriptions.techradar.com · severity 45/100
Visit Act! ↗ Back to the top of the ranking
6

Insightly

insightly.com · Insightly CRM · scored Dec 2025

Converts deals to projects, but dropped its free plan

Best forMid-market service firms tracking post-sale deliverables in one tool

From $29 per user/mo SOC 2HIPAAproject management
−0.6 vs #1
Visit Insightly ↗ See the evidence

CRM with native project management that converts closed deals directly into tracked projects.

Standout factInsightly's free plan was discontinued as of October 1, 2024.lessannoyingcrm.com
Biggest catchWorkflow automation is not included on the entry Plus plan; it requires the $49/user Professional plan.onepagecrm.com
$29/user/moStarting priceinsightly.com
500+AppConnect connectorsinsightly.com

Plans

Plus$29/user/mo

no automation

Professional$49/user/mo

includes automation

Source: onepagecrm.com

Compliance

✓ SOC 2 Type 2✓ HIPAA? ISO 27001

Source: insightly.com

Upside

  • Converts closed deals into projects
  • SOC 2 Type 2 and HIPAA compliant
  • 500+ AppConnect integrations available

Catch

  • Free plan discontinued Oct 2024
  • Automation locked to pricier plan
  • Mobile dashboards are read-only
Pick it ifMid-market service firms tracking post-sale deliverables in one tool
Skip it ifEarly-stage startups without defined sales processes
PricingFrom $29/user/mo, automation needs $49/user Professional

Editor's takeInsightly's standout feature is converting a won opportunity directly into a project with all details intact, keeping sales and delivery data in one system. SOC 2 Type 2 and HIPAA compliance, including signed BAAs, are notable for a CRM at this price tier. Two real costs to plan for: the free plan ended in October 2024, and workflow automation requires stepping up to the $49 per user Professional plan.

Does Insightly still have a free plan?

No. The free plan was discontinued on October 1, 2024. Paid plans now start at $29 per user monthly.

Is workflow automation included in Insightly's base plan?

No. The entry Plus plan lacks workflow automation; it requires upgrading to the Professional plan at $49 per user monthly.

The evidence: 6 criteria, 3 penalties (−0.16 points)
8.8
Product Capability & DepthLooked for: We evaluate core CRM features alongside the unique integration of post-sale project management tools.Insightly distinguishes itself by combining standard CRM sales pipelines with native project management features like milestones, task dependencies, and automatic conversion of opportunities to projects.insightly.cominsightly.cominsightly.com
9.2
Market Credibility & Trust SignalsLooked for: We assess the product's reputation, security certifications, and reliability for regulated industries.Insightly demonstrates strong enterprise-grade trust signals, maintaining SOC 2 Type 2 compliance and HIPAA compliance (with BAA availability), which is notable for a mid-market CRM.pcmag.comsupport.insight.lyinsightly.com
8.7
Usability & Customer ExperienceLooked for: We examine the user interface design, ease of adoption, and mobile application functionality.While generally considered user-friendly, the interface can be complex due to the breadth of features, and the mobile app has documented limitations regarding offline access and dashboard interactivity.support.insight.lyg2.com
8.2
Value, Pricing & TransparencyLooked for: We analyze pricing structures, free plan availability, and feature gating across tiers.Insightly discontinued its free plan in late 2024 and gates essential features like workflow automation behind the mid-tier Professional plan, raising the entry cost for full functionality.insightly.comlessannoyingcrm.comonepagecrm.com
8.8
Security, Compliance & Data ProtectionLooked for: We assess the breadth of third-party connections and the accessibility of integration tools.The platform offers a powerful integration engine called AppConnect with 500+ pre-built connectors, though full access to this automation tool often involves significant additional costs.insightly.comsupport.insight.lyinsightly.com
9.2
Support, Training & Onboarding Resources

Score adjustments−0.16 points in total

−0.05The 'Free Forever' plan was discontinued in October 2024, and essential workflow automation features are locked behind the mid-tier Professional plan ($49/user/mo), forcing upgrades for basic automation needs.lessannoyingcrm.com · severity 70/100
−0.06AppConnect, the platform's primary integration automation tool, is an expensive add-on (starting around $249/mo) rather than being fully included in base CRM licenses.insightly.com · severity 60/100
−0.05The mobile application has documented limitations, specifically that dashboards are read-only and cannot be edited or interacted with deeply while offline or on mobile devices.support.insight.ly · severity 50/100
Visit Insightly ↗ Back to the top of the ranking
02

Side by side

10 features across 6 products. Green is yes, red is no, grey is not published.

FeatureSalesforceAscend by WixClickUpHubSpotAct!Insightly
Has Mobile App ✓ Web-only ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Has Free Plan ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗
Has Free Trial ✓ ✗ ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓
Integrates With Zapier ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Has Public API ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓ Enterprise API only ✓
Live Chat Support ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Email/Ticket only Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified Both — — ✓ — ✓
Popular Integrations Microsoft Teams, Slack, LinkedIn Wix Stores, Wix Bookings, Google Analytics Google Drive, Slack, Zoom Slack, Gmail, Outlook Outlook, Gmail, QuickBooks QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Xero
Supports SSO ✓ ✗ Enterprise plans only Enterprise plans only ✗ Enterprise plans only
Starting Price $25 per user/mo $10 per month $5 per user/mo Free tier $30 per user/mo $29 per user/mo
03

How we chose

Four fixed criteria for every product, plus two chosen for Contact Management Platforms for Digital Marketing Agencies, weighted and reduced by documented penalties.

Full methodology
Criteria set for this categoryProduct Capability & Depth, Market Credibility & Trust Signals, Usability & Customer Experience, Value, Pricing & Transparency, Security, Compliance & Data Protection, Integrations & Ecosystem Strength
Evidence, then a scoreDocumentation, pricing pages, security pages and third-party reviews. Each criterion records what was found and links its sources.
Penalties, then a rankDocumented problems pull the score down with their evidence attached. Rank follows the score. Sponsored rows, where present, are labelled.
iVendors cannot buy a position. Every score rests on published evidence, documented problems pull it down, and a 9.1 here is not a 9.1 in another category.
Albert Richer
Albert RicherFounder · Memphis, TN

Sets the criteria and reviews the evidence before a ranking publishes. Email him if something here looks wrong.

04

Questions people ask

How much does Salesforce CRM cost?

Plans start at $25 per user per month, with higher tiers for advanced features. Extra data storage costs around $125 per month per 500MB block, and premium support can add 20 to 30 percent to license fees.

Is Salesforce hard to learn?

Many new users find it complex. G2 reviewers describe a steep learning curve, especially without dedicated technical support or a trained administrator.

Is Ascend by Wix still sold as one product?

Not exactly. Wix officially discontinued the unified Ascend Business Suite in early 2023 and restructured its tools into separate core website features and standalone Email Marketing plans.

How many automations does the Basic Ascend plan allow?

Up to 7 automations, each with two steps. Reviewers recommend upgrading to a higher tier for unlimited automation templates and more complex workflows.

Is ClickUp CRM free?

Yes. A Free Forever plan exists alongside paid Unlimited and Business tiers priced per user, with Enterprise requiring a custom quote.

Does ClickUp CRM integrate with other tools?

Yes. It connects to over 1,000 apps through a documented integration library plus a public API for custom builds.

Is HubSpot's free CRM really free forever?

Yes. It has no time limit and requires no credit card, though new accounts are capped at 1,000 contacts, 2 users, and 1 pipeline.

How many integrations does HubSpot support?

Its App Marketplace passed 1,000 integrations in 2022, and independent listings now count over 1,800 apps spanning marketing, sales, and service.

How is the best Contact Management Platforms for Digital Marketing Agencies decided?

Every product is scored on six criteria for this category, with cited evidence and documented penalties. Rank follows the overall score. Vendors cannot pay for a position.

How often is this ranking updated?

Products are re-scored when pricing, features or evidence change. This ranking was last updated July 23, 2026.

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Research

Sales representatives spend only 28% of their week actually selling

Jan 20, 2026

60% of market development funds go unused every quarter, leaving $35B untouched

May 25, 2026

Only 29% of sales enablement teams can directly tie their programs to revenue

May 11, 2026