10 Best Open Source CRM Systems 2024 (Free & Paid Software)

Quick Summary

Open-source CRM systems are free or cost-effective alternatives to proprietary solutions. An open-source CRM platform shares its source code with the public, allowing users to customize and integrate it as needed freely.

In this article, we review the top ten open source CRM software options available, comparing their features, pros, cons, and prices.

Open source or proprietary software? This question is huge when it comes to customer relationship management. To learn about the best open source CRM, check out this article of the top 10 platforms, where we review and compare the top software options currently available. You’ll also learn the pros and cons of open source CRM systems. In general. 

So, let's get started!

Open source CRM comparison chart (top 10 highest rated)

What is an open source CRM system?

An open source app means its source code is publicly available. This is the code that makes the program run. This source code may be modified and shared by users according to their needs. The idea is that, if any and all developers can tweak the program, the app will become more useful over time.

Developers get together on Github or other platforms to fix bugs. They add features or change existing ones. Companies hire out developers to modify the open source CRM tool of their choice. This is how they get a platform that meets their specific needs. 

Do you know what is CRM? If so, then feel free to continue reading. If not, we advise you to familiarize yourself with the basics first.

Open source CRM systems usually run on Linux. This is as opposed to the usual Mac/Windows support. They use freely available software like Apache web server and PHP. Any software that operates under an Open Source Initiative and holds an OSI-compliant license can be integrated into a CRM platform. 

Open source customer relationship management offers all the useful features of a proprietary CRM. These include customer support, pipeline management, market automation, and contact management. However, there are significant differences between the two types to consider. We explain it all here. 

Open CRM source code systems vs proprietary software

Proprietary software is a closed system. It's a product locked up in a black box. You download it for free or buy a subscription. Then you set it up for your needs. There is no assembly required. You can skip hiring in-house developers. This is a 'full stack' category of CRM. It's designed for the big picture. They can cover basic needs across the board, right out of the box.

An open source customer management system's source code is open. It's available to the public for use and modification. You can take the product and tweak things here and there towards your specific needs. In most cases, open source code is already well-developed. Customization solutions have been streamlined for speed and ease.

Small and medium-sized businesses go open source. Others choose closed-source, proprietary software. Both types do sales, service, marketing, project management, and every other CRM thing you can imagine. They usually come with mobile apps that let you work on-the-go.

Qualitatively speaking, there's not a massive difference between the two. The choice is really all down to what kind of CRM applications you need, and how much time you're willing to invest in getting your system up and running.

The advantages of open source CRM software

There is a clear appeal in the open source movement that surrounds CRM. With its sense of community and freedom to innovate, contributing to open source can feel like you're producing something original.

Others might find open source software development to be time-consuming. It might be a distraction from your primary business.

One advantage of open source is that these CRM systems have more robust integrations and plugins. You can build the exact integration you want without any vendor restrictions. If you're concerned about flexibility and scalability over time, open source has the advantage.

Another very pragmatic reason for using open source tools is its cost. They're free or affordably priced. They are less likely to have time-based commitments to software licenses.

If you signed up for a year with a proprietary CRM but decided it wasn't right some months in, you'd likely still pay for the year. That wouldn't happen with most open source tools.
 

Out of the box vs ready-to-go

While both kinds of software are functional out of the box, proprietary software is ready-to-go after the initial set-up. Open source business tools are usually going to require developer hours. Open source CRM systems also require a bigger implementation plan to make them worth the time invested.

If you choose an open source platform, it's important to make sure it has a strong, active community of developers. Updates, bug fixes, and the like all have to be taken care of by the developer community surrounding the platform.

What are the best open source CRMs? Here's our top 10 list:

Now that you got your education in open source versus proprietary software, it's time to break down the best platforms. These include the best free open source CRMs and some top paid CRMs that are open source. As a bonus we even give a few tips for non open source but free or very affordable CRM options.

1. SuiteCRM (Best open source CRM overall)

Why we chose it:

Out of all open source CRMs, we found SuiteCRM as the best choice. This software offers an advanced workflow engine, which many other CRMs lack in the open-source sector. 

SuiteCRM boasts a user-friendly interface and offers robust reporting tools, allowing businesses to gain insightful analytics and enhance their decision-making processes. Additionally, its extensive module builder facilitates seamless integration with other platforms, enhancing operational efficiency.

Moreover, a standout statistic is that SuiteCRM has been adopted by over 4.5 million users globally, underscoring its popularity and trustworthiness. Given these factors, SuiteCRM deserves a spot on any top open-source CRM list.

For more details, read our SuiteCRM review.

Pros:

SuiteCRM handles sales, service, and marketing. It's got custom module, layout, and relationship development tools for IT departments. This CRM has a real-time dashboard. As data streams in, new figures offer broader insights. It's great for pipeline metrics, open project statuses, and cash flow.

There are lots of modular customizability and add-ons. It also works on every operating system: Windows, OS/X, Ubuntu, Android, iOS, Apache, Linux.

Cons:

Helpdesk support can be slow. The free open source version's integrations and features aren't as developed as in paid versions. SuiteCRM doesn't integrate with ERP software. 

Pricing:

• The starter plan is around $109/month

• The business plan is priced at $508/month

• The premium plan is around $762/month

Visit site
^{Go to SuiteCRM}

2. Odoo (Best add-on features for an open source CRM)

Why we chose it:

A close second, Odoo is a very popular and versatile CRM solution. Its all-in-one platform not only addresses CRM needs but also integrates seamlessly with other business applications like inventory, accounting, and e-commerce.

What sets Odoo apart is its modular structure, allowing businesses to start with a basic setup and add more functionalities as they grow. A remarkable feature unique to Odoo is its app store, boasting over 20,000 third-party apps, ensuring businesses can tailor the software to their specific needs.

We cover more features in our detailed Odoo review, so make sure to check it out.

Pros:

Odoo is all about extensible architecture. The modular design lets you mix and match different features. The open source Community Edition of Odoo CRM plugs into the 10,000+ apps. These integrate with one another seamlessly.

The basic contact management works great. Odoo is good for retail, restaurants, or other brick-and-mortar enterprises. Point of sale data can flow into inventory management, email marketing, and sales operations.

Cons:

The open source version of Odoo CRM has a significant learning curve. You have to pay attention to setting it up. The invoicing tool is complicated. Reporting options are limited. Customer support depends on community members.

Pricing:

• Odoo Open Source CRM is free.

• Add-ons are paid.

Visit site
^{Go to Odoo}

3. OroCRM (Top open source PHP CRM)

Why we chose it:

Every company looking for a highly customizable and flexible CRM system should go for OroCRM. Built specifically for e-commerce and multi-channel businesses, it excels in segmenting and profiling customers based on their purchasing behaviors across multiple platforms.

A unique facet of OroCRM is its deep integration with e-commerce solutions, enabling real-time data synchronization and comprehensive customer view.

Additionally, the platform's "360-degree customer view" offers unparalleled insights into customer interactions, helping businesses tailor their strategies more effectively. With its e-commerce-centric approach and rich customization options, OroCRM undeniably earned its spot on our open source CRM list.

Pros:

OroCRM is a flexible set of open source CRM tools. It's based on the Symfony2 PHP framework for web development. Lots of open source developers find it easy to understand Oro's code.

Good API for integrations with Zendesk, MailChimp, and many other apps. As a CRM application it helps small businesses scale up.

There's also MySQL support.

Cons:

You might need a developer for customizations. Especially if you do ecommerce. The helpdesk and customer support functionality could be better. Oro is only available in English. 

Pricing:

• OroCRM Community is free.

• Contact vendor for Enterprise pricing.

Visit site
^{Go to OroCRM}

4. X2CRM (Great open source CRM for marketing campaigns)

Why we chose it:

We would recommend X2CRM to any business seeking a streamlined and efficient CRM experience. Its strength lies in its holistic approach, combining sales, marketing, and customer service functionalities into a single platform. 

One distinguishing feature of X2CRM is its visual workflow designer, which empowers businesses to craft and automate unique customer journeys with a drag-and-drop interface.

Furthermore, X2CRM's built-in web and Facebook lead capture tools give businesses an edge in acquiring potential clients directly from digital platforms. Find out more details in our X2CRM review.

Pros:

X2CRM has an open source edition. It shares code through GitHub. You can also get help when downloading it as part of a full stack version. X2CRM Open Source's tools are good for marketing campaigns. It also does pipeline management and lead management.

There are email modules that include open email tracking. You get to design workflows and do marketing automation. X2CRM has mobile apps for Android and iOS.

Cons:

X2CRM is not the most widely used. You may find it tricky to get the support you need. That's because the community is still growing.

Pricing:

• X2CRM open source version is free.

• Paid versions are also available.

Visit site
^{Go to X2CRM}

5. Vtiger CRM (Best free open source CRM)

Why we chose it:

Vtiger CRM stands out for its intuitive design and capability to centralize customer data, sales, and support, making it a comprehensive solution for businesses.

Recognized for its ease of use, Vtiger provides companies with the tools to nurture leads, close deals, and offer post-sales support seamlessly.

A unique attribute of Vtiger is its "One View" feature, which consolidates all customer interactions and history in a single snapshot, enhancing the efficiency of sales and support teams.

Additionally, we love that this open source CRM incorporates AI-driven insights that assist businesses in forecasting sales, identifying opportunities, and optimizing email campaigns.

Pros:

Vtiger CRM Open Source covers most customer relationship management features. You can use it to run marketing campaigns. Keep track of leads, customers, and opportunities. Reporting and analytics features are included.

There is a good market for add-ons for greater features. It has a big community of users and developers behind it.

Cons:

Vtiger's reporting features are lightweight. Navigation between features feels a bit clunky. This CRM system takes time to learn.

Pricing:

• Vtiger open source CRM is free.

• There are paid add-ons.

Visit site
^{Go to Vtiger CRM}

6. EspoCRM (Top open source CRM for sales lifecycle management)

Why we chose it:

We’d recommend EspoCRM for businesses seeking a lightweight yet powerful and free CRM solution

Its open architecture and user-centric design ensure a customizable experience tailored to various industry needs. One distinct feature of EspoCRM is its Entity Manager, which allows users to create new entities, customize existing ones, and design relationships without any coding, offering unparalleled flexibility. T

This CRM also boasts an intuitive automation system, streamlining tasks and workflows for enhanced productivity.

Pros:

EspoCRM offers sales automation for leads and tracking for opportunities. The sales pipeline and lifecycle tools are robust. It keeps tabs on contacts by defining relationships across multiple accounts.

EspoCRM has a social media stream functionality. It lets you track activities that are relevant to your work. 

Cons:

EspoCRM takes time to implement. Also, there aren't many integrations with other apps.

Pricing:

• Espo CRM is free when self-hosted.

• Contact vendor for cloud solutions

• A one-month free trial is available for the cloud-hosted solution.

Visit site
^{Go to EspoCRM}

7. CiviCRM (Best open source CRM for nonprofits)

Why we chose it:

For all nonprofits and civic organizations looking for a robust and free CRM solution, we recommend CiviCRM. 

Its integration capabilities with popular content management systems, such as WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla, provide organizations with a seamless experience.

What's particularly unique to CiviCRM is its comprehensive suite designed for civic engagement, including features like event management, fundraising, and member tracking.

Additionally, its commitment to being exclusively open source ensures that it remains community-driven, with extensions and improvements regularly contributed by users. 

Pros:

CiviCRM is a free open source customer relationship management software. It is very user-friendly. It can be adapted towards a wide range of uses. CiviCRM provides CRM features like contact management, accounting integration, case management, and email marketing. There is also WordPress integration. 

Cons:

It's not designed for sales processes. You may find it doesn't meet your business requirements. The UI is also out-of-date.

Pricing:

• CiviCRM is free.

Visit site
^{Go to CiviCRM}

8. ConcourseSuite CRM (Great open source CRM for enterprise businesses)

Why we chose it:

ConcourseSuite CRM offers businesses a cohesive blend of customer relationship management and web content management. Its emphasis on integrating both CRM and web capabilities ensures that companies have a consistent branding and customer experience across the board.

A standout feature of ConcourseSuite is its web-based architecture, which allows for real-time updates and accessibility from any location without the need for software installation on individual devices.

Additionally, the CRM's robust account and contact management tools give businesses a 360-degree view of their customers, aiding in tailored interactions.

Pros:

With ConcourseSuite CRM you cover lots of the business process. It has tools for sales force automation, marketing and customer service. Watch leads and opportunities move down the lifecycle. There is also enterprise document management.

This is a good CRM system for large teams. 

Cons:

There is a free open source version. But there are also paid versions. These tend to have more features. The look and feel is a bit dull.

Pricing:

• The open source ConcourseSuite CRM is free.

• There is a paid version with a free trial.

Visit site
^{Go to ConcourseSuite CRM}

9. Axelor CRM (Good open source CRM for Gmail or Outlook integration)

Why we chose it:

Axelor CRM offers a modular approach to business operations, making it a versatile choice for companies of varying sizes and sectors. Its integrated suite not only covers CRM but extends to other domains like finance, HR, and project management, providing a holistic operational solution.

A distinctive feature of Axelor CRM is its dynamic views creation, which allows businesses to adapt the platform's interface based on their specific processes without any coding. This ensures an intuitive user experience tailored to individual business needs.

The combination of broad functionality and high customizability positions Axelor CRM prominently on a top open-source CRM list.

Pros:

The main thing about Axelor CRM is its agility. It works well with other Axelor apps like BPM. The code is light but powerful. Devs have an easy time customizing it. A solid Kanban view manages your pipelines. There are workflows to automate simple tasks. You also get mobile versions. You can connect Axelor to other apps like Gmail via Zapier.

Cons:

Axelor has many apps: from contracts to project management to expense management. This means you might feel stuck in Axelor's system. It's not really restrictive, though. Also there is no web browser version. 

Pricing:

• Axelor CRM is free.

Visit site
^{Go to Axelor CRM}

10. Crust CRM (Great open source CRM for ease of use)

Why we chose it:

At CRM.org, we've delved deep into numerous CRM solutions, and Crust CRM has genuinely caught our attention. Its open-source, low-code architecture offers businesses a level of customization that we find unmatched in the market.

What particularly impresses us is Crust's unique "Composable" platform, which allows companies to construct apps and interfaces using modular blocks. This marriage of a powerful CRM with the adaptability of low-code solutions is precisely why we wholeheartedly recommend Crust CRM to our readers.

It's this innovative approach that solidifies its spot on our top open source CRM list.

Pros:

The low-code CRM lets developers build on top of it with ease. The 360-degree customer view is really comprehensive. But it isn't a crowded UI. You can also customize dashboards.

The same thing goes for reporting charts. It's a drag-and-drop functionality. Workflows are pretty easy to set up. 

Cons:

Crust CRM has an enterprise option. It means you might want some of the more advanced features which you will have to pay more for. You'll have to contact them for more information.

Pricing:

• Contact the vendor for pricing.

Visit site
^{Go to Crust CRM}

Free open source CRM options

Do not confuse open source with free. They often overlap, but not always. There are great free CRM options that are not open source. This means the code is proprietary. You will not be able to build on top of the platform.

Still, it's nice to know there are great free CRMs, too. 

HubSpot CRM

HubSpot is one of the main players for inbound marketing. They also offer a free CRM. It includes lots of basic tools: contact management, email templates, Gmail and Outlook integrations.

Read more details in our HubSpot CRM review.

Freshsales

Freshworks makes many business apps. Their CRM is called Freshsales. It comes with a free version. This includes account management, customer lifecycle tools and built-in chat, email and phone tools.

Read more details in our Freshsales review.

SugarCRM

SugarCRM used to be more open source but not so much anymore. Now, SugarCRM is not really free. We just put it up here to round off this list. It is still quite affordable. You can use it to compare its pros and cons as opposed to free or open source software. There is a free trial.

Read more details in our SugarCRM review.

Our conclusion

In conclusion, open source CRM systems offer a compelling solution for businesses operating on a limited budget. By leveraging open source software, organizations can access powerful customer relationship management tools without the high costs associated with proprietary CRM solutions. However, it is essential to recognize that opting for an open source CRM does come with a trade-off.

It is important to evaluate your organization's resources and technical expertise before embarking on the implementation of an open source CRM. Consider whether your team has the necessary skills or if external assistance may be required to ensure a smooth setup and successful adoption of the CRM system.

Once properly implemented, an open source CRM can provide a robust platform for managing customer relationships, tracking sales pipelines, and improving overall customer satisfaction.

FAQs

What is an Open Source CRM?

An open-source CRM refers to customer relationship management software whose source code is freely available. This provides users with the ability to view, modify, and distribute the software as needed. This flexibility allows for extensive customization, making it suitable for businesses with specific needs and requirements.

Notable open-source CRM options include SuiteCRM, SugarCRM (community edition), and EspoCRM. This choice is particularly appealing for businesses seeking a high level of customization and possessing in-house technical capabilities.

Does Google Make a CRM?

Google doesn’t have a standalone CRM software. However, it compensates with practical tools such as Google Contacts, Sheets, and Calendar. These tools, though not CRM per se, can be harnessed effectively by businesses. Many opt to integrate them with third-party CRM solutions, creating a robust system for comprehensive customer relationship management.

Is Monday CRM Open Source?

Unfortunately, monday.com CRM isn’t open source. However, if you’re on the lookout for open-source CRM options, you might consider platforms like SuiteCRM or EspoCRM. These provide the flexibility of open-source customization for businesses with specific requirements. Other popular open-source options include Odoo, OroCRM, and X2CRM, among many others.

Is SugarCRM Still Open Source?

SugarCRM isn’t open source anymore. In 2014, new versions were halted, and Sugar 6.5 marked the final release. In mid-2017, support for Sugar 6.5 was discontinued. SugarCRM has officially concluded development and maintenance for the Community Edition, with no new bug fixes, security updates, or patches.

Moreover, all Community Edition downloads were removed from SourceForge.net.