Independently tested ranking
Best CRM Software for Freelancers in 2026
10 CRM tools for freelancers compared on free plans, client paperwork, pipelines, automation and price, from free contact managers to all-in-one client platforms.
- Tools compared
- 10
- With a free plan
- 5 of 10
- Median entry price
- $18/user/mo
- Average rating
- 4.5
On this page
Which CRM is best for freelancers?
The best CRM software for freelancers in 2026 is HubSpot for a free CRM with email tracking and meeting links, HoneyBook for creatives who want proposals, contracts and payments in one place, Bonsai for freelancers who bill by the hour, Bigin by Zoho CRM for a cheap pipeline, and Capsule CRM for simple client and project tracking. Bigin's paid plan starts at $7 a month billed annually, and five of the ten picks have a free plan.
Our top picks
Best overall
HubSpot
A permanent free CRM with contacts, deals, email tracking and meeting links that covers most freelancers without paying.
Paid plans from $20/seat/mo
See why we picked itBest all-in-one for creatives
HoneyBook
Takes a client from inquiry to proposal, contract, invoice and payment in one smart file, with automations for the admin in between.
Paid plans from See pricing
See why we picked itBest for hourly billing
Bonsai
Ties a client CRM to proposals, contracts, time tracking and invoicing, and works for freelancers outside North America.
Paid plans from See pricing
See why we picked itKey takeaways
- Free is enough to start. HubSpot (2 users), Attio (3 users), Capsule (2 users, 250 contacts), Bigin (1 user) and EngageBay (15 users, 250 contacts) all have free plans.
- Decide between a sales CRM and a client management tool. HubSpot, Pipedrive and Bigin track leads. HoneyBook, Bonsai and Dubsado also handle proposals, contracts, invoices and payments.
- HoneyBook is US and Canada only. Freelancers elsewhere who want an all-in-one should look at Bonsai or Dubsado.
- Bigin by Zoho CRM is the cheapest paid pipeline at $7 a month billed annually, with a 15-day trial.
- If you win work through referrals and LinkedIn, a relationship CRM like folk or Attio saves more time than a sales pipeline.
What is CRM software?
CRM software for freelancers is a tool that keeps every client and lead, their contact details, conversations, deals and projects in one place, so a one-person business can follow up on time and never lose track of who owes what. The best CRM software for freelancers replaces the spreadsheet, the sticky notes and the half-remembered email thread.
A freelancer CRM needs to do less than a sales team CRM, but different things. It should capture inquiries from your website, show where each lead stands, remind you to follow up on proposals and log emails automatically. Many freelancers also want client management features: proposals, contracts, invoices, payments and a client portal. Some tools, like HoneyBook and Bonsai, combine both. Others, like HubSpot and Capsule, focus on contacts and pipelines and connect to your invoicing tool.
Best CRM software compared
| # | Tool | Best for | Free plan | Paid plans from | Our rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HubSpot |
Free CRM that grows with you | Yes (2 users) | $20/seat/mo | ★4.5 |
| 2 | HoneyBook | Inquiry to payment in one app | No (free trial) | See pricing | Not yet reviewed |
| 3 | Bonsai | Time tracking plus invoicing | No (free trial) | See pricing | Not yet reviewed |
| 4 | Bigin by Zoho CRM | Cheapest paid pipeline CRM | Yes (1 user) | $7/user/mo annual | Not yet reviewed |
| 5 |  Capsule CRM |
Simple contacts and projects | Yes (2 users, 250 contacts) | $18/user/mo annual | ★4.4 |
| 6 |  folk |
Network and LinkedIn contacts | No (14-day trial) | $24/user/mo annual | ★4.5 |
| 7 |  Attio |
Automatic client list from email | Yes (3 users) | $40/mo annual (1 seat) | ★4.7 |
| 8 | Dubsado | Branded forms and workflows | No (free trial) | See pricing | Not yet reviewed |
| 9 |  Pipedrive |
Visual new-business pipeline | No (14-day trial) | $14/user/mo annual | ★4.5 |
| 10 |  EngageBay |
CRM plus email marketing | Yes (15 users, 250 contacts) | $13.79/user/mo annual | ★4.6 |
Our rating comes from MakeSuccessOnline's hands-on reviews. Prices are the cheapest paid plan, billed monthly unless marked annual, checked November 2026.
The 10 best CRM software in 2026
Freelancers need either a free, simple place to track clients or an all-in-one tool that also sends proposals and invoices. Each tool below leads one of those jobs.
#1Best free CRM for freelancers
HubSpot
A permanent free CRM with contacts, deals, email tracking and meeting links, plus paid Sales Hub tiers if you later hire help.
- Paid plans from
- $20/seat/mo
- Free plan
- Yes (2 users)
- Best for
- Freelancers and small businesses that want a free CRM with room to grow
- Works on
- Web, iOS, Android, API
HubSpot is the best free CRM for most freelancers. The free tools cover up to 2 users and include contacts, deals, email tracking, meeting links and basic reports, which is everything a solo consultant needs to log every client conversation and keep track of open proposals. There is no time limit, so you can run your client list on it for years without paying.
The free plan also handles the jobs freelancers juggle every week. Email tracking shows when a prospect opens your proposal email, and a meeting link lets clients book a discovery call straight into your calendar. If you grow into a small studio, Sales Hub Starter at $20 a seat adds more pipelines, simple automation and forecasting, but the big jump to Professional is rarely worth it for a one-person business.
Key features
- Free contacts and dealsKeep every client, lead and project value in one place on the free plan, with no time limit, so you can stop tracking clients in a spreadsheet.
- Email trackingSee when a prospect opens your email, which tells you the right moment to follow up on a quote or proposal.
- Meeting linksShare a booking link synced with your calendar so new clients can schedule a discovery call without back-and-forth emails.
- Deal pipelinesTrack each opportunity through custom stages, such as inquiry, proposal sent and won, so you can see your upcoming work at a glance.
- Breeze AIHubSpot's built-in AI drafts emails, summarizes records and researches companies using your CRM data, which saves time before a client call.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Up to 2 users with contacts, deals, email tracking, meeting links and basic reports |
| Sales Hub Starter | $20/seat/mo | More pipelines, simple automation, forecasting and calling minutes |
| Sales Hub Professional | From $90/seat/mo (annual) | Sequences, lead scoring, custom reports and full workflows, plus $1,500 one-time onboarding |
| Sales Hub Enterprise | $150/seat/mo (annual) | Higher limits, team-level forecasting and advanced controls, plus $3,500 one-time onboarding |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. 14-day free trial of Professional.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Genuinely useful free CRM with no time limit
- Email tracking and meeting links on the free plan
- Easy to learn
- Huge range of integrations, including Gmail, Outlook and Zoom
Cons
- Onboarding fees on Professional and Enterprise
- Big price jump from Starter to Professional
- Paid tiers are built for sales teams, not solo freelancers
Is it right for you?
Choose HubSpot ifYou want a free, no-time-limit CRM to log clients, track proposals and book calls, and you handle contracts and invoices in another tool.
Look elsewhere ifYou want proposals, contracts, invoices and payments in the same app as your client list.
#2Best all-in-one client CRM for creative freelancers
HoneyBook
An all-in-one clientflow platform that takes a client from inquiry to proposal, contract, invoice and payment.
- Paid plans from
- See pricing
- Free plan
- No (free trial)
- Best for
- Freelancers, creatives and small service businesses such as photographers, designers, planners and coaches (US and Canada)
- Works on
- Web, iOS, Android
HoneyBook is a client CRM built for freelancers who sell projects, not deals. Lead capture forms on your website create new inquiries, a project pipeline tracks each one from lead to completed, and the client gets a single place to see files, messages and payments. For photographers, designers, planners and coaches, it replaces a CRM, a contract tool and an invoicing app.
Its standout feature is the smart file, which combines a proposal, contract, invoice and payment into one interactive document the client completes in one go. Automations send the next email, task or file when a project reaches a stage, which cuts the repetitive admin that eats into billable hours. HoneyBook is only available in the US and Canada, and there is no free plan.
Key features
- Smart filesCombine a proposal, contract, invoice and payment into one file clients can complete in one sitting, so you book work faster and chase fewer signatures.
- Online contractsSend contracts clients can review and e-sign online, stored with the project for later reference.
- Invoicing and online paymentsSend invoices with payment schedules, such as a deposit and final payment, and accept card and bank payments through HoneyBook.
- AutomationsTrigger emails, tasks and files when a project reaches a stage, so onboarding and follow-ups run without you remembering each step.
- Lead capture forms and pipelineEmbed contact forms on your website that create new inquiries, then track each one through stages from lead to completed.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Higher | Core client management, proposals, invoices, contracts and payments |
| Essentials | Higher | Adds automations, scheduling, expense tracking and more team access |
| Premium | Higher | Larger teams, priority support and the full feature set |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Free trial available; monthly and annual billing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Covers the full client journey from inquiry to payment
- Polished, client-friendly documents
- Strong automations for repetitive admin
- Mobile apps for working on the go
Cons
- Only available in the US and Canada
- No free plan
- Light on traditional sales pipeline reporting
Is it right for you?
Choose HoneyBook ifYou are a creative or service freelancer in the US or Canada and want proposals, contracts, invoices and payments tied to each client.
Look elsewhere ifYou are based outside the US and Canada, or you mainly need a sales pipeline rather than client paperwork.
#3Best for freelancers who bill by the hour
Bonsai
Freelance business software that combines a client CRM with proposals, contracts, time tracking, projects and invoicing.
- Paid plans from
- See pricing
- Free plan
- No (free trial)
- Best for
- Freelancers, consultants and small agencies
- Works on
- Web, iOS, Android
Bonsai is a freelancer all-in-one that puts a client CRM next to the paperwork that wins and bills work. You keep client and lead details, notes and history in one place, then send a proposal from a template, collect an e-signature on a contract and invoice when the work is done. Unlike HoneyBook, it works internationally, which matters if you are based outside North America.
It suits freelance designers, developers and consultants who bill by the hour. Time tracking turns billable hours straight into invoices, recurring billing handles retainers, and projects and tasks sit alongside each client. Clients can see proposals, contracts, invoices and files in one portal. The CRM is lighter than a dedicated sales CRM, but most freelancers do not need more.
Key features
- Client CRMKeep client and lead details, notes and history in one place, next to the proposals and invoices for each client.
- Proposals and contractsBuild proposals from templates that clients accept online, then send contract templates for e-signature.
- Time trackingTrack billable hours and turn them into invoices, so hourly work is billed accurately without a separate timer app.
- Invoicing and paymentsSend invoices, set recurring billing for retainers and accept online payments.
- Client portalClients view proposals, contracts, invoices and files in one portal instead of searching their inbox.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Higher | Core CRM, proposals, contracts, invoicing and time tracking |
| Essentials | Higher | Adds more automation, client portal and integrations |
| Premium | Higher | Full feature set for growing agencies |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Free trial available; monthly and annual billing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Covers the whole freelance admin stack
- Ready-made proposal and contract templates
- Time tracking tied to invoicing
- Works internationally
Cons
- No free plan
- CRM is lighter than dedicated sales CRMs
- Some features locked to higher plans
Is it right for you?
Choose Bonsai ifYou bill by the hour or on retainer and want time tracking, contracts and invoices tied to each client, wherever you are based.
Look elsewhere ifYou only need a free contact list and pipeline, or you want the most advanced sales CRM features.
#4Best cheap pipeline CRM for solo freelancers
Bigin by Zoho CRM
A simple, low-cost pipeline CRM from Zoho with a free plan for one user.
- Paid plans from
- $7/user/mo annual
- Free plan
- Yes (1 user)
- Best for
- Freelancers, micro businesses and small teams moving off spreadsheets
- Works on
- Web, iOS, Android
Bigin by Zoho CRM is the cheapest way for a freelancer to get a proper pipeline CRM. The free plan gives one user a single pipeline, basic contacts and the mobile apps, and the Express plan costs $7 a month billed annually. That makes it a natural step up from a spreadsheet when you start losing track of which leads you quoted.
Bigin is built around pipelines, so you drag each lead or project through stages you define. Web forms drop new inquiries straight into a pipeline, your mailbox logs client emails on records, and paid plans automate follow-up tasks and emails. It is less suited to proposals, contracts and invoicing than freelance-specific tools, but it connects with Zoho Books if you want accounting in the same family of apps.
Key features
- PipelinesTrack leads or projects through drag-and-drop stages, with one pipeline free and more on paid plans, such as one for sales and one for active jobs.
- Web formsCapture inquiries from your website straight into a pipeline, so no lead sits forgotten in your inbox.
- Email integrationConnect your mailbox so client emails are logged on the right record.
- Workflow automationOn paid plans, automate follow-up tasks, field updates and emails when records change.
- Zoho ecosystemConnect Zoho Books, Mail, Forms and other Zoho apps, and upgrade to Zoho CRM later if you grow.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 1 user with basic contacts, one pipeline and the mobile apps |
| Express | $7/user/mo (annual) | Multiple pipelines, workflows and more records |
| Premier | $12/user/mo (annual) | More pipelines and automation, telephony and higher limits |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. 15-day free trial of paid plans.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very low price
- Simple to set up and learn
- Free plan for a single user
- Part of the large Zoho ecosystem
Cons
- Free plan is limited to one user and one pipeline
- Less suited to proposals, contracts and invoicing than freelance-specific tools
- Automation is basic compared with full CRMs
Is it right for you?
Choose Bigin by Zoho CRM ifYou want a cheap, simple pipeline to track leads and projects and you already use other tools for contracts and invoices.
Look elsewhere ifYou want client paperwork and payments in the same app as your CRM.
#5Best simple CRM for freelance consultants
Capsule CRM
A simple, easy-to-learn CRM for contacts, sales pipelines and client projects.
- Paid plans from
- $18/user/mo annual
- Free plan
- Yes (2 users, 250 contacts)
- Best for
- Small businesses, freelancers and agencies that want a straightforward CRM
- Works on
- Web, iOS, Android
Capsule CRM is a plain, quick-to-learn CRM that suits freelance consultants who want structure without setup. The free plan covers up to 2 users, 250 contacts and one sales pipeline, with Gmail or Outlook email connected, so you can log every client conversation on a single timeline from day one.
What makes it useful for freelancers is projects. Once a deal is won, you can track the deliverables as a project linked to the client, and repeatable task lists make sure onboarding steps are not missed. Xero and QuickBooks integrations show invoices and payments next to each contact, which helps when you invoice in your accounting app rather than your CRM.
Key features
- Contact timelineStore people and organizations with notes, history, files and tasks in one timeline, so you can pick up any client relationship in seconds.
- ProjectsTrack post-sale work or client deliverables as projects linked to contacts and deals, which fits how freelancers actually work.
- Tasks and tracksSet up repeatable task lists, such as a client onboarding checklist, so follow-ups are not missed.
- Gmail and Outlook emailSend email from inside the CRM and keep conversations on the contact record.
- Accounting integrationsConnect Xero or QuickBooks to see invoices and payments next to contacts.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Up to 2 users, 250 contacts, 1 sales pipeline, Gmail or Outlook email |
| Starter | $18/user/mo annual ($22 monthly) | Higher contact and pipeline limits, professional mail server support |
| Growth | $36/user/mo annual ($40 monthly) | More advanced sales features, including automation |
| Advanced | $54/user/mo (annual) | Higher limits and more advanced features |
| Ultimate | $72/user/mo (annual) | Highest limits and full feature set |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Free trial on paid plans.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very easy to learn
- Free plan for 2 users
- Projects for tracking client work after the sale
- Works with Xero and QuickBooks
Cons
- Free plan capped at 250 contacts
- One pipeline and no automation on free
- Reporting is basic on lower tiers
Is it right for you?
Choose Capsule CRM ifYou want a simple CRM to track clients and their projects, and you invoice in Xero or QuickBooks.
Look elsewhere ifYou need more than 250 contacts for free, or want proposals and payments built in.
#6Best for freelancers who win work through their network
folk
A lightweight, AI-assisted CRM for relationships and outreach, with one-click LinkedIn import.
- Paid plans from
- $24/user/mo annual
- Free plan
- No (14-day trial)
- Best for
- Startups, founders, freelancers and small teams that manage networks and deals
- Works on
- Web, Chrome extension, iOS
folk is a relationship CRM for freelancers whose work comes from referrals, past clients and LinkedIn. The Chrome extension saves a person or company from LinkedIn in one click with their details filled in, and contact enrichment finds missing emails and company information. You build a useful client list without hours of copying and pasting.
It also helps you stay in touch. Email campaigns let you send a personalized mail merge from your own inbox, such as a note to past clients that you have availability next month, and track replies. Email, calendar and WhatsApp sync keep conversations on each contact, and AI magic fields keep lists organized. There is no free plan, but the 14-day trial needs no card.
Key features
- LinkedIn Chrome extensionSave people and companies from LinkedIn in one click, with details filled in, so prospects and referrals land in your CRM straight away.
- Contact enrichmentFinds missing details such as emails and company information, which saves research time before outreach.
- Email campaignsSend personalized mail merge emails to a group from your own inbox and track replies, ideal for reconnecting with past clients.
- Email, calendar and WhatsApp syncSyncs conversations and meetings onto contact records, including clients who prefer WhatsApp.
- PipelinesTrack deals or relationships through stages in a Kanban view.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $24/user/mo (annual) | Pipelines, email campaigns, enrichment, AI assistants, LinkedIn extension, email, calendar and WhatsApp sync |
| Premium | $48/user/mo (annual) | Custom objects, email sequences, dashboards, API access, higher limits |
| Enterprise | From $80/user/mo (annual) | Custom limits, security controls, dedicated onboarding, priority support |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. 14-day free trial, no card required.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fast to set up and easy to use
- Strong LinkedIn import
- Campaigns and enrichment on the entry plan
- Good for networks, not just deals
Cons
- No free plan
- Sequences and dashboards need Premium
- No forecasting or calling
Is it right for you?
Choose folk ifMost of your work comes from LinkedIn, referrals and past clients, and you want to capture contacts and stay in touch quickly.
Look elsewhere ifYou need a free CRM or want client paperwork and payments in the same tool.
#7Best free CRM that builds itself from your inbox
Attio
A flexible, AI-native CRM that builds and enriches records from your email and calendar.
- Paid plans from
- $40/mo annual (1 seat)
- Free plan
- Yes (3 users)
- Best for
- Startups, B2B teams, agencies and freelancers who want a modern, customizable CRM
- Works on
- Web, iOS, API
Attio suits freelancers who hate data entry. Connect Gmail or Outlook and your calendar, and Attio creates and fills in company and contact records from your email history and public data. Instead of starting with an empty CRM, you start with every client and prospect you have emailed, already organized.
The free plan is generous for a solo business: up to 3 users with enrichment, workflows and the Ask Attio AI assistant. Workflows can route a new inquiry or update a record automatically, and flexible lists let you model clients, projects or referral partners your own way. Paid plans are priced per workspace, with Plus at $40 a month annual including one seat.
Key features
- Automatic enrichmentCreates and fills in company and contact records from your email, calendar and public data, so your client list builds itself.
- Email and calendar syncSyncs Gmail or Outlook and calendars so every past conversation and meeting is on the client record.
- WorkflowsA visual builder automates tasks such as logging a new inquiry or updating a record, included on the free plan.
- Ask AttioAn AI assistant that answers questions and does research using the data in your workspace, such as which clients you have not contacted in months.
- Flexible listsBuild lists and views for clients, projects or partners, so the CRM fits how you work rather than a sales team template.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Up to 3 users with enrichment, workflows and the AI assistant |
| Plus | $40/mo (annual) | Per workspace incl. 1 seat (extra seats $35/mo annual); email sharing with AI summaries, private lists, higher limits |
| Pro | $100/mo (annual) | Per workspace incl. 1 seat (extra seats $79/mo annual); custom objects, sequences, call intelligence, advanced reporting |
| Ultra | $1,000/mo (annual) | Per workspace incl. 5 seats; unlimited objects, SSO, SCIM, audit logs, hands-on onboarding |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Paid plans are priced per workspace with one or more seats included.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fills itself from email and calendar
- Useful free plan with workflows and AI
- Fast, modern interface
- Flexible data model for any workflow
Cons
- Sequences and custom objects need Pro
- Per-workspace pricing can confuse
- Fewer integrations than older CRMs
Is it right for you?
Choose Attio ifYou want a free CRM that builds your client list from your inbox without manual entry.
Look elsewhere ifYou want contracts, invoices and payments in your CRM, or a long list of ready-made integrations.
#8Best for automating client onboarding
Dubsado
Client management software for service businesses, with forms, contracts, invoices, scheduling and workflow automation.
- Paid plans from
- See pricing
- Free plan
- No (free trial)
- Best for
- Freelancers and small service businesses such as designers, coaches, photographers and planners
- Works on
- Web
Dubsado is a client management CRM for service freelancers with a repeatable process. Its workflows chain emails, forms and tasks across a client project, so once a client signs, the welcome email, questionnaire, contract and first invoice go out in order without you lifting a finger. It takes longer to set up than HoneyBook, but the setup pays off when you onboard similar clients every month.
Everything is brandable. Lead capture forms, questionnaires, proposals, emails and the client portal use your own colors and logo, which matters to designers and coaches selling a polished experience. Invoices support payment plans, contracts go out for e-signature, and the trial is limited by number of clients rather than days, so you can build workflows at your own pace.
Key features
- WorkflowsAutomate a sequence of emails, forms and tasks across a client project, so onboarding runs the same way every time.
- Forms and questionnairesBuild lead capture forms, questionnaires and proposals with custom branding.
- ContractsSend contracts for e-signature from your own templates.
- Invoices and payment plansSend invoices with payment plans and collect payments online.
- Branded client portalClients get a portal in your colors and logo where they see their documents and invoices.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Higher | Forms, contracts, invoices, payments and client portal |
| Premier | Higher | Adds workflows, scheduler and public proposals |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Free trial limited by number of clients rather than days.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Flexible workflow automation
- Highly customizable branded forms
- Setup pays off for repeat processes
- Free trial not limited by days
Cons
- Steeper learning curve than HoneyBook
- Interface feels dated
- Web only, with no native mobile app
Is it right for you?
Choose Dubsado ifYou run the same onboarding process for every client and want it automated and fully branded.
Look elsewhere ifYou want a quick, simple setup or need to manage clients from a phone app.
#9Best for freelancers with a steady flow of new business
Pipedrive
A sales CRM built around a visual pipeline, so you always know which deals need a follow-up.
- Paid plans from
- $14/user/mo annual
- Free plan
- No (14-day trial)
- Best for
- Small sales teams, agencies and freelancers tracking new business
- Works on
- Web, iOS, Android, API
Pipedrive suits freelancers who treat new business like a sales process: lots of inquiries, quotes and follow-ups at once. The visual pipeline shows every deal by stage and value, and activity-based selling puts a call, meeting or task on each deal with a reminder when it is overdue. If proposals regularly go quiet because you forgot to chase them, this fixes it.
The Lite plan costs $14 a month billed annually and includes the visual pipeline, lead and deal management, and email and calendar sync. Growth adds workflow automation and email tracking. The AI sales assistant suggests next steps and flags deals that need action. Extras such as lead capture, email campaigns and Smart Docs for documents are add-ons that cost extra.
Key features
- Visual pipelineDrag deals between stages and see the value of each stage at a glance, so you know how much work is coming.
- Activity-based sellingSchedule calls, meetings and tasks on each deal and get reminders when something is overdue, so no quote goes unchased.
- Email and calendar syncConnects your inbox and calendar so emails and meetings link to the right contacts and deals.
- AI sales assistantSuggests next steps, flags deals that need action and helps draft emails using data already in the account.
- Mobile appsiOS and Android apps for updating deals and logging calls between client meetings.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Lite | $14/user/mo (annual) | Visual pipeline, lead and deal management, and email and calendar sync |
| Growth | Higher | Workflow automation, email tracking and more sales tools |
| Premium | Higher | Advanced reporting, more automation and controls |
| Ultimate | Higher | Highest limits, security and support for larger teams |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. 14-day free trial.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear visual view of every deal
- Reminders keep follow-ups on track
- Low entry price per seat
- Good mobile apps
Cons
- No free plan
- Lead capture and campaigns cost extra
- Reporting is basic on lower plans
Is it right for you?
Choose Pipedrive ifYou handle many new-business inquiries at once and keep losing deals because follow-ups slip.
Look elsewhere ifYou work with a few long-term clients and need contracts and invoicing more than a sales pipeline.
#10Best free CRM with email marketing
EngageBay
A low-cost all-in-one CRM with email marketing, live chat and helpdesk, and a free plan for up to 15 users.
- Paid plans from
- $13.79/user/mo annual
- Free plan
- Yes (15 users, 250 contacts)
- Best for
- Small businesses, freelancers and startups that want CRM, email marketing and support in one low-cost tool
- Works on
- Web, iOS, Android
EngageBay is the pick for freelancers who market themselves with email. The free plan combines a CRM with 1,000 branded emails a month, forms, pop-ups, one landing page, live chat and ticketing, for up to 250 contacts. You can collect leads from your website, nurture them with a newsletter and track deals in one place without paying.
Deals use custom stages that match how you sell, and contacts keep activity history, notes and tags. The Basic plan at $13.79 a user per month annual raises contact, email and page limits, and paid plans add marketing automation for email and task sequences. It has no proposals, contracts or invoicing, so pair it with an invoicing tool.
Key features
- Email marketingSend up to 1,000 branded emails a month on the free plan, enough for a small newsletter to past clients and leads.
- Forms, pop-ups and a landing pageUse up to 10 embedded forms, 10 web pop-ups and one landing page to collect leads on the free plan.
- Deals with custom stagesTrack deals with your own milestones that match how you win work.
- Contact managementStore contacts and companies with activity history, notes and tags.
- Live chat and helpdeskChat with website visitors and handle client support requests as tickets with canned responses.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Up to 15 users, 250 contacts, 1,000 branded emails a month, forms, 1 landing page, live chat and ticketing |
| Basic | $13.79/user/mo (annual) | Higher contact, email and page limits than the free plan |
| Growth | $59.79/user/mo (annual) | More automation and higher limits across marketing, sales and service |
| Pro | $110.39/user/mo (annual) | The highest limits and full feature set |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy.
Pros and cons
Pros
- CRM, email, chat and helpdesk in one free plan
- Cheap first paid plan
- Good fit for freelancers who market by email
- Up to 15 free users if you work with collaborators
Cons
- Only 250 contacts on the free plan
- Free emails are capped and branded
- No proposals, contracts or invoicing
Is it right for you?
Choose EngageBay ifYou want to capture leads and send a newsletter from the same free tool that tracks your clients.
Look elsewhere ifYou need client contracts and payments, or more than 250 contacts without paying.
Best CRM software by need
- Free CRM with email trackingHubSpot
- Proposals, contracts and payments in one appHoneyBook
- Time tracking and invoicingBonsai
- Cheapest paid pipelineBigin by Zoho CRM
- Tracking client projects after the saleCapsule CRM
- LinkedIn and network contactsfolk
- CRM that fills itself from your inboxAttio
- Automated, branded client onboardingDubsado
- CRM plus email marketingEngageBay
What to look for in CRM software
- A free plan or low solo priceA solo business should not pay per-seat sales team prices. HubSpot, Attio, Capsule, Bigin and EngageBay have free plans, and Bigin's paid plan starts at $7 a month annual.
- Proposals, contracts and invoicingIf you want one tool from inquiry to payment, look for a client management CRM such as HoneyBook, Bonsai or Dubsado that combines proposals, e-signed contracts and invoices.
- Email and calendar syncYour inbox is where client work happens. The CRM should log emails and meetings on each client record so you do not copy notes by hand.
- Lead capture formsA form on your website that creates a new inquiry in the CRM means no lead sits unanswered in your inbox.
- Simple automationAutomatic follow-up emails, tasks and onboarding steps save hours each month. Check whether automation is on the plan you can afford.
- Booking links and a client portalMeeting links let clients book discovery calls without email back-and-forth, and a client portal gives them one place for files and invoices.
How much does CRM software for freelancers cost in 2026?
Most freelancers can run a CRM for free or under $20 a month. All-in-one client management tools cost more, because they also replace your contract and invoicing apps.
| Tier | Typical price | Tools at this level | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | HubSpot (2 users), Attio (3 users), Capsule (2 users, 250 contacts), Bigin (1 user), EngageBay (15 users, 250 contacts) | Solo freelancers starting out or with a small client list |
| Budget pipeline | $7 to $18/user/mo annual | Bigin Express and Premier, EngageBay Basic, Pipedrive Lite, Capsule Starter | Freelancers who outgrow free limits and want more pipelines or automation |
| Relationship and sales CRM | $20 to $40/mo | HubSpot Sales Hub Starter, folk Standard, Attio Plus | Freelancers doing regular outreach or managing a large network |
| All-in-one client management | Varies by plan | HoneyBook, Bonsai, Dubsado | Freelancers who want proposals, contracts, invoices and payments with their CRM |
Entry prices from vendor pricing pages, November 2026. Annual billing is usually cheaper than monthly.
Compare an all-in-one tool against the total cost of a free CRM plus your current contract, invoicing and scheduling apps. If you already pay for several separate tools, HoneyBook, Bonsai or Dubsado can cost less overall. If you only send a few invoices a month, a free CRM such as HubSpot or Capsule plus your accounting app is usually the cheaper setup.
How we chose the best CRM software
We started with the CRM tools in the MakeSuccessOnline directory and added well-known freelancer client management tools we have not reviewed yet, such as HoneyBook, Bonsai, Dubsado and Bigin. We judged each one on the jobs a freelancer actually does: logging inquiries, sending proposals, following up, onboarding clients and getting paid. We combined hands-on reviews with vendor documentation and checked pricing and free plans in November 2026.
- Fit for solo workHow well the tool suits one person managing clients, with no sales team assumptions or per-seat bloat.25%
- Client management featuresProposals, contracts, invoicing, payments, client portals and project tracking.20%
- Pricing and free planFree plan limits and the cost of the cheapest useful paid plan for one user.20%
- Ease of useHow quickly a freelancer can set it up and start logging clients.15%
- AutomationFollow-up reminders, workflows and onboarding sequences on affordable plans.10%
- IntegrationsEmail, calendar, accounting and payment connections.10%
How to choose CRM software
- Map how you win and deliver workWrite down your steps from inquiry to final payment. If paperwork is the pain, choose a client management CRM. If lost leads are the pain, choose a pipeline CRM.
- Start on a free planTry HubSpot, Attio, Capsule or Bigin free before paying. Many freelancers never need more.
- Check where you are basedHoneyBook is only available in the US and Canada. Elsewhere, compare Bonsai and Dubsado for an all-in-one.
- Connect your inbox and calendarPick a CRM that syncs email and meetings so client history builds itself instead of relying on manual notes.
- Count your other subscriptionsAdd up what you pay for contracts, invoicing and scheduling. An all-in-one CRM may replace them for less.
- Test with a real clientRun one real inquiry through the trial, from first email to invoice, before you commit to an annual plan.
Check during the free trial
- Can I add a new inquiry from my website without typing it in?
- Do client emails and meetings log automatically?
- How many clicks does it take to send a proposal or invoice?
- What happens when I hit the free plan's contact limit?
- Can a client sign, pay and book a call without creating an account?
Red flags
- Per-seat sales team pricing with no solo option
- Free plans so limited you outgrow them in a month
- Automation locked behind the most expensive tier
- No way to export your client data
- Availability limited to countries where you do not work
CRM software for freelancers FAQ
What is the best CRM software for freelancers?
HubSpot is the best CRM software for most freelancers because its free plan includes contacts, deals, email tracking and meeting links with no time limit. If you want proposals, contracts, invoices and payments in the same tool, HoneyBook is the best all-in-one for creatives in the US and Canada, and Bonsai is the best choice for hourly billing anywhere.
What is the best free CRM for freelancers?
HubSpot has the best free CRM for freelancers, with up to 2 users, contacts, deals, email tracking and meeting links. Attio is a strong alternative that builds your contact list from your inbox, free for up to 3 users. Capsule, Bigin and EngageBay also have free plans, but Capsule and EngageBay cap you at 250 contacts.
Do freelancers need a CRM?
Most freelancers benefit from a CRM once they handle more than a handful of leads or clients at once. It stops follow-ups slipping, keeps every conversation on one record and shows how much work is coming. A free CRM like HubSpot or Capsule is usually enough for a one-person business.
HoneyBook vs Dubsado: which is better for freelancers?
HoneyBook is easier to set up and has mobile apps, which suits freelancers who want to start quickly. Dubsado has more flexible workflow automation and branding, but a steeper learning curve and no native mobile app. HoneyBook is only available in the US and Canada, so freelancers elsewhere should compare Dubsado and Bonsai.
How much does CRM software for freelancers cost?
Many freelancers pay nothing, because HubSpot, Attio, Capsule, Bigin and EngageBay have free plans. Paid pipeline CRMs start at $7 a month annual for Bigin Express, $14 for Pipedrive Lite and $18 for Capsule Starter. All-in-one client management tools such as HoneyBook, Bonsai and Dubsado cost more because they include proposals, contracts and invoicing.
What is the best CRM with invoicing for freelancers?
HoneyBook, Bonsai and Dubsado all combine a client CRM with invoicing and online payments. Bonsai is best if you bill by the hour, because time tracking turns hours into invoices. HoneyBook is best for project-based creatives, and Dubsado is best for automating a repeatable onboarding process.
How do I choose a CRM as a freelancer?
Start with your biggest pain. If you lose track of leads, choose a pipeline CRM such as HubSpot, Bigin or Pipedrive. If client paperwork eats your time, choose HoneyBook, Bonsai or Dubsado. Try a free plan or trial with one real client before paying for a year.
Is HubSpot free CRM good for freelancers?
Yes, HubSpot's free CRM is good for freelancers. It covers up to 2 users with contacts, deals, email tracking, meeting links and basic reports, with no time limit. Its paid sales plans are built for teams, and the price jumps sharply from Starter to Professional, so most freelancers stay on the free plan and use a separate tool for contracts and invoices.
About the reviewer
Editor & Reviewer, MakeSuccessOnline
William Harrison is an editor and reviewer at MakeSuccessOnline. He reviews each tools ranking before it goes live, checking plans, prices, free tiers and features against the tool's own documentation, and keeps rankings current as tools change.