Zoho CRM vs Freshsales
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: Zoho CRM (4.3/5)
We tested Zoho CRM and Freshsales side-by-side. Zoho CRM comes out ahead overall, but Freshsales may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | Zoho CRM | Freshsales |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 9/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Value for Money | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Customer Support | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Overall | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Zoho CRM | Freshsales |
|---|---|---|
| AI Assistant | Yes | No |
| Workflow Automation | Yes | No |
| Multi-Channel | Yes | No |
| Built-in Phone | No | Yes |
| AI Lead Scoring | No | Yes |
| Deal Management | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
Zoho CRM: Free tier / From $14/mo
Freshsales: Free tier / From $15/mo
Zoho CRM Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very affordable
- Free tier for 3 users
- AI assistant (Zia)
- 50+ Zoho app integrations
Cons
- UI less modern
- Steep learning curve
- Customization can be complex
- Support response times
Freshsales Pros & Cons
Pros
- Built-in phone and chat
- AI lead scoring
- Free tier available
- Clean modern UI
Cons
- Smaller ecosystem
- Fewer integrations
- Reporting needs improvement
- Limited customization
Key Specifications
| Spec | Zoho CRM | Freshsales |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Pricing | Free tier / From $14/mo | Free tier / From $15/mo |
| Year Founded | 1996 | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Chennai, India | San Mateo, CA |
Our Verdict
Zoho CRM wins overall. Choose Zoho CRM if you value Small businesses. Choose Freshsales if you prioritize Growing sales teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zoho CRM better than Freshsales?
Based on our testing, Zoho CRM scores higher with a rating of 4.3/5 compared to Freshsales's 4.2/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between Zoho CRM and Freshsales?
Zoho CRM is known for: Affordable, feature-rich CRM with AI assistant and deep Zoho ecosystem integration.. Freshsales is known for: AI-powered CRM by Freshworks with built-in phone, email, and chat..
Which is cheaper, Zoho CRM or Freshsales?
Zoho CRM pricing: Free tier / From $14/mo. Freshsales pricing: Free tier / From $15/mo.
Can I use Zoho CRM and Freshsales together?
While both tools serve similar purposes in the CRM Software category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.
What are the pros of Zoho CRM?
Very affordable. Free tier for 3 users. AI assistant (Zia)
What are the pros of Freshsales?
Built-in phone and chat. AI lead scoring. Free tier available
Which crm software should I choose?
Choose Zoho CRM if you value Small businesses. Choose Freshsales if you prioritize Growing sales teams.