Choosing the right CRM can make or break growth for Indian SMEs. In 2025, Zoho, Freshsales, and HubSpot are the top contenders—but each serves a different need. This guide compares pricing, GST readiness, Razorpay/UPI support, and automation features to help you decide.
India Snapshot
| Feature | Zoho CRM | Freshsales | HubSpot CRM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price |
₹800/user/month | ₹999/user/month | Free (basic), paid from $18 (~₹1,500) | Zoho cheapest |
| GST Invoice |
Yes (Zoho Books integration) | Limited via 3rd-party apps | Limited, global focus | Zoho wins |
| Payments | Razorpay, PayU, UPI via Zoho Checkout | Razorpay, PayU via connectors | Stripe/PayPal; Indian gateways via Zapier | Zoho/Freshsales better |
| Built-in via Zoho Cliq integration | Native integration | Needs 3rd-party | Freshsales smoother | |
| Automation | Workflow rules, macros, AI scoring | Built-in AI (Freddy AI) | Best-in-class marketing automation | HubSpot strongest |
| Support Hours |
India support hours + Tamil Nadu HQ | India HQ, strong local presence | Global support, slower in IST | Zoho/Freshsales faster |
| Best For |
Cost-sensitive SMEs in India | Growth-focused Indian SMEs | Funded startups with global clients | — |
Want to try an India-first CRM today?
Get Zoho CRM
Scaling your SME with automation?
Try Freshsales
Need global-grade CRM with advanced marketing?
Explore HubSpot CRM
Zoho CRM: India’s Most Affordable CRM
- Pricing starts at just ₹800/user/month.
- Deep integration with Zoho Books, Zoho Desk, and Zoho Checkout.
- Supports Razorpay, PayU, UPI payments natively.
- Localized GST invoice support.
- 24/7 chat support with India-based teams.
Best for: SMEs looking for low-cost, India-first CRM with invoicing.
Freshsales: Best Balance of Simplicity + Automation
- Pricing starts at ₹999/user/month.
- Built by Freshworks (Chennai-based), designed for Indian SMEs.
- WhatsApp & telephony integration built-in.
- AI (Freddy) helps with lead scoring and deal prediction.
- Lacks native GST billing, but integrates with Razorpay/Zoho Books.
Best for: Growing SMEs that need sales automation without global pricing.
HubSpot CRM: Global Power, Higher Cost
- Free plan is popular but limited; real value comes in paid tiers (~₹1,500/user+).
- Advanced marketing automation, email workflows, content tools.
- Limited direct India payment/GST support.
- Best for startups targeting global clients, SaaS, and funded ventures.
Best for: Indian companies with international ambitions.
Profitability for Indian SMEs
- Zoho CRM: Higher margins due to low subscription cost and native billing.
- Freshsales: Mid-tier pricing with local integrations—balanced ROI.
- HubSpot: Costs more, but higher automation → better if global expansion is planned.
Pros and Cons
| CRM | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Zoho CRM |
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| Freshsales |
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| HubSpot |
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| Tip: If budget is tight and India-first features matter, start with Zoho CRM; upgrade to Freshsales/HubSpot as automation needs grow. | ||
Quick Checklist for SMEs
- Budget <₹1,000/user → Choose Zoho CRM.
- Need automation + local support → Choose Freshsales.
- Global clients, marketing-heavy → Choose HubSpot CRM.
- Always connect Razorpay/PayU for Indian payments.
- Add WhatsApp integration for sales conversations.
Ready to pick the right CRM for your SME?
👉 Zoho CRM – India-first, affordable option
👉 Freshsales – Balanced automation for growth
👉 HubSpot – Global powerhouse CRM
In 2025, Zoho CRM wins for cost-sensitive Indian SMEs, Freshsales is the best balance for growing businesses, and HubSpot is ideal for startups with global goals. Your choice depends on budget, scale, and whether your clients are local or international.
