Looking for free tools to manage customer relationships and run email campaigns? Here's a quick guide to the best free CRM and email marketing platforms for small businesses in 2025. These tools help you organize contacts, automate campaigns, and track performance without breaking the bank.
| Tool | Free Emails/Month | Contact Limit | CRM Features | Email Templates | Automation Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HubSpot | 2,000 | 1 million | Full pipeline | Yes (5) | Basic workflows |
| Flowlu | Unlimited | Unlimited | Task management | Basic | Limited customization |
| EngageBay | 1,000 | 500 | All-in-one | Limited | Basic AI tracking |
| Brevo | 9,000 (300/day) | Unlimited | Basic | Yes (40+) | 2,000 contacts |
| GetResponse | 2,500 | 500 | Basic | Yes (100+) | 5 active workflows |
| MailerLite | 12,000 | 1,000 | Contact management | Yes (100+) | Limited support |
These tools are great starting points for small businesses. As your needs grow, consider upgrading to paid plans for more features.
HubSpot's free CRM is packed with features that cater to businesses looking for a no-cost way to manage contacts and streamline marketing efforts. It allows storage for up to 1 million contacts and supports unlimited users - a standout feature in the free CRM space[1][3]. It also includes essential email marketing tools.
The free plan offers 2,000 emails per month, 5 customizable templates (with HubSpot branding), and an AI-powered email writer to help craft professional messages[2][3][6].
Key Features:
| Feature Category | Free Plan Includes |
|---|---|
| Contact Management | Up to 1 million contacts |
| Email Marketing | 2,000 emails/month |
| Templates | 5 email templates |
| Deal Management | 1 pipeline |
| Analytics | 10 dashboard reports |
| Additional Tools | Forms, live chat, chatbot |
HubSpot also supports basic automation workflows, real-time analytics, and integrates with over 1,400 apps to simplify your operations[7].
"The ability to customize properties has been a huge benefit to both my sales team and our reporting."
- Charles Dubeau, Sales Specialist at MyLEDLightingGuide[1]
Extra Features in the Free Plan:
With a 4.5/5 rating from more than 3,600 reviews[4][5], HubSpot's free CRM is an excellent starting point for small businesses. While its free version does have some restrictions - like branded email templates and limited meeting link options[8] - it provides a cost-free way to improve marketing and sales efforts.
Next, let’s dive into another option: Flowlu.
Flowlu is a free CRM that includes built-in email marketing tools and integrates with popular business apps through platforms like Zapier. It allows users to connect with email services, calendar apps, and other essential tools to manage business operations.
However, its integrations and automation options are not as extensive as those offered by more advanced CRM platforms. For businesses that require high levels of customization, this might be a limitation. On the other hand, small businesses with simpler requirements may find Flowlu a practical option for managing CRM tasks while keeping their key tools linked.
Let’s take a look at another alternative with a different set of features.
EngageBay stands out with its combination of CRM, email marketing, and other digital tools in one platform.
It offers tools for managing contacts, building websites, and improving SEO, all in one place. Plus, its AI-driven performance tracking helps monitor key marketing metrics in real time. This all-in-one approach makes it a practical choice for small businesses looking to streamline their marketing efforts.
Brevo offers a solid option for small businesses, combining email marketing tools with CRM capabilities.
The free plan is designed for small-scale operations and includes unlimited contact storage. For email marketing, users can send up to 300 emails per day (around 9,000 emails monthly). It also comes with a drag-and-drop editor and over 40 professionally designed email templates, making it easy to create polished campaigns.
Brevo's CRM tools include:
The free plan also supports basic marketing automation. Users can create workflows for tasks like:
Brevo also features SMS marketing, though SMS credits are sold separately. Keep in mind, automation workflows in the free plan are limited to 2,000 contacts.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what the free plan offers:
| Feature | Free Plan Limit |
|---|---|
| Contact Storage | Unlimited |
| Daily Email Sends | 300 |
| Email Templates | Yes (40+) |
| Automation Workflows | Up to 2,000 contacts |
| SMS Marketing | Available (pay-as-you-go) |
| Landing Page Builder | 1 active page |
GetResponse provides a free plan that combines email marketing tools with basic CRM features. It supports up to 500 contacts and allows for 2,500 monthly emails, making it a practical choice for businesses starting with digital marketing.
The email marketing tools include a drag-and-drop editor with over 100 templates, simple automation workflows for tasks like welcome emails and cart abandonment, AI-powered subject line suggestions, and real-time analytics to track open and click-through rates.
The free plan also includes webinar hosting for up to 100 attendees and boasts a 98% email deliverability rate, thanks to automatic SPF/DKIM setup and built-in list cleaning features [11].
| Feature | Limit |
|---|---|
| Contacts | 500 |
| Monthly Emails | 2,500 |
| Website Builder | 1 site |
| Landing Pages | 1 page |
| File Storage | 2.5GB |
| Automation Workflows | 5 active |
For example, LandCafe.pl achieved a 54% sales conversion rate using GetResponse's welcome email series. Another case study highlighted how automation workflows helped a business grow revenue from zero to €150,000 and increase subscribers to 20,000 within a year [13][14].
In terms of contact management, GetResponse offers tools like basic segmentation with tags, custom field creation, mobile app contact imports, automatic bounce handling, and GDPR compliance features. However, advanced options such as CRM integrations, custom domain hosting, and A/B testing are only available with paid plans. For those looking to expand functionality, GetResponse can integrate with free CRM tools via Zapier, enabling automatic contact syncing between systems [10].
The platform is known for being easy to use, with its drag-and-drop interface earning a 93% satisfaction rating in G2 reviews [12]. That said, some users reported a learning curve when using its advanced segmentation tools. Overall, GetResponse offers a strong mix of features for businesses exploring free CRM and email marketing solutions.
MailerLite’s free plan offers a solid foundation for email marketing and basic contact management, catering to small businesses with up to 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 monthly emails[16].
With features like segmentation, custom fields, and tagging, the free plan is designed to cover essential email marketing needs. For example, Japan Ski Experience reported a 98% email deliverability rate after switching to MailerLite in 2023[17].
Here’s what the free plan includes:
| Category | Limits |
|---|---|
| Subscribers | 1,000 |
| Monthly Emails | 12,000 |
| Email Templates | 100+ |
| Landing Pages | 1 |
| Team Members | 3 |
The platform features a drag-and-drop editor, over 100 mobile-responsive templates, and a stock image library. Additionally, it includes an AI subject line generator that provides up to five suggestions per month[15].
MailerLite’s automation tools support workflows like welcome emails, birthday messages, and re-engagement campaigns. It integrates with over 500 apps via Zapier, making it versatile for various business needs. An e-commerce case study highlighted a 40% repeat purchase rate when using these workflows[20].
While not a full-fledged CRM, MailerLite’s contact management tools - such as custom fields, activity tracking, and tagging - are sufficient for basic needs. For more advanced CRM capabilities, it can be integrated with platforms like Outfunnel[18].
The free plan has some restrictions: support is limited to email, only one landing page is allowed, and features like A/B testing and purchase-based automation are excluded. For those needing more, paid plans start at $9 per month[19]. MailerLite holds a 4.7/5 rating on Capterra, based on over 1,200 reviews[19].
Here’s a breakdown of additional features by plan:
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Key Additional Features |
|---|---|---|
| Growing Business | $9–$125 | Unlimited emails, support for 3 users |
| Advanced | $18–$730 | 15 automation templates, A/B testing |
| Enterprise | Custom | Dedicated support and SLA |
MailerLite combines affordability with essential tools, making it a great choice for small businesses looking to kickstart their email marketing efforts. Check out the comparison chart next to see how its free features measure up against other platforms.
The table below highlights the key features, limitations, and integrations of popular tools. According to a 2024 Small Business Trends report, 68% of small businesses prioritize automation and integrations for growth[21].
| Feature | HubSpot | Flowlu | EngageBay | Brevo | GetResponse | MailerLite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Monthly Emails | 2,000 | Unlimited | 1,000 | 9,000 | 2,500 | 12,000 |
| Contact Limit | 1,000,000 | Unlimited | 500 | Unlimited | 500 | 1,000 |
| CRM Features | Full pipeline | Task management | All-in-one | Basic | Basic | Contact management |
| Email Templates | Yes | Basic | Limited | No | Yes | 100+ |
| Mobile App | Full access | Limited | Limited | Full access | Yes | Web only |
| Support Type | Not specified | 24/7 chat | 24/7 chat |
Some tools stand out with unique features. For example, a Portland bakery reported a 40% boost in conversions using EngageBay's chat and email nurturing system[25][26]. GetResponse offers an AI email generator with 5 free subject line suggestions per month, while Flowlu includes project management and invoicing in its free tier[28][29].
Integration options vary across platforms, making it essential to choose one that fits your business needs:
| Tool | Payment Processing | E-commerce | Productivity Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| HubSpot | Stripe, PayPal | Multiple | Full suite |
| Brevo | Stripe | Shopify native | Limited |
| EngageBay | Basic | WooCommerce | Google Workspace |
| Flowlu | Custom | Via Zapier | Microsoft 365 |
For businesses ready to move beyond free plans, here’s how monthly costs compare for 5 users:
Performance insights reveal additional differences. GetResponse boasts an average support response time of 8 minutes, while MailerLite free plan users may wait up to 48 hours[22]. Email deliverability rates are strong across the board, ranging from 92% to 98%[23][24].
Be aware of these restrictions in free plans:
According to industry data, 78% of small businesses upgrade from free plans within their first year[25][27]. This guide provides the details you need to select the right CRM and email marketing tool for your business.
Different businesses have varying needs when it comes to CRM and email marketing tools. Here's a quick guide tailored to specific business models, matching tool features with their unique requirements. This ensures an easy shift from free plans to more advanced solutions when necessary.
| Business Size | Primary Need | Recommended Tool | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro (1-5) | Basic CRM | HubSpot | Full pipeline management |
| Small (6-20) | Email Marketing | MailerLite | 12,000 monthly emails |
| Medium (21-50) | Integration | Brevo | Multiple platform connections |
| Growing (51+) | Scalability | Flowlu | Unlimited contacts |
As businesses grow, free tools may no longer meet their needs. For example, many B2B professional service companies eventually require features like PR placements, automated SEO, and multi-channel performance tracking. In these cases, custom solutions like Humble Help can step in to provide:
Humble Help specializes in delivering targeted solutions for businesses that have outgrown basic CRMs, ensuring they stay competitive as their needs evolve.
The article does not provide a direct comparison of free CRM and email marketing tools. Instead, it highlights services like those offered by Humble Help, which supports small businesses with marketing solutions such as website creation, PR strategies, and content automation. For detailed comparisons, you may need to explore specific tools and their features independently.
To choose the right free CRM or email marketing tool, small businesses should start by identifying their specific needs. Consider factors like the size of your customer base, the types of campaigns you plan to run, and any integrations you may require (e.g., with your website or other tools).
Look for tools that offer essential features like contact management, email automation, and reporting within your budget. Many platforms provide free trials or limited free versions, so testing a few options can help you find the best fit. For tailored guidance, services like Humble Help specialize in small business marketing solutions, offering tools and expertise to streamline your efforts and support growth.
Free CRM and email marketing tools are great for small businesses on tight budgets, but they often come with limitations like restricted features, limited storage, or caps on the number of users or emails you can send. These constraints can hinder growth as your business scales.
You should consider upgrading to a paid plan when your business outgrows these limits, such as needing advanced analytics, automation, or integrations with other tools. Paid plans often provide more robust support and customization options, which are essential for managing a growing customer base effectively.
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