CRM software centralizes and analyzes business and customer data, aiding sales, marketing, and customer service teams. Cloud-based CRM stores this data on the provider’s servers, allowing users to access it online. This eliminates the need for enterprises to host the software on-site, saving on resources. CRM cloud providers ensure data security in their data centers, and their systems offer automation, contact management, and valuable customer insights.
Our top five cloud-based CRM software picks offer a wide range of benefits for businesses with different CRM software needs.
Our picks for the best cloud-based CRM software
Salesforce: Best for improving sales functions
Pros
Cons
Salesforce can be used by companies in any industry that want to streamline or enhance their sales functions. A customizable CRM available via cloud or local, Salesforce helps sales teams manage contacts and opportunities, track leads, forecast sales, and get insights into how they are performing.
However, configuring and setting up Salesforce is complex, so it would be worthwhile for organizations that opt to use Salesforce to ensure that their leadership has experience with the application and understands what a good implementation looks like.
Also Read: Best CRMs for Small Business
Microsoft Dynamics 365: Best for enterprises
Pros
Cons
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is Microsoft’s CRM group of five cloud-based applications: marketing, sales, customer service, field service, and project operations. Customers can buy individual applications or the entire suite, depending on their needs. Dynamics 365 also integrates with Microsoft Office 365 products, including Teams, Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Dynamics 365 offers companies performance metric tracking, real-time analytics, multi-channel relationship management tools, and artificial intelligence-based recommendations. Microsoft Dynamics offers advanced tools not offered by other CRM software vendors.
Also Read: FreshSales vs. amoCRM
HubSpot: Best for teams new to CRM
Pros
Cons
HubSpot CRM allows salespeople to organize, manage, and track contacts to help them develop better relationships with their clients. HubSpot is great for sales teams that are new to CRM, particularly if they’re looking to leverage the application’s email marketing capability. HubSpot’s free plan is ideal for new businesses that need a simple platform for sales, marketing, and customer service.
Also read: Top Construction & Contractor CRM Software
Oracle NetSuite: Best for e-commerce businesses
Pros
Cons
Oracle NetSuite CRM, built on Oracle’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform, is well suited for e-commerce businesses that want to provide top-notch customer experiences. The NetSuite CRM module gives organizations of all sizes complete 360-degree views of their customers in real time.
However, it is particularly well suited for midsize e-commerce companies that need a CRM system to help them better understand the shopping habits of their customers.
Zoho CRM: Best for remote and hybrid sales teams
Pros
Cons
Zoho CRM allows organizations with remote and hybrid workforces to easily increase leads, accurately measure performance, and efficiently speed up the sales cycle. Zoho CRM is a good system for organizations with remote and hybrid workforces because it offers a gamification feature that fosters friendly competition.
Pipedrive: Best for visual sales pipeline tracking
Pros
Cons
Pipedrive is a cloud-based CRM predominantly tailored for sales teams, emphasizing visual sales pipeline management. Its strengths lie in its user-friendly interface, automation capabilities, and seamless email integration.
Compared to platforms like Salesforce, Pipedrive offers a more streamlined experience, making it ideal for businesses that want simplicity without the bells and whistles. However, unlike more comprehensive CRMs such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, it might lack certain advanced functionalities. While it’s excellent for tracking sales and managing contacts, larger enterprises with complex needs might find it limiting.
Pipedrive is akin to HubSpot in its ease of use but doesn’t quite match the depth of features found in more extensive CRM systems.
Choosing the best cloud-based CRM solution
CRM cloud software is a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes in any industry that want to track sales, follow up with prospects, and manage customer relationships.
Cloud-based CRM platforms come in all sizes, and they can be complicated and expensive to implement. The right solution depends on a company’s biggest CRM needs. For example, large e-commerce companies would do well to consider Oracle NetSuite CRM, while organizations that want to boost their sales functions would be better off opting for Salesforce. If none of these CRM vendors meet your needs, check out our Cloud-Based CRM Software Buyer’s Guide to browse other solutions.
Also Read: CRM Software Guide