In this post we are going to compare Zoho CRM and FreshSales. These are two very popular CRMs, so we will compare them in 4 different categories to see which one is the right for you and your business:
- User interface and ease of use
- Top features
- Integrations
- Pricing
User interface
FreshSales
- Modern and organized interface.
- Custom modules available.
- The home screen is the activities dashboard (customizable).
- The search bar is always visible.
- The record page shows important information, related deals and related activities.
- The Deals module is organized in a kanban view, but it is possible to change it.
- Editable layouts,
- Organized settings.

Zoho CRM
- Doesn't look as modern as FreshSales.
- There are a lot of modules available besides the basics. It is possible to create custom modules.
- Customizable home screen.
- Hidden search bar (when you start typing, the results start showing up).
- The Deals module looks very similar to the one in FreshSales.
- The record page is very similar to FreshSales, but it's super customizable.
- The settings menu has many options (you can always use the search bar to find what you are looking for).

Top features
FreshSales
- Chat app and team inbox included.
- Journeys (marketing feature) to targeting the contacts or leads using email workflows.
- Customizable fields in the layout.
- Email templates.
- Phone number available to buy (it will ring inside the CRM).
- Workflows.
Zoho CRM
- Has a lot of good features out of the box.
- Customizable fields in the layout.
- Customizable modules using Canvas.
- Advanced workflows and automations. It is possible to trigger custom functions which expands your possibilities.
- Blueprints are available (to make sure your employees follow their process)
- The sandbox allows you to test your changes before deploying them to your live CRM.
Integrations
FreshSales
- FreshWork marketplace (with integrations).
- Basic integrations: Google calendar, contacts, Gmail, Office 365 products, and more.
- Advanced integrations: Asana, PandaDoc, MailChip, TypeForm, and more.
- FreshDeck integration.
- Some apps are verified by FreshWorks.
Zoho CRM
- Marketplace available (with integrations and extensions).
- Integrates with Google or Microsoft Email, Calendar and Contacts, Zapier, Voice over IP phone systems.
- Most of the useful apps are free.
- Zoho products (Zoho Projects, Survey, Desk, Analytics, Webinar, Sign, Campaigns, Contracts).
- Integration with most of voice over IP phone systems (like RingCentral).
Pricing
FreshSales
$39/user/month
Free version available
Zoho CRM
$40/user/month
Free version available
Zoho One
+40 apps (Zoho CRM included)
$37/user/month
So, these two CRMs are really good tools, and no matter which one you choose, it will do a great work. The two apps are advanced CRMs, so you will need some time to set up all the features available.
I recommend Zoho CRM if you need a high level of customization, and you have the time and resources to set up the customizations and automations. The support team is ok, but most of the time you will have to do the work by yourself. But keep in mind that you won't get any of the extra features that come with FreshSales. If you like Zoho CRM and want more functionality, check out Zoho One.
I recommend FreshSales if you need a solution that can take care of sales and marketing efforts, all in one place, but you don't want to get distracted with other apps that you probably don't need.