blungo - Blog #freshworks CRMblungo - Blog #freshworks CRMhttps://www.blungo.com/blogs/tag/freshworks-crmWed, 08 Oct 2025 19:33:29 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Zoho CRM vs FreshSales]]>https://www.blungo.com/blogs/post/zoho-crm-vs-freshworkswe 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, and Pricing]]>

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:

  1. User interface and ease of use
  2. Top features
  3. Integrations
  4. 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.
Freshsales user interface
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).
Zoho CRM user interface

Personal opinion (User interface)

I think the FreshSales' interface looks more polished and has a better design than Zoho CRM's interface.The different elements and settings look better and are better organized. Zoho CRM has more modules and settings than FreshSales, making it more difficult to organize, but still, the user interface could be updated to a more modern design.

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. 

Personal opinion (top features)

In this category, both apps were really close. They both include a lot of features out of the box, but I think Zoho CRM is slightly better because it's more customizable and it has more features related to a CRM. Some of the features in FreshSales are available as a separate app in the Zoho ecosystem. For example, if you need a chat on your website, you can use SalesIQ, that integrates with the CRM. So if you like Zoho CRM and are looking for functionality, you could try Zoho One, which includes more that 40 Zoho apps to run your business.

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).

Personal opinion (integrations)

Zoho CRM has a bigger marketplace, but FreshSales integrates with most of the common apps that business use. Also it's really good that they verify apps to ensure proper functionality. So make sure to review the integrations that you need before choosing one of these apps. But if you already use other Zoho products, Zoho CRM will integrate better with them, and if you already usew any other FreshWorks apps, FreshSales is the best option.

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

Try Out ZOHO ONE
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.
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