Comparison · CRM software

Freshsales vs Zoho CRM: which is better in 2026?

Zoho CRM ranks higher in our list of CRM software (#4 against #8, score 89.5 against 84.5).

How we rank Share

  • 84.5
    Editorial score
    89.5
  • 1
    Platforms
    3
  • No
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

Choose Freshsales if you want

Sales teams already using Freshworks tools.

AI lead scoring, sales sequences and custom modules on Enterprise, alongside the Freshdesk family. Its per-user tiers gate most features, and AI agent sessions are sold extra.

Choose Zoho CRM if you want

Small businesses that want a free start and an app suite.

A free edition for up to 3 users and a wide suite of connected Zoho apps. Its breadth can make the interface busy, and Zia Agents sit in the paid editions.

The main differences

  • Only Zoho CRM runs on iOS.
  • Only Zoho CRM runs on Android.
  • Zoho CRM can be used for free; Freshsales requires payment.

Side by side

FreshsalesZoho CRM
Score84.589.5
Rank in list#8 of 11#4 of 11
PriceSubscriptionPaid per-user plans after a 21-day free trialFree plan, paid upgradesFree edition for up to 3 users; paid per-user editions
Free to useNoYes
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWebWebWebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android
Made byFreshworks Inc.Zoho Corporation
HostingVendor cloudVendor cloud
AI assistantFreddy AIZia Agents
Email syncEmail syncEmail integration
Best forSales teams already using Freshworks toolsSmall businesses that want a free start and an app suite
Strengths
  • AI lead scoring and deal insights
  • Sales sequences on higher editions
  • Custom modules and audit logs on Enterprise
  • Free edition for up to 3 users
  • Wide suite of connected Zoho apps
  • Workflow automation and custom functions
Limits
  • Advanced features sit in higher per-user tiers
  • AI agent sessions cost extra
  • Breadth can make the interface busy
  • Higher editions cost more per user
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Freshsales vs Zoho CRM

Is Zoho CRM better than Freshsales?
Zoho CRM ranks higher in our list of CRM software (#4 against #8, score 89.5 against 84.5). Freshsales is best for: sales teams already using Freshworks tools. Zoho CRM is best for: small businesses that want a free start and an app suite.
Which is cheaper, Freshsales or Zoho CRM?
Freshsales: Paid per-user plans after a 21-day free trial. Zoho CRM: Free edition for up to 3 users; paid per-user editions.
Do Freshsales and Zoho CRM run on the same platforms?
Freshsales supports Web. Zoho CRM supports Web, iOS, Android.