Struggling to manage leads and automate follow-ups without breaking the bank? I’ve been there.
After years of testing various CRM platforms for my agency, I have finally found tools that strike a balance between affordability and powerful email automation.
If you’re searching for affordable CRM tools with email automation, this guide will save you time (and money). Here are my top 5 picks for 2025 that deliver.
Why I Chose These CRM Tools
Too many CRMs either cost a fortune or lack real email automation. My criteria:
- Affordable pricing for startups & small businesses
- Built-in or native email automation
- Clean user interface
- Solid integrations
- Reliable customer support
These five tools checked all those boxes.
My Honest Take on the Features
1. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)
User Experience & Interface
Modern, easy-to-use interface with drag-and-drop email builder.
Integrations & Compatibility
Connects with Shopify, WordPress, Zapier, and WooCommerce.
Pricing & Value
Starts free, premium from $25/month.
Customization
Great email templates and automated workflows.
Best For
Marketers, ecommerce, agencies.
My take:
An email-first CRM that nails automation at a great price.
2. HubSpot CRM (Starter Plan)
User Experience & Interface
Polished, intuitive dashboard built for SMBs.
Integrations & Compatibility
Huge ecosystem: Gmail, Outlook, Zapier, Shopify.
Pricing & Value
Free CRM with email automation starting at $20/month.
Customization
Flexible contact management and workflows.
Best For
Small teams, B2B companies.
My take:
Starter HubSpot’s email automation is underrated for the price.
3. Zoho CRM
User Experience & Interface
Clean design, but with many advanced options.
Integrations & Compatibility
G Suite, Microsoft 365, Slack, Zoom.
Pricing & Value
Begins at $14/month.
Customization
Highly flexible workflows and modules.
Best For
SMBs needing deeper CRM automation.
My take:
A hidden gem with powerful automation and scalability.
4. EngageBay
User Experience & Interface
Minimal, fast-loading interface.
Integrations & Compatibility
Zapier, Stripe, Shopify, Office 365.
Pricing & Value
Free tier available, paid from $14.99/month.
Customization
Built-in marketing automation and sequences.
Best For
Startups, agencies.
My take:
One of the best budget-friendly CRM + email automation combos.
5. ActiveCampaign (Lite Plan)
User Experience & Interface
Sleek UI focused on marketing workflows.
Integrations & Compatibility
Shopify, Zapier, WordPress, major ESPs.
Pricing & Value
Starts at $19/month.
Customization
Superb automation builder, triggers, and sequences.
Best For
Marketers, ecommerce.
My take:
If you want advanced automation at a reasonable price.
What Makes These Tools Different?
- Built-in automation (vs. add-ons)
- Affordable even for bootstrapped startups
- Fast, intuitive interfaces
- Proven integrations
The Pros & The Cons
Pros:
- Budget-friendly for solopreneurs & startups
- Real marketing automation features
- Flexible integrations
- Scalable as your business grows
Cons:
- Some advanced features require higher tiers
- Learning curve for deeper automation
Who Should Actually Use This?
- Solo founders & entrepreneurs
- Marketing agencies
- Small B2B businesses
- Ecommerce brands
- Bootstrapped startups
If you’re tired of overpriced CRMs or missing automation—these are great alternatives.
(FAQ) of Affordable CRM tools with email automation
What is the most affordable CRM with email automation?
Brevo and EngageBay consistently rank among the most affordable with solid automation.
Is free CRM software worth using?
Yes—if it includes native email automation (like HubSpot Starter or EngageBay Free). Otherwise, paid plans offer better automation.
How do these compare to expensive CRMs like Salesforce?
They’re leaner, faster, and more affordable. If you’re under 100 employees, these tools are more practical.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Details | My Take |
|---|---|---|
| Interface & Ease of Use | Clean, intuitive dashboards | Smooth UX for B2B teams |
| Integrations | Connects with Zapier, Slack, more | Fits modern workflows |
| Pricing | Starts ~$14-$25/month, some free | Great value for growing businesses |
| Customization | API access, automation workflows | Flexible for agencies, startups |
| Best For | SMBs, startups, marketers | Ideal for lean, scaling teams |
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Internal Link: If you liked this, check out my guide to best CRM for small agencies
External Link: How email automation improves sales (Forrester Report)
Affiliate Disclosure:
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.