Discover folk - the CRM for people-powered businesses
Some deals fall through because of bad timing. Others? Because your team can't see what's blocking the close.
The best sales teams don't just work hard—they track, analyze, and optimize every stage. That's where the best pipeline management software comes in. A good CRM isn't optional anymore. It's your sales engine.
10 Best Pipeline Management Software Analyzed and Compared
folk CRM
Best For
Agile sales teams, agencies, and startups.
Overview
folk CRM stands out with its flexibility and user-first design. It lets you create fully customizable pipelines and automate contact management through "Magic Fields." You can segment leads, assign tasks, and collaborate without digging through clutter. Its clean interface makes adoption easy, even for non-technical teams.
Pros
- Visual and collaborative pipeline views
- Auto-tagging and dynamic contact fields
- Team collaboration with shared views
- Google Sheets and LinkedIn sync
Cons
- No free plan currently available
Pricing
From $20/user/month
Pipedrive
Best For
Sales teams that prioritize pipeline visibility and forecasting.
Overview
Pipedrive is known for its drag-and-drop interface and sales-centric features. You get visual pipeline views, customizable stages, and revenue forecasts. The deal rotting feature alerts reps to stale deals, helping improve time-to-close. On G2, users highlight its clean UI and ease of use, especially for small to mid-sized teams.
Pros
- Pipeline visibility with customizable stages
- AI sales assistant for deal insights
- Revenue forecasting and goal tracking
Cons
- Limited marketing automation capabilities
Pricing
From $21/user/month
HubSpot
Best For
SMBs scaling fast with marketing-sales alignment needs.
Overview
HubSpot’s CRM offers free access to basic pipeline features. It includes contact tracking, deal stages, email templates, and reporting dashboards. Users love its native integrations and how easily it links sales to marketing campaigns. The interface is user-friendly, but pricing can increase quickly as your needs grow.
Pros
- Full-featured free plan
- Seamless sales and marketing integration
- Deal forecasting and reporting
Cons
- Advanced features locked behind expensive tiers
Pricing
Free plan available, paid tiers from $20/user/month
Close CRM
Best For
Inside sales teams that rely on phone, SMS, and email.
Overview
Close CRM is purpose-built for reps working fast and remotely. It integrates calling, emailing, and SMS into one interface. Its pipeline feature tracks each lead’s journey in real-time, and automated workflows help speed up follow-ups. Users on Capterra rate its speed and multichannel outreach highly.
Pros
- Native dialer, email, and SMS tools
- Custom pipeline stages with automation
- Great for high-volume outreach
Cons
- Limited external integrations
Pricing
From $49/user/month
monday CRM
Best For
Project-heavy sales teams needing custom workflows.
Overview
monday sales CRM gives users control over every aspect of their sales workflow. You can build your own dashboards, automate recurring tasks, and integrate with over 40 apps. On G2, sales teams appreciate its flexibility and how it helps with cross-department visibility.
Pros
- Visual workflow builder
- Project and pipeline management in one
- Workflow automations
Cons
- Can be overwhelming without setup help
Pricing
From $10/user/month
Freshsales
Best For
Sales teams wanting AI-powered deal scoring and analytics.
Overview
Freshsales by Freshworks brings AI into pipeline management. Freddy AI analyzes deals and highlights risks before they go cold. The tool also includes territory management, lead scoring, and real-time chat. Users say it’s easy to get started and particularly useful for growing teams.
Pros
- AI-based forecasting and alerts
- Integrated email, phone, and chat
- Strong mobile experience
Cons
- Reporting features could be more robust
Pricing
Free plan available, paid plans from $15/user/month
Salesforce
Best For
Enterprises with advanced pipeline and analytics needs.
Overview
Salesforce remains a leader for a reason—customization. You can configure everything from sales stages to lead scoring to predictive analytics. It’s great for large teams needing deep integrations and analytics. On G2, users praise its scale but note the complexity and high setup cost.
Pros
- End-to-end sales pipeline customization
- Enterprise-level analytics and forecasting
- Huge app marketplace
Cons
- Steep learning curve and expensive onboarding
Pricing
From $25/user/month
Zoho CRM
Best For
Budget-conscious teams and freelancers.
Overview
Zoho CRM offers a wide range of features without the high cost. It includes pipeline tracking, sales automation, and email marketing. On Capterra, users like its affordability and value, though the user interface feels dated.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Free plan for individuals
- Pipeline, email, and workflow tools
Cons
- UI is less intuitive
Pricing
Free plan available, paid plans from $14/user/month
Salesmate
Best For
Small and mid-sized businesses looking for simplicity.
Overview
Salesmate is built for teams that need intuitive software without the bells and whistles. It includes automated workflows, a visual sales pipeline, and real-time tracking. On G2, users love its customer support and clean interface.
Pros
- Easy setup and use
- Great customer service
- Customizable sales stages
Cons
- Fewer third-party integrations
Pricing
From $12/user/month
Copper
Best For
Teams deeply integrated with Google Workspace.
Overview
Copper works seamlessly inside Gmail and Google Calendar. It tracks pipeline progress, automates data entry, and provides visual reports—all from your inbox. Capterra reviewers say it saves them hours every week by reducing admin work.
Pros
- Strong Google Workspace integration
- Zero data entry CRM
- Helpful activity reminders
Cons
- Not ideal outside of Google ecosystem
Pricing
From $29/user/month
FAQ: Pipeline Management Software
What is pipeline management software?
Pipeline management software helps sales teams track opportunities across each stage of the sales process. It shows where deals are in the funnel, alerts you when deals go cold, and helps prioritize what to focus on.
How is sales pipeline software different from a regular CRM?
CRMs manage all customer data, including service and marketing. Pipeline tools are CRM features that focus specifically on visualizing and moving sales deals forward.
What features should I look for?
- Customizable stages
- Forecasting & analytics
- Automations & reminders
- Team collaboration tools
What's the average price?
Most tools range from $15 to $50 per user/month. Many offer free trials or limited free plans.
Do I really need pipeline software?
If you're managing more than a few deals or reps, yes. It gives clarity, boosts accountability, and speeds up decisions.
Conclusion
Sales pipeline software should be tailored to your team's structure, velocity, and goals. Whether you're scaling outreach, automating steps, or forecasting revenue, the right tool will give you clarity—and speed. For agile B2B teams and agencies, folk CRM offers a modern, collaborative approach worth exploring.
More Resources
How to Build a Sales Pipeline From Scratch? Easy Steps and Best B2B Tools
How to Track Sales Effectively and Drive Real-Time Revenue Insights
Deal management: structure, track and improve your pipeline with a CRM that works
Discover folk CRM - Like the sales assistant your team never had
