Written by Paddy Stobbs
Co-Founder & CEO
Edited by Steph Leung
Product & Operations Lead
As a consultant, managing client relationships and streamlining sales processes is crucial. A CRM helps organize contacts, track interactions, and automate follow-ups, making it easier to close deals and deliver exceptional service.
With various options available, choosing the right CRM can be challenging. Our independent expertise helps you navigate the best CRM solutions for consultants, covering use cases such as contact management, sales pipeline management, and client engagement tracking.
Copper
Stackfix Rating:
6.3 / 10
Copper is a good CRM for consultants managing client projects because of its dedicated project pipeline functionality. Unlike traditional sales-focused CRMs, Copper allows consultants to create separate project pipelines where each card represents a different client project, enabling efficient tracking of multiple engagements simultaneously. The platform’s Google Workspace integration lets consultants view tasks, past client interactions, and add contacts directly from Gmail or Google Calendar without switching contexts—a crucial time-saver for busy professionals juggling multiple clients.
While Copper performs well in project management and Google integration, it has limitations consultants should consider. The platform retains some sales-focused fields in project pipelines (like win probability), and each card displays only four fields. Additionally, reporting capabilities for project pipelines are basic, with comprehensive analytics only available for sales pipelines. Despite these constraints, Copper's intuitive setup and responsive customer support make it a solid choice for consultants who prioritize Google Workspace integration and need straightforward project tracking.
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Copper is a good CRM for consultants managing client projects because of its dedicated project pipeline functionality. Unlike traditional sales-focused CRMs, Copper allows consultants to create separate project pipelines where each card represents a different client project, enabling efficient tracking of multiple engagements simultaneously. The platform’s Google Workspace integration lets consultants view tasks, past client interactions, and add contacts directly from Gmail or Google Calendar without switching contexts—a crucial time-saver for busy professionals juggling multiple clients.
While Copper performs well in project management and Google integration, it has limitations consultants should consider. The platform retains some sales-focused fields in project pipelines (like win probability), and each card displays only four fields. Additionally, reporting capabilities for project pipelines are basic, with comprehensive analytics only available for sales pipelines. Despite these constraints, Copper's intuitive setup and responsive customer support make it a solid choice for consultants who prioritize Google Workspace integration and need straightforward project tracking.
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Copper
Stackfix Rating:
6.3 / 10
Streak
Stackfix Rating:
6.6 / 10
For consultants who live in their Gmail inbox, Streak offers a seamless CRM experience that eliminates frustration from switching platforms. It earned a 9/10 rating for ease of setup in our testing, and integrates directly as a Chrome extension, transforming your inbox into a full-featured CRM without requiring you to toggle between different tools. This native Gmail integration makes it efficient for consultants who manage client relationships primarily through email.
Streak is strong in its email sequence capabilities, scoring 8/10 in our review. Consultants can create follow-up sequences, track email engagement, and view comprehensive correspondence histories with clients—all without leaving Gmail. Streak’s workflow automation is solid, but it lacks custom objects and has limited integrations outside the Google ecosystem. Additionally, the interface can sometimes feel cluttered. Despite these limitations, for Gmail-centric consultants who need their CRM and email in one place, Streak offers convenience with a minimal learning curve.
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For consultants who live in their Gmail inbox, Streak offers a seamless CRM experience that eliminates frustration from switching platforms. It earned a 9/10 rating for ease of setup in our testing, and integrates directly as a Chrome extension, transforming your inbox into a full-featured CRM without requiring you to toggle between different tools. This native Gmail integration makes it efficient for consultants who manage client relationships primarily through email.
Streak is strong in its email sequence capabilities, scoring 8/10 in our review. Consultants can create follow-up sequences, track email engagement, and view comprehensive correspondence histories with clients—all without leaving Gmail. Streak’s workflow automation is solid, but it lacks custom objects and has limited integrations outside the Google ecosystem. Additionally, the interface can sometimes feel cluttered. Despite these limitations, for Gmail-centric consultants who need their CRM and email in one place, Streak offers convenience with a minimal learning curve.
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Streak
Stackfix Rating:
6.6 / 10
Folk
Stackfix Rating:
7.4 / 10
For consultants requiring a flexible CRM system that adapts to varying client engagements, Folk stands out with its customizability rating of 8/10. Unlike rigid CRMs designed solely for traditional sales, Folk’s framework accommodates diverse use cases—from client relationship tracking to partnership management and recruitment. Consultants can fully customize pipelines and even create entirely new ones based on custom data objects, allowing them to adapt the system to each unique consulting engagement or service offering they provide.
What sets Folk apart is its intuitive, spreadsheet-like interface with an ease-of-setup score of 10/10, ensuring users can be operational within minutes while deeper customizations take only 1-2 hours. The system’s ability to create custom objects means consultants can organize information beyond standard contact records—perfect for tracking projects, methodologies, or specialized service offerings. While Folk excels in flexibility, it does have limitations: the platform lacks workflow automation and offers limited data field types (no percentages or checkboxes). However, for consultants who prioritize a malleable system that can be quickly reconfigured as their practice evolves, Folk delivers exceptional adaptability without overwhelming complexity.
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For consultants requiring a flexible CRM system that adapts to varying client engagements, Folk stands out with its customizability rating of 8/10. Unlike rigid CRMs designed solely for traditional sales, Folk’s framework accommodates diverse use cases—from client relationship tracking to partnership management and recruitment. Consultants can fully customize pipelines and even create entirely new ones based on custom data objects, allowing them to adapt the system to each unique consulting engagement or service offering they provide.
What sets Folk apart is its intuitive, spreadsheet-like interface with an ease-of-setup score of 10/10, ensuring users can be operational within minutes while deeper customizations take only 1-2 hours. The system’s ability to create custom objects means consultants can organize information beyond standard contact records—perfect for tracking projects, methodologies, or specialized service offerings. While Folk excels in flexibility, it does have limitations: the platform lacks workflow automation and offers limited data field types (no percentages or checkboxes). However, for consultants who prioritize a malleable system that can be quickly reconfigured as their practice evolves, Folk delivers exceptional adaptability without overwhelming complexity.
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Folk
Stackfix Rating:
7.4 / 10
Capsule
Stackfix Rating:
6.3 / 10
For consultants who value simplicity and efficiency, Capsule CRM delivers an intuitive interface that scored 8/10 in our ease-of-use testing. The platform’s clean, visually appealing design with color-coded elements creates a user experience with reasonable page load times. Most consultants can become comfortable with Capsule’s navigation within an hour—without extensive training—allowing them to focus on client relationships rather than learning complex software.
Capsule is particularly suited for consultancy work because of its dual pipeline functionality. The system allows users to create separate pipelines for sales opportunities and client projects, providing a streamlined way to visualize both new business and ongoing client work in one interface. Capsule’s email integration further enhances workflow efficiency, letting users view tasks, past interactions, and add contacts directly from their inbox. While the platform is usable, it has limitations—its customization options scored just 6/10, and users can’t customize what appears on deal cards. For consultants prioritizing an easy learning curve over advanced features, Capsule offers a balance of simplicity and functionality.
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For consultants who value simplicity and efficiency, Capsule CRM delivers an intuitive interface that scored 8/10 in our ease-of-use testing. The platform’s clean, visually appealing design with color-coded elements creates a user experience with reasonable page load times. Most consultants can become comfortable with Capsule’s navigation within an hour—without extensive training—allowing them to focus on client relationships rather than learning complex software.
Capsule is particularly suited for consultancy work because of its dual pipeline functionality. The system allows users to create separate pipelines for sales opportunities and client projects, providing a streamlined way to visualize both new business and ongoing client work in one interface. Capsule’s email integration further enhances workflow efficiency, letting users view tasks, past interactions, and add contacts directly from their inbox. While the platform is usable, it has limitations—its customization options scored just 6/10, and users can’t customize what appears on deal cards. For consultants prioritizing an easy learning curve over advanced features, Capsule offers a balance of simplicity and functionality.
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Capsule
Stackfix Rating:
6.3 / 10
Meet your expert: Paddy Stobbs
Stackfix Co-Founder & CEO
I've spent over a decade deep in the world of business software - personally managing more than $2M in purchases across companies I've built and led. From intimate 10-person teams to organizations of 150+, I've developed a particular obsession with Sales and HR tools – testing, implementing, and scaling them at every stage of growth. My journey started at Cambridge University, led me through Google, and most recently culminated in selling my previous venture to TikTok. Now, I'm channeling all of that hands-on experience into helping others navigate the complex landscape of business software.
Stackfix Rating:
6.3 / 10
Visit website
Starting at
$12
Copper is a good CRM for consultants managing client projects because of its dedicated project pipeline functionality. Unlike traditional sales-focused CRMs, Copper allows consultants to create separate project pipelines where each card represents a different client project, enabling efficient tracking of multiple engagements simultaneously. The platform’s Google Workspace integration lets consultants view tasks, past client interactions, and add contacts directly from Gmail or Google Calendar without switching contexts—a crucial time-saver for busy professionals juggling multiple clients.
While Copper performs well in project management and Google integration, it has limitations consultants should consider. The platform retains some sales-focused fields in project pipelines (like win probability), and each card displays only four fields. Additionally, reporting capabilities for project pipelines are basic, with comprehensive analytics only available for sales pipelines. Despite these constraints, Copper's intuitive setup and responsive customer support make it a solid choice for consultants who prioritize Google Workspace integration and need straightforward project tracking.
Copper contact list showing table view of contacts
Want to know more? Get a full breakdown of Copper's features and pricing.
Useful project pipeline functionality
Exceptional Google Workspace Integration
Strong Customer Support
Robust Data Export Capabilities
Email sequencing & custom reports gated behind most expensive tier
Only works with Gmail
Poor Marketing Functionality
Weak Reporting Capabilities
Unintuitive Workflow Automation
Below Average Ease of Use
Limited Customization Options
Stackfix Rating:
6.6 / 10
Visit website
Starting at
$0
For consultants who live in their Gmail inbox, Streak offers a seamless CRM experience that eliminates frustration from switching platforms. It earned a 9/10 rating for ease of setup in our testing, and integrates directly as a Chrome extension, transforming your inbox into a full-featured CRM without requiring you to toggle between different tools. This native Gmail integration makes it efficient for consultants who manage client relationships primarily through email.
Streak is strong in its email sequence capabilities, scoring 8/10 in our review. Consultants can create follow-up sequences, track email engagement, and view comprehensive correspondence histories with clients—all without leaving Gmail. Streak’s workflow automation is solid, but it lacks custom objects and has limited integrations outside the Google ecosystem. Additionally, the interface can sometimes feel cluttered. Despite these limitations, for Gmail-centric consultants who need their CRM and email in one place, Streak offers convenience with a minimal learning curve.
Streak workflow automation sidebar showing possible automaton options of repetitive tasks
Want to know more? Get a full breakdown of Streak's features and pricing.
Easy to set up and use
Excellent Email Sequence Management
Strong Data Export Capabilities
Gates key functionality behind more expensive tiers
Only works with Chrome and Gmail
No Custom Objects Support
Basic Lead Management
Poor Integration Capabilities
Stackfix Rating:
7.4 / 10
Visit website
Starting at
$25
For consultants requiring a flexible CRM system that adapts to varying client engagements, Folk stands out with its customizability rating of 8/10. Unlike rigid CRMs designed solely for traditional sales, Folk’s framework accommodates diverse use cases—from client relationship tracking to partnership management and recruitment. Consultants can fully customize pipelines and even create entirely new ones based on custom data objects, allowing them to adapt the system to each unique consulting engagement or service offering they provide.
What sets Folk apart is its intuitive, spreadsheet-like interface with an ease-of-setup score of 10/10, ensuring users can be operational within minutes while deeper customizations take only 1-2 hours. The system’s ability to create custom objects means consultants can organize information beyond standard contact records—perfect for tracking projects, methodologies, or specialized service offerings. While Folk excels in flexibility, it does have limitations: the platform lacks workflow automation and offers limited data field types (no percentages or checkboxes). However, for consultants who prioritize a malleable system that can be quickly reconfigured as their practice evolves, Folk delivers exceptional adaptability without overwhelming complexity.
Want to know more? Get a full breakdown of Folk's features and pricing.
Exceptional LinkedIn Integration & Chrome Extension
Highly Customizable Platform
Responsive Customer Support
User-Friendly Interface
Effective Email Sequence Management
Missing Core Sales Features
Limited Reporting Capabilities
Weak Data Enrichment
Basic Pipeline Management
Poor Integration Capabilities
Stackfix Rating:
6.3 / 10
Visit website
Starting at
$0
For consultants who value simplicity and efficiency, Capsule CRM delivers an intuitive interface that scored 8/10 in our ease-of-use testing. The platform’s clean, visually appealing design with color-coded elements creates a user experience with reasonable page load times. Most consultants can become comfortable with Capsule’s navigation within an hour—without extensive training—allowing them to focus on client relationships rather than learning complex software.
Capsule is particularly suited for consultancy work because of its dual pipeline functionality. The system allows users to create separate pipelines for sales opportunities and client projects, providing a streamlined way to visualize both new business and ongoing client work in one interface. Capsule’s email integration further enhances workflow efficiency, letting users view tasks, past interactions, and add contacts directly from their inbox. While the platform is usable, it has limitations—its customization options scored just 6/10, and users can’t customize what appears on deal cards. For consultants prioritizing an easy learning curve over advanced features, Capsule offers a balance of simplicity and functionality.
Capsule workflow automation builder showing how to set up an automation with trigger and action fucntions
Want to know more? Get a full breakdown of Capsule's features and pricing.
CRM functionality in your inbox
Easy to Learn and Use
Reliable Customer Support
Clean Visual Design
Limited Core CRM Functionality
Poor Automation Capabilities
Limited Reporting
Poor Data Enrichment Implementation
Clunky Email Sequence Management provided by marketing add-on
How we test products
With so many CRM platforms on the market, we focus on identifying the best options for small and midsize businesses. Our evaluation process is built around real-world usage, prioritizing functionality, ease of use, and overall value. Here’s how we do it:
A CRM should help businesses manage relationships, not complicate them. We start by identifying key use cases—contact management, pipeline tracking, automation, and reporting—then test how well each platform supports these needs. CRMs that offer essential features without unnecessary complexity score highest.
A CRM should be intuitive enough for teams to adopt quickly. We test each platform’s interface by navigating core features without prior training and track onboarding time—from account setup to first data import. CRMs that require extensive customization or technical knowledge to function properly lose points.
Automation is key to scaling sales and customer management. We evaluate each CRM’s automation features, such as lead scoring, email sequencing, and workflow automation. We also assess AI-driven insights to determine whether they provide meaningful improvements or just add complexity.
A CRM rarely works in isolation—it needs to sync with email, marketing tools, and Sales Engagement platforms. We test how well each CRM integrates with essential business tools, prioritizing native integrations over third-party connectors.
We compare pricing across competitors, analyzing what each plan includes and whether critical features are locked behind paywalls. Hidden costs—such as per-user fees, premium automation features, or required onboarding services—are factored into our assessment. CRMs that offer strong core functionality at a fair price perform best.
All of these factors contribute to Stackfix’s Fit Score, a proprietary ranking system that measures how well each CRM aligns with a buyer’s needs. It combines two key elements:
The result? A clear, data-driven recommendation that helps businesses choose the right CRM—without hours of trial and error.
What is a CRM?
Put simply, a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is a platform that helps you manage and analyze your interactions with customers, both potential and current. It’s essentially a centralized place to store customer data, and help you forge and build stronger relationships with these customers. The key features of a CRM usually include:
What should I consider when buying a CRM?
Choosing the right CRM can make or break your sales and customer management process—so it’s essential to find one that fits your business needs, tech stack, and budget. Here are the key factors to consider before making your decision.
What are the common mistakes to avoid when buying CRM software?
Avoiding common pitfalls when choosing a CRM can save you time, money, and headaches down the line. Here are some of the biggest mistakes startups make—and how to avoid them.
How much does CRM Software typically cost?
Most CRM solutions range from $12-300 per user monthly, with entry-level options starting around $12-30 and premium solutions exceeding $150 monthly. Most vendors structure pricing in tiers based on features and scale, so be sure to enter your requirements as accurately as possible in our pricing calculator.
Many providers offer free plans with core functionality for very small teams but restrict users (typically 2-5), contacts, or available features. HubSpot, Zoho, and Freshsales all provide capable free tiers for businesses just getting started.
For enterprise plans and above, you can expect to speak to sales for a bespoke price. These custom quotes typically factor in implementation costs ($1,000-$60,000+), data migration, and specialized training. To skip the demo calls, be sure to check out our pricing calculator.
View our comparisons of other CRM
