Best CRM Software for Desktop Windows
In a Nutshell
As cloud-based platforms gain popularity, Windows Desktop CRM software is proving its worth in 2024. Picture managing customer relationships with secure, robust tools minus the constant need for the internet. Today, I’ll showcase the top 10 desktop CRM software, including:
- Monday CRM — Ideal for customizable workflows and project management
- Odoo — Best for integrated business applications and flexibility
- Close — Excellent for sales-focused teams needing powerful calling features
- Bitrix24 — Great for team collaboration and communication tools
- SuiteCRM — Perfect for open-source CRM customization
- eWay-CRM — Best for seamless integration with Outlook
- Pipedrive — Designed for intuitive sales pipeline management
- Salesforce Essentials — Ideal for small businesses needing robust CRM features
- Dynamics 365 — Best for comprehensive enterprise-level solutions
- ActiveCampaign — Great for combining CRM with marketing automation
We’ll explore what sets each apart, whether you’re on Linux or Windows or seeking the best CRM for desktop overall. Let’s find the perfect desktop CRM for your business requirements this year.
What’s a Desktop CRM?
Desktop CRM software is ideal for businesses that prioritize data control and security. Installed on your computer, it ensures total control over your data. This is vital for sectors like finance or healthcare, with strict security needs or poor internet access.
Desktop CRMs work well offline, perfect for areas with unreliable internet. They integrate easily with tools like QuickBooks and work on various systems like Linux or Windows, enhancing your operations without requiring constant internet.
Biggest Advantages to Desktop-Based CRM
With desktop CRM software, there are key advantages that appeal to businesses prioritizing control and security:
- Desktop CRMs offer robust security measures.
- Unlike many cloud solutions, desktop CRMs allow extensive customization.
- With a desktop CRM, I’m not dependent on internet connectivity.
- Despite higher initial costs, the absence of subscription fees leads to long-term savings.
- For businesses using other desktop applications, like QuickBooks or Windows, desktop CRMs offer smooth integration.
Biggest Downturns to Desktop CRM
However, there are challenges associated with desktop CRM software:
- Setting up a desktop CRM can be expensive.
- These systems may have overwhelming and time-consuming features.
- While local storage feels secure, it also increases vulnerability to data breaches.
- Desktop CRMs may not always integrate smoothly with existing tech setups.
Why I Like It
Monday CRM strikes a perfect balance between ease of use and rich features. It’s simple to learn, so your team can start quickly. It is not limited to sales; it works well in various departments, adding flexibility.
Most Important Features for Desktop CRM
High Customization
Shape it to match your business flow exactly.
Integration Capabilities
It connects smoothly with other apps, aiding in comprehensive business management.
Automation of Tasks
It reduces routine tasks, freeing up your team for bigger projects.
Pros
- User-friendly interface for easy daily use.
- Excellent project management tools that support CRM tasks.
- Strong collaboration features that improve team communication.
Cons
- It works best on Windows and may not work well on other systems like Linux.
- Costs can rise as you add features.
- Customization might be too complex for some at the start.
Why I Like It
Odoo shines with its ability to adapt and scale, making it a top choice for desktop CRM software. Its customizable system allows you to pick only the needed features, which is perfect for startups and growing companies.
Most Important Features for Desktop CRM
Comprehensive Integration
Seamlessly connects with other business apps to boost efficiency.
Customizable Modules
Tailor modules from sales to HR to fit your desktop environment perfectly.
Real-Time Communication Tools
Keeps your team in sync without any delays.
Pros
- Modular design for customized solutions.
- Integrates well with other apps for improved functionality.
- It supports multiple operating systems and fits various IT needs.
Cons
- Setup may be complex and require expert help.
- Advanced options and custom setups can get costly.
Why I Like It
I value Close because its straightforward design boosts productivity for sales teams. It stands out by combining calls, emails, and SMS in one platform, making it easy to handle communications.
Most Important Features for Desktop CRM
Multichannel Communication
Close merges email, phone, and SMS into one inbox, simplifying workflows.
Automation Tools
Tools like the Power Dialer and Predictive Dialer cut down on manual calling, freeing up sales teams to concentrate on sealing deals.
Customization and Integration
You can tailor Close to fit your business with customizable fields and over 100 integrations, like Slack, Airtable, and Zoom, enhancing its usefulness.
Pros
- One platform for all communication saves time and improves efficiency.
- Advanced automation helps increase productivity.
- Great customization and integration options offer flexibility.
Cons
- Costs might be too high for small businesses or startups.
- The range of features could be overwhelming for newcomers at first.
Why I Like It
Bitrix24 shines with its all-in-one approach, blending flexibility and strength, perfect for handling projects and sales. It connects teams easily, boosting collaboration in our fast-moving work world.
Most Important Features for Desktop CRM
Unified Management
Bitrix24 is excellent at bringing together different business areas—sales, marketing, project management, customer service—all in one place. This makes workflows smoother and data more straightforward, which is crucial for any CRM.
Enhanced Communication Tools
Bitrix24 keeps you connected with tools like video calls from chats and quick updates on tasks, making communication a breeze.
Extensive Customization and Automation
You can customize and automate your workflows with Bitrix24, ensuring your CRM grows with your company.
Pros
- Packs tools for everything from sales to project management.
- Strong in customization and automation, boosting efficiency.
- Works on both Windows and Linux desktops.
Cons
- It can be challenging to learn because of its many features.
- Setting it up takes time, as you need to explore its options.
Why I Like It
I like SuiteCRM because it’s highly customizable and has a supportive community. Its open-source nature makes it flexible and promotes collaboration among users and developers to enhance its features.
Most Important Features for Desktop CRM
Flexibility and Customization
You can shape the CRM to fit exactly how your business works.
Integration Capabilities
It’s excellent at working with other systems you use, keeping all your data connected.
Community and Support
Thanks to its community-focused setup, you can get a vast pool of tips and help from other users.
Pros
- You can customize it a lot.
- It connects well with other systems.
- There’s strong support from other users, and the app keeps improving.
- It’s more affordable because it’s open-source.
- There are plenty of learning resources for users and developers.
Cons
- You need some tech skills to set it up and tweak it.
- It might need more effort to maintain if you customize it a lot.
- You must rely on the community or developers for updates, which might not work for every business.
Why I Like It
I’ve been using eWay-CRM, and it’s perfect for Windows users who know Microsoft Outlook well. It blends into Outlook, letting me convert emails to opportunities right from my inbox, which speeds up my work.
Most Important Features for Desktop CRM
Outlook Integration
eWay-CRM syncs smoothly with Outlook, managing contacts, emails, and calendars all in one place.
Project Management
It tracks projects from start to finish, keeping timelines and budgets in check.
Email Marketing
You can create, send, and track email campaigns within eWay-CRM without another tool.
Pros
- Great with Outlook, which makes talking to clients easier.
- Handles projects and documents well.
- Top-notch customer support and help materials.
Cons
- It can be too much if you’re not familiar with Outlook.
- Sometimes, it is slow with lots of data, which can slow things down.
Why I Like It
Pipedrive stands out by making sales management simple yet powerful. It automates the sales process, helping teams manage their tasks with ease. Its user-friendly design is excellent for quickly training new team members.
Most Important Features for Desktop CRM
Two-way Email Sync
Keeps all communications in one place, saving time and preventing missed opportunities.
Visual Sales Pipeline
Provides a clear view of deal stages, enabling precise tracking and management.
Automation
Handles repetitive tasks like lead routing and follow-up emails, freeing up the sales team.
Pros
- Customizable dashboard and reports
- Over 400 integration options
Cons
- Best for sales management; may be limited for broader organizational needs.
- Advanced features cost more.
- Fewer marketing tools than some CRMs.
Why I Like It
Salesforce Essentials is perfect for small businesses because it’s easy to use and quick to set up. It brings big-business tools to smaller teams, helping them manage customer relationships effectively without the usual complexity.
Most Important Features for Desktop CRM
360-Degree Customer Views
This feature combines all customer interactions from different channels into one complete view, helping provide personalized service and build stronger customer connections.
Multichannel Support
This gathers inquiries from email, social media, and phone into one place, making it easier to manage customer communications.
Self-Service Options
Set up help centers fast, letting customers help themselves and lightening your team’s workload.
Pros
- Delivers exceptional value by combining advanced features in a user-friendly interface for small teams.
- It helps businesses start fast with easy setups and available support.
- Grows with your company, backed by Salesforce’s robust infrastructure.
Cons
- Integrating with external systems or custom setups can be challenging.
- Limited customization compared to Salesforce’s higher-tier products.
- For complex problems, you might need to rely on Salesforce’s community support or extra services.
Why I Like It
Dynamics 365 works smoothly with other Microsoft tools like Office 365 and SharePoint. It’s great for businesses already using these products. It feels familiar and helps boost productivity because it integrates well with other Microsoft software without making you learn something new.
Most Important Features for Desktop CRM
Comprehensive Integration
It syncs perfectly with Microsoft apps.
Offline Capabilities
You can keep working on Windows devices without an internet connection, which is valuable during travel or in places with poor internet access.
Rich Offline Experience
You can perform critical tasks like creating, reading, updating, and deleting offline, and it updates your changes when you’re back online.
Pros
- Deeply integrates with Microsoft products.
- Strong offline functions make it more user-friendly.
- Easy for Microsoft users because of the familiar interface.
Cons
- Relying heavily on Microsoft products can be restrictive.
- Setting up and maintaining the system requires some effort.
- Frequent updates may interrupt your work.
Why I Like It
ActiveCampaign combines email marketing with CRM tools on your desktop, making keeping up with customer relationships easy. Its standout feature is the automation that simplifies tasks and keeps interactions timely.
Most Important Features for Desktop CRM
Comprehensive Email Marketing Tools
Great for making messages that click with customers.
Advanced Automation
Excels in setting up detailed sequences based on customer actions.
Integrated Sales and Marketing Data
Keeps team information flowing smoothly for a united customer approach.
Pros
- Blends sales and marketing well
- Top-notch automation boosts efficiency
- Excellent compatibility with QuickBooks
Cons
- It needs strong hardware to run smoothly
- Setup can be tricky, especially for complex automation
- There is no native Linux support, which could be a drawback for Linux users