CRM for Mac: 8 Best Apple CRM Systems in 2023
This article is part of a larger series on CRM.
Customer relationship management (CRM) software lets businesses track deals, manage leads, and deploy outreach campaigns. The best CRM for Apple users will offer seamless integration to sync data with Apple Mail, Contacts, and Calendar systems. They’ll also be able to run on iOS and macOS, have application access through Safari, and work on iPhone and iPad mobile devices. Based on our evaluation, the best CRM for Mac users include:
- Best overall with great iOS functions and Apple Business Chat integration: Freshsales
- Best free Apple CRM: HubSpot CRM
- Great for affordable, complete data synchronization: Zoho CRM
- Excellent free Apple Mail connection: EngageBay
- Best iOS mobile capabilities: Salesforce Essentials
- Solid native iOS contact auto-sync: Copper CRM
- Great option for managing projects on iOS devices: Capsule CRM
- Best specialty CRM for Mac users: Daylite
Best CRM Mac Software Platforms Compared
Provider | Starting Monthly Price per User* | Free Plan? | Our CRM Rating Out of 5 |
---|---|---|---|
$15 (free up to three users) | ✓ | 4.82 | |
$30 (up to two users) | ✓ | 4.76 | |
$14 | ✓ | 4.71 | |
$13.79 | ✓ | 4.65 | |
$25 | ✕ | 4.11 | |
$23 | ✕ | 3.95 | |
$18 | ✓ | 3.90 | |
$35 | ✕ | 3.21 | |
*Based on annual billing; monthly billing is also available for slightly higher rates.
Freshsales: Best CRM Software for Mac (Overall)
Pros
- Growth plan allows up to three users for free and includes a built-in phone, mobile app access on iOS devices, account management, and workflow automation
- Integrates with Apple Business Chat
- Strong mobile app for iPhone and iPad devices that let you book Uber ride, find directions on Google Maps, and update CRM records
Cons
- Does not integrate with Apple Mail for sending and receiving emails from the CRM
- No direct integration with Apple Calendar or Contacts for data sync; requires third-party connector
- Marketing features limited to just mass email and automated email sequences
- You need a solid mobile Apple CRM system: Freshsales is an excellent option for iOS capabilities. Users can download the mobile CRM for free on the App Store on their iPhone or iPad devices. From there, they can book Uber rides, find Google Maps directions, create voice notes, generate sales documents, and check into locations. Teams can also create, edit, and view CRM records like leads or deals while on the go.
- You want to leverage omnichannel sales outreach: Freshsales is a great CRM for teams that want to utilize multiple communication channels for cold outreach and lead engagement. It offers direct and mass email, a built-in phone system, live chat, artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, and text. There’s also third-party integration with messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Google Business, and Apple Business Chat.
- You need direct data sync to Apple Calendar and Contacts: While Freshsales does allow you to synchronize event and contact data to iCloud apps like Apple Calendar and Contacts, it requires a third-party connector tool to do so.
- Alternative: Capsule CRM and Copper CRM give a native connection within the CRM for direct sync capabilities for contact and calendar data.
- You want to use Apple Mail in your CRM: Freshsales email synchronization and integration capabilities are limited to Outlook and Gmail systems. Apple Mail is not an allowed email system.
- Alternative: EngageBay and Daylite are the best options for accessing Apple Mail tools in your CRM.
Freshsales Pricing Plan & Overview*
The Freshsales Growth plan gives up to three users free access. Users can also purchase optional add-ons with their CRM subscriptions. There’s one for additional automated workflows, which lets users put tedious tasks like email follow-ups, data edits, or lead assignments on auto-pilot for $5 per every 10 additional workflows. Additionally, users can purchase extra phone credits for $5 to handle more calls from the CRM.
*Pricing based on annual billing on a per user, per month breakdown; monthly billing is also available for a higher cost. Freshsales offers a 21-day free trial on paid plans.
Freshsales contact record on iOS (Source: Freshworks)
Our Expert Opinion
Freshsales is already a top small business CRM regardless of the device or operating system you use. It has great product usability ratings, free and scalable plan options, and robust sales features like lead, deal, and account management and omnichannel capabilities, including Apple Business Chat. Apple users can definitely get behind the excellent Freshsales mobile app, which comes with a clean interface and solid features for on-the-go sales.
Read our in-depth Freshsales review to get all the details you need to see if it’s right for your business.
HubSpot CRM: Best Free Apple CRM Software
Pros
- Free plan for unlimited users includes iOS mobile app, mass email campaigns, meeting scheduling, and deal tracking
- Includes native data synchronization to iCloud contacts for free
- All-around easy CRM to set up and customize, navigate, and operate
Cons
- Gets expensive to upgrade past the Free plan
- Cannot use CRM with Apple Mail
- Apple Calendar sync to CRM data requires third-party integrator
- You want a robust free Mac CRM for your small business: HubSpot CRM is our pick for best free CRM by a large margin. It comes with unlimited user access and the mobile CRM app for iOS devices like iPhones and iPads. There are also features not typically found on provider free-forever plans, such as quote generation, mass email marketing, customer ticketing, and deal management.
- You need a seamless integration to sync with iCloud contacts data: With HubSpot, Mac users can get a direct integration to iCloud data systems starting on the Free plan. This allows them to two-way synchronize contact information from iCloud and the CRM so that it’s always up to date in both systems. Another plus is that HubSpot allows nearly unlimited contact record storage of up to 1 million—making it a top contact management software for Apple teams.
- You need scalable paid options for a smooth upgrade: On most small business CRM reviews and buyer guides, HubSpot is a top pick. Its main downfall, however, is after the Free plan, the paid options get super-expensive regardless of whether you purchase individual Sales, Marketing, Service, or Content Management Hubs or bundle them into the CRM Suite.
- Alternative: Freshsales and EngageBay are the best scalable Mac CRM products.
- You want to sync Apple Mail with your CRM: Like many other providers on this list, HubSpot only allows email sync and integration with Gmail and Outlook.
- Alternative: We recommend EngageBay or Daylite for direct connections to the Apple Mail server for email capabilities.
HubSpot CRM Pricing Plan & Overview*
*Pricing based on annual billing on a per-month breakdown; monthly billing is also available for a higher cost. Each plan offers a 14-day free trial.
**CRM Suite includes sales, marketing, customer service, content management system (CMS), and operations software. Individual modules can be purchased for lower monthly costs.
HubSpot data sync with iCloud (Source: HubSpot)
Our Expert Opinion
HubSpot is an awesome option for those who need a free and easy-to-use Mac CRM. Its mobile app for iOS devices allows teams to manage records, receive inbound calls that show caller ID, and scan business cards into data records while on the go. We also like the seamless integration process with iCloud so users can import and maintain up-to-date contact records on a two-way basis.
Want to learn more? Our HubSpot CRM review will give you everything you need to make a CRM purchase decision.
Zoho CRM: Best for End-to-End Apple Data Sync
Pros
- Offers free and affordable subscription plans
- Allows teams to use Apple Mail in their CRM
- Mobile iOS app available for free and includes sales and case management tools and data record management capabilities
Cons
- Access to Apple Mail through internet message access protocol (IMAP) requires Professional plan
- Poor ratings for system navigability
- Apple Contact or Calendar data sync requires complex vCard extensions (CardDAV) and Calendar Distributed Authoring and Versioning (CalDAV) protocols
- Your business uses Apple Mail: Zoho CRM allows businesses to utilize their Apple Mail accounts in the CRM. Once connected, users can do all email functions from the CRM system, including sending and receiving emails, searching for messages, deploying email templates, and scheduling email sends. Users can also synchronize email data between both systems and send mass messages.
- You want a low-priced solution for synchronizing Calendar and Contact data: With Zoho CRM, teams ensure iCloud data stays in sync with their CRM information. Data such as contact records and calendar events can be created and edited on either system, which will automatically update in the other. This particular capability starts at just $14 per user, monthly.
- You prioritize software user experience: Zoho struggles with product usability by having a somewhat clunky interface that makes it tough to navigate. Plus, neither the Apple Mail, Calendar, or Contact apps integrate directly. Users must employ complex Internet message access protocol (IMAP) and distributed authoring and versioning (DAV) processes to sync everything.
- Alternative: HubSpot CRM and Freshsales are the best overall simple CRM systems, while Daylite offers the most seamless integration experience with Apple software tools.
- You need free contact synchronization with iCloud data: While Zoho does allow contact sync with iCloud accounts into the CRM platform, users cannot do those functions until the Standard plan.
- Alternative: HubSpot CRM begins offering free contact sync with Apple data on its free-forever plan.
Zoho CRM Pricing Plan & Overview*
*Pricing based on annual billing on a per user, per month breakdown; monthly billing is also available for a higher cost. Zoho CRM comes with a 15-day free trial on the paid plans.
Zoho CRM connecting Apple Mail (Source: Zoho)
Our Expert Opinion
Zoho is an all-around affordable, end-to-end Apple CRM system. The free plan allows users to access the mobile iOS application to easily manage CRM records, tasks, and collaborative activities. The Standard plan begins offering contact data sync with Apple Calendar and Contact systems for just $14 per user, per month. Finally, for just $23 per user, per month, teams can begin implementing the Apple Mail server in Zoho to manage emails from the CRM.
Need more information? Our Zoho CRM review offers details on the features, integrations, and pricing to help you better navigate and understand the product.
EngageBay: Best Free Apple Email CRM
Pros
- Free plan available for 15 users and free integration and synchronization with Apple Mail plus an iOS mobile app
- All-in-one sales, marketing, and customer service management capabilities
- Calendar and contact sync with Apple systems
Cons
- Poor user experience ratings for setting up and integrating the CRM and navigating the interface
- Workflow automation and automated email sequences get expensive
- Calling and deal pipeline management is not available for free
- You need free Apple connections: EngageBay is a really solid free-forever plan that supports up to 15 users along with sales, marketing, and service modules. Additionally, CRM integration with Apple systems is also available for free. This includes synchronization with Apple Contacts and Calendar data, plus the ability to get Apple Mail functionality from the CRM.
- You need an all-in-one system for sales, service, and marketing management: EngageBay is one of the few CRM systems that offers full sales, marketing, and customer service modules, which is great for overseeing full revenue operations teams. Included in the multi-functional CRM are lead and deal management, a customer service ticketing system, and campaigns through email, ads, and content marketing.
- You want a simpler CRM with free contact data sync: EngageBay scores poorly in product usability—primarily for setting up the CRM system, connecting it with applications, and navigating the interface.
- Alternative: HubSpot CRM comes with free contact sync with Apple Contacts and has excellent usability ratings.
- You need free, custom deal management features: While it has a robust free-forever option, deal management with custom sales pipeline stages is one of the key features missing from those plans.
- Alternative: Freshsales has awesome deal and pipeline tracking capabilities available on its Growth plan, which is free for up to three users.
EngageBay Pricing Plan & Overview*
*Pricing based on annual billing on a per user, per month breakdown; monthly billing is also available for a higher cost and biennial billing for a lower cost.
EngageBay tracking email communications in contact record (Source: EngageBay)
Our Expert Opinion
EngageBay provides free and comprehensive solutions for a business to generate new sales, create brand awareness, and support customers. We like that its no-cost capabilities extend to iCloud connections, most notably for managing and tracking Apple Mail emails from the CRM. We also appreciate that the data sync features for calendar and contact data are available for free, along with the mobile application.
Salesforce Essentials: Best Mobile Features
Pros
- Built-in case and campaigns management for an all-in-one sales, marketing, and support tool
- Highly sophisticated mobile iOS app with features nearly identical to the web app
- Advanced reporting tools plus thousands of integration options, including many industry-specific applications
Cons
- No free plan
- Poor usability ratings for setting up and operating CRM
- Cannot integrate with Apple Mail system and sync with Contacts and Calendar requires third-party sources or Lightning process builder
- You want a robust mobile CRM for your iOS device: Salesforce, along with its Salesforce Essentials CRM product, is notorious for its mobility capabilities. From an iPhone or iPad, users can complete nearly any CRM functionality available on the web application. This includes contact and account management, deal tracking, case management, campaign deployment, and communication with contacts via email.
- You need a wide range of third-party integration options: Because of its long-standing status in the CRM market, Salesforce has become a powerhouse and source for both third-party and native integration options. It has over 2,500 applications users can connect to, including a multitude of industry-specific products, including ones within the finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and nonprofit ecosystems.
- You need free Apple contact data sync: Salesforce Essentials does not offer a free plan nor can users synchronize their Apple contact data without a third-party connector or developing a Lightning application process separately.
- Alternative: HubSpot CRM offers a direct contact sync option starting on its free-forever plan.
- You need a product with a small learning curve: Because of Salesforce’s highly sophisticated capabilities in terms of a robust mobile app, advanced reporting and analytics tools, nearly infinite integrations, and automation features, users find the platform tough to use overall.
- Alternative: HubSpot and Capsule are great Mac CRM software options for small businesses that do well in product usability.
Salesforce Essentials Pricing Plan & Overview
Essentials is the small business plan offered by Salesforce. It’s $25 per user, per month and comes with a 14-day free trial. Included in the subscription is the mobile CRM app for iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads. There’s also contact, account, and lead management, along with deal tracking and case management capabilities. Finally, Salesforce Essentials is equipped with an array of tools for automation, email campaigns, and reporting and analytics.
Salesforce Essentials mobile dashboard (Source: Salesforce Ben)
Our Expert Opinion
Salesforce Essentials is not the most cost-efficient or simplest CRM software for Mac users. It is, however, the most sophisticated mobile option. The CRM juggernaut is already notorious for its advanced features and broad integration ecosystem. Essentials maintains this persona by offering a mobile iOS app with nearly identical functionality to the web application, which is a game changer for remote and on-the-go sales teams.
Like what you see? Find out if this CRM is the right solution for your business using our Salesforce Essentials review.
Copper CRM: Best for Mobile Contact Sync
Pros
- Easy-to-use CRM with an interface design similar to Google apps
- Native contact sync and import options to add iOS contacts from mobile devices into the CRM
- Unique Google Chrome extension tool that lets you access the CRM as a sidebar from Gmail and Google Calendar interface
Cons
- No free plan
- No direct sync with Apple Calendar
- Built as a Google CRM; no options to sync and use Apple Mail in the CRM
- You need a native iOS contact sync option: The main Apple-related feature for Copper CRM is that it offers a native contact sync for iOS devices. In other words, users can directly import iPhone contacts into the CRM and keep the data up to date in real-time sync. Plus, because it’s a Google-built CRM, users can easily sync or add those contacts to Google.
- You want a Google Chrome extension in your Apple CRM: As Copper CRM is built for Google users, it stands out as a top pick for the best Google CRMs. In addition to integration with apps like Gmail, Calendar, Contacts, Drive, and Sheets, teams can also utilize the hefty Google Chrome extension feature. This lets you access the CRM as a sidebar in Gmail and Calendar to view records, pull data, and update CRM information.
- You need complete data synchronization to Apple applications: Copper CRM is limited to contact sync with Apple systems—prohibiting users from synchronizing email data or event data to Apple Mail and Calendar.
- Alternative: Zoho CRM, EngageBay, and Daylite provide complete integration capabilities across Apple’s core productivity applications.
- You want a free CRM for Apple: Copper CRM, while it offers reasonable pricing, does not have a free-forever option available to subscribers.
- Alternative: HubSpot CRM is our pick for the best overall free Apple CRM, while EngageBay offers complete Apple functionality on its free-forever plan.
Copper Pricing Plan & Overview*
*Pricing based on annual billing on a per user, per month breakdown; monthly billing is also available for a higher cost. Copper also has a 14-day free trial.
Copper CRM mobile contact import to CRM (Source: Copper)
Our Expert Opinion
Copper CRM is an excellent CRM option for businesses that use both Apple and Google applications. Thanks to its design, which uses a similar feel to Google products, users at all technical skill levels get immediate value from Copper CRM. We also like its seamless import and contact sync options that allow users to upload their iPhone or iPad contact data into the CRM system.
Copper gives teams a simple CRM with expansive Google integrations plus great team collaboration tools. See how else it can help your business grow by reading our Copper CRM review.
Capsule CRM: Best for Mobile Project Management
Pros
- Direct data synchronization capabilities with Apple Contacts and Calendar data
- Built-in project management tools available on iOS devices
- Free plan includes project management, social data enrichment, and artificial intelligence (AI) for creating relevant email content
Cons
- Free plan limited to two users and 250 stored contacts
- No direct integration to Apple Mail
- Multiple project boards requires Teams plan
- You need iOS project management in your CRM: Capsule CRM is unique in that it has a built-in project management module in its CRM system to oversee events, client deliverables, and sales tasks such as onboarding processes. Plus, the project management capabilities are available on the mobile CRM app for users to collaborate and track progress on their iPhone or iPad devices.
- You want free contact and calendar data sync with Apple tools: Capsule CRM offers a bare-bones free option for two users and 250 stored contacts. The free-forever plan includes a direct import and sync of Apple Contact data into the CRM. Teams can also synchronize events and tasks from Apple Calendar and iCalendar into the Capsule system.
- You need to use Apple Mail in your CRM: Capsule CRM has email capabilities, but only for Outlook and Gmail systems.
- Alternative: EngageBay and Zoho CRM are comparable products that allow Apple Mail to be used within the CRM systems.
- You want more data capacity on your Free plan: Capsule CRM has a solid free plan that includes unique capabilities, including custom sales processes, project management, automated data enrichment through social profiles, and even artificial intelligence (AI) tools that help draft compelling email content. However, the free plan is limited to only two users and 250 stored contacts.
- Alternative: HubSpot’s free plan has the most capacity, which includes unlimited users and up to 1,000,000 stored contacts.
Capsule CRM Pricing Plan & Overview*
*Pricing based on annual billing on a per user, per month breakdown; monthly billing is also available for a higher cost. The paid plans offer a 14-day free trial.
Capsule CRM mobile calendar tasks (Source: Apple)
Our Expert Opinion
Capsule CRM gives a unique Apple- and Mac-based CRM, particularly when evaluating the free features. While data and user capacity is an issue on the no-cost plan, users can still import and sync data from their Apple Contact and Calendar apps into the CRM, manage projects, and get artificial intelligence (AI)-generated email content, all for free. We also like how the project management tools apply to the mobile app on iOS devices for users to oversee special projects and tasks on the go.
Daylite: Best Specialty-built Apple CRM
Pros
- Built specifically for Apple applications and devices
- Complete integration capabilities with core Apple applications plus unique features like Siri voice command in the CRM and email-to-lead capture from Mail
- Includes standout CRM features like project management, referral tracking, and lead scoring
Cons
- Complex interface, which gives poor usability ratings while navigating the CRM
- Limited to just one pricing plan option, which is relatively expensive
- Limited number of integration options
- You need the most complete Apple CRM: Daylite is a CRM system specifically built to support Apple users. It comes with direct integrations with Apple Mail, Calendar, and Contacts to efficiently store data and track activity within the CRM. Teams can get expanded CRM functionality, including caller ID from iOS devices and Siri voice commands in the CRM tool.
- You want advanced Apple Mail capabilities in your CRM: Compared to the other providers on this list that let you access and utilize Apple Mail in the CRM, Daylite’s capabilities are much more sophisticated. For example, the built-in Mail assistant tool lets users capture leads and create new records directly from emails. They can also create reminders in their email inbox to follow up with customers or prospects.
- You need pricing flexibility in your provider: Daylite lacks pricing flexibility in that users can only choose one paid plan, which starts at $35 per user, per month.
- Alternative: Freshsales, Zoho CRM, and EngageBay give the most subscription options and even offer free-forever plans to their users.
- You primarily use Google or Microsoft applications: Because it’s built for Mac products, Daylite is limited in integrations outside of Apple. For instance, there are no capabilities to integrate with Microsoft, and Google is limited to just data sync to Calendar and Google Drive.
- Alternative: Zoho CRM and HubSpot are our favorite CRMs for both Google connections and Microsoft CRM integrations.
Daylite Pricing Plan & Overview*
Daylite
Cost:
- $35
Key Features:
- Direct integration with Apple Mail to access email tools from the CRM, plus email-to-lead capture and follow-up reminders from the inbox
- Mobile CRM app on iOS devices
- Siri voice command on mobile CRM app
- Direct sync with Apple Calendar for tracking events and meetings
- Sync and import for Apple Contacts to the CRM
- Opportunities and deal management
- List segmentation
- Bulk email with template storage
- Contact management with activity tracking and lead scoring
- Referral tracking for leads
- Document storage and file attachment capabilities
- Project management with task checklists, project templates, milestone progress tracking, and task assignment
*Pricing based on annual billing on a per user, per month breakdown; monthly billing is also available for a higher cost. Daylite comes with a 14-day free trial.
Daylite contact page (Source: DayliteForMac)
Our Expert Opinion
Daylite is the ultimate CRM for Mac users if pricing and product usability isn’t a priority. Its complete integration capabilities give users direct sync and feature access to Apple Mail, Contacts, and Calendar. The Mail connection also comes with expanded functions we like, such as email-to-lead capabilities and the ability to set email follow-up reminders. This specialty CRM product certainly has a place for true Apple fanatics.
Don’t forget to check out our Daylite CRM review to see if its Apple-focused capabilities are a good solution for your business.
How We Evaluated the Best CRM for Mac Users
To determine the best CRM for Apple users, we evaluated each provider’s integration and sync capabilities with the Mail, Contacts, and Calendar Apple tools. We also looked at mobile options for users to access their CRM from an iOS device, like the iPhone or iPad. Finally, we evaluated general software product attributes, including price, customer support availability, and CRM features including customization options and more advanced tools like omnichannel marketing.
The tabs below offer insight into our evaluation process of the best Mac CRM software:
25% of Overall Score
We examined the overall features crucial to any CRM system, regardless of the device used or primary use case. For instance, robust system customization lets teams tailor their data fields, layouts, modules, and automations to meet their unique operational needs. We also wanted to see solid reporting and analytics tools, a range of third-party integration options, and a mobile application for iOS device users
25% of Overall Score
We evaluated niche and advanced features for Mac users to get more out of their CRM system. For the niche capabilities, we wanted to see each CRM provide end-to-end data synchronization and connection with Apple software like Apple Mail, Contacts, and iCalendar. Additionally, we looked at CRM features that give a business an extra productivity and performance boost, such as a telephone system for managing calls and omnichannel communication capabilities.
20% of Overall Score
Extensive user support and customer service help prevent poor experiences users may encounter while using any of these Apple CRMs. This was evaluated in terms of customer service hours of availability and channel options of support via phone, live chat, and email. We also looked at self-service resources users can access on their own accord, like guides, tutorials, forums, or training modules.
15% of Overall Score
For each CRM for Mac users, we looked at the provider’s pricing in terms of free plan availability and cost-friendly, scalable subscription options businesses could afford as they grow. We also wanted to see billing options for users to either pay monthly or save by paying annually. Finally, we looked at the costs specifically for accessing Apple-related features like mobile iOS access, the ability to use Apple Mail in the CRM, and data sync with Apple Contacts.
15% of Overall Score
In addition to direct experience and evaluation with each CRM with Mac or Apple connectivity, we evaluated what actual users say about each software based on online reviews. These consider how real customers feel to gain insight into perceived value for the price paid, ease of use when operating the CRM, and how users feel about the CRM’s features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the key features a Mac CRM should have?
A great CRM for Apple and Mac users will run nicely within a macOS operating system and seamlessly integrate with Apple software products including Apple Mail, Contacts, and Calendar. Additionally, it will come with a mobile CRM solution that users can access via iOS devices such as an iPhone or iPad.
Does Mac have a CRM system?
Apple, the creator of Mac products, does not offer its own CRM system. It does, however, come with baseline applications for users to store contact data of their leads and customers, track events and meetings on a calendar, and manage email messages, which are the simple functions of a CRM system. Additionally, many CRM systems, including those on this list, offer direct integrations to Apple products and work within iOS and macOS environments.
Bottom Line
A CRM for Mac is designed to let users, specifically those who use Apple products and operating systems, access a CRM and synchronize their data from their preferred Mac devices. While Freshsales is our pick for the best overall Apple CRM software, other systems could better fit your business depending on your product needs. Salesforce Essentials, for instance, has a powerful iOS mobile app, while Zoho allows data sync across all the main Apple apps.