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vsZoho CRM

Simple CRM vs Zoho CRM

Last updated November 2026

Looking for a European alternative to Zoho CRM? Here's how Simple CRM compares, on EU hosting, GDPR and what it does.

Our pick for a European buyer: Simple CRM. We weight data residency, GDPR and EU jurisdiction above everything else — that is the constraint this directory exists to solve.

What it is
CRM for sales teams with AI lead discovery
Cloud-based customer relationship management software for businesses.
Headquarters
🇧🇪 BE
🇮🇳 IN · 1996
EU data residency
Yes, for all customers
Available on some plansEU data residency is available on request for Zoho CRM.
DSGVO / GDPR
Yes
Yes
Certifications
ISO 27001, ISO 9001
ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type II
Price from
€15/user/mo
$14/user/mo
Free plan
No
Yes
Open Source
No
No
Integrations
Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Workspace, Google Forms, Google Sheets +34
Zoho Books, Zoho Desk, Zoho Campaigns, Zoho Analytics, Mailchimp +5

Where each one wins

Simple CRM

Strengths

  • +Centralized customer records for tracking interactions
  • +Straightforward day-to-day usability
  • +Customized workflows and customer 360 views
  • +Website chatbots and automation for enquiries
  • +AI assistant (HaPPi) for time-saving tasks
  • +Designed with practical, field-tested workflows
  • +GDPR-compliant by default

Limitations

  • −Complex setup and counterintuitive interface
  • −Inconsistent support quality with pre-recorded replies
  • −Slow loading and blank interaction records

Zoho CRM

Strengths

  • +Intuitive and user-friendly interface
  • +Strong automation capabilities
  • +Good value for the price
  • +Extensive third-party integrations

Limitations

  • −Steep learning curve for advanced features
  • −Limited customization in lower-tier plans
  • −Occasional performance lag
  • −Customer support can be slow

Data residency & compliance

Simple CRM
Zoho CRM
EU data residency
Yes, for all customers
Available on some plansEU data residency is available on request for Zoho CRM.
Transfer mechanism
Not required — data stays in the EU
Standard Contractual Clauses
DPA
not established
Sub-processors
not established
Certifications
ISO 27001, ISO 9001
ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type II

Pricing

Simple CRM

  • Starter €15 HTVA per user / monthContact and company records · Tasks, calendars and planning · Kanban boards
  • Classic €25 HTVA per user / monthSales pipeline and opportunity management · AI-suggested prospects · Email and marketing automation
  • Enterprise €40 HTVA per user / monthVoice recognition · AI-assisted writing · Ticket and complaint handling via Simple Helpdesk
  • Business+ €65 HTVA per user / monthSimple ERP included · Antivirus protection for documents · Custom reporting and data analysis

Prices exclude VAT. Confirm annual commitment, payment method, and renewal terms with the vendor.

Zoho CRM

  • Free Free ForeverUp to 3 users · Basic CRM features · Limited storage
  • Standard $14 user/monthFull sales automation · Marketing integration · Billed annually
  • Professional $23 user/monthAdvanced analytics · Custom dashboards · Billed annually
  • Enterprise $40 user/monthAI-powered insights · Multi-user portals · Billed annually
  • Ultimate $52 user/monthAdvanced customization · Dedicated support · Billed annually

Pricing is based on annual billing; monthly options may be available at a higher cost.

Features

Simple CRM

Contacts and sales
Contact and company records, Sales pipeline and opportunity management, Lead detection, Tasks, calendars and planning
AI and automation
AI-suggested prospects and sales insights, Voice recognition, AI-assisted writing, Automated workflows
Marketing and communications
Email and marketing automation, Contact segmentation, Newsletter and SMS options, Telephony connections
Support and collaboration
Ticket and complaint handling via Simple Helpdesk, Web feedback monitoring via Simple Feedback, Project management
Quoting, billing and payments
Simple CPQ quoting logic, Quotes, orders, pro forma invoices, invoices and delivery notes, Payment links and automated reminders, Optional Simple ERP (included in Business+)

Zoho CRM

Sales Automation
Lead and contact management, Pipeline tracking, Sales forecasting, Workflow automation
Marketing Integration
Email campaigns, Social media integration, Lead scoring, Web forms
Customer Support
Case management, Ticketing system, Knowledge base, Live chat
Reporting & Analytics
Custom reports, Real-time analytics, Sales metrics, Performance dashboards
Collaboration Tools
Team inbox, Document sharing, Task management, Calendar integration