It still seems surreal that Helldivers 2 is 18 months old. A year and a half on from the PlayStation 5 and PC release of a co-op shooter that captured millions of players, it’s finally come to Xbox consoles as well.
Review infoPlatform reviewed: Xbox Series X
Available on: Xbox Series X and Series S, PS5, PC
Release date: August 26, 2025 (Xbox)
Back in February 2024, we awarded the game four out of five stars and have since called it one of the best PS5 games, but if there’s one title that’s shown the potential of live service gaming, it’s Helldivers 2. Arrowhead’s third-person shooter has grown exponentially, meaning that Xbox players have entirely new systems and mission types to play with, as well as a whole new faction.
That means it’s easily one of the best Xbox Series X games and a smorgasbord of pseudo-fascistic flag-raising, but it does come with some growing pains.
A winning formula remains(Image credit: PlayStation Publishing LLC)If you’re new to Helldivers 2 and have only an Xbox console, what’s all the fuss about?
Basically, Helldivers 2 is a co-op shooter that has you landing on different locations on planets, completing objectives, then working to ‘get to the chopper’ and extract via dropship.
No two excursions play out quite the same way. Different biomes offer unique challenges, like thick fog or biting cold, while you’ll also come up against one of three enemy factions. All of this plays out against the backdrop of ‘The Galactic War’, which sees you and every other player across PS5, PC, and now Xbox, working to liberate planets.
Back in 2024, that meant a series of mission types that were fairly predictable, carried out against bug-like Terminids and Terminator-esque Automatons. Both carried their own challenges, but anyone jumping in now will also be tasked with fighting the Illuminate.
The most technologically advanced of all foes encountered thus far, they range from carpet-bombing ships and flying enemies to the genuinely pretty scary zombie-like creatures that can easily overrun a squad.
New toys, new problems(Image credit: PlayStation Publishing LLC)Thankfully, there’s plenty of firepower granted by Super Earth, with rifles, explosives, and much more that were there from launch.
Tailoring your loadout to the objective at hand remains just as important as ever, like popping a turret down while you’re uploading important data, or having a suite of rapidly reloading air support when on a hunting mission.
Much of this is tackled in the game’s tutorial (which remains just as chortle-worthy as it ever was), but the game beyond has outgrown that initial gauntlet. For example, there are new vehicles and even mechs to pilot, which have been added since launch, but there’s no room for them in the tutorial, so you’re left to your own devices once you unlock them.
That wouldn’t be so bad if you didn’t have to start from scratch on Xbox. When Helldivers 2 launched on PS5 and PC, I bemoaned the lack of cross-progression, but a year and a half on, it seems it’s still not coming.
(Image credit: PlayStation Publishing LLC)That means if you have the game on PC and want to pick up where you left off on Xbox, you can expect to complete the tutorial and start off as a level one trooper again, shorn of all your shiny toys.
Given how many fun things I’ve been playing with on PS5, many of which are tied to premium Warbonds, it’s a shame there’s no option to pick up where I left off on Xbox. Then there’s the Warbonds themselves.
For the uninitiated, Warbonds act like battle passes, although they thankfully don’t expire. Each is themed on a certain type of weapon or damage type, and there are now well over a dozen. If you’re jumping in fresh, that’s a lot to catch up on, and while it’s hardly mandatory because so many of the free weapons are fun to use, it’s worth mentioning that it could be overwhelming.
The new Halo-themed Warbond is included, too, and offers weapons like the assault rifle and SMG, but it’s a ‘Legendary Warbond’, so it’ll set you back around $15.
Hellacious(Image credit: PlayStation Publishing LLC)Still, one upshot of being stripped back to basics is that it highlights just how right Arrowhead got it when developing Helldivers 2’s shooting and movement mechanics.
Best bit(Image credit: PlayStation Publishing LLC)It’s still a treat to drop an airstrike on just about anything, but there’s a special kind of magic when it accidentally lands on your teammates' heads and your entire party groans in voice chat.
Weapons are fun to use but have heft, and walking while shooting, or letting off lengthy bursts, can cause a huge penalty to accuracy. With some weapons requiring two players to load, or you to be totally stationary to change mags, there’s a ton of subtle intricacies to learn while you do your best to defend Super Earth.
Then there are the stratagems, which still produce screen-filling explosions and are an absolute rush to drop on a whole fleet of enemies (or, as is often the case, your own comrades through fluke or foolishness).
Outrunning a bunch of bugs or an Illuminate bombing run, triggering a cinematic artillery drop behind you, and just making it to the dropship on time for departure remains an experience unmatched in co-op gaming, and it’s somehow even funnier when you realize one buddy didn’t make it after all.
Should I play Helldivers 2 on Xbox?Play it if…You missed out thus far
Helldivers 2 was a cultural phenomenon last year for a reason, and the Xbox version has lost none of its magic in the jump between platforms.
You’ve got a group of friends to play with
It’s not a prerequisite, but having friends to play Helldivers 2 with makes the entire experience more rewarding. It’s the perfect game for regaling friends with war stories of heroism and stupidity, and it’s hard not to play with a smile plastered on your face.
You’re a fan of Halo ODST
Helldivers 2 has a neat Warbond for Halo’s ODST, and it pays reverence to an underrated entry in a franchise that’s sadly lost its way in recent years. The big draws are the weapons, like the firecracker-like SMG and the classic Halo assault rifle, both of which feel great to use.
You’re already playing on another platform
If you wanted to pick up Helldivers 2 on a second platform because you want to play away from the PC and don’t have a PS5, it’s worth remembering there’s no cross-progression. That’s a real shame, but levelling up to earn weapons (and purchasing warbonds) is a fly in the ointment.
As with the PS5 version, there are a few accessibility features on offer in Helldivers 2 on Xbox.
Reticules can be changed in shape and color, while subtitles are available and in multiple sizes. There’s also text-to-speech and speech-to-text functionality.
How I reviewed Helldivers 2 on XboxHaving spent countless hours spreading Managed Democracy on PS5 (and a chunk on PC, too), I jumped into the Xbox Series X version of the game and played for a few days across conflicts with all three enemy factions and playing with friends and strangers alike.
Whether it was the sound of airstrikes in my Logitech Astro A50X headset or making use of the adjustable triggers in my Xbox Elite Controller Series 2, I had a blast but also tried to come at the game from the perspective of someone that’s new to the series.
First reviewed August-September 2025
As an all-in-one platform, HubSpot CRM centralizes all your marketing, sales, customer service, and content management needs with a focus on inbound techniques. The platform is considered to be one of the best CRM platforms on the market. Over 30,000 organizations across 90 countries have adopted HubSpot CRM, making it an exceedingly popular choice for companies seeking the best CRM for small businesses.
After putting the CRM through its paces, I've found it to be a robust and intuitive solution for organizing contacts, tracking deals, and gaining visibility into the sales process. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, with helpful features like email tracking, meeting scheduling, and live chat that streamline communication with leads and customers.
If there was one thing to say against HubSpot CRM, it’s the fact that the software can get quite expensive as you scale your business. While the free offering and generous entry-level plans offer a great starting point for new businesses, it’s easy to end up paying for things you don’t need as your business grows.
HubSpot CRMs core capabilitiesHubSpot CRM delivers the essential features I expect from a customer relationship management system. I can store up to 1 million contacts and companies in the CRM for free due to some generous cloud storage, with each record capturing important details like contact info, website, social media profiles, industry, revenue, and more. When you add a contact, HubSpot automatically populates key details about their company, saving data entry time.
You can add up to 1 million contacts on the free plan. (Image credit: HubSpot)Segmenting contacts into lists based on any criteria is simple with HubSpot CRM's powerful filtering tools. I can easily create dynamic lists that automatically update as contact properties change. For example, I set up a list of contacts from companies with 500+ employees who have visited my pricing page in the last month.
The deals dashboard is easy to navigate. (Image credit: HubSpot)Deals and tasks keep things organized as you manage leads through the sales pipeline. I can create deal stages that mirror my sales process, drag and drop deals from one stage to the next, and easily see the value and quantity of deals in each stage. Tasks ensure critical to-dos never slip through the cracks. I can assign tasks to team members, associate them with specific deals or contacts, and set due dates.
For those who rely strongly on inbound, HubSpot CRM's built-in prospecting tool is useful for lead generation, identifying potential customers who are engaging with your website for the first time. It shows me which companies visited my site, even if they haven't filled out a form yet, and provides key details about those organizations pulled from HubSpot's database. I can review prospects and add promising leads to the CRM with one click.
Reporting features give me a clear picture of my sales pipeline and team performance. The dashboard displays my deal forecast, number of deals created and closed, productivity metrics, and more. I can dig into reports to see deals won and lost, sales leaderboards, and individual rep performance. Reports are easy to filter and customize.
Email tracking and templates help my team communicate efficiently with leads and customers. I can see who opened an email, clicked a link, or downloaded an attachment, then follow up accordingly. Templated emails save time on common messages. The Gmail and Outlook integrations allow me to log emails to the CRM and access templates, tracking, and more without leaving my inbox.
Live chat is another channel for real-time conversations with website visitors. I can configure targeted messages to specific web pages or audience segments. AI chatbots help qualify leads and schedule meetings 24/7. All chat conversations are automatically saved in the CRM.
Finally, the mobile app gives me access to key CRM data and features on the go. I can look up contacts, update deals, track emails, and more from my smartphone. This is invaluable when traveling or walking into a meeting.
Beyond the essentials, HubSpot CRM includes some handy tools that enhance productivity. The email integration with Gmail and Outlook is fantastic - I can track email opens, log sent emails to contact records, and create new contacts directly from my inbox. The meeting scheduler makes it painless for prospects to book time on my calendar, eliminating the usual back-and-forth. I also get a lot of value from the task reminders and automated workflows that keep me on top of follow-ups and outreach.
While the free HubSpot CRM is generous with its features, upgrading to one of the paid Sales Hub plans unlocks even more advanced capabilities like sales automation, predictive lead scoring, smart notifications, custom reporting, and more. But for many small businesses and sales teams, the free version provides the core tools needed to organize customer data and manage deals efficiently in one centralized system.
How easy is HubSpot CRM to use?From the moment I first logged into HubSpot CRM, I found the dashboard to be clean, well-organized, and easy to understand. Whether working on contacts, deals, tasks, or reports, the layout and controls remain familiar and intuitive. The main navigation menu is clearly labeled and logically structured, making it simple to find the tools and data I need. The design consistency reduces cognitive load and allows me to move between various areas of the CRM without having to relearn the interface each time.
HubSpot CRM provides a wide range of options for tailoring the platform to my specific needs, but it does so in a way that is approachable and straightforward. I can easily add custom fields to contact and deal records, create personalized views, and build custom reports and dashboards without needing extensive technical skills. The drag-and-drop interface for building workflows and deal pipelines is particularly user-friendly, enabling me to automate processes and visualize my sales funnel with minimal effort.
When it comes to onboarding and training, HubSpot CRM offers a wealth of resources to help new users get up to speed quickly. The HubSpot Academy provides a comprehensive library of courses, certifications, and tutorials that cover every aspect of the CRM. I found the courses to be well-structured, engaging, and practical, with a mix of videos, quizzes, and hands-on exercises. The in-app guidance and tooltips are also helpful for discovering new features and understanding best practices.
It's worth noting that HubSpot CRM's ease of use extends beyond the core functionality. The platform's integration with tools like Gmail, Outlook, and Google Calendar is seamless, allowing me to manage my email and schedule without leaving the CRM. The mobile app is also well-designed and provides access to all the essential features, enabling me to stay productive on the go.
Overall, HubSpot CRM really sets the standard for ease of use in the CRM space. Its intuitive interface, consistent design, and customization options make it accessible to users of all skill levels. The comprehensive onboarding resources and rapid time-to-proficiency ensure that teams can start realizing value from the platform quickly. While there may be a learning curve for some of the more advanced features, HubSpot's commitment to usability makes the journey smoother and more enjoyable than with many other CRM systems I've used.
HubSpot CRM integrationsYou can integrate HubSpot with the business tools you already use - like Gmail. (Image credit: HubSpot)HubSpot CRM offers a wide range of pre-built integrations with popular business applications, making it easy to connect your customer data with the rest of your tech stack. The HubSpot App Marketplace is a treasure trove of integrations, with over 1,000 apps across various categories like marketing, sales, customer service, and more. I was able to quickly find and set up integrations with Mailchimp, Slack, and Zendesk. Setting up these integrations was a breeze — most required just a few clicks and minimal configuration.
While the pre-built integrations cover a wide range of popular apps, there may be instances where a specific integration is not available out-of-the-box. In such cases, HubSpot's integration with Zapier is a major lifesaver. Zapier is an automation platform that allows for connecting HubSpot CRM with over 3,000 apps. I was able to set up a custom workflow that automatically creates a task in my project management tool whenever a new lead is added in HubSpot, all without writing a single line of code.
For more complex integration needs, HubSpot provides a robust API that allows for custom integrations. API documentation is comprehensive and includes code examples in various programming languages. I also haven't encountered any significant issues with API performance. On the rare occasion when I did need assistance, HubSpot's support team was responsive and helpful in resolving the issue promptly.
Beyond all this, I also appreciate HubSpot's focus on data sync performance. The platform uses a two-way sync that ensures data consistency across integrated apps. Changes made in HubSpot are automatically reflected in the connected tools. I don’t have to worry about manually updating information in multiple places or dealing with conflicting data. Data sync capabilities extend beyond just syncing contact and deal information. For example, the platform also allows for syncing of marketing assets, such as email templates and landing pages.
How good is HubSpot customer support?When implementing a new CRM system, having access to responsive and knowledgeable customer support is crucial. During my experience with HubSpot CRM, I appreciated the variety of support channels offered here.
However, it's worth noting that the level of support can vary depending on your subscription tier. While all users have access to the Knowledge Base and Community Forums, live support channels are limited to Professional and Enterprise tiers.
With a Professional or Enterprise subscription, I have access to phone, email, and chat support. The support representatives are friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to go the extra mile to resolve my issues or answer my questions. The average first response time for support inquiries is impressively short, often within an hour or two for email or chat and immediate for phone support.
Beyond live support, HubSpot offers an extensive library of self-service resources. The HubSpot Academy is a standout, providing a wealth of courses, lessons, and certifications on every aspect of the CRM. I've found the courses to be well-structured, informative, and engaging, with practical examples and hands-on exercises. The Knowledge Base is another powerful self-service resource, offering a searchable database of articles, tutorials, and FAQs.
When these resources prove insufficient, HubSpot also maintains an active community forum where users can ask questions, share best practices, and learn from each other. This is a great place to ask questions that haven’t been covered in the other self-help resources. Personally, I've found the community to be welcoming, knowledgeable, and eager to help.
When it comes to overall customer satisfaction, HubSpot consistently receives high marks. The company is transparent about its customer satisfaction scores (CSAT), which typically fall between 75% and 85%. This is a strong indicator that the majority of users are happy with the support they receive.
HubSpot’s AI capabilitiesArtificial intelligence is everywhere - even if you haven’t realized it yet - and many CRMs are competing to outdo each other in terms of their AI functionality. HubSpot's AI tools include its AI-driven sales assistant and predictive lead scoring, both of which work to streamline sales processes and provide actionable insights for employees.
Although using AI can sound somewhat complicated at first, HubSpot makes ease of use a priority for its AI features. HubSpot's AI is designed to be user-friendly and integrated into the platform, making it accessible even for those without a technical background.
Plan
Free
Starter
Professional
Enterprise
Price
$0/user/month
$15/user/month
$90/user/month
$150/user/month
Best for
Small businesses or startups testing the waters
Growing businesses seeking basic marketing and sales tools
Experienced teams needing advanced features
Large enterprises with complex requirements
Features
Basic CRM functionality; Contact management; Email tracking
Email marketing; Sales automation; Content management tools
Omnichannel marketing automation; Custom reporting; Sales analytics
Custom solutions; Advanced security features; Multi-domain reporting
Limitations
Limited automation and no advanced features.
No workflow automation or advanced reporting.
Significant price jump from Starter.
an be costly for smaller organizations.
While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, HubSpot offers a compelling blend of features, flexibility, and scalability that justifies its pricing. That said, prices can add up quickly when you’re on one of the higher-tier plans, so you’d best stick to the features you need.
Unlike many other CRM providers, HubSpot actually offers a fully functional CRM at no cost, with unlimited users and up to a million contacts. This free tier includes essential features like contact and deal management, email tracking, and live chat. It's a great way for businesses to get started with a CRM without any investment.
Once your business has outgrown the free CRM, you can choose between a range of plans across different modules like the Sales Hub, the Service Hub, or the Marketing Hub. Each plan adds on to the capabilities of the free CRM with enhanced features unique to that module.
For example, Sales Hub Starter includes support for multiple currencies, along with eSign software and the ability to perform simple automations. Similarly, Marketing Hub Starter offers access to live chat integrations and email marketing support. Prices usually start from $15/user/month for the Starter plan for each Hub, going all the way up to several thousand dollars per month for enterprise customers.
For businesses looking to bundle multiple HubSpot products, the Customer Platform offers a discounted price that packs together essential features from the Marketing Hub, Sales Hub, Service Hub, CMS Hub, and Operations Hub into a single plan. This bundle is ideal for enterprise businesses that want to leverage the full power of HubSpot's ecosystem.
For new customers, HubSpot offers a generous 14-day trial, plus discounts and bundles that can provide significant savings. For example, they offer a 25% discount for startups and a 40% discount for nonprofits.
HubSpot CRM FAQIs HubSpot really free? What’s the catch?Well, there’s no catch, per se, but, as always, you should read the fine print. While the core CRM is actually free for an unlimited number oif users and up to one million contacts, the "catch" is that more advanced features, such as advanced automation, custom reporting, and predictive lead scoring, are locked behind paid plans. If you want to access moire advanced features, you may have to fork out for Sales Hub or Marketing Hub - add-ons to the core CRM, which do come with a fee. Having said that, while the functionality of the core plan may be limited compared to the paid tiers, the free version remains generous.
What is the difference between HubSpot CRM and the other HubSpot "Hubs"?Within the HubSpot ecosystem, the CRM is the free, foundational database. The other "Hubs" are paid subscriptions that add specialized tools and advanced functionality on top of the CRM. For example, Marketing Hub adds email marketing and lead nurturing workflows, while Sales Hub adds sales automation and e-signatures.
What integrations does HubSpot CRM offer?HubSpot has a vast App Marketplace with over 1,000 pre-built integrations with popular tools like Gmail, Outlook, Slack, and Zendesk. For more complex needs, it offers an API for custom integrations and connects with automation platforms like Zapier.
What are some common use cases for HubSpot CRM?Common use cases for HubSpot include managing and segmenting contacts, tracking deals through the sales funnel, automating follow-ups, analyzing sales team performance, and providing a centralized platform for sales and marketing teams to collaborate.
HubSpot CRM review: Final verdictAfter thoroughly evaluating HubSpot CRM across multiple criteria, I believe that this is a solid CRM for small and medium-sized businesses, offering a robust set of features for contact management, deal tracking, and sales automation.
HubSpot’s user-friendly interface and design make it easy for teams to learn, with responsive live channels and comprehensive self-service resources to iron out any hiccups during initial adoption. I also liked the amount of flexibility offered in integrating the platform with other workplace productivity tools, with options ranging from built-in connectors to iPaaS vendors to a custom API.
However, while this is a solid platform for businesses of any size, it’s not without its shortcomings. For example, the existence of support tiers makes it impossible to receive live assistance as an entry-level paid subscriber. But on higher-tier plans, prices can quickly add up depending on the number of users, making the partnership less than sustainable.
Still, HubSpot CRM should fit the needs of most small-to-medium enterprises, especially with its generous free plan that offers near-unparalleled value in the world of CRMs. For larger organizations, thorough cost calculation is necessary to prevent overspending on unnecessary licenses or features.
I recently had the opportunity to test drive Workbooks CRM, a cloud-based platform aimed at midsize businesses. After spending several days exploring its features and capabilities, I've come away impressed with the value Workbooks delivers. It is clear that Workbooks is one of the best CRM platforms on the market. This is a fully-integrated CRM solution, not just a collection of modules. It provides tools for sales, marketing, support, order management, and more in a unified interface.
What really sets Workbooks CRM apart is its hands-on approach to implementation and support. The vendor works closely with each customer to tailor the system to their unique needs and provides ongoing consulting to ensure they get the most out of the platform.
While it may lack the vast third-party app marketplace you find on platforms such as Salesforce CRM, Workbooks more than makes up for it with attentive service and an extensive feature set at a very competitive price point.
So, let's dive in and examine the platform in more detail.
Workbooks core capabilities The Workbooks CRM dashboard is easy to navigate. (Image credit: Workbooks)Workbooks CRM offers a centralized database for contact management and account administration. I can easily store and organize detailed information about my customers, including their contact details, communication history, and any relevant notes. The system automatically links contacts to their associated accounts, giving me a clear overview of the relationships between individuals and organizations.
It also makes it easy to log all my customer interactions, including emails, calls, meetings and notes. I especially appreciate the ability to restrict access to sensitive notes, ensuring that private information like contracts and agreements stays secure. The platform also excels at mapping relationships between people and organizations, allowing me to visualize my entire business ecosystem, including customers, partners, suppliers, and even competitors.
When it comes to sales, Workbooks offers a comprehensive set of tools for lead and opportunity management. I can capture leads directly from my website using customizable web-to-lead forms, then track the effectiveness of my marketing campaigns by integrating with Google SEO tools. Workbooks automatically routes new leads to the appropriate sales rep and provides a clear view of my entire sales pipeline. Built-in sales forecasting helps me predict revenue and track quotas.
On the customer service side, Workbooks streamlines case management with its ticketing system. When a customer submits an issue, Workbooks automatically creates a ticket, assigns it a reference number, and routes it to the correct team member based on rules I define. I can set priorities based on urgency and monitor SLA compliance to ensure my team is meeting its commitments to customers.
Workbooks comes with a wide array of pre-built reports covering sales activity, pipeline health, forecasting, and more. Dashboards are fully customizable, so I can put the KPIs that matter most to my business front and center. If you need a report that isn't available out-of-the-box, you can easily create your own using Workbooks' reporting wizard. However, I have found the report building process to be a bit less user-friendly than some other areas of the system.
For employees in the field, Workbooks CRM offers mobile-optimized versions of all its core features, so I'm never out of touch when I'm away from my desk. I can quickly pull up a contact's information, log a call, or update an opportunity from my smartphone. GPS integration allows me to easily log visits to customer sites, and I can even dictate notes via voice recognition. Workbooks CRM has clearly put a lot of thought into empowering users to enjoy maximum productivity wherever they are.
Finally, while Workbooks CRM covers all the essentials quite well, its extensibility is somewhat limited compared to larger players like Salesforce. It doesn't have the same vast ecosystem of pre-built connectors for third-party apps and integrations. This can be a challenge for data-driven enterprises that rely on multiple sources of business intelligence, but smaller organizations should find it enough to meet their needs.
How easy it Workbooks to use?As someone who has used a variety of CRM platforms over the years, I found that Workbooks offers one of the smoothest user experiences in the market. The layout is clean and uncluttered, clearly inspired by the aesthetic flaunted by an earlier generation of Windows PCs. It’s gentle enough for new users to get up and running quickly, while still providing robust features for power users and administrators. I was able to start using basic functions with minimal training, thanks to the logical organization of menus and features.
The platform offers a high degree of flexibility to tailor the CRM to your specific business needs. I was able to easily modify field names, create custom workflows, and build personalized dashboards to track my key metrics. Workbooks also provides an extensive library of templates and configuration options, allowing me to set up the system to mirror my unique sales process.
In terms of onboarding and training, Workbooks offers a wealth of resources to help new users get acquainted with the platform. The company provides detailed documentation, video tutorials, and regular webinars to guide users through the various features and best practices. I found the step-by-step guides particularly helpful when I was first learning to navigate the system.
Workbooks also offers formal training courses, both online and in-person, for those who want a more structured learning experience. These courses cover everything from basic navigation to advanced administrator functions, and include hands-on exercises to reinforce learning. Every trainee receives a comprehensive manual that serves as a valuable reference guide long after the initial training.
Perhaps most impressive is the level of personalized support Workbooks CRM provides during the implementation process. The vendor assigns a dedicated success manager to work closely with each client, providing guidance on configuration, data migration, and user adoption strategies. This white-glove approach ensures a smooth rollout and helps organizations start realizing value from the CRM as quickly as possible.
Workbooks integrationsOut of the box, Workbooks offers pre-built integrations with several popular applications, such as Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), Microsoft 365, and Mailchimp. Setting up these integrations is a breeze, often requiring just a few clicks and minimal configuration. While the number of pre-built integrations available in Workbooks is nowhere near as vast as Salesforce or HubSpot CRM, it’s still enough to serve the needs of most small-to-medium-sized businesses.
For more specialized needs, Workbooks offers a robust API that allows developers to build custom integrations with other systems. The attached API documentation is comprehensive, with detailed descriptions of endpoints, request and response formats, and code samples. For those of us who need to use custom integrations but aren’t comfortable using the API, Workbooks also integrates with iPaaS vendors like Zapier for seamless no-code automation.
Workbooks also has a pretty unique approach to data synchronization. The platform uses a sophisticated conflict resolution system to ensure that data remains consistent across integrated systems. If a record is updated in multiple places, Workbooks CRM intelligently determines which changes should take precedence based on factors like timestamp and user permissions. This gives me confidence that data is always accurate and up-to-date.
CRM integrations can pile up over time, often leading to unnecessary sprawl. That’s why Workbooks CRM offers tools for monitoring and managing integrations using a single dashboard — so you don’t lose track. The Integration Hub allows administrators to view the status of all integrations, monitor sync logs, and troubleshoot issues. This can be incredibly useful for resolving sync errors or performance bottlenecks.
Overall, I've been quite satisfied with Workbooks' integration capabilities. While it may not have the largest ecosystem of third-party integrations, the platform more than makes up for it with its iPaaS integrations, API, and real-time data synchronization features. The integrations I've used so far have performed well, plus there’s always the option to build your own using iPaaS tools or the API.
How good is Workbooks customer support?In 2024, I was invited to attend a Workbooks customer summit where I had the chance to talk with several businesses that use the Workbooks CRM platform. During this time, a key theme became clear - customers feel that Workbooks goes above and beyond when it comes to supporting them in getting the most from their CRM.
Owain Williams, Editor - CRM & Website Builders
Workbooks offers a comprehensive range of support channels to ensure that users can get help whenever and however they need it. The primary support channel is email, with a dedicated support email address that is monitored during regular business hours. I've found the email support to be highly responsive, with most of my inquiries receiving an initial response within an hour or two.
For more urgent issues, Workbooks also provides telephone support. The support team is available by phone during extended business hours, and I've always found them to be friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help. On the rare occasions when I've encountered a technical issue with the platform, the support team has worked diligently to diagnose and resolve the problem in a timely manner.
In addition to the live support channels, Workbooks offers a wealth of self-service resources to help users find answers on their own. The online knowledge base is particularly impressive, with a vast library of articles, tutorials, and FAQs covering every aspect of the platform. The articles are well-written, thoroughly illustrated, and frequently updated to reflect the latest features and best practices.
Workbooks also maintains an active user community forum, where users can ask questions, share tips, and learn from each other's experiences. The forum is moderated by Workbooks staff, who often chime in with expert advice and guidance. I've found the community to be a valuable resource for discovering new ways to use the platform and connecting with other users in my industry.
Finally, beyond the usual support channels, every customer is also assigned a dedicated Customer Success Manager who serves as their primary point of contact and advocate within Workbooks. They take the time to understand each customer's unique needs and goals, working closely with them to ensure they are getting the most value from the platform. I really liked this white glove approach to customer service, which is often missing from other small business CRMs.
Workbooks pricing and plans (Image credit: Workbooks)Plan
CRM Edition
Business Edition
Events Edition
Price
$43/user/month
$88/user/month
$183/user/month
Best for
Small to medium businesses needing core CRM functionality
Organizations requiring advanced features including order management
Businesses running large scale events
Features
Contact management; Sales pipeline tracking; Marketing automation
CRM Edition features; Order processing; Invoicing & credit notes
Event publishing; Ticket sales; Attendance check in
Limitations
Does not include order management and invoicing capabilities
Higher cost may be prohibitive for smaller businesses
Significant jump in costs to unlock all events tools
When evaluating a CRM platform, it's crucial to consider not just the raw cost, but the value it delivers relative to that cost. In my experience, Workbooks CRM offers exceptional value for the price, thanks to its flexible pricing model, robust feature set, and generous free trial period.
Unlike many competitors that offer complex tiered pricing or charge separately for different modules, Workbooks has just 3 straightforward plans: CRM, Business, and Events. The Standard plan at $43 per user per month, includes all the core CRM features most businesses need, such as sales, marketing, and customer service management. The Business plan at $88 per user per month, adds advanced functionality like order management and invoicing. Events is targeted at those running large scale events and comes with lots of helpful event booking and management tools.
This simple structure makes it easy to understand exactly what you're getting for your money. It also means you don't have to worry about hidden costs or being nickeled-and-dimed for features that should be standard. Workbooks' pricing is also highly competitive compared to other major CRM providers. For example, to get sales, marketing, and service features with Salesforce, you'd need to subscribe to multiple clouds, potentially costing thousands of dollars. Workbooks delivers the same at a fraction of the price.
Workbooks CRM also offers significant value through its consultative approach to implementation and support. Every new customer receives a co-funded workshop to tailor the system to their unique needs, as well as free consulting days. For organizations that want to try before they buy, Workbooks offers a generous 30-day free trial.
Workbooks CRM FAQWhat core features does Workbooks offer?As a CRM, Workbooks provides a variety of different features - all those you’ve come to expect from a leading CRM. These include tools for sales teams, such as lead and opportunity management, sales reporting, and forecasting, as well as many others designed to aid marketing, such as campaign management, email marketing integrations, and web-to-lead forms. Workbooks also offers customer service features and functionality to aid in a company’s finances, including order management, invoicing, and contract management.
What implementation options are there for Workbooks?Workbooks offers various implementation options, including a "SelfStart" option for those who want to configure the system themselves, a "JumpStart" option for sales, and a "Shared Success" approach where their consultants work with you to tailor the system to your needs.
It’s also worth noting that businesses don’t have to stick with a single pricing plan for their users. They can mix and match licenses, having different users on different editions - such as having some on the CRM Edition and others on the Business Edition.
Is there a Workbooks mobile app?This is something that is particularly important in the age of hybrid work - and Workbooks has businesses covered. Workbooks has a mobile platform that allows users to manage contacts, log calls, and update opportunities on the go.
Workbooks CRM review: Final verdictAfter thoroughly evaluating Workbooks CRM across 6 key categories, I've come away impressed with the platform's capabilities and value proposition. Workbooks excels in its core CRM functionality, providing robust tools for sales, marketing, and customer service. The platform is intuitive and user-friendly, with extensive customization options to tailor the system to unique business needs.
While the third-party app marketplace is not as extensive as some competitors, Workbooks offers seamless integrations with iPaaS vendors and a flexible API for custom development.
But the most striking takeaway from this review is Workbooks' dedication to customer success. The hands-on implementation support, comprehensive training resources, and responsive ongoing service set Workbooks apart in the CRM market. Coupled with transparent and affordable pricing, Workbooks delivers exceptional value for growing businesses.
With a strong track record of innovation and a clear vision for the future, Workbooks is well-positioned for continued success. For mid-market organizations seeking a full-featured CRM with outstanding support, Workbooks CRM is a no-brainer.
If the CRM industry is a zoo, Salesforce is an 800-pound gorilla. It’s one of the best CRM software platforms on the market, powered by cutting-edge AI tools and hosted on the cloud. It also has separate modules for managing customer relationships across sales, service, marketing, commerce, and more, making it a great fit for almost any team in any business.
With over 150,000 customers worldwide, Salesforce CRM has been a driving force in the digital transformation of businesses for over two decades.
However, its dominance doesn't necessarily mean it's the best fit for every organization. In this in-depth Salesforce review, I'll dive into the platform's core capabilities, ease of use, integrations, customer support, value for money, and company trajectory to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your business.
While we’re going to focus primarily on Sales Cloud, Salesforce’s most popular CRM module, this review is also going to weave in features from other Salesforce offerings like Customer Success and Einstein 1.
My hope is to present you with a well-rounded perspective of Salesforce’s core CRM offerings. While not every feature will be available on every module, Salesforce makes it very easy to build your own version by combining different aspects of its suite into a package called Customer 360. You can read our dedicated Salesforce Sales Cloud CRM review here.
Salesforce CRM core capabilitiesAt its core, Salesforce provides a robust set of CRM features to effectively manage customer relationships throughout the entire lifecycle. On the whole, I've found the core relationship management capabilities to be quite intuitive.
Contact management is straightforward, with the ability to capture detailed information like communication preferences, activity history, and custom fields relevant to my business. I can easily store and organize detailed information about individual contacts, including their role, communication preferences, and interaction history. Plus, the account hierarchy feature is particularly useful for managing complex B2B relationships with parent and child companies.
You can easily score leads based on criteria like demographics, behavior, and engagement. A visual kanban-style lead workspace allows you to drag-and-drop leads through different stages of the sales cycle, from new to qualified to converted. I appreciate the flexibility to customize lead stages and automate assignment rules based on unique sales processes.
I can track deals across every stage, from lead generation to closed-won or closed-lost. Salesforce’s opportunity record provides a complete view of the deal, including products, competition, quotes, and revenue projections. There’s also a collaboration forecasting feature, which allows sales managers to view and adjust team forecasts while providing executives with real-time visibility into the sales pipeline.
Speaking of visibility, Salesforce provides a wide range of standard reports out-of-the-box, covering everything from sales performance to customer service metrics. I've been impressed with the report builder, which allows me to easily create custom reports using a drag-and-drop interface. The ability to schedule and share reports with key stakeholders will improve your team's efficiency and accountability.
Apart from this, Salesforce's mobile app is a useful addition for field sales reps. I can access and update critical customer information, track activities, and even close deals right from my smartphone or tablet. Push notifications keep me informed about important updates, like when a key opportunity stage changes. Salesforce’s mobile experience is intuitive, mirroring the desktop version, ensuring a seamless transition between various devices.
Salesforce has recently enhanced its CRM platform with several AI features, by introducing a new module called Einstein. It’s integrated across various Salesforce Cloud applications, including Sales Cloud, Marketing Cloud, Service Cloud, and Commerce Cloud. Einstein’s conversational AI assistant can automate day-to-day tasks like summarizing records, generating customized communications, and streamlining case resolutions.
Salesforce Einstein 1 offers powerful tools for managing and building customer relationships. (Image credit: Salesforce)While it offers a wealth of features, I have encountered a few limitations with Salesforce too. For example, the email templates can be basic compared to other marketing automation platforms. The forecasting tool, while powerful, does require some setup and training to leverage.
Speaking from a more general perspective, Salesforce CRM also features a bit of a learning curve and has a pricing structure that’s somewhat prohibitive for small businesses.
But overall, I've been impressed with the core capabilities of Salesforce CRM. The platform provides a comprehensive set of features to manage the entire customer lifecycle, from lead to loyalty. While there may be a learning curve for some advanced functionality, the benefits in terms of productivity, collaboration, and customer insights far outweigh any challenges.
How easy is Salesforce CRM to use?Salesforce’s layout is clean and well-organized, with key features and data easily accessible from the navigation menu and dashboard. The use of consistent iconography and naming conventions makes getting around the platform easy and fast. However, given the sheer breadth of features on offer here, a certain learning curve is expected.
It also allows administrators to tailor the user interface to match their organization's specific needs and terminology. I've been able to create custom fields, page layouts, and workflows that align with unique sales processes. While the customization options are extensive, Salesforce provides a user-friendly setup menu and guided wizards to help admins make changes without needing to write code.
Trailhead, Salesforce’s learning platform, offers a wealth of onboarding and training resources to help new users get up to speed quickly. It takes a gamified approach to training, with bite-sized modules and hands-on challenges that cover everything from basic navigation to advanced features. I think that this is an engaging and effective way to onboard new team members, with the added benefit of allowing them to learn at their own pace.
In addition to Trailhead, Salesforce offers extensive documentation, how-to guides, and community forums where users can find answers to common questions and best practices. The Salesforce Success Community is a particularly valuable resource, connecting users with experts and peers who can provide guidance and support.
Trailhead is a valuable resource for businesses that are rolling out Salesforce to multiple individuals and teams. (Image credit: Salesforce)Based on my own experience, I think that most users can navigate the basic features and perform essential tasks with Salesforce within a few days of training. More advanced features and customizations may take a few weeks to master, but the platform's intuitive design and robust support resources make the learning process manageable.
Whilst this flexibility is a strength for enterprise customers, it can also be overwhelming for small businesses and probably isn’t the best CRM for startups that don’t have an extensive onboarding budget or lots of ramp-up time. Salesforce’s initial setup and configuration process is a great example of this, requiring a significant time investment and a certain level of technical knowledge to get everything configured optimally.
Despite the issues, however, I've found that the long-term benefits of Salesforce's scalability far outweigh the initial setup hurdles. Once the platform is tailored to your organization's specific needs and processes, it becomes an incredibly powerful and efficient tool for managing customer relationships.
Salesforce CRM integrationsSalesforce provides both pre-built integrations and an open API for custom data exchange. Beyond that, there’s comprehensive documentation, code samples, and developer resources to support integration development and usage.
With the AppExchange marketplace, Salesforce offers a vast library of pre-built integrations and applications from partner companies. These out-of-the-box solutions cover various business functions, such as marketing automation, customer support, accounting, and more.
With over 3,000 pre-built apps already available, businesses can easily find and deploy integrations that align with their specific requirements. Popular integrations include Mailchimp for email marketing, Zendesk for customer support, QuickBooks for accounting, and Jira for project management.
For businesses with unique integration needs, Salesforce provides a robust and well-documented API. The Salesforce REST API allows developers to access and manipulate data programmatically, enabling custom integrations with internal systems and external applications.
Salesforce’s API supports standard HTTP methods and exchanges data through JSON or XML responses, making it compatible with a wide range of programming languages and tools. It supports various protocols and data formats, such as REST, SOAP, and bulk data operations, giving developers flexibility in designing integrations.
Salesforce also provides robust data management capabilities to maintain data integrity during integrations. Features like data mapping, transformation, and cleansing ensure that data is properly formatted and synchronized between systems. Additionally, Salesforce's data governance tools help enforce data quality standards and compliance requirements, giving businesses confidence in the accuracy and security of their integrated data.
During my time with the CRM, Salesforce's integration capabilities appeared reliable and performant. Pre-built integrations from the AppExchange worked quite seamlessly. Plus, the API was stable and responsive, allowing for efficient data exchange and real-time updates. Data synchronization was consistent and timely for both pre-built integrations and custom ones.
However, it's important to note that the success of integrations largely depends on proper implementation and adherence to best practices. Salesforce’s Developer Community provides guidelines and recommendations for integration development, such as understanding limits, securing data, and implementing authentication methods. Custom integrations can be built using popular programming languages like Java, C#, and Python, making it accessible to a wide range of developers.
Additionally, Salesforce's partner network includes a wide range of integration specialists and consultants who can assist businesses in designing and implementing complex integration solutions. Plus, the company releases regular updates and new features that expand its integration capabilities and improve overall performance.
Salesforce CRM customer supportSalesforce offers several different support channels, including both live and self-service options. Users can reach out for assistance via phone, live chat, and email, depending on their preference and the urgency of their issue. Based on user testimonials, support representatives appear to be knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely interested in providing a satisfactory resolution.
Live chat offers quick and convenient assistance for less complex queries. Representatives are more than happy to offer step-by-step guidance or direct you to relevant resources. For more involved queries, you can contact the support team via phone at +1-800-664-9073. Email support, while not as immediate as phone or chat, is a reliable enough option for less urgent matters, with representatives typically responding within a day or two.
In addition to live support, Salesforce offers a vast collection of self-help resources under the umbrella of Salesforce Help. It’s a comprehensive knowledge base that covers every aspect of the platform, from basic setup to advanced customization. The articles, videos, and documentation are all well-prepared, easy to follow, and frequently updated to reflect the latest features and best practices.
Part of the larger self-help infrastructure of Salesforce Help, there’s also Trailhead. It’s a guided and gamified learning module that offers an interactive way to quickly familiarize yourself with the platform’s most important features and functionality. You can use Trailhead to upgrade your Salesforce skills, earn badges for each milestone, and then promote your services and expertise through the associated community.
Speaking of community, Salesforce Trailblazer connects users from around the world to share knowledge, ask questions, and collaborate on solutions using a dedicated forum. A quick look at the platform shows you how active and helpful the community is, thanks to both internal experts and other users. Every day, the community forum highlights active members to reward them for their participation. This makes sure that users feel rewarded for helping others navigate the platform and troubleshoot their issues.
In terms of response times, Salesforce generally meets or exceeds industry standards. Customer satisfaction with Salesforce support is consistently high, as demonstrated by a 4.5-star rating on platforms like G2 and TrustRadius. While the learning curve for new users is steep, Salesforce’s generally reliable and helpful support system makes it much easier to adopt.
That said, there is always room for improvement. Some users have reported longer wait times during peak hours or when dealing with particularly complex issues. It also seems that the quality of help received is directly influenced by the support tier you’re on. Customers who purchase Premier+ Support or Mission Critical Support receive priority access to better agents. Meanwhile, standard users are mostly stuck using the self-service options.
Salesforce CRM securitySalesforce CRM's security credentials represent one of the platform’s strong points. The CRM uses a shared responsibility model, with Salesforce providing a secure infrastructure and the customer being responsible for configuring and managing the security of their data within the platform.
Among the features that Salesforce employs to guarantee customer security is encryption - both at rest and in transit. For instance, all data transmitted between a user's device and Salesforce servers is protected by industry-standard Transport Layer Security encryption. At the same time, all data stored on Salesforce servers is encrypted using a unique key for each organization. Salesforce uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption, considered a highly secure encryption method.
In addition, for businesses with particularly stringent security and compliance needs, Salesforce offers an additional paid add-on called Salesforce Shield. This allows for more comprehensive encryption of sensitive data within standard and custom fields, files, and attachments. It even offers the option for customers to "Bring Your Own Key" (BYOK) for enhanced control. By exclusively managing their digital assets, organizations gain an extra layer of protection.
Salesforce CRM value for moneyAs one of the most expensive CRM solutions on the market, Salesforce demands a significant investment, but it also delivers a robust platform that can grow with your business. A per-user pricing model allows for flexibility as your team grows, but it can become costly for larger organizations.
Salesforce employs a tiered pricing model with four main editions: Essentials, Professional, Enterprise, and Unlimited. The Essentials plan starts at $25 per user per month while the Unlimited plan costs $300 per user, per month.
However, Salesforce offers a breadth of features even in lower-tier plans. Essentials, while basic, still includes features like account and contact management, opportunity tracking, and email integration. But, advanced capabilities like lead scoring and collaborative forecasting are only available from Professional, while workflow automation is restricted to Enterprise and Unlimited.
The company offers a 14-day free trial. After that, Salesforce offers annual billing for all plans except Essentials, which can be paid monthly. While opting for annual billing often comes with a discount, it requires a larger upfront investment and less flexibility for businesses with fluctuating needs.
Apart from the core plans, Salesforce also offers various add-ons that can enhance the CRM's functionality. While these can provide excellent value for businesses with specific needs, you should calculate costs thoroughly to make sure the investment justifies the ROI.
When comparing Salesforce to other CRM solutions, it's important to consider the total cost of ownership. While the initial price may be higher, Salesforce's extensive customization options, robust app ecosystem, and scalability can provide you with more long-term value. Its ability to integrate with a wide range of third-party applications can also lead to increased efficiency and productivity, potentially offsetting the higher cost.
But for smaller businesses or those with simpler CRM needs, Salesforce’s pricing may prove prohibitive. Unless you need all the advanced functionality, there are more affordable options on the market that offer similar core functionalities at a lower price point.
Salesforce CRM pricing plansPlan
Price (per user, per month)
Features
Limitations
Starter Suite
$25
Basic CRM functionality, including sales pipeline, prospect tracking, contact management, and reporting. It includes email marketing campaigns and omnichannel customer service.
Designed for small teams and has limited customization and reporting capabilities.
Professional Suite
$80
All Starter Suite features plus more advanced CRM tools like workflow automation, collaboration features, and improved reporting.All Starter Suite features plus more advanced CRM tools like workflow automation, collaboration features, and improved reporting.
Lacks some advanced features found in higher-tier plans.
Enterprise
$165
Includes all Professional Suite features, plus advanced reporting, additional custom objects, and increased API call limits.
Can be expensive, and even at this tier, some features (like AI-powered chatbots) may be paid add-ons.
Unlimited
$330
All Enterprise features, along with priority support, a dedicated success team, and expanded customization options. Includes AI lead scoring and forecasting KPIs.
The most expensive plan, and not all features are included; some may still be paid add-ons. You cannot downgrade from this plan.
Saleforce trajectorySalesforce has maintained its position as the dominant player in the CRM market, consistently innovating and expanding its offerings. As of 2023, it commanded 21.7% of the global CRM market share, easily outpacing its nearest competitors, Microsoft (5.9%), Oracle (4.4%), SAP (3.5%), and Adobe (3.4%).
In the current fiscal year, Salesforce reported a total revenue of $34.86 billion, 11% more than last year. Meanwhile, the company's subscription and support revenues, which form the core of its business model, grew by 12% to $32.54 billion. Its growth trajectory is supported by strategic acquisitions, such as Tableau and Slack, which have expanded its capabilities and reach.
Going beyond the financials, Salesforce's user community is one of the largest and most active in the software industry. Its ecosystem, including customers, partners, and developers, continues to grow rapidly. Right now, 150,000+ businesses utilize its services globally.
As a CRM, Salesforce was named a leader in various analyst reports, such as The Forrester Wave and IDC MarketScape, which evaluate solutions based on criteria like market impact, vision, and capability. The company's Pledge 1% initiative, which encourages companies to donate 1% of equity, product, and employee time to charitable causes, has garnered participation from over 15,000 companies worldwide.
Looking ahead, Salesforce's trajectory appears promising, with projections indicating continued growth in both market share and revenue. The company's focus on integrating AI-driven insights into its platform is expected to further enhance its offerings and maintain its competitive edge.
With regular updates, an active user community, and strategic partnerships through Salesforce AppExchange and Partner Innovation Awards, Salesforce continues to operate as the undisputed leader of the CRM space — despite competition from giants like Microsoft, Oracle, and Adobe.
Salesforce CRM FAQWhat are the main benefits of using Salesforce CRM?The core advantages of making Salesforce your organization’s chosen CRM include improved sales productivity, enhanced customer service, streamlined marketing efforts, and better data-driven decision-making. By automating tasks and providing real-time analytics, it helps businesses increase efficiency and drive revenue growth.
Is Salesforce a good fit for small businesses?Although Salesforce may be better known for its enterprise-level solutions and can be a significant investment, it also offers a "Starter Suite" designed for small businesses. However, its pricing and complexity can be a barrier for firms that don’t have huge budgets or IT teams. As such, some small businesses may find more value in more affordable or less complex CRM solutions, such as Freshworks or Zoho.
What’s the difference between Sales Cloud and Service Cloud?With the plethora of different solutions under the Salesforce umbrella, the different tools on offer can be somewhat confusing. To clear things up, it’s important to get the difference between Sales Cloud and Service Cloud clear in your head.
While Sales Cloud is designed for sales teams to manage the sales process, including lead and opportunity tracking, contact management, and sales forecasting, Service Cloud is for customer service teams, providing tools for case management, a knowledge base, and omnichannel support (phone, email, chat). Essentially, both are designed to improve customer relationships, but in different ways.
What is the Salesforce AppExchange?The Salesforce AppExchange is an online marketplace for third-party developers and partners to list and sell applications and integrations that extend Salesforce's functionality. It's a key part of the Salesforce ecosystem, offering thousands of pre-built solutions for various business needs.
Salesforce CRM review: SummaryAfter a comprehensive evaluation of Salesforce CRM, I find that the platform excels in several key areas, offering a robust set of core capabilities and extensive integration options. It’s a great choice in particular for medium-to-large enterprises, with a pricing structure and learning curve that may not be the best CRM for small businesses.
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