
26 Aug 2025

Nicole Esters
26 Aug 2025
Nicole Esters
As a business owner, you want more customers and higher sales, but today’s saturated market means your audience can switch to a competitor with just one click.
What can help you stand out?
Effective customer communication!
Customers love to deal with businesses that practice effective customer communication.
To communicate with your customers effectively, you need accurate data and the right tools. This is where a CRM with a texting feature comes in handy. That said, choosing the right CRM software with text messaging can be challenging, given the numerous options available. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this blog, we have compiled a list of the top CRMs with text messaging features along with their strengths and weaknesses. It will help you choose the best CRM with a texting feature that aligns perfectly with your business needs. Without further ado, explore why a CRM text messaging system is beneficial, what features you should look for, and the top CRMs with built-in messaging capabilities.
CRM with a built in texting feature means you don’t need to switch apps to send a message. Everything is in one place, including your contacts, notes, deals, and text conversations. CRM with text messaging features provides you with several benefits, such as:
This way, text message CRMs can add value to your sales and marketing function.
When choosing a CRM messaging platform, avoid selecting just any tool. Instead, prioritize these essential features:
Key Feature | Benefits |
Two-Way SMS Chat | It helps you give quick replies and keep conversations going. |
SMS Automation | This feature lets you send automatic appointment reminders, follow-ups, etc. |
Customizable Text Templates | If you want to save time and maintain consistent messaging, your CRM must have this feature. |
Contact Segmentation | It helps you send messages to the right group. |
SMS Pricing | Check whether the texts are included or you have to pay extra for them. |
Campaign Tracking | This feature lets you analyze which texts work best. |
Support for Integrations | Ensure the CRM you choose can easily integrate with other communication platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Ecommerce platforms like Shopify. |
AI Capabilities | With this solution, you can easily automate various customer service tasks. For example, integrating CRM with an SMS marketing platform like Textdrip lets you enjoy automatic intent detection and classification of text message responses through positiveintent.ai. |
Compliance with Texting Regulations | Make sure the CRM you choose adheres to SMS marketing and communication regulations like 10DLC, TCPA, etc. It helps you avoid legal issues by adjusting messaging strategies according to your country’s regulations and global compliance. |
Let’s check out the best CRMs with text messaging, along with what makes each one special.
It is a powerful, all-in-one CRM specially designed for businesses of all sizes. It is known for its flexibility and wide integration options. The platform supports mass messaging in 180 countries, but you can access two-way texting only in Canada and the US.
Text Messaging Capabilities
Zoho CRM offers SMS automation, two-way texting, and workflow triggers through integrations.
CRM Text Template Availability
You can create custom SMS templates for reminders, promotions, and updates.
Pricing
Zoho CRM offers four paid plans billed monthly and annually. The standard plan starts at $14 per user per month. Two bundles are also available if you want advanced functionalities. The enterprise plan costs $40 per month, and the professional plan costs $23 per month. Every plan includes a free trial.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Highly customizable | You need to set up texting through third-party services. |
Supports third-party SMS tools | The interface feels complex to new users. |
Affordable for small businesses | Limited two-way texting solutions |
Best For:
This CRM is ideal for real estate, retail, education, and healthcare.
HoneyBook is a client management platform specifically designed for creative professionals, freelancers, and small service businesses. It helps manage projects, invoices, and communication in one place.
Texting Capabilities
Its mobile app allows for client messaging, including text notifications. It also supports sending quick text updates and reminders.
CRM Text Templates Availability
You can set up text message templates for common client interactions such as appointment confirmations and payment reminders.
Pricing
Plans start at $36 per month. Three plans are available.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Easy to automate follow-ups | Limited scalability for complex needs |
Simple and user-friendly | Not designed for large sales teams |
Best For:
Freelancers, designers, photographers, and event planners
The next on the list is Keap. It was formerly known as Infusionsoft and is built for small businesses that want to automate marketing and sales. Keap is easy to use and very visual.
Texting Capabilities
The platform includes built-in texting capabilities, which are easy to set up and use. Its texting feature allows users to send trigger-based messages and create bulk SMS campaigns.
CRM Text Template Availability
It comes with pre-made templates and lets you create your own based on campaigns.
Pricing
Its pricing starts at $249 per month if you pay annually. You can also pay monthly, but this option is more expensive. They do not offer any free plan, but their text features are free for three months.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Excellent automation tools | Higher starting price |
Includes built-in texting | Limited SMS capabilities outside of the US |
Simple campaign builder | Extremely limited free plan |
Best For:
It is best for solopreneurs, coaches, and service-based businesses.
Shape is a CRM platform specially designed to support businesses in managing customer relationships and lead nurturing. It is mainly used by companies in the financial sector and helps their teams simplify workflows and improve communication with clients.
Texting Capabilities
Shape comes with built-in SMS, drip texting, auto responders, and AI-powered responses.
CRM Text Templates Availability
There are dozens of industry-specific SMS templates available, which save time and boost responses.
Pricing
Sales and marketing CRM at $119 per user per month, Point of Sale at $47 per user per month, and lead funnels at $299 per month.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Highly customizable for financial services | Steep learning curve |
Built-in SMS feature | Customer support lacks phone support. |
Easy compliance tracking feature | Complicated initial setup |
Best For
It is best for financial services and small and medium-sized companies in mortgage, real estate, and insurance that want to centralize their sales and marketing processes.
Close CRM is specifically built for sales teams that need fast and high-volume communication. It is an all-in-one sales engagement platform with built-in SMS, email, and call functionality.
Texting Capabilities:
Close offers native 2-way SMS, bulk texting, and automated sequences. You can send messages from the desktop or a mobile app.
CRM Text Template Availability
You can create and save SMS templates for follow-ups, reminders, or introductions.
Pricing
Close CRM does not have a free plan, but you can use the platform free for 15 days. Pricing starts at $49 per user per month. There are three plans from which you can choose one.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Built-in texting feature | Costly for small teams |
Perfect for high-volume outreach | Not suited for non-sales industries |
Strong automation features |
Best For
Sales teams, SaaS companies, and startups
Rounding out our list is Salesmate. It is a cloud-based CRM system that comes with texting functionalities. This platform simplifies the complex sales processes of SMBs and startups.
Text Messaging Capabilities
Built-in two-way texting, bulk SMS, automated SMS campaigns, and SMS sequences
CRM Text Templates Availability
You can create custom SMS templates and use them in workflows or one-off messages.
Pricing
Salesmate offers a 15-day free trial and four plans. You can pay either monthly or annually. The basic plan starts at $23 per user per month.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Native SMS features | Some advanced features require higher-tier plans |
Sleek interface | Limited native integrations |
Easy to set up and use |
Best For
It is best suited for sales teams, real estate agents, and SaaS sales professionals.
Selecting the right CRM with messaging depends on your business size, goals, and how much automation you need. Here is how you can pick.
You need to ask yourself a few questions, such as:
If you are a small business owner, you should go for Agile CRM or Salesmate. It is because they are easy to use and budget-friendly. Businesses looking for advanced automation features should choose Keap or Zoho CRM. If you’re into real estate or the mortgage business, go for Shape CRM as it comes with a built-in SMS feature. Do you want a free option? Try HubSpot. After that, connect an SMS tool as you grow.
Besides, when choosing a CRM, ensure you look for the key features we’ve discussed above. Choose a CRM that offers the most relevant features your business needs.
Texting is no longer just for friends; it is for business, too. A good CRM with texting saves time, improves communication, and helps you close more deals. Here is the quick recap of the top CRMs with text messaging.
CRM | Built-in SMS | Templates | Best For |
Zoho CRM | Via integrations | Yes | Real estate, healthcare |
HoneyBook | Yes | Yes | Freelancers, Creatives |
Keap | Yes | Yes | Small businesses |
Shape CRM | Yes | Yes | Mortgage, Legal |
Close CRM | Yes | Yes | Sales teams |
Salesmate | Yes | Yes | Sales teams |
Regardless of your industry, CRM with a texting feature leads to more conversions, faster results, and happier customers.
Many CRMs have built-in text messaging, but these tools are often basic. If you want to get the most out of your B2B and B2C outreach, you can use a dedicated platform like Textdrip. It comes with advanced AI features that can help you achieve better engagement and results.
Are you ready to upgrade your CRM text messaging game? If not, gear up, book a demo of Textdrip. This text messaging platform will help you improve your communication strategies and keep you a step ahead.
It uses customer data like purchase history and preferences to send tailored, relevant texts, making conversations feel more personal and engaging.
Automation streamlines communication by scheduling follow-ups, reminders, and drip campaigns, ensuring timely outreach without extra manual work.
Yes, many CRMs support MMS, allowing businesses to send images, videos, or PDFs, which makes campaigns more engaging and impactful.
These CRMs include built-in tools for tracking consent, managing opt-ins/opt-outs, and providing unsubscribe options to keep businesses TCPA-compliant.