OCTIS vs HubSpot vs Zoho vs Bitrix24: free CRM for Malaysian small businesses
Three free plans, three different limits. Pick by team size and what you need to automate.
Last checked · 4 sources
Otty's short answer
For a team of three, Zoho CRM Free is the best free CRM: up to 3 users, workflow automation and 5,000 API calls a day. HubSpot's free CRM is easier to learn but stops at 2 users. Bitrix24 Free offers tasks and chat as well, but only 1 to 2 users, 5 GB and one pipeline. All three are priced in US$ once you upgrade.
Side by side
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| What matters | OCTISSdn Bhd + OCTIS | HubSpot CRM Free | Zoho CRM Free | Bitrix24 Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Users on free plan | One company plan, no per-seat ladder | Up to 2 | Up to 3 | 1 to 2 |
| Free forever | Included in the OCTIS plan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Workflow automation on free | Workflow automation built in | Not published | Yes, basic | Not published |
| CRM pipelines on free | CRM and sales pipeline built in | Not published | Not published | 1 |
| Tasks, chat, projects | One workspace for team, documents and compliance | Not published | Separate apps | Included |
| First paid step | 10–30% below your current bill | US$7 per seat per month, annual | About US$14 per user per month | US$49 per month, 5 users |
| Ease of use | AI agents (Otty) do the work | Very easy | Moderate | Busy interface |
| Billing currency | MYR flat | US$ | US$ and others | US$ |
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.
Which one fits you
OCTIS · Sdn Bhd + OCTIS
Choose OCTIS if you want CRM, pipeline and workflow automation with AI agents, plus your company and accounts, in one workspace.
HubSpot CRM Free
Choose HubSpot Free if you are one or two people and want the easiest start, with marketing forms and email in the same place.
Zoho CRM Free
Choose Zoho CRM Free if you have up to three users and want automation and room to grow.
Bitrix24 Free
Choose Bitrix24 Free if you also want tasks and team chat, and your CRM needs are light.
What the table does not show
What free really means
Free plans cap users, storage or features. HubSpot Free covers 2 users. Zoho Free covers 3 users, 10 email templates and up to 10 data exports, with 5,000 API calls a day. Bitrix24 Free covers 1 to 2 users, 5 GB and one pipeline. Once you add a fourth person or need more pipelines, you pay. Plan the first upgrade before you load in years of customer data.
The first paid step
HubSpot Starter is US$7 per seat per month on annual billing for new customers (US$20 list), so two people cost about US$14. Zoho Standard is about US$14 per user, a third-party figure. Bitrix24 Basic is US$49 per month for 5 users on annual billing, which wins once you reach four or five people. All prices exclude local tax.
Before you commit data
Check that you can export your contacts and deals. Zoho limits free exports to 10 times. Also check where the vendor stores data and whether it meets your own PDPA duties as a Malaysian business. A free CRM is not a place to keep customers' IC numbers or bank details without a reason.
Where OCTIS fits
A free CRM is a good start, but the money side of a sale still needs invoicing, bookkeeping and tax. OCTIS covers accounting, bookkeeping, tax and company secretary work for Malaysian companies and includes a built-in CRM and business workspace. Send us your current bills and we will show you 10–30% off.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free CRM in Malaysia?
For up to 3 users, Zoho CRM Free offers the most: 3 users, basic workflows and 5,000 API calls a day. For the easiest start with 1 or 2 users, HubSpot Free. For tasks and chat as well, Bitrix24 Free.
Is HubSpot CRM really free?
Yes, for up to 2 users at US$0. Paid tiers start at US$7 per seat per month on annual billing for new customers.
Will a free CRM work with WhatsApp?
Free plans offer limited channels. Most Malaysian sales teams add a WhatsApp inbox tool later, and WhatsApp charges its own per-message fees.
When should I stop using a free CRM?
When you hit the user cap, need more than one pipeline, or want reports and automation across the team. That is usually at 4 to 5 people.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.