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Ever since I first played it on the PS5 a few years ago, I’ve been certain Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is a gaming masterpiece – the inarguable best way to play the role-playing game (RPG) classic that is Final Fantasy VII. But now that it’s coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, is the game still as excellent?

TL;DR, yes, but I’m left feeling like the Switch 2 edition is only the second best way to play the best way to play Final Fantasy VII.

I’m not the only person who loves Final Fantasy VII Remake. Former TechRadar Computing Hardware expert Jackie Thomas gave it five stars out of five back when it released on the PS4 almost six years ago, and the story, music, and general beauty of the game haven’t changed with this port.

But as you’d expect, going from a home console to a handheld hybrid, some technical downgrades are to be expected – with both texture quality, framerate, and fidelity dips noticeable, though playing in Docked mode does give it a noticeable visual bump.

(Image credit: Square Enix)

That said, are you playing on the Switch 2 for graphical superiority? If you are you might want to rethink your console choice, as the true beauty of the Nintendo hybrid is its ability to game on the go, and for an tens-of-hours-long RPG – that’ll hold your attention between 30 and 90 hours based on whether you want to focus on the story, complete a few side quests along the way, or seriously devour every piece of additional content across both the main campaign and bonus Intermission downloadable content (DLC) episode – is essential for more time-strapped gamers.

Finding time to play all of that at home can be tough, especially if you share your TV. Taking Final Fantasy 7 Remake on the go as part of your morning commute, on trips if you travel regularly, or simply enjoying it in portable mode on the couch while someone else uses the main screen in your home entertainment setup makes finding the time much more manageable – meaning you can actually start enjoying the games you buy, and not just stare at them in your ever-growing digital library.

If this convenience is what you crave, you’ll love Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on the Nintendo Switch 2. For everyone else, this game is still required reading, but you’d be better served by its PlayStation 5 edition (provided you have access to the console).

(Image credit: Square Enix)

Final Fantasy 7 Remake is part one of Square Enix’s recreation of the 1997 RPG, Final Fantasy 7. While it is, in some ways, simply a third of a game, the care and attention put into every inch of this title doesn’t leave you feeling shortchanged.

As I mentioned in the intro you can easily spend close to 90 hours playing Remake if you sink your teeth into every challenge the game has to offer, including finishing every side mission, earning the high score in every minigame, completing the game on Hard mode (which requires a whole replay), and besting the greatest foes in Shinra’s virtual battle zone.

I can say, as someone who has done exactly this, you won’t regret the time you spend in Midgar, but even if you simply focus on the main quest-focused story (including the Intermission story featuring Yuffie), then you’ll still be savouring Final Fantasy VII for around 30 to 40 hours.

Even if you’ve played the 1997 version, there’s plenty to enjoy here too.

The Remake expands on the story in a way that better fleshes out each character, the relationships between the key players, and (if I’m honest) makes the experience much more engaging rather than what could at times feel like a slog.

There are a few new twists and turns to discover as well, but every single one feels like a worthy addition to the mythos and the core story FFVII is telling – rather than fluff that would detract from its message.

Combat ready!

(Image credit: Square Enix)

The gameplay has had a tune-up, too.

I enjoy turn-based battling, but Final Fantasy VII’s approach to combat is undeniably more active and approachable to a wider audience. At the same time, I appreciate the “Classic” difficulty mode the game introduces, which helps to return some of the accessibility offered by turn-based combat if you want it.

If playing regularly, you must actively attack and block with your character to charge ATB so you can perform more powerful skills and spells. In Classic mode, the characters all fight and guard automatically, letting you simply focus on which enemy to target and when you want to use those more powerful moves.

It’s not a substitute for the slower pace of turn-based fights, but feels closer to it if you require a slightly calmer pace.

(Image credit: Square Enix)

In any case, with this more active approach to combat comes complexity where lots can be happening at once – especially in bigger fights that have Cloud, Tifa, and Barrett slashing, punching, and firing away at a small army of Shinra guards and bots returning fire – but the Switch 2 did its best to keep things flowing smoothly.

There’s no in-system way to track framerate, but the gameplay did seem to hold steady at 30 frames per second (fps) as Square has promised. If you’re used to higher rates, you’ll notice some frameyness to the game in handheld mode, but honestly, it doesn’t detract from the experience – especially since this isn’t a game like a shooter where 60fps-afforded precision is essential.

There are also a few noticeable texture and model downgrades compared to the PlayStation version, which are even more apparent if, like me, you’re used to the PS5 rendition rather than the PS4 edition of Remake. When you dock your Switch 2, however, things do start to look a lot better, and even in handheld mode, there is an undeniable beauty to Final Fantasy VII Remake that persists even if the overall quality has taken a hit.

Again, as I mentioned in my intro, it’s also not like you’re choosing the Switch 2 for its graphical fidelity. Quality is the price we pay for handheld convenience, and I’ll hold firm to the fact that this port does look great, even if not quite as great as the PlayStation edition. It just comes down to what you value more.

(Image credit: Square Enix)

The only other point I’ll make on the Switch 2 vs PlayStation comparisons is cost.

At launch, the Switch 2 Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade will cost you $39.99 / £39.99 / AU$69.95. It’s a reasonable price of entry in my mind, but you should note that a twin pack of Remake and its part 2 Rebirth on PS5 will set you back $59.99 / £59.99 / AU$159.95 (it’s not such a great deal based in Australia at full-price, though I’ve seen it on sale for much less in each of these regions meaning it’s a better deal than these numbers make it look).

Two games for effectively the price of one-and-a-half (or even for the price of one if you get the twin pack with a discount) is clearly a good deal. So if you have access to both consoles, and won’t appreciate the convenience of handheld mode, or would appreciate the better value proposition, then you might want to consider your options for how to experience Final Fantasy VII.

(Image credit: Square Enix)Should you play Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade on the Switch 2?Play it if…

You want to experience one of the greatest RPGs ever made again
FFVII is beloved for a reason, and the remake is simply the best way to experience the story in 2026.

You care about portable gaming
The game runs really well on the Switch 2 in handheld mode. Sure, it isn’t graphically perfect, but that’s not what the Switch 2 is for.

You like games with lots of content
You can easily spend over 50 hours playing this title if you devote yourself to its bonus content and DLC in addition to its main story, you might even stretch to closer to 90 hours if you want to complete hard mode too. So if you like long games this is a solid pick up.

Don’t play it if…

You have a PS5
The Nintendo Switch 2 version is good, but for the most cost-effective and best quality way to experience FFVII on console, you should play the PS5 version if you can.

You want high quality and performance
This title still looks beautiful on the Switch 2, but it does look more framey and overall looks lower quality than non-handheld versions.

You want turn-based action
The appeal of classic RPGs is turn-based combat, and while this remake maintains elements of that style of gameplay it’s a very different experience.

(Image credit: Square Enix)Accessibility

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade has several difficulty controls to help with accessibility.

There’s Classic mode if you’d prefer a simpler battle system, but also the ability to always have max HP, a full ATB gauge, and constantly deal max damage (among other effects) that can make the game more approachable.

Beyond this, there are subtitles for all cutscenes, and there isn’t a built-in colorblind mode, which can unfortunately make a couple of fights and minigames a little tougher if you are colorblind.

How I reviewed Final Fantasy VII Remake on Nintendo Switch 2

I’ve already put over 80-hours into Final Fantasy VII Remake and its DLC episode on my PS5 – as I mentioned in my review, I enjoyed it so much I went out of my way to get every trophy – so I already knew my thoughts on its mechanics and its story before booting this title up, and had a great point of reference for the Switch 2 version.

The focus of this review was to test how well the Nintendo Switch 2 can handle the game I love. To test this, I played the title over many, many hours in both docked and handheld mode, made sure to explore both the main story, side quests, and minigames, and made notes about its technical capabilities.

I reviewed this game using a standard Nintendo Switch 2 when in handheld mode, and on a Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED with a Sonos Beam (Gen 2) soundbar, and an 8BitDo Ultimate 2 controller in docked mode.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is incredible, and while the Nintendo Switch 2 version is a step down, I still love it.

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Zoho CRM, which unsurringly is part suite of tools created by Zoho, a company renowned for its suite of productivity applications, has been one of the best CRM platforms available since its inception in 2005.

With a user base exceeding 250,000 businesses worldwide, Zoho has established itself as a reliable and feature-rich platform for sales management, marketing, and customer support activities. It's a versatile CRM that can be tailored to meet specific organizational needs. Some key functionalities include lead and deal management, sales automation, and advanced analytics, all powered by an intelligent AI tool called Zia.

Throughout this review, I will share my detailed analysis of Zoho CRM, exploring its key features, functionalities, and how it can benefit businesses in managing customer relationships effectively.

This analysis is backed by TechRadar Pro’s commitment to exhaustive, hands-on testing. We don’t simply evaluate Zoho CRM based on its marketing materials; we spend hours navigating its interface, setting up automation Blueprints, and stress-testing the Zia AI assistant with real-world data. Our reviews are 100% independent, and we never accept payment for product rankings. This ensures that our verdict on Zoho’s complex feature set - and its value for money - is based entirely on how the platform performs under the pressure of daily business operations.

Zoho CRM core capabilities

(Image credit: Zoho)

When reviewing Zoho’s CRM platform, I found a robust set of features that cover the essential needs of most organizations. The platform provides a centralized database for managing contacts and accounts, making it easy to store and access customer information. I was able to quickly import my existing contacts via CSV file and map the fields to match Zoho's system. The interface for viewing and editing contact records is clean and intuitive, with the ability to log activities, tasks, notes and attach files.

Zoho CRM's lead management tools allow you to customize the lead lifecycle stages to match your sales process. You can capture leads from various sources, including web forms, social media, and manual entry. As leads progress, you can convert them into contacts, accounts and opportunities with one click. I appreciate the ability to create multiple sales pipelines for different products or business units. The drag-and-drop deal pipeline view gives a nice visual overview of where each opportunity stands.

Forecasting is another core feature, with the ability to generate revenue projections based on the deals in your pipeline. Being able to create multiple pipelines for different products or services was particularly useful. I could easily track deal progress, set probability percentages, and generate accurate sales forecasts. Zoho uses a weighted probability based on deal stage to predict the chances of closing. This provides more accurate forecasts than relying on gut feel or arbitrary percentages. You can also adjust the forecast categories and timeframes to suit your needs.

While the built-in reports cover most standard KPIs and metrics, I did find the report builder a bit cumbersome to use compared to some other CRMs I've tried. It gets the job done but requires a bit of a learning curve to master. On the plus side, the dashboards are attractive and you can lay them out with a variety of chart types and widgets to visualize your key data points.

Zoho CRM seamlessly connects with other Zoho applications, creating a cohesive ecosystem for business operations. Additionally, it offers integrations with popular third-party tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and various marketing automation platforms. You also have access to a custom API to build your own integrations from scratch with code.

Zoho particularly shines when it comes to mobile access. The mobile app is full-featured and works seamlessly to keep data in sync, even when offline. This is a big advantage for sales reps who spend much of their time on the road, which is increasingly common in the age of hybrid work. The app is intuitive and makes it easy to pull up customer information, log calls, and update deals and tasks from your smartphone.

Things get a little more interesting when you factor in Zoho’s newly introduced AI-powered sales assistant called Zia. Zia offers predictive lead scoring, anomaly detection in sales trends, and even suggests the best times to contact leads based on past interactions. I found these AI-driven insights to be generally accurate and helpful. However, it's worth noting that the full potential of Zia is only unlocked in the higher-tier plans, which can increase costs considerably.

While it may lack some of the advanced features or depth of customization of the market leaders, Zoho CRM meets the needs of most small to mid-sized companies and sales teams. However, it would be interesting to see how well the CRM stacks up once the AI features have had a chance to develop a bit. Users got a glimpos of this recently with Zia moving from a passive assistant to an Agentic AI helper. Now Zia can autonomously perform tasks like identifying at-risk renewals and drafting hyper-personalized recovery emails based on historical sentiment analysis.

How easy is Zoho CRM?

(Image credit: Zoho)

In the last few years, Zoho has made significant progress in improving the user interface and overall usability of its CRM. I found the new interface to be clean and intuitive, with a logical layout that made it easy to access key features and information. The home screen provides a comprehensive overview of important metrics and tasks, allowing me to quickly grasp the status of my sales pipeline and prioritize my activities for the day. Updates keep coming in this area, too, with Zoho recently launching a unified navigation sidebar that allows users to switch between CRM, Zoho Desk, and Zoho Books without a full page refresh, significantly reducing tab fatigue for users of the Zoho One suite.

I also appreciated the ability to tailor the interface to my specific needs, from rearranging the menu bar to creating custom fields and layouts. However, it's worth noting that while basic customizations are straightforward, more complex modifications may require a steeper learning curve.

Onboarding is relatively straightforward, thanks to the detailed instructions provided on the website and the inclusion of sample data to help new users get started. I found the step-by-step guide particularly helpful in setting up my account and configuring initial settings. That said, the sheer number of features and options available can be overwhelming at first.

Zoho offers a wealth of training resources to help users become proficient with the system. Its knowledge base is extensive, featuring detailed tutorials, training videos, and live and on-demand webinars. I found these resources to be well-organized and easy to follow, which significantly reduced the time it took me to become comfortable with the platform's core functionalities.

In terms of the learning curve, I found that mastering the basic features of Zoho CRM was relatively quick. Within a few days, I was able to navigate the system confidently, manage contacts, and track deals. However, becoming proficient with more advanced features, such as complex automation workflows or in-depth reporting, required more time and practice. One of these automation features is the newly launched Pathfinder, which uses machine learning to map out the most successful customer journeys in your specific industry, suggesting when to automate a touchpoint versus when to trigger a manual call. Although Pathfinder is pretty intuitive, it's somewhat complicated to set up.

While the CRM is generally user-friendly, there are still areas where it could improve. For instance, some users have reported that creating multi-module reports can be challenging and may require additional training or support. Also, while the AI features like Zia are powerful, they may take some time to learn and be fully leveraged. Higher-tier plans offer more advanced features and customization options, which can increase the complexity for users. However, these plans also come with additional support options, including onboarding assistance and dedicated account managers.

Zoho CRM integrations

Before we talk about third-party integrations, it’s important to acknowledge the level of functionality that you can extract simply from using Zoho’s own suite of productivity software — all of which integrate seamlessly with its CRM. With more than 40 different applications, including Zoho Webinar, Zoho Social, Zoho Books, and Zoho Surveys, it’s incredibly easy to extend functionality without having to rely on third-party providers.

Apart from that, Zoho also offers 600+ ready-to-use integrations for popular apps like QuickBooks, Google Workspace, Slack, Shopify, RingCentral, and DocuSign, among others. I found the process of setting up these pre-built integrations to be straightforward. Most integrations can be activated with just a few clicks, with clear documentation and setup guides for each integration.

However, for those looking to create custom integrations or connect with less common applications, Zoho CRM offers a robust API. The REST API documentation is comprehensive and well-organized, covering various aspects such as authentication, rate limits, and available endpoints. As I delved into the API documentation, I appreciated the clear examples and explanations provided, which would be helpful for developers of varying skill levels.

Zoho is also uniquely committed to making sure that developers have everything they need to build their own integrations. The Developer Console offers up a lot of different resources, including documentation, courses, ebooks, and webinars — to help developers at every stage of the integration process.

In terms of reliability, the experience is mostly consistent. Data is accurately and efficiently synchronized, minimizing the risk of discrepancies or delays. However, there is mention of users encountering some minor issues with workflow rules and alerts not functioning as expected, if you look at the different reviews available online.

How good is Zoho CRM customer support?

Speaking of customer support, Zoho can be a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, Zoho offers a variety of support channels, including phone, email, and live chat, which provide flexibility in how users can reach out for assistance. But the quality of support received can be wildly inconsistent, depending on the agent you’re paired with at the time. Response times can also vary from time to time, leaving users frustrated.

Zoho does provide a robust self-service resource center, which includes a knowledge base, user guides, tutorials, and community forums. I've found these resources to be quite comprehensive and well-organized, making it easier for me to find answers to common questions and troubleshoot issues on my own. The step-by-step tutorials and user guides have been particularly helpful in navigating the various features and functionalities of the platform.

That being said, there have been instances where the self-service resources fell short in addressing more complex or specific issues I encountered. Thankfully, Zoho provides dedicated onboarding specialists who guide new users through the setup process and help customize the platform to their specific needs. Additionally, there are regular webinars and training sessions to help users make the most of the different features and capabilities.

On platforms like G2 and Capterra, Zoho CRM's customer support ratings hover around 4 out of 5 stars, indicating a generally positive sentiment. However, there are also a fair number of reviews that echo uncertainty and frustration given the inconsistent quality and slow response that many users have to deal with from Zoho. It's worth noting that Zoho offers a premium support option for an additional fee, which includes priority response times, dedicated account management, and personalized training sessions.

Zoho CRM pricing and plans

(Image credit: Zoho)

Plan

Free

Standard

Professional

Enterprise

Ultimate

Price

Free for 3 users

$14/user/month

$23/user/month

$40/user/month

$52/user

Best For

Small teams and startups

Small to medium-sized businesses

Medium-sized businesses with advanced needs

Large enterprises with complex sales processes

Large enterprises with extensive customization needs

Features

Lead management; Contact management; Deal management

Sales pipeline management; Email templates; Custom fields

Advanced reporting; Marketing automation; Sales forecasting

AI assistant; Zoho apps integration; Customizable workflows

Customizable dashboards; Advanced security features; Dedicated support

Limitations

Limited to 3 users, basic features

Limited automation and reporting capabilities

Limited customization options for dashboards

Requires a minimum of 25 regular user licenses for Lite users

No significant limitations, but may require additional setup for advanced features

Zoho CRM operates on a per-user pricing structure, which means that the cost is directly tied to the number of users you have. The pricing starts at $14 per user per month for the Standard plan, which includes features like lead and account management, sales pipeline management, and basic reporting — it’s a good starting point and makes Zoho one of the best CRM for small businesses.

This is followed by the Professional plan priced at $35 per user per month, which adds more advanced features like sales signals, forms integration, and inventory management. The Enterprise plan at $50 per user per month includes AI-powered tools like Zia, multi-user portals, and mobile SDKs. Finally, the Ultimate plan at $65 per user per month enhances the package with advanced data visualization and business intelligence.

In addition to these traditional plans, Zoho CRM also offers two bundle options: CRM Flex and CRM Plus. CRM Flex allows you to hand-select additional Zoho apps to add to your CRM suite, with prices adjusting accordingly. CRM Plus, on the other hand, includes a comprehensive suite of eight Zoho apps, including Zoho Desk, Zoho Campaigns, and Zoho Analytics, for $57 per user per month. This bundle offers significant savings compared to purchasing each app separately.

Zoho offers a 15-day free trial for its CRM, which allows you to test the platform and its features before committing to a paid plan. Additionally, Zoho CRM offers a free version for up to three users, which includes basic features like lead and account management, making it one of the best CRM for start ups. You also get a 34% discount if you commit to an annual subscription upfront, which can significantly reduce costs.

While the pricing is generally competitive, it's worth noting that costs can add up quickly when you have a large number of employees who need access to the CRM. It’s also a little unfortunate that the AI sales assistant, Zia, is fully accessible only on the Enterprise and Ultimate plans. Still, the platform offers a generally good value for money for most small and medium-sized businesses.

Zoho CRM review: Final verdict

Throughout my experience with Zoho CRM, I have been consistently impressed by its robust set of core features, including lead and opportunity management, sales forecasting, and reporting. That being said, the responsiveness and quality of assistance can be inconsistent at times.

While the plans are generally cost effective and offer good value, certain essential features are restricted to higher tier plans only. For example, Zoho’s new AI sales assistant, Zia, is only available to Enterprise and Ultimate plan users. And while a Free plan does exist, it’s highly limited in functionality and serves only for testing purposes at best.

Still, Zoho CRM is a versatile choice for small businesses looking for a solid hub for their sales and customer facing teams. But, I’d recommend it only if AI features aren’t a priority to your organization, unless you’re willing to spend $50+ per user per month for one of the higher tier plans.

Zoho CRM FAQWhat are the main features of Zoho CRM?

Zoho CRM has many of the core functionalities that users expect from a leading platform of this type. For example, it includes tools for lead, deal, and contact management, as well as workflow automation to simplify repetitive tasks. What's more, recognizing that today's communication landscape is much more fragmented than it used to be, Zoho CRM lets users connect with customers through various channels, including email, telephone, social media, and live chat.

Of course, any CRM worth its salt doesn't just help businesses achieve sales, but also examines the aftermath. As such, Zoho CRM offers customizable dashboards and real-time reports to track sales performance, forecast revenue, and gain insights into customer behavior.

How easy is it to integrate Zoho CRM with other applications?

This is an area where Zoho CRM really shines, courtesy of the other solutions that come under the Zoho umbrella. Zoho CRM has native integration capabilities with other Zoho products, such as Zoho Books, Zoho Campaigns, Zoho Desk, and Zoho SalesIQ, as well as a wide range of third-party tools, including Google Workspace and Microsoft Office 365.

How do I assign leads to different users?

Users can set up Lead Assignment Rules based on specific criteria to automatically distribute new leads to the appropriate sales team members, ensuring a fair and efficient process. In addition, leads can be assigned to multiple different marketing campaigns.

Monday CRM is a customizable sales platform that aims to streamline the entire sales cycle, from lead capture to deal closing. As part of the broader Monday.com suite of work management tools, the CRM integrates seamlessly with Monday's other offerings while also functioning well as a standalone solution.

What immediately stood out to me during my review of Monday was its playful and vibrant interface — a stark contrast to the simple spreadsheet-like design of many of the best CRM platforms. But don't let the playful exterior fool you. Under the hood, Monday CRM packs some serious power and flexibility.

The platform allows you to tailor pipelines, data fields, automations, and more to match your unique sales processes. Collaboration is a core focus, with tools for communicating with both colleagues and clients. Dashboards and reporting features give you real-time visibility into sales performance. In this in-depth review, I'll share my firsthand experience using Monday as a CRM, examining its key features, ease of use, pricing, and more to help you determine if it's the right fit for your sales team.

At TechRadar Pro, we recognize that your CRM is the engine of your business. Our experts don’t just read feature lists. We perform hands-on, multi-day testing to see how these platforms perform in the real world. For our Monday Sales CRM review, we navigated the entire user journey - from importing complex datasets to building custom automation sequences and testing the platform’s AI capabilities.

This review, like all of those we undertake, is 100% independent. We never accept payment for product rankings or positive coverage, ensuring our verdict is based solely on a platform's usability, performance, and value.

Monday.com CRM: Core capabilities

(Image credit: Monday.com)

As I explored Monday’s core capabilities, I found that it provides a solid CRM foundation with contact and account management. I found it easy to centralize all customer data, including contact details, communication history, and associated deals, in one place. I liked how the ability to create detailed customer profiles helps build a 360-degree view of each account.

Capturing leads from various sources and tracking them through the sales funnel felt intuitive. I appreciated being able to customize lead stages and create multiple pipelines to match my unique sales processes. A drag-and-drop interface made it simple to move deals between stages as they progressed.

For those worried about using a workplace management platform for sales forecasting, Monday.com thankfully has you covered. By setting probability percentages for each deal stage, I could generate revenue projections and understand my pipeline's health at a glance. The ability to track actual revenue against forecasted amounts added an extra layer of insight.

Monday.com’s no-code workflow automation builder comes with templates for beginners, making it easy to implement automation without requiring extensive technical expertise. I was able to set up various automated workflows, such as assigning leads to specific team members based on criteria or sending follow-up emails after a certain period of inactivity. These automations saved considerable time and ensured consistent follow-up processes.

Monday offers a wide range of pre-built dashboards and reports covering sales activity, team performance, revenue trends, and more. I found the reports visually appealing and easy to understand and I liked the ability to drill down into individual metrics, which provided granular insights. However, I did find the report customization options somewhat limited compared to other CRMs that I've used.

Monday’s mobile app provides a dedicated on-the-go experience with access to all key features. Being able to manage my pipeline, log calls, and view reports on the go was incredibly convenient. The app's interface was intuitive and optimized for mobile, making it a seamless extension of the desktop platform.

In the last few months, Monday has also introduced a range of AI-enabled features to its CRM platform. For example, AI-powered email composition was particularly impressive, helping me draft personalized emails quickly based on context and previous communications. Another nice addition was the AI-driven insights and suggestions, such as identifying the best times to contact leads or highlighting deals that may need attention. But while these features were generally helpful, I found that the AI capabilities are still evolving, occasionally producing suggestions that weren't quite on target.

However, I did identify a few areas for improvement. The platform currently lacks some advanced features like territory management and sales coaching tools that are found in more enterprise-focused CRMs. Additionally, while the reporting is solid overall, I would have liked to see more flexibility in creating custom report templates. Despite these limitations, I found that Monday’s core features are still strong enough to carry it through as a strong CRM.

At the end of the day, Monday's core capabilities are robust and comprehensive, making it a strong contender in the CRM market. While there are some areas for improvement, the platform can still be a valuable asset for sales teams across small, medium, or large enterprises.

How easy is Monday.com CRM to use?

(Image credit: Monday.com)

During my time with the CRM, Monday’s customizable dashboards and drag-and-drop functionality made it simple to tailor the CRM to my specific needs and preferences. I found that I could easily create custom pipelines, add new data fields, and rearrange components to optimize my workflow without any coding knowledge.

There’s an extensive library of pre-built templates, covering a wide range of sales processes and industries to provide a solid foundation for users to build upon. I was able to quickly set up my CRM by selecting a relevant template and then fine-tuning it to match my unique requirements. This significantly reduced the time and effort needed to get started with the platform.

Monday’s no-code automation builder is once again a feature worth mentioning, because it offers an easy way to reduce the non-essential tasks on a sales manager’s plate, making the user experience that much more intuitive. It’s sleek, responsive, and customized to the needs of most modern businesses.

During the onboarding process, Monday offers a comprehensive knowledge base filled with articles, video tutorials, and step-by-step guides that cover every aspect of the CRM. I found these resources useful when I needed to learn how to perform specific tasks or troubleshoot issues. Additionally, Monday also provides webinars and live training for users who prefer a more hands-on learning approach.

Overall, the learning curve for Monday CRM is relatively gradual, thanks to its intuitive design and helpful resources. As a relatively new user, I was able to navigate the platform and perform basic tasks within a matter of hours. The visual nature of the interface, with its color-coded pipelines and clear data organization, made it easy to understand the flow of information and take action accordingly.

What's more, earlier this year, Monday introduced a significant UI update to combat tab fatigue. This included a new global navigation tab, which displays the last seven items (boards, dashboards, or docs) you visited across the entire Work OS, not just the CRM. It's also now possible to use the Monday AI assistant to generate content and instantly turn that output into a work doc with one click. This is particularly useful for drafting custom proposals or internal post-mortems after a deal closes.

But while the CRM is relatively straightforward to use and offers a high degree of flexibility, more complex configurations require a deeper understanding of the platform's capabilities. In these cases, I had to spend more time exploring the knowledge base and experimenting with different settings to achieve my desired outcomes.

Another area where Monday CRM could improve is its mobile app experience. While the app provides access to essential CRM features on the go, I found that some functionality was limited compared to the desktop version. For example, certain customization options and reporting features were not available on mobile, which could be inconvenient for users who heavily rely on their smartphones for work.

Monday.com CRM integrations

(Image credit: Monday.com )

With over 200 pre-built integrations and a powerful API, Monday.com seamlessly connects with a wide range of popular business applications, ensuring a smooth flow of data and streamlined processes across the organization.

For starters, Monday’s app marketplace offers a diverse range of pre-built connectors, covering essential integration categories such as communication, collaboration, marketing, finance, and development. Popular tools like Slack, Gmail, Microsoft Teams, and Outlook are all supported. The ability to sync meetings, automate emails, and receive notifications directly in Monday significantly streamlined my daily tasks and reduced the need to switch between multiple applications. For instance, I could receive Slack notifications for important CRM updates or access Google Drive files directly within the CRM interface.

In cases where a pre-built integration was not available, Monday CRM's open API proves very valuable. Thanks to the well-documented API, you can develop your own integrations from scratch using common programming languages. While the API documentation is well-structured, however, this is something that only professional developers should attempt because of the steep learning curve.

If you can’t find a pre-built connector for your application but aren’t confident enough to code a custom integration from scratch, Monday offers another option — Zapier. Zapier acts as a bridge, connecting Monday with over 2,000 other apps, vastly expanding the possibilities for automation and data sharing. I was able to create complex workflows and automate repetitive tasks across multiple applications without any coding knowledge.

While the integration capabilities are generally impressive, however, I did encounter a few limitations. Some advanced features, such as custom field mapping and bi-directional data syncing, were not available for certain integrations. Thankfully, these instances were relatively minor and did not significantly impact the overall functionality of the platform.

How good is Monday.com customer support?

Monday offers a comprehensive range of support channels, ensuring that users can get help whenever they need it, through whichever method they prefer. It boasts a robust knowledge base filled with articles, video tutorials, and step-by-step guides covering every aspect of the CRM. The documentation is well-organized, easy to navigate, and regularly updated to reflect the latest features and enhancements.

Monday.com also operates an in-app learning center that’s meant to help you familiarize yourself with the platform in a more contextual setting. Being able to learn the ropes without having to leave the CRM is a welcome addition in my book, since it reduces the need for back and forth and the cognitive workload from having to cross-reference tutorials with the in-app interface.

In addition to the knowledge base, Monday provides a community forum where users can connect with each other, share best practices, and seek advice from experienced practitioners. I found the community to be active and supportive, with users readily offering their insights and solutions to common challenges.

When it comes to live support, Monday offers multiple channels, including phone, chat, and email. Its average response time has been well within industry standards, with most questions being addressed within a matter of hours. The platform boasts an impressive average resolution time of 1.67 hours, which is among the best in the industry.

However, there are a few things that could stand to improve. Currently, phone support is only available during limited hours, which may be inconvenient for users in different time zones. Monday could also stand to benefit from more one-on-one training and certification programs for new users, which would be helpful in boosting user adoption after implementation. Currently, these programs are only accessible to enterprise customers.

Monday.com CRM pricing and plans

(Image credit: Monday.com)

Plan

Basic

Standard

Pro

Enterprise

Price

$12/user/month

$17/user/month

$28/user/month

Custom quote

Best for

Small teams starting with CRM

Growing teams needing automation

Sales teams requiring advanced features

Large organizations with complex needs

Features

Unlimited customizable pipelines; Contact management; Basic lead tracking

Two-way email integration; AI email generator; Custom CRM automations

Sales forecasting; Mass email capabilities; Advanced analytics

Lead scoring; Enterprise-scale automations; Advanced security features

Limitations

Limited automation and integration options

Restricted to 250 automation actions per month

Some advanced features still unavailable

Pricing may be prohibitive for smaller teams

Monday offers four distinct pricing tiers: Basic, Standard, Pro, and Enterprise, with prices ranging from $12 to $28 per month when billed annually. Note that per user prices are actually lower, but Monday requires that you buy at least 3 seats to be able to access its CRM platform. While this shouldn’t be a problem for most organizations, solo entrepreneurs or startups with one-person sales teams may not be the intended demographic for the platform. Annual billing also provides an 18% discount on each plan, so monthly subscription costs are typically higher.

In terms of value for money, Monday’s feature set is quite comprehensive, even at the lower pricing tiers. The Basic plan starting at $12 per user per month includes unlimited customizable pipelines, contacts, and boards, as well as templates for lead, contact, and deal management. This is a solid foundation and helps make Monday.com one of the best CRM for start ups.

As you move up the pricing tiers, the feature set expands significantly. The Standard plan at $17 per user per month introduces advanced account, contact, and deal management, two-way email integration with Gmail and Outlook, and custom CRM automations. For businesses with more complex needs, the Pro plan at $28 per user per month offers sales forecasting, email tracking, mass email capabilities, and increased storage and integration actions.

However, some advanced features, such as Monday’s lead scoring, team goals, and advanced analytics, are only available on the Enterprise plan. Recently, Monday has added more granular enterprise-grade security to this plan - another selling point - including tighter board structuring and SAML-based synchronization. It is worth noting, however, that the Enterprise plan requires contacting Monday for a custom quote, but it’s only suitable for large organizations anyway. While this is not uncommon for enterprise-level CRM solutions, it may be a barrier for smaller businesses that need access to certain advanced capabilities.

When you compare the per-user pricing, Monday’s costs are actually much lower than those of competitors like Freshsales and Salesforce. However, the lack of a single-user purchase option does little to highlight the additional affordability. Still, Monday offers discounts for students and nonprofits, which is a nice touch. Additionally, the company provides a 14-day free trial of the Pro plan, allowing potential users to test out the platform's features before committing to a paid subscription.

How to pick

For an organization, selecting a CRM is a high-stakes decision that shifts the focus from features to operational fit. When evaluating a platform like Monday Sales CRM, the first thing to do is to define your operational North Star. Before looking at demos, identify your primary bottleneck. Do you want high-volume prospecting, stronger relationships, or more accurate forecasting?

Another aspect to consider is ease-of-use. Even the most powerful CRM is a liability if your sales reps refuse to use it. During a trial, have a senior sales rep try to log a call and update a deal stage. If it takes more than three clicks or requires a manual, the platform will likely fail in your organization.

Finally, calculate a 24-month financial path. Try to avoid the starter trap where CRM prices start small but quickly ramp up as your business grows. Don't just look at the immediate budgetary fit - but what this might look like in the future. When evaluating if Monday.com is the right fit for your business, remember to consider all the above.

How we choose

Choosing the right CRM is more than just a software purchase - it is a foundational business decision. When we select and rank platforms like Monday Sales CRM, our editorial team follows a strict evaluation framework designed to filter out marketing hype in favor of operational reality. Our picking process is built on a number of core benchmarks: agility, AI capabilities, pricing, and interoperability.

We prioritize CRMs that can be deployed in days, not months. Moreover, in today’s market, we no longer recommend CRMs that offer only basic data entry. To make our list, a CRM must feature autonomous AI agents - tools that don't just suggest text but can actually perform tasks, such as cross-referencing prospect data or updating pipeline stages automatically.

In addition, we penalize platforms with hidden costs, such as predatory seat-minimums or expensive API access fees. We look for a clear, predictable growth path where a small business can scale from a free tier to a professional tier without a 500% price jump.

Finally, we believe that a CRM should act as the brain of your tech stack. We pick tools that offer deep, bi-directional integrations with the tools you already use - like Slack, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365 - ensuring that data flows freely without manual export/import cycles.

By using the above criteria, we ensure that a recommendation for Monday Sales CRM isn't just about its famous interface; it’s about its ability to handle complex, AI-driven workflows while remaining accessible to a non-technical sales team.

Monday.com CRM review: Final verdict

Monday’s core CRM capabilities are comprehensive and well-implemented, providing users with powerful tools for managing contacts, leads, and opportunities. While some advanced features are reserved for higher-tier plans, the overall functionality is impressive, even at lower price points.

An intuitive design, coupled with extensive onboarding resources, ensures a smooth learning curve for new users. The visual interface, with its color-coded pipelines and drag-and-drop functionality, makes it easy to navigate and understand complex sales processes at a glance.

It’s not without its faults — some essential features like sales coaching tools, custom reporting templates, and custom field mapping for integrations are sadly missing from the platform. Although there's always room for improvement, I believe that Monday.com is a highly functional and useful CRM whether you’re a small business, a medium-sized organization, or a large-scale enterprise.

Monday.com FAQIs Monday.com a CRM or project management tool?

The truth is that Monday.com is a work operating system that offers several specialized products. While you can use the Work Management product for projects, the Monday Sales CRM is a standalone product with features specifically for lead tracking, email integration, and sales forecasting.

What integrations does Monday offer?

Monday Sales CRM has expanded its ecosystem to offer 200+ native integrations and thousands more through third-party connectors. The platform's strength lies in its "No-Code" integration builder, which allows you to create "recipes" in seconds (e.g., "When a lead is created in HubSpot, create a row in Monday").

How does Monday’s AI compare to HubSpot or Salesforce?

Monday's AI has certainly evolved beyond a chatbot. While Salesforce (Agentforce) and HubSpot (Breeze) are often seen as being more enterprise-ready for complex data modeling, Monday AI is praised for its accessibility. It employs AI Blocks that allow non-technical users to build automations - like summarizing a meeting and automatically updating a status column - without needing a developer.

How does Monday handle accounting and invoicing?

Although Monday is not an accounting tool, it has strong Quote-to-Cash integrations. Today, many users ask how to sync it with Xero or QuickBooks. While it can generate quotes and track payment statuses via integrations, it does not handle tax filing or deep ledger accounting natively.

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