8 alternatives to Bigin
Compare free and open-source solutions before building your own. Check each option’s license, setup, and limitations.
A modern pipeline CRM with custom objects, views and mailbox sync; the subscription becomes a Compose file.
LicenseAGPL-3.0
PlatformsOn your machine or in the cloud
InstallationHosted cloud signup or official one-line/Docker Compose self-host install
DataCRM records and configuration in PostgreSQL; files in local storage or S3-compatible object storage on the selected host
Limitations compared to BiginTwenty’s ready-made sales automation and small-business onboarding are thinner than Bigin’s out-of-the-box workflow.
SetupFree use requires Docker, at least 2 GB RAM, PostgreSQL-backed containers, secrets, and domain/TLS configuration
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A Laravel sales pipeline with leads, contacts and email; glossy enough, but it still wants a PHP stack.
LicenseMIT
PlatformsOn your machine or in the cloud
InstallationComposer package, browser GUI installer, or Docker; managed cloud is also offered
DataCRM records in MySQL/MariaDB (Laravel database); uploads in storage/app/public on the chosen host
Limitations compared to BiginKrayin is less mature and less plug-and-play around everyday email, calendar, mobile, and workflow use than Bigin.
SetupThe free path requires PHP/Composer plus MySQL/MariaDB, or Docker and a server; HTTPS, backups, and updates remain yours
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A traditional CRM that actually lets you change the data model; polished enough, but still your server.
LicenseAGPL-3.0
PlatformsOn your server
InstallationDocker Compose or upload the PHP package and run the web installer
DataCRM records in a self-hosted MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL database; uploaded files in server/Docker volumes
Limitations compared to BiginEspoCRM is much heavier to configure and administer than Bigin’s deliberately simple small-business pipeline.
SetupRequires a server, database, domain/TLS setup, and ongoing upgrades/backups
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A clean leads-and-deals board with notes, tasks and email; Frappe underneath means a real server, not a toy.
LicenseAGPL-3.0
PlatformsOn your machine or in the cloud
InstallationOne-click Frappe Cloud signup or the official Python easy-install deployment script on your server
DataCRM DocType records and attachments in the Frappe site database/files, on Frappe Cloud or the user's server
Limitations compared to BiginFrappe CRM needs considerably more configuration to reach Bigin’s ready-made pipeline and workflow experience.
SetupFree use means self-hosting; the official production script still needs a Linux server, DNS, and command-line access
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A real two-seat CRM for free; 1,000 contacts is where the upsell starts counting.
LicenseFree, closed source
PlatformsIn the provider’s cloud
InstallationHosted signup; optionally connect/import email, calendar, and contacts
DataStructured CRM customer records stored and processed on HubSpot's cloud servers, with regional hosting options and exports
Setup✓ Installation verified
Limitations compared to BiginHubSpot’s free tier puts much of the useful workflow automation behind paid hubs and surrounds the simple pipeline with a larger upsell-heavy suite.
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A full hosted pipeline for unlimited users, provided CRM is the only Odoo app you marry.
LicenseFree, closed source
PlatformsIn the provider’s cloud
InstallationHosted Odoo Online signup with CRM selected as the single free app
DataStructured Odoo records in an Odoo-hosted customer database; records can be exported from list views
Setup✓ Installation verified
Limitations compared to BiginOdoo is substantially more complex than Bigin, and the one-app-free bargain ends when the business needs another Odoo module.
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A full little CRM for three users and 5,000 records; the wider Zoho maze is optional.
LicenseFree, closed source
PlatformsIn the provider’s cloud
InstallationHosted Zoho account signup
DataStructured CRM service data stored on Zoho's cloud servers; Zoho states users can access, export, and delete service data
Setup✓ Installation verified
Limitations compared to BiginZoho’s free plan is capped at three users and withholds the workflow automation depth that makes Bigin useful beyond a bare pipeline.
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A clean three-user pipeline with email and mobile apps; useful automation starts asking for rent.
LicenseFree, closed source
PlatformsIn the provider’s cloud
InstallationHosted Freshworks signup
DataStructured CRM records and uploaded files stored in Freshworks' cloud; account data can be exported
Setup✓ Installation verified
Limitations compared to BiginFreshsales Free covers a basic pipeline but withholds multiple pipelines, richer workflows, and sales sequences that Bigin users may rely on.
Facts verified 2026-08-10
Updated 2026-08-10 · no paid listings
| Tool | License | Setup | Platforms | Stars | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twenty | AGPL-3.0 | Docker on your server | web, self-hosted | 54,400 | 2026-08 |
| Krayin CRM | MIT | Self-hosted with ongoing maintenance | web, self-hosted | 24,000 | 2026-08 |
| EspoCRM | AGPL-3.0 | Docker on your server | web, self-hosted | 3,200 | 2026-08 |
| Frappe CRM | AGPL-3.0 | Self-hosted with ongoing maintenance | web, self-hosted | 3,200 | 2026-08 |
| HubSpot Free CRM | Free, closed source | Hosted by the provider | web, ios, android | — | — |
| Odoo CRM One App Free | Free, closed source | Hosted by the provider | web | — | — |
| Zoho CRM Free | Free, closed source | Hosted by the provider | web, ios, android | — | — |
| Freshsales Free | Free, closed source | Hosted by the provider | web, ios, android | — | — |
People still pay for Bigin because CRM value compounds as the system becomes the shared memory of every customer interaction and embeds itself in the rest of the stack. The recurring cost buys deduplication, permissions, imports, sync, enrichment, email capture, automations, backups, and audit history, not just the visible interface. If those points do not matter to you, the options above could save $84 per year.
Is there a free alternative to Bigin?
Yes: Twenty, Krayin CRM, EspoCRM. This page lists 8 free or open-source options. Check the limitations of each.
Should I build my own Bigin?
Our verdict: With trade-offs. The core loop is buildable, but a dependable replacement becomes a real weekend or multi-day project. For Bigin, run a small-business pipeline with contacts, activities, and simple workflows. The hard boundary is zoho ecosystem, telephony, forms, integrations, and mobile apps, plus integrations, data quality, and workflow lock-in. The complete prompt is on the Bigin page on Vibe Radar.
