Attio
Flexible, data-driven CRM platform designed for startups and relationship-focused workflows
EspoCRM
Open-source CRM platform for managing customer relationships effortlessly
EspoCRM is a web-based CRM platform offering lead management, sales tracking, marketing campaigns, and support cases through an intuitive single-page application interface.
Overview
Build Stronger Customer Relationships
EspoCRM is a web-based CRM platform that helps organizations of all sizes store, organize, and manage leads, contacts, sales opportunities, marketing campaigns, and support cases. Built with a modern single-page application frontend and a PHP-based REST API backend, it delivers a clean, fast interface with a minimal learning curve.
Customization and Extensibility
More than a traditional CRM, EspoCRM functions as a platform for building custom business applications. Developers can create custom entities, fields, relationships, and workflows to match specific organizational needs. The straightforward REST API enables seamless integration with existing tools, while the codebase follows SOLID principles with static typing and dependency injection for maintainable extensions.
Deployment and Audience
EspoCRM supports PHP 8.2–8.4 with MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL databases. Installation options include manual setup, scripted deployment, Docker, and Traefik configurations. The platform serves startups, SMBs seeking affordable flexibility, developers building custom integrations, and any organization requiring transparent, user-friendly CRM software. Comprehensive documentation covers administration, end-user workflows, and development, while an active community forum provides support and feature discussions.
Highlights
Single-page application with clean, intuitive UI and short learning curve
Customizable platform for building entities, fields, and business workflows
REST API backend for seamless third-party integrations
Supports MySQL, MariaDB, and PostgreSQL with Docker deployment options
Pros
- Transparent open-source codebase under AGPL-3.0 license
- Highly customizable with developer-friendly architecture (SOLID, static typing)
- Straightforward REST API simplifies external integrations
- Active community forum and comprehensive documentation
Considerations
- Requires PHP 8.2+ and database server setup knowledge
- AGPL-3.0 license may impose restrictions on proprietary modifications
- Customization depth may require developer expertise for advanced use cases
- Self-hosted deployment demands ongoing server maintenance
Managed products teams compare with
When teams consider EspoCRM, these hosted platforms usually appear on the same shortlist.
Looking for a hosted option? These are the services engineering teams benchmark against before choosing open source.
Fit guide
Great for
- Startups and SMBs needing affordable, flexible CRM solutions
- Developers building custom business applications or integrations
- Organizations prioritizing data transparency and open-source software
- Teams requiring lead management, sales tracking, and support case workflows
Not ideal when
- Enterprises needing vendor-managed SaaS with guaranteed uptime SLAs
- Non-technical teams without IT resources for self-hosted infrastructure
- Organizations requiring proprietary closed-source modifications
- Users seeking plug-and-play solutions without any configuration
How teams use it
Sales Pipeline Management
Track leads, opportunities, and deals through customizable stages with real-time visibility into sales performance and forecasting.
Customer Support Ticketing
Manage support cases, assign tickets to team members, and maintain case histories to improve response times and customer satisfaction.
Marketing Campaign Tracking
Plan, execute, and measure email marketing campaigns while tracking engagement metrics and lead conversion rates.
Custom Business Application Development
Extend EspoCRM with custom entities, workflows, and integrations to create tailored solutions for unique business processes.
Tech snapshot
PHP65%
JavaScript30%
Less3%
Smarty2%
CSS1%
HTML1%
Frequently asked questions
What are the server requirements for EspoCRM?
EspoCRM requires PHP 8.2–8.4 and either MySQL 8.0+, MariaDB 10.3+, or PostgreSQL 15+. Installation options include manual setup, Docker, and scripted deployment.
Can I customize EspoCRM for my specific business needs?
Yes. EspoCRM functions as a platform for building custom business applications. You can create custom entities, fields, relationships, workflows, and integrations using its developer-friendly architecture.
How does EspoCRM handle integrations with other tools?
EspoCRM provides a straightforward REST API backend that enables seamless integration with third-party applications and services.
Is there community support available?
Yes. EspoCRM maintains an active community forum for questions, feature requests, and experience sharing. Comprehensive documentation covers administration, user workflows, and development.
What license does EspoCRM use?
EspoCRM is licensed under AGPL-3.0, which requires derivative works to be open-sourced under the same license when distributed or offered as a network service.
Project at a glance
Active- Stars
- 2,742
- Watchers
- 2,742
- Forks
- 790
LicenseAGPL-3.0
Repo age11 years old
Last commit6 hours ago
Primary languagePHP
Last synced 2 hours ago