If you’re reading this, you’ve probably heard the news: Zendesk Sell is shutting down on August 31, 2027. For thousands of sales teams who’ve built their processes around this CRM, this announcement means one thing—it’s time to find the best Zendesk Sell alternative before your data disappears forever.
We get it. The thought of migrating years of customer data, rebuilding workflows, and retraining your team feels overwhelming. But here’s the silver lining: this forced transition might be exactly what your sales team needs.
After evaluating over 20 CRM platforms specifically for Zendesk Sell users, we’ve identified the top 9 alternatives that not only match Sell’s capabilities but often exceed them. Our top three picks? Nutshell (especially if you’re keeping Zendesk Support), Pipedrive for visual pipeline lovers, and HubSpot CRM for teams wanting powerful free features.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each option, share migration strategies, and help you turn this challenge into an opportunity to upgrade your sales infrastructure.
Best Zendesk Sell alternatives at a glance
Let’s start with a quick overview of your options. Here’s what you need to know about the best Zendesk Sell alternatives:
Nutshell: Best for teams wanting seamless Zendesk Support integration, with 80% off for Zendesk Sell users
Pipedrive: Best for visual pipeline management
HubSpot CRM: Best for companies wanting a free starting option
Salesforce Sales Cloud: Best for large enterprises with complex needs
Zoho CRM: Best for businesses already using Zoho suite
Copper CRM: Best for Google Workspace users
Monday.com Sales CRM: Best for teams wanting customizable workflows
Salesmate: Best for built-in calling and texting features
Freshsales: Best for AI-powered sales intelligence
Below, we’ve rated each CRM based on migration ease, integration capabilities, feature parity, pricing & value, ease of use, and customer support. With Zendesk Sell retiring on August 31, 2027, starting your migration now gives you ample time for testing, training, and a smooth transition—avoiding the last-minute rush that’s sure to come.
Ready to start your migration?
Try Nutshell free for 14 days and get 80% off as a Zendesk Sell user
How we selected the best Zendesk Sell alternatives
Finding the right Zendesk Sell replacement isn’t just about matching features—it’s about ensuring a smooth transition that won’t disrupt your sales momentum. We evaluated over 20 CRM platforms using a comprehensive 6-criteria rating system specifically designed for Zendesk Sell users’ unique needs.
Our evaluation criteria and weightings reflect what matters most during a CRM migration:
Migration Ease (25%): How simple is it to transfer your data? We prioritized CRMs with dedicated import tools, CSV mapping capabilities, and migration support services.
Integration Capabilities (20%): Since many Zendesk Sell users also rely on Zendesk Support, we gave extra weight to CRMs that maintain this crucial connection.
Feature Parity (20%): Does the CRM match or exceed Zendesk Sell’s core functionality? We looked for pipeline management, email integration, and reporting capabilities.
Pricing & Value (15%): We considered both immediate costs and long-term value, including special migration discounts.
Ease of Use (10%): How quickly can your team get up to speed? We evaluated user interfaces and learning curves.
Customer Support (10%): During migration, responsive support becomes critical. We assessed availability, quality, and migration-specific assistance.
The urgency of the 2027 deadline shaped our evaluation process. We know you need solutions that work now, not promises of future features. That’s why migration ease and integration capabilities earned the highest weights in our scoring. After all, CRM systems deliver an impressive $3.10 return for every dollar spent. But this only happens if you can successfully implement them without losing momentum.
Key features every Zendesk Sell replacement should have
Before diving into specific alternatives, let’s establish the non-negotiable features your new CRM must have to successfully replace Zendesk Sell. These capabilities ensure you won’t lose functionality during the transition while potentially gaining new advantages.
Data migration tools are absolutely critical. Your customer history, deal data, and notes represent years of relationship building—losing this information isn’t an option. Look for CRMs that offer automated import tools, support for CSV files, and ideally, direct Zendesk Sell connectors. The best platforms preserve not just contact information but also activity history, custom fields, and data relationships.
Integration capabilities matter more than ever, especially if you’re among the many businesses using both Zendesk Sell and Zendesk Support. Your new CRM should seamlessly connect with your existing tech stack, from email platforms to marketing automation tools. Native integrations trump third-party connectors for reliability and data sync speed.
Pipeline management forms the backbone of any sales CRM. Your replacement should offer visual deal tracking that matches or exceeds Zendesk Sell’s capabilities. Look for customizable stages, drag-and-drop functionality, and the ability to manage multiple pipelines simultaneously.
Email integration keeps your communication centralized. The right CRM will sync seamlessly with Gmail or Outlook, automatically log conversations, and provide email tracking insights. This feature alone can save hours of manual data entry weekly.
Web forms are an important lead generation tool. Beyond email sync, modern CRMs include web forms that capture leads directly into your pipeline, eliminating manual data entry from website inquiries.
Reporting & analytics help you make data-driven decisions. Ensure your new CRM offers customizable dashboards, sales forecasting, and performance metrics that match what you’re used to in Zendesk Sell—or better yet, provide deeper insights.
AI features are another important tool advanced platforms now include. AI-powered features can summarize customer data, suggest next actions, and even help write personalized emails—capabilities that weren’t available in Zendesk Sell.
Mobile accessibility has become non-negotiable. Your new CRM must offer a robust mobile app that allows full functionality on the go.
Now let’s dive deeper into each CRM to help you make the best choice.
1. Nutshell
Rating: 4.5/5 Best for teams wanting seamless Zendesk Support integration
If you’re keeping Zendesk Support after Sell retires, Nutshell stands out as the clear winner. It’s the only CRM on our list with native Zendesk Support integration, meaning your sales and support teams can work from a unified view of customer interactions. Plus, Nutshell offers an exclusive 80% discount for six months to Zendesk Sell users—the most generous migration offer we found.
Key Features:
Native Zendesk Support integration that syncs tickets automatically
1-click data migration tool specifically built for Zendesk Sell
All-in-one sales, marketing, and engagement platform with email automation included
Pros:
Only CRM with native Zendesk Support integration—no third-party tools needed
White-glove migration support included at no extra cost
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprise add-ons
Cons:
Smaller app marketplace compared to Zendesk’s ecosystem
Pricing: Nutshell offers an exclusive 80% discount for 6 months to all Zendesk Sell users. Regular pricing starts at $13 per user/month for the Foundation plan, with more advanced features available in the Growth ($25), Pro ($42), Business ($59) and Enterprise ($79) tiers.
Pipedrive has earned Zendesk’s official recommendation as a migration partner, and it’s easy to see why. The platform excels at visual sales pipeline management, offering an intuitive interface that feels familiar to Zendesk Sell users. Its drag-and-drop functionality and activity-based selling approach help teams stay organized without a steep learning curve.
Key Features:
Visual pipeline interface similar to Zendesk Sell’s layout
Robust email integration with Gmail and Outlook
Activity-based selling methodology to keep deals moving
Pros:
Intuitive interface requires minimal training
Excellent mobile app with offline functionality
Strong third-party integration marketplace
Cons:
Limited native marketing features compared to all-in-one platforms
Zendesk Support integration requires third-party tools like Zapier
Pricing: Pipedrive’s new 2025 pricing starts at $14 per user/month for the Lite plan, $39 for Growth, $59 for Premium, and $79 for Ultimate. All plans include a 14-day free trial.
3. HubSpot CRM
Rating: 4.2/5 Best for companies wanting a free starting options
HubSpot CRM offers something unique: a genuinely useful free tier with no time limits. While the free version has limitations (like 2,000 marketing emails per month), it provides core CRM functionality that can support small teams indefinitely. For growing businesses, HubSpot’s ecosystem offers seamless scaling into marketing, service, and operations hubs.
Key Features:
Free core CRM with unlimited users and contacts
Built-in marketing tools for email campaigns and landing pages
Extensive reporting capabilities even on free tier
Pros:
Generous free tier perfect for budget-conscious teams
All-in-one platform reduces need for multiple tools
Strong educational resources and community support
Cons:
Can get expensive quickly as you scale and need advanced features
Zendesk Support integration requires workarounds or third-party tools
Pricing: HubSpot CRM is free forever for core features. Paid Sales Hub plans start at $15 per user/month for Starter (minimum 2 users), $90 for Professional, and $150 for Enterprise.
4. Salesforce Sales Cloud
Rating: 4.0/5 Best for large enterprises with complex needs
Salesforce remains a key player in the CRM world. For large enterprises with complex sales processes, it offers unmatched customization and scalability. However, this power comes with complexity—expect a significant learning curve and implementation time.
Key Features:
Advanced customization for any sales process
AI-powered insights through Einstein
Enterprise-grade security and compliance features
Pros:
Most comprehensive feature set available
Massive app ecosystem through AppExchange
Industry leader with proven track record
Cons:
Steep learning curve requires dedicated training
Expensive for small to mid-sized teams
Pricing: Salesforce Sales Cloud starts at $25 per user/month for Starter, $100 for Pro Suite, $175 for Enterprise, and $350 for Unlimited.
5. Zoho CRM
Rating: 4.0/5 Best for businesses already using Zoho suite
Zoho CRM shines with its affordability and integration within the broader Zoho ecosystem. If you’re already using Zoho’s other tools, the CRM becomes even more valuable. The platform includes Zia, an AI assistant that provides sales predictions and suggestions.
Key Features:
Affordable pricing across all tiers
AI assistant Zia for sales insights and automation
Comprehensive workflow automation capabilities
Pros:
Very affordable compared to competitors
Part of larger Zoho suite for complete business management
Good customization options for the price
Cons:
Interface feels less modern than newer competitors
Limited Zendesk integration options
Pricing: Zoho CRM offers a free plan for up to 3 users. Paid plans start at $14 per user/month for Standard, $23 for Professional, $40 for Enterprise, and $52 for Ultimate.
6. Copper CRM
Rating: 3.9/5 Best for Google Workspace users
Copper takes a unique approach by building its entire CRM within Google Workspace. If your team lives in Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive, Copper offers the most seamless experience available. It works directly from your Gmail inbox, eliminating the need to switch between applications.
Key Features:
Native Gmail integration—works directly in your inbox
Automated data entry from Google contacts and emails
Simple, clean interface with minimal learning curve
Pros:
Seamless Google Workspace integration unmatched by competitors
Minimal data entry required thanks to automation
Clean, intuitive interface
Cons:
Limited features outside the Google ecosystem
No built-in calling functionality
Pricing: Copper starts at $9 per user/month for Starter, $23 for Basic, $59 for Professional, and $134 for Business. All plans require annual billing and include a 14-day free trial.
7. Monday.com Sales CRM
Rating: 3.8/5 Best for teams wanting customizable workflows
Monday.com brings its popular project management DNA to CRM, resulting in a highly customizable platform. If your sales process doesn’t fit neatly into traditional CRM boxes, Monday’s flexibility lets you build exactly what you need. However, this flexibility can be overwhelming for teams wanting a ready-to-use solution.
Key Features:
Highly customizable pipelines and workflows
Visual boards for managing deals and tasks
Strong collaboration features for team selling
Pros:
Extremely flexible and customizable
Great for teams with unique sales processes
Strong collaboration and communication features
Cons:
Can be overwhelming to set up initially
More project management than pure CRM
Pricing: Monday.com CRM pricing starts at $36/month for 3 users on Basic ($12/seat), $51 for Standard ($17/seat), and $84 for Pro ($28/seat). Enterprise pricing available on request.
8. Salesmate
Rating: 3.8/5 Best for built-in calling and texting features
Salesmate distinguishes itself with built-in calling and texting capabilities, eliminating the need for separate communication tools. For sales teams that rely heavily on phone outreach, this integrated approach can significantly streamline workflows and reduce costs.
Key Features:
Built-in calling and texting without additional fees
Sales automation sequences for follow-ups
Journey builder for complex sales processes
Pros:
Excellent built-in communication tools save money on separate services
Affordable pricing with good value
Strong automation capabilities
Cons:
Smaller user base means less community support
Limited advanced features compared to enterprise options
Pricing: Salesmate offers plans starting at $23 per user/month for Basic, $39 for Pro, and $63 for Business.
9. Freshsales
Rating: 3.7/5 Best for AI-powered sales intelligence
Freshsales, part of the Freshworks suite, leverages AI to provide predictive insights and intelligent lead scoring. The platform’s Freddy AI assistant helps sales teams prioritize efforts by identifying the most promising opportunities and suggesting next best actions.
Key Features:
AI-powered lead scoring and deal insights
Sales sequences for automated follow-ups
Built-in phone and email with conversation intelligence
Pros:
Strong AI features provide actionable insights
Good value for money with comprehensive features
Clean, modern interface
Cons:
Being part of larger Freshworks suite can be confusing
Limited customization compared to enterprise platforms
Pricing: Freshsales starts with a free plan for up to 3 users. Paid plans begin at $9 per user/month for Growth, $39 for Pro, and $59 for Enterprise. All paid plans include a 21-day free trial.
Why is Zendesk retiring Sell?
Understanding why Zendesk is shutting down Sell helps explain the urgency of finding an alternative. Zendesk announced the official retirement date of August 31, 2027, as part of a strategic pivot toward AI-first customer service solutions. The company is reallocating resources from sales CRM to focus on their core strength: customer support.
This shift reflects Zendesk’s vision of building a unified Agent Workspace powered by AI. Rather than maintaining a sales CRM that hasn’t seen significant updates in recent years, they’re doubling down on service tooling, workflow automation, and AI features for support teams.
For the thousands of Zendesk Sell users, this means more than just finding a new CRM. It represents an industry trend toward specialized solutions rather than trying to be everything to everyone. While Zendesk concentrates on service excellence, dedicated CRM providers can offer more innovative sales-specific features.
The lack of significant Sell updates in recent years has been a warning sign. Now, with the official sunset announcement, the writing is on the wall: it’s time to move to a platform where sales CRM is the primary focus, not an afterthought.
How to migrate from Zendesk Sell
CRM migration might feel daunting, but with the right approach, you can turn this transition into an opportunity to upgrade your sales infrastructure. Here’s a proven 5-step process to ensure a smooth migration:
Audit current Zendesk Sell usage and data: Document your custom fields, pipelines, automation rules, and integration points. Pay special attention to data you can’t afford to lose—customer interaction history, deal notes, and custom reports.
Evaluate alternatives using this guide: Focus on your must-have features first. If you’re keeping Zendesk Support, prioritize CRMs with native integration. Consider your team size, budget, and growth plans.
Test with free trials: Don’t commit without hands-on experience. Most CRMs offer 14-30 day trials. Some platforms like Nutshell offer one-click import tools such as Import2, which can migrate your complete Zendesk Sell data—including files, tags, and custom fields—in just a few clicks. Import a sample of your data and have key team members test daily workflows.
Plan migration timeline: Allow 2-4 weeks for the actual migration, plus additional time for training and adjustment. Starting now gives you breathing room to handle unexpected challenges.
Execute migration with support: Take advantage of migration assistance offered by your chosen CRM. Nutshell’s 1-click import and white-glove service, for example, can dramatically reduce migration complexity.
Remember, implementing a CRM properly can greatly increase productivity, but rushed migrations often fail to capture these benefits. By starting early, you avoid the 2027 rush when migration services will be overwhelmed and support queues backed up.
Don’t wait until 2027
Start your free Nutshell trial today and experience our white-glove migration service firsthand!
Selecting the right Zendesk Sell alternative requires honest assessment of your specific needs. Consider these key decision factors:
Current Zendesk Support usage tops the list. If you’re keeping Support, Nutshell’s native integration provides unmatched continuity. For teams moving away from Zendesk entirely, this factor becomes less critical.
Team size and growth plans influence both features needed and budget available. HubSpot’s free tier works great for small teams, while enterprises need Salesforce’s scalability.
Budget constraints matter, but remember the ROI potential. Proper CRM implementation can bring significant returns, making even premium options cost-effective.
Integration requirements extend beyond Zendesk. Map out your entire tech stack and ensure your new CRM plays nicely with essential tools.
Industry-specific needs might tip the scales. Some CRMs offer specialized features for particular sectors—research whether your industry has unique requirements.
Ready to make the switch? Start your Nutshell migration today
The August 31, 2027 deadline for Zendesk Sell’s retirement might feel far away, but smart sales teams are already making their moves. This isn’t just about finding a replacement—it’s an opportunity to upgrade to a CRM that truly prioritizes sales functionality and innovation.
Our evaluation revealed three standout options for different needs. Nutshell emerges as the clear choice for teams keeping Zendesk Support, offering the only native integration plus an incredible 80% discount for Zendesk Sell teams.
Ready to make the switch? Visit Nutshell to claim your exclusive 80% discount as a Zendesk Sell user and learn more about the migration process, or speak with a member of our team today.
Frequently asked questions
1. What happens to my Zendesk Sell data after August 31, 2027?
After the retirement date, Zendesk will permanently delete all Sell data according to their data deletion policy. You won’t be able to access any information—contacts, deals, notes, or history. That’s why exporting your data well before the deadline is critical. You can export most data as a CSV file, though some elements like email conversations and call logs require special handling.
2. Can I keep using Zendesk Support with a different CRM?
Absolutely! Zendesk Support isn’t going anywhere. However, integration quality varies significantly between CRMs. Nutshell offers native Zendesk Support integration that automatically syncs support tickets to customer timelines. Other CRMs require third-party tools like Zapier, which can add complexity and cost. Consider how tightly you need sales and support data connected when making your choice.
3. How long does it take to migrate from Zendesk Sell?
Migration timelines typically range from 2-4 weeks for most businesses. Simple migrations with standard data might take just a few days, while complex setups with custom fields and workflows require more time. The actual data transfer often happens quickly—it’s the preparation, testing, and training that extend timelines. CRMs with dedicated migration tools like Nutshell’s 1-click import can significantly reduce technical migration time.
4. What’s the most affordable Zendesk Sell alternative?
For pure affordability, HubSpot’s free tier can’t be beaten—it’s genuinely free forever for core CRM features. However, “affordable” depends on value received. Nutshell’s 80% discount for Zendesk Sell users makes it extremely competitive for the first 6 months. Zoho CRM offers the lowest regular paid pricing starting at $14/user/month. Remember to factor in hidden costs like integration tools or add-ons when comparing.
5. Which alternative is most similar to Zendesk Sell?
Pipedrive mirrors Zendesk Sell’s visual pipeline approach most closely, which explains why Zendesk officially recommends it. The interface feels familiar, and the activity-based selling methodology aligns well. However, if you’re heavily invested in the Zendesk ecosystem, Nutshell provides the most seamless transition by maintaining your Zendesk Support integration while offering similar sales functionality.
6. Do I need technical help to migrate my CRM data?
It depends on your setup complexity and technical comfort level. Basic migrations using CSV exports and imports can be DIY projects. However, preserving data relationships, custom fields, and historical activities often requires expertise. Many CRMs offer migration assistance—Nutshell includes white-glove migration support at no extra cost, while others charge for professional services. Consider the value of your time and the cost of potential data loss when deciding between DIY and professional help.
