Jetpack CRM—formerly Zero BS CRM before Automattic acquired it—has been a fixture in the WordPress CRM space since 2016. It pioneered the concept of a fully native WordPress CRM, storing all data in your WordPress database and running entirely within wp-admin. For many users, it’s been a reliable workhorse.
But longevity doesn’t mean universal fit. Some users find themselves outgrowing the platform, frustrated by its interface, or looking for different functionality. If you’re considering alternatives to Jetpack CRM, understanding what drives that consideration helps you make a better choice.
Why People Look for Alternatives
No software serves everyone perfectly. Jetpack CRM has strengths and weaknesses, and some of those weaknesses matter more to certain users than others. Common reasons people start exploring alternatives include interface concerns, pricing structure, feature gaps, and development pace.
Interface and User Experience
Jetpack CRM’s interface reflects its age. The design language predates modern WordPress admin patterns, and while functional, it can feel dated compared to newer solutions. For teams who value clean, intuitive interfaces, this friction matters—CRM adoption depends heavily on whether the tool feels pleasant to use.
Extension Pricing Model
Jetpack CRM uses a modular approach: a free core with paid extensions for additional functionality. Need invoicing? That’s an extension. WooCommerce integration? Extension. Mail campaigns? Extension. This model can make costs unpredictable—what seems affordable initially grows as you realize which features you actually need.
| Common Extensions | Approximate Cost | Bundled in Alternatives? |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | $79/year | Often included |
| WooCommerce Sync | $79/year | Often included |
| Mail Campaigns | $99/year | Varies |
| Client Portal | $79/year | Varies |
| Advanced Segments | $49/year | Often included |
Bundles exist, but if you only need specific features, you might find yourself paying for extensions you won’t use or paying à la carte prices that add up quickly.
The true cost of modular pricing isn’t obvious until you’ve used the core product and discovered what’s missing.
Feature Priorities
Jetpack CRM started as a sales-focused CRM and has expanded over time. Some users find it skews too heavily toward invoicing and quotes while lacking depth in other areas. Others find it doesn’t go far enough in marketing functionality. The tool’s generalist approach serves some use cases better than others.
What to Look for in an Alternative
If you’re evaluating alternatives to Jetpack CRM, you presumably value what it gets right: native WordPress integration, data stored in your database, interface within wp-admin. Any alternative should preserve these advantages while addressing whatever drove you to look elsewhere.
True WordPress Native
Some “WordPress CRM” solutions are actually external platforms with WordPress connectors. These defeat the purpose of native integration—your data lives elsewhere, synchronization issues emerge, and you’re dependent on the connector’s reliability. Confirm that any alternative stores data in your WordPress database and runs entirely within your installation.
Transparent Pricing
Look for pricing that includes the features you need without nickel-and-diming. Flat annual pricing without per-user fees or contact limits scales better than models that punish growth. Calculate total cost of ownership, not just the base price.
Modern Interface
If interface friction drove your search, prioritize solutions with contemporary design. Look for clean layouts, intuitive navigation, and consistency with modern WordPress admin patterns. Demo the product before committing—screenshots rarely capture how a tool actually feels to use.
A CRM’s value depends entirely on adoption. Beautiful features mean nothing if the interface discourages use.
Active Development
WordPress evolves constantly. Your CRM should keep pace. Check the changelog for recent updates. Look at the support forums for responsiveness. A stagnant plugin becomes a liability as WordPress versions advance and security requirements change.
Migration Considerations
Switching CRMs isn’t trivial. Your contact data, interaction history, and custom field configurations all need to move. Before committing to an alternative, understand the migration path.
Most CRMs can export to CSV, which any other CRM can import. The question is what transfers cleanly versus what requires manual recreation. Custom fields might not map directly. Activity history formats differ between systems. Tags and segments may need rebuilding.
Plan the migration during a slow period. Export everything from Jetpack CRM, import into your new system, then verify the data looks correct before going live. Keep the old system accessible briefly in case you need to reference historical information that didn’t transfer.
Evaluating the Fit
No alternative is universally better than Jetpack CRM—it’s about fit for your specific needs. Some users who try alternatives return to Jetpack, having realized the grass wasn’t greener. Others find exactly what they were missing.
Before switching, define what success looks like. What specific problems are you solving? What would make the migration worthwhile? Having clear criteria prevents the endless search for perfect software that doesn’t exist.
The best CRM is the one you’ll actually use consistently. Everything else is secondary.
Why Consider SkunkCRM
SkunkCRM addresses several common Jetpack CRM pain points while maintaining the native WordPress approach users value. The interface is new and easy to use. Pricing is straightforward without the extension sprawl. Core features—contacts, companies, deals, activities—are included rather than requiring add-ons.
Like Jetpack CRM, SkunkCRM stores all data in your WordPress database and operates entirely within wp-admin. Unlike Jetpack CRM, it was designed recently with current WordPress standards and user experience expectations and developer extensibility in mind.
SkunkCRM is also much more actively developed – with multiple updates every month and a public roadmap showing what’s in progress and letting you submit feature requests and vote on priority.
Considering your options? Try SkunkCRM and see if it addresses what’s driving your Jetpack CRM alternative search.
