Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems help organizations manage leads and existing customers in the most efficient way possible to deliver a better customer experience and streamline their sales operations. CRM vendors help analyze customer interactions and keep track of data throughout the interaction lifecycle. Programmatic access to this data is becoming key since CRM users expect integrated solutions. CRMs APIs like Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Pipedrive, and many more open up this data programmatically towards developers, unlocking unlimited possibilities.
CRMs often provide many integrations, helping users define workflows to orchestrate actions across different tools. However, sometimes existing integrations don’t fit the use case you as a user have in mind. A CRM API can provide deeper extensibility, enabling you to leverage the full system of record for customer data. This could make integrating with a CRM API the best option to create new workflows.
Benefits of Using a CRM API
There are many reasons why a developer may want to integrate with a CRM API, as opposed to utilizing a UI or an existing integration. Developers with API access could integrate the CRM with other platforms, export valuable data for sales teams, or build new event-driven workflows. Here are some benefits:
- Save time on repetitive tasks: For one, calling a CRM API could be a huge time-saver — CRM APIs open a programmatic doorway to help automate many manual tasks, like finding customer data, or generating reports.
- Leverage customer data: Developers with API access could export valuable CRM data, such as customer email information, to plug into an event-driven flow to notify end customers. This could increase customer satisfaction and product stickiness.
- Inform sales department: Developers can utilize CRM APIs to export valuable sales data, helping product managers visualize important metrics to gauge success. With an event-driven workflow, such a process could be automatically initiated.
- Bridge missing integrations: CRMs connect with various moving components; therefore, APIs are often essential in partner integration. If your CRM provider does not provide a pre-existing integration, utilizing the API may be the only way to integrate your CRM with other platforms.
- Extend to other environments: APIs are client-agnostic. Thus, by using a RESTful API, an organization could bring CRM data into any custom environment. This could include local platforms, company-wide intranets, or other interfaces.
- Aggregation: If you're building a SaaS product yourself, you will want to integrate many CRM APIs depending on the CRMs used by your customers. Aggregating specific domains, like [CRM Data] (https://www.apideck.com/crm-api), is something that Unified APIs do well, too. This removes the need to integrate with multiple CRM APIs, and you still benefit by being natively integrated and be present in CRM partners' marketplaces to promote your integration.
25 CRM APIs
Today, there are a multitude of CRMs on the market — 500+ CRMs APIs. Some of them are vertical specific. Therefore, there are many CRM APIs available! Depending on your customer base, most of these CRMs will be requested daily if you don’t already integrate with them. Most CRMs provide APIs in different API styles like REST, SOAP, GraphQL, or OData.
Whether you are searching for an extensible CRM, or you are merely curious about what sort of connections yours offers, we've got you covered. Here are 25+ CRM APIs available right now:
Salesforce CRM API
Salesforce is arguably the world's #1 CRM software in terms of adoption. It provides a comprehensive business ecosystem with all business products which can be seamlessly integrated. It comes with a mobile application and lets you manage leads, customer engagement, workflow rules, automation, and many other functionalities.
The API is very flexible in this case and provides a massive list of actions. It is available in REST and SOAP. The SOAP API is restricted to search only, while the REST API can be used to do almost anything. Salesforce lists ten integrations with services such as Gmail, MailChimp, and Dropbox, but many other extensions are available through the Salesforce AppExchange.
Github Stars: 2k Number of Integrations: Thousands on AppExchange marketplace
Features:
- An omnichannel platform to grow your client base
- Social media integrations
Zoho CRM API
Zoho CRM is a robust CRM software that handles many business needs. This CRM comes with a REST API that can be integrated with any third-party software. Being one of the major CRM players, the API offers a lot like organization management, role management, user management, records, and other features.
One of the best parts of Zoho is that it provides a free developer account you can use for testing purposes and explore Zoho features, create your applications and learn how to integrate the Zoho API. This CRM API also offers an SDK for languages like PHP, NodeJS, Python, and others.
The CRM comes with many integrations such as GSuite, Slack, Office365, WhatsApp, and Zoom. You can check out the complete list of integrations here. You can also check out their Git repository here.
Number of integrations: 95
Features:
- The API provides a lot of customizations.
- Comes with many integrations.
- The documentation is straightforward and easy to use.
- Comes with SDKs too.
HubSpot CRM API
HubSpot CRM is a fine solution for your business needs. The CRM has got a decent UI and can be easily integrated with other HubSpot products. The CRM uses a freemium approach, which means it's free to use software but with the paid add-on to extend the functionalities.
The HubSpot CRM API comes with many functionalities like contact management, company management, lead management, tickets, product, and the ability to create custom objects. There's also a JS SDK available to make calls.
Github Stars: 38931 Number of Integrations: 69
Features:
- Free to use with basic functionalities
- Comes with a variety of integrations
Copper CRM API
Copper CRM (formerly ProsperWorks CRM) is closely related to the G Suite environment. The CRM is best suited for small to mid-sized businesses. It comes with a 14 days free trial and does not require you to use your credit for sign up. It is also known as Google's recommended CRM as it seamlessly integrates with the G Suite and its apps.
This CRM's API is also straightforward to use, especially since a Postman collection is available to test it out easily. It allows you to manage leads, companies, tasks, activities, etc. There are SDKs available for different languages — you can check them out here. Copper CRM supports the integration of some popular software, like Slack, Hubspot, MailChimp, etc. You can check out the list of integrations here.
Github Stars: 754 Number of Integrations: 80
Features:
- Best suited for G Suite
- Easy to use API
Close.io API
Close is another fine CRM, specifically for startups. Founded in 2013, Close CRM provides functionalities like calendar reminder, email marketing, marketing automation, segmentation, and more. The UI of this CRM is very similar to AdminLTE but with added features.
The API of this CRM includes all the functionalities that a basic CRM has. It also supports bulk emails, reporting, managing memberships, etc. Close CRM also has an official Python client you can use to consume the API. On the same Git page, you can find some unofficial clients as well. The CRM can be integrated with 80+ services like Zoom, Slack, Gmail, Zapier, etc. You can check out the list of integrations here.
Github Stars: 51 Number of Integrations: 86
Features:
- It lets you make calls, emails, SMS from a single UI
- Supports automation like marketing, email, etc
- Sales forecasting
Salesflare API
Salesflare is a simple CMS with a very intelligent email outreach application being used by thousands of small and mid-sized businesses. It lets you automate your customers’ data entry process like social profiles, contact numbers, profile data, company databases, etc.
The Salesflare API is based on OpenSpec API and includes a good list of features like task management, account management, contact management, meetings management, etc. The authentication is based on the API key like other CMS. Salesflare comes with 182 integrations and custom apps as well. You can check out the list of integrations here.
Number of Integrations: 184 Github Stars: 307
Features:
- Forecasting
- Custom Reporting
- Social network integrations
Microsoft Dynamics API
As the name suggests, Microsoft Dynamics is developed by Microsoft. It focuses on sales, marketing, and help-desk services. The open-source CRM is based on the .NET framework and is available in multiple languages. It also provides apps for iOS, Android, as well as Windows phones.
Microsoft Dynamics comes with a big set of REST API endpoints, which give you access to services like customer service, store, eCommerce management, field services, human resources, marketing, and other areas.
Number of Integrations: 59 Github Stars: N/A
Features:
- It comes with online as well as offline capability.
- It can be integrated with almost all of the Microsoft products.
Pipedrive API
Pipedrive offers a CRM tool for small-sized companies. The Pipedrive UI visualizes customer data to help businesses make informed decisions. The UI is minimalistic and mostly focuses on visual pipelines for deals.
The API of this CRM uses an API key for the authentication and provides many functionalities like call log management, currency conversion, deals management, file management, etc. It comes with 251 integrations, like Zapier, Zoom, and Slack. You can check out the full list of integrations here. They also have client libraries for NodeJS, PHP, Python, .NET, Ruby, JavaScript, and Laravel.
Number of Integrations: 251 Github Stars: 135
Features:
- Email tracking
- Marketing automation
- Custom reporting
Insightly API
Insightly is a visually attractive and intuitive CRM with a wide range of functionalities and a large number of integrations. The unique feature of this CRM is that it assigns a customer support manager to new customers to get them up and running.
Insightly CRM uses a set of REST APIs, including functionalities like custom reporting, data sync, workflow automation, etc. It comes with 77 integrations such as Gmail, Google Apps, and MailChimp. You can check out the complete list of integrations here.
Number of Integrations: 77 Github Stars: 22
Features:
- Amazing UI
- Custom data capture
- Free smartphone app
SugarCRM API
SugarCRM is another one of the most popular CRMs available in the market with more than 2 million users. It comes with an industry-leading customer experience and a simple UI. The plan starts at $40 per month and is available on all platforms.
SugarCRM comes with a good set of REST API endpoints, which support email management, user management, task management, etc. The authentication is based on Basic Auth and exchanges tokens for the proceeding requests. It can be integrated with more than 72 services, like MailChimp, Zapier, Gmail, etc. You can check out the list of all the integrations here. SugarCRM also offers a PHP client to connect with the API.
Number of Integrations: 72+ Github Stars: 28
Features:
- Easily automate your marketing process
- Custom reporting
AgileCRM API
AgileCRM is an all-in-one solution designed specifically for small-sized businesses to help them in marketing, sales, and customer relationships. It is available on web, android, and iOS platforms. AgileCRM comes with REST API along with clients for languages like PHP, Java, JavaScript, C#, Ruby, NodeJS, iOS, and Python. The API uses an API key for authentication, and the documentation is also very well written. It comes with 90 integrations like Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, etc. You can check out the list of all integrations here.
Number of Integrations: 90 Github Stars: 68
Features:
- Auto-sync
- Marketing automation
Freshworks CRM API (previously Freshsales.io)
Launched in 2011, Freshworks is another popular player in the CRM market. Many big companies like Dyson, Asus, and FabHotels use this CRM. It delivers a great experience across marketing and sales fields, including functionalities like marketing automation, salesforce automation, live chat, and calling.
The CRM also allows you to create a free account so that you can play around with some features. The Freshworks API is very extensive and lets you raise tickets, track conversations, manage skills, agents, roles, organizations, create mailboxes, send bulk emails, and more. This CRM doesn't support much integration as it already has a lot of features inbuilt. You can check out the list of integrations here. You can download many packages like freshchat-android, which you can use in your Android app. You can check out others at the Git repo here.
Github Stars: 23 Number of Integrations: 24
Features:
- It supports AB testing
- Comes with a heatmap that you can use to check the hot products
- Live chat
Act! API
Act! is a CRM software used to manage clients and prospect details in a single place, and can be accessed by multiple users. It is one of the oldest CRMs available in the market right now. It has three editions: Act Pro, Act Premium, and Act 365, which is a hosted version of Act.
The API of this CRM can be used to manage stocks, add/edit contacts, manage calendar, import analytics data, manage contacts, and others. The act comes with integrations such as Slack, Facebook, Twitter, Shopify, etc. You can check out the list of integrations here.
Github Stars: N/A Number of Integrations: 20
Features:
- One of the most affordable CRM in the market.
- Available as a web app, SAAS, and independent Windows software.
Zendesk Sell API
Zendesk Sell is a CRM software that comes with features like calling, messaging, email, etc. This CRM is used by a lot of major companies as well.
The Zendesk Sell API is divided into four parts: Core API, Sync API, Firehose API, and Search API. The Core API includes all the core functionalities that a CRM must have, like customer management, user management, tags management, analytics, etc. The Sync API lets you sync all the data with the cloud server. The Firehose API retrieves real-time user data. While the Search API is for query purposes.
The Zendesk Sell comes with 18 integrations like Shopify, TimeShift, etc. You can check out the list of integrations here. They also have a Github repository for their project where you can find integration packages for Zapier as well.
Number of Integrations: 18 Github Stars: 32
Features:
- Offers a very organized UI.
- The API provides almost all the functionalities which the UI provides.
- Automatically syncs the data with the server.
Teamleader API
Teamleader is a cloud-based CRM software mostly used by mid-sized to large-sized companies. It is a stand-alone CRM solution that can help businesses with sales automation, customer service, support, invoicing, etc. It allows the customers to set the appointment. It is equipped with features like ticketing, project management, and employee management as well.
The Teamleader API supports OAuth 2.0 for authentication and lets you manage contacts, calendar, invoicing, project, tracking, etc. The documentation is very well-written, with responses for each request in JSON. This CRM comes with 190 integrations such as Gmail, Office365, MailChimp, etc. You can check out the full list of integrations here.
Number of Integrations: 190 Github Stars: NA
Features:
- Supports a lot of integrations.
- Very simple UI with a lot of customizations.
Airtable API
While Airtable is not a pure CRM, it can be used as one. With Airtable, you can organize anything like projects, ideas, customers, or even your team. It provides a spreadsheet-like UI that is very easy to use. Airtable lets you use different widgets and match them with different functionalities. It also comes with ready-to-use templates for different team sizes. Airtable provides a kanban-like overview of all task statuses.
Airtable allows you to create small custom applications that can meet the needs of your team. The CRM comes with a REST API, which is pretty easy to use and has accompanying YouTube tutorials.
Airtable also comes with a NodeJS package to access all the data, leads, inventory, and todos you use in your web application. You can check out the GitHub repository for more information. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a free developer account.
GitHub Stars: 1.2k Number of integrations: 60 (You can check out all the integrations here).
Features:
- It lets you create custom applications.
- The API can be used to manage almost every functionality.
- YouTube tutorials are there to help you with the API integration.
Excel and Google Sheets 😬
A common fact is that many businesses may not even be adopting a CRM platform. Many companies simply use an Excel or Google spreadsheet to track their leads and customer journeys. This isn't that scalable for a large enterprise. However, spreadsheets are relatively easy to integrate with third-party providers.
Through the Excel API (one of Microsoft Graph's many API), developers can programmatically access data within spreadsheets and perform calculations. Calling upon customer data stored in Excel sheets could be very useful for populating reports or generating dashboards.
Github Stars: N/A Number of Integrations: ∞
1CRM API
1CRM is a cloud-based CRM solution that offers functionalities like sales management, customer service, and business operations. It combines a traditional CRM with an order management system to track the orders, generate invoices, and send quotes.
This CRM offers both a REST API as well as client libraries. The documentation is well-written, and the API supports Basic authentication. The API only supports CRUD functionalities for the records, unlike other APIs that support more functionalities.
You can get the PHP as well as Go client from their Git repository, which you can use to perform CRUD operations. 1CRM supports 16 integrations like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, PayPal, Zapier, WordPress, etc. You can check out the full list of integrations here.
Github Stars: 4 Number of Integrations: 16
Features:
- Provides extensive customization features.
- Changelog is available as a standard feature.
- Automatic reminders are available to all user accounts.
Sellsy API
Sellsy is not only a CRM but also lets you manage your eCommerce website, manage stocks, purchases, etc. It includes features like sales tracking, lead generation, invoicing, customer management, 365 views of customers, POS, etc.
The API of this CRM is very comprehensive. All the endpoints are provided with a sample JSON response to make the API easier to understand. Sellsy supports 81 integrations, for example, Gmail, Ringover, Xeno, etc. You can check out the full list of integrations here. They also have a PHP client which you can use to integrate it into your application.
Number of Integrations: 81 Github Stars: 12
Features:
- It allows you to create quotes
- Automated task distribution
- Comes with a document builder
Lawmatics API
Lawmatics is an excellent tool that you can use to create robust marketing automation. This CRM is best suited for law firms and has features like calendar management, CRM, e-signature, document manager, etc.
It comes with a REST API, which you can use to manage all the sales, custom forms, events, signatures, contacts, notes, etc. The API uses an API key to authenticate the users. The documentation is well written and displays sample responses for each endpoint in JSON. It supports eight integrations: Zapier, Clio, Practise Panther, Rocket Matter, etc. You can check out the full list of integrations here.
Number of Integrations: 8 Github Stars: N/A
Features:
- E-signature
- Intake automation
- Create customized forms using the API as well as UI
Pega CRM API
Pega is a CRM solution from Pegasystems which provides tools to recognize customer behavior. The CRM is suitable for very large companies that need to process very high and complex inquiries.
The CRM has a REST API divided into four parts: Applications API, DevOps API, and System management API, and User management API. The API follows RAML specifications. It comes with only two integrations, which are listed here.
Number of Integrations: 2 Github Stars: N/A
SAP C4C API
SAP C4C is a cloud-based CRM solution that is easy to use and takes relatively little time to onboard. It comes with lead management, customer management, and a mobile version also.
SAP C4C comes with SOAP and OData APIs to handle contacts, user account data, teams, business, etc. The documentation is not that great and can take some time to get the hang of it. They also maintain their repository for ODATA — you can check it out here.
Github Stars: 74
Features:
- It comes with a lot of automation like sales automation, marketing automation, etc.
- Analytics and reporting
Agendize API
Agendize is a very simple CRM that lets your customers book an appointment with automated reminders. One of the best parts of this CRM is that it's so simple and easy to use.
Agendize also comes with a REST API that uses an API key for authentication and lets you manage appointments, accounts, calls, texts, emails, forms, discounts, chat, marketing, etc. They manage a Git repo where you can find some code samples in PHP to connect to the API. It supports 17 integrations, for example, Google Calendar, Office 365, Zapier, etc. You can check out the complete list of integrations here.
Number of Integrations: 17 Github Stars: 0
Centrium CRM API
Centrium CRM is a cloud-based, user-friendly CRM. It lets you manage contacts, share the history of a client, track deals and tasks, and more. Documentation is so-so, and it only comes with one PHP client. You won't find many support materials related to the API, but you can get the PHP client from here. It comes with only two integrations: MailChimp and Google Apps for Work.
Number of Integrations: 2 Github Stars: 0
Features:
- Simple to use
- Manage contacts, projects, notes, deals, tasks from a single page only.
BenchmarkONE API
BenchmarkONE (formerly Hatchbuck) lets you capture leads on your website and send marketing emails to your potential clients as well as an active client base. It is used to deliver hot leads to the sales team through a built-in CRM and effectively manage marketing campaigns.
The API of this CRM uses an API token for authentication and lets you manage contacts, settings, notes, tags, and campaigns. It can be integrated with Zapier, which allows this CRM to support 1500+ integrations. Out of the box, it supports 47 integrations. You can check out the complete list of integrations here.
Number of Integrations: 47 Github Stars: N/A
Features:
- 450+ email templates
- Supports Zapier integrations
Propeller CRM API
Propeller CRM is a powerful and minimal CRM for small teams. It primarily uses Gmail and Google Apps. It lets you manage leads, track emails, use templates, etc., all within Gmail.
The CRM comes with a REST API which can be used to send emails, schedule emails, create and manage templates, fetch analytics data, etc. The API is documented well, and it can also be integrated with Zapier, which will let you connect more than 1500+ apps. It also comes with a Python SDK to connect to the API.
Number of Integrations: 2 Github Stars: 1
Features:
- Very simple and beneficial for small teams that are dependent on Gmail.
- Funnel tracking
- Sales forecasting
- All in one dashboard
Bonus: Apideck CRM API
Here at Apideck, we provide a Unified API that aggregates multiple CRM APIs into one. Build CRM Integrations in hours – not weeks. Unified APIs simplify integration development by standardizing CRM data across different providers.
Features:
- Supports CRMs like Saleforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics, and many more.
- Get a consistent Developer-exprience.
- You only need to integrate with one API.
- Available as a REST and GraphQL API.
Links:
- API reference: https://developers.apideck.com/apis/crm/reference
- Supported CRM connectors: https://developers.apideck.com/apis/crm/connectors
- Other Unified APIs
Final Words
Above, we covered 25 CRM APIs out there. Some of the covered CRM platforms also offer a free developer account to play around with the APIs. In general, CRMs can be very beneficial to your business, helping you grow your client base and effectively manage customer relationships. With added API connectivity, CRMs can integrate into your ecosystem very nicely.