I've Tested Every CRM
I've Tested Every CRMWell well well, it's finally time for our updated Best CRM comparison video.
It's been 2 years since our last!
If there is one software category that is full of the most 💨, it's the CRM category.
Just look at the websites for any of the CRMs that have been around for 10+ years, they are all like "we are AI first 😇"
But um, no that's not how this works.
I tried every CRM. Here are the worst (and best). *not sponsored*
I tried every CRM. Here are the worst (and best). *not sponsored*Jump to watch the video, we spent 1 month making it, showing you inside every CRM that's popular right now.
AI first tools must have been built in the last year or so.
If something was built before then, I don't care what marketing you want to bundle it up as, you are not AI first, you've just slapped on AI.
How it actually works:
How it actually works:- Software built before the AI era has a legacy code base. For them to be AI-first, they would need to be re-built from the ground up
- That will never happen, because they have thousands of existing users that are currently paying them to use the product as it is
- So they are stuck, but they will add MCPs and AI features to modernize and continue selling themselves as a modern tool
What an
What an- Set itself up. You tell it your business processes, it will consult with you, suggest fields, and then go create them.
- Keep itself up to date. It will read your emails, meeting notes, Slack messages (!!) and update the CRM based on what happened.
- Works extremely well with agents. You can interact with the entire CRM via an AI chatbot, or even Slack. Pull reports, update fields, build automations.
After re-testing every major CRM in 2026, here are our picks:
After re-testing every major CRM in 2026, here are our picks:1–3 people: folk
- Ok you caught me, they are not AI first, but if you're price conscious this is your best bet at the moment so wanted to include them
3–500+ person team: Lightfield
- We switched a few months back and honestly it's the best CRM we have ever used
Home Remodelers niche: Wonderly
- Tested it since Alex's step-father ran a construction business, can confirm if we had a home remodeling business we'd be using this
If you're curious about our deeper thoughts about each of these tools (including all the ones we don't recommend), watch the video.
Deal of the Month 🎁
Deal of the Month 🎁We found Lightfield through an ad on Reddit. Then I saw them on LinkedIn. Then we signed up for an account and thought, this is actually the first AI-CRM we tried.
We reached out to their Head of Growth, told them we'd love to feature them on our website and asked them for an exclusive discount for our audience and they said yes!
Claim the Lightfield discount and request a demo to see how Lightfield works. Tell them you heard about them through Efficient App and you'll get $1000 in free AI credits, along with free CRM setup (valued at $3K).
If you prefer to self-serve (we did), you can grab a free 30 days (same link).
Note: free credits and CRM setup are not eligible on self-serve accounts, demo and annual tier are required.
On our mind lately
On our mind lately🎂 3 things I changed my mind about at 37. A personal essay
🙋 What were you doing at 25? Alex's answer
🎥 The Social Reckoning was great!
🔎 We are SOO in the depths of AEO. If you are too, let's connect?
😵💫 We got beyond sick last weekend with Norovirus. We used an at-home IV concierge service for the first time. Stay safe out there!
Til next time,
Andra (& Alex) 👋