8 Zoho One Apps That Can Replace Costly Tools

By - Anurag
04.29.25 7:26 AM

Running a modern business often means juggling multiple tools, each designed to solve one specific problem—CRM, email marketing, accounting, support, and the list goes on. While they do their jobs well, these tools can pile up on your expenses faster than you think.

That’s where Zoho One steps in. This all-in-one business operating system offers over 45+ integrated apps at a fraction of the cost you'd pay using individual tools from big-name vendors.

If you’ve ever felt like you're overpaying for software, this guide is for you.

Zoho CRM – A Powerful Replacement for Salesforce

Salesforce is powerful but pricey. Enter Zoho CRM, a feature-rich alternative that provides everything you need to manage leads, close deals, and automate your sales pipeline.

Key Features:

  • Lead management and scoring
  • Workflow automation
  • Custom dashboards and reports
  • AI assistant (Zia)

Why it’s better: Zoho CRM is far more affordable and just as effective for small to medium-sized businesses.

Zoho Projects – Ditching Asana or Trello

Project management tools like Asana and Trello can add up, especially as your team grows. Zoho Projects offers an intuitive interface and strong collaboration features without the bloated costs.

What It Offers:

  • Task lists and milestones
  • Gantt charts and time tracking
  • Document management
  • Slack-like team communication

Whether you manage client deliverables or internal tasks, Zoho Projects gets the job done efficiently.

Zoho Books – Say Goodbye to QuickBooks

Accounting software doesn't have to break the bank. Zoho Books is an ideal choice for SMBs looking to handle invoicing, expenses, and taxes under one roof.

Benefits Over QuickBooks:

  • Automated workflows
  • Integrated GST filing (India-specific)
  • Client portal and vendor management

It’s user-friendly, feature-packed, and more affordable than most alternatives.

Zoho Desk – An Affordable Zendesk Alternative

Zendesk is a go-to for customer service, but it’s often overkill. Zoho Desk provides a multi-channel help desk platform with advanced features at a better price point.

Top Highlights:

  • Ticketing and SLAs
  • Self-service portal
  • Context-aware AI support
  • Multi-language and multi-brand portals

Your support team stays efficient, and your customers stay happy.

Zoho Campaigns – Replacing Mailchimp with Smarter Email Marketing

If you’re using Mailchimp and feeling the pinch, Zoho Campaigns gives you everything you need for targeted email marketing, minus the high subscription fees.

Features That Shine:

  • Email templates and automation
  • Subscriber segmentation
  • A/B testing and analytics
  • GDPR-compliant features

It’s tightly integrated with other Zoho apps, giving you a seamless marketing engine.

Zoho Social – Simplifying Social Media Management Like Hootsuite

Tired of switching between tabs and paying premium for Hootsuite? Zoho Social centralizes your social media activities for publishing, monitoring, and analyzing.

Why Teams Love It:

  • Schedule across multiple platforms
  • Brand monitoring and keyword tracking
  • In-depth analytics
  • Role-based permissions for team members

It’s great for small agencies or businesses managing multiple brands.

Zoho Sign – Cut Adobe Sign or DocuSign Costs

Digital signatures are essential, but paying for Adobe Sign or DocuSign can be steep. Zoho Sign gives you a secure, legally-compliant way to handle document signing digitally.

Key Features:

  • Templates and workflow automation
  • Audit trails and encryption
  • Mobile app support
  • Integrates with Zoho CRM, Docs, and Mail

Use it for contracts, HR paperwork, NDAs, and more—without the high price tag.

Zoho Meeting – Budget-Friendly Alternative to Zoom

Zoom is ubiquitous but pricey for teams. Zoho Meeting offers an easy-to-use platform for video calls and webinars with solid security and browser-based access.

Why It’s Worth Switching:

  • Screen sharing and cloud recording
  • No app download required
  • Webinar registration forms
  • Polls and Q&A features

Ideal for internal meetings, client demos, or full-scale webinars.

Why Choose Zoho One Over Piecemeal Tools?

When you buy Zoho One, you’re not just replacing one tool—you’re replacing dozens. Here’s why it makes sense:

  • Cost-effective: One price covers everything.

  • Integrated ecosystem: Apps talk to each other seamlessly.

  • Single login: One dashboard for everything your business needs.

Pricing Overview – How Much Can You Actually Save?

ToolTraditional SoftwareZoho One EquivalentMonthly Cost Savings
CRM SalesforceZoho CRM$75+
Email MarketingMailchimpZoho Campaigns$30+
Project ManagementAsanaZoho Projects$25+
AccountingQuickBooksZoho Books$40+
Support ZendeskZoho Desk$50+

Total savings? Over $200/month for a small team!

Migration Made Easy – Switching from Other Tools

Zoho offers import wizards, migration assistants, and even paid onboarding to make your switch seamless.

Common Concerns Addressed:

  • Data migration: Tools to import from Salesforce, QuickBooks, and more.

  • Onboarding: Live training and tutorials.

  • Support: 24/5 email, chat, and phone support.

The Smart Choice for Modern Businesses

Why pay hundreds of dollars every month for disconnected tools when Zoho One gives you everything under one roof? From CRM and email marketing to accounting and video meetings, Zoho One can help streamline your operations and slash your software bills—without cutting corners on features.

Streamline, Save, Switch Today!