Bigin by Zoho is a simplified pipeline CRM for small businesses, with multiple pipelines, basic automation, and an affordable per-seat price. Orbit is a simple all-in-one CRM for one person that adds an AI assistant, Hiro, plus built-in invoices, proposals, and email. Bigin keeps your pipeline tidy. Orbit keeps it tidy and puts an assistant on the busywork.
Bigin is Zoho's answer to CRMs that got too complicated. It strips the idea down to clean, multiple pipelines, contacts, and a few practical automations, with a mobile app that is genuinely good. It is affordable, fast to set up, and connects to the wider Zoho suite if you grow into it.
For a small business that wants more than a spreadsheet but far less than a full sales platform, Bigin hits a sweet spot. Multiple pipelines for different processes, a clear board view, and a price that does not flinch make it an easy yes for a small team starting out. Check their site for current plans.
Both keep the pipeline simple. One of them also does the busywork.
| Orbit | Bigin | |
|---|---|---|
| AI assistant that drafts and does the busywork | Hiro drafts follow-ups, proposals, and invoices on your approval | Basic automation, not one assistant that acts for you |
| All-in-one: invoices, proposals, and booking pages | Included, free plan covers the basics | Via the Zoho suite, check their site |
| Multiple pipelines | 1 pipeline on free, unlimited on Pro | Multiple pipelines, a core feature |
| Clean, simple setup | Yes, simple core with an assistant on top | Yes, a core strength |
| Nothing sends without your approval | Every Hiro draft waits for you to approve first | Not applicable, no assistant |
| Built-in email inbox with tracking | Free inbox, open and click tracking on Pro | Via the Zoho suite, check their site |
| On-device meeting transcription | Meeting recorder on Pro, audio stays on your machine | |
| Built-in MCP server to connect Claude | Yes, on Pro | |
| Free plan | Free CRM plan, no credit card; AI included free | Free tier for very small use, then per seat, check their site |
Bigin and Orbit start in the same place: a simple pipeline you can actually keep current. The difference is what else is in the box. In Bigin, you get pipelines and basic automation, and invoicing lives in the wider Zoho suite. In Orbit, invoices, proposals, email, and one assistant come together. Ask Hiro to draft a bump for a quiet thread, write a proposal, or flag duplicate contacts, and it returns a draft you approve.
If you love Bigin for being light, Orbit will feel familiar, because the CRM core stays calm and Hiro only shows up when you ask. The honest trade-off is on pipelines: Bigin gives multiple pipelines on paid plans, while Orbit's free plan includes one and unlimited come with Pro. For most solo operators one pipeline plus smart deal stages is enough.
Nothing sends on its own. The free plan covers 250 contacts, one pipeline, unlimited tasks, a calendar, notes, a built-in email inbox (100 sends a month), and basic Tables, plus 10 invoices, 10 proposals, and a booking page. Hiro runs on free monthly AI credits, included on every plan, no API key to paste and nothing to configure.
Bigin keeps a small pipeline simple. Orbit keeps it simple, puts the back office in the box, and adds an assistant.
Yes. Orbit keeps the simple pipeline feel Bigin is known for, then adds one AI assistant, Hiro, plus built-in invoices, proposals, and email, all with your approval. Bigin is the pick if you mainly want multiple pipelines on a budget. Orbit is the pick if you want the whole business in one place.
Bigin offers a free tier for very small use and then charges per seat. Check their site for current limits. Orbit has a free CRM plan with no credit card: 250 contacts, one pipeline, unlimited tasks, a built-in email inbox, and 10 invoices. Pro is $14/mo or $112/yr, with an optional 30-day free trial (card required).
Orbit's free plan includes one pipeline. Bigin offers multiple pipelines on its paid plans. Unlimited pipelines in Orbit come with Pro at $14/mo. For most solo operators, one pipeline with clear stages covers the work.
Bigin has basic automation but no assistant. Orbit includes Hiro, one assistant that can create and update contacts and deals, manage tasks and the calendar, write and send proposals and invoices, draft follow-ups, and clean your data, each requiring your approval. Orbit does not make phone calls.
AI credits are included free every month on every plan, with no API key to paste and nothing to configure. You can top up with credit packs, and paid plans can bring their own AI key when credits run out.
Orbit's CRM is free, no credit card. Start a 30-day Pro trial (card required), let Hiro draft with the AI credits already included, and approve every draft before it sends.
Free forever plan. No credit card. No spam.