In today’s fast-paced B2B sales environment, efficiently managing and converting leads is crucial for success. Lead routing, the process of directing incoming leads to the most appropriate sales representatives based on specific criteria, plays a pivotal role in this. As we step into 2025, the importance of streamlined lead distribution software has only grown, especially for sales managers, SDRs, and B2B marketers looking to scale their operations effectively.
Lead routing ensures that every lead is handled promptly by the right person, maximizing the chances of conversion. Without a robust sales lead management system, leads can fall through the cracks, leading to missed opportunities and decreased sales efficiency. In this guide, we’ll explore what lead routing is, why it matters, and compare the top B2B sales tools available this year to help you make an informed decision for your sales tech stack.
Key Features to Look for in Lead Routing Tools
When selecting a lead routing tool, consider the following essential features to ensure it aligns with your sales strategy:
- Intelligent Lead Assignment: The tool should assign leads based on factors like rep skills, availability, and lead characteristics, ensuring optimal matches.
- CRM Integration: Seamless connection with your existing CRM system (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) is crucial for maintaining data consistency and workflow efficiency.
- Rule-Based Workflows: The ability to set custom rules for lead distribution allows flexibility and adaptability to your sales strategy.
- Real-Time Notifications: Instant alerts to sales reps when new leads are assigned ensure timely follow-ups, critical for conversion.
- Reporting and Analytics: Comprehensive reports to track lead routing performance, identify bottlenecks, and optimize the process.
Best Lead Routing Tools for Sales Teams [2025 Update]
To help you choose the right tool, we’ve compiled a list of the top seven lead routing tools for 2025, each offering unique features to cater to different business needs. Below is a comparison table summarizing their key features, pricing, and ideal use cases, followed by detailed reviews.
Tool Name | Key Features | Pricing | Ideal For |
LeanData | Lead-to-account matching, round-robin scheduling, webform booking | Upon request, free demo | Salesforce users, account-based sales |
Chili Piper | Real-time routing, multi-channel scheduling, custom workflows | From $30/user/month + $150 fee | Inbound-focused B2B teams |
HubSpot | AI-powered automation, sales pipelines, workflows | From $15/month (Starter plan) | Small to medium B2B businesses |
Salesforce | Lead Assignment Rules, Flow Builder, extensive integrations | From $25/user/month | Enterprises, large B2B teams |
Zoho CRM | Workflow automation, round-robin queues, Zoho integrations | Free plan, ~$12/user/month | Small to medium B2B teams |
Freshsales | Freddy AI lead routing, omnichannel integration, automation | From $9/user/month | Small to medium B2B teams |
Outplay | Round-robin scheduling, custom rules, lead enrichment | Not specified, free trial | Outbound-focused sales teams |
1. LeanData
Tagline: Reduce routing times with advanced lead routing and account matching
Key Features:
- Automated meeting scheduling with round-robin distribution
- Lead-to-account matching in Salesforce for account-based sales
- Direct meeting booking from webforms and chat
- 70% reduction in lead triage time and 12% increase in conversion rates
Pros:
- Excellent notifications and auditing capabilities
- Significant time savings and improved conversion rates
- Strong integration with Salesforce
Cons:
- Complex workflows may challenge some users
- Occasional glitches reported with booking features
Ideal For: Sales teams using Salesforce, particularly those focused on account-based sales strategies. LeanData excels in matching leads to existing accounts, making it a top choice for complex B2B sales environments.
Pricing: Available upon request, with a free demo offered.
LeanData Homepage
2. Chili Piper
Tagline: Boost sales for B2B revenue teams with intelligent lead routing
Key Features:
- Qualify, route, and schedule leads from web forms, chat, email, and platforms like G2
- Real-time lead qualification and routing with SLA enforcement
- Custom workflows for specific teams and meeting types
- Products include Concierge, Distro, Handoff, and Chat
Pros:
- Simple setup and affordable pricing plans
- Robust integrations with various CRMs and platforms
- Proven to increase meeting conversions by 75% and reduce lead time by 72 hours
Cons:
- Scheduling across time zones can be challenging
- Some features require additional fees
Ideal For: B2B sales and marketing teams focused on inbound lead generation, looking to automate scheduling and routing for faster conversions.
Pricing: Starts at $30/user/month plus a $150 setup fee.
Chili Piper Homepage
3. HubSpot
Tagline: Personalized lead outreach with comprehensive CRM and marketing tools
Key Features:
- AI-powered marketing automation for lead generation
- Sales Hub with pipelines and deal management
- Workflows for automating lead routing and follow-ups
- Free CRM with basic lead management capabilities
Pros:
- Versatile platform with a free plan for small teams
- Constantly evolving with new features and integrations
- Ideal for small to medium businesses
Cons:
- Automation features may not be as intuitive as competitors
- Initial setup can be daunting for new users
Ideal For: Small to medium B2B businesses seeking an all-in-one solution for marketing, sales, and CRM integration.
Pricing: Starts at $15/month for the Starter plan (advanced lead routing may require higher tiers).
HubSpot Homepage
4. Salesforce
Tagline: Comprehensive CRM with advanced lead routing through Flow Builder and assignment rules
Key Features:
- Lead Assignment Rules for automatic distribution based on criteria
- Flow Builder for creating custom lead routing workflows
- Extensive integrations with third-party apps via AppExchange
Pros:
- Highly customizable and scalable for complex needs
- Large ecosystem of integrations and apps
- Strong for enterprise-level businesses
Cons:
- Can be complex and costly for small businesses
- Advanced routing may require additional apps or development
Ideal For: Enterprises and larger B2B sales teams needing a robust, customizable sales tech stack.
Pricing: Starts at $25/user/month for the Starter Suite, with higher tiers for advanced features.
Salesforce Homepage
5. Zoho CRM
Tagline: Affordable CRM with lead routing through workflow rules and round-robin queues
Key Features:
- Workflow automation for lead assignment based on geography, product, or department
- Round-robin lead distribution for equal opportunity
- Integrations with Zoho suite and third-party apps
Pros:
- Cost-effective with a free plan for up to three users
- User-friendly interface, easy to set up
- Great for small to medium-sized businesses
Cons:
- May lack advanced features for large enterprises
- Customization options can be limited for specific needs
Ideal For: Small to medium B2B sales teams looking for an affordable, user-friendly lead distribution software.
Pricing: Free for up to three users, paid plans start at approximately $12/user/month.
Zoho CRM Homepage
6. Freshsales
Tagline: AI-powered CRM for capturing, qualifying, and routing leads
Key Features:
- Freddy AI for lead capture, qualification, and routing
- Integration with Freshworks suite for omnichannel communication
- Automation and workflows for efficient lead management
Pros:
- Affordable pricing starting at $9/user/month
- AI-driven features enhance lead qualification and routing
- Seamless integration within the Freshworks ecosystem
Cons:
- May not offer the depth of features for very large enterprises
- Relatively newer player compared to Salesforce or HubSpot
Ideal For: Small to medium B2B sales teams seeking an affordable, AI-powered sales lead management solution.
Pricing: Starts at $9/user/month.
Freshsales Homepage
7. Outplay
Tagline: Automate lead routing and scheduling to boost sales productivity
Key Features:
- Round-robin lead distribution with custom routing rules
- Calendar integration for seamless scheduling
- Lead enrichment and qualification tools
Pros:
- Automates lead follow-up and scheduling effectively
- Cost-effective, as noted by users
- Ideal for growing sales teams and new reps
Cons:
- Primarily focused on outbound sales engagement
- Pricing details not transparently listed
Ideal For: Sales teams, particularly those focused on outbound sales but needing inbound lead assignment capabilities.
Pricing: Not publicly specified, offers a 14-day free trial.
Outplay Homepage
How to Choose the Right Lead Routing Tool
Selecting the right lead routing tool depends on several factors:
- Team Size: Smaller teams might prefer cost-effective solutions like Zoho CRM or Freshsales, while larger enterprises may opt for Salesforce or HubSpot for their scalability.
- Existing CRM: Ensure the tool integrates seamlessly with your current CRM. For example, LeanData is excellent for Salesforce users, while HubSpot and Zoho CRM offer their own integrated solutions.
- Complexity of Routing Rules: Simple routing needs can be met by tools like Chili Piper or Outplay, while complex requirements may necessitate Salesforce or HubSpot’s advanced workflows.
- Budget: Consider the total cost, including setup fees, subscriptions, and additional costs for integrations or customizations.
Integration with the best CRM software is critical for seamless data flow and operational efficiency. Testing tools through demos or free trials is highly recommended to ensure they align with your sales tech stack and team dynamics.