Quick answer: Zoho is a company that makes online software for running a business. Its apps cover sales, email, HR, accounting, stock and customer support. You can use one app, such as Zoho CRM or Zoho Mail, or buy many together in a bundle called Zoho One. Several apps have free plans.
What does Zoho do?
Zoho builds cloud software, which means you use it in a browser or phone app instead of installing it on one computer. Its website lists more than 55 business apps. Most businesses only need a few of them.
Think of Zoho as one company with many tools, like a shop with different departments. You don’t have to buy from every department.
The main Zoho apps
| App | What it’s for | Our guide |
|---|---|---|
| Zoho CRM | Tracking leads, customers and deals | Zoho CRM |
| Zoho Mail | Business email on your own domain | Zoho Mail |
| Zoho People | Staff records, leave and HR | Zoho People |
| Zoho Books | Accounting | Zoho Books |
| Zoho Inventory | Stock and orders | Zoho Inventory |
| Zoho Billing | Quotes, invoices and subscriptions | Zoho Billing |
| Zoho Desk | Customer support tickets | Zoho Desk |
Is Zoho free?
Partly. Some apps have free plans, but they have limits. These are the limits we saw on Zoho’s pages:
| App | Free plan limit |
|---|---|
| Zoho CRM | 3 users |
| Zoho Mail | 5 users, 5 GB each, some regions only |
| Zoho People | 5 users |
| Zoho Desk | 3 users |
| Zoho Inventory | 50 orders, 1 user, 2 locations |
| Zoho Books | 1 user plus 1 accountant, with revenue and invoice limits |
Free plans are good for trying an app or for a very small team. Check the limits before you build your business around one.
What is Zoho One?
Zoho One is a bundle. Zoho’s website says it includes 45+ apps, with a 30-day free trial and no card details needed. It doesn’t include every Zoho app, so check that the ones you need are on the list.
Pay attention to the licence type. One Zoho One option requires a licence for all your employees. Another lets you buy for any number of users, but costs more per person. The price depends on your country and plan, so use Zoho’s pricing page.
One app or Zoho One?
| Choose | If |
|---|---|
| A single app | You have one clear problem, such as needing a CRM or business email |
| Zoho One | You’ll use many apps and want one bill and shared data |
| A free plan | You’re small and want to try before you pay |
Start small if you’re unsure. It’s easier to add apps later than to set up 45 apps you’ll never open.
Who is Zoho good for?
- Small and growing businesses that want many tools from one company
- Teams that want to keep software costs under control
- Businesses happy to spend some time setting things up
It may suit you less if you need very simple tools or want a lot of hands-on help. Public reviews are mixed on this. Capterra’s Zoho One reviews often praise the value but also mention slow support and bugs. We haven’t measured either ourselves, so try the app with your own work first.
Who owns Zoho?
Zoho’s own timeline says the company began as AdventNet in New Jersey in 1996. It later became Zoho Corporation. Public sources name Sridhar Vembu and Tony Thomas as founders and describe it as a privately held company. Zoho’s timeline also marks a milestone of more than 100 million users.
Is Zoho legit?
Yes, Zoho is a long-running software company. Scammers do copy its name, though. Reports describe fake “password expired” emails that lead to copied Zoho sign-in pages. Learn how to spot them in our Zoho login help guide.
Zoho FAQ
What is Zoho used for?
Mainly for running a business: selling, email, HR, accounting, stock and customer support.
Is Zoho a CRM?
Zoho is the company. Zoho CRM is one of its apps.
Is Zoho the same as Zoho One?
No. Zoho One is a bundle of many Zoho apps.
Does Zoho have an app?
Yes. Many Zoho products have mobile apps. Zoho’s product page has a section for mobile and desktop apps.
Is this the official Zoho website?
No. This is an independent guide. The official website is zoho.com.
Checked against Zoho’s official pages on 1 November 2026. ZohoSoftwares Guide is independent and is not run by Zoho. Plans, limits and prices change and can differ by country, so confirm them on Zoho’s website.
Sources: About Zoho, All Zoho products, Zoho One