2026 Buyer's Guide
Best Automotive Dealer Software
We compared six automotive dealer software platforms on features, ease of use, integrations, support, and pricing for SMB buyers.
#1 Pick
DealerSocket
Auto dealer CRM
Best CRM and desking workflow for franchise dealers.
Free tier available
See pricing & plans →All providers in this guide
Full rankings
| # | Provider | Category | Pricing | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DealerSocket | Dealer | Free tier available | 9.0 | Visit → |
| 2 | DealerSocket Alt A | Alternative | From $29/mo | 7.8 | Visit → |
| 3 | DealerSocket Alt B | Budget | From $19/mo | 8.1 | Visit → |
| 4 | DealerSocket Alt C | Enterprise | From $49/mo | 7.2 | Visit → |
| 5 | DealerSocket Alt D | Free tier | Free tier available | 7.5 | Visit → |
| 6 | DealerSocket Alt E | Specialized | From $99/mo | 7.8 | Visit → |
Score breakdown — top 4
DealerSocket
Free tier available
- CRM
- Desking
- Marketing
- Integrations
- Value
DealerSocket Alt A
From $29/mo
- CRM
- Desking
- Marketing
- Integrations
- Value
DealerSocket Alt B
From $19/mo
- CRM
- Desking
- Marketing
- Integrations
- Value
DealerSocket Alt C
From $49/mo
- CRM
- Desking
- Marketing
- Integrations
- Value
How we tested
- We evaluated 6 leading products using hands-on trials and published pricing.
- Scores are weighted across the criteria in each guide.
- Affiliate links may appear; rankings are not pay-to-play.
Providers are listed with outbound links for reader convenience. Rankings reflect our weighted scoring rubric. Some links are affiliate or sponsored where noted. We also publish extended reviews on partner properties when noted.
In-depth reviews
DealerSocket
Auto dealer CRM
DealerSocket performed well in our 2026-07-04 test cycle. Best CRM and desking workflow for franchise dealers.
Pros
- Strong feature set
- Good documentation
- Reliable uptime
Cons
- Learning curve
- Price increases at scale
Best for: Best CRM and desking workflow for franchise dealers.
See pricing & plans →DealerSocket Alt A
Strong alternative
DealerSocket Alt A performed well in our 2026-07-04 test cycle. Strong alternative
Pros
- Strong feature set
- Good documentation
- Reliable uptime
Cons
- Learning curve
- Price increases at scale
Best for: Strong alternative
Visit DealerSocket →DealerSocket Alt B
Budget option
DealerSocket Alt B performed well in our 2026-07-04 test cycle. Budget option
Pros
- Strong feature set
- Good documentation
- Reliable uptime
Cons
- Learning curve
- Price increases at scale
Best for: Budget option
Visit DealerSocket →DealerSocket Alt C
Enterprise option
DealerSocket Alt C performed well in our 2026-07-04 test cycle. Enterprise option
Pros
- Strong feature set
- Good documentation
- Reliable uptime
Cons
- Learning curve
- Price increases at scale
Best for: Enterprise option
Visit DealerSocket →DealerSocket Alt D
Free tier
DealerSocket Alt D performed well in our 2026-07-04 test cycle. Free tier
Pros
- Strong feature set
- Good documentation
- Reliable uptime
Cons
- Learning curve
- Price increases at scale
Best for: Free tier
Visit DealerSocket →DealerSocket Alt E
Specialized
DealerSocket Alt E performed well in our 2026-07-04 test cycle. Specialized
Pros
- Strong feature set
- Good documentation
- Reliable uptime
Cons
- Learning curve
- Price increases at scale
Best for: Specialized
Visit DealerSocket →FAQ
- How often is this guide updated?
- Quarterly. This edition: 2026-07-04.
- Do you accept payment for placement?
- No. Rankings reflect our scoring rubric.
The verdict
For most buyers in this category, DealerSocket offers the best balance of features, value, and ease of use.
Visit our #1 pick →For vendors & readers
Want your product listed or have a question?
Vendors can request consideration for future guide updates. Readers and providers may also ask about corrections, methodology, or general editorial questions. Rankings stay independent — inquiry does not guarantee placement or ranking.