What is the best email tracking for small businesses?

For most small businesses, the **best email tracking tools** tend to be simple, low-cost extensions like **Mailsuite (Mailtrack)**, or lightweight CRMs such as **Streak** or **Salesflare**, depending on whether you just need basic tracking or broader sales/CRM features.[1][2][6]

Below is a breakdown by use case so you can pick the best fit, not just the “top” brand.

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### 1. If you just want simple, cheap tracking in Gmail

**Mailsuite (formerly Mailtrack)**

- **Best for:** Very small teams, solopreneurs, basic tracking in Gmail.[1][6]

- **Key features:**

- Read receipts (double checkmarks when an email is opened).[6]

- Link-click tracking and simple metrics on opens and clicks.[6]

- Chrome extension for Gmail, easy to install and use.[2][6]

- **Pros:**

- Very easy to set up and understand for non-technical users.[2][6]

- Good free plan for low-volume senders.

- **Cons:**

- Free version typically includes branding unless you upgrade.[6]

- Focused on Gmail; not ideal if you use Outlook or other providers.

If your use case is “I send from Gmail and just want to see who opened and clicked,” **Mailsuite/Mailtrack is usually the best starting point**.[1][2][6]

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### 2. If you want tracking + light CRM inside Gmail

**Streak CRM**

- **Best for:** Small businesses already using Gmail that want email tracking plus pipeline management without a complex CRM.[2]

- **Key features:**

- Email open tracking directly inside Gmail.[2]

- Pipelines for deals, projects, or support, all within your inbox.[2]

- Chrome and Safari extensions; integrates seamlessly with Gmail UI.[2]

- **Pros:**

- All-in-one feel for Gmail-based teams—no separate CRM interface.[2]

- Free plan suitable for basic tracking and simple pipelines.

- **Cons:**

- Gmail-only; not for Outlook users.

- Less robust automation and reporting than a full CRM.

If you want **both tracking and simple deal management** without leaving Gmail, **Streak** is a strong “best” choice for small businesses.[2]

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### 3. If you want a full sales CRM with strong tracking

**Salesflare**

- **Best for:** Small B2B teams that want serious sales automation and tracking, not just read receipts.[1]

- **Key features:**

- Email open and click tracking across Gmail and Outlook.[1]

- Automated logging of emails, meetings, and website visits in a CRM.[1]

- Built specifically for small and medium B2B businesses.[1]

- **Pros:**

- Rated very highly for email tracking and automation in 2026.[1]

- Reduces manual data entry, which is valuable as your team grows.[1]

- **Cons:**

- Overkill if you only need simple tracking.

- Paid CRM pricing; more expensive than simple extensions.

If you expect to grow a **small sales team** and care about pipelines and automation, **Salesflare is one of the best all-around options**.[1]

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### 4. Other reputable options small businesses often consider

- **HubSpot Sales Hub**

- Strong email tracking for Gmail and Outlook, plus CRM.[1][3]

- Good free tier, but the full suite can become pricey as you add features/users.

- **Mailbutler**

- Email tracking plus send-later, templates, and productivity add-ons; serves freelancers and small businesses.[1][5]

- Works across several email clients (including Apple Mail in addition to Gmail/Outlook).[5]

- **BIGContacts**

- CRM + email tracking aimed at small businesses and nonprofits, combining contact management with tracked campaigns.[4]

These are best if you want **email tracking tightly connected to a broader marketing or sales stack** and are comfortable with a slightly heavier system.

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### 5. How to choose the “best” one for your small business

Match the tool to your situation:

- **You use Gmail and just need opens & clicks:**

- Start with **Mailsuite/Mailtrack** (simplest, fastest to implement).[1][2][6]

- **You use Gmail and want tracking + basic pipeline:**

- Choose **Streak**.[2]

- **You want a serious sales CRM with tracking (Gmail or Outlook):**

- Choose **Salesflare** or **HubSpot Sales Hub** depending on budget and feature preferences.[1][3]

- **You need multi-client support (e.g., Apple Mail) and productivity tools:**

- Consider **Mailbutler**.[5]

- **You want CRM + email marketing focused on small orgs/nonprofits:**

- Consider **BIGContacts**.[4]

If you tell me:

- which email provider you use (Gmail, Outlook, others),

- how many people will use it, and

- whether you need CRM or just tracking,

I can narrow this down to one or two specific recommendations and suggest a setup path.