What is customermates?

Customermates is an open-core CRM for managing people, companies, opportunities, services, and to-dos. It adds AI agent workflows through MCP, a REST API with OpenAPI docs, webhooks, and n8n automation. You can self-host it via Docker Compose with PostgreSQL 16, or use the managed cloud with an EU-hosted database. The Community Edition (code outside ee/) is AGPL-3.0-only; Enterprise features like unified inbox, SSO, and whitelabeling are source-available under a commercial license and require a commercial agreement for production use. Self-hosted instances include the core CRM, API, MCP endpoint, webhooks, audit logging, role-based access control, and multi-workspace support, but lack the unified inbox, calendar sync, and hosted AI assistant (Mate).

Should you self-host customermates?

customermates scores 48/100 on selfhost.directory (how scoring works) and ranks #16 of 21 in CRM. It has 222 GitHub stars.

It shipped 1 stable release in the past year. The latest, v.1.1.0, came out on 27 March 2026.

Setup is moderate: expect some configuration beyond a single command. An official Docker image is available. It is AGPL-3.0-licensed and written mostly in Typescript.

Its closest alternative on selfhost.directory is BottleCRM (61/100, 2 459 stars). It scores higher overall, so compare the two before you pick. See customermates vs BottleCRM side by side.

Features

AI Agent Workflows (MCP)
Audit Logging
Contact Management
Dashboards & Reporting
Google/Microsoft OAuth Sign-In
Multi-workspace
n8n Automation
Pipeline & Kanban Views
REST API with OpenAPI
Role-based Access Control
Scheduled routinesCloud feature; Mate AI assistant not available self-hosted
Single Sign-On (SSO)Enterprise feature; requires commercial agreement for self-hosted
Unified inboxCloud feature from Pro plan; not available in self-hosted
Webhooks

FAQ

How do I install and self-host Customermates with Docker Compose?

Fetch docker-compose.yml and .env.selfhost.template from the repo, fill in .env with required values (POSTGRES_PASSWORD, BETTER_AUTH_SECRET, BASE_URL, RESEND_API_KEY, RESEND_OPERATOR_EMAIL), then run docker compose up -d.

Which features are not available when self-hosting?

Self-hosted uses the Starter feature set. Cloud-only features that stay off: connected messaging accounts (email, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram), unified Inbox, connected calendars, hosted assistant Mate with AI credits, Routines, and AI workspace setup. Enterprise SSO (SAML) and white-labeling are not implemented in either model.

How does the integration with n8n work?

Use the REST API and webhooks, or the published community node, to connect an n8n instance you operate or subscribe to. n8n is a separate product and not bundled with Customermates.

Can one login use several workspaces?

Yes, one login can belong to several fully separate workspaces (e.g., one for sales, one for bookkeeping) and switch between them. Each workspace has its own plan, subscription, and invoices.

What counts as a connected account?

A connected account is one linked mailbox, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Instagram, or Telegram profile that belongs to a single user. Pro includes 1 per user, Business 3, Max 10, Enterprise unlimited under fair use.

How does your CRM remain reliable long-term?

They grow organically and invest directly in the product and support, keeping the product maintained for the long term.

Why is your CRM so affordable?

They operate without investors and deliberately keep costs low, allowing them to keep prices low for customers.

What is an AI-native CRM?

A CRM built for AI agents from the start where conversations and records share one context. AI agents read that context within your permissions, draft replies, and update records.