Close vs Microsoft Project
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
Close is our recommended pick for most teams — inside sales teams doing high-volume outbound calling and emailing.
Try Close →Read our full Close review →Close
Close is a CRM built specifically for inside sales teams that do high-volume outreach via phone, email, and SMS. It has built-in calling, emailing, and SMS so sales reps can reach out to prospects without switching tools. Close is designed to maximize sales productivity for teams that rely on outbound sales.
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project is the long-standing enterprise project management standard offering advanced scheduling, resource management, and portfolio tracking. Deep integration with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
Pros
- ✓Best-in-class built-in calling and email sequencing
- ✓Designed specifically for high-volume inside sales teams
- ✓Strong reporting on sales activity and performance
- ✓Fast and efficient interface for power users
Cons
- ✗Expensive compared to general-purpose CRMs
- ✗Overkill for teams that do low-volume or inbound-only sales
- ✗Limited marketing automation features
Pros
- ✓Industry standard for complex project scheduling
- ✓Powerful Gantt and resource management
- ✓Deep Microsoft 365 integration
- ✓Strong portfolio management
- ✓Trusted by enterprises globally
Cons
- ✗Steep learning curve
- ✗Expensive licensing
- ✗Feels dated compared to modern tools
- ✗Overkill for simple projects
- ✗Limited real-time collaboration
Close vs Microsoft Project: Side by Side
| Factor | Close | Microsoft Project |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.3/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $49/user/mo | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Inside sales teams doing high-volume outbound calling and emailing | Enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and Microsoft 365 integration |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
Close Features
- ✓Built-in calling
- ✓email sequences
- ✓SMS
- ✓lead management
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓reporting
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓power dialer
Microsoft Project Features
- ✓Project scheduling
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓resource management
- ✓task tracking
- ✓portfolio management
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Close
PaidStarts at $49/user/mo
Free: $0 · Starter: $49/user/mo · Basic: $99/user/mo · Professional: $149/user/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
Close
- →Inside sales teams making high volumes of calls
- →SaaS companies with outbound sales motions
- →Startups wanting CRM with built-in calling and email
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
Close is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Field sales teams needing mobile-first tools
- ✗Companies needing complex territory management
- ✗Businesses without a dedicated sales team
Integrations
Close
Zapier, Slack, Zoom, Gmail, Outlook, HubSpot, Salesforce, Twilio
Our Take
Choose Close if inside sales teams doing high-volume outbound calling and emailing. Choose Microsoft Project if enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and microsoft 365 integration.
Best For
Inside sales teams doing high-volume outbound calling and emailing
Best For
Enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and Microsoft 365 integration
Also Consider
If neither Close nor Microsoft Project is the right fit, Monday.com CRM is worth evaluating.
Monday.com CRM
Teams that want CRM and project management combined in one visual platform
From $12/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Close and Microsoft Project?
Close is best for inside sales teams doing high-volume outbound calling and emailing. Microsoft Project is best for enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and microsoft 365 integration.
Which is better, Close or Microsoft Project?
Choose Close if inside sales teams doing high-volume outbound calling and emailing. Choose Microsoft Project if enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and microsoft 365 integration.
How much does Close cost?
Close starts at $49/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Microsoft Project cost?
Visit Microsoft Project website for current pricing.
Who should use Close?
Inside sales teams doing high-volume outbound calling and emailing
Who should use Microsoft Project?
Enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and Microsoft 365 integration