Insightly vs FreshBooks
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Insightly
Insightly is a CRM and project management platform designed for growing businesses. It uniquely combines sales pipeline management with post-sale project delivery so teams can manage the full customer lifecycle in one place. Insightly is popular with professional services firms and companies that need to track complex projects alongside their sales pipeline.
FreshBooks
FreshBooks is an accounting and invoicing platform designed specifically for freelancers, self-employed professionals, and small service-based businesses. It is known for its exceptional ease of use and beautiful invoicing tools. FreshBooks focuses on making accounting simple for non-accountants who just need to track income, expenses, and get paid quickly.
Pros
- ✓Unique combination of CRM and project management in one tool
- ✓Good free plan for up to 2 users
- ✓Strong workflow automation on paid plans
- ✓Good fit for professional services businesses
Cons
- ✗Interface feels dated compared to modern CRM tools
- ✗Customer support can be slow on lower tiers
- ✗Mobile app is less polished than competitors
Pros
- ✓Easiest accounting software to learn and use — ideal for non-accountants
- ✓Beautiful, professional invoice templates
- ✓Built-in time tracking and project management
- ✓Excellent mobile app for tracking expenses on the go
Cons
- ✗Not suitable for product-based businesses needing inventory management
- ✗Limited features for complex accounting needs
- ✗More expensive than competitors for what you get on lower tiers
- ✗Payroll requires third-party integration
Insightly vs FreshBooks: Side by Side
| Factor | Insightly | FreshBooks |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $19/mo |
| Best For | Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform | Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Insightly Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓project management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓email marketing
- ✓reporting
- ✓integrations
FreshBooks Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project management
- ✓payments
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓mobile app
- ✓client portal
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Insightly if growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform. Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting.
Best For
Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform
Best For
Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting
Also Consider
If neither Insightly nor FreshBooks 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 Insightly and FreshBooks?
Insightly is best for growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform. FreshBooks is best for freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting.
Which is better, Insightly or FreshBooks?
Choose Insightly if growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform. Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting.
How much does Insightly cost?
Insightly starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does FreshBooks cost?
FreshBooks starts at $19/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Insightly?
Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform
Who should use FreshBooks?
Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting