Insightly vs Oyster HR
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.
Oyster HR
Oyster HR is a global employment platform that makes it easy for companies to hire, pay, and care for employees in 180+ countries. It handles employer of record services, global payroll, and locally compliant benefits. Oyster is known for its transparent pricing and user-friendly experience for both employers and employees.
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
- ✓Transparent, published pricing with no surprise fees
- ✓Easy-to-use platform for both HR teams and employees
- ✓Strong compliance coverage across 180+ countries
- ✓Equity and stock option management for global teams
Cons
- ✗HR features beyond global employment are limited
- ✗Not ideal for companies that only hire domestically
- ✗Support response times can vary for less common countries
Insightly vs Oyster HR: Side by Side
| Factor | Insightly | Oyster HR |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $29/contractor/mo |
| Best For | Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform | Remote-first companies hiring internationally |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Insightly Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓project management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓email marketing
- ✓reporting
- ✓integrations
Oyster HR Features
- ✓EOR services
- ✓global payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓compliance
- ✓contractor management
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Insightly if growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform. Choose Oyster HR if remote-first companies hiring internationally.
Best For
Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform
Best For
Remote-first companies hiring internationally
Also Consider
If neither Insightly nor Oyster HR 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 Oyster HR?
Insightly is best for growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform. Oyster HR is best for remote-first companies hiring internationally.
Which is better, Insightly or Oyster HR?
Choose Insightly if growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform. Choose Oyster HR if remote-first companies hiring internationally.
How much does Insightly cost?
Insightly starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Oyster HR cost?
Oyster HR starts at $29/contractor/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Insightly?
Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform
Who should use Oyster HR?
Remote-first companies hiring internationally