Insightly vs SugarCRM
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.
SugarCRM
SugarCRM is an open-source CRM platform that offers highly customizable sales, marketing, and customer service tools for mid-size and enterprise businesses. It gives companies full control over their CRM data and workflows, making it popular with businesses that have specific customization or data sovereignty requirements.
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
- ✓Highly customizable to fit complex business processes
- ✓Open-source option gives full data control
- ✓Strong sales and marketing automation
- ✓Good value for mid-market companies
Cons
- ✗Requires technical resources to implement and customize
- ✗Interface is less modern than competitors
- ✗Steeper learning curve than simpler CRM tools
Insightly vs SugarCRM: Side by Side
| Factor | Insightly | SugarCRM |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $19/user/mo |
| Best For | Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform | Mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable CRM with full data control |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Insightly Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓project management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓email marketing
- ✓reporting
- ✓integrations
SugarCRM Features
- ✓Sales automation
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓customer service management
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓mobile app
- ✓API access
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Insightly if growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform. Choose SugarCRM if mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable crm with full data control.
Best For
Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform
Best For
Mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable CRM with full data control
How Insightly and SugarCRM Are Similar
- •Both are CRM Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither Insightly nor SugarCRM 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 SugarCRM?
Insightly is best for growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform. SugarCRM is best for mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable crm with full data control.
Which is better, Insightly or SugarCRM?
Choose Insightly if growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform. Choose SugarCRM if mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable crm with full data control.
How much does Insightly cost?
Insightly starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does SugarCRM cost?
SugarCRM starts at $19/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Insightly?
Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform
Who should use SugarCRM?
Mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable CRM with full data control