Jira vs Freshsales
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Jira
Jira is the leading project management tool for software development teams, built by Atlassian. It supports agile methodologies including Scrum and Kanban with powerful sprint planning, backlog management, and bug tracking. Jira is used by over 65,000 companies worldwide and is the de facto standard for software engineering project management.
Freshsales
Freshsales is an AI-powered CRM platform designed to help sales teams attract, engage, and close deals faster. It offers built-in phone, email, and chat alongside a powerful AI assistant called Freddy. Freshsales is part of the Freshworks ecosystem and is known for its clean interface and strong automation tools.
Pros
- ✓Industry standard for software development teams
- ✓Extremely powerful and customizable for agile workflows
- ✓Deep integration with developer tools like GitHub, Bitbucket, and Confluence
- ✓Strong reporting on sprint velocity and team performance
Cons
- ✗Steep learning curve for non-technical teams
- ✗Can be complex to configure and administer
- ✗Interface feels cluttered compared to modern tools
- ✗Overkill for non-software project management needs
Pros
- ✓Built-in phone and email saves money on integrations
- ✓Strong AI features including lead scoring and deal insights
- ✓Clean modern interface with good user adoption
- ✓Generous free plan available
Cons
- ✗Advanced features require higher tier plans
- ✗Reporting could be more customizable
- ✗Less brand recognition than HubSpot or Salesforce
Jira vs Freshsales: Side by Side
| Factor | Jira | Freshsales |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| Best For | Software development and engineering teams using agile methodologies | SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Jira Features
- ✓Agile boards
- ✓sprint planning
- ✓backlog management
- ✓bug and issue tracking
- ✓roadmaps
- ✓reporting
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓integrations
- ✓API access
Freshsales Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓built-in phone and email
- ✓AI lead scoring
- ✓deal management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓reporting
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Jira if software development and engineering teams using agile methodologies. Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools.
Best For
Software development and engineering teams using agile methodologies
Best For
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools
Also Consider
If neither Jira nor Freshsales is the right fit, Wrike is worth evaluating.
Wrike
Marketing and creative teams needing enterprise project management with approvals and proofing
From Free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Jira and Freshsales?
Jira is best for software development and engineering teams using agile methodologies. Freshsales is best for smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools.
Which is better, Jira or Freshsales?
Choose Jira if software development and engineering teams using agile methodologies. Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools.
How much does Jira cost?
Jira starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Freshsales cost?
Freshsales starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Jira?
Software development and engineering teams using agile methodologies
Who should use Freshsales?
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools