Pilot vs Insightly
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Pilot
Pilot is a managed accounting service that combines software with a dedicated team of bookkeepers to handle your books each month. Built for startups and small businesses that want accounting done for them.
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.
Pros
- ✓Fully managed bookkeeping service
- ✓Dedicated finance experts included
- ✓Built specifically for startups
- ✓Integrates with common startup tools
- ✓Good for venture-backed companies
Cons
- ✗More expensive than DIY software
- ✗Less control over day-to-day bookkeeping
- ✗Not suited for businesses wanting to manage their own books
- ✗US-focused
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
Pilot vs Insightly: Side by Side
| Factor | Pilot | Insightly |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Free |
| Best For | Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software | Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Pilot Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓tax preparation
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓dedicated bookkeeper
- ✓cash flow management
- ✓integrations
Insightly Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓project management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓email marketing
- ✓reporting
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Choose Insightly if growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform.
Best For
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software
Best For
Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform
Also Consider
If neither Pilot nor Insightly is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Pilot and Insightly?
Pilot is best for startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Insightly is best for growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform.
Which is better, Pilot or Insightly?
Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Choose Insightly if growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform.
How much does Pilot cost?
Visit Pilot website for current pricing.
How much does Insightly cost?
Insightly starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Pilot?
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software
Who should use Insightly?
Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform