SugarCRM vs Insightly
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
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
- ✓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
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
SugarCRM vs Insightly: Side by Side
| Factor | SugarCRM | Insightly |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $19/user/mo | Free |
| Best For | Mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable CRM with full data control | Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform |
| Our Pick | — | — |
SugarCRM Features
- ✓Sales automation
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓customer service management
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓mobile app
- ✓API access
Insightly Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓project management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓email marketing
- ✓reporting
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose SugarCRM if mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable crm with full data control. Choose Insightly if 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
Best For
Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform
How SugarCRM and Insightly 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 SugarCRM nor Insightly 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 SugarCRM and Insightly?
SugarCRM is best for mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable crm with full data control. Insightly is best for growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform.
Which is better, SugarCRM or Insightly?
Choose SugarCRM if mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable crm with full data control. Choose Insightly if growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform.
How much does SugarCRM cost?
SugarCRM starts at $19/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Insightly cost?
Insightly starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use SugarCRM?
Mid-size businesses needing a highly customizable CRM with full data control
Who should use Insightly?
Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform