Close vs Insightly: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Close and Insightly comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Close
Sales CRM for closers
Best for you if:
- • CRM built for inside sales teams
- • Built-in calling, SMS, and email
Insightly
Modern, scalable CRM platform with AI, marketing automation, and customer service for growing businesses.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Unified CRM, marketing automation, and customer service platform.
- • AI-powered features like Copilot automate tasks and enhance sales efficiency.
| At a Glance |  Close |  Insightly |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | CRM | CRM |
Rating | 85/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Close | Insightly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | CRMSales Engagement | CRMSales Engagement |
Understanding the Differences
Both Close and Insightly solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Close positions itself as "sales crm for closers" while Insightlyfocuses on "modern, scalable crm platform with ai, marketing automation, and customer service for growing businesses.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Close
Close makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Insightly
Insightly is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Insightly won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Insightly
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Insightly is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Insightly
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Close is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Close
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Insightly has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Close higher (85/100). But the community has upvoted Insightly more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Close Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Insightly If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Close (85/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Close scores higher in our analysis, but Insightly might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Close or Insightly better?
Based on our analysis, Close scores higher with 85/100. Close ispaid while Insightly is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Close to Insightly easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Close and Insightly offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Close is paid with potential trial.Insightly is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.