SugarCRM vs Nutshell CRM: Which CRM Wins in 2025?

by | Last updated May 28, 2025

Winner
sugarcrm
9.0
  • Sales Automation
  • Integration
  • Marketing Automation
  • Landing Pages
  • Security Overview
  • Free trial available
  • Paid Plans from $19/month
Runner Up
Nutshell CRM
7.0
  • Email & Calendar Sync
  • Pipeline Management
  • Team Collaboration
  • Sales Automation
  • Marketing Automation
  • Free plan available
  • Paid Plans from $13/month
SugarCRM vs Nutshell CRM

Picking a CRM is tough. You need one that helps your business grow.

SugarCRM and Nutshell CRM? They seem good. But which one is really better? 

Imagine your team struggling with a clunky system. Sales are down. 

You need a clear answer. You need a CRM that works.

In this article, we’ll compare SugarCRM vs Nutshell CRM.

We’ll look at features, prices, and ease of use. By the end, you’ll know which CRM will win in 2025.

Let’s find your best fit.

Overview

To give you a real, helpful comparison, we’ve gone hands-on.

Our team tested both SugarCRM and Nutshell CRM.

We explored their features, used their interfaces, and looked at their pricing.

This lets us give you a clear, honest view.

SugarCRM CTA

Businesses using SugarCRM see an average 15% improvement in sales.

9out of 10

Pricing: It has a free trial. The premium plan starts at $19/month.

Key Features:

  • Advanced Customization.
  • Sales Forecasting.
  • Workflow Automation.
Nutshell CRM CTA

Ready to simplify your sales process? Nutshell, known for its ease of use.

7out of 10

Pricing: It has a free plan. The premium plan starts at $13/month.

Key Features:

  • Simplified Interface
  • Strong Email Marketing
  • Easy Pipeline Management.

What is SugarCRM?

SugarCRM? It’s a powerful CRM. Think big. It’s built for companies that need lots of customization.

You can make it fit the exact needs. It’s strong for sales and marketing.

But, it can be complex.

Also, explore our favorite SugarCRM alternatives

SugarCRM CTA
SugarCRM
9.0

Businesses using SugarCRM see an average 15% improvement in sales cycle efficiency. Use it today!

Key Benefits

  • Advanced customization is powerful.
  • Sales forecasting is precise.
  • Automation saves significant time.
  • Improved sales cycle efficiency by 15%.

Pricing

All the plans will be billed annually.

  • Essentials: $19/user/month, three users minimum.
  • Standard: $59/user/month, ten users minimum.
  • Advanced: $85/user/month, ten users minimum.
  • Premier: $135/user/month, ten users minimum.
image 32

Pros

  • Highly customizable platform.
  • Robust workflow automation.
  • Strong sales forecasting tools.
  • Good for complex sales processes.
  • Scales well with large teams.

Cons

  • Steeper learning curve.
  • Interface can feel outdated.
  • Initial setup takes time.
  • Higher cost than some rivals.

What is Nutshell CRM?

Nutshell CRM is different. It’s simple and easy to use, and it’s built for small and medium businesses.

Do you want a quick setup? Nutshell is good. 

It focuses on sales and helps teams work together.

Also, explore our favorite Nutshell alternatives

Nutshell CRM CTA
Nutshell
7.0

Ready to boost your sales? Nutshell users report seeing a 20% increase in closed deals on average.

Key Benefits

  • Streamlined Sales Process: Nutshell emphasizes clear pipeline visualization. It helps you move deals forward.
  • Team Collaboration: Built-in tools support team selling. Everyone stays on the same page.
  • Reporting & Analytics: Gain insights into sales performance. Track key metrics easily.
  • Integration Options: Connect with other business tools. Extend Nutshell’s functionality.
  • Automation Features: Automate repetitive tasks. Save time and boost productivity.

Pricing

All the plans will be billed annually.

  • Foundation: $13/user/month.
  • Growth: $25/user/month.
  • Pro: $42/user/month.
  • Business: $59/user/month.
  • Enterprise: $79/user/month.
Nutshell CRM Pricing

Pros

  • Easy-to-use interface.
  • Excellent pipeline management.
  • Strong team collaboration tools.
  • Helpful sales reporting features.
  • Good integration options..

Cons

  • Can be expensive for small teams.
  • Limited customization options.
  • Mobile app could be improved.
  • Some features require higher tiers.

Feature Comparison

Let’s dive into the details.

To really see the difference between Nutshell and SugarCRM, we need to compare their key features.

This will show you which CRM software fits your business needs.

1. Contact Management

Nutshell offers simple, intuitive contact management. It’s easy for any rep to use.

SugarCRM, however, provides a more comprehensive system.

You get more custom fields, but it’s more complex.

SugarCRM Integration

2. Email Marketing

SugarCRM has more robust tools for email marketing. It integrates well. 

Nutshell’s tools are basic. If you need advanced campaigns, SugarCRM wins.

3. Analytics

SugarCRM provides detailed analytics and reporting. You can track many metrics.

Nutshell’s analytics are simpler. It gives you key sales data.

Both have dashboards, but SugarCRM’s is more detailed.

4. Platform

The platform of SugarCRM is highly customizable. You can change almost anything.

The nutshell is less flexible. It’s built for ease of use.

If you like customization, SugarCRM is stronger.

5. Customer Relationship Management

Both are strong in customer relationship management.

SugarCRM is better for big companies. Nutshell is good for smaller teams.

The right choice depends on your business size.

6. Vendor Support

SugarCRM, as a larger vendor, offers more support options.

You get more resources. Nutshell has good support, too. But it’s less extensive.

7. Screenshots and User Interface

Nutshell has a cleaner, modern look. SugarCRM’s interface is older.

Nutshell is easier to navigate. This is important for daily Nutshellen.

When comparing Nutshell vs SugarCRM, the user interface is very different.

Nutshell CRM Sales Automation

What to Look for in a CRM?

  • Scalability: Can it grow with your business?
  • Ease of Use: Is it intuitive for your team?
  • Integration: Does it connect with your other tools?
  • Customization: Can you tailor it to your needs?
  • Support: Does the vendor offer reliable help?
  • Budget: Does the pricing align with your resources?
  • Mobile Access: Can you use it on the go?

Final Verdict

So, which one wins? For most small to mid-sized teams, Nutshell CRM is the better choice.

It’s easy to use. It’s also cheaper. You get good sales tools.

If you need lots of customization, SugarCRM is strong.

But it’s complex. We tested both. We know Nutshellks.

We think Nutshell helps teams sell more. It’s simple and effective.

You want a CRM that’s easy? Nutshell is it.

More of SugarCRM

Here’s a brief comparison of SugarCRM with these software solutions:

  • SugarCRM vs Gohighlevel: SugarCRM is a comprehensive CRM focused on sales, marketing, and service, offering extensive customization; GoHighLevel is an all-in-one platform for agencies, emphasizing marketing automation, lead generation, and sales tools.
  • SugarCRM vs Pipedrive: SugarCRM provides broad customization and flexible deployment for various business needs; Pipedrive is a sales-focused CRM with a visual pipeline, prioritizing ease of use for small to medium businesses.
  • SugarCRM vs Keap: SugarCRM offers robust, highly customizable CRM features for sales and marketing automation, scaling for larger teams; Keap (formerly Infusionsoft) is a marketing automation and sales CRM designed primarily for small businesses.
  • SugarCRM vs ActiveCampaign: SugarCRM focuses on extensive sales management and customization for complex pipelines; ActiveCampaign excels in user-friendly marketing automation, email campaigns, and lead segmentation.
  • SugarCRM vs HubSpot: SugarCRM provides deep customization and flexible deployment for tailored solutions; HubSpot offers an intuitive, integrated suite of marketing, sales, and service tools known for its ease of use.
  • SugarCRM vs Clickfunnels: SugarCRM is a robust customer relationship management platform; ClickFunnels is a specialized tool for building sales funnels, landing pages, and automating sales processes.
  • SugarCRM vs Folk: SugarCRM is a powerful, customizable CRM for comprehensive business needs; Folk is a modern, collaborative contact management tool that emphasizes simplicity and ease of use.
  • SugarCRM vs Instantly: SugarCRM offers a broad CRM solution for sales force automation and customer management; Instantly specializes in automated cold email outreach and lead generation campaigns.
  • SugarCRM vs ClickUp: SugarCRM is a dedicated CRM for sales, marketing, and service automation; ClickUp is a versatile work management platform that includes CRM functionalities alongside project and task management.
  • SugarCRM vs Monday: SugarCRM offers extensive customization and robust automation for sales and marketing; Monday CRM provides highly visual, customizable workflows for various business processes, including CRM.
  • SugarCRM vs Capsule CRM: SugarCRM delivers a highly customizable and scalable CRM with advanced features; Capsule CRM is a simpler, more affordable contact management solution for small to medium-sized businesses.
  • SugarCRM vs Insightly: SugarCRM offers extensive customization for complex sales processes and reporting; Insightly combines CRM with project management, focusing on ease of use for small to medium businesses.
  • SugarCRM vs Freshsales: SugarCRM provides deep customization and advanced automation for sales and marketing; Freshsales CRM offers an intuitive interface with AI-powered lead scoring and integrated sales automation.
  • SugarCRM vs Salesforce: SugarCRM offers an open-source option with significant customization potential; Salesforce is a leading cloud-based CRM with extensive features, broad integrations, and a vast ecosystem, albeit at a higher complexity.

More of Nutshell CRM

Here’s a brief comparison of Nutshell CRM with these software solutions:

  • Nutshell CRM vs GoHighLevel: Nutshell CRM is a sales-focused CRM that emphasizes ease of use and pipeline management, while GoHighLevel offers a broader suite of marketing, sales, and agency management tools.
  • Nutshell CRM vs Pipedrive: Nutshell CRM offers user-friendly contact management and sales automation, while Pipedrive is renowned for its highly visual and customizable sales pipeline.
  • Nutshell CRM vs Keap: Nutshell CRM focuses on simplifying sales processes and collaboration; Keap provides advanced marketing automation and lead management features.
  • Nutshell CRM vs ActiveCampaign: Nutshell CRM streamlines sales and contact tracking, while ActiveCampaign excels at sophisticated marketing automation, segmentation, and email campaigns.
  • Nutshell CRM vs Hubspot: Nutshell CRM offers an intuitive interface for sales pipeline management and customer relationships, while HubSpot provides an extensive all-in-one platform for marketing, sales, and service.
  • Nutshell CRM vs Clickfunnels: Nutshell CRM is a dedicated sales-focused CRM; ClickFunnels specializes in building sales funnels and landing pages to drive conversions.
  • Nutshell CRM vs Folk: Nutshell CRM is a sales-focused CRM with robust reporting and pipeline management; Folk emphasizes collaborative contact organization and AI-powered enrichment.
  • Nutshell CRM vs Instantly: Nutshell CRM focuses on managing sales pipelines and customer interactions, while Instantly is geared towards high-volume cold email outreach and lead generation.
  • Nutshell CRM vs ClickUp: Nutshell CRM is a specialized tool for sales and customer relationship management, while ClickUp is a versatile work management platform that includes CRM functionalities.
  • Nutshell CRM vs Monday CRM: Nutshell CRM provides a streamlined sales process with clear pipeline visualization; Monday CRM offers highly customizable visual workflows and strong team collaboration across various functions.
  • Nutshell CRM vs Capsule CRM: Nutshell CRM focuses on intuitive sales pipeline management and automation; Capsule CRM is a simpler contact manager primarily for tracking sales opportunities.
  • Nutshell CRM vs Insightly: Nutshell CRM emphasizes ease of use for small business sales teams; Insightly offers a more comprehensive CRM with additional project management capabilities.
  • Nutshell CRM vs Freshsales CRM: Nutshell CRM provides an easy-to-use sales pipeline and team collaboration; Freshsales CRM includes AI-driven insights and broader sales force automation.
  • Nutshell CRM vs Salesforce: Nutshell CRM offers a straightforward, affordable solution for small to mid-sized businesses; Salesforce is a highly scalable, feature-rich enterprise CRM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SugarCRM or Nutshell CRM better for a small business?

Nutshell CRM is generally better for small businesses. It’s easier to use and more affordable. SugarCRM is more complex and geared towards larger companies with specific customization needs.

Can I customize Nutshell CRM like I can with SugarCRM?

No, Nutshell CRM offers less customization than SugarCRM. SugarCRM allows for the extensive tailoring of fields Nutshellflows, while Nutshell focuses on simplicity and ease of use.

Which CRM has better email marketing tools?

SugarCRM has more robust email marketing features, integrates well, and allows for advanced campaigns. Nutshell’s email tools are more basic and suitable for simple outreach.

How quickly can I set up Nutshell CRM?

Nutshell CRM is well known for its easy setup. Many users report getting it running in under 30 minutes. It’s designed for quick implementation.

Which CRM offers better sales forecasting?

SugarCRM offers strong sales forecasting tools, allowing you to predict sales with greater accuracy. Nutshell focuses more on pipeline management and team collaboration.

Fahim Joharder

Fahim Joharder

Author

A tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for AI and software innovations. He simplifies complex topics to help readers stay ahead in the digital world.

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