Close vs SugarCRM: CRM Comparison (2026)

Close and SugarCRM are both CRM platforms with distinct feature sets and target users. Close offers AI-powered sales features, a free tier, and flexible pricing with potential usage-based increases. SugarCRM focuses on comprehensive CRM functionalities, advanced analytics, and extensive customization, but requires a minimum of 15 users.

AI Citation Scorecard

How often each is cited by major AI engines when buyers ask crm questions. Last 90 days across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude, and Copilot.

SugarCRM leads overall9% cited vs Close 5% across 232 probes.
ChatGPT
Close
3 / 23 probes
13%
Below average
SugarCRM
3 / 23 probes
13%
Below average
Perplexity
Close
0 / 23 probes
0%
Invisible
SugarCRMLeads
3 / 23 probes
13%
Below average
Gemini
Close
0 / 23 probes
0%
Invisible
SugarCRMLeads
1 / 23 probes
4%
Poor
Claude
Close
2 / 30 probes
7%
Below average
SugarCRM
2 / 30 probes
7%
Below average
Copilot
Close
1 / 17 probes
6%
Below average
SugarCRMLeads
2 / 17 probes
12%
Below average
Scale:NoneLowFairStrongExcellent

Probes run hourly; each (engine × query) combo retests every ~3 days.

Pricing

Close
Starting price
$9/user/month
Free tier
Yes
close.com
SugarCRM
Starting price
$59/user/month
Free tier
sugarcrm.com

Key Features

Close
  • AI sales agent Chloe
  • Monthly AI credits per user
  • Automated workflows
  • Customizable CRM features
  • Multi-channel inbox view
  • Lead activity timeline
  • Email and SMS templates
  • Real-time activity reporting
SugarCRM
  • Accounts & contact management
  • Opportunity tracking
  • Pipeline management
  • Business process management
  • Reporting & analytics
  • Mobility
  • Enhanced support
  • Predictive lead scoring

When to choose Close

Close is suitable for users looking for AI-powered sales tools, a free tier option, and automated workflows. It offers features like AI sales agent Chloe, monthly AI credits, and multi-channel inbox view. Integrations include Zapier, Calendly, and AI models like ChatGPT and Claude.

When to choose SugarCRM

SugarCRM is more appropriate for larger organizations needing extensive customization, advanced analytics, and comprehensive CRM capabilities without a free tier. It offers features such as predictive lead scoring, business process management, and enhanced support. Integrations include Mail & calendar, Sugar Intelligence, and LinkedIn connector.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in pricing and free tiers?
Close offers a starting price of $9/user/month and includes a free tier, though with limitations and potential price increases based on usage. SugarCRM starts at $59/user/month, does not offer a free tier, and requires a minimum of 15 users.
What artificial intelligence features do Close and SugarCRM offer?
Close provides an AI sales agent named Chloe and monthly AI credits per user. It integrates with AI models like ChatGPT and Claude. SugarCRM offers predictive lead scoring as an AI-powered feature.
What are the main sales and CRM features of each platform?
Close focuses on sales features like automated workflows, customizable CRM features, multi-channel inbox views, lead activity timelines, and real-time activity reporting, along with email and SMS templates. SugarCRM provides accounts and contact management, opportunity tracking, pipeline management, business process management, reporting and analytics, and mobility.
What integrations are available for each CRM?
Close integrates with Zapier, Calendly, Segment, ChatGPT, Claude, and Zoom. SugarCRM offers integrations with mail and calendar, Sugar Intelligence, LinkedIn connector, and sales-i.

More CRM Comparisons