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Su

SugarCRM review

A configurable sales platform for midmarket companies

4.0Editor rating
EnterpriseSales teams

Reviewed by the CRM Shortlist editorial team · Last updated

Starting price$19 per user
Free planNo
Key features9 of 12
Founded2004
See plans and pricing
OverviewWho it is forFeaturesPricingPros and consVerdictFAQAlternativesOfficial site

What is SugarCRM?

SugarCRM is one of the longest-standing alternatives to Salesforce in the midmarket. Its sales product, Sugar Sell, offers deep customization, process automation and reporting, and can be connected to ERP systems, which explains its popularity among manufacturers and distributors.

The platform records every change to customer data over time, and its AI uses that history to predict which leads will convert and which opportunities will close. Marketing automation and customer service are available as companion products. Unusually for the category, it can run on premises as well as in the cloud.

Who SugarCRM is for

A good fit for

Midmarket companies with dedicated administrators and processes that standard CRMs cannot model.

Probably not for

Small businesses that want simplicity and a low total cost.

SugarCRM key features

SugarCRM covers 9 of the 12 key features we check on every CRM. Availability can depend on the plan or on an official add-on.

9/12
Visual sales pipelineDrag-and-drop deal stages so everyone can see what is open, stuck or about to close.
Two-way email syncEmails sent and received in Gmail or Outlook are logged on the contact automatically.
Workflow automationRules that assign leads, create tasks and update fields without anyone clicking.
Email sequencesNot included, or only through a third-party integration.
Built-in callingNot included, or only through a third-party integration.
Lead scoringRanks leads by fit and engagement so reps start with the ones most likely to buy.
Sales forecastingProjects revenue from the open pipeline by stage, rep or period.
Custom reportsBuild your own reports and dashboards beyond the canned ones.
Marketing campaignsNot included, or only through a third-party integration.
Quotes and invoicesCreate a quote or invoice from a deal and send it for approval or signature.
AI assistantDrafts emails, summarizes records or predicts outcomes with built-in AI.
Mobile appsNative iOS and Android apps with offline access to contacts and deals.

Standout capabilities

Predictive lead and opportunity scoringGuided selling playbooksAdvanced forecastingQuote management

SugarCRM pricing

SugarCRM starts at $19 per user, with no permanent free plan. Prices below are per month on annual billing; paying monthly usually costs more.

Sell Essentials
$19 / user

Core sales automation for small teams, minimum 3 users

Sell Standard
$59 / user

Workflow automation, reporting, more customization

Sell Advanced
$85 / user

AI predictions, guided selling, forecasting

Vendors change prices and plan names often. Use the official link at the end of this page to confirm the current offer, and the cost calculator to estimate the yearly bill for your team.

Pros and cons

What we like

  • Highly customizable data model and workflows
  • Keeps a complete history of every change to a record
  • Cloud or on-premises deployment

What could be better

  • Interface and setup feel heavier than newer tools
  • Minimum user counts on the lower plans

Our verdict

SugarCRM suits midmarket organizations that need a platform they can tailor and, if necessary, host themselves. Small teams looking for quick setup will be happier with lighter tools.

SugarCRM FAQ

How much does SugarCRM cost?

SugarCRM starts at $19 per user. The main options are: Sell Essentials ($19 / user), Sell Standard ($59 / user), Sell Advanced ($85 / user). Confirm current prices on the official website before buying.

Does SugarCRM have a free plan?

No. SugarCRM does not offer a permanent free plan, although a free trial is normally available.

What is SugarCRM best for?

Midmarket firms with detailed processes, especially in manufacturing and distribution. Midmarket companies with dedicated administrators and processes that standard CRMs cannot model.

What are the best alternatives to SugarCRM?

The closest alternatives in our directory are Zoho CRM, Salesforce Sales Cloud, Freshsales. Each has its own profile with pricing and a side-by-side comparison.

Does SugarCRM have a mobile app?

Mobile: iOS and Android. Support: standard support included; enhanced plans available.

Alternatives to SugarCRM

Similar CRMs worth a look before you commit.

All CRMs
Z

Budget-conscious teams that need customization and the wider Zoho suite.

Free / $14 per userView profile

Guides for SugarCRM buyers

All articles
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Ready to try SugarCRM?

You have seen what it does, what it costs and who it suits. The next step is the official website, where you can check current pricing and start a trial.

Visit the official SugarCRM website sugarcrm.com · opens in a new tab