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SugarCRM vs. Zoho

Are you considering SugarCRM or Zoho as your CRM provider but struggling to choose between them? You’ve come to the right place — on this page, we’re discussing the pros and cons of both platforms. We’ll also cover how both platforms compare on several key aspects of a great CRM. Keep reading to learn more about how SugarCRM and Zoho stack up.

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SugarCRM vs. Zoho comparison

There are plenty of different customer relationship management (CRM) platform options out there, but which one is right for you? If you’re a business owner with customer data to manage, you’re probably asking yourself this question. You’ve probably also done some research on various CRM options, including SugarCRM and Zoho.

Both SugarCRM and Zoho are some of the best platforms on the market today, but which one is better? On this page, we’ll help you answer that question by covering the pros and cons of each tool, as well as how the two compare on key aspects of a good CRM.

Keep reading to learn more!

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SugarCRM pros

First, let’s start with the good stuff. SugarCRM brings several benefits to the table, including:

  • Customizations: SugarCRM is a flexible platform that allows businesses to customize the tool to suit their unique business needs.
  • Integration options: SugarCRM offers a variety of integration options for users, including Google’s apps and other third-party platforms like Zendesk and QuickBooks.
  • Developer-oriented: SugarCRM is incredibly adaptable for developers looking to make the platform their own, with plenty of tools to edit modules and reports.

SugarCRM cons

Just as SugarCRM has its pros, it also has its cons. Some of the downsides of SugarCRM include:

  • Sparse reporting: While SugarCRM does have reporting tools, its system isn’t very detailed, leaving room for gaps in knowledge about your customers.
  • Loading speed: Many SugarCRM users have reported slow loading times. These slow speeds can potentially make all the difference in closing a sale or losing it to a competitor.
  • Customer support: SugarCRM’s customer support is reportedly inconsistent and inefficient. The quality of support varies depending on whom you reach.

Zoho pros

Zoho brings some distinct advantages to the table, including:

  • Detailed reporting: One of Zoho’s strengths is its reporting capabilities. Zoho’s reporting is incredibly in-depth, offering plenty of valuable customer insights.
  • Pricing: Zoho offers affordable pricing for users, with multiple plans available at different price points (including a free plan!).
  • Refund options: Zoho’s refund options are a huge benefit for businesses unsure of which CRM they want to use. Zoho offers a 30- to 45-day money-back guarantee.
customer's text response sharing what they like about LACRM Zoho One

Zoho cons

Along with having some significant advantages, Zoho also comes with its share of disadvantages, including:

  • Learning curve: Zoho is notorious for having a steep learning curve to its user interface. While it’s not the most difficult CRM to navigate, it does take time to get comfortable with, which means it takes longer to drive results.
  • Integrations: Another downside of Zoho is its integration options, which are few. Zoho’s free plan offers no integrations whatsoever and only offers a handful of integration options at paid levels.
  • Customer service: Like SugarCRM, Zoho doesn’t have the best customer support. Previous customers have frequently reported long wait times and general unhelpfulness from agents.
customer's text response sharing what they dislike about Zoho CRM

 

SugarCRM vs. Zoho comparison summary

Now that we’ve examined some of the top pros and cons of each CRM, let’s compare SugarCRM and Zoho on some critical aspects of a good CRM platform.

Pricing
Contacts and data
Ease of use
Reporting
Integrations
Sales automation
$16-$79 per month
Unlimited
User-friendly, intuitive interface
Excellent reporting features, customization options included
Extensive integrations, including native, third-party, and custom options
Yes, fully customizable
$49–$1,000 per month
Limited
Tricky interface to navigate with slow loading speeds
Included, but reporting system isn’t detailed and is slow to load
Native and third-party integrations available
Yes, some customization options
Free plan available, $14–$65 per month
Limited
Steep learning curve
Excellent reporting features included
Integrations can be challenging to set up (none offered with free plan)
Yes, some customization options

Pricing

First, let’s talk pricing. The great news is both SugarCRM and Zoho offer flexible pricing options with four different plans to choose from. SugarCRM’s pricing starts at $49 per month, with their most expensive plan coming in at $1,000 per month. Meanwhile, Zoho offers their cheapest plan at just $14 per month and their most expensive plan at $52 per month.

So, if you’re looking for an affordable CRM, SugarCRM and Zoho offer various pricing options. Still, SugarCRM is ultimately more expensive, especially when it comes to upgrading your plan.

Ease of use

CRMs that are difficult to use can keep businesses from using the platform to further their success.

For the most part, SugarCRM offers a navigable user interface that isn’t too hard to learn. However, customers have reported that they wished it took fewer clicks to find the information they need.

On the other hand, Zoho’s interface comes with a steep learning curve that takes time and effort to overcome. While there is a delay in your ability to start driving results with the platform, it’s not as bad once you get past that curve.

All in all, SugarCRM has the edge on Zoho here.

Reporting

Reporting is another essential feature for CRMs. Reporting tools help you uncover powerful insights about your audience and most valuable customers.

SugarCRM has reporting capabilities, but they aren’t as detailed as other platforms. This can leave users at a disadvantage, leaving out information that could further your campaign’s success. Additionally, users have reported slow loading speeds when accessing account or customer data.

Meanwhile, Zoho’s reporting features are one of its strengths. It offers plenty of in-depth insights about your campaigns and customers, making it a clear winner over SugarCRM when it comes to reporting.

Integrations

Integrations are an essential part of a good CRM because they help you pull data from other tools you use.

SugarCRM offers native integrations with top tools like Google apps and third-party integrations available for download through Sugar Exchange.

Zoho falls short in this category. One of the most common complaints about the platform is the difficulty of setting up third-party integrations. Plus, while there are some integration options at the paid levels, Zoho’s free plan doesn’t include any integrations whatsoever.

Sales automation

When it comes to sales automation and customization, SugarCRM excels. SugarCRM offers a wide range of customization options that allow businesses to streamline their workflows and start drawing in leads.

Zoho also brings benefits to the table with its sales automation and customization capabilities. In particular, Zoho uses an artificial intelligence (AI) tool called Zia, which assists users with setting up automated workflows based on their previous activity.

SugarCRM vs. Zoho: Which is better?

Now we return to the elephant in the room: Which is better, SugarCRM or Zoho?

The answer to that question depends on your needs and what you’re looking for in a CRM. If you’re looking for something user-friendly and easy to navigate, you may want to go with SugarCRM, as Zoho is notorious for being tricky to navigate. On the other hand, if you’re looking for advanced reporting at lower price points, Zoho is a great candidate.

Then again, both SugarCRM and Zoho have great sales automation and customization options, so you can’t go wrong with either on that front. Ultimately, when debating SugarCRM vs. Zoho, it all boils down to what you want in your CRM.

Nutshell is the CRM you’ve been looking for

Maybe you’ve read all of this and decided that neither SugarCRM nor Zoho is for you. If that’s the case, we suggest checking out Nutshell, an all-in-one CRM that excels where SugarCRM and Zoho fall short.

With dozens of integrations, a user-friendly interface, and powerful capabilities, you can’t go wrong with Nutshell. And with free live support offered to all users and automatic data imports (even during your free trial!), Nutshell empowers you to close more deals without sacrificing the features—or friendly support—you deserve.

Learn more about what Nutshell can do for you by contacting us online, or start a 14-day free trial now!

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Don’t get sucked in by ‘featureitis.’ Buy what your staff will actually use. Nutshell beat out Insightly, Nimble, Zoho and Salesforce for our needs.

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