Businesses today need more than just a simple CRM. They need a unified platform that combines customer relationship management with efficient project management to streamline operations, foster collaboration, and boost productivity. As the demand for all-in-one solutions rises, many software providers have started integrating project management tools into their CRM platforms. But which one stands out as the best?
In this article, we explore the top CRMs with project management features, comparing their strengths, weaknesses, and use cases to help you make an informed decision.
Why Combine CRM and Project Management?
Traditionally, CRMs were used solely for tracking customer interactions, managing leads, and storing contact information. Meanwhile, project management tools were used for task delegation, milestone tracking, and collaboration. However, in many modern workflows, these two processes are tightly interconnected.
A unified CRM and project management platform offers key benefits:
Centralized data: Keep client communications, tasks, and project files in one system.
Improved collaboration: Sales and project teams stay on the same page.
Streamlined workflows: Eliminate the need for switching between different tools.
Greater visibility: Easily track project progress in relation to customer activity.
With that in mind, let’s dive into the best CRMs that bring these two worlds together.
1. Monday.com – Best for Visual Project Management
Monday.com started as a project management tool, but its CRM functionality has grown to compete with dedicated platforms. It allows teams to track sales pipelines, customer communication, and tasks from a visually intuitive dashboard.
Key Features:
Customizable workflows for sales and projects
Timeline, Kanban, Gantt, and calendar views
CRM templates for leads, contacts, and accounts
Integrated file sharing and team collaboration
Best For: Teams who prefer a visual, drag-and-drop interface and need flexibility in managing both customers and projects.
2. ClickUp – Best All-in-One CRM and Project Tool
ClickUp is a powerful productivity platform that lets you build your own CRM from scratch while offering robust project management capabilities. It’s designed for customization, making it ideal for teams who want a tailored system.
Key Features:
Highly customizable dashboards for CRM pipelines
Task, document, goal, and chat management
Time tracking and automation tools
Native integration with hundreds of apps
Best For: Agile teams looking for a highly flexible CRM and project management platform that can scale with their needs.
3. HubSpot CRM – Best for Sales and Marketing Integration
HubSpot is one of the most popular CRMs on the market, known for its powerful marketing tools. While its project management capabilities are limited compared to other tools, it offers seamless task tracking and workflow automation.
Key Features:
Task and pipeline automation
Project planning via task queues
Integration with marketing, sales, and service hubs
Real-time collaboration and shared inboxes
Best For: Businesses focused on inbound marketing and sales pipelines, with light project tracking needs.
4. Zoho CRM Plus – Best for Comprehensive Business Management
Zoho offers a wide suite of business tools, and Zoho CRM Plus integrates sales, marketing, and project management under one roof. With Zoho Projects, users can manage tasks, timelines, and resources within the same ecosystem.
Key Features:
Lead and deal tracking with automation
Seamless integration with Zoho Projects
Time tracking and resource planning
Reports and analytics across both CRM and project data
Best For: SMBs looking for an affordable, scalable, all-in-one solution that supports multiple business functions.
5. Bitrix24 – Best for Free All-in-One Functionality
Bitrix24 is a comprehensive platform that combines CRM, project management, communication, and document sharing. It’s one of the few tools that offer a generous free plan with both CRM and project management features.
Key Features:
Lead management, pipelines, and quotes
Task tracking, Gantt charts, and calendars
Built-in telephony, chat, and video conferencing
Cloud or on-premise deployment
Best For: Startups and small teams looking for a free or low-cost option that covers a wide range of business needs.
How to Choose the Best CRM with Project Management
The best tool for your business will depend on your size, goals, and workflow complexity. Here are a few considerations:
1. Team Size and Collaboration Needs
If your team is small, a simple tool like Bitrix24 or Zoho might suffice. Larger or more collaborative teams might benefit from Monday.com or ClickUp.
2. Customization and Flexibility
Teams with unique workflows should lean toward platforms like ClickUp or Monday.com, which allow full customization of CRM pipelines and project boards.
3. Budget
While some tools offer robust free plans (Bitrix24), others like HubSpot and Zoho can become expensive at scale. Always compare pricing tiers before committing.
4. Integration Ecosystem
Make sure your CRM can integrate with tools your team already uses—whether it’s Slack, Google Workspace, or accounting software.
5. User Interface and Learning Curve
Choose a platform with a UI that your team can comfortably navigate. Some tools are more intuitive than others, and that affects adoption and productivity.
Conclusion
When it comes to combining CRM and project management, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. For visual workflows, Monday.com stands out. If you want a deeply customizable platform, ClickUp is hard to beat. Meanwhile, HubSpot offers a powerful marketing CRM with decent task features, while Zoho and Bitrix24 provide scalable, budget-friendly options.
Evaluate your business needs, test a few options through free trials, and choose a platform that empowers both your customer relationships and internal project execution.
