Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems have evolved far beyond simple contact databases. Today, many CRMs integrate powerful project tracking tools, offering a seamless blend of sales, communication, and task management. If you’re looking for the best CRM for project management, it’s crucial to find one that can unify your sales pipeline with collaborative team workflows. In this guide, we’ll explore top-rated CRMs that include project tracking capabilities and help you determine which is right for your business.
Why Combine CRM with Project Management?
Before jumping into the top-rated platforms, it’s important to understand why businesses prefer a combined CRM and project management tool:
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Better collaboration: Sales and project teams stay aligned under one platform.
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Improved visibility: Track client interactions alongside task progress.
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Streamlined workflows: Move from closing a deal to project delivery without switching tools.
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Fewer errors: Centralized data means less duplication and reduced miscommunication.
By combining these functions, teams can deliver a better customer experience while staying organized internally.
What to Look for in a CRM with Project Tracking
When evaluating the best CRM for project management, consider these essential features:
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Task management and deadlines
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Gantt charts or Kanban boards
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Integration with calendars and communication tools
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Custom workflows
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Time tracking and resource management
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Client collaboration tools
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Automated reminders and progress reports
The goal is to find a CRM that not only helps you manage customer data but also supports real-time collaboration, task assignments, and delivery tracking.
Top-Rated CRMs with Project Management Features
Let’s dive into some of the top-rated CRMs that also function as strong project management platforms.
1. Monday.com CRM
Best for: Visual project tracking and cross-department collaboration
Monday.com started as a project management tool and evolved into a CRM with strong workflow automation. It’s an ideal solution for businesses that need flexibility and visual task tracking.
Project tracking highlights:
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Kanban boards, Gantt charts, timelines
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Automation for recurring tasks
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File sharing and comment threads
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Customizable dashboards for sales and project status
Many users consider Monday.com the best CRM for project management because of its simplicity, scalability, and collaborative features.
2. ClickUp CRM
Best for: Teams needing deep customization and time tracking
ClickUp is a productivity suite that allows CRM-like tracking for clients and tasks. It shines in industries where teams need granular control over task views, time logs, and progress milestones.
Project tracking highlights:
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Integrated time tracking
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Dependencies and goal setting
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Email integrations and CRM views
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Task templates for repeatable workflows
ClickUp offers an all-in-one workspace, making it a cost-effective solution for growing teams.
3. Zoho CRM Plus
Best for: All-in-one business management with strong reporting
Zoho CRM Plus blends CRM capabilities with project management tools through seamless integration with Zoho Projects. It’s ideal for businesses that want deep analytics and a unified ecosystem.
Project tracking highlights:
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Task lists, milestones, and timesheets
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Integration with Zoho Mail, Cliq, and Calendar
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Blueprint automation for project workflows
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Role-based access and permissions
Zoho’s wide range of apps makes it a strong choice for businesses looking to scale with minimal disruption.
4. HubSpot CRM (with integrations)
Best for: Startups and marketing teams focused on automation
HubSpot CRM does not offer native project management, but when integrated with tools like Asana or Trello, it becomes a solid hybrid. It’s particularly effective for marketing and client-facing teams who need campaign tracking alongside customer data.
Project tracking highlights (via integration):
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Task lists and assignment tracking
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CRM-triggered task creation
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Email and meeting sync
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Pipeline views with automated follow-ups
While not a full project management tool, HubSpot remains competitive due to its flexibility and ecosystem of integrations.
5. Insightly
Best for: Sales-driven teams with light project needs
Insightly bridges CRM and project management in a more traditional interface. It’s designed for companies where sales transitions into service delivery or client onboarding.
Project tracking highlights:
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Project pipelines and milestones
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Task and role assignment
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Relationship linking between contacts, opportunities, and projects
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Email tracking and workflow automation
Insightly is a simple yet effective tool for smaller teams that prioritize sales but need light project functionality.
Choosing the Right CRM for Your Team
No one-size-fits-all solution exists, so here are some criteria to help you make the right choice:
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Team size: Some CRMs are better for small teams, others scale with enterprise needs.
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Industry: Creative agencies, consultants, SaaS, and service providers have different priorities.
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Workflow complexity: If you use Agile or Scrum, look for task board support.
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Budget: Pricing can vary drastically based on users and features.
The best CRM for project management is one that fits naturally into your workflow and requires minimal training.
Final Thoughts
Today’s best CRM platforms are no longer just for managing customer relationships—they are operational hubs for the entire client journey. Whether you’re a startup managing sales and onboarding, or an agency tracking client deliverables, choosing a CRM with built-in or integratable project tracking features can significantly improve productivity and collaboration.
Tools like Monday.com, ClickUp, and Zoho CRM Plus rise to the top due to their usability, depth, and flexibility. Choosing one of these top-rated platforms ensures your sales and delivery teams are on the same page, from lead generation to project completion.
