Method CRM vs Thryv: How do the tools stack up?

Sick of software that overpromises but always underdelivers? Running a business is already a full-time job in itself, so the last thing you’d want is a customer relationship management system that contributes to the mess. 

The good news is that there are many excellent CRM platforms in the market, two of which are Method CRM vs Thryv. They’re both solid tools, but only one will fit the way you specifically work. Each of them caters to different types of businesses and has its own set of strengths. 

In this article, we’re breaking down the factors that actually affect your day-to-day. By the end, you’ll have a clear answer and no more CRM-induced headaches. 

Let’s get into it.

What is Method CRM?

Method CRM is a cloud-based CRM platform that’s built specifically for businesses that use QuickBooks as their accounting backbone.

What makes Method stand out is its real-time, two-way sync with QuickBooks, giving you complete visibility into customer transactions, invoices, and activity, without having to jump between systems.

Yet there’s more to Method CRM than being a sync tool. It’s designed for teams that need flexibility. You can build customizable workflows, automate follow-ups, create approval systems, and manage every aspect, from estimates to payments, in one platform.

Method gives you full control over how your CRM system works, so it can match your workflow no matter how you operate.

What is Thryv?

Thryv is an all-in-one CRM software built for small businesses, especially those in service industries. It’s for owners who want simple tools to manage customers, book appointments, send invoices, and get paid — and don’t want to deal with setup headaches or figure out integrations.

Everything lives in one place: customer messages, reviews, payments, calendars, and even social media posts. The appeal is that you can log in and get to work fast without having to chase down separate apps for email marketing, scheduling, or payment processing.

That said, it’s not built for complex workflows that need detailed lead management, advanced reporting, or a fully customizable sales process. If your top priority is a unified system to ease everyday operations, Thryv could be a great fit.

How Method CRM and Thryv stack up

Here’s how Method CRM and Thryv compare across key features.

Breaking down the features: Method CRM vs Thryv

It’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty. We’ll walk through what each tool actually does, and tackle which one feels like it was built more for your daily grind.

Pricing

Method CRM starts at $25 per user/month, with Pro and Enterprise tiers offering extra features for businesses that need it.

Thryv charges by location. It begins around $244/month, but there’s a free “Command Center” version that covers basics like messaging and invoice creation. To get features like marketing automation, social media, and full payment processing, though, you’ll have to upgrade.

If you’re adding users and growing a process-heavy team, Method gives you more flexibility per dollar spent.

QuickBooks integration

Both platforms sync with QuickBooks, but the way they connect and what they actually sync vary quite a bit.

Thryv uses a manual sync via Web Connector for customers, invoices, estimates, and payments, which updates every 12 hours.

Meanwhile, Method CRM offers real-time sync with both QuickBooks Online and Desktop, covering sales orders, items, custom fields, and refunds without extra plugins or sync delays.

Method clearly wins this round if your accounting needs to be spot-on and instant.

Workflow automation

Method CRM lets you build custom pipelines, automatic follow-ups, approval steps, and triggers, no coding necessary.

Thryv lets you use basic automation tied to built-in templates: automated appointment reminders, follow-up messages, and straightforward drip campaigns.

For real control and automation muscle, Method delivers more functionality. But if you want quick setup and basic tracking, Thryv’s user-friendly flows get the job done.

Ease of use and onboarding

Thryv is designed for fast setup and simplicity. It offers prebuilt templates and a clear dashboard, which makes it easy for business owners to hit the ground running. The mobile app works on iOS and Android, making it handy for business owners on the go.

Method CRM gives you more control, but the setup takes a bit more effort. That said, it’s still intuitive for non-technical users, thanks to drag-and-drop builders and a clean UI. Onboarding support is hands-on, and the mobile app, also available on iOS and Android, means you can manage leads, contacts, and invoices from anywhere.

If you want to hit “go” right away, Thryv gives you that. But if you’re planning to scale and need more customization without losing mobile access, Method is built for it.

Contact management and customer experience

Thryv covers the essentials: customer notes, custom fields, integrated messaging, booking history, and review tracking. Its system keeps things tied to the customer profile, so you don’t lose context.

Method CRM nails contact management with tags, history, activity tracking, roles, and permission levels tailored to your team. This way, you can give a more personalized customer experience at every stage.

Method is the go-to choice for managing growing customer data. Thryv hits the sweet spot for local service check-ins and quick responses.

Invoice and billing

Method CRM creates invoices, estimates, and payments synced to QuickBooks automatically. You can send reminders or trigger workflows around overdue payments.

Thryv builds and sends invoices inside the app, processes payments through ThryvPay (cards, ACH), and automates reminders. However, these sync to QuickBooks on a schedule, not instantly.

For QuickBooks users who need synced billing, Method wins. But if you’re fine keeping billing within a single app, Thryv handles it neatly.

Inventory, project, and e-commerce

While neither platform is full-blown management software like an ERP, both offer tools to help businesses stay on top of tasks and projects.

When it comes to project management, Thryv offers a unified space for small business owners to handle scheduling, task assignments, and client follow-ups. It’s made for service providers who want to manage bookings, appointments, and team responsibilities without switching between platforms.

Method CRM gives you more options for managing projects and operations. While it doesn’t have built-in inventory management, it integrates with platforms that do. Its customization options enable you to build job tracking or project workflows tailored to your team.

Thryv supports day-to-day business management right out of the box. Method makes sense if you’re looking for a specific solution and are ready to set it up.

Reporting and dashboards

Method CRM offers custom dashboards that connect your metrics to financial data and sales activity. It’s flexible and customizable.

Thryv has prebuilt widgets showing booking counts, reviews, payment activity, and engagement with marketing and management tools. It’s easy to read, but can’t be easily tweaked.

Want numbers your way? Method delivers. Want quick insights without setup? Thryv offers that.

API and integrations

Method CRM includes a full REST API and integrates with Gmail, Outlook, Zapier, Mailchimp, Hubspot, and more. You’re free to plug and build.

Thryv sticks mostly to built-in functionality: email, SMS, social media, and payments in-house. There are some app integrations, but it’s not built for heavy API use.

If you’re into integration and extensions, Method’s platform gives you the power. If you’d rather stay inside a single tool with fewer moving parts, Thryv aims for simplicity.

Who should choose Method CRM?

If your sales pipeline is already set up in QuickBooks but your team is stuck juggling spreadsheets, Method CRM gives you power, control, and flexibility without overwhelming your ops.

Choose Method CRM if you:

• Run a business that already uses QuickBooks Online or Desktop.
• Want workflow automation with triggers, custom pipelines, and follow-up reminders.
• Rely on detailed contact management with roles, permissions, tags, and activity tracking.
• Prefer a customizable dashboard tied directly to sales and financial data.
• Need a CRM that’s easy to use, but powerful enough to grow with your team.

Who should choose Thryv?

If you’re running a local service business and want everything in one place, Thryv is the fast, no-fuss setup made for you.

Choose Thryv if you:

• Want an all-in-one tool for marketing campaigns, reviews, booking, messaging, and payments.
• Prefer quick setup with minimal customization or tech hassles.
• Like using prebuilt widgets to see bookings, payments, and reviews at a glance.
• Don’t need real-time QuickBooks sync; just simple, in-app billing and automation.

FAQs

Do I have to use QuickBooks to run Method CRM?

Yes. Method CRM is built around QuickBooks, offering seamless two-way sync with both QuickBooks Online and Desktop. You can’t use Method without connecting to QuickBooks.

Can I use Method CRM and Thryv on mobile?

Yes. Both Method CRM and Thryv offer apps for iOS and Android, so you can manage invoices, leads, bookings, and follow-ups on the go.

How can Method CRM and Thryv help me run marketing campaigns?

Method seamlessly integrates with tools like Mailchimp, Gmail, and Zapier for email workflows and automated follow-ups. Thryv gives you email, SMS, and social media marketing campaigns in‑app, with no add-ons needed.

How long does it take to sync QuickBooks data into Method CRM?

Once connected, your data, like customers, invoices, and items, syncs with Method CRM in about 15–30 minutes. After that, it updates in real time.

What is the best option for small businesses?

Method CRM is ideal for QuickBooks users who want control and customization, while Thryv suits businesses looking for an all-in-one platform with fast setup and built-in tools. Both are reliable CRM platforms that help teams stay organized, manage leads, and improve the customer experience.

Final Thoughts: Method CRM or Thryv?

Both CRM platforms bring value to the table, but it really comes down to what your business needs most. If you’re looking for a unified solution with minimal setup, Thryv offers a clean solution that works well straight away for local service providers.

But if you want a system that can grow with you, Method CRM gives you deeper functionality where it counts. You get real-time accounting sync, flexible workflows, and full control over your sales pipeline, invoice automation, and contact management — all without compromising your books.

Try Method CRM for free today to see how it keeps your customer relationship management and accounting aligned. You’ll spend less time fixing errors and more time growing your business. No more spreadsheets. Time to level up.