Top 17 Salesforce competitors to consider in 2025

Why businesses explore Salesforce competitors?

Salesforce may dominate the market, but it isn’t the perfect fit for every organization. Businesses often seek alternatives because:

• Total cost of ownership is high – Licensing, add-ons, and consultant fees can quickly outpace budget.
• Implementation is complex – Rollouts often take months, with specialized technical resources required.
• Customization can be overwhelming – While flexible, Salesforce can feel bloated and require extensive configuration.
• Scaling challenges for SMBs – Smaller businesses often find Salesforce too heavy for their needs.

As competition grows, more businesses are weighing Salesforce against other CRMs that promise faster time-to-value, lower costs, and industry-specific flexibility.

Key factors to evaluate when comparing Salesforce competitors

When choosing between Salesforce and its competitors, it’s important to evaluate more than just price. Some key factors to keep in mind include:

• Cost and scalability – From free CRM tiers to enterprise-level licensing, does the solution fit your growth stage?
• Ease of adoption – How intuitive is the user interface, and how much training will your team need?
• Integrations and ecosystem – Does it connect seamlessly with tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack, or ERP systems?
• AI and automation – Many Salesforce competitors now offer AI copilots, chatbots, and predictive analytics.
• Industry fit – Does the CRM serve your specific vertical, whether that’s manufacturing, finance, retail, or public sector?
• Vendor support and partners – Access to strong communities and local partners (like Gestisoft) can make or break a CRM implementation.

With these criteria in mind, let’s dive into the Top 17 Salesforce competitors in 2025 and see how they stack up.

Best Salesforce competitors: Top 17 alternatives

1. Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is often considered the closest rival to Salesforce, offering a powerful suite of CRM and ERP applications that cover sales, customer service, marketing, field service, and finance. Because it sits within the Microsoft ecosystem, Dynamics 365 integrates seamlessly with familiar tools like Outlook, Teams, and Excel, making it an attractive option for businesses that already rely on Microsoft 365. With built-in AI capabilities through Copilot, it delivers automation and predictive insights directly inside everyday workflows.

Strengths

• Deep Microsoft ecosystem integration – Dynamics 365 works hand-in-hand with Microsoft 365 tools such as Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, and Power BI. This allows organizations to unify collaboration, communication, and analytics without the need for extensive third-party connectors.
• Comprehensive CRM + ERP solution – Unlike Salesforce, which is CRM-first, Dynamics 365 offers both customer engagement and enterprise resource planning modules under the same umbrella. This makes it easier for companies to manage sales, finance, operations, and service from a single platform.
• AI-powered productivity with Copilot – Microsoft has invested heavily in AI, embedding Copilot into every Dynamics 365 application. Sales reps, marketers, and service teams can use natural language prompts to generate emails, analyze pipelines, forecast revenue, and automate repetitive tasks.
• Flexibility and scalability – Businesses can start small with a single module (like Dynamics 365 Sales) and expand as they grow. The modular approach prevents overbuying while ensuring scalability for enterprises.
• Robust analytics and reporting – With Power BI integration, Dynamics 365 enables advanced data visualization and real-time dashboards, helping decision-makers track KPIs and uncover insights across departments.
• Industry-specific solutions – Microsoft and its partners offer preconfigured packages tailored to sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and government, reducing customization time.

Weaknesses

• Implementation complexity – Dynamics 365 can be challenging to deploy, especially for companies without experienced CRM partners. Customizing modules to fit unique workflows requires technical expertise.
• Learning curve for non-Microsoft users – Organizations not already embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem may face a steeper adoption path, particularly if employees are more accustomed to Google Workspace or other platforms.
• Pricing considerations – While more flexible than Salesforce’s licensing, Dynamics 365 costs can add up as more modules and users are added. It’s crucial to plan for long-term scalability when budgeting.
• Partner dependency – To fully unlock the platform’s potential, businesses often rely on certified Microsoft partners for setup, training, and optimization. This is both a strength (access to expertise) and a potential drawback if not carefully managed.

For businesses evaluating Salesforce competitors, Microsoft Dynamics 365 emerges as the top alternative. It offers comparable functionality, richer integration within the Microsoft ecosystem, and cutting-edge AI features that boost productivity. With a certified partner like Gestisoft, companies can streamline deployment, maximize adoption, and ensure they get long-term value from Dynamics 365.

2. HubSpot

HubSpot has become one of the most popular CRM platforms, particularly among small and mid-sized businesses that prioritize inbound marketing. Its CRM is at the heart of a suite that includes marketing, sales, service, and content management tools. Known for its freemium model, HubSpot allows businesses to start with core CRM features at no cost, making it accessible to growing organizations that need a simple yet effective Salesforce competitor.

Strengths

• Freemium access – HubSpot’s free CRM includes contact management, pipeline tracking, and reporting, making it an easy entry point for startups and SMBs.
• Inbound marketing expertise – HubSpot is built around inbound methodology, offering powerful marketing automation, email campaigns, SEO tools, and lead nurturing.
• Ease of use – The platform has an intuitive interface, reducing onboarding time and increasing adoption rates compared to Salesforce.
• Integration ecosystem – HubSpot connects with hundreds of apps, from Gmail and Outlook to e-commerce platforms and customer service tools.
• Scalability – Businesses can add paid hubs (Marketing Hub, Sales Hub, Service Hub, Operations Hub) as their needs grow, creating an end-to-end system.

Weaknesses

• Costs increase quickly – While the entry point is free, pricing escalates sharply as advanced features, automation, and higher contact volumes are added.
• Customization limitations – HubSpot lacks some of the deep configurability that enterprise CRMs like Salesforce or Dynamics 365 provide.
• Enterprise fit – It’s best suited to SMBs; large enterprises may find it less capable of handling complex sales processes or compliance-heavy industries.

HubSpot is an excellent Salesforce competitor for small to mid-sized organizations that want simplicity, inbound marketing strength, and quick adoption. However, businesses must plan for cost escalation as they scale.

3. Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM is part of the larger Zoho suite of over 40 business applications, ranging from email to accounting. Its CRM offering is particularly attractive for price-conscious businesses seeking affordability without sacrificing functionality. With strong automation features and the AI assistant “Zia,” Zoho CRM provides sales, marketing, and customer service capabilities at a fraction of the cost of Salesforce.

Strengths

• Affordability – One of the most competitively priced CRM platforms, with options starting at just a few dollars per user/month.
• AI assistant (Zia) – Provides predictive sales analytics, lead scoring, and sentiment analysis.
• Broad ecosystem – Deep integration with other Zoho apps (Zoho Books, Zoho Projects, Zoho Campaigns) creates a full business suite.
• Customization options – Zoho allows workflows, dashboards, and fields to be customized, offering flexibility for small teams.
• Global reach – Popular with SMBs worldwide, thanks to its multilingual and multi-currency support.

Weaknesses

• User interface – Compared to Salesforce and HubSpot, Zoho’s interface feels dated and can be overwhelming for new users.
• Support quality – Customer support can be inconsistent, especially at lower pricing tiers.
• Enterprise fit – Larger organizations may find Zoho less robust in handling complex, enterprise-grade CRM needs.

Zoho CRM is a compelling Salesforce competitor for SMBs seeking affordability and functionality, though it lacks the enterprise muscle of larger platforms.

4. Oracle NetSuite CRM

Oracle NetSuite is primarily recognized as a leading ERP system, but its CRM component integrates customer management with financials, e-commerce, and supply chain operations. This makes it particularly appealing for companies that want CRM tightly coupled with ERP, something Salesforce lacks.

Strengths

• Unified ERP + CRM – Businesses can manage customers, finances, inventory, and operations within one system.
• Analytics and reporting – Strong real-time dashboards support data-driven decision-making.
• Customizable workflows – Highly configurable to suit industry-specific processes.
• Enterprise-ready – Scalable for global businesses with complex needs.

Weaknesses

• Complexity – The breadth of features makes NetSuite challenging to implement.
• High cost – Pricing is on the premium side, making it more suited to larger enterprises.
• Steep learning curve – Non-technical users may struggle to adopt the platform quickly.

Oracle NetSuite is a Salesforce competitor best suited to enterprises that want CRM embedded within ERP. Its power comes at a price — in both dollars and complexity.

5. SAP CRM

SAP’s Customer Experience (CX) suite offers CRM tools that integrate with SAP’s broader enterprise applications. It’s designed for large, global organizations that need advanced analytics, customer data integration, and strong compliance.

Strengths

• Enterprise-grade – Built for multinational corporations handling massive volumes of data.
• Advanced analytics – Strong predictive tools for lead management, sales forecasting, and customer segmentation.
• Industry focus – SAP delivers specialized solutions for industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and finance.
• Integration with SAP ERP – Seamless connectivity with SAP’s ERP tools creates end-to-end visibility.

Weaknesses

• High complexity – Implementation requires significant investment in time and expertise.
• User experience – Interface can feel clunky compared to modern CRMs like HubSpot.
• Not SMB-friendly – Cost and complexity limit adoption by smaller businesses.

SAP CRM is a powerful Salesforce competitor for global enterprises but is overkill for smaller companies.

6. Zendesk

Zendesk started as a customer service platform but has expanded into CRM, making it a strong competitor in the customer experience (CX) space. It appeals to businesses that prioritize omnichannel support and fast setup.

Strengths

• CX-first design – Built for customer support with ticketing, live chat, and AI-driven service tools.
• Ease of setup – Quicker to implement than Salesforce, with prebuilt templates and workflows.
• AI features – Includes AI copilots for agents, self-service chatbots, and workflow automation.
• Scalability – Suitable for both SMBs and large support teams.

Weaknesses

• Narrower scope – Primarily focused on CX, lacking the breadth of sales and marketing tools Salesforce offers.
• Customization limits – Less flexible than platforms like Dynamics 365 or SugarCRM.
• Pricing – Can become costly at enterprise scale.

Zendesk is a Salesforce competitor best for businesses that prioritize customer experience over broader CRM needs.

7. Pipedrive

Pipedrive is a sales-focused CRM known for its simple, visual pipeline interface. It’s particularly popular among small sales teams that need clarity and efficiency in deal management.

Strengths

• Visual sales pipeline – Intuitive drag-and-drop functionality simplifies deal tracking.
• Affordable – Lower entry costs compared to Salesforce.
• Ease of use – Minimal training required for adoption.
• Automation features – Includes email tracking, reminders, and workflow automation.

Weaknesses

• Limited features – Focused mainly on sales; lacks depth in marketing and service.
• Scaling limits – Better for SMBs than large enterprises.
• Analytics – Reporting is less advanced compared to Salesforce.

Pipedrive is an affordable Salesforce competitor for SMB sales teams, though limited in scope for enterprise needs.

8. SugarCRM

SugarCRM is a mid-market CRM offering flexibility and customization, appealing to businesses that want control over workflows and campaigns.

Strengths

• Customizable – Highly flexible fields, modules, and workflows.
• Marketing campaign tools – Strong campaign management capabilities.
• On-premise and cloud options – Deployment flexibility for different IT strategies.
• Lower cost – Competitive pricing compared to Salesforce.

Weaknesses

• Ecosystem size – Smaller app marketplace compared to Salesforce.
• Implementation – May require technical resources for setup.
• UI – Less modern compared to HubSpot or Zendesk.

SugarCRM is a customizable Salesforce competitor for mid-market businesses but lacks Salesforce’s ecosystem depth.

9. Insightly

Insightly blends CRM and project management, making it unique among Salesforce competitors. It’s favored by organizations that need to connect customer interactions with project workflows.

Strengths

• Project management integration – Built-in tools for tasks, milestones, and workflows.
• Relationship linking – Maps connections between contacts, organizations, and deals.
• All-in-one plans – Includes marketing and service features in higher tiers.
• Automation – Workflow rules simplify repetitive tasks.

Weaknesses

• Enterprise limitations – Not as scalable for complex, multi-department enterprises.
• Interface – Can feel basic compared to Salesforce.
• Pricing – Advanced features push costs higher than SMB entry solutions.

Insightly is a strong Salesforce competitor for project-driven companies but not ideal for large enterprises.

10. Creatio

Creatio is a no-code platform that combines CRM and workflow automation. It appeals to businesses that want control over process design without coding expertise.

Strengths

• No-code builder – Users can create workflows and dashboards without developers.
• KPI tracking – Tailored dashboards track performance in real time.
• Flexible automation – Automates repetitive sales and marketing processes.
• Cost-effective – Pricing is more affordable than Salesforce.

Weaknesses

• Brand recognition – Lesser known compared to Salesforce or HubSpot.
• Partner ecosystem – Smaller network of consultants.
• Enterprise adoption – Still growing presence in global enterprises.

Creatio is a Salesforce competitor for organizations that value no-code flexibility and cost savings.

11. Keap

Keap combines CRM, email marketing, and sales automation, making it popular among e-commerce and small business owners.

Strengths

• Strong automation – Automated campaigns save time for small teams.
• E-commerce integration – Includes tools for payments and online sales.
• Simple setup – Easier to deploy than Salesforce.
• Good support – Offers personalized onboarding.

Weaknesses

• Costly for very small teams – Higher pricing tiers add up quickly.
• Limited enterprise features – Not suitable for global organizations.
• Learning curve – Automation setup requires some training.

Keap is a Salesforce competitor tailored for small businesses that want all-in-one CRM and marketing automation.

12. Bitrix24

Bitrix24 is both a CRM and collaboration platform, offering project management, team chat, and video tools alongside sales automation.

Strengths

• All-in-one suite – Combines CRM, project management, and communication.
• Flexible deployment – Cloud or on-premise options.
• Affordable – Offers free and low-cost plans.
• Collaboration focus – Built-in messaging and video conferencing.

Weaknesses

• Overwhelming features – Can feel cluttered.
• User experience – Interface is less polished than Salesforce.
• Support – Mixed reviews on responsiveness.

Bitrix24 is a Salesforce competitor for teams that want CRM plus collaboration, though it can be overwhelming.

13. Copper

Copper is a CRM built specifically for Google Workspace users, embedding CRM directly into Gmail and Google Calendar.

Strengths

• Native Google integration – Eliminates toggling between apps.
• Ease of use – Familiar Gmail-like design.
• Automation – Captures contact info automatically.
• Affordable – Lower cost than Salesforce.

Weaknesses

• Niche appeal – Best only for Google Workspace users.
• Feature depth – Lacks advanced enterprise-grade tools.
• Scaling limits – Not ideal for large organizations.

Copper is a Salesforce competitor best for Google-first companies but too narrow for enterprise use.

14. monday.com

monday.com is a work management platform that has expanded into CRM. Known for its flexibility, it enables teams to build custom boards for sales, projects, and workflows.

Strengths

• Highly customizable – Drag-and-drop workflows and templates.
• Collaboration tools – Real-time commenting and file sharing.
• Affordable – Lower entry pricing than Salesforce.
• Ease of use – Intuitive for project-oriented teams.

Weaknesses

• CRM is secondary – CRM features less mature than Salesforce.
• Complex scaling – Not as robust for multi-department needs.
• Limited analytics – Reporting tools are basic.

monday.com is a Salesforce competitor for teams that want flexibility in project + CRM workflows.

15. Freshworks CRM (Freshsales)

Freshworks CRM, also known as Freshsales, is part of the Freshworks ecosystem and focuses on sales automation, AI, and affordability.

Strengths

• AI-powered insights – Predictive scoring and AI-driven recommendations.
• Ease of use – Intuitive interface for quick adoption.
• Affordable pricing – Lower cost than Salesforce.
• Strong support – Responsive vendor assistance.

Weaknesses

• Fewer enterprise features – Not as comprehensive as Salesforce for complex workflows.
• Ecosystem size – Limited compared to Salesforce AppExchange.
• Advanced customization – Less flexible for large-scale enterprises.

Freshworks CRM is a Salesforce competitor ideal for SMBs seeking AI-driven sales automation at lower cost.

16. Nimble

Nimble is a lightweight CRM that specializes in social selling and small business adoption.

Strengths

• Social CRM – Integrates with LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social channels.
• Ease of use – Quick onboarding for small teams.
• Affordable – Lower pricing tiers.
• Browser extensions – Capture data directly from social networks.

Weaknesses

• Limited enterprise appeal – Not scalable for large organizations.
• Feature depth – Lacks advanced reporting and AI.
• Niche tool – Primarily focused on sales/social, not full CRM breadth.

Nimble is a Salesforce competitor for small businesses and social sellers, not for enterprises.

17. Vtiger

Vtiger is an open-source CRM that has evolved into a commercial SaaS platform, making it attractive to businesses that want flexibility and affordability.

Strengths

• Open-source flexibility – Customizable for unique workflows.
• Cost-effective – Affordable pricing plans.
• Strong support community – Active developer and user base.
• Comprehensive modules – Covers sales, marketing, and service.

Weaknesses

• User interface – Less modern than Salesforce.
• Implementation effort – Open-source customization requires technical know-how.
• Brand recognition – Less visible compared to Salesforce or Dynamics 365.

Vtiger is a Salesforce competitor for cost-conscious businesses seeking open-source flexibility, but it requires technical expertise.

How to choose the right Salesforce competitor for your business?

With so many Salesforce competitors available, the challenge isn’t finding alternatives — it’s choosing the right one. Here are some guiding questions:

What’s your company size and growth stage?

• SMBs often benefit from HubSpot, Zoho, or Pipedrive.
• Enterprises may require Microsoft Dynamics 365, Oracle NetSuite, or SAP.

What’s your budget?

• Free or low-cost CRMs like Zoho or HubSpot’s starter plans are great for lean budgets.
• High-growth companies should consider long-term costs of scaling with Salesforce-level alternatives.

Which ecosystem are you already using?

• If your teams live in Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365 is the natural choice.
• Google Workspace users may prefer Copper.

How important is AI and automation?

• Platforms like Dynamics 365, HubSpot, and Freshworks CRM are pushing AI copilots to streamline work.

Do you need industry-specific features?

• SAP, NetSuite, and Dynamics 365 have prebuilt solutions for verticals like manufacturing, finance, and healthcare.

What level of support do you need?

• Some platforms provide extensive partner ecosystems (Microsoft, SAP).
• Others rely more heavily on in-house support (Zoho, Freshworks).

The right CRM isn’t always the one with the most features — it’s the one that aligns with your business processes, ecosystem, and growth plans.

Why Microsoft Dynamics 365 with Gestisoft is the #1 Salesforce competitor?

Among all Salesforce competitors, Microsoft Dynamics 365 stands out as the closest equivalent — and often the better choice. It combines enterprise-grade CRM capabilities with ERP functionality, integrates natively with Microsoft 365 tools, and offers cutting-edge AI through Microsoft Copilot.

But technology alone isn’t enough. Successful CRM adoption depends on expert implementation, tailored configuration, and ongoing support. That’s where Gestisoft comes in.

If you’re ready to explore Salesforce alternatives and want a solution that grows with you, Dynamics 365 with Gestisoft is the best place to start.