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Dynamics 365 Sales vs Salesforce Essentials comparison

Microsoft and Salesforce are both solutions in the CRM category. Microsoft is ranked #12 with an average rating of 8.5, while Salesforce is ranked #15 with an average rating of 8.0. Microsoft holds a 0.5% mindshare in CRM, compared to Salesforce’s 0.4% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Microsoft users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 92% of Salesforce users who would recommend it.
Dynamics 365 Sales
Read 15 Dynamics 365 Sales reviews
  • 248 Views
  • 98 Comparison Views
100% willing to recommend
Salesforce Essentials
Read 14 Salesforce Essentials reviews
  • 170 Views
  • 68 Comparison Views
92% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Dec 19, 2024

Dynamics 365 Sales and Salesforce Essentials are competing CRM solutions. Dynamics 365 Sales has the upper hand in integration with Microsoft products, while Salesforce Essentials is praised for its comprehensive feature set.

Features: Dynamics 365 Sales offers seamless integration with Microsoft's business tools, AI-driven insights, and advanced analytics capabilities. Salesforce Essentials stands out with intuitive sales tracking, effective customer interactions, and the inclusion of both Sales Cloud and Service Cloud for comprehensive customer relationship management.

Room for Improvement: Dynamics 365 Sales could improve user-friendliness for non-Microsoft users, lower setup costs for small businesses, and enhance mobile features. Salesforce Essentials may benefit from more robust AI functionalities, increased scalability for larger enterprises, and enhanced customization options.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Dynamics 365 Sales provides simplified deployment within the Microsoft ecosystem and extensive training resources. Salesforce Essentials offers cloud-based deployment with guided onboarding and strong customer support, appealing to smaller teams.

Pricing and ROI: Dynamics 365 Sales involves higher setup costs, offset by long-term ROI through comprehensive feature utilization. Salesforce Essentials provides a cost-effective initial investment with accessible pricing, offering quicker ROI for budget-conscious businesses.

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To learn more, read our detailed Dynamics 365 Sales vs. Salesforce Essentials Report (Updated: June 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Dynamics 365 Sales vs. Salesforce Essentials
June 2025
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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

ROI

Sentiment score
8.2
Dynamics 365 Sales improved productivity, achieved ROI in 18 months, and enhanced reporting and forecasting capabilities with proper usage.
Sentiment score
7.9
Salesforce Essentials offers an efficient, user-friendly platform that accelerates sales, aids teams, and automates processes for quick returns.
Our company reached the return on investment in just one and a half years after implementation, with improvements in productivity, efficiency, and overall outcomes.
Every solution claims to save time, money, and provide productivity savings.
For more quotes and insights, download the Dynamics 365 Sales report
No quotes available
For more quotes and insights, download the Salesforce Essentials report
 

Customer Service

Sentiment score
7.3
Dynamics 365 Sales support is praised for response speed but faces criticism for ticket creation and timely assistance issues.
Sentiment score
8.0
Salesforce Essentials is praised for fast, efficient support and reliable service uptime, enhancing user satisfaction and operational stability.
They prioritize serious issues and try to resolve them as quickly as possible.
The overall technical support of Microsoft deserves a rating of 10 out of 10.
For more quotes and insights, download the Dynamics 365 Sales report
Their service and uptime is phenomenal.
Salesforce Essentials has excellent customer service.
For more quotes and insights, download the Salesforce Essentials report
BN
SG
AA
GS
 

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score
7.5
Dynamics 365 Sales scales efficiently for various user bases, though large data movements face API-related throughput challenges.
Sentiment score
7.5
Salesforce Essentials is highly scalable, supporting enterprise-level needs with flexibility, although some report connectivity and enhancement dependency issues.
Dynamics 365 Sales is highly scalable, with a rating of ten out of ten.
Because of the API limits, the throughput is not good.
We have a global deployment across our organization in approximately 180 countries through Microsoft Azure cloud.
For more quotes and insights, download the Dynamics 365 Sales report
It is one of the most scalable systems available.
For more quotes and insights, download the Salesforce Essentials report
BN
FC
SG
AA
 

Stability Issues

Sentiment score
8.6
Dynamics 365 Sales is praised for stability and reliability, with users noting minimal issues and efficient critical information access.
Sentiment score
8.1
Salesforce Essentials offers stable performance, smooth SAP integration, minor bugs, and reliable uptime, ensuring minimal operational disruptions for users.
I usually do not face any bugs and would give it a high rating.
Its stability rate is 99.9998%, which is crucial as any instability could disrupt access to vital information.
It is definitely stable and scalable.
For more quotes and insights, download the Dynamics 365 Sales report
Salesforce Essentials has proven stable, with no downtime that affects my work.
For more quotes and insights, download the Salesforce Essentials report
reviewer1398846 - PeerSpot reviewer
BN
reviewer2710545 - PeerSpot reviewer
GS
 

Room For Improvement

Dynamics 365 Sales struggles with usability and integration, needing enhancements in AI, tutorials, and streamlined features for better performance.
Salesforce Essentials needs better integration, intuitive UI, competitive pricing, simplified automation, enhanced connectivity, and improved language support.
If Microsoft could provide direct integration, it would better support customers, especially in the Indian market.
They advise about using Power Automate, but it is not suitable for large scale operations.
The biggest challenge that people had was the simplicity that something like Salesforce offers, which Dynamics 365 Sales didn't really have.
For more quotes and insights, download the Dynamics 365 Sales report
Instead of requiring users to think about system navigation and clicking procedures, they can simply follow a workflow that guides them through the process.
There are other competitors, like Zoho CRM, that offer similar features at a lower cost.
For more quotes and insights, download the Salesforce Essentials report
BN
FC
reviewer2710545 - PeerSpot reviewer
AA
GS
 

Setup Cost

Dynamics 365 Sales offers robust features, generally priced at $150 monthly, with discounts, preferred by SMEs despite regional cost challenges.
Salesforce Essentials is costly, but offers value through flexibility and add-ons, despite complex payment options and operational expenses.
The list price is $150 per user per month, though my company pays $105 per user per month for 20 users.
It is affordable, and what I've seen is a lot of SME customers, small and medium enterprises, tend to go with Dynamics 365 Sales over anything else, which indicates that it's more affordable than some other solutions in the market.
For more quotes and insights, download the Dynamics 365 Sales report
The cost of running Salesforce Essentials is significant.
The costs associated with Salesforce Essentials are substantial, which is a drawback compared to competitors who offer similar services for less.
For more quotes and insights, download the Salesforce Essentials report
BN
reviewer2710545 - PeerSpot reviewer
AA
GS
 

Valuable Features

Dynamics 365 Sales offers robust lead management, Microsoft integration, automation, AI insights, customization, and enhances productivity with third-party flexibility.
Salesforce Essentials offers cloud deployment, customization, AI, and mobile support, benefiting process optimization and data integration despite high costs.
This CRM system is more scalable than Salesforce, and its stability rate is 99.9998%.
In SAP, filling 20 fields required visiting 10 different pages sequentially, whereas now everything can be done on a single page.
It is well-connected, with integration capabilities that work well with other systems.
For more quotes and insights, download the Dynamics 365 Sales report
Salesforce Essentials is excellent because it is one of the most flexible CRMs available.
It is very customizable to specific needs.
For more quotes and insights, download the Salesforce Essentials report
BN
SG
reviewer1398846 - PeerSpot reviewer
GS
AA
 

Categories and Ranking

Dynamics 365 Sales
Ranking in CRM
12th
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.1
Number of Reviews
15
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Salesforce Essentials
Ranking in CRM
15th
Average Rating
8.0
Reviews Sentiment
6.9
Number of Reviews
14
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of July 2025, in the CRM category, the mindshare of Dynamics 365 Sales is 0.5%, up from 0.3% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Salesforce Essentials is 0.4%, up from 0.1% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
CRM
 

Featured Reviews

IlyasAhmad - PeerSpot reviewer
A versatile and scalable CRM solution that streamlines business processes with its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with Microsoft platforms
The support they provide is quite commendable. When I was exploring various features of Office 365, being relatively new to it, I encountered a few challenges. Upon raising a support ticket on the Microsoft platform, I not only received prompt emails but also phone calls and engaging sessions. The Microsoft support engineers proved to be very helpful, and I appreciated their structured escalation metrics. Starting with basic assistance, they escalate the ticket to senior technicians if needed, ensuring comprehensive problem resolution. Another notable aspect is the abundance of Microsoft support resources, including videos, articles, and documentation, providing ample guidance for users. The support system offers a wealth of information, making it a valuable resource for problem-solving. I would rate it nine out of ten.
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Srini-Dhanaraj - PeerSpot reviewer
Manages service requests and dispatches engineers to resolve issues
I work from home for a heater manufacturing company. They wanted to move away from their current SAP CRM system to Salesforce. There is a fulfillment process, which involves taking an order, delivering it, and providing service. Salesforce is used to manage the order-taking process. Once an order is taken, the backend system, SAP ERP, handles product manufacturing, delivery, and installation. After installation, the Service Cloud in Salesforce takes over for ongoing service management. Once your order is confirmed, integration with the SAP ERP backend will be seamless. The system takes the sales order from Salesforce and starts processing it for procurement, starting with creating a production order, manufacturing, and then delivery. Once the product is delivered, this information is passed back to Salesforce Service Cloud. In the Service Cloud, a service engineer receives a notification indicating that a product needs to be delivered to a specific location for installation. The engineer then inspects and installs the product at the designated site. SAP ERP manages the product manufacturing and delivery processes. After the product is delivered to the customer, Salesforce Service Cloud takes over. It manages service requests and dispatches engineers to resolve issues reported by customers. Service Cloud captures the information and creates an incident record when a customer reports a product fault. Engineers receive this information and promptly visit the client site to fix the issue. The solution is easy to implement. Overall, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.
Read full review
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Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Dynamics 365 Sales?
It integrates well with other Microsoft products, enhancing sales workflow.
See all answers
What needs improvement with Dynamics 365 Sales?
This is my opinion about Microsoft: their products are good, but they put substantial investment in sales to show it is a good product. However, when you try to access the documentation, it is high...
See all answers
What is your primary use case for Dynamics 365 Sales?
I am trying to compare solutions for one of my customers. I am already dealing with something by Microsoft, as my customer is using Azure. It is a scenario of cost reduction, so I'm trying to find ...
See all answers
What do you like most about Salesforce Essentials?
Salesforce provides the best they have with the current version. Most of the features we need are already there, and it's very easy to use.
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Salesforce Essentials?
Salesforce Essentials is very expensive, but it delivers exceptional value. It is a good platform to have if you can afford it because it has numerous add-ons and modules. Anything that Salesforce ...
See all answers
What needs improvement with Salesforce Essentials?
We use a limited number of automated workflows in Salesforce Essentials. The workflows we implement are designed to make sales teams' lives easier when executing certain tasks. Instead of requiring...
See all answers
 

Comparisons

No data available
No data available
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Dynamics 365 Sales
June 2025
Dynamics 365 Sales reportDownload Dynamics 365 Sales product report
Buyer's Guide
Salesforce Essentials
June 2025
Salesforce Essentials reportDownload Salesforce Essentials product report
 

Overview

Dynamics 365 Sales empowers teams with capabilities in lead management, scheduling, and workflow organization. Its Office 365 integration and comprehensive ERP features enhance productivity and control.

Dynamics 365 Sales offers powerful tools for managing leads and customer interactions. Its integration with third-party apps and REST APIs simplifies workflows, providing comprehensive visibility and reliable performance. Teams benefit from its robust documentation and Power Platform compatibility, enhancing productivity with flexible pricing and a user-friendly interface. Despite some complexities, improvements in Outlook integration, AI features, and affordability are areas for enhancement.

What are the key features of Dynamics 365 Sales?
  • Lead Management: Simplifies tracking and organizing potential sales opportunities.
  • Office 365 Integration: Seamlessly works with Office applications for increased efficiency.
  • Customization Options: Allows for tailored solutions to meet business processes.
  • Third-party Integration: Connects with external apps to streamline operations.
  • Power Platform Compatibility: Enhances development and functionality.
What benefits should users expect from Dynamics 365 Sales?
  • Increased Productivity: Enhances efficiency with streamlined workflows and tools.
  • Enhanced Visibility: Provides comprehensive insights into sales activities.
  • Reliable Performance: Offers stability with robust platform support.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Flexible pricing options cater to varying business needs.
  • Improved Collaboration: Facilitates teamwork through seamless integrations.

Companies in industries like retail and sales management implement Dynamics 365 Sales to track opportunities and manage customer interactions. It helps in generating customized offers, managing orders, and supports sales reporting and CRM capabilities. Teams utilize it for sales management, lead follow-ups, and aligning targets with objectives, making it essential for daily operations.

Microsoft

Salesforce Essentials is a cloud-based CRM tool for businesses seeking flexible, scalable, and customizable solutions to enhance sales and customer support processes.

Designed for seamless integration across multiple channels, Salesforce Essentials includes Sales and Service Cloud to simplify sales tasks and customer management. It enhances finance, credit, and quality processes with user-friendly AI capabilities and predictive analytics. Despite its strengths, there is room for improvement in SAP integration, interface simplicity, and report generation. Cost-effectiveness and support for diverse languages are also potential upgrade areas. Businesses use this CRM solution for lead management, opportunity tracking, and automating sales workflows, transitioning from paper-based methods to digital efficiency.

What are the essential features of Salesforce Essentials?
  • Scalability and Flexibility: Accommodates growth and customization needs.
  • Multiple Channel Integration: Enhances finance and quality processes.
  • User-Friendly: Easy navigation with AI capabilities.
  • Cloud Deployment: Includes Sales and Service Cloud features.
  • Predictive Analytics: Improves productivity and tracking.
  • Mobile App Support: Facilitates on-the-go access and management.
What benefits or ROI can users expect from Salesforce Essentials?
  • Improved Productivity: Automation features save time and streamline tasks.
  • Enhanced Customer Management: Centralizes interaction and data handling.
  • Ease of Transition: From manual to automated workflows.
  • Performance Monitoring: Standardizes processes for better oversight.

In the retail industry, businesses employ Salesforce Essentials for customer data management and transparency in order processing. Healthcare providers use it for patient engagement and streamlined communication. Financial services utilize it for billing management and compliance, harnessing automation tools for efficient data handling.

Salesforce
Buyer's Guide
Dynamics 365 Sales vs. Salesforce Essentials
June 2025
Free Report: Dynamics 365 Sales vs. Salesforce Essentials
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