Salesforce vs Microsoft Dynamics 365 – A Comprehensive CRM Comparison

Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics 365 are two of the most trusted CRM platforms in 2025, used by mid-market and enterprise companies around the world. Both systems help organizations streamline sales, marketing, service, and operations—but they differ significantly in architecture, pricing, user experience, and ecosystem alignment.

This guide compares both platforms across all key areas to help you decide which CRM best supports your business strategy and growth.

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Pricing and Plans Comparison

Salesforce Pricing Tiers

Salesforce Essentials
$25
Small businesses, basic CRM needs
Salesforce Professional
$80
Growing businesses with automation
Salesforce Enterprise
$165
Large teams, advanced customization
Salesforce Unlimited+
$330
Enterprises, advanced analytics

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Pricing Tiers

 Sales Professional 
$65
 SMBs needing sales-focused CRM 
 Sales Enterprise 
$95
 Mid-large orgs with deeper sales needs 
 Customer Service Enterprise 
$95
 Businesses needing full support solutions 
 Marketing Module 
 $1,500 (per tenant) 
 Large businesses with complex marketing 

💡 Salesforce provides more CRM-specific plans, while Dynamics 365 offers modular pricing depending on functional needs (Sales, Service, Marketing).

Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Features and Functionality

Salesforce Features

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    End-to-end CRM for sales, marketing, and support
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    AI-powered insights with Einstein
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    Extensive automation with Flow Builder
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    AppExchange for 5,000+ integrations
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    Case and lead management tools
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    Lightning UI for custom app development

Dynamics 365 Features

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    Modular CRM + ERP capabilities
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    Built-in Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and Excel integrations
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    Relationship scoring and AI recommendations
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    Power Platform support (Power BI, Power Apps)
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    Strong customer service and field service tools
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    Unified Sales & Operations tracking

Customization and Scalability

Criteria

Salesforce

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Custom Fields & Objects
✔️ Deep customization via Apex & UI tools
✔️ Model-driven apps via Power Platform
Workflow Automation
✔️ Flow, Process Builder, Approval Rules
✔️ Power Automate, Business Rules
Developer Ecosystem
✔️ Massive support & integrations
✔️ .NET, Azure, Power Platform flexibility
Enterprise Scalability
🚀 Proven across industries & verticals
🚀 Enterprise-grade with ERP connectivity

⚙️ Salesforce is highly scalable for complex CRM needs. Dynamics 365 is ideal if you want to unify CRM + back-office ERP systems.

Integration and Compatibility

Platform

Integration Sources

Third-Party App Ecosystem

Salesforce
AppExchange, Slack, Tableau, Outlook
5,000+ apps
Dynamics 365
Teams, Outlook, Excel, LinkedIn, Azure
Microsoft AppSource & Power Platform apps

🔗 Dynamics 365 is perfect for organizations already deep in the Microsoft ecosystem. Salesforce wins for third-party diversity.

User Interface and Ease of Use
Salesforce User Interface
  • Lightning Experience offers robust but layered UI
  • Complex navigation for first-time users
  • Visual app builder for admins and devs
Dynamics 365 User Interface
  • Familiar UI for Microsoft 365 users
  • Unified Interface for mobile, desktop, and tablet
  • Easier onboarding for teams using Teams/Outlook
The Importance of Evaluating UI and Ease of Use
flexible
Salesforce rewards advanced users with flexibility
HubSpot SMB Icon

Dynamics 365 provides smoother transition for MS Office users

Speed icon

UI impacts onboarding speed, productivity, and system adoption

Customer Support and Training

Criteria

Salesforce

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Support Access
Tiered (Standard, Premier, Signature)
Tiered support (Standard, Unified)
Learning Resources
Trailhead, Salesforce Help
Microsoft Learn, Docs, Virtual Labs
Certification Programs
Salesforce Certified Admin, Architect
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics Functional
Partner Network
Extensive global Salesforce partners
Microsoft Gold/Certified Partners network

🎓 Salesforce offers an intuitive learning path via Trailhead. Dynamics 365 leverages Microsoft Learn, which is ideal for Office 365-savvy teams.

Analytics and Reporting

Analytics Feature

Salesforce

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Custom Reports & Dashboards
✔️ Advanced with real-time data
✔️ Embedded Power BI insights
AI Forecasting
✔️ Einstein AI
✔️ Relationship insights & scoring
Cross-Departmental Views
✔️ Easily done via Lightning UI
✔️ Enabled via Dataverse & Power Platform

📊 Salesforce is stronger in CRM-native analytics. Dynamics 365 wins when integrated with Power BI for organization-wide analytics.

Pros and Cons
Salesforce – Pros & Cons
Pros:
  • Market leader in CRM innovation
  • Powerful automation and AI tools
  • Vast ecosystem of third-party apps
  • Deep customization and scalability
Cons:
  • Expensive, especially for full suite
  • Requires setup and admin knowledge
  • Overwhelming for small teams
Microsoft Dynamics 365 – Pros & Cons
Pros:
  • Seamless integration with Office 365
  • Modular CRM + ERP in one ecosystem
  • Strong reporting via Power BI
  • Easier adoption for Microsoft-based teams
Cons:
  • Add-on pricing can be confusing
  • UI can feel basic compared to Salesforce
  • Some features depend on bundling apps
FAQ
Is Dynamics 365 a full CRM like Salesforce?
Yes, Dynamics 365 is a complete CRM platform, but it’s modular—so you may need to bundle different applications depending on your needs.
Which is more affordable—Salesforce or Dynamics?
Dynamics 365 is often more affordable for Microsoft users, but pricing can escalate with additional modules.
Does Salesforce integrate with Microsoft tools?
Yes, Salesforce integrates with Outlook, Teams, Excel, and other Microsoft tools—but Dynamics 365 offers native integration.
Which is better for enterprise scalability?
Both platforms scale well. Choose Salesforce for CRM-first growth; choose Dynamics if you want CRM + ERP under one roof.
Conclusion
Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics 365 are both top-tier CRM platforms—but they cater to different business environments.
Salesforce Icon
Choose Salesforce
if you're looking for a best-in-class CRM with robust automation, AI features, and unmatched flexibility.
Microsoft_Dynamics_365_Logo_(2021–present)
Choose Microsoft Dynamics 365
if your team already uses Microsoft tools and needs an integrated system for both CRM and back-office operations.
Still undecided? AeyeCRM specializes in implementing both platforms—helping you choose, customize, and scale the CRM that matches your strategy.
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