Salesforce
Salesforce is the world's most powerful CRM platform, offering unmatched customization, enterprise-grade features, and the new AI-powered Agentforce. Best for ambitious startups planning to scale rapidly and needing a CRM that can handle complexity.
Funded startups with complex sales processes that need the most customizable and scalable CRM available.
Our Verdict
Salesforce is the world's most powerful CRM platform, offering unmatched customization, enterprise-grade features, and the new AI-powered Agentforce. Best for ambitious startups planning to scale rapidly and needing a CRM that can handle complexity.
Rating Breakdown
Why Trust This Review
Our team has spent 40+ hours hands-on testing Salesforce across real-world scenarios. We follow a rigorous methodology with weighted scoring criteria. Our reviews are editorially independent and never influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions when you purchase through links on this site. This never influences our ratings or recommendations. Our reviews are based on independent testing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Industry-leading AI with Einstein analytics and the new Agentforce assistant
- Unmatched customization with custom objects, workflows, and Apex code support
- Largest app marketplace with 7,000+ integrations on AppExchange
- Scales seamlessly from startup to enterprise without needing to switch platforms
Cons
- Steepest learning curve of any major CRM -- often requires a dedicated admin
- Implementation can take weeks or months compared to days for simpler CRMs
- Enterprise and Unlimited pricing increased 6% in August 2025
- Most expensive option with costs escalating quickly as features are added
Full Review
Overview
Salesforce is the undisputed heavyweight champion of CRM, commanding over 20% of the global CRM market. Founded in 1999, it pioneered cloud-based CRM and continues to set the standard for enterprise sales technology. With its 2025 introduction of Agentforce AI and the new Free Suite for small teams, Salesforce is making a stronger play for the startup market than ever before.
On G2, Salesforce Sales Cloud holds a 4.5/5 rating from thousands of verified reviews. Its AppExchange marketplace offers over 7,000 integrations, dwarfing competitors.
Key Strengths
Salesforce's greatest strength is its virtually unlimited customizability. From custom objects and fields to complex workflow rules and Apex code triggers, you can mold Salesforce to fit any business process. The platform's reporting and analytics capabilities are industry-leading, with Einstein AI providing predictive insights, opportunity scoring, and automated data capture.
The new Free Suite offers basic CRM for up to 2 users with sales, service, and email marketing functions, plus a free Slack workspace. For startups ready to invest, the Starter Suite at $25/user/month provides a solid foundation.
Pricing Analysis
Salesforce pricing starts at $25/user/month for the Starter Suite. Pro Suite costs $100/user/month with advanced automation and reporting. Enterprise is $175/user/month (increased 6% in August 2025), and Unlimited is $350/user/month. The new Agentforce 1 Sales plan runs $550/user/month for AI-first selling.
Salesforce is the most expensive CRM on this list, and implementation costs can be significant. However, most companies negotiate 30-35% below list prices, and the platform's scalability means you won't need to switch CRMs as you grow from 10 to 10,000 employees.
Who Is It Best For?
Salesforce is best for funded startups with complex sales processes, multiple teams, or enterprise clients. If you have a dedicated ops person (or plan to hire one) and need deep customization, advanced reporting, and a platform that scales without limits, Salesforce is the right choice. It is also ideal for startups in regulated industries that need advanced compliance features.
The Bottom Line
Salesforce remains the gold standard for CRM power and flexibility. Its complexity and cost are real barriers for early-stage startups, but for those with the resources to implement it properly, no other CRM offers the same depth of functionality. The new Free Suite and Starter plan make it more accessible than ever, though the real value unlocks at the Pro Suite tier and above.
Alternatives to Salesforce
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Salesforce launched Free Suite in 2025, which provides basic CRM functionality for up to 2 users. It includes lead and contact management, email marketing tools, a sales pipeline, and a free Slack workspace. While more limited than HubSpot free plan, it is a good way to test Salesforce before committing to a paid plan starting at $25/user/month.
For 10 users on the Starter Suite, the base cost is $250/month ($25 x 10 users). On the Pro Suite, it is $1,000/month. Enterprise costs $1,750/month. However, factor in implementation costs ($5,000-15,000 for initial setup), admin training, and potential AppExchange add-ons. Many companies negotiate 30-35% below list prices. Realistically, budget $4,000-6,000/year for Starter or $15,000-25,000/year for Pro Suite including implementation.
It depends on your team and sales process. Salesforce has the steepest learning curve of any major CRM and often requires a dedicated administrator. For very early-stage startups with simple sales processes, HubSpot or Pipedrive may be better starting points. However, if you have a funded startup with a complex B2B sales cycle, multiple teams, or enterprise clients, Salesforce power and customizability can be worth the investment from day one. The new Starter Suite at $25/user/month is simpler than traditional Salesforce.
Written by
Alex has spent 8+ years testing and reviewing B2B SaaS tools. Former Head of Growth at a Series B startup, he brings hands-on experience with lead generation, CRM, and marketing automation platforms.