Salesforce is one of the biggest CRMs in the world, but that doesn’t automatically make it the best choice for every business, especially startups, small teams, and growing businesses find Salesforce too pricey, too heavy, or simply too complicated for daily use.
So the actual question is: Which CRM is actually better than Salesforce for your business needs? There’s no single answer, because what counts as “better” depends on your priorities, whether you want something easier to use, more affordable, faster to work with, or focused on sales results.
In this blog, we’ll break it down in a clear and friendly way so you can decide what fits your team best.
1. HubSpot CRM
HubSpot is the biggest challenger to Salesforce today. The first thing people notice is how easy it feels. The layout is clear, and you don’t need days of training to start using it.
What HubSpot might be better
- Free version available
- Beginner-friendly
- Good for both sales and marketing
- Smooth user experience
- Works well for small and medium businesses
If your team wants a CRM that feels fresh and doesn’t drain your energy, HubSpot is a strong choice
2. Zoho CRM
Zoho is loved across India and worldwide because it gives you powerful features at a friendly price. Many businesses get almost everything they need without paying the high fees that come with Salesforce.
Why Zoho might be better
- Affordable pricing
- Good mobile app
- Helpful sales tracking tools
- Easy to customise
- Works well for growing companies
If you want strong features without big expenses, Zoho might be the better option.
3. Pipedrive
Pipedrive is built for salespeople. Instead of feeling like a heavy system, it feels like a visual board that helps you move deals from one stage to another. It’s simple, fast, and to the point.
Why Pipedrive might be better
- Simple drag-and-drop pipeline
- Very easy to understand
- Clear view of deals
- Helps teams stay focused
- Perfect for fast-moving sales environments
If your main goal is to improve sales performance without dealing with too many features, Pipedrive is a great alternative.
4. Freshsales
Freshsales brings modern features like AI suggestions, but keeps the experience light and clean. Many businesses like it because it feels straightforward even when using advanced tools.
Why Freshsales might be better
- Easy setup
- Budget-friendly plans
- Smart insights for sales teams
- Clean dashboard
- Good customer support
If you want smart features without spending too much time learning, Freshsales is worth trying.
5. Microsoft Dynamics 365
Microsoft Dynamics is great for companies that want something powerful but prefer staying inside the Microsoft ecosystem. If you already use tools like Outlook, Teams, or Excel, this CRM fits naturally into your workflow.
Why Dynamics might be better
- Works well with Microsoft apps
- Good for large companies
- High level of customisation
- Strong reporting and analytics
- Suitable for long-term growth
If your business needs an enterprise-level CRM with deep features, Dynamics can easily compete with Salesforce.
6. Monday CRM
Monday.com is known for project management, but its CRM version is becoming popular because it gives you the same colourful experience, just focused on customer and sales activities.
Why Monday might be better
- Very visual layout
- Bright and clean interface
- Drag-and-drop style
- Good for teams that love dashboards
- Helps track tasks and sales in one place
If your team likes to work with boards and visual tools, Monday CRM is a fun and flexible option.
Which CRM is actually better than Salesforce?
There isn't one single winner. The best CRM depends on your company's size, goals, budget, and comfort level.
Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
- Want something easy and modern? - HubSpot
- Want strong features at a great price? - Zoho CRM
- Want a sales-focused tool? - Pipedrive
- Want AI tools with a simple setup? - Freshsales
- Need enterprise-level power? - Microsoft Dynamics
- Love visual workflows? - Monday CRM
Salesforce is strong, no doubt. But that doesn't mean it fits every tea. Many businesses today want tools that feel lighter, faster, and easier to use in daily work. The right CRM is the one that helps your team stay organised, reply to customers quickly, track deals clearly, and grow without stress.
Conclusion
Choosing a CRM isn’t about picking the most popular brand; it’s about finding the one that actually fits your team’s daily rhythm. While Salesforce is powerful, many businesses don’t need such a heavy system. Tools like HubSpot, Zoho, Pipedrive, Freshsales, Dynamics, and Monday offer simpler, faster, and more budget-friendly experiences.
The right CRM should help you stay organised, respond faster, track leads clearly, and grow without feeling overwhelmed. Pick the CRM that supports your goals, not the one that demands constant adjustment.
Want help choosing the right CRM? Piesol guides you from selection to setup with simple, quick, and business-friendly solutions so your team works better, closes more deals, and grows with confidence.