Microsoft Dynamics vs Salesforce Comparison 2023

Quick summary:

In this article, we analyze Microsoft Dynamics and Salesforce, comparing their features and highlighting what each does best.

If you're looking for user-friendliness, adaptability, and a wide range of integrations, Salesforce might be your top pick. However, if you prioritize analytics, customer service, and particularly integration with LinkedIn Sales Navigator, then MS Dynamics 365 should be your go-to choice.

Shopping around the CRM market can be overwhelming. New apps are coming out all the time. But there’s always something to be said about the giants of the industry and their starting power. Two of the top names are Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics 365.

So what are the differences between Microsoft Dynamics vs Salesforce, and what are the pros and cons of each CRM? Well this side by side breakdown of these two CRM solutions has got the answers.

What is the difference between Microsoft Dynamics and Salesforce CRM?

The difference between Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics is subtle in some cases and clearer in others. It is true both are CRM systems which can handle the largest enterprise businesses, unlike apps like Zoho or HubSpot which may seem better geared to startups and small businesses.

This Salesforce vs Microsoft Dynamics article will look at various categories, including price, ease of use, market share, integrations and mobile versions, among others, but here’s a CRM software comparison of some of the other top platforms if you want to investigate further.

Salesforce vs Dynamics 365 pros and cons comparison chart

Microsoft Dynamics vs Salesforce

Salesforce vs Dynamics 365 pricing

Microsoft Dynamics 365

• Dynamics 365 Sales Professional plan is $65 per user per month

• Dynamics 365 Sales Enterprise plan is $95 per user per month

• Dynamics 365 Sales Premium plan is $135 per user per month

• Dynamics 365 Marketing plan starts at $1,500 per tenant per month

• Dynamics 365 Customer Service Professional plan is $50 per user per month

• Dynamics 365 Customer Service Enterprise plan is $95 per user per month

• Microsoft Relationship Sales     plan is $162 per user per month

Salesforce

• Salesforce Sales Cloud Essentials plan is $25 per user per month billed annually

• Salesforce Sales Cloud Professional plan is $75 per user per month billed annually

• Salesforce Sales Cloud Enterprise plan is $150 per user per month billed annually

• Salesforce Sales Cloud Unlimited plan is $300 per user per month billed annually

• Salesforce Marketing Cloud Automation (Pardot) plan starts at $1,250 per user per month billed annually

• Salesforce Service Cloud plan starts at $25 per user per month billed annually

Winner: Microsoft Dynamics 365

When it comes to cost, Microsoft Dynamics 365 edges out Salesforce by a slim margin. Even though Salesforce’s base price may appear cheaper, it is likely you’ll find that basic plan limiting. After calculating the costs to include all your necessary functionalities, Microsoft Dynamics is the winning CRM solution when it comes to price.

Salesforce vs Dynamics for ease of use?

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Many people are already familiar with other Microsoft products like MS Office 365 and MS Outlook. This may lead you to think that adopting the robust Dynamics 365 CRM software will be no more difficult than those other applications. The truth is that Microsoft Dynamics 365 does indeed require a bit of a learning curve. It’s not rocket science, but it’s also not a simple Excel spreadsheet. However, if you combine Dynamics with Microsoft’s web hosting service, Azure, things run smoother.

Salesforce

As one of the first CRM systems to address the business needs for both small businesses and large, Salesforce was conceived as a practical sales tool for non-tech-savvy sales teams. While the basic look and feel of this contact management tool appear very user-friendly, you might at first be overwhelmed by the sheer number of CRM tools. For everything from marketing automation to sales territory management, Salesforce makes things incredibly streamlined. 

Winner: Salesforce

Salesforce manages to take the prize when it comes to the user experience and overall ease of use with this CRM solution. Workflows are relatively easy to set up. Data is very clear even as it is updated in real-time. Not to say that the Microsoft Dynamics CRM is impossible, just not as simple as Salesforce.  

Salesforce vs Microsoft Dynamics customer support

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft has a long history of making both personal and business software. For this reason, they’ve always prioritized good customer service. Microsoft also offers very reasonably priced support plans. For more personalized support, you can chat, call or request that a Microsoft support agent reach you when it is convenient for you.

Salesforce

Salesforce also has not skimped too much when it comes to offering customer service and support for its users. Usually, this CRM will try and guide you through online help tools before urging you to personally get in touch with a live agent. You can of course also call them or request a call back at a time of your choosing.

Winner: Microsoft Dynamics 365

When it comes to customer service and support for your CRM software solution, we’re giving Microsoft Dynamics a slight win over Salesforce, but not by that much really. You are very likely to get a Microsoft agent on the phone sooner than a Salesforce agent. 

Salesforce vs Microsoft Dynamics free versions

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft Dynamics 365 does not offer a free version. It is true that Microsoft Teams users can access the data in Dynamics 3656 without subscribing to the full CRM platform. There are some good free and open source alternatives to the MS Dynamics CRM, like ERPNext.

Salesforce

Likewise with the Microsoft CRM system, Salesforce also does not offer any free versions of its customer relationship management solution. Sure, there are free trials, but those won’t get you very far. Online suggestions for free or cheaper alternatives to Salesforce are Zoho and HubSpot.

Winner: It’s a tie

As neither Salesforce nor Microsoft Dynamics 365 offer free versions, we can’t really crown either CRM platform the winner of this category. Again, you can take advantage of free trials, but there will always be additional costs when subscribing to the full CRM system.

MS Dynamics vs Salesforce product limitations

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Nothing is 100% complete, and every business platform has some limitations. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is no different. For example, when it comes to Azure cloud storage space, you may need to buy more for an additional cost. There are also some customization limitations when it comes to making server code adjustments.

Salesforce

Salesforce also has some limitations when it comes to customizations. You might experience some product limitations for making this CRM work for small businesses and startups, as opposed to larger businesses and enterprises. The Salesforce reporting functionality can show its limitations as well, as it does not have the robustness of Microsoft’s Power BI analytics.

Winner: Salesforce

In the end, while product limitations are inevitable, Salesforce gets the top seat for having fewer than Microsoft. Perhaps this is because Microsoft would like its Dynamics 365 users to remain within the Microsoft app ecology. Whereas Salesforce knows it must be more flexible. To find out more about Salesforce features and limitations, make sure to check out our Salesforce CRM review.

Does Microsoft Dynamics or Salesforce have greater market share?

Microsoft Dynamics 365

While the data on market share is always shifting in real time, we can roughly put Microsoft Dynamic’s market share anywhere between 7% and 9%. By some estimates, there are anywhere between 10,000 and 30,000 companies using Microsoft Dynamics 365.

Salesforce

As the pioneer of CRM, Salesforce has consistently held the top market share position for years. Nowadays they have cornered about 20% of the customer relationship market. By some estimates, over 150,000 companies worldwide are using Salesforce.

Winner: Salesforce

Numbers speak for themselves, and don’t lie. Salesforce's approximate 20% market share clearly bests Microsoft’s less than 10%. 

Knowledgebase & learning

Microsoft Dynamics 365

If you plan to set up a knowledge base with Microsoft Dynamics 365, know that it is an out-of-the-box product. It comes with the customer service hub module. Articles written there will be added to the overall knowledge base and learning tools. It even uses artificial intelligence to suggest words and topics.

Salesforce

Setting up a knowledge base in Salesforce means you have to have the Essentials or Unlimited plans in Salesforce Service Cloud. You can also get it for an additional cost in other modules. Salesforce tries to make it easy for support reps to write their own articles and share them across the organization.

Winner: Microsoft Dynamics 365

To get the most out of a knowledge base or learning module, Microsoft Dynamics steps up to the top rung of the latter. It’s slightly easier to set up and use than Salesforce, but not by much. To learn more about Microsoft Dynamics 365 ease of use and features, make sure to check out our Microsoft Dynamics CRM review.

Mobile version

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft has mobile versions for both phones and tablets. This is great for doing customer engagement when one is not on-premise. It’s useful for when reps do field service. There are lots of tools on the mobile app, and it may seem crowded or overwhelming at first.

Salesforce

Salesforce has a killer mobile app. It looks great and is really intuitive to use. The Salesforce mobile CRM app applies business intelligence through its Einstein AI tool. You can use this app for all sorts of business needs, including email marketing, lead management and case management. It’s also quite customizable. 

Winner: Salesforce

One look at both the Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics mobile apps and many people would automatically choose the Salesforce option. It looks better, is simpler, and does more.

Integrations

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Being Microsoft, the idea here is to use as many of their own products instead of being open to integrations and add-ons. The fact that they offer both CRM and ERP means little is lacking when it comes to functionality. If you are looking for 3rd party integrations, it’s possible, but not every SaaS out there works well with this. There is also Microsoft PowerApps to build low-code add-ons instead of looking for integrations. For other 3rd party integrations, Microsoft’s AppSource is a nifty database of apps.

Salesforce

Salesforce offers a service called AppExchange. This connects you with experts who can help you choose the best integrations. Otherwise setting up integrations with other common business SaaS is a snap. They also have a series of APIs for developers to play with.

Winner: Salesforce

If you need some serious integrations with your CRM, for social media management, advanced business processes, or 3rd party sales forecasting, Salesforce and AppExchange is the go-to CRM instead of Microsoft.

LinkedIn interoperability

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Back in 2016, the Microsoft corporation bought LinkedIn, and today the business social engagement platform is still a subsidiary of Microsoft. You can easily install and use LinkedIn Sales Navigator into your Dynamics 365 platform.

Salesforce

Even though this is Microsoft’s product, Salesforce users can also integrate with LinkedIn Sales Navigator. It can help with marketing campaigns to target buyers, and does opportunity management to help understand what converts leads into customers. The integration works incredibly well.

Winner: Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft Dynamics wins the crown for LinkedIn interoperability, and they deserve it for having bought out the platform. While the LinkedIn Sales Navigator integrates nicely with Salesforce too, the streamlined functionality between parent and subsidiary companies is hard to beat.

E-commerce tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Dynamics 365 Commerce is the Microsoft platform for stores both on and offline. When it comes to strictly online e-commerce tools, you get a solid kit with Dynamics. It lets you engage with customers across channels and leverages AI insights to help drive sales. There is a simple drag-and-drop tool to build online stores.

Salesforce

Salesforce Commerce Cloud is the company’s module for all things B2C. You got a nice set of marketing automation features. There is sales funnel conversion optimization. Building great websites for your shop is simple and even fun to do. You can set up personalized merchandise and promotions for select audiences. Salesforce’s Einstein AI is also part of this package for better insights and recommendations.

Winner: Salesforce

This is a very close race, but Salesforce wins it by a nose hair. The smooth overlapping between marketing and sales truly offers a powerful business edge. Also, Einstein is a bit more user-friendly than Microsoft’s AI when it comes to e-commerce.

Which is better, Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics? Our conclusion

So there you have it. Salesforce does beat out Microsoft Dynamics 365 in the overall average, but as you can see, each CRM platform has its specific strengths.

Salesforce emerges as the front-runner in user experience, mobile app design, and its robust ecosystem for integrations, appealing to businesses seeking a CRM that’s user-friendly and highly adaptable.

Microsoft Dynamics 365, with its superior customer support, LinkedIn integration, and knowledge base capabilities, is a formidable contender, especially for those already entrenched in the Microsoft suite.

While Salesforce leads in market share and e-commerce prowess, Dynamics 365 holds its own with strong analytics and a commitment to customer engagement.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on specific business needs, existing infrastructure, and the value placed on seamless integration versus extensive customization. Both platforms evolve continually, but for now, each serves as a beacon in their areas of excellence within the CRM industry.

Microsoft Dynamics vs Salesforce FAQs

What is the Difference Between Microsoft Dynamics and Salesforce?

Microsoft Dynamics integrates with Microsoft products, offering flexibility and customization. It has on-premise and cloud options. On the other hand, Salesforce, a cloud-based CRM, is highly scalable and user-friendly, with a vast app ecosystem. Dynamics suits businesses in the Microsoft ecosystem, while Salesforce emphasizes cloud innovation and extensive third-party apps.

Which is Better, Microsoft or Salesforce?

Deciding between the two boils down to your needs. Opt for Microsoft Dynamics if you use Microsoft products, want seamless integration, prioritize customization, and need on-premise deployment. However, if your business values the cloud, prioritizes scalability, emphasizes user-friendliness, and seeks continuous innovation through a vast app ecosystem, choose Salesforce.

What is the Market Share of Microsoft Dynamics vs Salesforce?

Microsoft Dynamics CRM has a market share of 4.55% in the CRM platforms market. In comparison, Salesforce has a higher market share, with 27.82%, and Salesforce CRM follows closely with 24.18%. So, Salesforce holds a more significant share in the CRM platforms category compared to Microsoft Dynamics.

Is Microsoft Dynamics Compatible With Salesforce?

In their natural state, Microsoft Dynamics and Salesforce don’t automatically work together. However, with some extra tech magic—like third-party tools or custom integrations—you can make them play nice by sharing certain information. Just keep in mind that making them compatible might need a bit of technical know-how.

Resources

Market share data:

• https://www.datanyze.com/market-share/erp--346/microsoft-dynamics-market-share

• https://www.infoclutch.com/installed-base/enterprise-application/microsoft-dynamics-365/

• https://www.statista.com/statistics/972598/crm-applications-vendors-market-share-worldwide/#:~:text=Salesforce%20is%20the%20leading%20vendor,percent%20shares%20of%20the%20market.

• https://backlinko.com/salesforce-stats