Act! vs Salesforce: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Act! and Salesforce comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Act!
CRM and marketing automation for small businesses
Best for you if:
- • You need email marketing features specifically
- • You need crm and marketing automation for small businesses
- • You need professional-grade features
Salesforce
The #1 CRM platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need crm features specifically
- • The world's #1 CRM platform
- • Enterprise-grade with endless customization
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Email Marketing | CRM |
Rating | —/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Act! | Salesforce |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 212 | 0 |
| Categories | Email MarketingWorkflow Automation | CRMMarketing Automation |
Understanding the Differences
Both Act! and Salesforce solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Act! positions itself as "crm and marketing automation for small businesses" while Salesforcefocuses on "the #1 crm platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Act!
Act! makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Salesforce
Salesforce is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool. Scoring 88/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Salesforce
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Salesforce is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Salesforce
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Act! is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Act!
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Salesforce—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Salesforce higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Act! more (212 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Salesforce Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Act! If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Salesforce (88/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Salesforce scores higher in our analysis, but Act! might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Act! or Salesforce better?
Based on our analysis, Salesforce scores higher with 88/100. Act! ispaid while Salesforce is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Act! to Salesforce easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Act! and Salesforce offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Act! is paid with potential trial.Salesforce is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.