Salesforce vs Freshsales: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Salesforce and Freshsales 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:
Salesforce
The #1 CRM platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • The world's #1 CRM platform
- • Enterprise-grade with endless customization
Freshsales
AI-powered Sales CRM to streamline sales, boost conversions, and grow your pipeline.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • AI-powered CRM for lead generation, qualification, and tracking.
- • Automates tasks and provides AI-driven insights for sales efficiency.
| At a Glance |  Freshsales | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | CRM | CRM |
Rating | 88/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Salesforce | Freshsales |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | CRMMarketing Automation | CRMSales Engagement |
Understanding the Differences
Both Salesforce and Freshsales solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Salesforce positions itself as "the #1 crm platform" while Freshsalesfocuses on "ai-powered sales crm to streamline sales, boost conversions, and grow your pipeline.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Salesforce
Salesforce makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 88/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Freshsales
Freshsales is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Freshsales won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Freshsales
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Salesforce handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Salesforce
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Salesforce is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Salesforce
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Freshsales has a free tier to get you started.
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 Freshsales more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Salesforce Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Freshsales If
- You want to start free and scale later
- 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 Freshsales 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 Salesforce or Freshsales better?
Based on our analysis, Salesforce scores higher with 88/100. Salesforce ispaid while Freshsales is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Salesforce to Freshsales 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 Salesforce and Freshsales offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Salesforce is paid with potential trial.Freshsales is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.