Salesforce vs Zoho - Ultimate CRM Comparison
Comprehensive Analysis

Salesforce vs. Zoho
Comparison

The ultimate comparison between Salesforce and Zoho

Salesforce logo
vs
Zoho logo

The ultimate comparison between
Salesforce and Zoho

Core Features

Core features define how CRMs help you manage leads, customers, and your sales process. By understanding them, you know how well these tools centralise your data, keep your team aligned, and automate repetitive tasks.

Why Core Features matter:

  • A strong feature set ensures reduced manual work, fewer missed opportunities, and clear visibility into your pipeline.
  • Seamless team collaboration with real-time updates for everyone.
  • Actionable analytics help you make faster, data-driven decisions.

Salesforce is a powerful, enterprise-grade CRM platform that offers extensive customisation, automation, and integration capabilities for large and complex businesses.

Zoho CRM is a flexible platform designed for small and mid-sized businesses to manage sales, marketing, and customer relationships with ease

Contact Management
Centralised Database Yes Yes
Import/export Yes Yes
Profiles Yes Yes
Segmentation Yes Yes
Activity Tracking
Follow up tracking Yes Yes
Cell and Email Tracking Yes Yes
Timeline View Yes Yes
Instant Notifications for New Leads Yes Yes
Team Activity Updates Yes Yes
Content Views Yes Yes
Automation
Automatic Lead Capture/Import Yes Yes
Follow-up Reminders Yes Yes
Automatic Lead Assignment Yes Yes
AI Lead Capture Yes No
Drip Campaigns Yes Yes
Smart Leads Yes Yes
Reporting And Analytics
Lead Source Reports Yes Yes
Team Performance Yes Yes
Individual Performance Yes Yes
Pipeline Management Yes Yes
Custom Reports Yes Yes
Content Management
Auto-personalised Templates for messages, pages and files Yes Yes

Integration Capabilities

Integration is one of the most important CRM features to compare, especially if you generate leads from multiple sources. An ideal CRM should seamlessly connect with external tools and platforms you already use. Strong integration capabilities mean your leads, conversations, and activities flow automatically into your CRM without endless copy-pasting or switching between apps.

This comparison lets you find out if a CRM

  • Syncs with ad platforms, social media, websites, and online forms so every lead lands directly in your CRM.
  • Connects with email, WhatsApp, SMS, and messaging apps to manage all conversations in one place.
  • Works with Google Suite, Calendly, and automation tools like Zapier, Make, or Pabbly to save time and reduce repetitive tasks.

Supports integrations with property portals, IDX websites, and automotive marketplaces for niche businesses.

Salesforce offers extensive integration capabilities, connecting with thousands of third-party apps, APIs, and external systems through tools like AppExchange and native connectors.

Zoho CRM integrates with hundreds of third-party apps and native Zoho tools, offering APIs, webhooks, and marketplace extensions.

Integration Type
Direct Integration Yes Yes
Lead Sources
Ad Platforms Yes Yes
Social Media Yes Yes
Business Websites Yes Yes
Online Forms Yes Yes
Property Portals Yes Yes
Email Yes Yes
Automotive Marketplaces Yes Yes
IDX Websites Yes Yes
Productivity Tools
Email Yes Yes
Google Suite Yes Yes
Calendly Yes Yes
Connector Tools
Zapier Yes Yes
Make Yes Yes
Pabbly Connect Yes Yes
Messaging
Whatsapp requires paid add on Yes
iMessage No Yes
SMS integration through partners Yes
Telegram No Yes
Data Integration
META Conversions API partnership possible via integrations Yes

Mobile Capabilities

A desktop-based CRM may not be completely effective If you and/or your team are always out and about. Strong mobile capabilities help you manage leads, follow-ups, and updates on the go, whether you’re meeting clients, traveling, or away from your desk.

Know if your CRM helps you:

  • Get instant alerts for new leads via app or text, so you never miss an opportunity.
  • Access full CRM features from your phone, including follow-up reminders and updates.
  • Add notes, track activities, or even integrate with other apps directly from your mobile.

Salesforcce offers strong mobile app with impressive functionalities

Zoho offers powerful mobile app for on-the-go sales management and tracking.

Product Features
Functionality * Some features may require desktop access * Strong mobile app but some features may require desktop access
Mobile Notifications
Instant New Lead Alerts via App Yes Yes
Instant New Lead Alerts via Text Yes Yes
Follow-up Reminders Yes Yes
Direct Third-Party Integrations
Integration from App directly Yes Yes

Lead Management

Lead management is how CRMs help you capture, organise, and convert leads into customers. A strong lead management feature set ensures that every lead is not only collected but also followed up on at the right time, by the right person, with the right message.

Why it matters:

  • Automatically bring leads in from websites, ads, and other lead sources without manual entry.
  • Assign and route leads to the right team members for faster response.
  • Keep prospects engaged with reminders and timely communication.
  • Manage calls, emails, and messages directly within the CRM to maintain a complete history.

Salesforce’s lead management system automates lead capture, tracking, scoring, and assignment, helping sales teams prioritise and convert prospects efficiently

Zoho automates lead capture, scoring, assignment, and nurturing, for efficient follow ups and conversions.

Lead Capture
Automatic Lead Import from Sources Yes Yes
Manual Lead Upload Yes Yes
Lead Distribution And Assignment
Automatic Lead Assignment Yes Yes
Round-robin Setup Yes Yes
Custom Lead Assignment Rules Yes Yes
Third-party Lead Distribution Yes No
Priority Routing Yes Yes
Lead Nurturing
Auto-personalised Templates Yes Yes
Follow-up Reminders Yes Yes
Follow-up Tracking Yes Yes
Drip Campaigns Yes Yes
Smart Leads Yes Yes
Custom follow ups Yes Yes
Whatsapp Auto-responder No Yes
Communication Tools
Text Yes Yes
Bulk Phone Calling Possible via partners might be possible via add ons
Email Integration Yes Yes
Templates Yes Yes

Ease of Use

Ease of use determines how quickly you and your team can get comfortable with the system and start seeing results. From the initial onboarding to day-to-day navigation, easy-to-use CRM saves time and reduces frustration.

Why it matters:

  • Smooth onboarding: Easy setup helps teams get started without long delays.
  • Minimal learning curve: A clear, intuitive interface means less time spent figuring things out.
  • Support when needed: Access to training and help resources ensures users feel confident and supported.

Supports integrations with property portals, IDX websites, and automotive marketplaces for niche businesses.

Salesforce has a steep learning curve, making it less intuitive for beginners without prior CRM experience.

Zoho CRM offers a clean interface and simple setup, ideal for small businesses and first-time CRM users

Accessibility And Onboarding
Learning Curve Yes steep, may require weeks of training Yes Moderate (a few weeks)
Training And Support
FAQs Yes Yes
Help Centre Yes Yes
In-person Training Yes Depends on plan
Live Training No Depends on plan
User Interface
User-friendly ** ***
Onboarding
Self No Yes
Guided Yes Yes

Industry-Specific Features

Salesforce provides industry-specific solutions for different industries through its “Salesforce Industries” suite, offering custom features for sectors like real estate, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and more.

Zoho CRM provides customisable features and ready-made solutions for industries like real estate, retail, insurance, and services through Zoho Vertical Solutions.

Customer Support

Strong customer support ensures you get timely assistance and keeps your processes running smoothly.

Live Chat
24/7 Live Chat varies by plan Varies by plan
Phone Call And Email Support
24/7 Phone Call Support Yes Varies by plan
Designated Hours Phone Call Support Yes Yes
Email Support Available Available

Cost

Cost plays a big role in finding the right fit for your budget without compromising on value. Not just the price tag, find out what you get for it. Many CRMs offer free plans or trials, making it easier to test before committing.

Salesforce offers reasonable starter plan but pricing can scale quickly based on features, users, and required customisations.

Zoho is an affordable full-featured CRMs, offering flexible pricing plans suitable for startups and growing businesses.

Pricing And Plans
Free Forever Plan Unavailable Available
Price Starts at $25 per month per user Starts at $14 per month per user
Free Trial Try free for 30 days Try free for 15 days