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Updated Jun 18, 2024

Salesforce vs. NetSuite: Which CRM Is Right for Your Business?

We compared Salesforce and NetSuite to help business owners find the right choice for their needs. Find out how the two CRMs stack up against each other.

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Written By: Kaylyn McKennaBusiness Operations Insider and Senior Analyst
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This guide was reviewed by a Business News Daily editor to ensure it provides comprehensive and accurate information to aid your buying decision.
Adam Uzialko
Business Strategy Insider and Senior Editor
Business News Daily earns compensation from some listed companies. Editorial Guidelines.
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Editor's Rating9.5/10
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Editor's Rating9.3/10
Table Of Contents Icon

Table of Contents

Open row
  • Salesforce and NetSuite offer comprehensive CRM features; however, their platforms vary significantly in pricing, user interface and plan options.
  • Salesforce is an industry-leading CRM focused on sales, marketing and service delivery.
  • Oracle NetSuite is a CRM module that is part of a broader enterprise resource planning system; it delivers robust e-commerce support.
  • This comparison is for small business owners deciding between Salesforce and NetSuite for their CRM needs.

Investing in an excellent customer relationship management (CRM) platform can help small businesses better manage their sales and marketing efforts. CRM systems organize customer data and communications, helping sales teams execute consistent follow-up strategies, track in-progress deals, and identify additional sales opportunities. 

Salesforce and NetSuite are two of the best CRM software packages available today. We highlighted crucial information from our in-depth Salesforce CRM review and NetSuite CRM review to compare their pricing, features, implementation, service and more. Our goal is to help small businesses choose the right CRM software for their needs and budget. 

Salesforce vs. Netsuite

Salesforce vs. NetSuite Compared

Criteria

Salesforce

NetSuite

Features

Salesforce offers a wealth of marketing and sales features, including customer contact management, customizable dashboards, opportunity scoring, email marketing, a customer journey builder and sales forecasting.

NetSuite offers a unified solution with sales, marketing and e-commerce features, including sales automation, marketing automation, reporting and analytics, upselling recommendations, commission tracking, and an e-commerce customer portal.

Pricing

Starts at $25 per user per month

Custom pricing only

Ease of use

The platform is relatively easy to use after you get past the initial learning curve.

While there are clear dashboards and a user-friendly mobile app, the system does have a learning curve.

Customer service

24/7 support via email, live chat or phone

24/7 phone support, online form submissions and self-help resources

Implementation

Implementation is straightforward for starter plans but can be lengthy and complex for businesses seeking advanced customization.

CRM implementation requires NetSuite ERP implementation. The process can take several weeks or even months based on business needs and selected modules.

Who Do We Recommend Salesforce For? 

We recommend Salesforce for small businesses in search of a relatively affordable yet scalable CRM solution with comprehensive features. Salesforce is one of the most popular CRM vendors around and is used by thousands of companies worldwide. The company is best known for its Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud, which offers a broad range of tools to help improve sales, including customer data management, sales forecasting, AI sales recommendations, email templates and more.

Salesforce offers various plan options with essential CRM features, which range from straightforward, affordable plans for $25 per monthly user to expansive — and expensive — enterprise tiers. The service is highly customizable to meet the needs of businesses of varying sizes across any industry. Businesses can pick and choose the CRM services they need and add features as they grow.

Notable Salesforce features and facts include the following: 

  • Salesforce offers small business plans starting at $25 per user per month.
  • The Salesforce CRM platform offers classic CRM features like call tracking and customer profiles, along with unique AI-powered strategic insights and automations.
  • Customers receive 24/7 support from Salesforce’s support team.

Salesforce AI powered insights

Salesforce provides AI-powered insights for sales teams to predict which leads will convert. Source: Salesforce

Did You Know?Did you know
Along with Oracle NetSuite, Salesforce's top competitors include Zoho CRM and monday Sales CRM. Read our Zoho CRM review and review of monday Sales CRM to see how these platforms compare.

Who Do We Recommend NetSuite For?

We recommend NetSuite for small and midsize businesses seeking an all-in-one CRM solution. It’s an ideal choice for businesses that want to handle accounting, sales activities, marketing, and HR all in one place. In contrast, businesses that rely on existing software tools may prefer a more traditional CRM with robust CRM integrations like Salesforce or HubSpot. 

NetSuite CRM provides a centralized platform to help businesses manage customer relationships and communicate with prospects and suppliers. NetSuite’s CRM product operates as an added module to the core Oracle NetSuite enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform. The ERP platform provides access to various tools, including accounting software, inventory management features, and HR software alongside CRM functionality.

Unlike most CRM vendors we reviewed, NetSuite doesn’t have transparent pricing tiers or plans. This lack of pricing transparency may be a downside for many small businesses shopping on a budget. However, this approach will benefit businesses that want a higher degree of package customization.

NetSuite excels in the CRM arena because of the following features:

  • NetSuite can manage all your business’s primary functions in one unified platform.
  • The platform and service packages are highly customizable.
  • NetSuite offers more substantial e-commerce features than many other CRM vendors.
FYIDid you know
NetSuite is an excellent CRM if your business has e-commerce functions and needs a CRM to manage e-commerce sales activity.

NetSuite key sales activities

NetSuite tracks key sales activities, including deals and revenue, to help organizations manage their sales efforts. Source: NetSuite

Salesforce vs. NetSuite Comparison

Features

Salesforce

  • Customer contact management: Salesforce’s contact management features help users access clear overviews of customer accounts and data, including contact information as well as sales and communication histories.
  • Customizable dashboards: You can review key sales data and CRM analytics on customizable CRM dashboards in the Salesforce platform.
  • Opportunity scoring: Salesforce will analyze sales data to predict which leads are most likely to convert to sales. This helps businesses prioritize their top sales opportunities and close deals.
  • Email marketing: You can send marketing emails and create targeted email campaigns by editing prebuilt templates. Plus, Salesforce helps you build automated email campaigns to streamline your email marketing efforts.
  • Customer journey builder: Salesforce gives you the ability to build customized and automated customer content journeys through web content, email marketing, mobile marketing and more.
  • Sales forecasting: The platform allows you to create customized sales forecasts to anticipate future sales activity and revenue. Adjust the metrics measured to customize your forecasts.
TipTip
Salesforce can also help marketing teams segment customers and prospects into various lists for more targeted and personalized email marketing campaigns.

NetSuite

  • Sales automation: Customized and automated sales workflows can guide teams through the sales cycle more effectively.
  • Marketing automation: NetSuite’s marketing automation tools can help businesses with lead management by tracking each prospect’s activity, creating targeted marketing efforts, and identifying when a lead meets set buyer-readiness conditions.
  • Reporting and analytics: Access real-time analytics, role-based dashboards and customizable reporting on sales activities.
  • Upsell recommendations: NetSuite analyzes buying patterns and sales data to generate upselling and cross-selling recommendations.
  • Commission tracking: You can track sales rep commission earnings and special incentives and process payments in-platform.
  • E-commerce customer portal: Businesses can use NetSuite’s e-commerce portal to manage product inventory, handle e-commerce customer data and sales activity, and build e-commerce websites.
Best Features
NetSuite
Both vendors offer feature-heavy CRM services. However, NetSuite offers more robust e-commerce-focused features along with additional services, such as accounting and finance tools.

Pricing 

Salesforce

  • Salesforce offers a discount for annual billing; you’ll pay more for monthly billing. It also requires an annual contract for all tiers.
  • Paid add-ons for analytics, marketing and more can improve any service tier’s functionality. 
  • You can access a free 30-day trial at all service levels. 

Salesforce offers several plans to accommodate businesses of different sizes and varying needs. The most popular small business plans include the following (prices reflect monthly charges with annual billing):

  • Starter: $25 per user per month. Features include basic sales, marketing and service tools. This plan is ideal for newer small businesses that need core CRM features.
  • Professional: $80 per user per month. It includes everything in Starter, plus sales forecast management and more advanced sales features like customizable reporting and sales quoting.
  • Enterprise: $160 per user per month. This level includes everything in Professional, plus more advanced functionality like workflow automation, advanced sales pipeline and deals management, opportunity scoring, deal insights, web service APIs and more. 
  • Unlimited: $330 per user per month. This level includes everything in previous tiers, plus high-level features like lead scoring, enhanced Einstein AI tools, premium support and more. 
FYIDid you know
If you're invested in Salesforce and want to get the most from this comprehensive platform, check out podcasts for Salesforce fanatics that share the latest company and platform news, along with tips, tricks and insights.

NetSuite

NetSuite does not provide publicly available pricing data. Our research indicates that you can expect to pay around $1,000 per month as a base price with an added per-user fee of around $100. To get a price quote, businesses must contact Oracle NetSuite and meet with a sales team member.

Best Pricing
Salesforce
Salesforce wins this round because many businesses prefer vendors with clear and transparent pricing tiers and service packages. This is particularly important for small businesses with limited budgets. With Salesforce, you can choose packages and add-ons and understand your cost obligations immediately. Additionally, NetSuite's base pricing may be too expensive for many businesses, while Salesforce provides some relatively budget-friendly starter packages.
Bottom LineBottom line
NetSuite's monthly price may seem high. However, the service can replace other software, such as accounting software, HR software and more. You could end up saving money by switching to a unified solution like NetSuite.

Ease of Use

Salesforce

Salesforce is a complex CRM. However, many users find it relatively easy to use after an initial learning curve. Users with prior CRM software experience tend to fare better. We appreciate that the platform does a great job visually displaying data and key insights, along with providing personalized AI insights and sentiment analysis. This makes the platform more intuitive. Additionally, your Salesforce package’s complexity level (basic vs. advanced features and add-ons) will affect your ease of use. 

Most businesses should expect a learning curve when using the Salesforce CRM; understanding the platform and its functions may take a while. 

Salesforce intuitive dashboard

Salesforce offers intuitive dashboards with key insights to help sales and marketing teams work more effectively. Source: Salesforce

NetSuite

NetSuite is also one of the more complex CRMs to navigate. Those with experience using other Oracle products will have an easier time. When we researched customer feedback and reviews, we found that users were split on NetSuite’s ease of use. Some found it fairly straightforward, while others cited a steep learning curve and a challenging interface. 

In our testing, we found the user interface a bit clunky and outdated. However, information is presented in a relatively clear manner on each dashboard or screen. Reports are easy to customize and export, which we appreciate. 

Ultimately, the NetSuite CRM isn’t the most modern or intuitive system. However, with the right training and some patience, users should pass the initial learning curve and navigate the platform without problems.

Netsuite customer dashboard

NetSuite’s customer dashboards are straightforward and present detailed information. Source: NetSuite

Best for Ease of Use
Salesforce
Neither vendor necessarily comes out on top as the best CRM for ease of use. However, we found Salesforce to be the more user-friendly option. Salesforce's AI tool, Einstein, adds significant usability value via personalized coaching and insights, writing and task assistance, and automating complex processes.
Did You Know?Did you know
Both CRM vendors offer mobile apps that help sales teams track deals, customer communications and more while they're in the field or away from their desks.

Customer Service

Salesforce

Salesforce’s customer service team is available by phone, email and chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Higher plans gain access to premier support with extended support for noncritical issues, expert guidance and tailored resources. Premier support is also available as an add-on; this service costs 30 percent of your net license fees.

Salesforce also provides an online form where users can open a tech support case. 

NetSuite

NetSuite includes 24/7 basic customer support in all plans. You can also access extensive online self-help resources, including an online tech support forum and how-to guides. NetSuite Premium Support is a higher support tier with additional assistance, including support for noncritical issues, priority case queuing, and commerce response services.

Best Customer Service
Tie
Both vendors offer solid customer support and self-service options. They've both received mostly positive customer support ratings from current customers. We appreciate that both vendors offer 24/7 support but acknowledge that accessing a higher support tier for more comprehensive support can be costly with both plans. 

Implementation

Salesforce

The Salesforce implementation process will vary based on your selected plan and customization needs. Salesforce is a highly customizable platform; businesses with advanced customizations or complex CRM workflows will face a longer implementation process and should consider working with a Salesforce consultant for added support. 

However, average small businesses with the Starter plan will have a reasonably quick and easy setup process. Your primary task will be importing existing customer data and setting up minor customizations. Salesforce provides guides and to-do lists to help businesses navigate the setup process. 

TipTip
Access Salesforce's extensive online self-help resources to learn more about importing data, customizing fields and nurturing leads in the CRM.

NetSuite

NetSuite’s implementation process can be quite lengthy because it also requires the implementation of NetSuite’s ERP software. The company charges a one-time setup fee for the initial implementation process. The setup period requires significant planning, data migration, configuration, testing and employee platform training, so the process can take several weeks or even months. According to Oracle, businesses with more basic needs can get set up in around 30 days. 

Your company must assign a staff member to act as a project manager to work with the NetSuite team throughout the process. Many companies opt to work with a NetSuite consultant for advanced customization or additional training support. NetSuite maintains a partner directory where companies can find certified consultants.

Best Implementation
Salesforce
Salesforce can be implemented more quickly than NetSuite for many customers. Small businesses choosing a more affordable plan with basic CRM features can get up and running reasonably quickly. We appreciate that Salesforce provides plenty of self-help resources.

Salesforce vs. NetSuite. Recap

Choose Salesforce if:

  • You prefer a CRM vendor with a transparent pricing structure.
  • You want a CRM platform with a more updated and modern interface.
  • You’re looking for a targeted solution for sales or marketing and don’t want to pay for a fully unified system.

Choose NetSuite if: 

  • Your company is already using other Oracle software products.
  • You need a CRM with advanced e-commerce functionality.
  • You’re looking for a unified solution that covers sales, marketing and operations.

FAQs

NetSuite is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software with a CRM add-on.
Salesforce is used by thousands of businesses globally, including IBM, Mercedes-Benz, NBCUniversal, Herman Miller, Morgan Stanley, PayPal, AT&T, 3M, ADP, Adidas and Asana.
NetSuite CRM is used by many major companies, including Crumbl Cookies, LoveSac, ActivePDF, Epicuren and more.
Yes. Businesses can set up a 30-day free trial to test Salesforce's CRM products.
NetSuite offers various modules, including CRM, payroll and advanced financials. Businesses can choose which modules to license, but all modules require the core NetSuite ERP.
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Written By: Kaylyn McKennaBusiness Operations Insider and Senior Analyst
For more than 10 years, Kaylyn McKenna has studied the ins and outs of the workplace experience. With guidance designed to help both employers and employees, she advises on workplace matters affecting small businesses. This has ranged from providing recommendations on HRO and PEO services to sharing pointers on job interviews and managing increasing workloads. Her expertise has been trusted by JobGet, Business Management Daily and others. At Business News Daily, McKenna covers HR software, HR outsourcing services, professional employer organizations and the critical human resources topics businesses need to know about. McKenna holds a bachelor's degree in business administration. While pursuing her master's in industrial and organizational psychology, she focused on relevant topics like organizational change, high-performance teamwork and customer relations. McKennna has also led webinars on workplace happiness and unconscious bias in the workplace. With her additional interest in e-commerce and finance, McKenna's work has appeared in Forbes, CBS News and Accounting.com.
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