Odoo Open Source vs. Salesforce: CRM Comparison in 2025

In this article, we compare the CRM capabilities of Odoo and Salesforce based on their features as of 2025. Our evaluation is subjective but grounded in an analysis of key factors important to businesses. We’ll examine functionality, customization, ease of setup, cost, and data retention to help you make an informed decision.

Odoo began in 2005 as TinyERP, founded by Fabien Pinckaers in Belgium. Initially a modular open-source ERP system aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, it was rebranded as Odoo in the 2010s, expanding to include CRM, e-commerce, and project management. Its open-source model fueled rapid adoption, enabling users to tailor the platform to their needs. Today, millions of companies worldwide use Odoo, supported by a vibrant developer community that balances affordability and power.

Salesforce, founded in 1999 by Marc Benioff in the USA, pioneered cloud-based CRM systems. Embracing the SaaS (Software as a Service) model—a revolutionary approach at the time—it eliminated the need for on-premise servers. Salesforce gained traction with its intuitive interface and robust sales automation. In the 2000s, it expanded to include analytics, marketing tools, and AI (Einstein AI). Unlike Odoo, Salesforce targets large enterprises and premium markets, reflected in its pricing, but delivers stability and ready-to-use solutions for quick deployment.

Functionality: Is There a Clear Winner?

If budget isn’t a constraint and features are the priority, we’ll compare Odoo with Salesforce CRM Professional, as the base Salesforce Starter version significantly lags in functionality.

Feature Category	Odoo CRM	Salesforce CRM Professional	Notes
Contact Management	Yes, with enrichment	Yes, enrichment requires purchase	Odoo includes contact enrichment; Salesforce needs in-app purchases.
Opportunity Management	Yes, customizable pipeline, Kanban	Yes, customizable pipeline, Kanban	Both offer drag-and-drop functionality.
Lead Management	Yes, predictive & manual scoring	Yes, manual scoring only; predictive requires Enterprise	Odoo's predictive scoring is standard; Salesforce needs upgrade.
Team Collaboration	Yes, team pipelines, calendars	Team features require Enterprise	Odoo includes team tools; Salesforce limits in Professional.
Communication Tools	Yes, messaging, live chat, WhatsApp	Messaging requires additional services; WhatsApp needs Enterprise	Odoo offers more communication features standard.
Sales Automation	Yes, lead mining, enrichment, upselling	Requires in-app purchases and Enterprise for many features	Odoo includes advanced sales tools; Salesforce often needs upgrades.
Reporting & Analytics	Yes, customizable reports, dashboards, analytics	Yes, reports & dashboards; analytics may need additional services	Odoo includes analytics standard; Salesforce may require extras.
Integrations	Yes, Gmail, Outlook, Amazon, 10k+ apps	Yes, via AppExchange; some require purchases	Odoo has broader standard integrations; Salesforce ecosystem is larger.
Customization & Scalability	Yes, open-source, API (Custom edition)	Yes, via AppExchange, API (Enterprise)	Odoo customizable via open-source; Salesforce via AppExchange.
Additional Features	Yes, VoIP, online payments, customer portals	VoIP, portals require additional services; payments need Enterprise	Odoo includes more features standard; Salesforce often requires upgrades.

Both platforms offer robust tools for managing customer relationships:

Salesforce stands out with its user-friendly interface, ideal for beginners.
Odoo provides a broader feature set, including integration with modules like accounting or inventory, making it more versatile.

From a user perspective, the platforms are closely matched, resulting in a tie.

Score: 1:1

Customization: Flexibility for Your Business

When it comes to tailoring the system to unique needs, Odoo has a clear edge:

Odoo is an open-source solution, allowing code-level changes, custom modules, and precise alignment with your business.
Salesforce is limited to configurations via views, models, and built-in tools. While flexible, it doesn’t offer full code control.

Odoo’s open-source nature secures the win in this round.

Score: 2:1

Ease of Setup: How Fast Can You Start?

Salesforce is a cloud-based solution, ready to use immediately after signup. No technical expertise is required.
Odoo offers a cloud version, but for maximum flexibility (e.g., self-hosting), you’ll need an Odoo specialist for setup.

Salesforce takes the lead for speed and simplicity.

Score: 2:2

Cost: Which Is More Affordable?

Let’s break down the costs, a critical factor for most businesses. We’ll use a small business with 5 users as an example.

Salesforce Starter costs $25 per user per month, or $125 for 5 users. However, its limited features often fall short for businesses needing a full-fledged CRM.
Salesforce Professional costs $100 per user, totaling $500 per month or $6,000 per year for 5 users.
Odoo (self-hosted) is far more affordable:
- VPS for 5 users costs ~$10/month ($120/year).
- Server setup and Odoo installation is a one-time cost, ~$200.
- Domain (optional) costs ~$10/year.
- Total: ~$330 for the first year, ~$130 annually thereafter.

Platform	Odoo	Salesforce Starter	Salesforce Professional
Cost (USD)	$330	$1,500	$6,000

Odoo is significantly more cost-effective, especially long-term.

Score: 3:2

Data Retention: What Happens If You Close Your Business?

When a business shuts down, data access matters:

Odoo lets you archive and retain full access to your data, even after you stop using the platform.
Salesforce restricts access—once your subscription ends, your data becomes inaccessible.

Odoo wins again with complete data control.

Score: 4:2

Additional Considerations

Odoo excels in customization, ideal for businesses with unique processes.
Salesforce offers continuous updates and new features, but ongoing payments can strain smaller budgets.

Conclusion

Odoo shines with its flexibility, affordability, and data control, while Salesforce offers ease of use and a polished interface. If your business seeks a cost-effective, highly customizable solution, Odoo is the way to go. If you prioritize quick setup and minimal configuration, Salesforce may be the better fit.

Need help setting up Odoo? Our experts are ready to support your business!