Inside Salesforce Business Needs App Categories 2025

What’s Trending on AppExchange in 2025? A Closer Look at the Apps Businesses Are Using

Salesforce is constantly evolving, and so are the tools businesses use to get the most out of it. Salesforce AppExchange, Salesforce’s app marketplace, is packed with solutions that help companies work faster, stay organized, and improve customer relationships. But with thousands of apps available, which ones are businesses turning to the most?

Imagine a small company struggling to keep track of customer inquiries. Emails pile up, spreadsheets get messy, and follow-ups fall through the cracks. Instead of wasting time on manual updates, they install a customer service app from AppExchange. Now, every interaction is logged automatically, tasks are assigned instantly, and follow-ups happen without a second thought. A simple change, but a game-changer for efficiency.

Businesses want smarter, more efficient ways to manage their work, and AppExchange delivers. But not all app categories grow at the same pace. Some are seeing a surge in demand, while others are slowing down. So, what’s hot right now? Which types of apps are getting the most attention? That’s exactly what we’re diving into in this article.

Why AppExchange Trends Matter and How We Analyzed Them

The way businesses use Salesforce is always evolving, and so is AppExchange. Every year, new apps hit the marketplace, companies refine their strategies, and user preferences shift. Some app categories see rapid growth, while others slow down. But which tools are businesses relying on the most? What’s driving adoption? And how are preferences changing between free and paid apps?

Understanding these trends helps Salesforce admins, consultants, and business leaders make smarter decisions, whether they’re choosing the right tools for their teams or even developing their own apps. That’s why we took a deep dive into AppExchange to uncover what’s trending and where businesses are investing their time and resources.

How We Conducted Our Research

To track these changes, we analyzed AppExchange data in December 2024 and compared it to our previous research from May 2024, and it’s exactly 200 days apart. This allowed us to see how app adoption, user engagement, and developer activity have shifted over time.

Our research focuses only on the Business Needs categories on AppExchange, apps designed for specific business functions like sales automation, customer service, marketing, and data management, including:

• The number of apps available in each Business Needs category
• User reviews and average ratings
• How apps are distributed across different functional areas

This approach gives us a clear picture of which types of Salesforce-compatible apps are growing in popularity and where businesses are prioritizing their investments.

What to Keep in Mind About the Data

While this research offers valuable insights, there are a few things to note:

• Our analysis is limited to apps under the Business Needs categories on AppExchange. 
• Each Salesforce app can be assigned up to three Business Needs categories. For consistency, we focused on the two categories visible in the quick-view app card.

Now, let’s take a closer look at what we discovered.

Want a quick look at the latest AppExchange stats? Check out the State of AppExchange Salesforce Apps Market 2025 for up-to-date numbers on app growth, developer contributions, and category trends.

Overview of Business Categories on AppExchange

Salesforce AppExchange organizes apps into different business categories based on their main function. This makes it easier for businesses to find the right tools, whether they need to improve sales, automate tasks, or enhance customer service.

Each category serves a different business need. Sales apps help teams close deals faster, while productivity apps simplify daily workflows. IT and administration tools keep Salesforce systems running smoothly, and analytics apps turn data into actionable insights.

How App Categories Are Changed in 200 Days

Over time, the number of apps in each category shifts as new apps are added and outdated ones are removed. Below is a comparison of the number of apps in December and May, showing how each category has grown or declined.

How App Categories Are Changed in 200 Days
Category	# of Apps (Dec)	% of Apps (Dec)	# of Apps (May)	% of Apps (May)	Growth in 200 Days
Sales	1,423	25.14%	1,205	23.44%	+1.70%
Productivity	888	15.69%	833	16.20%	-0.51%
IT & Administration	685	12.10%	582	11.32%	-2.93%
Marketing	563	9.95%	490	9.53%	-1.14%
Analytics	475	8.39%	415	8.07%	+1.88%
Customer Service	437	7.72%	367	7.14%	+0.58%
Finance	420	7.42%	328	6.38%	+1.04%
Commerce	282	4.98%	307	5.97%	-0.99%
ERP	121	2.14%	160	3.11%	-1.26%
Collaboration	105	1.85%	127	2.47%	-0.33%
Industry-Specific	262	4.63%	327	6.36%	-4.51%
Total	5,661	100%	5,141	100%
*Based on the number of AppExchange apps available in Business Need and Industry categories in December 2024

Why Some Categories Have Negative Growth

You may have noticed that some categories show negative growth over 200 days. How is that possible? The answer is simple: while new apps were added to the marketplace, others were removed or deprecated during the same period. Some apps become outdated, lose developer support, or get replaced by better alternatives, leading to shifts in category sizes.

Key Trends and Insights

1. Sales apps continue to dominate AppExchange, accounting for over 25 percent of all apps. Businesses rely on these tools for CRM optimization, lead management, and automation to close deals faster.
2. Productivity apps remain a major category, though they saw a small decline. This could indicate that businesses are shifting focus to specialized tools rather than general productivity solutions.
3. IT and administration apps are losing share, possibly due to businesses consolidating IT functions into fewer, more advanced tools.
4. Finance and analytics apps are growing in popularity. More companies are prioritizing financial management and data-driven decision-making, leading to an increase in apps in these categories.
5. Industry-specific apps saw the biggest decline, suggesting that businesses may be opting for broader, more customizable solutions rather than industry-focused tools.

Understanding these trends helps businesses and Salesforce users make informed decisions about which tools to invest in. Next, we’ll take a deeper look at the sales category, which remains the largest and most essential category on AppExchange.

Sales Category: The Biggest Player on AppExchange

The sales category is the largest on Salesforce AppExchange, with 1,423 apps, making up over 25 percent of all available apps. These tools are designed to help businesses manage leads, close deals, and track sales performance more efficiently. For many companies, having the right sales apps can mean the difference between hitting targets and missing opportunities.

For example, imagine a sales team that spends hours manually updating customer data and tracking interactions. With a sales automation app from AppExchange, they can automatically log emails, schedule follow-ups, and even get AI-driven recommendations for the best next steps, saving time and improving their close rates.

This category includes everything from basic CRM enhancements to specialized apps for quoting, contract management, and forecasting. Whether a company needs a simple lead management tool or a full-fledged sales intelligence platform, there’s an app for it on AppExchange.

Breakdown of Sales Apps

Sales apps are further divided into subcategories, each serving a specific purpose. Below is a breakdown of the number of apps in each subcategory and their share within the sales category.

Breakdown of Sales Category Apps on AppExchange
Subcategory	Number of Apps	Percentage of Sales Apps
Sales	742	52.15%
Intelligence	216	15.19%
Quotes	128	9.00%
Contracts	114	8.01%
Data Visualization	67	4.71%
Payments	45	3.16%
Data Management	37	2.60%
Forecasting	34	2.39%
Partners	23	1.62%
Websites	15	1.05%
Testing	2	0.14%
Total	1,423	100%
*Based on the number of AppExchange apps available in Business Need and Industry categories in December 2024

Key Takeaways from the Sales Category

1. Core sales tools make up over half of the category – These include apps that help teams manage customer accounts, track deals, and automate sales processes. For any business using Salesforce for sales, these tools are essential.
2. Sales intelligence apps are a growing trend – With 15 percent of sales apps focused on intelligence, businesses are prioritizing data-driven decision-making. These tools help sales teams predict which deals are most likely to close and which leads should be prioritized.
3. Quotes and contracts apps simplify deal management – Together, these subcategories account for 17 percent of sales apps. Businesses that deal with complex pricing structures or frequent contract negotiations benefit from automation tools that speed up these processes.
4. Visualization, payments, and forecasting tools offer deeper insights – Data visualization apps help teams track performance through dashboards and reports, while forecasting tools provide insights into future revenue trends.
5. Niche tools serve specific business needs – While smaller subcategories like payments, partners, and websites don’t take up a large share of the category, they serve businesses with specialized sales processes.

Why Sales Apps Matter

Sales teams rely on Salesforce to keep track of leads, customers, and deals. Without the right tools, managing these processes manually can be time-consuming and error-prone. Sales apps on AppExchange help businesses:

• Automate repetitive tasks, such as data entry and follow-ups.
• Improve accuracy in forecasting by using AI and analytics tools.
• Speed up contract and quote approvals, making it easier to close deals.
• Gain deeper insights into customer behavior and sales trends.

With over 1,400 apps available, businesses can find the right solutions to streamline their sales operations, boost productivity, and increase revenue.

For a growing sales team, managing leads and tracking deal progress manually can slow down productivity. A sales automation app on AppExchange can help by automating follow-ups, tracking performance, and integrating with CRM data to ensure that no deal slips through the cracks.

Explore the top-rated Salesforce apps designed to enhance sales operations: Top Sales Salesforce Apps

Productivity Category: Helping Businesses Work Smarter

The productivity category is the second-largest on Salesforce AppExchange, with 888 apps making up nearly 16 percent of all available apps. These tools are designed to help businesses work more efficiently by automating repetitive tasks, improving collaboration, and streamlining workflows.

For example, imagine a team managing multiple projects and struggling to keep track of tasks across emails, spreadsheets, and chat messages. Instead of juggling different tools, they can install a productivity app from AppExchange that integrates everything into Salesforce, allowing them to assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress in one place.

While productivity apps might not directly generate revenue like sales tools, they play a critical role in saving time, reducing errors, and improving team collaboration, all of which contribute to a company’s overall success.

Breakdown of Productivity Apps

Productivity apps cover a wide range of business functions, from document management to IT administration. Here’s a breakdown of the key subcategories:

Breakdown of Productivity Apps on AppExchange
Subcategory	Number of Apps	Percentage of Productivity Apps
General Productivity	638	71.85%
IT-Admin	120	13.51%
Documents	78	8.78%
Methodologies	40	4.50%
Ratings	5	0.56%
Audit	4	0.45%
Order & Inventory	1	0.11%
Route Planning	2	0.22%
Total	888	100%
*Based on the number of AppExchange apps available in Business Need and Industry categories in December 2024

Key Takeaways from the Productivity Category

1. General productivity tools dominate the category – Over 70 percent of apps help with task management, workflow automation, and team collaboration. These are essential for businesses that want to keep operations running smoothly.
2. IT administration tools make up a significant portion – Many companies use Salesforce as their core system, so IT tools for managing user access, security settings, and system performance are in high demand.
3. Document management is a growing need – Businesses that handle a lot of paperwork, such as contracts and reports, benefit from apps that allow them to create, store, and share documents without leaving Salesforce.
4. Specialized tools for auditing, inventory, and route planning – Although smaller in number, these apps serve specific needs like ensuring compliance, tracking stock levels, or optimizing delivery routes.

Why Productivity Apps Matter

Time is one of the most valuable resources for businesses. Without the right tools, teams waste hours on manual work that could be automated. Productivity apps on AppExchange help companies:

• Automate repetitive tasks, such as scheduling meetings, assigning leads, and sending reminders.
• Improve team collaboration, ensuring that projects stay on track and nothing falls through the cracks.
• Reduce human errors, especially in data entry and document processing.
• Enhance IT management, making it easier for admins to monitor and secure their Salesforce environment.

By using productivity apps, businesses can focus on what truly matters, serving customers, closing deals, and growing their operations.

Handling daily tasks, approvals, and project tracking manually can slow down team collaboration. A well-integrated productivity app within Salesforce helps teams manage workflows, automate document approvals, and keep projects on schedule without constant back-and-forth emails. Businesses looking for smoother operations can benefit from solutions that centralize their processes.

Find the best Salesforce apps to boost workplace productivity: Top Productivity Salesforce Apps

IT & Administration Category: Keeping Salesforce Running Smoothly

The IT & Administration category on Salesforce AppExchange includes 685 apps, making up 12 percent of all available apps. These tools are essential for keeping Salesforce secure, well-organized, and running efficiently.

For example, imagine a growing company that needs to onboard multiple new employees each month. Instead of manually setting up user permissions and profiles for each person, an IT admin can use an automation app to streamline the process, saving hours of work and reducing the risk of errors.

This category is crucial for businesses that rely on Salesforce as their central system. IT admins, developers, and security teams use these apps to manage user access, track system performance, automate maintenance tasks, and ensure data security.

Breakdown of IT & Administration Apps

Apps in this category fall into different subcategories, each serving a key function in managing and maintaining Salesforce environments.

Breakdown of IT & Administration Apps on AppExchange
Subcategory	Number of Apps	Percentage of IT & Admin Apps
Admin Tools	296	43.21%
Collaboration	116	16.94%
Dashboards	108	15.77%
IT	54	7.88%
Industry-Specific	45	6.57%
Email & Calendar	36	5.26%
Time & Date	16	2.34%
Data Backup	5	0.73%
PIM (Personal Info Management)	5	0.73%
Data Migration	2	0.29%
POS (Point of Sale)	1	0.15%
Security	1	0.15%
Total	685	100%
*Based on the number of AppExchange apps available in Business Need and Industry categories in December 2024

Key Takeaways from the IT & Administration Category

1. Admin tools make up the largest share – Nearly 43 percent of apps help Salesforce admins with managing users, permissions, configurations, and platform maintenance. These are essential for businesses that need to keep their Salesforce environment secure and efficient.
2. Collaboration and dashboards are in high demand – Businesses rely on collaboration apps (16.94%) to improve teamwork and communication within Salesforce. Dashboard apps (15.77%) help admins and managers visualize data more effectively.
3. IT management tools play a vital role – Nearly 8 percent of apps focus on monitoring system performance, optimizing infrastructure, and ensuring data integrity. These tools help businesses prevent downtime and improve Salesforce efficiency.
4. Email and calendar integrations are popular – Many businesses need to sync their emails, tasks, and calendars with Salesforce. These apps streamline communication, making it easier for teams to track conversations and meetings without leaving Salesforce.
5. Security and data management remain niche but essential – Although data backup, migration, and security tools make up a small percentage of the category, they are critical for businesses that handle sensitive data and need to maintain compliance.

Why IT & Administration Apps Matter

A well-managed Salesforce environment allows businesses to scale operations, improve security, and ensure smooth performance. Without proper admin and IT tools, teams may struggle with user management, inefficient workflows, and data security risks.

With IT & Administration apps, businesses can:

• Automate user management, reducing the time spent on onboarding and permission settings.
• Monitor and improve system performance, preventing downtime and errors.
• Enhance security, ensuring that sensitive customer and business data is protected.
• Optimize reporting and dashboards, making it easier to track Salesforce usage and performance.

For companies that rely on Salesforce for daily operations, these apps are a must-have to keep things running smoothly and securely. Explore top IT and administration tools to manage Salesforce more efficiently: Top 10 IT and Admin Salesforce Apps

Analytics Category: Turning Data into Actionable Insights

The analytics category on Salesforce AppExchange includes 475 apps, making up 8.39 percent of all available apps. These tools help businesses track performance, measure key metrics, and make data-driven decisions.

For example, imagine a sales team struggling to understand why certain deals are lost. Instead of manually analyzing spreadsheets, they could use a Salesforce analytics app that automatically generates reports, highlights trends, and predicts future outcomes, allowing them to adjust their strategy and improve their win rates.

From basic dashboards to advanced AI-driven insights, analytics apps help businesses visualize their data and make smarter decisions faster.

Breakdown of Analytics Apps

Analytics apps are divided into several subcategories, each offering different functionalities.

Breakdown of Analytics Apps on AppExchange
Subcategory	Number of Apps	Percentage of Analytics Apps
Analytics	276	58.11%
Data Cleansing	98	20.63%
Commerce	64	13.47%
ERP	37	7.79%
Total	475	100%
*Based on the number of AppExchange apps available in Business Need and Industry categories in December 2024

Key Takeaways from the Analytics Category

1. General analytics tools dominate – More than 58 percent of apps focus on dashboards, custom reports, and predictive analytics, helping businesses measure performance and forecast future trends.
2. Data cleansing is critical – Nearly 21 percent of analytics apps are dedicated to cleaning and organizing data. Businesses with large datasets use these apps to remove duplicates, correct errors, and ensure accurate reporting.
3. Commerce analytics is growing – About 13 percent of analytics apps are built for e-commerce businesses, providing insights into sales trends, customer behavior, and inventory management. These tools help online retailers optimize their strategies.
4. ERP integration apps support enterprise businesses – A smaller but important segment (7.79 percent) focuses on integrating Salesforce with ERP systems to unify financial, operational, and sales data.

Why Analytics Apps Matter

Businesses generate massive amounts of data, but without the right tools, it’s just numbers on a screen. Analytics apps on AppExchange help businesses:

• Gain real-time visibility into sales, marketing, and customer service performance.
• Identify trends and patterns, allowing teams to act on opportunities faster.
• Improve data accuracy, ensuring reports and forecasts are based on clean and reliable data.
• Unify reporting across systems, integrating data from Salesforce, ERP, and e-commerce platforms.

For companies looking to make smarter, data-driven decisions, analytics apps are go-to tools. Discover powerful analytics tools that turn Salesforce data into insights: Top Analytics Salesforce Apps

Marketing Category: Boosting Engagement and Driving Customer Growth

The marketing category on Salesforce AppExchange includes 563 apps, making up 9.95 percent of all available apps. These tools help businesses create, manage, and optimize marketing campaigns, ensuring they reach the right audience with the right message at the right time.

For example, imagine a marketing team struggling to track customer engagement across multiple channels. Instead of manually piecing together data from email, social media, and advertising platforms, they can use a Salesforce marketing app that integrates everything into a single dashboard, automates email follow-ups, and provides insights on campaign performance.

Whether businesses need help with email marketing, event management, lead nurturing, or customer feedback, the marketing category offers a wide range of solutions to support their goals.

Breakdown of Marketing Apps

Marketing apps are divided into subcategories based on their function.

Breakdown of Marketing Apps on AppExchange
Subcategory	Number of Apps	Percentage of Marketing Apps
Marketing	182	32.32%
Agent Productivity	92	16.34%
Marketing Automation	54	9.59%
Document Generation	52	9.24%
Chat	48	8.53%
Events	43	7.64%
Surveys	30	5.33%
Mass Emails	25	4.44%
Feeds	21	3.73%
Process Management	13	2.31%
Loyalty	2	0.36%
Information	1	0.18%
Total	563	100%
*Based on the number of AppExchange apps available in Business Need and Industry categories in December 2024

Key Takeaways from the Marketing Category

1. General marketing apps take the lead – More than 32 percent of apps focus on essential marketing functions like lead tracking, campaign management, and audience segmentation.
2. Agent productivity apps improve marketing workflows – About 16 percent of marketing apps help teams manage tasks, prioritize work, and collaborate efficiently.
3. Marketing automation is a growing trend – Nearly 10 percent of apps help businesses automate repetitive tasks like email campaigns, social media posting, and lead scoring. These apps allow marketers to focus on strategy rather than manual work.
4. Event and chat apps enhance customer engagement – More than 16 percent of apps fall into these categories, helping businesses host events, manage live chat interactions, and improve real-time customer communication.
5. Surveys and mass email tools support customer outreach – Businesses use these apps to collect feedback, send bulk emails, and nurture customer relationships.

Why Marketing Apps Matter

Marketing success depends on timing, personalization, and data-driven decisions. Without the right tools, businesses may waste time on manual tasks, ineffective campaigns, and missed engagement opportunities.

Marketing apps on AppExchange help businesses:

• Automate customer outreach, ensuring leads and customers receive the right content at the right time.
• Improve engagement through chat, event management, and interactive experiences.
• Track and analyze campaign performance, helping marketers adjust their strategies for better results.
• Enhance team productivity, streamlining workflows and making collaboration easier.

For businesses looking to grow their brand and engage customers more effectively, marketing apps are a must-have. Find the most effective marketing apps designed to scale your campaigns: Top Marketing Salesforce Apps

Customer Service Category: Enhancing Customer Support and Satisfaction

The customer service category on Salesforce AppExchange includes 437 apps, making up 7.72 percent of all available apps. These tools help businesses improve customer interactions, streamline support processes, and enhance service quality, ensuring customers get quick and effective responses to their needs.

For example, imagine a support team handling hundreds of customer inquiries daily. Without an efficient system, agents may struggle to track conversations, prioritize urgent requests, and follow up properly. A customer service app from AppExchange can centralize all interactions, automate case assignments, and even integrate AI-powered chatbots to assist with common questions, reducing response times and improving customer satisfaction.

Whether a company needs case management, call center integration, automated alerts, or customer feedback tools, this category provides solutions tailored to every stage of the customer support process.

Breakdown of Customer Service Apps

Customer service apps are divided into key subcategories based on their function.

Breakdown of Customer Service Apps on AppExchange
Subcategory	Number of Apps	Percentage of Customer Service Apps
Customer Service	186	42.56%
Integration	124	28.38%
Campaigns	71	16.25%
Telephony	52	11.90%
Alerts	4	0.91%
Total	437	100%
*Based on the number of AppExchange apps available in Business Need and Industry categories in December 2024

Key Takeaways from the Customer Service Category

1. Core customer service tools dominate – Nearly 43 percent of apps focus on essential support features like case management, knowledge bases, and ticketing systems that help teams handle customer issues efficiently.
2. Integration apps play a major role – More than 28 percent of apps help businesses connect Salesforce with external tools like live chat, email platforms, and CRMs, allowing seamless data sharing and improved workflow automation.
3. Campaign management is growing in importance – About 16 percent of apps focus on customer outreach campaigns, loyalty programs, and satisfaction surveys, helping businesses maintain long-term customer relationships.
4. Telephony solutions streamline communication – Nearly 12 percent of apps integrate phone systems with Salesforce, enabling call logging, click-to-dial functionality, and AI-driven call analysis, critical for call centers and customer support teams.
5. Alerts and notifications help maintain service quality – Although a small subcategory, alert apps notify teams of urgent customer issues, escalations, or system outages, ensuring quick responses.

Why Customer Service Apps Matter

Providing fast and effective customer support is key to business success. Without the right tools, service teams risk long response times, missed customer inquiries, and poor issue resolution rates.

Customer service apps on AppExchange help businesses:

• Streamline support workflows, reducing manual effort in managing cases and tickets.
• Improve response times, ensuring customers get the help they need quickly.
• Enhance communication, integrating phone, chat, and email systems for seamless customer interactions.
• Monitor customer satisfaction, collecting feedback through surveys and campaign tools.

For businesses that prioritize customer experience and retention, these apps are essential for maintaining strong relationships and building brand loyalty. Explore top-rated customer service apps that enhance customer experiences: Top Customer Service Salesforce Apps

Finance Category: Managing Business Expenses and Financial Planning

The finance category on Salesforce AppExchange includes 420 apps, making up 7.42 percent of all available apps. These tools help businesses keep track of finances, automate accounting, manage expenses, and improve financial planning.

For example, a sales team might close multiple deals in a month, but without a way to track payments, commissions, and invoices, financial reports can quickly become a mess. A finance app from AppExchange can automate these processes, ensuring that invoices are sent on time, commissions are calculated correctly, and budgets are managed efficiently.

From accounting software to payroll management and sales productivity tools, finance apps help businesses maintain financial stability and streamline operations.

Breakdown of Finance Apps

Finance apps are grouped into different subcategories, each focusing on a key area of financial management.

Breakdown of Finance Apps on AppExchange
Subcategory	Number of Apps	Percentage of Finance Apps
Finance	247	58.81%
Accounting	64	15.24%
Sales Productivity	48	11.43%
Time & Expense	39	9.29%
Compensation	20	4.76%
Search	2	0.48%
Total	420	100%
*Based on the number of AppExchange apps available in Business Need and Industry categories in December 2024

Key Takeaways from the Finance Category

1. More than half of finance apps focus on general financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. These tools help businesses keep track of money coming in and going out.
2. Accounting apps make up over 15 percent of the category. Many of these integrate Salesforce with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, making it easier to manage invoices, taxes, and compliance.
3. Sales productivity apps help bridge the gap between finance and sales teams by automating commissions, tracking sales performance, and ensuring that revenue data is accurate.
4. Time and expense management apps simplify tracking employee expenses, travel costs, and billable hours. These tools are especially helpful for businesses with remote teams or frequent travel needs.
5. Compensation management apps assist with payroll processing, bonuses, and incentive structures, ensuring that employees are paid correctly and on time.

Why Finance Apps Matter

Managing finances manually can be time-consuming and error-prone. Without the right tools, businesses risk delays in payments, accounting mistakes, and mismanaged budgets.

Finance apps help businesses:

• Automate invoicing, payroll, and commission tracking.
• Keep financial records accurate and up to date.
• Improve collaboration between sales and finance teams.
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations and financial reporting requirements.

For companies looking to simplify financial processes and gain better control over their budgets, finance apps are an essential part of their Salesforce toolkit. See how finance apps simplify accounting and financial operations in Salesforce: Top Finance Salesforce Apps

Commerce Category: Managing Online Sales, Field Service, and Logistics

The commerce category on Salesforce AppExchange includes 282 apps, making up 4.98 percent of all available apps. These tools help businesses sell products online, manage field service operations, and streamline logistics like shipping and personalization.

For example, an online store using Salesforce might need a way to sync customer orders, track inventory, and automate shipping labels. Instead of manually entering data across different systems, a commerce app can integrate everything, ensuring that sales teams, warehouses, and delivery services are always on the same page.

Whether businesses operate e-commerce websites, retail chains, or service-based industries, these apps help them simplify transactions, manage deliveries, and provide a smooth buying experience.

Breakdown of Commerce Apps

Commerce apps fall into several key subcategories, each playing a role in sales and logistics.

Breakdown of Commerce Apps on AppExchange
Subcategory	Number of Apps	Percentage of Commerce Apps
E-commerce	222	78.72%
Field Service	46	16.31%
Shipping	6	2.13%
Personalization	3	1.06%
Case Management	3	1.06%
Dev Tools	1	0.35%
People	1	0.35%
Total	282	100%
*Based on the number of AppExchange apps available in Business Need and Industry categories in December 2024

Key Takeaways from the Commerce Category

1. E-commerce apps make up the majority – Nearly 79 percent of apps in this category focus on helping businesses sell online. These apps integrate Salesforce with platforms like Shopify and Magento, manage online payments, and automate inventory tracking.
2. Field service apps play a crucial role – About 16 percent of apps help businesses schedule service appointments, dispatch field workers, and track job progress. Industries like utilities, telecommunications, and healthcare rely on these tools to manage on-site services efficiently.
3. Logistics and personalization tools improve customer experience – Shipping apps (2 percent) simplify delivery processes by automating shipping label creation, tracking packages, and managing returns. Personalization apps (1 percent) help businesses offer customized product recommendations and tailored shopping experiences.
4. Specialized tools cater to niche needs – While smaller in number, apps for case management, development tools, and workforce management support businesses with specific operational challenges.

Why Commerce Apps Matter

Customers expect fast, seamless transactions and efficient deliveries. Without the right tools, businesses risk delayed shipments, lost revenue, and frustrated customers.

Commerce apps help businesses:

• Automate e-commerce operations, syncing product listings, orders, and payments.
• Optimize field service management, ensuring technicians and service reps are dispatched on time.
• Streamline shipping and logistics, reducing errors and improving delivery speed.
• Improve customer experiences, offering personalized recommendations and better post-purchase support.

For businesses selling products or providing on-site services, commerce apps are essential for scaling operations and keeping customers happy. Check out the top e-commerce apps that integrate seamlessly with Salesforce: Top Commerce Salesforce Apps

ERP Category: Connecting Salesforce with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems

The ERP category on Salesforce AppExchange includes 121 apps, making up 2.14 percent of all available apps. These tools help businesses connect Salesforce with their ERP systems, improve resource management, and optimize business operations.

For example, a wholesale distributor may use Salesforce to manage customer relationships but relies on an ERP system for inventory, order processing, and financials. Without proper integration, sales teams may not have real-time stock visibility, leading to over-promising or missed sales opportunities. A Salesforce ERP integration app can synchronize sales and inventory data, ensuring that the business operates efficiently and prevents costly errors.

ERP apps allow businesses to automate workflows across multiple departments, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing discrepancies between different systems.

Breakdown of ERP Apps

Apps in this category primarily focus on two key areas: HR management and geolocation tools.

Breakdown of ERP Apps on AppExchange
Subcategory	Number of Apps	Percentage of ERP Apps
HR	85	70.25%
Geolocation	36	29.75%
Total	121	100%
*Based on the number of AppExchange apps available in Business Need and Industry categories in December 2024

Key Takeaways from the ERP Category

1. HR apps lead the category – Over 70 percent of ERP apps focus on payroll, workforce management, recruitment, and employee performance tracking. These solutions help businesses integrate HR functions with Salesforce, ensuring seamless data exchange between HR and other departments.
2. Geolocation apps support field teams – Nearly 30 percent of ERP apps provide territory mapping, route optimization, and location-based data insights. These tools are especially valuable for businesses managing field sales teams, logistics operations, or customer visits.
3. Salesforce-ERP integrations unify business operations – Many businesses use ERP platforms like SAP, NetSuite, or Oracle to handle finance, inventory, and procurement. By integrating these with Salesforce, teams can access a single source of truth for business performance.

Why ERP Apps Matter

Without ERP integration, companies risk data silos, inefficiencies, and poor visibility across departments. Manually transferring data between Salesforce and ERP systems can lead to errors, delays, and lost revenue.

ERP apps help businesses:

• Improve data flow between sales, finance, inventory, and HR teams.
• Automate routine processes, reducing manual work and increasing accuracy.
• Enhance workforce management, ensuring smooth payroll and performance tracking.
• Optimize field operations, leveraging geolocation tools for sales and service teams.

For companies looking to centralize business processes and create a more connected ecosystem, ERP apps on Salesforce AppExchange offer powerful solutions.

Check out the best Salesforce apps on AppExchange in the ERP category: Top 10 ERP Salesforce Apps

Collaboration Category: Keeping Teams Connected and Working Efficiently

The Collaboration category on Salesforce AppExchange includes 105 apps, accounting for 1.85 percent of all available apps. These tools help teams coordinate projects, share updates, and manage workflows within Salesforce, ensuring everyone stays on the same page, whether working remotely or in an office.

For example, a sales and marketing team working across different time zones might struggle with keeping track of shared projects and communication. Instead of relying on scattered emails and messaging apps, a Salesforce collaboration tool provides a central hub where team members can assign tasks, leave comments, and get real-time updates.

Collaboration apps are especially useful for teams handling long sales cycles, complex deals, or projects requiring input from multiple departments.

Breakdown of Collaboration Apps on AppExchange
Subcategory	Number of Apps	Percentage of Collaboration Apps
Project Management	85	80.95%
Lead and Opportunity Collaboration	20	19.05%
Total	105	100%
*Based on the number of AppExchange apps available in Business Need and Industry categories in December 2024

Key Takeaways from the Collaboration Category

1. Project management dominates the category – Over 80 percent of collaboration apps focus on task management, deadline tracking, and project execution to ensure teams stay aligned.
2. Lead and opportunity collaboration tools bridge sales and marketing – Around 19 percent of apps in this category are designed to help sales teams and marketing professionals work together, ensuring a smooth lead-handling process.
3. Real-time updates improve efficiency – By using Salesforce collaboration tools, teams can track progress, automate status updates, and centralize team communication.

Why Collaboration Apps Matter

Poor collaboration can lead to missed deadlines, lost sales, and unproductive meetings. Without a shared workspace, teams often struggle with information silos, unclear responsibilities, and inconsistent follow-ups.

Collaboration apps help businesses:

• Keep projects organized and ensure accountability by assigning tasks and setting deadlines.
• Improve communication across teams by reducing reliance on emails and scattered messages.
• Enhance sales and marketing coordination to increase lead conversion and revenue.
• Provide real-time tracking and updates on key projects, ensuring transparency.

For companies looking to improve teamwork and streamline internal communication, collaboration apps on AppExchange offer seamless integration with Salesforce.

Boost team collaboration with top-rated Salesforce apps: Top 10 Collaboration Salesforce Apps

Top-Rated Salesforce Apps With Highest Number of Reviews That Drive Business Success

Salesforce AppExchange is home to thousands of apps, but not all of them deliver the same level of value. Some stand out due to their high ratings, positive user reviews, and strong adoption among businesses. These top-rated apps help companies improve sales, boost productivity, manage data, and automate key processes.

Choosing the right app can be challenging, but looking at ratings and user feedback makes the decision easier. Apps with high ratings and many reviews often provide the best user experience, reliability, and real-world impact. Whether a business needs better sales automation, stronger data analytics, or improved collaboration tools, the highest-rated apps have been tested and trusted by other Salesforce users.

In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the most highly rated Salesforce apps across three key categories:

• Sales – Tools designed to streamline lead management, automate sales processes, and improve customer engagement.
• Productivity – Apps that enhance collaboration, document management, and team efficiency.
• Admin & Developer Tools – Solutions that simplify system management, data handling, and automation for Salesforce administrators and developers.

Top Sales Apps With Highest Reviews on AppExchange

Sales apps are among the most widely used tools on AppExchange. They help sales teams track leads, close deals faster, and manage customer relationships more effectively. From automation to AI-powered insights, these apps make selling smarter and more efficient.

Why Sales Teams Rely on These Apps

Handling a growing number of leads, managing follow-ups, and tracking deal progress can quickly become overwhelming. Sales teams need tools that:

• Automate repetitive tasks – Reduce manual data entry and let sales reps focus on closing deals.
• Provide real-time insights – Help prioritize leads and optimize the sales pipeline.
• Enhance communication – Streamline email outreach, SMS campaigns, and sales engagement.

Top 10 Sales Apps With Highest Reviews on AppExchange
App Name	Developer	Star Rating	Reviews
360 SMS App for Salesforce – Send SMS	360 Degree Cloud Technologies Pvt. Ltd.	4.89	1,201
SMS-Magic & Conversive	Screen Magic Mobile Media	4.81	1,048
Geopointe: Mapping, Territory Management, Maps	Ascent Cloud LLC	4.90	925
LinkPoint Connect: Email Integration for Outlook	LinkPoint360	4.64	551
S-Docs Native Document Generation & E-Signature	S-Docs	4.78	429
Propertybase Real Estate Platform	Propertybase	4.75	363
ZoomInfo – Global Data, Sales Intelligence	ZoomInfo	4.60	348
Spinify: AI Powered Sales Gamification	Spinify	4.83	323
iContact – Email Marketing for Small Business	iContact LLC	4.60	283
LevelEleven – Sales Gamification and Coaching	Ascent Cloud LLC	4.92	270
*Based on the number of AppExchange apps available in Business Need and Industry categories in December 2024

For example, a team still relying on spreadsheets for deal tracking could switch to a sales automation app. This would provide real-time updates, assign tasks automatically, and generate reports, all from within Salesforce.

Top Productivity Apps With Highest Reviews on AppExchange

Productivity apps help businesses stay organized, automate workflows, and improve team collaboration. These tools save time by streamlining tasks, reducing manual work, and keeping everything accessible within Salesforce.

Why Productivity Tools Matter for Teams

Many teams struggle with:

• Scattered files and approvals – Delays caused by inefficient document management.
• Disconnected workflows – Switching between multiple apps to track tasks, emails, and calendars.
• Time-consuming manual tasks – Repetitive processes that reduce team efficiency.

Top 10 Productivity Apps With Highest Reviews on AppExchange
App Name	Developer	Star Rating	Reviews
GridBuddy	Validity, Inc.	4.88	247
Power Dialers: Koncert AI Parallel/Flow Dialer	Koncert	4.91	159
XfilesPro Document Management for Salesforce	CEPTES Software, Inc.	4.99	143
Tenfold NextGen CTI	Tenfold	4.72	136
Panaya – AI-Powered Test Automation	Panaya	4.88	123
Pulsar for Salesforce	Luminix, Inc.	4.90	120
Ambition: Coaching & Gamification	Ambition	4.97	117
Activity Components for Salesforce	Webider Corp	4.62	100
Revenue Intelligence by Revenue.io	revenue.io	4.99	93
GridMate: Grid Inline Editing	GridPal LLC	5.00	91
*Based on the number of AppExchange apps available in Business Need and Industry categories in December 2024

For example, a sales team that spends hours manually tracking proposals could use a document automation app to generate, approve, and send documents with just a few clicks.

Top Admin & Developer Tools With Highest Reviews on AppExchange

Salesforce admins and developers are responsible for keeping the system secure, managing user roles, and automating key processes. This category includes tools that simplify data management, security, and system performance tracking.

Why Admins and Developers Need These Apps

Salesforce environments grow in complexity as businesses scale. Admins often deal with:

• Managing large user bases – Keeping track of roles, permissions, and security settings.
• Data cleanup and automation – Handling bulk updates, integrations, and system maintenance.
• Customization and development – Improving workflows and adding custom functionality.

Top 10 Admin & Developer Apps With Highest Reviews on AppExchange
App Name	Developer	Star Rating	Reviews
Salesforce Adoption Dashboards	Salesforce Labs	4.61	809
Apsona for Salesforce	Apsona	4.90	293
No.1 Kcloud Mass Action: Edit, Delete, Update	Kcloud Technologies	4.67	141
Copado DevOps Platform for Salesforce	Copado	4.94	118
Field Dumper – Extract Data Model to Excel	P0P CRM Ltd	4.54	97
Clone This User	Arkus, Inc.	4.77	87
ORGanizer for Salesforce	Enrico Murru	4.97	73
Super Clone (Free for Non-Profits)	LuminosityCRM, LLC	4.54	72
Satrang Enhance Dashboard	Satrang Technologies	4.62	69
Streams	Streams Initiative	5.00	52
*Based on the number of AppExchange apps available in Business Need and Industry categories in December 2024

For example, an admin who needs to update thousands of user profiles manually could use a bulk update tool to make changes in just a few clicks.

Why These Top-Rated Apps Matter

1. Trusted by users – These apps consistently receive high ratings and positive feedback.
2. Solve real-world problems – Whether it’s closing deals, managing workflows, or securing data, these tools address key business challenges.
3. Designed for easy integration – Built to work within Salesforce, these apps enhance efficiency and streamline operations.

For businesses looking to improve their Salesforce setup, automate tasks, and drive growth, these top-rated apps offer reliable solutions that deliver real results.

What the 2025 Salesforce AppExchange Trends Mean for Businesses

Salesforce AppExchange is constantly evolving, with new apps being added while older ones are phased out. Over the past 200 days, we’ve seen shifts in different app categories, revealing important trends that impact how businesses use Salesforce to improve their operations.

Key Takeaways from the AppExchange Market in 2025

1. Sales Apps Continue to Lead the Market
   Sales-focused apps make up the largest category on AppExchange, accounting for over 25% of all apps. Businesses continue to invest in tools that help sales teams manage leads, close deals faster, and automate repetitive tasks. From CRM enhancements to AI-powered sales intelligence, companies are looking for ways to streamline sales processes and improve efficiency.
2. Productivity and IT & Administration Apps Are Changing
   While productivity and IT & admin tools remain critical, these categories have slightly declined. This suggests that businesses may be shifting toward more integrated solutions rather than using multiple standalone tools. Companies are focusing on apps that offer smarter automation and centralized workflows to reduce complexity.
3. Finance, Analytics, and ERP Apps Are Growing
   The demand for better financial tracking, data-driven decision-making, and ERP integration is increasing. As companies seek deeper insights and improved reporting, analytics apps are seeing more adoption. Similarly, finance and ERP apps are becoming essential for businesses looking to connect Salesforce with their accounting, payroll, and resource planning systems.
4. Industry-Specific Apps Are Shrinking
   The number of industry-specific apps has declined, indicating that businesses might be moving away from niche solutions and opting for customizable, multi-purpose apps that can be adapted to different industries. This trend suggests that flexibility and adaptability are becoming more important than ever.

How Businesses Can Optimize Their Salesforce Strategy

As Salesforce AppExchange continues to grow, businesses must refine their strategies to make the most of new innovations. Here are the key steps organizations should take to stay ahead:

1. Identify Business Challenges and Opportunities

Assess critical pain points across sales, marketing, customer service, and operations. Determine where manual processes slow down efficiency and where automation could provide the most impact.

• Example: A sales team struggling with slow follow-ups may benefit from an automation tool that schedules and tracks customer interactions.

2. Research and Compare Top-Rated Apps

User reviews, ratings, and feedback from other Salesforce customers provide insights into app performance. Explore highly rated Salesforce AppExchange apps across various categories to find solutions that fit your business.

• Tip: Look for apps that offer strong customer support and regular updates, ensuring long-term usability.

3. Test Before You Invest

Many AppExchange apps offer free trials and demos. Use this opportunity to assess how well an app integrates with your Salesforce setup before making a financial commitment.

• Example: A company looking for an AI-driven analytics tool can test multiple solutions to compare ease of use, reporting capabilities, and data accuracy.

4. Stay Informed on the Latest Trends

Salesforce is evolving, with AI, automation, and predictive analytics playing a larger role. Keeping up with new releases and trends can help businesses stay ahead.

• Tip: Subscribe to Salesforce updates or industry blogs to stay informed about the latest tools and best practices.

5. Invest in Scalable and Cost-Effective Solutions

As businesses grow, their Salesforce ecosystem must scale with them. Choosing apps that offer flexible pricing, strong integrations, and automation capabilities ensures long-term value.

• Example: A fast-growing startup should opt for apps that provide tiered pricing and customizable features to match its evolving needs.

By proactively evaluating their Salesforce needs and exploring the best tools available, businesses can drive efficiency, reduce manual work, and maximize ROI. Start by reviewing the top-rated Salesforce apps in your category and take advantage of free trials to find the perfect fit for your team.

Final Thoughts: Why It’s Important to Choose the Right Apps

Salesforce is a powerful platform, but its true potential comes from the apps and integrations businesses use. With thousands of options available on AppExchange, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Instead of adding multiple apps that solve small problems, focus on finding solutions that improve efficiency, reduce manual work, and enhance decision-making.

The trends in the 2025 AppExchange market show that businesses are moving toward more automation, smarter analytics, and better financial and resource management tools. By staying informed and choosing the right apps, companies can optimize their Salesforce experience, improve productivity, and drive business growth.