Learn the difference Managed vs Unmanaged Packages in Salesforce including features, use cases, upgrade support, and security.
Dadich Rami 
Whether you're looking to optimize your Salesforce solution or need custom development, our team is here to help you unlock the full potential of Salesforce.
Salesforce packages play a crucial role in how applications are developed, deployed, and managed across organizations. For businesses, ISVs, and enterprise teams, understanding Managed vs Unmanaged Packages in Salesforce directly impacts scalability, security, upgradeability, and long-term ownership. At DifferenzForce, we help organizations make the right packaging decision by aligning Salesforce architecture with business goals, product strategy, and future growth.
Should we use a Managed Package or an Unmanaged Package in Salesforce?
This guide answers that question in depth, helping decision-makers, architects, and developers choose the right packaging strategy based on scalability, security, ownership, and long-term growth.
A Salesforce package is a container that bundles metadata components such as Apex classes, Lightning components, custom objects, flows, reports, and permission sets so they can be distributed and installed in other Salesforce orgs.
Packages simplify deployment, standardize implementations, and ensure consistency across environments.
Salesforce supports two primary package types:
A Managed Package is a Salesforce package designed for distribution, long-term maintenance, and controlled upgrades. It is most commonly used by Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) who publish apps on Salesforce AppExchange.
Once installed, a managed package is controlled by the publisher, not the customer.
An Unmanaged Package allows complete freedom for the installing org. Once installed, all components become editable and fully owned by the subscriber.
Salesforce treats unmanaged packages as a one-time delivery mechanism, not a product lifecycle solution.
| Feature | Managed Package | Unmanaged Package |
|---|---|---|
| Editable After Install | No | Yes |
| Upgrade Support | Yes | No |
| Namespace Prefix | Required | Not Used |
| AppExchange Eligibility | Yes | No |
| IP Protection | High | None |
| Best For | ISVs & Products | Custom/Internal Use |
Choose a Managed Package If:
Choose an Unmanaged Package If:
From an enterprise perspective, managed packages offer:
This is why most professional Salesforce products and nearly all AppExchange apps are delivered as managed packages.
At DifferenzForce, we specialize in:
Whether you’re building a commercial Salesforce product or deploying a robust internal solution, our experts ensure your packaging strategy supports growth, stability, and scalability.
The choice between Managed vs Unmanaged Packages in Salesforce is not just technical it’s strategic. Managed packages are built for scale and longevity, while unmanaged packages offer flexibility for short-term or internal needs.
If you’re unsure which approach fits your Salesforce roadmap, DifferenzForce can guide you from architecture to launch.
What is the main difference between managed and unmanaged packages in Salesforce?
The primary difference is control and ownership. Managed packages are controlled by the publisher and support upgrades, while unmanaged packages are fully owned and editable by the subscriber after installation.
Can managed packages be customized after installation?
No. Components inside a managed package cannot be modified directly. However, Salesforce allows customization through extension points, such as custom objects, configuration settings, or subscriber-side automation.
Are unmanaged packages suitable for AppExchange apps?
No. Salesforce AppExchange requires apps to be distributed as managed packages to ensure security, version control, and upgrade support.
Do managed packages support version upgrades?
Yes. Managed packages support seamless upgrades, allowing publishers to release bug fixes and enhancements without affecting customer data.
What happens if I uninstall a managed package?
Uninstalling a managed package removes all package components and associated data created by the package. Salesforce does not allow selective removal of individual managed components.
Can unmanaged packages be upgraded later?
No. Salesforce does not support upgrades for unmanaged packages. To deliver changes, components must be manually redeployed or recreated.
What is a namespace prefix in managed packages?
A namespace prefix is a unique identifier added to all components in a managed package. It prevents naming conflicts and clearly distinguishes package components from native org assets.
Are managed packages more secure than unmanaged packages?
Yes. Managed packages offer higher security because components are locked, intellectual property is protected, and changes are controlled by the publisher.
When should a business choose an unmanaged package?
Unmanaged packages are best for internal projects, one-time deployments, proofs of concept, or client-specific customizations where future upgrades are not required.
Can DifferenzForce help migrate an unmanaged package to a managed package?
Yes. DifferenzForce helps businesses re-architect unmanaged solutions into AppExchange-ready managed packages, including namespace planning, upgrade-safe design, and Salesforce security review preparation.