Discover the key differences between Salesforce Classic and Lightning, including features, user experience, performance, and benefits. Learn which version suits your business best.
Shyam Agarwal 
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Contact Us TodaySalesforce is among the most popular Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms. It helps businesses manage sales, marketing, customer service, and analytics. Over the years, Salesforce has introduced two major interface versions: Salesforce Classic and Salesforce Lightning Experience.
Many businesses still use Salesforce Classic, while others have migrated to Lightning. If you're wondering which version is right for your organisation, this guide will help you understand the key differences.
Salesforce Classic is the older version of Salesforce. It has been used for many years and follows a traditional tab-based design. The interface is simple and familiar, with menus and tabs to help users navigate different features like accounts, contacts, and opportunities.
Even though Salesforce Classic is still available, it has stopped adding new features. Many businesses are now moving to Salesforce Lightning, which provides a more modern and advanced experience.
Even though Classic is still functional, Salesforce has stopped adding new features to it.
Salesforce Lightning is an updated version of Salesforce Classic, introduced in 2015 to offer a faster, more efficient, and visually attractive experience. It provides a modern and easy-to-use interface that helps users be more productive. With tools like the Lightning App Builder, users can create custom apps without knowing how to code. Lightning also makes tasks easier by offering better reports, smarter automation, and a simpler navigation system, making it quicker and more efficient than Salesforce Classic. It is designed to work well on different devices, ensuring a smooth experience for users.
Salesforce Lightning receives regular updates and new features, making it the preferred choice for most businesses.
| Aspect | Salesforce Classic | Salesforce Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| User Interface | Simple, text-heavy UI, tab-based navigation | Modern, component-based UI with drag-and-drop |
| Customisation | Uses Visualforce pages | Uses Lightning Components for flexible layouts |
| Performance | Slower loading times | Faster with optimised page performance |
| Mobile Experience | Limited mobile support | Fully responsive, mobile-friendly design |
| Reporting & Analytics | Standard reports with basic visuals | Enhanced dashboards with interactive graphs |
| AI Integration | No AI-powered features | Includes Einstein AI for smart insights |
| Support & Updates | No new features since 2019 | Regular updates and improvements |
Verdict: Lightning provides a more user-friendly and visually appealing interface than Classic.
Verdict: Lightning makes customisation easier and faster compared to Classic.
Verdict: Lightning is designed for better speed and efficiency.
Verdict: Lightning is the clear winner for mobile users.
Verdict: Lightning provides smarter and more detailed reporting options.
Verdict: Lightning offers AI-driven tools that Classic does not support.
Verdict: Lightning is the future, while Classic is slowly being phased out.
Verdict: Lightning has stronger security features than Classic.
Verdict: Lightning makes integrations faster and easier.
Verdict: Lightning requires an initial learning phase but offers better long-term benefits.
Salesforce Classic served its purpose, but Salesforce Lightning is the future. Lightning is recommended for businesses because it offers a modern interface, AI-powered tools, enhanced security, and better performance.
If your company still uses Salesforce Classic, now is the best time to consider migrating to Salesforce Lightning to stay ahead in the competitive CRM landscape.
Shyam Agarwal is an experienced technology professional with over 12 years in the industry. He has successfully delivered a wide range of projects, specializing in Salesforce consulting, development, and administration. Shyam helps businesses implement customized solutions that fit their needs, and he also has expertise in mobile and web application development. Additionally, he provides consulting services for software solutions and CRM systems, helping organizations improve efficiency and drive growth. Currently, Shyam is focused on expanding his Salesforce skills to offer even more value to his clients through effective, scalable solutions.