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7 Tested Apollo io Alternatives & Competitors for B2B Outreach

Sep 12, 2025

Xiaohan Shen

Founder & CEO

Table of Contents

Let’s be honest: Apollo.io is everywhere in sales right now. 

Almost every SDR team has tried it, and for good reason: the database is huge, the outreach tools are built in, and the pricing looks fair when you’re just starting.

Here’s the problem:

  • Data quality? Mixed. Too many outdated contacts.

  • Outreach? Works until you hit spam filters.

  • Personalization? Surface-level at best.

  • Pricing? Looks cheap… until you start scaling.

That’s why sales teams keep asking: what else is out there?

We tested 7 Apollo.io alternatives. Real tools, real results. No fluff, no copy-paste feature lists. Just what actually works for B2B outreach in 2025.

By the end, you’ll know which tool saves you money, which one lands in inboxes, and which one helps you close more deals.


TL;DR - Best Apollo.io Alternatives For B2B Outreach

Apollo.io is still the go-to entry tool for cheap access to a large US-focused database, but accuracy, deliverability, and scaling costs are major pain points.

  • Coldreach → AI SDR with intent signals & weekly refreshed leads; better timing than Apollo’s static database.

  • Cognism → Best for EU/EMEA with GDPR compliance & phone-verified mobiles.

  • Seamless.ai → Real-time validated contacts; faster list building vs. Apollo’s stale data.

  • Lusha → Affordable, GDPR-compliant, SMB-friendly.

  • LeadIQ → Strong Salesforce/HubSpot sync + AI drafting.

  • Clay → Flexible workflows + 100+ data sources, ideal for technical GTM teams.

  • UpLead → 95% accuracy guarantee + bounce refunds; safer bet for clean data.

👉 Use Apollo if you want fast, cheap US data. Choose these alternatives if you need better accuracy, compliance, personalization, or automation at scale.


Why Look for an Apollo Alternative?

We have found the most repeated Apollo complaints; here they are:

  • Inaccurate/outdated contact data (esp. outside the US); email bounces

Screenshot of a Apollo.io review
  • Weak/incorrect phone numbers (generic lines vs. direct dials)

Screenshot of a Apollo.io review
  • Steep learning curve; cluttered/overwhelming UI/UX

    Screenshot of a Apollo.io review
  • Pricing & credits feel tight; run out faster than expected

  • Support can be slow or hard to reach; inconsistent CSM access

  • CRM integrations (e.g., HubSpot/SFDC) can be finicky or need re-syncs

  • Chrome/LinkedIn extension laggy; occasionally flagged or buggy

  • Deliverability & sequencing setup is technical (DNS, templates, IP requests)

  • Regional/SMB coverage gaps; some companies/contacts missing

  • Dashboard/tasks feel manual; LinkedIn tasks lack automation

If these issues sound familiar, it’s no surprise many teams start exploring Apollo alternatives that offer fresher data, simpler workflows, and better value.

Let’s get into some of the best Apollo.io alternatives. 

7 Best Apollo.io Alternatives for Cold Outreach

Tool

Deliverability Impact

Data Accuracy & Bounce Risk

Personalization / AI

Scaling Costs

Best For

Why Choose Over Apollo

Apollo.io

Basic sequencer, no inbox placement control

Large US database but frequent bounce complaints

Limited personalization, template-based

Cheap entry, but scales expensively with seats/credits

Teams wanting quick access to large US-centric lists

Affordable start, but weak on deliverability & compliance

Coldreach

AI-timed sends, higher inbox placement

Weekly refreshed leads, lower bounce rates

AI-driven research + automated outreach

Custom SaaS pricing, built for scale

SDR teams, agencies, B2B companies needing always-on outreach

Real-time research + intent signals vs Apollo’s static database

Cognism

GDPR-first, ensures safe sending (no warm-up features)

Phone-verified, high accuracy in EU

Limited personalization, more data-first

Expensive, enterprise-level

Mid-market & enterprise targeting EMEA

Compliance + phone accuracy vs Apollo’s outdated EU data

Seamless.ai

No direct deliverability features, depends on CRM sync

Real-time validation reduces bounces

Autopilot enrichment + AI assistant

Flexible, depends on credits/plan

Teams scaling list-building fast

Real-time validated contacts vs Apollo’s often stale leads

Lusha

Basic, no warm-up or inbox features

GDPR-compliant, decent accuracy

AI-generated lead lists

Low-cost entry ($29.90)

SMBs & agencies

Affordable, compliant, simpler vs Apollo’s compliance gaps

LeadIQ

No built-in deliverability, depends on ESP

Strong CRM enrichment, better match rates

AI Scribe drafts outreach copy

$20/user Pro, scalable enterprise plans

SDRs/RevOps needing CRM-first workflows

Better CRM sync + outreach copy vs Apollo’s buggy integrations

Clay

No warm-up, but supports domain rotation workflows

Mix of 100+ data providers, customizable validation

Claygent AI research + automation

$149–$800, scales with workflow needs

Technical GTM/RevOps teams

More flexible enrichment + automation vs Apollo’s rigid credit system

UpLead

Real-time verification improves inbox placement

95% accuracy guarantee, refunds for bounces

Limited AI, focus on verified data

$99–$199+, Pro custom

SMBs/startups needing clean lists

Accuracy guarantee vs Apollo’s frequent outdated contacts


  1. Coldreach - AI signals + inbox-timed outreach.

Coldreach Homepage

Coldreach is a Y Combinator–backed AI SDR platform built to automate prospecting, intent signal detection, and personalized outreach. 

Instead of manually hunting for leads, it constantly monitors your ICP and reaches out when prospects show buying signals.

Key Features / Differentiators

  • Signal-driven targeting: Monitors 79M+ accounts for intent signals (e.g., job posts, funding news, tech stack mentions).

Screenshot of the Coldreach Buying signal feature 
  • AI-personalized outreach: Uses context from signals to craft emails that sound human, not templated.

  • Always-on research: Weekly refreshed account lists and 24/7 monitoring, saving SDR teams hours.

  • Seamless integrations: Works with HubSpot, Salesforce, Outreach, Salesloft, Slack, and more.

Pricing

Coldreach doesn’t list public pricing; plans are typically custom and demo-based. 

From user chatter, expect it to sit in the mid-to-high SaaS range (comparable to Apollo’s advanced tiers).

Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Automates account research, saving SDRs 30–40 hours a week.

Works better with integrations.

Signal-driven targeting (funding, job posts, news, etc.) helps reach the right leads at the right time.

Still relatively new compared to Apollo, meaning a smaller data ecosystem.

AI personalizes emails with context, eliminating the need for generic templates.


Weekly refreshed lead lists keep data up-to-date.


Strong integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, Outreach, Salesloft, and Slack.


Best For

SDR teams, agencies, and B2B companies that rely on timely intent signals to prioritize outreach and want an AI co-pilot doing the heavy lifting.

Coldreach is one of the few Apollo.io alternatives that isn’t just a database; it’s an AI SDR that finds leads, interprets signals, and launches personalized outreach automatically. 

A strong fit if you care about timing and efficiency over volume.


  1. Seamless.ai - Real-time validation, fewer bounces.

Seamless.ai homepage

Seamless.ai is a real-time B2B contact search and enrichment platform. 

It claims 1.3B+ contacts and 121M+ companies, validating emails/phones on the fly and pushing clean data into your CRM and outreach tools.

Key Features / Differentiators

  • Huge, real-time database: Search 1.3B+ contacts / 121M+ companies with on-page validation and confidence scoring.

  • Mobile & email coverage: 1.8B+ business emails and 400M+ phone numbers researched/verified for faster connects.

  • Enrichment at scale: Turn domains/emails into full records; auto-update CRM/CSV to fight data decay.

  • Buyer intent & job changes: Surface ready-to-buy accounts (12k+ topics) and track promotions/moves to time outreach.

  • Autopilot (automation): AI finds and refreshes target lists continuously, cutting manual list-building.

  • AI Assistant for copy: Generate sales emails/messaging directly in the platform.

  • Deep integrations: One-click sync to Salesforce, HubSpot, Outreach, Salesloft, Pipedrive, Dynamics, plus Zapier.

Pricing

Seamless.ai Pricing
  • Free: 1 user, 50 credits to test.

  • Pro: Pay-per-user with daily credit refresh and premium integrations (contact sales).

  • Enterprise: Unlimited users, custom credits, advanced admin/security, dedicated success (contact sales).
    Add-ons: AI Assistant, Buyer Intent, Job Changes, Autopilot, Enrichment, API.

Pros and Cons

Screenshot of a Seamless.ai review

Top Pros

Top Cons

Easy to use and quick setup with an intuitive interface

Some contact data is outdated or inaccurate

Large database with verified emails and phone numbers

The credit system feels restrictive/expensive

Strong CRM integrations (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.)

Pricing is not transparent and can be high

Saves time on prospecting with a Chrome extension and automation

Auto-renewal contracts and tough cancellation terms

Responsive customer support and helpful onboarding

Phone number accuracy is inconsistent

Best For

Teams that need a large, continually validated contact graph with strong enrichment and out-of-the-box CRM/outreach integrations, SDRs, AEs, RevOps, founders, and agencies scaling outbound.

If your Apollo replacement must emphasize data volume + live enrichment + workflow fit, Seamless.AI is a top contender. 

It has real-time validation, enrichment, and automation in one stack to build lists faster and keep your CRM clean.


  1. Lusha - Low-cost, GDPR-compliant leads.

Lusha homepage

Lusha is an AI-powered sales intelligence and outreach platform. 

It helps you discover decision-makers, enrich and verify their contact data, and trigger AI-written, automated email sequences, so you can move from search → list → outreach without leaving one tool.

Key features/differentiators

  • AI Recommended Lists & Playlists: Get daily, auto-updating lead lists that learn your ICP and keep adding similar prospects no more static CSVs.

  • Warm Outbound (Intent & Signals): Surface in-market accounts with company-level intent scores, tech-stack changes, funding, and job-change alerts for well-timed outreach.

  • Verified contact data at scale: Access global direct dials and emails with accuracy controls, GDPR/CCPA compliance, and ISO 27001/27701 certifications.

  • Built-in outreach: Generate multi-step, AI-personalized email sequences, then auto-add new leads as they match your criteria.

  • Everywhere you work: Chrome extension reveals contacts on LinkedIn, Sales Navigator, your CRM, or any website; one-click save to lists/sequences and CRM enrichment.

  • Integrations & enrichment: Sync with Salesforce, HubSpot, Outreach, Salesloft, Pipedrive, Dynamics, Zapier; CSV/API enrichment to keep records fresh.

Pricing (credit-based)

Lusha Pricing
  • Free: 40 credits/mo, 1 seat. Emails (1 credit), phones (5 credits). Includes extension, filters, basic intent topics, integrations, and email sequence automation.

  • Pro: 250 credits/mo at $29.90/mo, 3 seats, rollover up to 2× limit, shared credit pool, CSV enrichment (up to 300 rows), API, basic analytics.

  • Premium: 600 credits/mo at $69.90/mo, 5 seats, larger bulk actions, advanced analytics, more alerts.

  • Scale (Custom): Up-front annual credits, team management, SSO, CRM enrichment, CSM, advanced support, and expanded intent topics.

  • And if you pay yearly, you get a discount of 25%. 

Pros and Cons

Screenshot of a Lusha review

Pros (Most Repeated)

Cons (Most Repeated)

Easy, intuitive UI (quick to learn/use)

Credit system/limits feel restrictive or pricey

Chrome extension & LinkedIn integration work smoothly

Outdated/inaccurate records (esp. phone numbers)

Accurate/verified contact data (especially emails)

Coverage gaps in certain regions/niches/smaller firms

Saves time on prospecting; fast list building

Occasional UI/extension glitches or navigation friction

Powerful filters/intent/job-change tools to target prospects

Integrations/CRM sync gaps or setup hassles

Best for

Teams that want a single platform for prospect discovery, compliant contact data, and AI-driven, always-on list growth, plus built-in email sequences to execute fast without stitching multiple tools together.

Lusha is best for teams that want accurate, compliant data with built-in AI lists and outreach. Great for compliant prospecting at scale, but credits can limit heavy users.


  1. LeadIQ - CRM-synced data + AI email drafts.

LeadIQ homepage

LeadIQ is an AI-driven sales data and prospecting platform built to help SDRs and RevOps teams find accurate contacts, enrich CRMs, and automate personalized outreach. 

Instead of juggling separate tools, it combines data, buying signals, and workflows into one system.

Key Features / Differentiators

  • Prospecting Hub: Capture verified contact data, sync instantly into CRMs, and personalize outreach with LeadIQ Scribe, its AI email writer.

  • Data Hub: Keep Salesforce and HubSpot clean with real-time enrichment, job-change alerts, and API access for advanced workflows.

  • Champion Tracking: Monitor job changes of your key buyers and re-engage warm opportunities quickly.

  • AI Account Prospecting: Automatically surface ICP-fit accounts and key decision-makers to prioritize outreach.

  • Deep Integrations: Works with Salesforce, HubSpot, Outreach, Salesloft, Gong, Groove, Chili Piper, Zapier, Workato, and more.

  • Compliance & Security: SOC 2 Type II certified, GDPR-compliant, with strong encryption and role-based access.

Pricing

LeadIQ Pricing
  • Free – 1 user, 50 credits/month.

  • Pro – $20/month per user, includes expanded credits and features.

  • Enterprise – Custom pricing for larger teams with advanced integrations and governance.

And if you pay yearly, you get a discount of 25%.  And most importantly, you can try any plan for free for 30 days.

Pros and Cons

 Screenshot of a LeadIQ review

Here’s a Pros and Cons table for LeadIQ based on the most repeated user reviews:

Pros

Cons

Seamless LinkedIn Sales Navigator + Chrome extension workflow

Phone number accuracy is inconsistent (duplicates, wrong/family/gatekeeper lines)

Strong CRM integrations (Salesforce, HubSpot, Salesloft/Outreach)

Data gaps or outdated records; unverified emails need extra steps

Generally accurate email data, often better than rivals (esp. outside US)

Credit limits and pricing can feel restrictive

Time-saving, intuitive UI that speeds list building and outreach

Occasional bugs, downtime, or slow extension performance

Scribe AI helps generate and personalize outreach emails

Salesforce mapping/UX quirks (filters reset, clunky navigation)

Best For

SDRs, AEs, and RevOps teams who need accurate contact data, real-time enrichment, and AI-personalized outreach tightly integrated into Salesforce, HubSpot, and their existing sales engagement stack.

LeadIQ is best for SDRs and sales teams who want fast, accurate prospecting with tight CRM integrations, but phone data accuracy and credit limits can be frustrating.


  1. Clay - Flexible enrichment + AI research.

Clay Homepage

Clay is a data enrichment and workflow automation platform built for GTM teams. 

It brings together 100+ premium data providers and an AI research agent (Claygent) to uncover unique insights, clean CRM data, and power personalized outbound at scale.

Key Features / Differentiators

  • Multi-source enrichment – Access 100+ vetted data sources in one subscription. Avoid vendor lock-in by layering providers for better accuracy.

  • AI research agent (Claygent) – Automates manual research tasks like summarizing job posts, verifying domains, or creating lead scoring models.

  • Intent signal tracking – Monitor job changes, funding rounds, product launches, or tech stack updates to time outreach perfectly.

  • Flexible workflows – Build enrichment, scoring, and outbound workflows without engineering. Sync to CRMs, sequencers, or warehouses automatically.

  • CRM cleanroom – Keep Salesforce/HubSpot data updated by auto-enriching records, fixing formatting, merging duplicates, and adding context signals.

  • Enterprise-ready – SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, and ISO 27001 compliant, with role-based access controls for data security.

Pricing

Clay Pricing
  • Billing & Credits: Monthly or annual (-10% & all credits upfront). Credits roll over up to 2×.

  • Users: Unlimited seats on every plan.

Plans (monthly):

  • Free — $0: Up to 100 people/company results per search, exporting, AI/Claygent, rollover credits, Chrome extension.

  • Starter — $149: Up to 5,000/search + 100+ provider integrations, scheduling.

  • Explorer — $349: Up to 10,000/search + phone number enrichments, use your own API keys, Signals.

  • Pro — $800: Up to 25,000/search + integrate with any HTTP API, Webhooks, email sequencing integrations, exclude filters, CRM integrations, unlimited rows, 40 action columns/table, AI prompting support, Snowflake data engineering, dedicated Slack support, credit reporting analytics, SSO. (Also, the lowest cost/credit.)

  • Enterprise — Custom: Up to 50,000/search + custom credits and terms.

“All-in-one” credit model, access 100+ data sources, web scraping, and AI drafting; or plug in your own provider API keys at no extra platform cost.

And you get a 10% if you get a yearly subscription.

Pros and Cons

Screenshot of a Clay review


Pros

Cons

Powerful multi-provider data enrichment for better reach and coverage

Steep learning curve; new users can waste credits figuring it out

Deep integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, LinkedIn, Outreach, etc.

Credit model/cost can become expensive; pricing is not always transparent

AI features (Claygent, AI formulas, copywriting) enable scalable personalization

Data quality gaps at times (irrelevant or outdated contacts, phone numbers not always accurate)

Flexible, spreadsheet-like workflows to automate GTM tasks end-to-end

UI and usability issues; occasional bugs and glitches

Strong support and an active community for setup and problem-solving

Often requires RevOps/team input to configure and maximize value

Best For

GTM teams, SDRs, and RevOps leaders who need deep enrichment coverage, real-time intent signals, and flexible workflows that replace manual research and multiple point solutions.

Clay stands out as more than just a data tool; it’s a GTM operating system that combines enrichment, AI research, and workflow automation in one place.


  1. Uplead - 95% verified, bounce-refund data

UpLead Homepage

UpLead is a B2B prospecting and lead intelligence platform focused on real-time verified data

Unlike static databases, every email is verified as you search, backed by a 95% accuracy guarantee

The platform helps sales teams build targeted prospect lists, enrich CRM records, and find in-market buyers using Bombora-powered intent data.

Key Features / Differentiators

  • 95% Accuracy Guarantee – pay only for verified contacts; credits refunded for bounces.

  • 160M+ Contacts Across 200+ Countries – filter by 50+ attributes like industry, tech stack, revenue, or job changes.

  • Mobile Direct Dials & Real-Time Email Verification – ensures cleaner outreach lists.

  • Intent Data (via Bombora) – identify companies actively researching your solution category.

  • Data Enrichment & Bulk Lookup – refresh stale CRM records or upload lists for instant enrichment.

  • Technographics – see which of 27K+ technologies a company uses.

  • Integrations – Salesforce, HubSpot, Outreach, SalesLoft, Pipedrive, Zoho, Dynamics 365, plus Zapier (1,500+ apps).

  • Chrome Extension & API – prospect on LinkedIn, websites, or embed enrichment into your product stack.

Pricing

UpLead Pricing
  • Free Trial – $0, 7 days, includes 5 credits.

  • Essentials – $99/month (monthly) or $74/month billed annually, 170 credits monthly (2,040 annually).

  • Plus – $199/month (monthly) or $149/month billed annually, 400 credits monthly (4,800 annually).

  • Professional – Custom pricing (annual only). Includes intent data, competitor intelligence, bi-directional CRM sync, team management, onboarding, and a dedicated success manager.

Pros and Cons

Screenshot of a UpLead review

Pros

Cons

High data accuracy with real-time email verification and refunds for bad data

Some outdated or incorrect records (non-working numbers, bounced emails)

Intuitive, easy-to-use UI with granular filters for precise targeting

Coverage gaps for very small or new companies

Strong value compared to pricier tools like ZoomInfo or Apollo

Learning curve with filters; intent setup can feel complex

Responsive, helpful support and onboarding

Free trial and entry-level plan feel limited (only 5 credits, no <$100 option)

Smooth CRM exports and integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, Outreach, etc.

Occasional delays or slowness on large/complex searches

Good global coverage and technographic insights for campaigns


Best For

Sales teams, agencies, and startups that want accurate, affordable prospecting data without paying ZoomInfo/Apollo-level prices. Strong fit for those prioritizing email accuracy and direct dials.

UpLead delivers clean, accurate B2B data at a fair price, making it a strong alternative to pricier tools like ZoomInfo. 

While some records can be outdated and the trial is limited, its accuracy guarantee, responsive support, and easy CRM integrations make it a reliable choice for sales teams that value data quality over sheer volume.


  1. Cognism - GDPR-safe, phone-verified EU data.

Cognism Homepage

Cognism is a sales intelligence and B2B data platform built to deliver accurate, compliance-first contact data.

Unlike broad databases that often decay fast, Cognism emphasizes phone-verified mobile numbers (Diamond Data®) and GDPR-compliant enrichment, helping sales and marketing teams connect directly with decision-makers.

Key Features / Differentiators

  • Diamond Data®: Phone-verified mobile numbers that boost connect rates by up to 3x compared to standard databases.

  • European market strength: Unmatched depth in UK and EMEA coverage, making it a go-to choice for teams selling into Europe.

  • Signal Data: Buying signals such as hiring trends, funding alerts, technographics, and intent data, helping you time outreach more effectively.

  • Sales Companion extension: Let's reps access fresh data on LinkedIn or corporate websites in real time.

  • Seamless integrations: Works with Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, Salesloft, Outreach, and more.

Pricing

Cognism Pricing page

Cognism doesn’t list public pricing; all plans are custom and demo-based. 

From user reviews, expect pricing to be on the higher end, often comparable to or above Apollo.io, especially for teams that need European coverage and Diamond Data®.

Pros and Cons

Screenshot of a Cognism reviewScreenshot of a Cognism review

Pros

Cons

Accurate mobile numbers & emails (esp. strong in EMEA)

GDPR/privacy concerns: personal data sold without consent

Easy-to-use interface & quick list building

Aggressive contracts: auto-renewals, long lock-ins, hard cancellations

Seamless CRM & sales tool integrations

Data quality varies: outdated numbers, guessed emails outside core markets

Strong customer support & onboarding

Pushy sales tactics, gated data samples before demo

Helpful signals (funding, hiring, tech usage) for timing outreach

UX quirks (annoying pop-ups, occasional glitches)

Best For

B2B sales and marketing teams targeting European markets, especially mid-market and enterprise companies, where compliance and connect rates are critical.


Cognism is a strong Apollo.io alternative if your priority is data quality and compliance over database size

With Diamond Data® and powerful signals layered in, it’s built for teams that need accurate mobiles and GDPR peace of mind, especially across the UK and Europe.


Conclusion

Apollo.io is a solid starting point if you want a big database fast, and your team is already deep in Apollo workflows. But the moment accuracy, deliverability, or scaling costs start dragging results, switching makes sense.

Quick picks by need:

  • Scalable outreach with deliverability baked in: Coldreach

  • Enterprise + EMEA compliance and mobiles: Cognism

  • Huge real-time database + enrichment: Seamless.ai

  • Simple, affordable sourcing for SMBs: Lusha / UpLead

  • LinkedIn-first capture + tight CRM sync: LeadIQ

  • Advanced, flexible workflows and enrichment: Clay

Next steps:

  1. Map your top 2–3 constraints (data accuracy, inboxing, price, ramp time).

  2. Pick the tool that solves those constraints first—not the one with the most features.

  3. Trial with a single ICP for 14 days and measure: verified contacts, inbox placement, replies, and meetings booked.

If you want an all-in-one path to more replies, signals → verified contacts → personalized sequences → strong inboxing, Coldreach is the safest bet for long-term ROI.

Apollo.io Alternatives FAQs

What’s the best Apollo.io alternative overall?
Coldreach, because it combines intent signals, verified data, and deliverability in one platform.

Which Apollo.io competitor is best for SMBs?
Lusha and UpLead — affordable pricing and verified contact data.

Which Apollo.io alternative works best for enterprises?
Cognism — strong EMEA coverage, GDPR compliance, and Diamond Data® mobile accuracy.

Can Apollo.io alternatives improve deliverability?
Yes. Coldreach and Leadsforge include built-in inboxing tools like IP rotation, warm-up, and monitoring.




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