VS

Apollo.io vs Clay

Apollo.io: Sales platform with a large B2B contact database, email sequences and AI research and writing. Clay: Spreadsheet-style tool that enriches leads from many data sources and uses AI agents to research. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.

Quick verdict

Apollo.io

Best for: Sales reps and founders who need leads and outreach in one tool.

Stands out for: Useful free plan; Data and outreach together.

Clay

Best for: Growth and sales teams that want highly targeted, well-researched outreach.

Stands out for: Extremely flexible; Combines many data sources.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Apollo.io, Clay
Apollo.io
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Clay
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What it isSales platform with a large B2B contact database, email sequences and AI research and writing.Spreadsheet-style tool that enriches leads from many data sources and uses AI agents to research.
Pricing
Free + PaidFree plan; paid plans add more credits
Free + Paid
Free to useYesYes
CategoryAI Sales & CRMAI Sales & CRM
Editor rank#1 in category#3 in category
Made byApollo.ioClay
Best forSales reps and founders who need leads and outreach in one tool.Growth and sales teams that want highly targeted, well-researched outreach.
Key features
  • Large B2B contact database
  • Email sequences and dialer
  • AI research and email writing
  • Chrome extension for LinkedIn and Gmail
  • Data enrichment from many providers
  • AI web research agent
  • Personalised message writing
  • CRM and outreach integrations
Pros
  • Useful free plan
  • Data and outreach together
  • Extremely flexible
  • Combines many data sources
Cons
  • Contact data is not always up to date
  • Takes time to learn
  • Credits can run out quickly
Use it to
  • Build a list of target prospects
  • Send a personalised email sequence
  • Find a contact's work email from LinkedIn
  • Find companies hiring for a certain role
  • Research each prospect with AI
  • Write a personal opening line for every lead
Web app
Chrome extension
API

Apollo.io vs Clay: questions

Is Apollo.io better than Clay?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Apollo.io slightly higher overall in AI Sales & CRM, but Clay can be the better fit: Growth and sales teams that want highly targeted, well-researched outreach.

Which is free, Apollo.io or Clay?

Both can be used without paying: Apollo.io is free + paid and Clay is free + paid. Paid plans add more usage or features.

Can I use Apollo.io and Clay together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example build a list of target prospects with Apollo.io, and find companies hiring for a certain role with Clay.

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