Apollo.io vs Clay
A side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings to help you choose.
Apollo.io
All-in-one prospecting database + engagement
Free plan
Free plan with limited credits; paid from ~$49/seat/mo
Higher rated
4.7 (900)
Clay
Waterfall enrichment + AI research in a spreadsheet
$134/mo
Free trial; paid from ~$134/mo billed annually, credit-based
At a glance
| Spec | Apollo.io | Clay |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 |
| Starting price | Free plan | $134/mo |
| Budget tier | Budget-friendly | Mid-range |
| Complexity | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Primary category | Prospecting & Lead Data | Sales Intelligence & Signals |
| Integrations | 100+ | 120+ |
| Founded | 2015 | 2017 |
Feature comparison
Apollo.io offers 10 of 10 tracked prospecting & lead data features; Clay offers 7.
| Feature | Apollo.io | Clay |
|---|---|---|
| Email finder | ||
| Mobile / direct dials | ||
| Email verification | ||
| Bulk enrichment | ||
| LinkedIn / Chrome extension | ||
| Intent data | ||
| 1-click CRM export | ||
| Free plan | ||
| API & webhooks | ||
| Priority / 24-7 support |
Apollo.io
Pros
- Huge contact database with a generous free tier
- Prospecting, sequencing, and dialer under one roof
- Excellent LinkedIn Chrome extension
Cons
- Email/phone accuracy dips on smaller or non-US accounts
- Credit limits force upgrades as volume grows
- Engagement features are shallower than dedicated platforms
Clay
Pros
- Waterfall enrichment across 100+ providers maximizes coverage
- AI research agents automate manual account research
- Endlessly composable, the Swiss-army knife of GTM data
Cons
- Steep learning curve, not a click-and-go tool
- Credit consumption is hard to predict
- You assemble the workflow, it is not opinionated
The verdict
Clay edges ahead on our editorial score, but the right pick depends on your priorities. Choose Apollo.io if you value smb and mid-market teams that want data and outreach in one affordable tool. Choose Clay if you need revops and growth teams building bespoke, signal-based outbound at scale.
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