When it comes to finding targeted leads, Apollo.io comes across as a solid option for small- to mid- sized businesses (SMBs). Comprehensive in its sales intelligence features and engagement features, Apollo.io promises users a large database of contacts, advanced search capabilities, and automation tools designed to help streamline their sales processes.
However, despite its robust offerings, users have reported issues including data accuracy concerns, a steep learning curve, and being constrained by Apollo.io’s credit-based lead system.
Exploring data solution options can lead you to platforms that can surpass what Apollo.io offers. Check out the following alternatives to see if there is a better fit for your business.
10 Best Apollo.io Alternatives for SMBs
1. Salesgenie®
Salesgenie is a user-friendly, self-service platform that offers customers access to millions of business and consumer leads. An invaluable tool for businesses, Salesgenie offers data, built-in outreach tools, and marketing services such as turnkey email, direct mail campaigns, and online advertising (available as an add-on).
Salesgenie makes it easy for businesses to grow their customer bases and streamline their lead-generating marketing activities. Salesgenie also offers another add-on feature that delivers big value for businesses—buyer intent data. The superior database quality, add-on features, and supportive marketing services, such as email marketing, online display advertising, and direct mail services, offer a competitive edge over Apollo.io’s data-focused platform.
All Salesgenie tools and services are designed for teams of all sizes, but small teams especially appreciate its useability and ease of implementation, which contrasts with Apollo.io. While Apollo.io claims to benefit businesses of all sizes, its features make it particularly suitable for meeting the more complex needs of enterprise clients vs. small- and medium-sized businesses.
Salesgenie is the best Apollo.io alternative for small-to mid-sized businesses that want:
- Human-verified data: Salesgenie offers access to millions of human-verified business contacts as well as millions of consumer contacts. As a result, Salesgenie provides a comprehensive resource for targeted marketing and sales efforts.
- Affordable pricing: Flexible pricing plans are designed with small- and medium-sized businesses in mind and include unlimited search capabilities, making it a cost-effective choice.
- Integrated tools: Powerful tools, such as customer relationship management (CRM) integration, email marketing, and lead management, within its platform ensure a seamless workflow for sales and marketing teams using Salesgenie.
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Key features of Salesgenie
Salesgenie delivers greater value than meets the eye—here are just five highlighted features of the platform.
- Lead management: Salesgenie Lead Manager™ allows users to view, sort, and track sales leads with customized viewing panes, notes, tags, and lead status updates.
- Multi-channel marketing tools: Includes capabilities for phone dialing campaigns, direct mail campaigns, email marketing, and digital advertising.
- CRM integration: Offers integration with popular CRM systems like Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics, allowing for automatic data updates.
- Mobile app: Provides access to Salesgenie’s databases and lead-tracking platform on mobile devices.
- Data enrichment and cleaning: Ability to append, enhance, and clean existing customer data.
Salesgenie pricing
Salesgenie offers a flexible pricing structure designed to fit the needs of small-to mid-sized businesses via subscription-based services with multiple pricing tiers. Customizable packages allow businesses to tailor their plan based on the number of users, available databases, and specific tools needed. Users can try the entire Salesgenie platform for free with a three-day trial—no credit card required. Subscriptions start at $99/month. The initial 12-month subscription renews on a month-to-month basis; Salesgenie accepts all major credit cards.
Tip: Consider which data solution features are essential for your business needs to help determine the optimal platform for your business.
2. Data Axle USA®
Relative to Apollo.io, Data Axle USA offers a superior solution for small- and medium-sized businesses. Data Axle USA delivers a full range of affordable sales and marketing solutions tailored to help businesses acquire, manage, and retain customers. With high-quality business and consumer contact databases, Data Axle USA provides targeted marketing lists, direct marketing solutions, and ongoing sales leads. While Apollo.io boasts a big database, Data Axle USA stands out with its commitment to data accuracy and continuous updates to its information.
Data Axle USA offers many benefits, including the following three features.
- Comprehensive business and consumer databases: Providing extensive business and consumer contact databases, Data Axle USA regularly updates and verifies its database.
- Data quality and accuracy: Investing in its data quality, Data Axle USA employs over 300 full-time researchers to ensure business and consumer records are kept up to date.
- Multi-source data compilation: Aggregating data from numerous sources, Data Axle USA compiles data using public directories, new business filings, utility connections, real estate assessments, and more.
Data Axle USA pricing
Whether you prefer one-off list purchases, monthly licenses, annual licenses, or usage-based pricing, Data Axle USA offers a variety of pricing options. Data Axle USA also provides custom pricing options tailored to specific use cases so businesses can get a solution that fits their needs and budget.
3. ZoomInfo
Apollo.io and ZoomInfo are both sales intelligence and lead generation platforms, but there are important differences. Both platforms offer contact data, Chrome extensions, and CRM integrations, with Apollo.io being known for its user-friendly interface and all-in-one approach.
On the other hand, although it’s considered a more costly option, ZoomInfo offers a larger and more comprehensive database than Apollo.io as well as advanced capabilities, like buyer intent signals and in-depth analytics.
Key features of ZoomInfo
- Lead segmenting and scoring: Users can create buyer segments based on job function, seniority, industry, and company size, as well as score leads based on various attributes and models.
- Scoops: ZoomInfo offers insights into newsworthy organizational events, such as executive changes, facility expansions, and new funding rounds.
- Automated workflows: Enabling businesses to launch personalized outreach, ZoomInfo takes buyer signals from prospects and turns them into automated sales plays.
ZoomInfo pricing
ZoomInfo’s Professional plan starts at around $15,000 per year, with the Advanced- and Elite-level options going up to more than $40,000 annually. Factors that influence pricing include features desired, number of licenses, credit usage, add-on solutions, and integrations. While ZoomInfo shines with its advanced features and capabilities, many small- and medium-sized businesses will find the pricing difficult to justify given it’s likely rare that they’ll use many of its more sophisticated features.
Pros:
- Lead segmenting
- Automated workflows
- Data enrichment services
Cons:
- Limited interface and filtering capabilities
- Complex advanced features
- Lack of transparency
4. Cognism
Compared to Apollo.io, Cognism stands out for its focus on data quality and coverage, especially with mobile phone numbers. While Apollo.io claims a larger overall database, Cognism’s emphasis on phone-verified data, powerful intent data, and GDPR/CCPA compliance makes it a good choice for small- and medium-sized businesses. However, some users have reported issues with several of its advanced features, including the Chrome extension and CRM data exportation.
Key features of Cognism
- Chrome extension: Offering easy access to data while browsing LinkedIn or other websites, Cognism’s Chrome feature is a favorite of customers.
- Intent data: The platform claims to have the industry’s most comprehensive, privacy-compliant intent data. It uses intent data powered by Bombora to identify companies actively searching for specific solutions.
- Unlimited views and exports: Offering unlimited views and unrestricted individual and page-level exports of data, Cognism takes steps to reduce the need for its customers to purchase additional credits.
Cognism pricing
Cognism claims its pricing is flexible to the needs of individual businesses, which may make it a contender for small- or medium-sized businesses seeking a data solution. It offers two core packages—Platinum and Diamond—that range between $1,500 and $25,000 annually with custom pricing options available. Integrations with popular CRMs and sales engagement tools, like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Outreach, are included. Cognism also offers a flat platform access fee that covers data maintenance, set-up, onboarding, and 24/7 live chat support.
While its website lists many benefits of its packages, it does not actually share pricing details—this lack of transparency suggests it could be an expensive option for SMBs.
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Good prospecting capabilities
- Useful integrations
Cons:
- Lack of transparent pricing
- Data accuracy issues
- Reports of difficulty exporting information
5. Seamless.ai
As a data solution, Seamless.ai focuses on real-time data and AI- suggested leads. With its intuitive interface and responsive customer support, Seamless.ai is ideal for organizations that want to prioritize speed and AI-driven automation. However, its database is reputed to be less robust than some of its competitors.
Key features of Seamless.ai
- Pitch intelligence: Offering customized insights for contacts and accounts, this tool allows users to lead conversations about what matters to their prospects, personalizing the sales process.
- Data enrichment: This service keeps information current so users can feel confident contacting prospects. It fights the ever-present threat of data decay.
- Autopilot tool: This tool eliminates manual sales-list building by allowing customers to build lists of thousands of prospects by simply entering desired criteria.
Seamless.ai pricing
Seamless.ai’s pricing is not specifically listed on its website, though it offers three pricing tiers—Free, Pro, and Enterprise. Pricing is based on business size and the features and access levels required and can go to more than $40,000 annually. It operates on a number-of-users plus credit-based system; credits appear to expire monthly and do not roll over. Users are encouraged to contact a Seamless.ai sales rep to learn more about pricing.
Pros:
- CRM integrations
- User-friendly
- Chrome extension
Cons:
- Accuracy issues with data
- Limited reach in some industries
- Some reports of billing disputes
6. RocketReach
RocketReach, an alternative to Apollo.io, will appeal to small- and medium-sized businesses that need a large contact database. RocketReach can integrate with popular tools like LinkedIn and Salesforce, offering advanced features that may be intuitive to learn and use. On the other hand, RocketReach is said to struggle with the accuracy of its database, particularly with phone numbers.
Key features of RocketReach
- Free demo: Businesses who are curious to learn more about the platform can do so through a free demo; no credit card is required to sign up.
- Data enrichment API: This tool helps users improve their lead quality by retrieving missing or inaccurate information by supporting 100+ B2B data points.
- Chrome extension: Said to be an accurate way to look at potential prospects, the most recent update to the Chrome extension claims to load 84% faster than previous versions.
RocketReach pricing
RocketReach pricing supposedly starts at $48 per month for the Essentials Plan, although there have been claims of discounts for the same plan. There are two other plans—Pro and Ultimate—with pricing topping at $249 per user per month. Pricing depends on the features and usage limits and can be paid annually for a discount.
Pros:
- Strong search capabilities
- Helpful Chrome extension
- Various pricing tiers
Cons:
- Limited value within certain industries
- Hard to test with small number of credits
- Claims of auto-renewal issues
7. Breeze Intelligence by HubSpot (Formerly Clearbit)
HubSpot acquired Clearbit in late 2023 and rebranded it to Breeze Intelligence. It is now positioned as an AI-powered data enrichment and intelligence tool fully integrated into HubSpot’s Smart CRM. It provides real-time company and contact insights, automated lead scoring, and audience segmentation. Compared to Apollo.io, Breeze Intelligence is ideal for businesses that already use HubSpot and want native, AI-driven intelligence within their CRM. However, it lacks some of Apollo.io’s broader prospecting capabilities and does not function as a standalone platform.
Key features of Breeze Intelligence
- HubSpot AI & Smart CRM Integration: Built directly into HubSpot, Breeze Intelligence automates customer data enrichment, prospecting, and segmentation to enhance workflows.
- Real-Time Enrichment & Intelligence: Uses AI to continuously update lead and company records, reducing data decay and improving targeting accuracy.
- Lead Scoring & AI-Powered Segmentation: Prioritizes leads based on predictive analytics, firmographics, and behavioral data to refine targeting.
Breeze Intelligence pricing
Breeze Intelligence is only available to users who already use a paid HubSpot product. It is an add-on product that requires a recurring subscription that is offered in three tiers:
- Basic: $30/month for 100 enrichment credits, suitable for small businesses needing occasional updates.
- Growth: $150/month for 1,000 enrichment credits, aimed at mid-sized teams automating their contact database.
- Scale: $700/month for 10,000 enrichment credits, designed for enterprises that need extensive data intelligence.
- One-time credit purchase: 1,000–5,000 credits for $200 per 1k credits or 5,001–1M credits for $100 per 1k credits
Pros:
- Deep HubSpot integration with AI-powered automation
- Real-time lead enrichment keeps CRM data accurate
- Scalable pricing for different business needs
Cons:
- Requires HubSpot (not a standalone platform like Apollo.io)
- Pricing is usage-based, which can add up quickly
- Limited outreach tools compared to Apollo.io
8. Dun & Bradstreet
Dun & Bradstreet is a strong alternative to Apollo.io in terms of its legacy, having been a provider of data and analytics for almost 200 years. Dun & Bradstreet is known for its comprehensive data services and credit risk management, claiming that 90% of Fortune 500 companies rely upon their services. That said, this claim does tee up the fact that Dun & Bradstreet caters to larger enterprises as opposed to small- and medium-sized businesses.
Key features of Dun & Bradstreet
- Extensive integrations: Offering both desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) and partner integrations, Dun & Bradstreet makes it easier for businesses to learn more about their customers and prospects.
- Risk analytics: Providing users with the ability to screen suppliers and actively monitor risk changes, this tool helps to increase overall operational efficiency for large businesses.
- Credit intelligence: As a scalable platform providing users with credit reports as well as unique automation, this tool makes it easy to issue credit decisions and standardize credit review processes.
Dun & Bradstreet pricing
Dun & Bradstreet’s pricing is complex. It appears to offer several individualized products and services that are priced as a one-off or per month, as well as longer-term subscription-based models and customized pricing based on the tools and services needed. Users are encouraged to speak to a sales representative for an accurate quote.
Pros:
- Well-established company
- Comprehensive global business data
- Robust analytics tools
Cons:
- Not transparent about pricing
- Overwhelming offerings
- Complex user interface
9. Lusha
Lusha is known for up-to-date data, easy-to-use prospecting tools and global coverage, offering up to 20M contacts in Europe. Claiming to have high-quality contacts routed through a 7-step verification process, Lusha offers users fresh information. However, users have rated it less favorably than some of its competitors.
Key features of Lusha
- Crowdsourced data: Providing quality contacts, Lusha has an extensive verification process for all information entered in its database.
- Global coverage: Lusha’s data is not restricted to the U.S.; it also provides verified contact details on 20 million Europeans.
- Privacy and compliance: Lusha claims GDPR compliance, ePrivacy seal, and Trustee Commitment to not sell customer data.
Lusha pricing
Lusha offers four plans fit for small- and mid-sized businesses and enterprises. The platform operates on a credit system where a single credit gets the user information for one contact or company. Pricing ranges from free to $75 per month per users to a custom scaled plan.
Pros:
- Data verification system
- Global data
- Follows GDPR guidelines
Cons:
- Lower customer ratings
- Inaccurate data population for CRM integrations
- Billing discrepancies and credits losses
10. SalesIntel
SalesIntel is a B2B sales intelligence platform. Providing accurate, comprehensive contact data, SalesIntel helps businesses discover potential prospects. It uses human-verified data to deliver quality contact information to its users, though multiple users claim data accuracy to be inaccurate.
Key features of SalesIntel
- Human-validated data: Employing human researchers who make direct dial calls to verify the accuracy of their database, SalesIntel claims to have highly accurate information.
- 90-day reverification: Information in SalesIntel’s database is reverified every three months to help ensure contact information remains reliable.
- On-demand research: Human researchers are employed to find missing contact information for accounts that SalesIntel’s customers want to reach.
SalesIntel pricing
Starting at about $69 per month for a single user, SalesIntel offers affordably priced plans for businesses of any size. Pricing goes up substantially for small teams and enterprises and is a credits-based platform. Companies are encouraged to call for more information.
Pros:
- Human-verified
- On-demand feature
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Data accuracy
- Limited pricing plans
- Overwhelming on-screen information
Why Salesgenie is the Best Alternative for SMBs
While there are many alternatives to Apollo.io, Salesgenie is optimal for small and mid-sized businesses.
- Affordable entry: Salesgenie’s plans are more cost-effective than Apollo.io’s.
- Flexible pricing: Varying tiers suit diverse needs and budgets.
- Transparent investment: No hidden fees, clear pricing structure.
- Value focus: Essential features at affordable rates.
- SMB-tailored: Ideal for small- and medium-sized businesses.
