The best alternatives to Apollo.io for those seeking a B2B sales intelligence and engagement platform

In a market as competitive and fast-paced as that of 2025, the companies that lead today are not just those with the best product or the largest team, but those who know exactly who to talk to, when to reach out, and how to keep the conversation alive. In this regard, B2B business intelligence and engagement platforms have become strategic allies.

Apollo.io has positioned itself as one of the most comprehensive solutions on the market in this aspect, combining prospecting, contact data, automated sequences, and analytics in one place. It is undoubtedly one of the most powerful tools for sales and marketing teams that want to work intelligently.

However, and here’s the important part, it's not the only one. Nor necessarily the best for everyone. Because every business is different: what is essential for one company may be optional for another. Costs, integration with the tech stack, data depth, or ease of use are factors that can tilt the balance toward one option or another. In this context, today's article will review the best alternatives to Apollo.io.

What is Apollo.io?

Apollo.io is a business intelligence software and sales automation platform with advanced capabilities and standout features for commercial management, designed to help B2B companies find, contact, and close clients more efficiently.

Apollo.io was founded in 2015 by Tim Zheng, Ray Li, and Roy Chung. Initially known as ZenProspect, the company rebranded as Apollo in 2017. Its goal from the beginning was clear: to make it easier for B2B companies to find their ideal customers with accurate data and automated workflows. Over the years, the company has experienced rapid growth and attracted substantial investments.

It is an all-in-one software that combines enriched contact databases, advanced prospecting features, automated emails, multichannel sequences, reporting generation, and performance analytics, along with artificial intelligence capabilities to optimize business processes.

In broad strokes, Apollo enables sales and marketing teams to:

• Access a database with over 275 million contacts and 73 million companies.
• Find ideal leads through advanced filters (such as title, industry, company size, technologies used, etc.).
• Send automated and personalized emails at scale.
• Integrate your workflow with popular CRMs, such as Salesforce and HubSpot.
• Track engagement to adjust strategies in real time.
• Generate detailed reports and leverage artificial intelligence to enhance lead identification and management.

Apollo's value proposition lies in its comprehensive approach. Unlike tools that only offer data or only sales sequences, Apollo centralizes the entire outbound marketing process into a single interface, improving operational efficiency and reducing dependence on multiple platforms.

Why does every company need a B2B commercial intelligence and engagement platform?

In an environment where buying cycles are increasingly complex and buyers are more informed than ever, relying solely on business intuition or traditional methods is no longer sufficient.

Companies need tools that provide real visibility into the market, help them identify opportunities with precision, and above all, allow them to act with agility.

This is where a commercial intelligence platform like Apollo.io becomes a strategic ally: it not only offers data but also context, pace, and responsiveness.

These platforms enable the automation of a significant portion of the prospecting process, allow for detailed audience segmentation, and facilitate personalized communications at scale.

Moreover, they integrate advanced analytics to understand what works and what doesn’t, turning every contact into an opportunity for learning and improvement. Instead of spending hours on repetitive tasks, sales teams can focus on what truly matters: building valuable relationships and closing deals.

But beyond operational efficiency, having such a solution is also a way to professionalize your sales process. Access to updated information and intelligent engagement tools not only improves your results but also elevates your brand’s perception among potential clients.

Today, selling is not just about talking to more people; it’s about talking to the right people, at the right time, and with the right message. And for that, you need technology that works alongside you.

Why search for alternatives to Apollo.io?

Apollo.io is a very comprehensive tool, but like any platform, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each company has distinct needs based on its size, sector, budget, or technology stack, and that's why it's natural (and advisable) to explore alternatives that fit better in each case.

Some common reasons to look for other options include:

• Budget: Apollo can be expensive for startups or small teams.
• Learning curve: Its wide functionality may require more time to become accustomed to.
• Specific integrations: Some companies need integrations that other platforms cover better.
• Functional focus: There are alternatives that are more focused on specific niches (for example, SMBs, pure outbound, or local markets).
• Data quality in certain regions: In some markets, other tools may offer more accurate or updated databases.

In summary, exploring other platforms does not mean that Apollo.io is ineffective; rather, it suggests that in such a dynamic ecosystem, it is worthwhile to compare and choose the option that best aligns with your current business strategy.

Comparison of alternatives to Apollo io: A quick look at other options

There are several platforms on the market that offer management similar to Apollo, but they are more aligned with modern environments and current demands for business intelligence and sales automation. Below, we present a quick comparison of some of the best options available:

ZoomInfo

ZoomInfo is a leading business intelligence and contact search platform designed for large sales teams that require deep and reliable data.

From Softonic, we recommend its use for medium and large companies with established sales teams that need in-depth data, intent signals, and robust integration capabilities.

Main Features of ZoomInfo

• Advanced search of contacts and companies
• Information on organizational hierarchies and technology used
• Purchase intent signals and web visitor intent data
• Integration with CRM and data export

Pros and Cons of ZoomInfo

Advantages of ZoomInfo	Disadvantages of ZoomInfo
Advanced account segmentation: It enables the identification of target companies.	High cost: Its price can be prohibitive for small companies or startups.
Purchase intent data: Enhances lead prioritization.	Limited specialization: Its databases may not be as comprehensive as one might expect for niche markets.
Advanced integration with B2B tools: Allows for automation of sales reach based on real data.	Steep learning curve: Its use requires specialized personnel in B2B sales and marketing.
Creation of organizational maps: Facilitates decision-making by showing the internal structure of companies.	Spam risk: A marketing strategy must be outlined to avoid annoying spam.

Plans and Pricing of ZoomInfo (2025):

ZoomInfo offers three distinct plans: Sales, Marketing, and Talent. Each is designed for a specific business objective (to accelerate the sales process, improve ROI from marketing strategies, or find new talent for the company). ZoomInfo does not publicly disclose its pricing, so it is necessary to contact the sales team to know the cost of its subscription.

Lusha

Lusha offers enriched contact data (email and phone) with a clear focus on usability and speed. It is ideal for freelancers, small businesses, and teams that need to quickly expand their contacts without incurring major investments.

Main features of Lusha

• Real-time contact enrichment
• Extension for LinkedIn and CRM
• Intent signals (Job Change Alerts, etc.)
• List management and export

Pros and cons of Lusha

Advantages of Lusha	Disadvantages of Lusha
Integration with CRM: Lusha allows integrating its services with some of the most popular CRMs on the market (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.)	High price: Due to its credit model, using Lusha can be somewhat expensive for small businesses.
Very easy to use: Its user interface is very intuitive, making it easily accessible even to users with little experience in the field.	Inefficient compliance measures: Those businesses needing to comply with data security regulations (GDPR, etc.) will require a more advanced solution.
Updated data: Lusha offers updated data in key regions, adapting to the target market of your marketing strategy.	Dependency on external sources: For optimal functioning, Lusha requires that a contact be active on professional social networks, such as LinkedIn.

Plans and prices of Lusha (2005)

Lusha offers a free plan, ideal for exploring the platform's basic features. It is also possible to access its Pro version starting at approx. €19/month per user (annual) and Premium for approx. €45/month per user (annual). It also offers a scalable plan (Scale), which allows companies to request a quote from the sales team and pay only for the services they need.

Cognism

Cognism is a GDPR-compliant prospecting platform that focuses on data and intent signals for the European market. After reviewing its features, we recommend its use for European B2B companies with compliance requirements that require multi-regional coverage and intent signals.

Main features of Cognism

• B2B database with legal compliance
• Enrichment API and Chrome extension
• Buying signals and triggers
• Integrations with CRM and marketing

Pros and cons of Cognism

Advantages of Cognism	Disadvantages of Cognism
Data verification: The data provided by the platform has been updated, optimizing outbound sales.	High cost: Its price is quite high due to its annual licenses. This makes it unsuitable for startups or SMEs.
Compliance with GDPR and CCPA: Suitable for businesses with high needs regarding data privacy compliance.	Steep learning curve: Its interface can be overwhelming for beginners.
Wide variety of integrations: Allows direct access to different CRMs in addition to outreach tools.	Uneven coverage: Not all regions have the same data, so depending on the destination country, its usefulness is limited.
B2B mobile verification: Its Diamond Data tool allows access to company mobiles, improving the conversion rate.

Plans and prices of Cognism (2005)

Cognism does not make its prices public. As the platform indicates, each of its plans is customized to meet all the company's needs. Therefore, to know its prices, it is necessary to contact the Cognism sales team.

LeadIQ

LeadIQ helps capture leads from the web and LinkedIn, combining automatic enrichment with facilitated information delivery. Its use is intended for outbound teams and SDRs looking to accelerate lead capture without complications.

Main Features of LeadIQ

• Simple capture from browser
• Verification of emails and phone numbers
• Direct sending to CRM and sequences
• Scalable plans with credits

Pros and Cons of LeadIQ

Advantages of LeadIQ	Disadvantages of LeadIQ
Wide range of integrations: LeadIQ can seamlessly integrate with the most popular CRMs and outreach tools in the market.	Dependency on LinkedIn Sales Navigator: It is not possible to take advantage of LeadIQ without an active subscription to this service.
Advanced customization options: Allows adding notes and personalized messages for better lead capture.	Variable data accuracy: The contact data provided is sometimes outdated or unverified.
Very easy to use: Its user interface is very intuitive, making adoption quick.	Advanced features require additional payments: Its basic plans lack premium options needed for most businesses.

Plans and Prices of LeadIQ

LeadIQ offers a free plan (Free), an Essential plan (€32/month billed annually), a Pro plan (€70/month per user), and an Enterprise plan with customized pricing.

Hunter.io

Hunter.io is a hunter specialized in finding and verifying email addresses, facilitating the extraction and validation of contact data for outreach campaigns. Its main features and capabilities include automating email campaigns, efficient inbox management, and generating detailed reports on sending performance. It is recommended for freelancers, small agencies, or teams that only need to find and validate emails.

Main features of Hunter.io

• Email search by domain or name
• Bulk email verification
• Browser extension + API
• Basic campaigns and sending tracking

Pros and cons of Hunter.io

Advantages of Hunter.io	Disadvantages of Hunter.io
Affordable pricing with a free plan: This makes it an excellent option for startups and SMEs with limited budgets.	Does not include workflow or cadence features: It is not possible to manage outbound features or follow-ups.
Integration with multiple platforms: Its powerful API allows connection with the most popular CRMs, in addition to automating data prospecting.	Limited information without insights: Hunter.io provides basic information, such as name, email, or domain.
Very easy to use: Its user interface (UI) is very intuitive, allowing company teams to adopt the platform without the need to face a learning curve.	Basic reach: Its use is quite limited outside European or United States markets.

Plans and pricing of Hunter.io

Free with 25 searches/50 verifications; paid plans start from €45/month, Growth at €90/month.

Snov.io

Snov.io is a versatile prospecting platform, ideal for SMEs with email outreach needs. It is a perfect tool for SMEs and startups that need an economical solution for outreach and multichannel nurturing.

Main Features of Snov.io

• Email search and verification
• Sending sequences and tracking
• Mailbox warm-up and CRM integration
• Browser extension

Pros and Cons of Snov.io

Advantages of Snov.io	Disadvantages of Snov.io
Versatility: Complete and economical solution	Limited database: It may be insufficient for B2B niches
Prospect automation: Efficiently locates and verifies B2B email contacts	Hard to use: Its learning curve is quite steep.
Customized email flows: Its automation tools facilitate the creation of drip email campaigns.	Low deliverability: If the domain is not configured properly or mass sends are made, its deliverability rate decreases
Multiple integrations: Compatible with the most popular CRMs on the market.

Plans and Pricing of Snov.io (2005)

Starter Plan at €28/month (annual), includes a limited number of credits and records; Pro from €75/month at levels with a higher number of credits and contacts for more volume.

SalesIntel

SalesIntel stands out for its "human-verified data," ideal for those seeking precision over volume. At Softonic, we believe it is a good option for companies requiring ultra-reliable B2B data in the U.S., particularly those with high campaign requirements.

Key Features of SalesIntel

• Human-verified data for emails and phone numbers
• Enrichment and company signatures
• Intent signals + VisitorIntel
• API and CRM integration

Pros and Cons of SalesIntel

Advantages of SalesIntel	Disadvantages of SalesIntel
Integration with major CRMs: Including HubSpot and Salesforce	High cost: May be prohibitive for startups or small SMEs
Reach-on Demand feature: With it, you can request leads not included in its database.	Limited international coverage: The data is focused on the United States, so it is not very useful for global markets.
Incorporates purchase intent data: With it, it's possible to identify which businesses or companies are looking for a specific product	Non-intuitive user interface: May be complicated for novice users
Reliable data: SalesIntel's data is human-verified, reducing bounce rates.

SalesIntel Plans and Pricing (2025)

Contracts with an average cost of €17,000–19,000/year (range €8,000–41,000).

Alternatives to Apollo.io, depending on your type of company and needs

With so many options available, it's easy to get lost among functionalities, prices, and promises. However, the key to making a good choice lies not only in comparing tools but also in having a clear understanding of what your team needs at this moment.

Here we provide a practical guide to help you decide based on your type of company and your current priorities:

Teams with limited budget or in the initial stage (Startups, Freelancers, Micro-enterprises)

If you are starting, the essential thing is to have reliable data without compromising your budget. You are seeking simple and effective tools that can be implemented quickly.

Recommended alternatives:

• Hunter.io – ideal for finding and validating emails at a low cost.
• Snov.io – very comprehensive for its price; perfect for email outreach and basic follow-up.
• Lusha (basic plan) – quick access to data from LinkedIn or your CRM.

Growing companies or with an outbound focus (B2B SMEs, agencies, SDR teams)

Here, you need something more robust. You are looking to scale, automate repetitive tasks, improve the quality of your leads, and optimize the generation of new clients through effective campaigns.

Recommended alternatives:

• Reply.io – perfect for automating your outreach across multiple channels, managing email marketing campaigns, organizing your inbox, and facilitating the generation of detailed reports on your efforts' performance. Additionally, it provides efficient support and customer service to promptly address any inquiries.
• LeadIQ – very useful if your team is active on LinkedIn and wants to streamline the capturing and verification of email addresses, enhance lead generation, and centralize the management of relevant content for each client. Its features allow you to take action easily and quickly, optimizing sales and marketing efforts.
• Snov.io (advanced plans) – good value for money with campaign automation, lead generation and enrichment, shared inbox management, creation and analysis of customizable reports, and dedicated support to maximize customer care and satisfaction.

Large companies or rapidly growing (Commercial scaling, complex sales structure)

In this category, precise data, scalability, advanced features, and integration capabilities with your tech stack are key. Additionally, having detailed reporting, efficient support and customer service, meeting management, and an adequate number of credits or metrics for large data volumes is essential.

Recommended alternatives:

• ZoomInfo – global coverage, intent signals, advanced enrichment, extensive lead generation capabilities, content management features, customizable reporting, and dedicated support. Allows recording and analyzing meetings, and offers specialized customer service.
• Cognism – excellent option if you operate in Europe or need to comply with GDPR. Known for data enrichment features, integration capabilities, reporting generation, and multichannel support. Offers tools for meeting management and personalized customer care.
• SalesIntel – ideal if your focus is on the U.S. and data accuracy is a priority. Its capabilities include lead generation, advanced reporting, support, and customer service, as well as features for content and meeting management.

E-commerce, low-ticket SaaS, digital marketing

If you sell in large volumes or run extensive campaigns, you need agility, high delivery rates, and tools that optimize campaign management, inbox management, and lead generation.

Recommended alternatives:

• Reply.io – very effective for automated outreach, especially with AI in the advanced version. Allows managing email marketing campaigns, automating follow-ups, centralizing messages in a unified inbox, and generating detailed reports on the performance of your campaigns.
• Snov.io – excellent for segmented email marketing and lead nurturing. Offers advanced features for searching and verifying email addresses, managing campaign content, generating leads, and creating customizable reports to analyze results.

Companies focused on the European market or with high sensitivity to legal compliance

Privacy and the security of the connection are critical factors if you are looking for tools that comply with regulations without compromising data quality.

Recommended alternatives:

• Cognism – verified database fully GDPR-compliant, with advanced data enrichment capabilities, customizable reporting, and specialized customer service.
• SalesIntel (if you also operate in the U.S.) – a reliable option with human verification to ensure interaction is done by a human, ethical filters, detailed reports, and efficient support.

Summary: What B2B sales platform should I choose?

When selecting a platform, it is crucial to conduct a thorough comparison of its features and capabilities. Additionally, reviewing the official page of each tool will enable you to better understand its advantages and how it can be adapted to meet your client's needs.

This is a summary of B2B sales platforms to choose from according to the type of business:

• For startups and tight budgets: Hunter.io or Snov.io
• For SDRs and active sales teams on LinkedIn: LeadIQ
• For scaling sales with multichannel outreach and AI: Reply.io
• For large companies or those with complex B2B sales processes: ZoomInfo or SalesIntel
• For companies operating in Europe and requiring GDPR compliance: Cognism
• For small and medium-sized enterprises that want a simple yet powerful tool: Lusha.

Conclusion: What is the best alternative on the market to Apollo.io?

After thoroughly analyzing the main alternatives to Apollo.io, it is clear that there is no single universal answer.

Each tool we reviewed excels in different areas: some offer a larger database, others are designed for small teams with limited budgets, and others stand out in automation or compliance.

Therefore, rather than looking for "the best," it is advisable to identify which option is most suitable for your business at your current moment.

Apollo.io has set the standard for what a commercial intelligence and sales engagement solution should offer. However, the B2B ecosystem is diverse and constantly evolving, so exploring alternatives is not only logical but also recommended. In many cases, selecting a different tool can help you achieve greater efficiency, enhance conversions, and align your stack with your actual needs.

Choosing a commercial intelligence platform is not a decision to be taken lightly. It involves considering factors such as your lead volume, your team's structure, the markets you operate in, and the level of automation you need. The good news is that the market offers options for all levels and sizes.

Ultimately, beyond trends or rankings, the best alternative to Apollo.io will be the one that aligns with your processes, sales culture, and genuine commercial objectives. Take the time to test, compare, and make a calm decision: a good choice can make a significant difference in your team's efficiency and business growth.