Apollo.io vs Clay
Choosing between Apollo.io and Clay? Here's how they compare on pricing, features, and best-fit use cases.
Choosing between Apollo.io and Clay? Apollo.io is best for SDR and outbound teams (a free tier, then $49/mo), while Clay suits RevOps and GTM engineers (a free tier, then $185/mo). Both serve the same job — pick on use-case fit and budget.
Apollo.io
4.7 /5All-in-one AI sales platform combining a 275M+ contact B2B database with prospecting, enrichment, and engagement.
| Apollo.io | Clay | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI Sales & CRM | AI Sales & CRM |
| Best for | SDR and outbound teams, SMB and mid-market sales | RevOps and GTM engineers, Growth and outbound teams |
| Top use case | Find verified emails and phone numbers from a 275M+ contact database | Waterfall-enrich leads across 75+ providers for higher match rates |
| Starting price | Free tier · $49/mo | Free tier · $185/mo |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Rating | 4.7 | 4.8 |
Which should you choose?
Choose Apollo.io if…
- SDR and outbound teams
- SMB and mid-market sales
- Founders doing their own prospecting
Edge: Best price-to-value: largest self-serve B2B database with a genuine free-forever tier
Choose Clay if…
- RevOps and GTM engineers
- Growth and outbound teams
- Agencies building custom prospecting workflows
Edge: Best for flexible, custom enrichment
Bottom line
Apollo.io is built for SDR and outbound teams and SMB and mid-market sales; Clay suits RevOps and GTM engineers and growth and outbound teams. Both are AI Sales & CRM tools, so it comes down to which job is your priority and your budget. Verify pricing on each vendor's site (info as of June 2026).
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Apollo.io and Clay?
Both are AI Sales & CRM tools. Apollo.io is geared toward SDR and outbound teams, while Clay suits RevOps and GTM engineers — the choice comes down to which job is your priority.
Is Apollo.io or Clay cheaper?
Apollo.io is the cheaper entry point ($49/mo vs $185/mo), and Apollo.io has a free tier to trial first.
Should I choose Apollo.io or Clay?
Choose Apollo.io if your priority is SDR and outbound teams; choose Clay if RevOps and GTM engineers matters more. Both are solid — the decision comes down to your specific use case, not a single score.
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