Apollo.io vs Clay
Compare Apollo.io and Clay for sales prospecting. See how these platforms differ in data enrichment, workflow automation, and pricing.
Quick Verdict
Apollo.io
Apollo.io is an all-in-one AI-powered sales intelligence and engagement platform with access to 210M+ verified contacts and 30M+ companies for B2B …
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Clay
Clay is a comprehensive data enrichment and AI-powered outreach platform that consolidates 150+ data providers, enabling go-to-market teams to …
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| Feature | Apollo.io | Clay |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Reviews | 8400 | 365 |
| Starter Price | $0 | $134 |
| Pro Price | $49 | $720 |
| Enterprise | $99 | Custom |
| Trust Score | 92/100 | 94/100 |
| Verified | Yes | Yes |
Apollo.io
Pros
- Massive verified B2B contact database
- All-in-one platform replaces multiple tools
- Generous free tier with 100 monthly credits
- Strong email deliverability features
- Excellent value compared to competitors
- Seamless CRM integrations
- AI-powered automation saves time
- Multichannel outreach (email, phone, tasks)
Cons
- Credit-based system can lead to unexpected costs
- Data accuracy varies (bounce rates reported)
- Interface can feel cluttered for new users
- Customer support response times inconsistent
- Limited customization in lower tiers
- Credit depletion at scale increases costs
Clay
Pros
- Consolidates 150+ data sources into one platform, reducing vendor costs
- Claygent AI agent automates manual SDR research tasks
- Superior data coverage through waterfall enrichment across multiple providers
- Natural language workflow builder makes automation accessible
- Strong community support and comprehensive training resources
- Real-time intent signals for job changes and company news
- Built-in email sequencing eliminates need for separate outreach tool
- Spreadsheet-like interface familiar to most users
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring weeks to master advanced features
- CRM integrations only available at Pro tier ($720/month)
- Credit-based pricing can become expensive at scale
- HubSpot integration reported to have reliability issues
- Limited pre-built outreach templates
- Not ideal as standalone cold email tool without additional integrations
- Some third-party enrichment services may be more cost-effective for simple use cases
Key Features
Apollo.io Features
- 210M+ contact database with 30M+ companies
- AI-powered email sequences and automation
- Built-in cloud call dialer
- Email deliverability optimization
- Data enrichment and verification
- Chrome extension for LinkedIn
- CRM integrations (Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Conversation intelligence and call recording
- Anonymous visitor identification
- Real-time form enrichment
- Advanced analytics dashboard
- Team collaboration tools
Clay Features
- 150+ Data Provider Integrations
- Claygent AI Research Agent
- Sculptor Workflow Builder
- Waterfall Enrichment
- AI Email Personalization
- Sequencer Email Automation
- Signal-Based Prospecting
- CRM Enrichment & Hygiene
- Account & Lead Scoring
- Job Change Tracking
- Intent Signal Monitoring
- AI Formula Generator
- Natural Language Workflows
- Salesforce & HubSpot Integration
- Clay University Training
- Slack Community Support
- Pre-Built Templates
- Multi-Provider Data Validation
Apollo and Clay serve different prospecting philosophies. Apollo is an all-in-one database with outreach, while Clay is a data orchestration platform that lets you build custom enrichment workflows from 75+ data providers.
When to Choose Clay
- Need waterfall enrichment from multiple sources
- Building custom prospecting workflows
- Data quality is paramount
- Technical team comfortable with spreadsheet-like interface
When to Choose Apollo
- Want a single platform for prospecting + outreach
- Need quick, simple setup
- Less technical team
- Built-in email sequences required