Apollo.io vs Clay
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Apollo.io and Clay are credible sales intelligence tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Apollo.io — B2B database plus sales engagement in one.
Choose Clay if you'd rather have a higher overall rating (4.8/5). Data enrichment and AI outreach automation.
Apollo.io vs Clay: side by side
| Dimension | Apollo.io | Clay |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $49/user/mo | Free – $149/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Best for | Smb, Sales Teams, Startups | Revops, Growth Teams, Agencies |
| Platforms | Web, Api | Web, Api |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.8/5Winner |
Apollo.io key facts
- Vendor
- Apollo.io
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $49/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Smb, Sales Teams, Startups
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2015
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, USA
Clay key facts
- Vendor
- Clay
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $149/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Revops, Growth Teams, Agencies
- Editor rating
- 4.8 / 5
- Founded
- 2017
- Headquarters
- New York, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Apollo.io better than Clay?
Neither is universally better — Clay edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Apollo.io or Clay cheaper?
Apollo.io is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $49/user/mo. Apollo.io starts at free – $49/user/mo; Clay starts at free – $149/mo.
Can Apollo.io replace Clay?
Yes for most teams — both are sales intelligence tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.