Apollo.io vs Close — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Apollo.io and Close to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Apollo.io takes the lead with a 4.8 rating and is best for sales teams who need prospecting, email finding, and outbound sequencing in one tool. Close (4.3) is the better pick if you need outbound sales teams that sell primarily through phone calls and email sequences..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Apollo.io | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.8(53) | ★★★★ 4.3(134) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | paid |
| Starter Price | $49/user/mo | $59/user/mo (Startup) |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Web | web |
| Learning Curve | moderate | easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Sales teams who need prospecting, email finding, and outbound sequencing in one tool | Outbound sales teams that sell primarily through phone calls and email sequences. |
| Verdict | recommended | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Apollo.io | Close |
|---|---|---|
| 275M+ contact database | — | |
| Email finding and verification | — | |
| Sequence automation | — | |
| LinkedIn integration | — | |
| Call recording | — | |
| Analytics dashboard | — | |
| Built-in Power and Predictive Dialer | — | |
| Email sequences with personalization | — | |
| SMS sending and tracking | — | |
| Automatic activity logging | — | |
| Pipeline and reporting | — | |
| Call coaching and recording | — |
Apollo.io
Pros
- ✓Massive contact database
- ✓Generous free tier
- ✓Good sequencing tools
- ✓All-in-one platform
Cons
- ✕Data accuracy varies
- ✕Can feel overwhelming
- ✕Email deliverability requires attention
Close
Pros
- ✓Built-in Power and Predictive Dialer replaces separate calling tools
- ✓Automatic activity logging eliminates manual CRM data entry
- ✓Purpose-built for outbound sales velocity
Cons
- ✕Expensive starting at $59/user/mo
- ✕No marketing automation or inbound features
- ✕Web-only — no desktop or mobile apps
The Bottom Line
Both Apollo.io and Close are solid tools in the CRM & Sales space. Apollo.io edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and is the better choice for sales teams who need prospecting, email finding, and outbound sequencing in one tool. However, if you prioritize outbound sales teams that sell primarily through phone calls and email sequences., Close is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.