Apollo vs Close — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Apollo and Close to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Close takes the lead with a 4.3 rating and is best for outbound sales teams that sell primarily through phone calls and email sequences.. Apollo (4.3) is the better pick if you need b2b sales teams needing prospecting data and outreach sequences at a fraction of zoominfo pricing..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Apollo | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.3(234) | ★★★★ 4.3(134) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | paid |
| Starter Price | $59/user/mo (Basic) | $59/user/mo (Startup) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web | web |
| Learning Curve | medium | easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | B2B sales teams needing prospecting data and outreach sequences at a fraction of ZoomInfo pricing. | Outbound sales teams that sell primarily through phone calls and email sequences. |
| Verdict | recommended | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Apollo | Close |
|---|---|---|
| 275M+ contact database | — | |
| Email sequences and automation | — | |
| Intent data and buyer signals | — | |
| Chrome extension for LinkedIn | — | |
| Built-in dialer | — | |
| CRM sync (Salesforce, HubSpot) | — | |
| 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
Pros
- ✓275M+ contact database rivals ZoomInfo at a fraction of the price
- ✓Free tier with unlimited sequences is genuinely useful
- ✓All-in-one prospecting eliminates 3-4 separate tools
Cons
- ✕Data accuracy varies — some contacts are outdated
- ✕Email deliverability requires careful warm-up and management
- ✕The platform can feel overwhelming with so many features
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 and Close are solid tools in the CRM & Sales space. Close edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.3 vs 4.3) and is the better choice for outbound sales teams that sell primarily through phone calls and email sequences.. However, if you prioritize b2b sales teams needing prospecting data and outreach sequences at a fraction of zoominfo pricing., Apollo is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.