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Clearbit vs Instantly — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Clearbit and Instantly to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
TLDR
Quick Verdict
Instantly takes the lead with a 4.5 rating and is best for cold email agencies and startups doing high-volume outbound. Clearbit (4.4) is the better pick if you need hubspot users wanting automatic lead enrichment.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Clearbit | Instantly |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.4(165) | ★★★★★ 4.5(195) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | subscription |
| Starter Price | Custom | $30/mo (1,000 leads) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, API | Web |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | HubSpot users wanting automatic lead enrichment | Cold email agencies and startups doing high-volume outbound |
| Verdict | Best Free Enrichment | Best Cold Email Tool |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Clearbit | Instantly |
|---|---|---|
| Data Enrichment | — | |
| Lead Scoring | — | |
| Reveal (IP deanonymization) | — | |
| Forms Shortening | — | |
| API | — | |
| Unlimited Accounts | — | |
| AI Warmup | — | |
| Lead Database | — | |
| Email Sequences | — | |
| Deliverability Dashboard | — |
Clearbit
Pros
- ✓Free for HubSpot users
- ✓Excellent data quality
- ✓Easy API integration
Cons
- ✕Less useful outside HubSpot ecosystem
- ✕Smaller database than ZoomInfo
- ✕Future direction uncertain post-acquisition
Instantly
Pros
- ✓Unlimited email accounts
- ✓Built-in warmup is excellent
- ✓Incredible value for the price
Cons
- ✕No CRM functionality
- ✕Reporting is basic
- ✕Lead database quality varies
The Bottom Line
Both Clearbit and Instantly are solid tools in the CRM & Sales space. Instantly edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.5 vs 4.4) and is the better choice for cold email agencies and startups doing high-volume outbound. However, if you prioritize hubspot users wanting automatic lead enrichment, Clearbit is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clearbit better than Instantly?▼
Instantly scores higher overall with a 4.5 rating vs 4.4. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Clearbit is best for HubSpot users wanting automatic lead enrichment, while Instantly is best for Cold email agencies and startups doing high-volume outbound.
Can I switch from Clearbit to Instantly?▼
Yes, most users can migrate between the two. Instantly offers a free tier to test before committing.
Which is more affordable, Clearbit or Instantly?▼
Clearbit starts at Custom, while Instantly starts at $30/mo (1,000 leads). Clearbit offers a free tier. Instantly offers a free tier.