Apollo.io vs ContactOut: Choosing the Right Sales Intelligence Tool for Your Business

For sales teams, finding and leveraging accurate contact information is crucial to closing deals and driving revenue growth. With an overwhelming number of sales intelligence tools available, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your business. Two popular options, Apollo.io and ContactOut, offer robust features and capabilities to help you find and connect with potential customers. But which one is the best fit for your needs?

Apollo.io is a comprehensive sales intelligence platform that combines email finder and CRM features to streamline your sales workflow. Founded in 2015, Apollo.io has established itself as a leader in the sales intelligence space, boasting a database of over 220 million contacts and a roster of notable clients like Autodesk and Shopify.

ContactOut, on the other hand, is a Chrome extension and search portal that provides accurate contact information and powerful search filters. Founded in 2016, ContactOut has quickly gained popularity among recruiters, HR professionals, and sales teams, with an impressive database of over 350 million contacts and a client list that includes 75% of Fortune 500 companies.

Choosing the right sales intelligence tool can significantly impact your sales performance, conversion rates, and ultimately, your bottom line. In this article, we'll dive into a detailed comparison of Apollo.io and ContactOut, exploring their features, pricing, customer support, and more, to help you make an informed decision for your business.

Company Backgrounds

In this section, we'll delve into the backgrounds of Apollo.io and ContactOut, exploring their founding, headquarters, funding, and notable clients. This information provides valuable context for understanding the evolution and priorities of each company.

Apollo.io

Apollo.io was founded in 2015 by Tim Zheng, Roy Chung, and Ray Li. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company has secured significant funding, including a Series C round of $110 million in March 2022. This investment has enabled Apollo.io to expand its sales intelligence platform, enhancing its features and capabilities.

Apollo.io boasts an impressive client roster, including notable names like Autodesk, Shopify, and Drift. These partnerships demonstrate the company's ability to support large enterprises and high-growth businesses in their sales and marketing efforts.

ContactOut

ContactOut was founded in 2016 by Rob Liu, and its headquarters are also located in San Francisco, California. The company has received a Series A funding of $40 million in January 2022, allowing it to accelerate its growth and product development.

ContactOut has an impressive client base, with a remarkable 75% of Fortune 500 companies relying on its services. This widespread adoption speaks to the platform's effectiveness in providing accurate and actionable contact information.

By examining the background and funding of each company, we can gain a better understanding of their capabilities, priorities, and areas of focus. In the next section, we'll dive into a detailed comparison of their core features, exploring the strengths and weaknesses of Apollo.io and ContactOut.

Core Features Comparison

When it comes to sales intelligence tools, the core features are what set them apart. In this section, we'll dive into the features that matter most to sales teams, recruiters, and business owners.

Contact Information Accuracy

Apollo.io boasts an impressive 95% email accuracy, which is achieved through regular database updates. While this is certainly commendable, ContactOut takes it a step further with a triple verification process that ensures an astonishing 99% email accuracy. This level of precision is critical for sales teams who rely on accurate contact information to close deals.

Database Size

The size of the database is another key consideration. Apollo.io's database contains over 220 million contacts, which is certainly substantial. However, ContactOut's database dwarfs this, with an astonishing 350 million contacts, including 200 million work emails and 150 million personal emails. This makes ContactOut an ideal choice for businesses that require a vast pool of potential contacts.

Search Capabilities

Both platforms offer advanced search capabilities, but they differ in their approach. Apollo.io's search function is more extensive, with over 200 attributes to filter by. This makes it ideal for businesses that require granular search functionality. ContactOut, on the other hand, offers 20+ search filters that are similar to LinkedIn Recruiter, making it a great choice for recruiters and HR professionals.

Chrome Extension Functionality

Both platforms offer Chrome extensions that allow users to find contact information with ease. Apollo.io's extension works seamlessly on LinkedIn and company websites, while ContactOut's extension works on LinkedIn, GitHub, and other platforms. This means that ContactOut's extension is more versatile and can be used in a variety of scenarios.

Email Finder

The email finder function is a critical component of any sales intelligence tool. Apollo.io offers a domain search feature that allows users to find contacts within a specific company, as well as an individual lookup feature. ContactOut, on the other hand, offers individual lookup and bulk search capabilities, making it ideal for businesses that require large lists of contacts.

Data Enrichment

Data enrichment is the process of adding additional data to existing contact information. Apollo.io offers company and contact data enrichment, which can be incredibly useful for businesses that require detailed contact information. ContactOut, on the other hand, offers profile enrichment with a single spreadsheet upload, making it easy to add additional data to existing contacts.

User Interface and Ease of Use

When it comes to user interface and ease of use, Apollo.io and ContactOut cater to different types of users.

Apollo.io

Apollo.io boasts a modern, intuitive dashboard that makes it easy to navigate through its features. However, the platform's advanced features and capabilities may result in a steep learning curve for some users. This is especially true for those who are new to sales intelligence tools or haven't used a CRM before.

On the plus side, Apollo.io offers a comprehensive onboarding process that includes interactive tutorials, guided tours, and a dedicated support team. These resources can help users get up to speed quickly and make the most out of the platform.

ContactOut

ContactOut, on the other hand, has a simple, straightforward interface that's easy to use even for beginners. The platform's design is clean and minimalistic, with clear labels and minimal clutter. This makes it easy to find what you're looking for and get started quickly.

One thing to note is that ContactOut has limited advanced features compared to Apollo.io. While this may make it more accessible to new users, it may not be suitable for power users or teams that require more complex functionality.

Overall, the choice between Apollo.io and ContactOut ultimately depends on your team's needs and experience level. If you're looking for a more robust platform with advanced features, Apollo.io might be the better choice. However, if you prefer a simple, easy-to-use interface, ContactOut is definitely worth considering.

Integration Capabilities

When choosing a sales intelligence tool, it's essential to consider its integration capabilities with your existing workflows and applications. In this section, we'll dive into the integration features of Apollo.io and ContactOut.

Apollo.io

Apollo.io offers a range of integration options to seamlessly connect with your CRM, sales automation, and other business applications. Some of its notable integrations include:

• Native integrations: Apollo.io has native integrations with popular CRM systems like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Outreach.

• Zapier integration: With Zapier, you can connect Apollo.io with over 1000 apps, allowing for automated workflows and data synchronization.

• API access: Apollo.io provides API access for custom integrations, giving developers the flexibility to build tailored solutions for their organizations.

Apollo.io's robust integration capabilities enable sales teams to streamline their workflows, reduce data duplication, and focus on high-value activities like prospecting and relationship-building.

ContactOut

ContactOut also offers a range of integration options, although not as extensive as Apollo.io's. Some of its notable integrations include:

• Native integrations: ContactOut has native integrations with popular recruitment software like Lever, Greenhouse, and Bullhorn.

• Zapier integration: ContactOut integrates with over 5000 apps via Zapier, allowing users to automate tasks and workflows.

• API access: ContactOut provides API access for custom integrations, enabling developers to build bespoke solutions for their organizations.

ContactOut's integrations are primarily focused on recruitment and HR software, making it an excellent choice for recruiters and HR professionals. While its integration options are not as comprehensive as Apollo.io's, they still provide a solid foundation for automating workflows and streamlining data management.

Pricing Structure

When it comes to pricing, both Apollo.io and ContactOut offer tiered plans to accommodate different business needs and sizes. Here's a breakdown of their pricing structures:

Apollo.io

Apollo.io offers three main plans:

• Basic Plan: $49/month per user. This plan is suitable for small sales teams and includes access to Apollo.io's contact database, email finder, and CRM features.

• Professional Plan: $99/month per user. This plan is designed for larger sales teams and adds advanced features such as customizable workflows, personalized email templates, and priority support.

• Organization Plan: Custom pricing for large enterprises. This plan includes all features from the Professional Plan, plus advanced security and compliance features, and a dedicated account manager.

Apollo.io also offers a free trial, allowing users to test its features before committing to a paid plan.

ContactOut

ContactOut offers three main plans:

• Starter Plan: $29/month per user. This plan is ideal for individual users and includes access to ContactOut's contact database, email finder, and search features.

• Professional Plan: $49/month per user. This plan adds advanced features such as bulk search, advanced filtering, and priority support.

• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for large businesses. This plan includes all features from the Professional Plan, plus advanced security and compliance features, and a dedicated account manager.

ContactOut also offers a free plan, which includes 10 credits per month, making it a great option for small businesses or individuals on a tight budget.

Both Apollo.io and ContactOut offer discounts for annual payments, and it's worth noting that prices may vary depending on the specific needs of your business.

Customer Support and Resources

When it comes to customer support and resources, both Apollo.io and ContactOut offer varying levels of assistance to their users. Here's a breakdown of what each platform provides:

Apollo.io

Apollo.io offers a comprehensive support system to help users get the most out of their platform. This includes:

• Email and chat support: Apollo.io's support team is available to answer questions and resolve issues via email and chat.

• Knowledge base and video tutorials: The platform provides an extensive knowledge base with video tutorials and guides to help users understand its features and functionality.

• Regular webinars and training sessions: Apollo.io hosts regular webinars and training sessions to educate users on best practices, new features, and product updates.

These resources are designed to help users master the platform's advanced features and optimize their sales strategies.

ContactOut

ContactOut's customer support is more limited compared to Apollo.io, but it still provides adequate resources to get users started:

• Email support: ContactOut offers email support to address user queries and concerns.

• Comprehensive knowledge base: The platform's knowledge base is well-organized and contains guides, tutorials, and FAQs to help users understand its features and functionality.

• Video tutorials and getting started guides: ContactOut provides video tutorials and getting started guides to help users get familiar with the platform.

While ContactOut's support resources are not as extensive as Apollo.io's, they are still sufficient for users who need help with the platform's features or have questions about its functionality.

Compliance and Data Privacy

When it comes to sales intelligence tools, compliance and data privacy are crucial aspects to consider. Both Apollo.io and ContactOut have implemented various measures to ensure the security and accuracy of their data.

Apollo.io

Apollo.io takes data privacy and compliance seriously. They are:

• GDPR and CCPA compliant, ensuring that they adhere to the strictest data protection regulations in the EU and California.

• SOC 2 Type II certified, demonstrating their commitment to securing sensitive customer data.

• Regularly conducting data accuracy audits to ensure the quality of their database.

Apollo.io's robust compliance framework gives customers peace of mind when using their platform.

ContactOut

ContactOut also prioritizes compliance and data privacy:

• They are GDPR and CCPA compliant, safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.

• They provide an opt-out process for individuals who want to remove their contact information from their database.

• They perform regular data accuracy checks to maintain the integrity of their contact data.

ContactOut's commitment to data privacy and compliance enables customers to use their platform with confidence.

Both Apollo.io and ContactOut have demonstrated their dedication to protecting customer data and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. When choosing a sales intelligence tool, it's essential to consider the measures taken to safeguard your data and that of your customers.

Use Cases and Industry Applications

Both Apollo.io and ContactOut are powerful sales intelligence tools, but they cater to different use cases and industry applications. Understanding these differences is crucial in making an informed decision about which platform to choose.

Apollo.io

Apollo.io is ideal for B2B sales teams, particularly those in large enterprises or high-volume outreach environments. Its advanced search features, extensive database, and robust data enrichment capabilities make it an excellent choice for:

• Account-based marketing strategies, where precision and personalization are key.

• High-volume outreach campaigns, where efficiency and scalability are essential.

• Large enterprises, where complex organizational structures require sophisticated sales intelligence tools.

Apollo.io's strengths in these areas make it a popular choice among B2B sales teams seeking to optimize their sales strategies and drive revenue growth.

ContactOut

ContactOut, on the other hand, is an excellent fit for recruiters and HR professionals, as well as small to medium-sized businesses. Its ease of use, accurate contact information, and affordable pricing make it an attractive option for:

• Recruiters and HR professionals, who need to quickly find and connect with potential candidates.

• Small to medium-sized businesses, where budget constraints require cost-effective sales intelligence solutions.

• Targeted, personalized outreach efforts, where precision and accuracy are critical.

ContactOut's strengths in these areas make it a popular choice among professionals seeking a user-friendly, cost-effective sales intelligence tool that delivers accurate results.

User Reviews and Ratings

When it comes to making a decision between Apollo.io and ContactOut, it's essential to consider the feedback from real users. Both platforms have received numerous reviews on popular software review websites, providing valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses.

Apollo.io

Apollo.io has an average rating of 4.6/5 stars on G2, based on over 1,000 reviews. On Capterra, it has a rating of 4.7/5 stars, based on over 500 reviews.

Many users praise Apollo.io's extensive database, powerful search features, and seamless integration with popular CRM systems. Some users have reported occasional data inaccuracies, which can be frustrating. However, Apollo.io's customer support team is generally responsive and helpful in resolving these issues.

Some common praises about Apollo.io include:

• Extensive database with accurate contact information

• Powerful search features that make it easy to find the right contacts

• Seamless integration with popular CRM systems like Salesforce and HubSpot

On the other hand, some common complaints about Apollo.io include:

• Occasional data inaccuracies that can affect outreach efforts

• Pricing can be steep for small businesses or individual users

ContactOut

ContactOut has an average rating of 4.4/5 stars on G2, based on over 500 reviews. On Capterra, it has a rating of 4.5/5 stars, based on over 200 reviews.

ContactOut users appreciate its ease of use, accurate contact information, and affordable pricing plans. Some users have reported occasional bugs and limited advanced features compared to Apollo.io. However, ContactOut's customer support team is generally responsive and helpful in resolving these issues.

Some common praises about ContactOut include:

• Ease of use, even for users without extensive sales or marketing experience

• Accurate contact information that helps improve outreach efforts

• Affordable pricing plans that make it accessible to small businesses and individual users

On the other hand, some common complaints about ContactOut include:

• Limited advanced features compared to Apollo.io

• Occasional bugs that can affect user experience

By considering the feedback from real users, you can make a more informed decision about which sales intelligence platform is best for your business needs.

Conclusion and Recommendations

In conclusion, both Apollo.io and ContactOut are powerful sales intelligence platforms that cater to different needs and use cases. While Apollo.io excels in providing a comprehensive sales intelligence solution with advanced features and a large database, ContactOut shines with its ease of use, high accuracy, and affordability.

Based on our in-depth comparison, we recommend the following:

• For large sales teams: Apollo.io is the better choice, given its robust features, scalability, and ability to handle high-volume outreach.

• For recruiters and HR professionals: ContactOut is an excellent option, thanks to its ease of use, accuracy, and affordability, making it an ideal solution for finding and connecting with potential candidates.

• For small businesses on a budget: ContactOut's free plan offers a generous amount of credits, making it a great starting point for small businesses or solo entrepreneurs.

Ultimately, the choice between Apollo.io and ContactOut depends on your specific needs, use cases, and budget. We recommend evaluating both platforms, taking advantage of their free trials or free plans, and testing their features to determine which one aligns best with your goals and requirements.

The sales intelligence landscape is constantly evolving, with new players entering the market and existing ones innovating and improving their offerings. By understanding your needs and keeping an eye on the latest trends and developments, you can make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition.

In the end, the right sales intelligence tool can be a game-changer for your business, helping you find and connect with the right people, close more deals, and drive growth. Take the time to evaluate your options, and you'll be well on your way to achieving your sales goals.