When it comes to finding accurate contact information for sales and recruiting, the stakes are high. Without access to reliable email addresses, phone numbers, and company data, even the most skilled professionals can struggle to close deals or find top talent. This is why B2B contact databases and sales intelligence platforms have become essential tools for many businesses.

Brief Overview of ZoomInfo and ContactOut

Two popular options in this space are ZoomInfo and ContactOut. ZoomInfo is a comprehensive B2B contact database and sales intelligence platform that provides access to millions of business contacts and company profiles. On the other hand, ContactOut is a Chrome extension that specializes in finding email addresses and phone numbers, with a strong focus on personal email addresses.

While both platforms have their strengths, they cater to different needs and use cases. As the sales and recruiting landscapes continue to evolve, it's essential to understand the key differences between ZoomInfo and ContactOut to make informed decisions about which tool to use.

Importance of Accurate Contact Information

Inaccurate or outdated contact information can lead to wasted time, resources, and opportunities. In fact, a single incorrect email address can result in a lost sale or a missed recruiting opportunity. This is why it's crucial to choose a contact database or sales intelligence platform that prioritizes data accuracy and freshness.

As ZoomInfo has become a industry leader, there is a growing need for alternatives that can offer similar functionality at a lower cost or with more specialized features. ContactOut has emerged as a popular option, but how do these two platforms compare in terms of data coverage, accuracy, features, and pricing?

This article provides a comprehensive comparison of ZoomInfo and ContactOut, exploring their company backgrounds, data coverage, features, pricing, user reviews, compliance, integration capabilities, and use cases. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of which tool is best suited for your specific business needs.

Company Backgrounds

Understanding the backgrounds of ZoomInfo and ContactOut can provide valuable insights into their philosophies, values, and approaches to B2B contact data and sales intelligence. In this section, we'll delve into the histories, headquarters, and funding of these two companies.

ZoomInfo

ZoomInfo was founded in 2000 by Henry Schuck and Kirk Brown. Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, the company has established itself as a leader in the B2B contact data and sales intelligence space. As a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: ZI), ZoomInfo has demonstrated significant growth and revenue, reaching $1.1 billion in 2022. This financial stability has enabled the company to invest in its technology, expand its team, and develop innovative features that cater to the needs of large enterprises and sales teams.

ContactOut

ContactOut, on the other hand, was founded in 2016 by Rob Liu. Based in San Francisco, California, the company has maintained a strong focus on providing accurate and accessible contact data to its users. As a privately held company, ContactOut has raised $5.7 million in Series A funding in 2021, demonstrating its potential for growth and development in the B2B contact data space. This relatively newer company has positioned itself as a more affordable and user-friendly alternative to ZoomInfo, appealing to small to medium-sized businesses, recruiters, and individual sales professionals.

These different backgrounds have shaped the strategies, features, and pricing models of ZoomInfo and ContactOut. As we explore the data coverage, features, and pricing of these two companies, it's essential to keep their unique histories and philosophies in mind.

Data Coverage and Accuracy

When it comes to B2B contact data and sales intelligence, having access to accurate and comprehensive information is crucial. Both ZoomInfo and ContactOut claim to provide high-quality data, but how do their coverage and accuracy claims stack up against each other?

ZoomInfo

ZoomInfo boasts an impressive database of over 300 million business contacts, along with 100+ million company profiles. They claim a 95% email deliverability rate, which is a key metric for sales teams trying to reach potential customers. Their data is sourced from a combination of web crawling, user-contributed data, and third-party providers.

ContactOut

ContactOut takes a different approach, focusing on personal email addresses and direct dial phone numbers. They claim to cover 75% of professionals' personal and work emails, as well as 70% of direct dial phone numbers. According to their website, they use a triple verification process to ensure an accuracy rate of 99%. Their data is primarily sourced from social media and AI-driven web scraping.

Comparison of Data Coverage

When comparing the data coverage of ZoomInfo and ContactOut, it's clear that ZoomInfo has a more comprehensive database of company profiles and contacts. However, ContactOut's focus on personal email addresses and direct dial phone numbers makes them a more attractive option for recruiters and talent acquisition teams.

In terms of specific industries and regions, ZoomInfo's data coverage is generally more extensive. However, ContactOut's AI-driven web scraping technology allows them to cover a wider range of professionals and companies in niche industries.

Third-Party Verification

Both ZoomInfo and ContactOut make bold claims about their data accuracy, but it's essential to verify these claims through third-party verification. While both platforms have received positive reviews from customers, there are some inconsistencies in their accuracy claims. ZoomInfo's 95% email deliverability rate, for example, has been disputed by some users.

Meanwhile, ContactOut's 99% accuracy claim is impressive, but it's essential to note that this figure is based on their internal testing and may not reflect real-world usage.

In conclusion, while both ZoomInfo and ContactOut provide valuable data, their coverage and accuracy claims are not identical. ZoomInfo's comprehensive database and company profiles make it a better fit for large enterprises and sales teams, while ContactOut's focus on personal email addresses and direct dial phone numbers makes it an attractive option for recruiters and small to medium-sized businesses.

Features and Functionality

In this section, we'll delve into the features and functionality of both ZoomInfo and ContactOut, highlighting their similarities and differences.

ZoomInfo's Features

ZoomInfo's comprehensive platform offers a wide range of features, including:

• Contact and company database search: ZoomInfo's extensive database allows users to search for contacts and companies based on various filters, such as job title, industry, and company size.

• Intent data and buying signals: ZoomInfo provides intent data, which helps users identify potential customers who are actively searching for products or services like theirs.

• Integrations with major CRM and sales tools: ZoomInfo seamlessly integrates with popular CRM systems, sales automation tools, and marketing automation platforms, ensuring smooth data synchronization and workflow.

• Email verification tool: ZoomInfo's email verification tool helps users validate email addresses, reducing bounced emails and improving email campaign performance.

• Org charts and company hierarchies: ZoomInfo provides detailed org charts and company hierarchies, enabling users to better understand their target companies' internal structures.

ContactOut's Features

ContactOut's platform focuses on providing accurate and actionable contact data, with features such as:

• Chrome extension for LinkedIn profile data extraction: ContactOut's Chrome extension allows users to extract contact data from LinkedIn profiles with a single click.

• Bulk email finder tool: ContactOut's bulk email finder tool enables users to find email addresses in bulk, making it an efficient way to build email lists.

• ContactOut Search platform: ContactOut's search platform allows users to search for contacts based on various filters, such as job title, industry, and company size.

• Data enrichment API: ContactOut's data enrichment API enriches users' existing contact data with accurate and up-to-date information.

• Zapier integration for connecting to various platforms: ContactOut integrates with Zapier, enabling users to connect with various platforms and tools, such as CRM systems and email marketing software.

Unique Features and Ease of Use

While both platforms offer a range of features, ZoomInfo's focus on sales intelligence and contact data makes it a more comprehensive platform. ContactOut, on the other hand, excels in providing accurate and actionable contact data, particularly email addresses.

In terms of ease of use, ContactOut's user interface is generally considered more intuitive and user-friendly, with a simpler learning curve. ZoomInfo's platform, while feature-rich, can be overwhelming for new users due to its complexity.

By understanding the unique strengths and weaknesses of each platform, users can make an informed decision about which tool best fits their needs.

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Pricing and Plans

When it comes to pricing, ZoomInfo and ContactOut take different approaches. Understanding the pricing models and plans of each platform is crucial in determining which tool fits your budget and meets your business needs.

ZoomInfo

ZoomInfo offers custom pricing based on the size and needs of your company. The annual contract value can range from $30,000 to over $100,000, depending on the scope of your project. Unfortunately, there is no free plan available, and you'll need to contact their sales team to get a quote.

It's worth noting that ZoomInfo has an auto-renewal clause in their contracts, which can be a concern for some businesses. Be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions before committing to a contract.

ContactOut

ContactOut offers a more flexible pricing model, with plans starting at $29 per month. They also provide a free plan with 10 credits per month, which is ideal for small businesses or individuals who want to test the platform.

ContactOut uses a credit-based system, where one credit equals one person's contact details. This means you can purchase credits as needed, and the cost will depend on the number of credits you require. Additionally, direct dial phone numbers are billed separately.

Cost Comparison

When comparing the pricing of ZoomInfo and ContactOut, it's essential to consider the size of your business and your specific needs. For small to medium-sized businesses, ContactOut's pricing model may be more appealing due to its flexibility and lower upfront costs.

However, large enterprises or companies with extensive sales teams may find ZoomInfo's custom pricing more suitable, despite the higher costs. It's crucial to weigh the benefits of each platform against your budget and determine which one provides the best value proposition for your business.

In the end, the choice between ZoomInfo and ContactOut will depend on your unique requirements and priorities. Be sure to evaluate the pricing models and plans carefully to ensure you make an informed decision.

User Reviews and Ratings

When evaluating a B2B contact database and sales intelligence platform, it's essential to consider the experiences of other users. Here's a comparison of ZoomInfo and ContactOut's user reviews and ratings on G2.

G2 Ratings Comparison

As of the latest update, ZoomInfo has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on G2, based on over 1,300 reviews. ContactOut, on the other hand, has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, based on around 200 reviews.

Common Praise Points for Each Platform

Both ZoomInfo and ContactOut users appreciate the following aspects of each platform:

• Accurate contact data: Many users praise ZoomInfo's vast database and ContactOut's high accuracy in providing personal email addresses and phone numbers.

• Easy to use: Users of both platforms comment on their user-friendly interfaces, making it easy to find and extract contact information.

• Time-saving: Both platforms are praised for saving users a significant amount of time when searching for contact data.

Frequent Criticisms and Complaints

Some common criticisms and complaints about each platform include:

• ZoomInfo's pricing: Many users feel that ZoomInfo's pricing is too high, especially for smaller businesses or individual users.

• ContactOut's limited company data: Some users wish ContactOut provided more comprehensive company profiles and data.

• Data inaccuracies: A few users have reported inaccuracies in the contact data provided by both platforms.

Analysis of User Satisfaction Trends Over Time

Both ZoomInfo and ContactOut have shown steady user satisfaction over time, with contact data accuracy and ease of use being key drivers of this satisfaction. However, some users have expressed concerns about pricing and data limitations, which could impact long-term satisfaction.

By considering the experiences of other users, you can gain a better understanding of each platform's strengths and weaknesses, helping you make a more informed decision when choosing a B2B contact database and sales intelligence platform.

Compliance and Data Privacy

As businesses increasingly rely on contact data and sales intelligence tools, compliance with data privacy regulations becomes a critical aspect to consider. Both ZoomInfo and ContactOut have taken steps to ensure they meet the necessary standards, but how do they compare in this regard?

ZoomInfo's Approach

ZoomInfo has a dedicated page outlining its approach to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) compliance. The company emphasizes its commitment to transparency, providing users with explicit information about data collection, processing, and storage. ZoomInfo also offers a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) portal, allowing individuals to request access to, correct, or delete their personal data.

ContactOut's Commitment

ContactOut also prioritizes GDPR and CCPA compliance, ensuring that its data collection and processing practices meet the required standards. The company employing a triple verification process to ensure datasets are accurate and up-to-date. ContactOut provides users with opt-out options and allows individuals to request deletion of their personal data.

Comparison of Data Collection and Opt-out Processes

Both ZoomInfo and ContactOut collect data from various sources, including web crawling, user-contributed data, and third-party providers. However, ContactOut's primary focus on social media and AI-driven web scraping might raise concerns about the accuracy and legitimacy of the collected data.

When it comes to opt-out processes, ZoomInfo's DSAR portal provides a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience. ContactOut's opt-out mechanism, while available, might require more effort from individuals seeking to remove their personal data.

Analysis of Potential Legal and Ethical Concerns

As contact data and sales intelligence tools continue to evolve, legal and ethical concerns surrounding data collection, processing, and storage will remain a pressing issue. Both ZoomInfo and ContactOut must prioritize transparency, ensuring that their practices align with evolving regulations and user expectations.

Ultimately, compliance and data privacy will play an increasingly important role in the decision-making process for businesses selecting a contact data and sales intelligence tool. By understanding the approaches and commitments of ZoomInfo and ContactOut, users can make more informed decisions about the tools they choose to work with.

Integration Capabilities

When it comes to integrating with other tools and platforms, both ZoomInfo and ContactOut have their strengths and weaknesses.

ZoomInfo's Integrations

ZoomInfo boasts an impressive list of native integrations with popular CRMs and sales tools, including Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft Dynamics. This means that users can seamlessly sync their ZoomInfo data with their existing workflows, streamlining their sales and marketing efforts. Additionally, ZoomInfo's integrations are often quite deep, allowing for advanced functionality and features.

ContactOut's Integrations

ContactOut's integration options are more limited, but still cover the basics. The platform has native integrations with popular recruitment and sales tools like Greenhouse, Lever, and Salesforce. However, where ContactOut really shines is with its Zapier connection, which allows users to connect to a wide range of platforms and tools, including many that aren't natively supported. This makes it easy to customize and extend ContactOut's functionality to fit specific business needs.

Comparison of Integration Depth and Functionality

While ZoomInfo's native integrations are more extensive, ContactOut's Zapier connection provides a high degree of customization and flexibility. However, ZoomInfo's integrations are often more advanced, offering features like automated workflows and advanced data syncing. In contrast, ContactOut's integrations are often more straightforward, focusing on simple data transfer and synchronization.

Ease of Setup and Maintenance

Both platforms make it relatively easy to set up and maintain integrations, with intuitive interfaces and clear documentation. However, ZoomInfo's more complex integrations may require more technical expertise and setup time, while ContactOut's Zapier connection is often quicker and easier to configure.

Ultimately, the choice between ZoomInfo and ContactOut will depend on the specific integration needs of your business. If you're already invested in a particular CRM or sales tool, ZoomInfo's native integrations may be the better choice. However, if you need a high degree of customization and flexibility, ContactOut's Zapier connection may be the way to go.

Use Cases and Target Audiences

When evaluating ZoomInfo and ContactOut, it's essential to consider the specific use cases and target audiences each platform is designed to serve. This understanding will help you determine which tool is better suited for your business needs.

ZoomInfo

ZoomInfo is ideal for large enterprises and sales teams that require advanced features and a massive database of contacts. Its comprehensive platform is suitable for:

• Account-based marketing strategies, where you need to target specific accounts and decision-makers.

• Market research and competitive intelligence, where you require in-depth company and contact data.

ZoomInfo's features and pricing make it more suitable for larger organizations with established sales teams and marketing strategies.

ContactOut

ContactOut is well-suited for:

• Recruiters and talent acquisition teams, who need to find and connect with potential candidates quickly and efficiently.

• Small to medium-sized businesses, that require an affordable and user-friendly solution for finding and managing contacts.

• Individual sales professionals and entrepreneurs, who want to find and connect with potential customers.

ContactOut's focus on personal email addresses, affordable pricing, and user-friendly interface make it an attractive option for these use cases.

By understanding the target audiences and use cases for each platform, you can make an informed decision about which tool is best for your business needs.

Pros and Cons

In this section, we'll examine the advantages and disadvantages of ZoomInfo and ContactOut to help you make an informed decision.

ZoomInfo

Pros:

• Comprehensive database: ZoomInfo boasts an enormous database of over 300 million business contacts, making it an ideal choice for large enterprises and sales teams.

• Advanced features: The platform offers a range of advanced features, including intent data, buying signals, and org charts, making it suitable for account-based marketing strategies.

• Established reputation: ZoomInfo is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the industry, which can be reassuring for businesses looking for a reliable partner.

Cons:

• High cost: ZoomInfo's pricing can be prohibitive for small to medium-sized businesses, with custom pricing based on company size and needs.

• Potential data accuracy issues: While ZoomInfo claims high data accuracy, some users have reported issues with outdated or incorrect information.

• Complex user interface: The platform's features and functionality can be overwhelming for new users, requiring significant onboarding and training.

ContactOut

Pros:

• Affordable pricing: ContactOut offers a more accessible pricing model, with plans starting at $29/month and a free plan with limited credits.

• Focus on personal email addresses: ContactOut's emphasis on personal email addresses makes it well-suited for recruiters and talent acquisition teams.

• User-friendly interface: The platform's Chrome extension and user interface are designed to be easy to use, even for those without extensive technical expertise.

Cons:

• Limited company data: ContactOut's database is smaller compared to ZoomInfo, with a focus on personal email addresses rather than comprehensive company data.

• Less advanced features: While ContactOut offers a range of useful features, it lacks some of the advanced functionality and integrations available in ZoomInfo.

• Smaller database: ContactOut's database, while still substantial, is smaller than ZoomInfo's, which may limit its effectiveness for certain use cases.

By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each platform, you can make a more informed decision about which tool best fits your business needs.

Which Tool to Choose?

By now, you should have a good understanding of the similarities and differences between ZoomInfo and ContactOut. But, how do you decide which tool is right for your business? It ultimately comes down to your specific needs, budget, and goals. Here are some key factors to consider:

Factors to Consider

• Budget constraints: If cost is a major concern, ContactOut's affordable pricing plans might be a better fit. However, if you're willing to invest in a more comprehensive platform, ZoomInfo's advanced features might be worth the extra cost.

• Team size and structure: Larger teams or enterprises might benefit from ZoomInfo's scalability and advanced features. Smaller teams or individual users might find ContactOut's simplicity and ease of use more appealing.

• Primary use case: If you're primarily focused on sales or account-based marketing, ZoomInfo's advanced features and integrations might be more suitable. If you're a recruiter or focus on talent acquisition, ContactOut's emphasis on personal email addresses could be more beneficial.

• Required data types and volume: If you need access to a large database of company profiles and contact information, ZoomInfo's comprehensive coverage might be more suitable. If you're looking for a tool that specializes in personal email addresses, ContactOut's focus on this area could be more effective.

• Integration needs: If you're already invested in a specific CRM or sales tool, ZoomInfo's native integrations might be more appealing. If you're looking for a tool with more flexible integration options, ContactOut's Zapier connection could be a better choice.

Scenarios Where ZoomInfo is the Better Choice

If you're a large enterprise with a complex sales team, ZoomInfo's advanced features and scalability make it a better fit. Similarly, if you're focused on account-based marketing or need access to a massive database of company profiles, ZoomInfo's comprehensive coverage is hard to beat.

Scenarios Where ContactOut is the Better Choice

If you're a small to medium-sized business or individual user, ContactOut's affordable pricing and ease of use make it an attractive option. Additionally, if you're a recruiter or focus on talent acquisition, ContactOut's emphasis on personal email addresses could be more effective.

Using Both Tools in Conjunction

It's worth noting that you don't necessarily have to choose between ZoomInfo and ContactOut. Depending on your specific needs, you could use both tools in conjunction to cover different aspects of your sales, recruiting, or marketing strategies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ZoomInfo and ContactOut are two distinct sales intelligence tools catering to different business needs. While ZoomInfo offers a comprehensive database and advanced features, ContactOut focuses on providing accurate personal email addresses and phone numbers. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each platform is crucial in making an informed decision.

Evaluating Individual Business Needs

Before committing to either tool, it's essential to assess your specific requirements. Consider your budget, team size, primary use case, and required data types and volume. Ask yourself: What are my top priorities? Do I need advanced features or a user-friendly interface?

Try Before You Buy

Take advantage of free trials or demos to experience the tools firsthand. This will give you a hands-on understanding of their capabilities and help you determine which one aligns better with your goals.

The Future of B2B Contact Data

The sales intelligence landscape is constantly evolving. As technology advances, we can expect even more innovative solutions to emerge. For now, ZoomInfo and ContactOut are two prominent players in the market. By carefully evaluating their features, pricing, and user reviews, businesses can make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition.