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Apollo.io vs Clearbit

A detailed comparison of Apollo.io and Clearbit. Find out which AI SDR solution is right for your team.

📌Key Takeaways

  • 1Apollo.io vs Clearbit: Comparing 6 criteria.
  • 2Apollo.io wins 5 categories, Clearbit wins 1, with 0 ties.
  • 3Apollo.io: 4.5/5 rating. Clearbit: 5.0/5 rating.
  • 4Overall recommendation: Apollo.io edges ahead in this comparison.
Option A

Apollo.io

4.5

End-to-end B2B sales intelligence and engagement platform with 265M+ contacts, AI-powered research, and multi-channel outreach automation

5 wins
View full review →
Option B

Clearbit

5.0

B2B data enrichment and intelligence platform for real-time lead enrichment, form optimization, and visitor identification

1 wins
View full review →

5

Apollo.io wins

0

Ties

1

Clearbit wins

Feature Comparison

CriteriaApollo.ioClearbitWinner
Email Deliverability43Apollo.io
Personalization54Apollo.io
Automation Level54Apollo.io
CRM Integration35Clearbit
Ease of Use54Apollo.io
Multi-channel Support54Apollo.io

Detailed Analysis

Email Deliverability

Apollo.io

Apollo.io

Apollo.io's email deliverability capabilities

Clearbit

Clearbit's email deliverability capabilities

Comparing email deliverability between Apollo.io and Clearbit.

Personalization

Apollo.io

Apollo.io

Apollo.io's personalization capabilities

Clearbit

Clearbit's personalization capabilities

Comparing personalization between Apollo.io and Clearbit.

Automation Level

Apollo.io

Apollo.io

Apollo.io's automation level capabilities

Clearbit

Clearbit's automation level capabilities

Comparing automation level between Apollo.io and Clearbit.

CRM Integration

Clearbit

Apollo.io

Apollo.io's crm integration capabilities

Clearbit

Clearbit's crm integration capabilities

Comparing crm integration between Apollo.io and Clearbit.

Ease of Use

Apollo.io

Apollo.io

Apollo.io's ease of use capabilities

Clearbit

Clearbit's ease of use capabilities

Comparing ease of use between Apollo.io and Clearbit.

Multi-channel Support

Apollo.io

Apollo.io

Apollo.io's multi-channel support capabilities

Clearbit

Clearbit's multi-channel support capabilities

Comparing multi-channel support between Apollo.io and Clearbit.

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Massive AI‑enhanced contact database

Clearbit

Apollo.io

Provides access to over 270 million verified contacts and 30 million companies, continuously enriched by AI algorithms that validate emails, phone numbers, and firmographic data, ensuring high‑quality prospect lists for outbound campaigns. Higher lead accuracy reduces bounce rates and improves conversion.

Higher lead accuracy reduces bounce rates and improves conversion

Clearbit

Clearbit's Data Enrichment API automatically appends over 100 firmographic, technographic, and demographic attributes to any email address or domain in real-time. When a prospect fills out a form with just their email, the API instantly returns company name, size, industry, funding status, technologies used, social profiles, and dozens of other data points. This eliminates lengthy forms that kill conversion rates while giving sales teams the context they need to prioritize and personalize outreach. The API processes requests in under 200 milliseconds, enabling real-time lead scoring and routing decisions without any perceptible delay to the user experience. Reduce form fields by 80% while capturing 10x more data about every lead, dramatically improving both conversion rates and sales intelligence.

Reduce form fields by 80% while capturing 10x more data about every lead, dramatically improving both conversion rates and sales intelligence

Both Apollo.io and Clearbit offer Massive AI‑enhanced contact database. Apollo.io's approach focuses on provides access to over 270 million verified contacts and 30 million companies, continuously enriched by ai algorithms that validate emails, phone numbers, and firmographic data, ensuring high‑quality prospect lists for outbound campaigns., while Clearbit emphasizes clearbit's data enrichment api automatically appends over 100 firmographic, technographic, and demographic attributes to any email address or domain in real-time.. Choose based on which implementation better fits your workflow.

Multi‑channel sequence automation

Clearbit

Apollo.io

Allows users to create email, phone, LinkedIn, and social media sequences with conditional triggers, A/B testing, and automated follow‑ups, all managed from a single dashboard. Saves time and ensures consistent outreach cadence.

Saves time and ensures consistent outreach cadence

Clearbit

Clearbit Reveal transforms anonymous website traffic into identified company profiles by matching visitor IP addresses against Clearbit's proprietary database of corporate IP ranges. When a visitor from a target account browses your pricing page or product documentation, Reveal identifies the company and can trigger real-time alerts to sales teams, personalize website content, or add the account to retargeting audiences. The system identifies companies with 85%+ accuracy and provides full firmographic profiles including industry, size, location, and technology stack—turning your website into an intent data source. Convert anonymous website visitors into qualified pipeline by identifying which target accounts are actively researching your solution.

Convert anonymous website visitors into qualified pipeline by identifying which target accounts are actively researching your solution

Both Apollo.io and Clearbit offer Multi‑channel sequence automation. Apollo.io's approach focuses on allows users to create email, phone, linkedin, and social media sequences with conditional triggers, a/b testing, and automated follow‑ups, all managed from a single dashboard., while Clearbit emphasizes clearbit reveal transforms anonymous website traffic into identified company profiles by matching visitor ip addresses against clearbit's proprietary database of corporate ip ranges.. Choose based on which implementation better fits your workflow.

Integrated CRM and data enrichment

Clearbit

Apollo.io

Bidirectional sync with Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics, Pipedrive and others, plus real‑time enrichment that updates contact records with new job changes, intent signals, and company data. Eliminates duplicate data entry and keeps the sales pipeline up‑to‑date.

Eliminates duplicate data entry and keeps the sales pipeline up‑to‑date

Clearbit

Clearbit Prospector provides access to a continuously updated database of over 350 million verified business contacts at 40 million companies worldwide. Sales teams can build highly targeted prospect lists using advanced filters including job title, seniority level, department, company size, industry, technology usage, and geographic location. Unlike static databases, Prospector's contacts are verified through multiple sources and updated as people change roles, ensuring deliverability rates above 95%. The tool integrates directly with Salesforce and Outreach, enabling one-click list building and immediate sequence enrollment. Build laser-targeted prospect lists in minutes instead of hours, with confidence that contact information is accurate and current.

Build laser-targeted prospect lists in minutes instead of hours, with confidence that contact information is accurate and current

Both Apollo.io and Clearbit offer Integrated CRM and data enrichment. Apollo.io's approach focuses on bidirectional sync with salesforce, hubspot, microsoft dynamics, pipedrive and others, plus real‑time enrichment that updates contact records with new job changes, intent signals, and company data., while Clearbit emphasizes clearbit prospector provides access to a continuously updated database of over 350 million verified business contacts at 40 million companies worldwide.. Choose based on which implementation better fits your workflow.

AI Assistant & AI Projects

Clearbit

Apollo.io

AI‑driven assistants generate personalized email copy, recommend next‑best actions, and can be prompted to build targeted prospect lists or trigger workflows, acting as a co‑pilot throughout the sales process. Accelerates content creation and improves relevance of outreach.

Accelerates content creation and improves relevance of outreach

Clearbit

Clearbit Advertising enables B2B marketers to build precision-targeted advertising audiences based on firmographic and technographic criteria rather than relying on platform-native targeting. Create custom audiences of companies using specific technologies, within certain revenue ranges, or matching your ideal customer profile, then sync these audiences directly to Facebook, Google, and LinkedIn advertising platforms. The system also enables retargeting of identified website visitors at the company level, ensuring ad spend focuses on accounts most likely to convert rather than broad demographic segments. Reduce wasted ad spend by 40-60% by targeting only companies matching your ideal customer profile across all major advertising platforms.

Reduce wasted ad spend by 40-60% by targeting only companies matching your ideal customer profile across all major advertising platforms

Both Apollo.io and Clearbit offer AI Assistant & AI Projects. Apollo.io's approach focuses on ai‑driven assistants generate personalized email copy, recommend next‑best actions, and can be prompted to build targeted prospect lists or trigger workflows, acting as a co‑pilot throughout the sales process., while Clearbit emphasizes clearbit advertising enables b2b marketers to build precision-targeted advertising audiences based on firmographic and technographic criteria rather than relying on platform-native targeting.. Choose based on which implementation better fits your workflow.

Advanced analytics & reporting

Clearbit

Apollo.io

Tracks sequence performance, open/click/reply rates, buyer intent scores, and provides built‑in dashboards for A/B testing, pipeline forecasting, and revenue attribution. Gives sales leaders data‑driven insights to optimize strategies.

Gives sales leaders data‑driven insights to optimize strategies

Clearbit

Clearbit's native Salesforce integration automatically enriches leads, contacts, and accounts with fresh data as records are created or updated. The bi-directional sync ensures that Clearbit data flows into standard and custom Salesforce fields, powering lead scoring models, assignment rules, and reporting dashboards. Sales teams see enriched data directly within their existing workflow, with no context switching required. The integration also enables Salesforce-triggered prospecting, automatically finding new contacts at accounts when opportunities reach certain stages or when existing contacts go dark. Eliminate manual data entry and research time while ensuring every Salesforce record contains the intelligence needed for effective selling.

Eliminate manual data entry and research time while ensuring every Salesforce record contains the intelligence needed for effective selling

Both Apollo.io and Clearbit offer Advanced analytics & reporting. Apollo.io's approach focuses on tracks sequence performance, open/click/reply rates, buyer intent scores, and provides built‑in dashboards for a/b testing, pipeline forecasting, and revenue attribution., while Clearbit emphasizes clearbit's native salesforce integration automatically enriches leads, contacts, and accounts with fresh data as records are created or updated.. Choose based on which implementation better fits your workflow.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Apollo.io

Strengths

  • Massive B2B database with 270M+ verified contacts and 30M+ companies, continuously enriched by AI for high data accuracy and low bounce rates.
  • All-in-one platform combines prospecting, sequencing, CRM sync, and analytics - eliminates need for multiple point solutions and reduces tool sprawl.
  • AI-powered email writer and assistant generates personalized outreach at scale, recommends next-best actions, and builds targeted prospect lists from natural language prompts.
  • Bidirectional CRM integration with Salesforce, HubSpot, and others keeps data synchronized in real-time and eliminates duplicate data entry.
  • Flexible pricing with free tier and credit-based model makes enterprise-grade sales intelligence accessible to startups and SMBs.

Weaknesses

  • Credit system can be confusing - mobile numbers cost extra credits, and heavy users may find credit consumption adds up quickly.
  • Data accuracy varies by region - while US/EU contact data is strong, international markets may have less reliable information.
  • Per-user pricing on higher tiers can become expensive for large sales teams compared to flat-rate competitors.
  • Learning curve for advanced features - workflow automation and AI assistant require time to configure optimally.

Clearbit

Strengths

  • Data Enrichment API: Clearbit's Data Enrichment API automatically appends over 100 firmographic, technographic, and demographic attributes to any email address or domain i...
  • Reveal (Website Visitor Intelligence): Clearbit Reveal transforms anonymous website traffic into identified company profiles by matching visitor IP addresses against Clearbit's proprietary...
  • Prospector (Contact Database): Clearbit Prospector provides access to a continuously updated database of over 350 million verified business contacts at 40 million companies worldwid...
  • Advertising Audiences: Clearbit Advertising enables B2B marketers to build precision-targeted advertising audiences based on firmographic and technographic criteria rather t...
  • Salesforce Integration: Clearbit's native Salesforce integration automatically enriches leads, contacts, and accounts with fresh data as records are created or updated. The b...

Weaknesses

  • Learning curve for advanced automation features - optimal configuration may require experimentation and iteration.
  • Data accuracy varies by region - international markets may have less comprehensive or current contact information.
  • AI-generated content requires human review to ensure accuracy and brand voice consistency.

Industry-Specific Fit

IndustryApollo.ioClearbitBetter Fit
All IndustriesApollo.io’s flexible data filters, AI‑driven intent detection, and customizable workflows allow any vertical—from SaaS to manufacturing—to build precise prospect lists, automate outreach, and integrate with existing CRMs, making the platform universally applicable.Not specifiedApollo.io
SaaSProvides deep technographic filters and product‑usage intent signals that help SaaS companies target accounts showing trial usage or recent funding, enabling timely outreach and faster customer acquisition.Not specifiedApollo.io
HealthcareOffers compliance‑ready GDPR and HIPAA‑compatible data handling, along with industry‑specific filters for hospital systems and medical device manufacturers, helping sales teams reach decision‑makers while maintaining regulatory standards.Not specifiedApollo.io
Financial ServicesIncludes financial‑industry SIC codes, intent data for regulatory compliance software, and secure data encryption, allowing banks and fintech firms to prospect safely and efficiently.Banks, fintech companies, and financial services firms leverage Clearbit to enrich customer data for KYC compliance, identify high-value business banking prospects, and segment commercial accounts by company characteristics. The platform's funding and revenue data helps financial institutions target companies at appropriate growth stages for specific products, while firmographic enrichment supports risk assessment and credit decisioning processes.Clearbit
E‑commerceLeverages buying‑intent signals such as recent cart activity or ad spend spikes to identify high‑value merchants, and integrates with e‑commerce platforms for seamless lead capture.Not specifiedApollo.io
ManufacturingProvides extensive SIC code filtering (see source 13) and equipment‑specific contact data, enabling manufacturers to target procurement officers and engineering leads.Not specifiedApollo.io
EducationOffers filters for K‑12, higher‑education, and ed‑tech organizations, plus intent data around curriculum purchases, helping vendors engage administrators and IT directors.Not specifiedApollo.io
Real EstateSupports property‑management and commercial‑real‑estate contact enrichment, allowing brokers to locate owners, investors, and leasing managers with high‑precision targeting.Not specifiedApollo.io

Our Verdict

Apollo.io and Clearbit are both strong AI SDR solutions. Clearbit stands out for massive ai‑enhanced contact database. Apollo.io: Specializes in real‑time enrichment; Apollo includes enrichment, sequencing, and AI‑driven intent in a single platform.. Choose based on which specific features and approach best fit your workflow and requirements.

Choose Apollo.io if you:

  • You operate in All Industries
  • You prefer Apollo.io's approach to ai sdr
  • You prefer Apollo.io's approach to ai sdr
View Apollo.io

Choose Clearbit if you:

  • You need massive ai‑enhanced contact database capabilities
  • You need multi‑channel sequence automation capabilities
  • You operate in SaaS & Technology
View Clearbit

Need Help Choosing?

Get expert guidance on selecting between Apollo.io and Clearbit for your specific use case.

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Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your specific needs. Apollo.io and Clearbit each have strengths in different areas. Compare features, integrations, and pricing to determine which is best for your use case.
In some cases, yes. Many teams use complementary tools together. Check if both platforms offer integrations or APIs that allow them to work together.
Both platforms offer different onboarding experiences. Apollo.io and Clearbit each have their own setup processes. Most users can get started with either within a few hours.
The main differences are in their approach, feature set, and target use cases. Review the comparison criteria above to see detailed breakdowns of how they differ.
For small teams, consider factors like ease of use, pricing tiers, and the specific features you need most. Both Apollo.io and Clearbit can work for small teams depending on your priorities.

Sources & Evidence

  • Fully agentic end‑to‑end GTM platform with AI agents that orchestrate prospecting, engagement, and deal execution across the entire sales funnel

    Source: Apollo.io introduced the industry’s first fully agentic GTM platform in Oct 2025, enabling AI assistants to automate list building, outreach sequencing, and deal workflow without manual intervention (source 12).

  • Real-time B2B company and person data enrichment with 500+ data attributes covering firmographics, technographics, and intent signals

    Source: Clearbit's data API provides access to 500+ attributes per company including technology stack, funding history, employee headcount trends, industry classification, and real-time buying intent signals. This is significantly more comprehensive than competitors like Hunter or RocketReach which focus primarily on contact information. Clearbit's data is updated in real-time as companies change—detecting funding rounds within 24 hours, tracking technology adoptions, and monitoring hiring patterns—making it the most current B2B intelligence source available. According to G2 reviews, customers cite data freshness and accuracy as the primary differentiator, with one reviewer noting 'Clearbit catches company changes that our previous provider missed for months.'

  • Apollo Wins “Best AI‑Powered Sales Solution” in 2025 MarTech Breakthrough Awards

    Source: Apollo News - View source

  • Apollo.io Unveils Industry’s First Fully Agentic End‑to‑End GTM Platform

    Source: Apollo News - View source

  • A complete overview of Apollo AI for 2025 - eesel AI

    Source: eesel.ai - View source

  • Sales Development Representative – Role, Skills & Success Tips

    Source: apollo.io - View source

  • Apollo.io

    Source: knowledge.apollo.io - View source

Last updated: January 30, 2026

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