ZoomInfo vs Apollo: Which Platform Should You Choose?

ZoomInfo Overview

What is ZoomInfo? ZoomInfo is a platform providing merged intelligence and software. It was started with a vision to provide businesses with accurate data. In 2019, Discover.Org, which was on the same path as ZoomInfo, acquired the company due to its dedication to accurate contact, firmographic, technographic, and intent data. Today the ZoomInfo company is positioned as a modern sales prospecting software for businesses of all sizes. ZoomInfo growth is due to its focus on the data on the global market, making it a significant contender in the B2B data and software industry. Its key features include:

• A significant contact information database with more than 174 million email addresses and 70 million direct phone numbers.
• Advanced search filters with the opportunity to search for specific audiences in any industry.
• AI supported tools to help in automated prospecting and data enrichment. 
• Real-time alerts and notifications provide instant insight into what goes on. 
• Integration with any of the CRM tools is necessary for the majority of businesses.
• Predictive modeling offers insights into your targeted audience and customer profiling.
• Sales automation helps you make a data-driven decision and have access to multi-channel outreach.
• Website visitor tracking helps your marketing efforts use the traffic and find the best-fitting customers.

Apollo Overview

Apollo was founded in 2015 with a vision to offer efficiency among lead generation and sales engagement tools. Over the years, the platform grew in high speed due to its data accuracy which is appreciated to this day by startups and enterprises alike. Today Apollo is well positioned in the market as a B2B sales intelligence platform providing companies with more than 275 million contacts to improve the entire sales process. Perhaps that is why the platform paved the way for itself through innovation and client support as a reliable sales software amongst many Apollo competitors. Its core functionalities and services include:

1. Contact database with more than 275 million verified entries.
2. Advanced search filters to target high-quality leads.
3. Apollo also has email automation for highly personalized outreach, ranking it as a cold email software.
4. Lead generation tools to help sales teams streamline their prospecting efforts.
5. Data enrichment, which provides additional and valuable information on contact details.
6. Real-time analytics and tracking help users keep an eye on their performance at all times.
7. Integration with popular CRMs such as SalesForce, Pipedrive, and HubSpot. 
8. For users with a phone outreach platform offers cold dialing, recording, transcribing, and logging features.
9. Predictive scoring features make targeting and prioritizing prospects much easier to handle.
10. To enhance productivity, the platform has team management and collaboration tools in one place.

ZoomInfo vs. Apollo Comparison

The main difference between ZoomInfo and Apollo is in their approaches and the features they offer. ZoomInfo is known for analytics, and having a large database to choose prospects from. On the other hand, Apollo is thoroughly focused on personalization, data accuracy and streamlining the process of sales and outreach for businesses like yours. That said, we compare the two based on criteria such as key features, data accuracy, pricing, integrations, user experience and interface, advanced search filters, and customer support.

Key Features

When you compare the two tools, you want information about what matters most for your business. For example, that includes features, data accuracy, pricing models, and more aspects we will discuss further in this article. In simple terms, you want to know whether this tool will satisfy your business needs or tick all the boxes. So, by evaluating these aspects, you can make an informed decision that suits your preferences and sales process.

ZoomInfo

If we were going to point out ZoomInfo's main distinction in the market of prospecting platforms, it's the data accuracy and in-depth insights into their details. Here, we include company profiles, job titles, company size contact information, and organizational hierarchy. In other words, who is who in the company and whether the company profile fits your targeted audience. Although there are tools that have more features than ZoomInfo, which you can see in this comparison with Lusha, ZoomInfo is dedicated to data and its performance.

Furthermore, ZoomInfo integrates perfectly with any CRM tool you might be using, which speeds up the process. Finally AI-powered tools they developed over the years make your prospecting easier and offer data enrichment you might not otherwise have. That includes any additional details about the prospect that can give you more information to personalize your approach even further.

Apollo.io

Apollo takes a different approach, though, by offering an entire suite of sales tools that cater to the entire cycle. That doesn't mean it has any smaller database; on the contrary, it has more than 250 million contacts. However, amongst its offerings are data enrichment capabilities, which means the contact details are accurate and up-to-date. What sets it apart from its contenders are automated marketing and sales processes such as email sequencing and sales call dialing, making workflows more efficient. It's also important to mention that its engagement analytics help users track key metrics.

Apollo has similarities to ZoomInfo; apart from being providers to large databases, both integrate with CRMs such as HubSpot and Salesforce, which helps track campaigns and find areas for improvement. But, it has a Chrome extension which gives it additional functionality to search for prospects directly from LinkedIn and SalesForce. Additionally, Apollo offers a level of personalization that can greatly influence efficiency in finding the right audience. Hence, it's why it's positioned as a prospecting, engagement, and lead management platform. 

Who Has Better Features?

Both alternatives offer a great solution for the sales process. On one hand, ZoomInfo is number one in providing data and advanced analytics, making it ideal for data-driven decision-making. On the other hand, Apollo excels as a comprehensive suite of tools that help email sequencing, workflows, and engagement analytics. 

Finally, the choice between two platforms depends on your specific needs and preferences as a business. If you prioritize data accuracy and business intelligence, then ZoomInfo is a better choice. But,  if you seek more out of a platform in terms of sales features with engagement and automation features, then Apollo is a wiser choice.

Data Coverage and Accuracy

Data coverage helps sales teams get access to a large number of potential leads. However, accurate data is perhaps more important as it influences many aspects of sales efforts. That includes reaching the right person, building trust, efficiency, open rates, and finally, closing deals. When using tools such as ZoomInfo and Apollo, the business has a higher percentage of success than using random free tools or a manual approach. All this together influences the success of outreach strategies and sales outcomes.

ZoomInfo

It's undeniable that ZoomInfo possesses one of the largest databases among the similar platforms on the market. Different types of data, for example, industries or backgrounds, give an opportunity for businesses to reach potential customers and find the most relevant prospects. Its data is sourced via various channels, including leveraging algorithms, third-party providers, community contributors, and research teams. The platform uses AI-driven tools to validate data and keep it up to date. In the end, ZoomInfo has been catering to business clientele for decades and improved their sales which you can see in ZoomInfo vs UpLead.

Apollo

Nothing less impressive is the Apollos database, with more than 210 million contacts. It sources data from multi-channel sources, including 2 million data contributors, proprietary algorithms, and partnerships with other providers. That said, the platform uses a seven-step verification method in real time and cleans the invalid entries. Data is regularly updated every month unless the system captures a data signal which means a prospect changed a job position or something similar. Overall, Apollo has a pristine dedication to data, and it's also visible in coverage when you enter specific criteria in advanced search filters. Within seconds, a great number of your Ideal Customer Profiles (ICPs). All users can make informed decisions and achieve better sales outcomes.

Who Has Better Data Coverage and Accuracy?

Looking at data coverage both ZoomInfo and Apollo offer similar capabilities. Although Apollo has a substantial database with very advanced verification methods, ZoomInfo's easy approach to data sourcing and validation gives it an edge in data coverage and accuracy. Its longstanding reputation on the market and constant improvement of data give sales teams a reliable choice to achieve better sales outcomes.

Pricing

If we said that the price does not play a vital role in a decision, as long as the tool delivers on its task, it would be a lie. When you search for the right tool, there a differences in pricing plans, and it's not just about the cost but also what that tool offers and does it aligns with your business requirements. 

Most of them offer free trials or demos, and the next plans are starter ones for small businesses offering basic analytics, CRM integrations, and so on. There are also professional plans designed for growing businesses offering more functionalities and features. Finally, enterprise plans are for large teams with complex needs, which sometimes include all of the previous plans, custom integrations, and dedicated support.

ZoomInfo

ZoomInfo pricing model has a custom form, meaning that the platform personalizes the features according to the specific needs of individual businesses. That translates to the fact that you, as a user, will be paying only for the features you need. This type of pricing shows that ZoomInfo is aiming to establish its market position as a premium solution offering specialized services. There are three packages if we can call them that, and each is represented through features.

Sales which is created with basic features such as accurate data, company insights, buyers intent, and integrations with CRMs and other apps. The second is crafted with marketing teams in mind and offers access to advanced company insights, contact data, solutions for displaying advertising, website chat, and flexible integrations. The third option is for recruiters, which offer candidate search, candidate alerts, company news, engagement apps, and flexible integrations. Hence, ZoomInfo is designed for large teams and specific business needs, which might not appeal to all businesses.

Apollo

Apollo's offer is more transparent when it comes to actual figures. Perhaps what's different is that they cater to small businesses as well. The platform offers a free pricing plan which includes the basic features. The next one is Basic, costing $59 per person for a month, and it offers LinkedIn, Gmail & Salesforce extensions, advanced filters, CRM integrations, a certain number of intent filters, and data enrichment. 

After that comes Professional, billed $99 per user for a month, and apart from basic features, it includes AI and automation such as automated workflows, AI research intelligence, call recordings, and AI insights. Finally, there is a plan designed for bigger companies Organization, which costs $149 per user for a month and includes reports and advanced security options. 

Who Has Better Features?

If we look at these pricing plans, Apollo has much to offer in terms of its features in comparison to most of ZoomInfo's competitors. Not to mention that transparent pricing plans can be more attractive for large and small businesses alike. Small businesses and startups can have a lot of benefits using the more affordable plans, but at the same time scale up easily when their business grows. 

On the other hand, ZoomInfo offers flexibility for large enterprises and businesses with specific needs. But it still seems like Apollo is more suitable for businesses of all sizes and has enough flexibility to meet their evolving needs with more features.

Integrations

Both ZoomInfo and Apollo integrate with different CRMs and third-party software. For instance, ZoomInfo includes Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics, Pipedrive, Marketo, Eloqua, TrustRadius, Gong, Zapier, Pardot, G2, and Databricks, to name a few. Apollo, on the other hand, integrates well with such as Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zapier, SendGrid, Mailgun, Microsoft Teams, Outreach, Vidyard, Salesloft, Marketo, and Greenhouse.

ZoomInfo

For professionals who use tools in their everyday work, connecting ZoomInfo with another application is essential for efficiency. Hence, the platform offers exceptional integration options with more tools than we can mention here. It is designed to integrate well with other tools and solutions to enhance its functionality and connect with different third-party software. 

If you visit their website, you can see that these integrations are sorted into categories such as Solutions Partner, Data Warehouse, Revenue Intelligence, Customer Success, Email, Communications, Automation, Sales Engagement & Intelligence, CRM, Marketing Automation, and more. That said, its ability to integrate with so many products in equal ways, as in the BookYourData comparison to ZoomInfo,  means that your business can use its data and insights across your existing tech stack.

Apollo

Apollo also has a range of integrations that provide users with a seamless experience. The categories on their website may seem less than ZoomInfos in numbers, but Apollo still provides you with options to optimize your campaigns by connecting their data and intelligence with third-party tools. Categories include Connectors, CRM, Email, Data & Analytics, Video & Web Conferencing, Dialer, Recruiting, Sales Engagement & Intelligence, and Marketing Automation. In simple terms, Apollo will help you in your email campaigns and applicant systems and maximize the value of data through different integrations and tools.

Who Has Better Features?

Both platforms offer plenty of options for different business needs and improve operations. Yet, ZoomInfo takes the lead with the sheer number of integrations it offers, such as applicant tracking systems like Greenhouse, which means a lot to recruitment teams. This addition makes it a versatile solution for different industries. Finally, we can say that ZoomInfo is the winner in this section as it offers more integration options for various industries and specific niches.

User Experience and Interface

ZoomInfo and Apollo both offer a user-friendly design. On the one hand, ZoomInfo design is more organized and focused on navigation through features and managing contacts. On the other hand, Apollo has a pristine design that is also very organized, which offers access to tasks, alerts, and sales activities. 

ZoomInfo

When you look at the dashboard it's fairly filled with features, which takes a while to get a grasp on. In comparison to ZoomInfo, platforms such as Cognism have a clean design that is straightforward. However, the ZoomInfo platform allows ease of use and experience, which allows users to go through the platforms and access all the information they need. Its design is focused on functionality and efficiency. Perhaps the most valued aspect for users is real-time insights, which help businesses streamline their sales and marketing tasks.

Apollo

Apollo is one of the platforms that offers a great user experience and intuitive interface design. The dashboard is well organized and provides users with access to tasks and daily information. It's an epitome of efficiency as it allows users to find everything quickly. Its design is supported with helpful guides and tutorials for all users.

One of the common concern about Apollo is the fact that you are getting to be forced to join $5k/year plan (at least) if you want to deal with more than 10k records at a time OR if you want to use best functions of Apollo.

Who Has Better Features?

Apollo's well-organized dashboard that takes seconds to navigate and understand is often praised by its users. It's also offering helpful guides through their interface which makes it come out as a winner in this section. On the other hand, ZoomInfo, although great in its data, often receives mixed reviews when it comes to user interface, which is why Apollo is a preferred choice for outstanding user experience and interface design. 

Advanced Search Filters

Both ZoomInfo and Apollo offer advanced search filters, which are important for highly specific prospect targeting. If you look at both platforms there are a number of filters that can help you reach the right leads. These include the basics such as company, industry, and location, and some more specific like revenue headcount and likely to engage. Each level of granularity you can get means you are one step closer to your ideal customer. 

ZoomInfo

The platform has no doubt dedicated time and thought when creating search filters, unlike lesser-versed features in comparison to ZoomInfo vs. Seamless. It provides users with an easy-to-understand and detailed view of their targeted market. If we look at the filters in detail, it's evident they are designed for business interaction with filters such as company attributes, and then the new hires filter can immensely help recruiters. Finally, they are likely to engage in support outreach efforts by providing insights into the audience, which is more likely to respond. 

Apollo

Apollo offers a surprisingly wide specter of filters related to companies, people, industries, and insights. There are some specific categories such as funding, revenue, technologies used, Email opened and closed, opted out of calls, and more. This gives your business more options to create highly specific lists that align with your ideal customer profile. 

Who Has Better Features?

Both platforms offer plenty of information necessary for any business. However, since Apollo's advanced search filtering capabilities are flexible and easy to find, it inches away from ZoomInfo as the winner. In addition, Apollo has more than 65 data attributes, which offer the granularity necessary for targeting prospects in detail. 

Customer Support and Resources

No matter how easy it is to use, any software or platform needs to have customer support and resources explaining the application thoroughly. There is always an aspect that will need additional assistance, even if it's only for the purpose of using it as the best way to achieve results. The typical support options include live chat, phone support, and email support. They provide users with multiple channels through which they can reach out and address their issues promptly. Resources are also a great way to provide more information about the product in written form or video. 

ZoomInfo

ZoomInfo offers several customer support options. You can reach them through phone support, which is available 24 hours a day. It's also available through a contact form on their website for email inquiries. And if you are interested in seeking an answer yourself they have a great knowledge center which offers answers to common questions and guides on using their services. There are also blog posts, videos, and newsrooms for additional information. Despite all that, there are few customer reviews online that complain about response time and the helpfulness of representatives. 

Apollo

In the same manner, Apollo also offers a few ways to reach them. Users can access support through a contact form on the website and a knowledge base that offers articles and troubleshooting guides. There is also in-app support to chat directly with representatives. In addition, there are webinars discussing the current industry and tips and tricks about sales and lead generation. Finally, Apollo's new page, the Academy, has articles on the use of the features or how to improve your efforts. Apollo also received some negative comments on support responsiveness.

Who Has Better Features?

If we look at the previous two paragraphs and look at the G2 reviews, it's clear that both offer plenty of support options and resources. There is no clear winner in this section, as both need improvement in response times. 

ZoomInfo vs. Apollo Benefits

Both ZoomInfo and Apollo have plenty to offer and enhance sales and lead generation through the data and tools they provide. However, ZoomInfo stands out for its data accuracy and details they provide which has a lot of meaning for businesses looking to improve their revenue. On the other hand, Apollo offers a more personalized approach and increased productivity beyond their data when you start using their tools. 

Specific Advantages

ZoomInfo:

• Excels in the lead generation process, which helps sales teams find and connect with potential clients.
• Excellent data accuracy with data enrichment capabilities, which ensures that sales teams have access to valid and up-to-date information. 
• Easy to understand sales and marketing tools that support both departments, helping teams work more efficiently
• The platform integrates perfectly with other tools to meet the needs of any business

Apollo:

• Provides sales efficiency by streamlining lead generation and outreach, which allows teams to focus on closing the deals
• Data-driven insights into potential customers and markets allow teams to personalize their sales tactics
• Apollo's use of AI allows users to create personalized emails and increase sales engagement
• A User-friendly interface that is easy to use requires less time for onboarding

Which Platform Offers a Larger Database of Contacts?

If we look at the sheer volume and database size of each platform, ZoomInfo undoubtedly offers more data coverage with more than 600 million contacts. We are sure that the number is staggering, and its large "archive" of valuable information allows users to access buyers worldwide. On the other hand, the Apollos database amounts to 210 million contacts collected from different data sources. It leverages the network of more than two million contributors and algorithms to provide accurate and growing data.

Now, you might be wondering what the size of the database has to do with anything. Because indirectly, it increases your chances of making a sale or having successful marketing campaigns. A larger database such as ZoomInfo provides sales teams with more options and more potential leads. This, in turn, increases the chances of finding the right prospects, efficient targeting, and higher conversion rates. For marketing teams, the size of the database determines better segmentation options and more opportunities to reach the right audience. That said, even though Apollo has a smaller database, its data accuracy can still achieve effective and positive outcomes both for sales and marketing departments.

Better Value for Money: ZoomInfo or Apollo

Better value for money means that we need to evaluate the value between the two platforms in terms of their cost and features ratio. Therefore, ZoomInfo provides extensive features like data enrichment, sales and marketing tools, and integration with other tools and platforms. However, the price remains unknown as they have a custom pricing plan. The only hint of the prices is user reviews claiming the prices are steep for small businesses and those with limited budgets. 

Apollo on the other hand, has affordable pricing plans starting at $49 per month. The features we have seen are that it offers advanced filters, CRM integrations, and AI-powered tools for sales engagement and automation. Since it's hard to make a decision based on whether the pricing plan is affordable, it's best to determine the value based on business needs. Hence, either of the tools can have more value if it fills out the requirements of the business in question. 

Best ZoomInfo and Apollo Alternative: BookYourData

BookYourData is an alternative to both platforms due to its high data accuracy of 97%, which guarantees high quality and real-time verified leads. The platform also has advanced email verification, including catching all emails and data points, which makes it a reliable choice for organizations seeking precise and actionable information. Additionally, the platform offers a flexible pay-as-you-go pricing model, which eliminates costly subscriptions, and you pay only for the contacts you need. It's also a tiered pricing model, which means with each new contact, you get a discount on the final cost. Finally, the user-friendly interface offers access to more than 100 filters, allowing laser-focused audience targeting.

Key Takeaways

• Both platforms offer robust sales intelligence and engagement tools
• ZoomInfo is ideal for larger enterprises
• Apollo has 210 contacts database
• ZoomInfo has 600 million contacts database
• Apollo offers pricing plans for any business size
• ZoomInfo has a custom pricing model available upon inquiry
• Apollo has a great integration with CRM and sales tools
• ZoomInfo has flexible integrations 
• ZoomInfo is feature-rich and can have a steeper learning curve
• Apollo is easy to use
• Apollo: Affordable, comprehensive sales engagement platform
• ZoomInfo: Extensive data, powerful sales intelligence tools
• Hence, Apollo is best for cost-conscious teams and small to mid-sized businesses
• ZoomInfo is best for larger enterprises in need of specific data and features

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ZoomInfo or Apollo Offer Better Email Automation and Sequences?

Apollo might be a better choice for businesses focusing on email marketing. It offers highly customizable email sequences that provide tailored and automated campaigns.

Can I Try ZoomInfo or Apollo Before Committing to a Subscription?

Apollo offers a free trial, while ZoomInfo offers a demo version. The latter offers access to B2B contact data, while Apollo has a 14-day free trial to experience all of its features. Both of these are beneficial as they provide transparency into platforms' full abilities, and they help your business reach informed decisions. 

Does ZoomInfo or Apollo Have Strong Social Media Data?

ZoomInfo excels in social media data, which is crucial for brand building and lead generation. Apollo also provides social media data and data analysis capabilities. 

Which platform, ZoomInfo or Apollo, offers better integration with CRM systems?

ZoomInfo and Apollo both have very strong integration options. ZoomInfo integrates with major CRMs and sales tools. Apollo supports CRMs and additional tools. Although both offer workflow automation and data management, ZoomInfo's advanced features are a better choice for large enterprises.

Which service provides more accurate and up-to-date contact data?

Both platforms prioritize data accuracy and have methods to verify contacts. ZoomInfo uses machine learning, natural language processing, and a network of contributors. Apollo uses a contributor network engagement suite, data crawling, and third-party providers. However, ZoomInfo takes the lead in data accuracy between the two. 

Do both ZoomInfo and Apollo offer free trials or demos?

Yes, they both offer free trial and demo. ZoomInfo demo has a form that consists of a signup process requesting your business email, phone number, and job title with verification. Apollo has a 14-day free trial to basic and professional plans, which includes Email and mobile credits. 

How user-friendly are the interfaces of ZoomInfo and Apollo?

Both ZoomInfo and Apollo have a user-friendly interface, but the difference is in the learning curve. While ZoomInfo features an interface with easy-to-understand controls, it can have a steeper learning curve than Apollo. Apollo has a clean design and fewer integrations, which makes it easy to understand.

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