Apollo.io vs Cognism
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Apollo.io and Cognism are credible sales intelligence tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Apollo.io if you want a lower starting price (free – $49/user/mo) and a free plan to start on. B2B database plus sales engagement in one.
Cognism — Compliant B2B data with phone-verified numbers.
Apollo.io vs Cognism: side by side
| Dimension | Apollo.io | Cognism |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $49/user/moWinner | Custom |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Smb, Sales Teams, Startups | Mid Market, Enterprise, Sales Teams |
| Platforms | Web, Api | Web, Api |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
Apollo.io key facts
- Vendor
- Apollo.io
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $49/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Smb, Sales Teams, Startups
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2015
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, USA
Cognism key facts
- Vendor
- Cognism
- Pricing
- Subscription — Custom
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Mid Market, Enterprise, Sales Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2015
- Headquarters
- London, UK
Frequently asked questions
Is Apollo.io better than Cognism?
Neither is universally better — Apollo.io edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Apollo.io or Cognism cheaper?
Apollo.io is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $49/user/mo. Apollo.io starts at free – $49/user/mo; Cognism starts at custom.
Can Apollo.io replace Cognism?
Yes for most teams — both are sales intelligence tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.