Apollo vs Cognism
All-in-one platform with 275M+ contacts vs European data specialist with phone-verified numbers.
Apollo and Cognism both provide B2B contact data, but they've optimized for different markets and use cases. Apollo offers the broadest feature set: 275M+ contacts, built-in sequences, a dialer, and basic CRM, all starting at $49/user/month. Cognism focuses on data quality over platform breadth, with GDPR-compliant data, phone-verified mobile numbers, and particularly strong coverage in European markets. Your choice maps directly to your market and budget.
The Bottom Line
Apollo is the right pick for US-focused teams that want data and engagement in one platform at an aggressive price point. The value proposition of contact data plus sequences plus dialer for $49/user/month is unmatched. Cognism wins for teams selling into Europe where GDPR compliance is mandatory and phone connect rates drive revenue. If budget allows, some teams use Apollo for engagement and Cognism for European contact data, getting the best of both platforms.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Apollo | Cognism |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Data Enrichment | Data Enrichment |
| Pricing | Free tier available, paid from $49/user/month | Custom pricing, typically $15K-30K/year |
| Best For | SMB and mid-market teams wanting data + engagement | European-focused teams needing GDPR-compliant contact data with verified mobile numbers |
Winner By Use Case
| Use Case | Apollo | Cognism |
|---|---|---|
| All In One Value | Apollo | Cognism |
| European Coverage | Apollo | Cognism |
| Phone Verified Data | Apollo | Cognism |
| Platform Features | Apollo | Cognism |
Apollo: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Built-in data
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Sequences included
Cons
- Data quality varies
- Less enterprise features
Cognism: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Phone-verified mobile numbers
- GDPR compliant by design
- Strong European data coverage
- Diamond Data verification
Cons
- Expensive for US-only teams
- Smaller database than ZoomInfo
- Annual contracts required
- Limited intent data
How to Choose
If your ICP is US-based and your team is under 30 reps, Apollo covers data and engagement at a price that's hard to beat. Start with the free tier and validate data quality against your ICP before committing. If you sell into the UK, DACH region, or other European markets, Cognism's data coverage and GDPR compliance are materially better than Apollo's for those geographies. For teams with split US/EU territories, consider using both: Apollo for US engagement and Cognism for EU data, imported into Apollo's sequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Apollo's European data compare to Cognism's?
Apollo's European data exists but is noticeably thinner and less accurate than its US data. Cognism was built for European markets from the ground up and has significantly better coverage in the UK, Germany, France, and Nordics. For enterprise contacts in major European companies, Cognism's match rates are typically 30-50% higher than Apollo's. For US data, the gap reverses: Apollo's database is broader.
Is Apollo's free tier enough to evaluate the platform?
Yes. Apollo's free tier includes basic sequences, 10K contact exports per month, and access to the full search interface. It's enough to test data quality against your ICP, run initial outbound campaigns, and decide if the platform works for your team. Cognism doesn't offer a free tier, only demos and trials, making Apollo the easier platform to evaluate without a sales conversation.
Which tool has better phone data?
Cognism, specifically because of its Diamond Data program where mobile numbers are manually verified by their team. This produces meaningfully higher connect rates compared to Apollo's phone data, which is aggregated from multiple sources without phone-level verification. If phone outreach is central to your sales motion, Cognism's verified mobiles are worth the price premium.
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