Top 10 Cognism alternatives and competitors

Cognism is a sales intelligence platform founded in 2015 that specializes in using machine learning to accelerate sales and recruitment leads. Some of their key features include international coverage and unrestricted access to people and company-level data.

This article will cover the top 10 alternatives to Cognism, providing you with the best options to consider when looking for a platform that better suits your needs.

1. Clay

We're partial, but we're convinced that Clay is the best data provider for your needs.

Clay stands out with its cost-effective and innovative waterfalling approach. Unlike Cognism, which relies solely on its own data, Clay accesses over 50 different providers. This strategy not only doubles your chances of enriching leads but also eliminates the expense and complexity of multiple subscriptions.

The downside of single-provider enrichment

Using just one data enrichment provider usually results in low enrichment rates. This isn't a reflection on the provider's quality, but rather a limitation of relying on a data provider for all your needs. One option to address this is subscribing to multiple providers, but this can quickly become time consuming and expensive.

Clay’s Unique ‘Waterfalling’ Method

Clay’s waterfalling method is a game-changer, allowing the use of multiple data sources within one, easy-to-use platform. For instance, if you’re searching for a prospect's email you can automatically cycle through Apollo.io, Lusha, and Clearbit until the search is successful. This approach ensures that you have the highest enrichment rates possible. Check out our complete list of data providers for more details!

In short — Clay is the only company that offers 50+ data providers, the ability to waterfall multiple data providers simultaneously, and get feedback from users like this 👇🏾

If you're interested in learning more about Clay, here are some other key aspects to consider

• Hear from our customers: Our users love us! Clay boasts a 4.9/5 all-time review score on Product Hunt, with praise for its features, time-saving capabilities, and effectiveness in outbound marketing and prospecting.
• Our best use cases: Building lead lists, enriching lead data, and automating personalized email campaigns.
• Tons of features:10+ built-in sources for lead generation, 150+ enrichments, AI-powered email writing, and unique waterfall functionality.
• Affordable pricing: Our pricing plans are designed to be budget-friendly, including Starter ($149/mo), Explorer ($349/mo), Pro ($800/mo), and Enterprise options, with volume discounts. For more details, visit the Clay pricing page.

2. Apollo.io

Apollo.io is a sales intelligence software designed to help users streamline their sales processes and improve lead generation.

• Use cases: Sales prospecting, lead generation, and outreach automation.
• Features: Email credits, sequence limits, filters, buying intent topics, chrome extension, and daily email sending limits.
• Price: 4 pricing editions ranging from Free to $99, with a free premium trial available. See the Apollo.io pricing page for more details.
• Reviews: Apollo.io has an overall rating of 4.8/5 on G2.
• Available as a provider within Clay: Yes

Advantages of using Apollo over Cognism

1. Comprehensive sales engagement platform: Apollo is described as a sales engagement platform that combines lead generation, sales intelligence, and engagement tools into one seamless platform. This integration allows for efficient prospecting, engagement, and closing within a single ecosystem, providing an end-to-end solution for sales teams.
2. Advanced prospecting and lead scoring: Apollo offers advanced search capabilities with a database of over 275 million contacts, enriched with detailed filters for precise targeting. Its AI-driven lead scoring system prioritizes high-value leads based on behavior, helping sales teams focus their efforts more effectively.
3. AI-powered engagement and automation: The platform boasts AI-driven features that automate and optimize sales engagement, including email sequencing, call tasks, and social selling activities. Apollo's AI can generate personalized emails and automate sales plays, providing a significant advantage in scaling outbound efforts efficiently.

Disadvantages of using Apollo over Cognism

1. Potentially overwhelming for smaller teams: With its broad array of features and capabilities, Apollo might be more complex and potentially overwhelming for smaller teams or those with simpler needs. Cognism's focused offerings might be more suitable for users looking for straightforward sales intelligence and data verification.
2. Cost considerations for full feature access: Accessing the full range of Apollo's features, especially for large teams or enterprises, might require higher-tier subscription plans. Cognism offers different pricing structures that might be more accessible for some businesses looking for specific data solutions without needing an all-in-one platform.

3. Lusha

Lusha is a sales intelligence tool designed to help users find email addresses and phone numbers directly from social profiles.

• Use cases: Sales prospecting, lead generation, and recruitment.
• Features: Email address and phone number finder and seamless integration with numerous platforms.
• Price: 4 pricing editions ranging from Free to $51/month, with a free trial available. See the Lusha pricing page for more details.
• Reviews: Lusha has an overall rating of 4.3/5 on G2.
• Available as a provider within Clay: Yes

Advantages of using Lusha over Cognism

1. Simplicity and speed: Lusha's simple user interface and Chrome extension allow for quick and efficient access to contact information directly from your social networking sites and other websites.
2. Flexible pricing model: With its credit-based system, Lusha may offer a more flexible and potentially cost-effective option for smaller teams or individuals who need access to contact information but are mindful of budget constraints.

Disadvantages of using Lusha over Cognism

1. Limited data depth and verification: Cognism's Diamond Data and comprehensive verification processes ensure higher data accuracy and reliability, especially for phone numbers. Choosing Lusha might result in a compromise on the depth and verification of data, which could affect the success rate of outreach efforts.
2. Lack of advanced sales intelligence features: While Lusha provides basic contact information, Cognism offers intent data, Diamonds-on-Demand, and unrestricted data views and exports. Their unique Diamond Data service offers phone-verified contacts, increasing the likelihood of connecting with the right prospects. Choosing Lusha could limit access to these advanced features, which can be crucial for strategic prospecting and in-depth market analysis.

4. ZoomInfo

ZoomInfo SalesOS is a B2B sales prospecting software designed to help users maximize productivity, accelerate pipeline, and reach revenue potential.

• Use cases: Sales prospecting, lead generation, and pipeline acceleration.
• Features: Contact and company data, buyer intent, website visitor tracking, conversation intelligence, sales engagement, and data orchestration.
• Price: Offers pricing plans for SalesOS, MarketingOS, and TalentOS. A free trial is available. See the ZoomInfo pricing page for more details.
• Reviews: ZoomInfo has an overall rating of 4.4/5 on G2.
• Available as a provider within Clay: No

Advantages of using ZoomInfo over Cognism

1. Comprehensive marketing and sales features: ZoomInfo offers a range of tools designed to enhance marketing campaigns, including Marketing Campaigns, Organization Chart visualization, and Territory Planning. These features are tailored to improve the effectiveness of marketing efforts and drive conversions by allowing users to create personalized campaigns and understand company hierarchies for targeted outreach.
2. Advanced intent and event data: ZoomInfo's Intent and Scoops features provide real-time updates on companies actively searching for your solutions and alert you to newsworthy events such as executive changes or funding rounds. This insight can significantly enhance the timing and relevance of your outreach efforts.

Disadvantages of using ZoomInfo over Cognism

1. Complexity and cost: ZoomInfo's extensive feature set and the need to set up and manage credits for different features can introduce complexity, particularly for smaller teams or businesses with limited resources. Additionally, ZoomInfo's pricing, which is based on the number of licenses and credits, can be higher than some other platforms, potentially making it a less viable option for businesses with tight budgets.
2. Data cleansing and accuracy challenges: While ZoomInfo offers data cleansing features to maintain a clean and accurate database, some users have reported challenges related to data accuracy, with instances of inaccurate or incomplete information. This may require additional effort to verify and clean data.

5. Datanyze

Datanyze is a sales intelligence software designed to help users find business contact information for B2B sales prospects.

• Use cases: Finding and connecting with B2B prospects, lead generation, and sales intelligence.
• Features: Google Chrome Extension, access to accurate B2B contact information, export profiles, and secure and compliant coverage of business information.
• Price: Offers Nyze Pro at $55/month and Nyze Lite for free, with a free trial available. See the Datanyze pricing page for more details.
• Reviews: Datanyze has an overall rating of 4.2/5 on G2.
• Available as a provider within Clay: No

Advantages of using Datanyze over Cognism

1. Technographic data and technology tracking: Datanyze specializes in technographic data, offering insights into the technologies used by potential leads. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses looking to target companies based on their technology stack, providing a competitive edge in sales strategies.
2. Chrome extension for easy contact reveal: Datanyze offers a Google Chrome extension that simplifies the process of revealing contact details directly from your web browser. This feature is ideal for users who prioritize ease of use and efficiency in accessing accurate and up-to-date contact information.

Disadvantages of using Datanyze over Cognism

1. Complex pricing structure: Datanyze's pricing can be complex and challenging, especially for businesses planning to scale throughout the year. The platform limits the number of times you can request contact data based on your subscription level, which may complicate budgeting and planning.
2. Limited customer support options: Datanyze offers fewer customer support options, primarily providing a Help Desk with FAQs and troubleshooting tips. Unlike Cognism, which might offer more direct support channels, Datanyze lacks live chat or phone support for pre-subscription inquiries.

6. Clearbit

Clearbit is a data enrichment tool designed to help businesses create, complete, and correct their records in order to convert more leads.

• Use cases: Converting leads, improving sales and marketing efforts, and enhancing data accuracy.
• Features: 100+ B2B attributes, real-time enrichment, machine learning, and integrations with other platforms.
• Price: Offers Free, Growth, and Enterprise plans, with Growth Plan ranging from $50 to $275 (tiered pricing). See the Clearbit pricing page for more details.
• Reviews: Clearbit has an overall rating of 4.4/5 on G2.
• Available as a provider within Clay: Yes

Advantages of Using Clearbit Over Cognism

1. Comprehensive B2B data and global coverage: Clearbit provides access to over 30 million verified B2B contacts with global coverage across the US, APAC, and EMEA. This extensive database is beneficial for teams looking to target a wide and diverse range of industries and regions, making it easier to reach ideal customers and convert intent into pipeline.
2. Real-time data and integration capabilities: Clearbit's platform is known for its real-time data updates and seamless integration with popular CRM and marketing automation systems like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Marketo. This integration capability allows for easy export, deduplication of data for campaigns, and ensures that sales and marketing efforts are based on the most current information.

Disadvantages of Using Clearbit Over Cognism

1. Focused on specific functional areas: While Clearbit offers robust support for sales, marketing, and operations teams, businesses seeking broader or different functionalities might find Cognism's offerings more aligned with their needs. Clearbit's primary focus is on enriching sales leads, market research, and customer segmentation, which may not cater to all aspects of business intelligence and data needs.
2. Integration with specific CRM and marketing platforms: Although Clearbit's ability to integrate with popular CRM and marketing platforms is an advantage, businesses using less common or specialized systems may find it challenging to achieve the same level of seamless integration without custom solutions.

7. LeadGenius

LeadGenius is a precision data platform designed for go-to-market teams, offering custom lead generation, lead enrichment, and managed email outreach services.

• Use cases: Custom lead generation, lead enrichment, and managed email outreach.
• Features: Personalized, international, and vertical data, account and contact monitoring, competitive intelligence, and purchase intent.
• Price: Quotation-based pricing model, customized for each customer. See the LeadGenius product page for more details.
• Reviews: LeadGenius has an overall rating of 4.3/5 on G2.
• Available as a provider within Clay: No

Advantages of using LeadGenius over Cognism

1. Precision data and customization: LeadGenius offers highly specific and verified data sets tailored to a business's unique needs, ensuring more targeted and effective outreach.
2. Integration with popular tools: LeadGenius seamlessly integrates with favorite tools such as Outreach, HubSpot, and Salesforce, facilitating smoother workflows and enhancing productivity for Go-to-Market teams.

Disadvantages of using LeadGenius over Cognism

1. Potential cost implications: While LeadGenius tailors its packages to different business sizes and requirements, the cost varies based on the specific needs and scale of your business. This might imply that for some businesses, especially smaller ones or those with highly specific needs, the cost could be a deciding factor when comparing to Cognism's pricing structure.
2. Focused on B2B lead generation: LeadGenius is particularly focused on B2B lead generation, enrichment, and email outreach. For companies looking for a broader range of sales intelligence tools or those that operate significantly outside the B2B space, Cognism might offer solutions that are more aligned with their needs.

8. 6sense

6sense is a revenue intelligence platform designed to provide meaningful B2B intelligence to revenue teams.

• Use cases: Uncovering anonymous buyers, understanding buyer behavior, directing engagement efforts, and optimizing sales and marketing strategies.
• Features: Buyer Discovery, Contact & Company Data, Alerts, List Management, Chrome Extension, Technographics, Psychographics, Web, CRM, and SEP Apps, Add to CRM/SEP, Dashboards, 6sense Intent (Keywords), 3rd Party Intent, Corporate Hierarchy, Prioritization Dashboards, and Company Hierarchy.
• Price: 6sense offers four pricing plans: Free, Team, Growth, and Enterprise, with varying features and capabilities. You can visit 6sense pricing to book a demo and ask.
• Reviews: 6sense has an overall rating of 4.4/5 on G2.
• Available as a provider within Clay: No

Advantages of using 6sense over Cognism

1. AI-powered predictions and dynamic journeys: Leveraging AI to orchestrate dynamic, highly personalized multi-channel journeys, 6sense provides predictive models that enable teams to engage accounts at the best times in their journey, which can result in an average of 120% improvement in revenue generation.
2. Patented account identification technology: 6sense's Dark Funnel™ technology identifies buyers showing anonymous intent, helping to light up the buying journey by uncovering intent signals that other platforms might miss. This accurate, patented solution is so trusted that other B2B sales and martech vendors license and embed it in their solutions.

Disadvantages of using 6sense over Cognism

1. Potential complexity for smaller teams: With its deep focus on AI-driven predictions, account identification, and multi-channel journey orchestration, 6sense's sophisticated platform might present a steeper learning curve or be more complex than needed for smaller teams or businesses with straightforward needs.
2. Focus on high-intent accounts: 6sense focuses on identifying and engaging high-intent accounts based on predictive analytics and AI-driven insights. While powerful, businesses seeking broader market coverage or those with a focus on volume over precision might find Cognism's approach more aligned with their needs.

9. Lead411

Lead411 is a B2B sales leads database provider that aims to offer truly unlimited data for businesses.

• Use cases: Sales intelligence, lead generation, and contact enrichment.
• Features: Unlimited data, no hidden export fees, no mobile phone limits, no download limits, and 25+ CRM/SaaS integrations.
• Price: Offers 3 pricing editions: Basic at $899/year, Pro with Bombora Intent, and unlimited with custom pricing. A free trial is available. See the Lead411 pricing page for more details.
• Reviews: Lead411 has an overall rating of 4.5/5 on G2.
• Available as a provider within Clay: No

Advantages of using Lead411 over Cognism

1. Advanced market intelligence features: Lead411 provides detailed market insights, including competitive intelligence data, news events tracking, and job change alerts, which can significantly enhance your ability to understand and respond to market dynamics.
2. Automated email/SMS engagement: Lead411 allows for the setting up of automated email and SMS message campaigns directly from its platform. This feature supports custom templates, direct addition of contacts from search results, and tracking of replies and opens, creating a comprehensive outreach tool within the Lead411 ecosystem.

Disadvantages of using Lead411 over Cognism

1. Focus on North American markets: While Lead411 provides comprehensive data and insights, its focus is predominantly on the North American market. Businesses looking for a global reach with detailed insights into markets outside of North America might find Cognism's broader geographic coverage more beneficial.
2. Pricing transparency: Lead411 provides clear pricing plans, which can be advantageous for budget planning. However, businesses with highly variable or scaling needs might find Cognism's flexible pricing and custom solutions more suited to their evolving requirements.

10. RocketReach

RocketReach is a lead intelligence software designed to help users find accurate contact information for sales prospects.

• Use cases: Sales prospecting, lead generation, and contact enrichment.
• Features: Personal and professional emails, person search, browser extension, phone lookup, company search, bulk lookups, and integrations with various platforms.
• Price: Offers 4 pricing editions ranging from Free to $249, with a free trial available. See the RocketReach pricing page for more details.
• Reviews: RocketReach has an overall rating of 4.5/5 on G2.
• Available as a provider within Clay: No

Advantages of Using RocketReach Over Cognism

1. Extensive contact database and email lookups: RocketReach boasts a large database with access to over 450 million professionals, providing a solid foundation for businesses looking to expand their network and find new leads. This comprehensive database supports effective prospecting and lead-generation efforts.
2. User-friendly interface and support: The platform is recognized for its intuitive design, minimizing the need for support. However, when assistance is needed, users can easily navigate and resolve issues. RocketReach also offers a personalized approach to support, ensuring that questions and needs are addressed promptly and effectively.

Disadvantages of Using RocketReach Over Cognism

1. Pricing considerations: RocketReach's pricing may present a challenge for small businesses or solo entrepreneurs due to its higher tiers, which might be expensive for those on a tight budget. The cost factor could limit access for users needing extensive data lookups but lack the financial flexibility.
2. Complexity for new users: For those new to such tools or with simpler needs, the breadth of data and options available on RocketReach could be overwhelming. Users seeking straightforward solutions might find the platform more complex than necessary for their requirements.

Enrich your data with Clay!

Wrapping up our analysis of Cognism alongside other options, Clay rises above with its exceptional data enrichment technology and networking functionalities. With a methodical integration process that draws on data from over 50 providers, Clay achieves supreme data accuracy and breadth of coverage. Specially crafted for sales and marketing professionals, Clay facilitates the management of multiple data sets. With easy-to-use tools and a variety of pricing plans, Clay is the sensible choice for those wanting to bolster their data and networking capacity. Experience top-tier data enrichment—Sign up today with Clay and elevate your professional networking and data management.