Apollo.io vs RocketReach
Both are large contact databases sold to prospectors, and both include free allowances. The interesting difference is structural: Apollo charges per user annually, while RocketReach's annual plans convert capped lookups into unlimited ones — a pricing quirk that changes the maths substantially.
Apollo.io
All-in-one sales intelligence database with built-in sequencing.
RocketReach
Contact lookups across 700M professionals, with unlimited lookups on annual plans.
| Feature | Apollo.io | RocketReach |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Starting price | $65/moper user, monthly billing; $49/user billed annually | $49/momonthly billing; $27/mo billed annually ($329/yr) |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Contact database | 275M+ contacts | — |
| Email sequencing | Yes | — |
| Free tier | Yes | — |
| Dialer | Yes | — |
| Free account | — | 5 lookups, no card |
| Lookups | — | Unlimited on annual; 100/mo on monthly (Essentials) |
| Exports | — | 1,200/yr (Essentials) → 20,000/yr (Ultimate) |
| Phone numbers | — | Pro plan and above |
| Email sending limit | — | 500/day, all plans |
Hands-on field test
In progressFor lead-data tools we plan to run a fixed list of 200 known-good contacts through each product and measure match rate, bounce rate on verified addresses, and cost per valid contact. Until measured, we publish no accuracy figures.
The verdict
RocketReach is the stronger choice for heavy lookup volume, because unlimited lookups on any annual plan removes the metric most data tools charge for. Apollo is the broader product, bundling sequencing and a dialer alongside its 275M+ contact database, so it can replace two tools. Watch the export caps on RocketReach — 1,200 a year on Essentials — which become the real constraint once lookups are unlimited.
Choose Apollo.io if you want contact data plus sequencing and calling on one subscription. Choose RocketReach if you do high lookup volume and will commit annually, where unlimited lookups change the economics.
Apollo.io vs RocketReach: FAQs
- Which is cheaper?
- RocketReach's Essentials is $27/mo billed annually ($329/yr) against Apollo's Basic at $49 per seat annually, or $65 paid monthly. RocketReach is cheaper per seat on either basis, and the gap widens for teams since Apollo charges per seat.
- What does 'unlimited lookups' actually mean?
- On RocketReach's annual plans, lookups are uncapped — monthly plans cap Essentials at 100. But exports are metered separately (1,200 a year on Essentials), so exports rather than lookups become your practical limit.
- Does either send email?
- Apollo has sequencing and a dialer built in. RocketReach has messages and sequences with a 500/day sending limit, but neither is a substitute for a dedicated deliverability platform.
- Which free option is better?
- Apollo's free tier is more generous and includes sequencing. RocketReach's free account gives 5 lookups with no credit card — enough to check coverage, not much more.
Comparing more than two?
Put Apollo.io, RocketReach and up to two others side by side on price, mailboxes, warmup and trials.
Open the comparison table →