Clearbit vs Apollo (2026) Compared
These tools solve different problems, but they overlap just enough that teams end up comparing them. Clearbit enriches data you already have. Apollo finds new contacts and reaches out to them.
The Short Version
Clearbit (now Breeze Intelligence by HubSpot) is the right choice for HubSpot users who need real-time lead enrichment and visitor identification built into their CRM. Apollo is the better pick for teams that need a contact database, email sequences, and outreach tools in one platform. If you need both enrichment and outbound, Apollo covers more ground. If you're a HubSpot shop focused on inbound, Clearbit is baked into your existing workflow.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Clearbit | Apollo.io |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Included with HubSpot | Free – $119/user/mo |
| Standalone Available | No (HubSpot only since acquisition) | Yes |
| Contact Database | Firmographic + company data | 275M+ contacts with emails/phones |
| Real-Time Enrichment | Core strength (API-first) | Available but not primary focus |
| Email Sequences | No (use HubSpot sequences) | Built-in multi-step sequences |
| Visitor Identification | Yes (Reveal) | No |
| Dialer | No | Built-in |
| Job Demand | 7 postings | 37 postings |
| Best For | HubSpot enrichment + PLG | All-in-one outbound |
| The Big Risk | Locked into HubSpot ecosystem | Data accuracy on some segments |
Deep Dive: Clearbit
What They're Selling
Clearbit built its reputation as the best API-first enrichment platform for PLG companies. You'd use their API to enrich form fills in real time, identify anonymous website visitors, and score leads based on firmographic data. HubSpot acquired Clearbit in late 2023 and rebranded it as Breeze Intelligence, integrating it directly into the HubSpot platform.
What It Actually Costs
Since the HubSpot acquisition, Clearbit's standalone product is no longer available to new customers. For HubSpot users, Breeze Intelligence credits are included in certain HubSpot tiers or available as an add-on. Previously, standalone Clearbit ran $99-$999/month depending on volume. Now it's bundled into HubSpot's pricing structure.
What Users Say
Pre-acquisition users loved the API quality and data accuracy for company-level enrichment. Post-acquisition, sentiment is mixed. HubSpot users appreciate the native integration. Former standalone Clearbit customers are frustrated by reduced independence and uncertainty about the product's long-term roadmap.
Pros
- Best-in-class company and firmographic data enrichment
- Real-time API enrichment for PLG use cases
- Native HubSpot integration (no third-party connector needed)
- Website visitor identification (Reveal)
Cons
- No longer available as a standalone product
- Locked into HubSpot ecosystem
- Weaker on direct contact data (emails, phone numbers) vs prospecting tools
- Future roadmap uncertain post-acquisition
Deep Dive: Apollo.io
What They're Selling
Apollo is the all-in-one platform for outbound sales teams. Contact database with 275M+ records, email sequencing, a dialer, and analytics. The pitch is simple: one tool for prospecting, outreach, and tracking instead of stitching together three or four separate products.
What It Actually Costs
Free tier with 250 emails/day. Basic at $49/user/mo. Professional at $79/user/mo (most popular). Organization at $119/user/mo. Monthly billing available. No hidden add-ons for core features. A 10-person team on Professional costs about $9,500/year.
What Users Say
Users appreciate the breadth of features at the price point. The database is large enough for most prospecting use cases. Pain points: email bounce rates of 15-20% on some segments, occasional data staleness, and support can be slow on lower tiers.
Pros
- Generous free tier for testing and small teams
- 275M+ contacts with email and phone data
- Built-in sequences, dialer, and analytics
- Transparent pricing with monthly billing option
Cons
- Email accuracy lower than premium enrichment tools (80-85%)
- Not designed for real-time API enrichment workflows
- No visitor identification feature
- Data weaker for enterprise accounts and international markets
Which Should You Pick?
The Honest Take
These tools serve different workflows. Clearbit is an enrichment engine that now lives inside HubSpot. Apollo is a prospecting platform with enrichment built in. If you're comparing them directly, you're probably trying to consolidate tools. Apollo covers more use cases in one platform. Clearbit delivers better firmographic enrichment quality but only for HubSpot users. The acquisition narrowed Clearbit's addressable market significantly.
Questions to Ask Before Buying
- Are you on HubSpot? If not, Clearbit isn't available to you as a new customer.
- Is your primary need enriching existing records or finding new contacts?
- Do you need outbound sequences and a dialer, or just data enrichment?
- How important is real-time API enrichment for your product or lead flow?
- What's your target market? Check data coverage for your specific segments.
- Are you willing to commit to the HubSpot ecosystem long-term?
- What enrichment data points matter most: firmographic, contact, or intent?
- Do you need website visitor identification as part of your tool stack?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clearbit still available as a standalone product?
No. HubSpot acquired Clearbit in late 2023 and rebranded it as Breeze Intelligence. New customers can only access Clearbit features through HubSpot. Existing standalone customers are being migrated.
Can Apollo replace Clearbit for enrichment?
Partially. Apollo can enrich records with contact and company data, but it's not designed for real-time API enrichment the way Clearbit was. For bulk enrichment and outbound prospecting, Apollo works. For PLG-style real-time enrichment, it's not a direct replacement.
Which tool has better data accuracy?
For company-level firmographic data, Clearbit is more accurate. For individual contact data (emails, phone numbers), both have limitations. Apollo's email accuracy runs 80-85%. Clearbit focuses more on company data than individual contact details.
Do I need both Clearbit and Apollo?
It depends on your workflow. If you're a HubSpot user running both inbound (enrichment via Clearbit) and outbound (prospecting via Apollo), using both makes sense. If you're picking one tool, choose based on whether enrichment or prospecting is your priority.