Clearbit vs ZoomInfo (2026) Compared
Clearbit is now part of HubSpot. ZoomInfo is still independent and expensive. The choice depends on whether you need an enrichment API or a full prospecting platform.
The Short Version
Clearbit (now Breeze Intelligence by HubSpot) is the better choice for HubSpot customers who need real-time data enrichment embedded in their CRM workflows. ZoomInfo wins for teams that need a standalone B2B data platform with outbound prospecting, intent data, and deep contact databases. Clearbit excels at enriching what you already have. ZoomInfo excels at finding what you don't.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Clearbit | ZoomInfo |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | HubSpot (acquired 2023) | Independent (public company) |
| Core Strength | Real-time API enrichment | Contact database + prospecting |
| Contact Database | Enriches existing records | 600M+ searchable profiles |
| Intent Data | No | Yes (Bombora-powered) |
| CRM Integration | Native in HubSpot | Salesforce, HubSpot, others |
| API Quality | Best-in-class for real-time | Good, but built for bulk ops |
| Firmographic Data | Strong (company data focus) | Strong (plus contact data) |
| Outbound Prospecting | Not designed for this | Core use case |
| Pricing Model | Credits within HubSpot | Annual contract |
| Best For | HubSpot users, PLG teams | Enterprise sales orgs |
Deep Dive: Clearbit
What They're Selling
Clearbit built its reputation as the developer-friendly enrichment API. Feed it an email or domain, get back firmographic and contact data in milliseconds. HubSpot acquired Clearbit in 2023 and rebranded it as Breeze Intelligence, embedding it directly into HubSpot's CRM. For HubSpot customers, this means enrichment happens automatically, no separate tool required.
What It Actually Costs
Now bundled into HubSpot plans with credit-based usage. Previously, standalone Clearbit plans ranged from $99/mo to custom enterprise pricing. HubSpot users get Breeze Intelligence credits based on their plan tier. The effective cost depends on your HubSpot subscription level and enrichment volume.
What Users Say
Developers and product-led growth teams loved Clearbit's API quality and documentation. Post-acquisition, some users worry about standalone access being phased out. HubSpot users appreciate the native integration. The company data is consistently praised as accurate, though contact data (emails, phones) isn't as deep as ZoomInfo's.
Pros
- Best-in-class real-time enrichment API
- Native HubSpot integration removes friction from CRM workflows
- Strong firmographic and technographic data
- No separate contract if you're already on HubSpot
Cons
- Standalone future uncertain post-HubSpot acquisition
- Contact database is thinner than ZoomInfo for outbound prospecting
- No intent data signals
- Credit-based usage can limit enrichment volume
Deep Dive: ZoomInfo
What They're Selling
ZoomInfo is the largest B2B data platform with 600M+ professional profiles, company intelligence, and buyer intent data. It's built for enterprise sales organizations that need to find prospects, enrich CRM records, and identify in-market accounts, all from one platform.
What It Actually Costs
Plans start around $15K/year for Professional and scale to $50K+ for enterprise features with intent data. Add credits for data exports, advanced integrations, and additional seats. A mid-market team typically spends $20K-$40K/year. Enterprise deals run higher.
What Users Say
Sales teams praise the contact coverage and search capabilities. Ops teams value the CRM enrichment automation. Common complaints: aggressive renewal tactics, credit limitations that feel restrictive, and data accuracy that varies by market segment. European and SMB data can be thinner.
Pros
- Largest B2B contact database for outbound prospecting
- Intent data helps prioritize accounts showing buying signals
- Deep CRM integration with automated enrichment workflows
- Comprehensive platform covering prospecting, enrichment, and engagement
Cons
- Expensive with annual contracts and aggressive renewals
- Data accuracy varies by segment and region
- Credit system limits how much data you can actually use
- Overkill for teams that only need enrichment, not prospecting
Which Should You Pick?
The Honest Take
These tools solve different problems despite both being 'data' products. Clearbit is an enrichment engine. It takes what you have and makes it better. ZoomInfo is a prospecting platform. It helps you find what you don't have yet. The HubSpot acquisition changed the calculus. Pre-acquisition, Clearbit was a standalone product competing across CRM ecosystems. Now it's a HubSpot feature. If you're on HubSpot, the choice is straightforward: use Breeze Intelligence for enrichment and add ZoomInfo only if you need outbound prospecting at scale. If you're on Salesforce, Clearbit's standalone future is uncertain, and ZoomInfo is the more reliable long-term bet. The job posting gap (7 vs 85) reflects the market reality. ZoomInfo has become essential infrastructure for enterprise sales orgs. Clearbit was always more of a developer tool and growth hack than a must-have enterprise platform. HubSpot's acquisition validates Clearbit's technology but also signals that it's becoming a feature rather than a standalone company.
Questions to Ask Before Buying
- Do you need to find new prospects or just enrich existing records? This is the fundamental question that separates the two use cases.
- Which CRM are you on? If HubSpot, Clearbit is already available to you. If Salesforce, ZoomInfo's integration is more mature.
- Do you need intent data? If so, ZoomInfo is the only option between these two.
- What's your enrichment volume? High-volume enrichment can consume HubSpot credits quickly. Check your plan's included credits.
- Are you building product features on top of the data? Clearbit's API is better for real-time product use cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clearbit still available as a standalone product?
As of 2024, Clearbit has been rebranded to Breeze Intelligence and integrated into HubSpot. Existing standalone Clearbit customers were transitioned. New customers access Clearbit's data through HubSpot. The long-term availability of Clearbit outside HubSpot is unclear.
Can I use both Clearbit and ZoomInfo?
Yes, and some teams do. The common setup is using Clearbit (via HubSpot) for automated CRM enrichment and ZoomInfo for outbound prospecting and intent data. It's redundant for enrichment but complementary for the full go-to-market workflow.
Which has better data accuracy?
ZoomInfo has broader coverage with more contact records. Clearbit's company-level data (firmographics, technographics) is considered highly accurate, often cited as best-in-class for firmographic enrichment. For direct contact data like phone numbers and personal emails, ZoomInfo has the edge.