Cognism vs Apollo (2026) Compared
If you're selling into Europe, this comparison matters more than any other. If you're US-only, it's not even close.
The Short Version
Cognism is the better choice for teams selling into EMEA markets. Its phone-verified mobile numbers and GDPR-compliant database are hard to match. Apollo wins for US-focused teams that want contact data, email sequences, and a dialer in one platform at a fraction of the price. Cognism costs 3-5x more than Apollo but delivers significantly better European contact data. Your market focus should drive this decision.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Cognism | Apollo.io |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ~$15,000/yr | $49/user/mo |
| Free Tier | No | Yes (limited) |
| EMEA Data Quality | Excellent, phone-verified | Moderate, less coverage |
| US Data Quality | Good | Strong |
| Mobile Numbers | Phone-verified, 98% accuracy claimed | Available but not verified |
| GDPR Compliance | Built-in, DNC list checking | Basic compliance features |
| Built-in Outreach | No (data only) | Yes (sequences, dialer, email) |
| Integrations | Salesforce, HubSpot, Outreach | 200+ integrations |
| Job Demand | 4 postings | 37 postings |
| Best For | EMEA-focused enterprise teams | US-focused growth teams |
Deep Dive: Cognism
What They're Selling
Cognism's pitch is simple: better European data than anyone else. They phone-verify mobile numbers, check against Do Not Call lists across European countries, and maintain GDPR compliance at the database level. If your SDRs are calling prospects in the UK, Germany, or France, Cognism's data accuracy is a real competitive edge.
What It Actually Costs
Cognism doesn't publish pricing. Based on market data, most contracts start at $15,000/year for a small team. Mid-market deals land at $25K-$50K/year. Enterprise contracts can exceed $75K/year. There's no free tier and no self-serve signup. You're talking to sales from day one.
What Users Say
Teams selling into EMEA consistently rate Cognism's mobile data as the best available. The phone-verified numbers save hours of wasted dials. Complaints center on price (it's expensive for what you get beyond data), limited US coverage compared to ZoomInfo or Apollo, and the lack of built-in outreach tools.
Pros
- Best-in-class European mobile number accuracy
- Phone-verified data reduces wasted dials
- Built-in GDPR compliance and DNC checking
- Strong UK, DACH, and Nordics coverage
Cons
- Expensive at $15K-$50K/year with no free tier
- No built-in outreach or sequencing tools
- US data quality doesn't match ZoomInfo or Apollo
- Small job market (4 postings) limits hiring
Deep Dive: Apollo.io
What They're Selling
Apollo is the all-in-one play: 275M+ contacts, email sequences, a dialer, intent data, and deal tracking in one platform. At $49/user/mo for the Basic plan, it's the most affordable full-stack prospecting tool on the market. The free tier (60 credits/mo) lets teams test before buying.
What It Actually Costs
Free tier gives 60 mobile credits/month. Basic is $49/user/mo. Professional is $79/user/mo with more credits and advanced features. Organization is $119/user/mo. A 5-person SDR team on Professional: $4,740/year. That's a fraction of Cognism's cost. No mandatory annual contracts on lower tiers.
What Users Say
Users love the value proposition. Data + outreach + dialer for under $100/user/mo is unmatched. The US data quality is strong. The weak spots: European data is thinner and less accurate than Cognism, mobile numbers aren't phone-verified, and data freshness can lag for smaller companies.
Pros
- All-in-one: data, sequences, dialer, intent
- 275M+ contact database at budget pricing
- Free tier for testing before committing
- Strong US data coverage and accuracy
Cons
- European data quality trails Cognism significantly
- Mobile numbers aren't phone-verified
- Data freshness issues for SMB contacts
- Credit system can limit heavy prospectors
Which Should You Pick?
The Honest Take
This decision comes down to geography. If 50%+ of your pipeline is in EMEA, Cognism's phone-verified data and GDPR compliance save your team hours per day on wasted dials and compliance headaches. The premium is justified. If you're US-focused, paying 3-5x more for Cognism makes no sense when Apollo gives you comparable US data plus built-in outreach tools. The hybrid play works too: some teams use Cognism for EMEA prospecting and Apollo for US outreach. It's not cheap, but it gives you the best data in both markets.
Questions to Ask Before Buying
- What percentage of your target accounts are in EMEA vs North America?
- Do your SDRs primarily prospect via phone or email?
- Do you already have a sales engagement platform (Outreach, Salesloft), or do you need one included?
- What's your annual budget for prospecting data and tools per SDR?
- How important is GDPR compliance and DNC list checking for your sales process?
- How many mobile numbers does your team dial per day?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cognism worth the price vs Apollo?
For EMEA-focused teams, yes. Cognism's phone-verified European mobile numbers deliver 2-3x better connect rates. If your SDRs make 50+ calls/day into Europe, the time saved on bad numbers justifies the $15K+/year cost. For US-focused teams, Apollo provides comparable value at 20-30% of the cost.
Can Apollo replace Cognism for European data?
Not effectively. Apollo's European data is thinner, mobile numbers aren't phone-verified, and GDPR compliance features are more basic. Teams that switch from Cognism to Apollo for EMEA prospecting consistently report lower connect rates and more bounced contacts.
Do I need both Cognism and Apollo?
If you sell into both EMEA and the US, the dual-stack approach works well. Use Cognism for European phone prospecting and Apollo for US outreach with sequences. Budget about $20K-$30K/year total for a small team running both.