Apollo.io vs Extruct AI: Which One Deserves Your Money?
Two user acquisition tools, one budget. We compared Apollo.io and Extruct AI head-to-head — real pricing, real features, honest verdict. No affiliate games.
Updated February 2026 · Cold outreach
| Feature |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $49/month | $59/month |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Free Tier | ||
| Free Trial | 14 days | 7 days |
| Best For | Startups | Startups |
| Tool Type | Best-value |
Apollo.io vs Extruct AI — Quick Summary
Who each tool is built for, what it does best, and how much effort it takes to get started.
| Tool | Best for | Strength | Setup effort | Ideal ICP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early-stage startups | Strong features at a fraction of enterprise pricing | Low | Bootstrapped founders + indie hackers |
| Customer relationships + sales | Specialized tool that does one thing exceptionally well | Low | Solo founders, SMBs, and early teams |
At a Glance
What Each Tool Does
Apollo.io
Apollo.io is a tool for sales teams to find leads and close deals faster. It combines data, outreach, and CRM tasks in one place.
Standout features:
- •Huge contact database — helps find the right leads quickly.
- •AI-driven outreach — automates emails and follow-ups.
- •Real-time data updates — keeps contact info fresh and accurate.
Limitations:
- •Might be complex for small teams — some features may not be needed.
- •Learning curve for beginners — requires time to get used to all tools.
Pricing: Free plan available, with paid plans for more features.
Extruct AI
Extruct AI helps you build perfect lead lists for your business. Use natural language to search your CRM, find niche companies, and get detailed data.
Standout features:
- •Natural language search — no need for complex filters.
- •Auto-enriched profiles — always have up-to-date info.
- •Find niche companies — beyond LinkedIn categories.
Limitations:
- •May require initial setup time — users who want quick results might find this challenging.
- •Advanced features might overwhelm beginners — best for users familiar with data tools.
Pricing: Check website for pricing details.
Growth Hacker Verdict
Solid choice for B2B sales teams and marketers with established processes. Enterprise-level pricing means it's tailored for companies ready to invest in robust automation and enrichment features. Apollo.io stands out with its AI-driven automation across outbound and inbound, reducing manual workload and enhancing lead quality.
Ideal for teams looking to optimize complex sales pipelines, but the initial setup might be overkill for smaller or less mature teams.
Without public pricing, it's tough to give a definitive verdict, but Extruct AI sounds like a hidden gem if you're in business development or sales targeting niche markets. Its natural language search and custom AI agents offer a unique edge over competitors like Apollo.io and Hunter, especially for deep, tailored research.
However, if you need real-time updates, you might want to look elsewhere until more integration details are available. If you can get a quote that fits your budget, it's definitely worth a demo.
TL;DR — Apollo.io vs Extruct AI
Choose Apollo.io if you want maximum value for your money — does 80% of what the big names do at a fraction of the cost. Starts at $49/month. Free tier available — no credit card needed.
Choose Extruct AI if you want a specialized tool that does one thing exceptionally well. Starts at $59/month.
On price alone, Apollo.io wins at $49/month. But cheaper isn't always better — check the feature breakdown above.
When to Choose Apollo.io Over Extruct AI
Apollo.io is a best-value user acquisition tool built for startups, starting at $49/month. Apollo.io streamlines sales processes with AI-powered tools for lead generation, data enrichment, and automated outreach.
Choose Apollo.io if:
- Early-stage startups — This is where Apollo.io shines. Strong features at a fraction of enterprise pricing.
- Setup effort: Low — You can be up and running in minutes, not days.
- Free tier available — You can test Apollo.io without a credit card. Try it alongside Extruct AI and see which fits your workflow.
- Ideal for: Bootstrapped founders + indie hackers
See all Extruct AI alternatives or browse the User acquisition directory.
When to Choose Extruct AI Over Apollo.io
Extruct AI is a niche user acquisition tool built for startups, starting at $59/month. Extruct AI provides AI-driven company intelligence, enabling users to build niche lead lists and enhance CRM data with ease.
Choose Extruct AI if:
- Customer relationships + sales — Specialized tool that does one thing exceptionally well.
- Setup effort: Low — Quick onboarding with minimal configuration needed.
- Pricing starts at $59/month — Compare what you get at each pricing tier, not just the starting price.
- Ideal for: Solo founders, SMBs, and early teams
See all Apollo.io alternatives or browse the User acquisition directory.
Apollo.io vs Extruct AI: Pricing Breakdown
Let's talk money — because that's usually what drives the decision for startups and growth teams.
Apollo.io starts at $49/month with 4 pricing tiers. Free tier included. Priced for startups — won't wreck your runway.
Extruct AI starts at $59/month with 3 pricing tiers. 7-day free trial available. Startup-friendly pricing.
Our take: Apollo.io is the more affordable option at $49/month vs $59/month. But cheaper isn't always better — compare what you get at each tier before deciding. We always list monthly billing rates — not the discounted annual price that makes everything look cheaper.
FAQ: Apollo.io vs Extruct AI
Is Apollo.io better than Extruct AI in 2026?
It depends on your team size, budget, and priorities. Apollo.io is a best-value user acquisition tool built for startups, starting at $49/month. Extruct AI is a niche option aimed at startups, starting at $59/month. See the feature comparison above for a detailed side-by-side.
Which is cheaper, Apollo.io or Extruct AI?
Apollo.io starts at $49/month, while Extruct AI starts at $59/month. Apollo.io is more affordable on paper. Keep in mind: the cheapest plan isn't always the best deal. Compare what you get at each tier, not just the starting price. We always list monthly billing rates, not discounted annual prices.
Can I use both Apollo.io and Extruct AI together?
Both are cold outreach tools, so most teams pick one to avoid redundancy and extra costs. That said, some teams use both for different segments or use cases — just make sure the overlap doesn't waste your budget.
Does Apollo.io or Extruct AI have a free tier?
Apollo.io offers a free tier, while Extruct AI does not. If you want to test before buying, Apollo.io has the advantage here.
How do I switch from Apollo.io to Extruct AI (or vice versa)?
Most user acquisition tools support data export. Start by exporting your data from your current tool, then check the new tool's import documentation. Many offer migration assistance or onboarding calls to help with the switch.
