| Feature |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $49/month | $49/month |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free Tier | ||
| Free Trial | 14 days | |
| Best For | Startups | Startups |
| Tool Type | Best-value |
Hunter vs Apollo.io — Quick Summary
Who each tool is built for, what it does best, and how much effort it takes to get started.
At a Glance
What Each Tool Does
Hunter
Hunter helps you find and verify email addresses. It's a tool for reaching out to the right people.
Standout features:
- •Domain Search — find contacts from any company.
- •Email Finder — get verified emails with just a name.
- •Email Verifier — avoid bounces, protect your reputation.
Limitations:
- •Focuses on email only — not for those needing broader contact methods.
- •Requires some manual searching — not fully automated.
Pricing: Free plan available, paid plans start at $49/month.
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.
Growth Hacker Verdict
Solid choice for sales and marketing pros who need reliable email finding and verification. Pricing isn't public but expect it to be enterprise-level given the target market. Hunter's strength lies in its seamless email verification and domain search features, making it a go-to for teams looking to streamline outreach.
Ideal for established businesses and funded startups focused on scaling lead generation, but if you're just starting out and need more budget-friendly options, consider looking elsewhere.
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.
TL;DR — Hunter vs Apollo.io
Choose Hunter 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 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.
On price alone, Hunter wins at $49/month. But cheaper isn't always better — check the feature breakdown above.
When to Choose Hunter Over Apollo.io
Hunter is a best-value user acquisition tool built for startups, starting at $49/month. Hunter is a powerful tool designed to locate email addresses and facilitate cold email outreach to potential leads.
Choose Hunter if:
- Early-stage startups — This is where Hunter 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 Hunter without a credit card. Try it alongside Apollo.io and see which fits your workflow.
- Ideal for: Bootstrapped founders + indie hackers
See all Apollo.io alternatives or browse the User acquisition directory.
When to Choose Apollo.io Over Hunter
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 — Strong features at a fraction of enterprise pricing.
- Setup effort: Low — Quick onboarding with minimal configuration needed.
- Free tier available — Test Apollo.io risk-free before committing any budget.
- Ideal for: Bootstrapped founders + indie hackers
See all Hunter alternatives or browse the User acquisition directory.
Hunter vs Apollo.io: Pricing Breakdown
Let's talk money — because that's usually what drives the decision for startups and growth teams.
Hunter starts at $49/month with 5 pricing tiers. Free tier included. Priced for startups — won't wreck your runway.
Apollo.io starts at $49/month with 4 pricing tiers. Free tier included. Startup-friendly pricing.
Our take: Both tools start at the same price point. The decision comes down to features and fit, not cost. We always list monthly billing rates — not the discounted annual price that makes everything look cheaper.
FAQ: Hunter vs Apollo.io
Is Hunter better than Apollo.io in 2026?
It depends on your team size, budget, and priorities. Hunter is a best-value user acquisition tool built for startups, starting at $49/month. Apollo.io is a best-value option aimed at startups, starting at $49/month. See the feature comparison above for a detailed side-by-side.
Which is cheaper, Hunter or Apollo.io?
Hunter starts at $49/month, while Apollo.io starts at $49/month. Hunter 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 Hunter and Apollo.io 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 Hunter or Apollo.io have a free tier?
Both Hunter and Apollo.io offer free tiers. You can try each without a credit card and see which fits your workflow before spending anything.
How do I switch from Hunter to Apollo.io (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.
