| Feature |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $49/month | $134/month |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Free Tier | ||
| Free Trial | ||
| Best For | Startups | Startups |
| Tool Type |
Hunter vs Clay — 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.
Clay
Clay helps you manage data for your go-to-market strategies. It combines AI agents, enrichment, and intent data for actionable insights.
Standout features:
- •Access data from 150+ providers — find new leads and personalize outreach.
- •AI-led research with Claygent — discover unique data points easily.
- •Automate lead enrichment and CRM updates — save time on manual tasks.
Limitations:
- •Could be complex for small teams — might be too much for basic needs.
- •Requires understanding of data tools — not beginner-friendly.
Pricing: Start building for free.
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 if you're on a RevOps or growth team looking for a comprehensive GTM solution with unique data insights and AI capabilities. Without public pricing, it's tough to gauge exact value, but if you're comparing to Extruct AI's $49/month, Clay feels like a more robust option for larger teams needing advanced features.
Skip it if you're a small team with simpler needs; in that case, Extruct AI or one-task solutions like Hunter might be more cost-effective. Ideal for those ready to invest in scalable, flexible data-driven strategies.
TL;DR — Hunter vs Clay
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 Clay if you want maximum value for your money — does 80% of what the big names do at a fraction of the cost. Starts at $134/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 Clay
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 Clay and see which fits your workflow.
- Ideal for: Bootstrapped founders + indie hackers
See all Clay alternatives or browse the User acquisition directory.
When to Choose Clay Over Hunter
Clay is a best-value user acquisition tool built for startups, starting at $134/month. Clay empowers GTM teams with AI-driven insights and automated workflows for seamless market engagement.
Choose Clay if:
- Workflow automation — Strong features at a fraction of enterprise pricing.
- Setup effort: Low — Quick onboarding with minimal configuration needed.
- Free tier available — Test Clay risk-free before committing any budget.
- Ideal for: Bootstrapped founders + indie hackers
See all Hunter alternatives or browse the User acquisition directory.
Hunter vs Clay: 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.
Clay starts at $134/month with 5 pricing tiers. Free tier included. Startup-friendly pricing.
Our take: Hunter is the more affordable option at $49/month vs $134/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: Hunter vs Clay
Is Hunter better than Clay 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. Clay is a best-value option aimed at startups, starting at $134/month. See the feature comparison above for a detailed side-by-side.
Which is cheaper, Hunter or Clay?
Hunter starts at $49/month, while Clay starts at $134/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 Clay 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 Clay have a free tier?
Both Hunter and Clay 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 Clay (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.
