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Head-to-head · Inside Sales Software

Apollo vs Close

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Apollo #3 in Inside Sales Software 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Apollo
Close #5 in Inside Sales Software 8.5/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Close

Apollo leads on 1 check, Close on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreApollo · 8.7/10
  • Free planonly Apollo
  • Free trialonly Close
  • Most featuresClose · 1 of 5

Apollo scores higher on our rubric for inside sales software: 8.7 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.

Apollo offers free plan; Close doesn't.

Apollo is the better fit for teams prioritizing prospect data and outreach workflows. Close is the better fit for small teams wanting an affordable calling CRM.

  • Apollo fits best

    Teams prioritizing prospect data and outreach workflows

  • Close fits best

    Small teams wanting an affordable calling CRM

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Apollo 8.7/10 Visit ↗ Close 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.7 8.5
Ranking #3 in Inside Sales Software #5 in Inside Sales Software
Best for Teams prioritizing prospect data and outreach workflows Small teams wanting an affordable calling CRM
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price Free plan $9/user/mo
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Cloud, Browser extension Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Chrome extension Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support Email, Docs, Community Email, Phone, Community, Docs
Compliance SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, 2FA SOC 2, GDPR, 2FA
Integrations 200+ integrations 100+ integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Apollo 0/5 · Close 1/5
Power dialer Not checked yet Not checked yet
Sales engagement Not checked yet Not checked yet
Lead routing Not checked yet Not checked yet
Call recording Not checked yet Not checked yet
Email sync Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Outreach channels Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Search 275+ million verified B2B contacts with detailed filters.
  • Combine intent data, direct-dial numbers, and AI research for qualification.
  • Connect workflows with 200 integrations, CRM sync, and API access.
  • Built-in calling, SMS, email sync and pipeline management
  • Automated workflows with email, call, SMS and task steps
  • Web, desktop and mobile apps with API access
Cons
  • Prospecting and workflow automation outweigh built-in calling or sequencing.
  • API access is limited to Custom plans.
  • Plan prices and export allowances are not clear from the pricing information.
  • No free plan; advanced controls require higher-priced tiers
  • Telephony usage and AI credits may be billed separately
  • Predictive dialing and live coaching start on Scale
Our verdict

Apollo brings prospect research and sales engagement into one platform for sales, marketing, and revenue operations teams. Its searchable people and company records can be filtered by job title, location, company size, industry, and buying…

Read the review →

Close is a sales CRM for founders, solo representatives and sales teams. It combines lead and contact management with opportunity pipelines, two-way email synchronization, built-in calling and SMS, reporting, forms, task management and…

Read the review →
  1. ApolloInside Sales Software 8.7Free plan
  2. CloseInside Sales Software 8.514-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Apollo — where it wins

    • Search 275+ million verified B2B contacts with detailed filters.
    • Combine intent data, direct-dial numbers, and AI research for qualification.
    • Connect workflows with 200 integrations, CRM sync, and API access.

    Where it doesn't

    • Prospecting and workflow automation outweigh built-in calling or sequencing.
    • API access is limited to Custom plans.
    • Plan prices and export allowances are not clear from the pricing information.

  • Close — where it wins

    • Built-in calling, SMS, email sync and pipeline management
    • Automated workflows with email, call, SMS and task steps
    • Web, desktop and mobile apps with API access

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan; advanced controls require higher-priced tiers
    • Telephony usage and AI credits may be billed separately
    • Predictive dialing and live coaching start on Scale
  • Apollo8.7/10 · Free plan

    Apollo pairs a large prospect database with intent filters, enrichment, and workflow automation.

    Visit ApolloFull verdict →
  • Close8.5/10 · 14-day trial

    A calling-first CRM for small teams, with advanced controls reserved for higher tiers.

    Visit CloseFull verdict →

More comparisons

All inside sales software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update