Act-On vs Eloqua: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Act-On and Eloqua comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Eloqua wins this matchup. HubSpot is our overall Marketing Automation pick. HubSpot is our free Marketing Automation pick. Pick Act-On if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Act-On
Marketing automation for growth
Best for you if:
- • You want flexible pricing model based on active contacts marketed to, not total database size
- • You want comprehensive suite of marketing automation tools including email, analytics, lead generation, lead scoring, and sales enablement
Eloqua
Enterprise marketing automation by Oracle
Best for you if:
- • You want extremely powerful campaign orchestration for complex B2B funnels
- • You want deep CRM integration with Salesforce, Oracle CX, and Microsoft
| At a Glance | Act-On | Eloqua |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | Custom |
Best For | Marketing Automation | Marketing Automation |
Rating | 4.2/5 | 3.9/5 |
Free plan | - | No |
Choose Act-On or Eloqua?
Choose Act-On if
Marketing automation for growth
- You want flexible pricing model based on active contacts marketed to, not total database size
- You want comprehensive suite of marketing automation tools including email, analytics, lead generation, lead scoring, and sales enablement
Choose Eloqua if
Enterprise marketing automation by Oracle
- You want extremely powerful campaign orchestration for complex B2B funnels
- You want deep CRM integration with Salesforce, Oracle CX, and Microsoft
| Feature | Act-On | Eloqua |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Contact | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.2/5 1,558 reviews | ★3.9/5 641 reviews |
| Categories | Marketing AutomationEmail Marketing | Marketing AutomationLead Generation |
In-Depth Analysis
Act-On
Marketing automation for growth
However, this often indicates a higher price point, likely placing it in the expensive category compared to market averages for similar feature sets.
Watch out
Potential onboarding/setup fees
Strengths
- +Flexible pricing model based on active contacts marketed to, not total database size.
- +Comprehensive suite of marketing automation tools including email, analytics, lead generation, lead scoring, and sales enablement.
- +Strong emphasis on customer support and professional services, including implementation and migration assistance.
- +Advanced AI capabilities for marketing analytics, segmentation, and email content generation.
- +High email deliverability rates due to proprietary SMTP servers and expert services, ensuring compliance with regulations like CAN-SPAM, CCPA, GDPR, and HIPAA.
Weaknesses
- -Specific pricing details are not transparently listed and require contacting sales for a quote.
- -While AI is mentioned, the extent of its application across all features isn't fully detailed.
- -The platform's complexity for new users or smaller teams without dedicated marketing resources is not explicitly addressed.
Key features
Eloqua
Enterprise marketing automation by Oracle
It's best suited for large organizations with complex marketing needs and substantial budgets.
Watch out
Implementation and onboarding services
Strengths
- +Extremely powerful campaign orchestration for complex B2B funnels
- +Deep CRM integration with Salesforce, Oracle CX, and Microsoft
- +Sophisticated lead scoring across multiple models simultaneously
- +Enterprise-grade security on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure
- +Extensive marketplace with 500+ prebuilt connectors
Weaknesses
- -Steep learning curve requiring dedicated admin resources
- -Enterprise pricing puts it out of reach for SMBs
- -UI feels dated compared to newer marketing automation tools
- -Implementation and onboarding can take months
- -Overkill for companies with simple email marketing needs
Key features
Pricing: Act-On vs Eloqua
| Plan | Act-On | Eloqua |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Contact Professional | N/A |
| Tier 2 | Contact Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Act-On pricing and Eloqua pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are contact. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Eloqua
Want the highest-rated option?
Act-On: 4.2/5 (1,558 reviews). Eloqua: 3.9/5 (641 reviews).
Go with: Act-On
Value user reviews?
Act-On: 1,558 reviews (4.2/5). Eloqua: 641 reviews (3.9/5).
Go with: Act-On
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Act-On is contact. Eloqua is paid.
What's your use case?
Both are marketing automation tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Act-On is rated higher: 4.2/5 vs 3.9/5.
Key Takeaways
Eloqua
- Our pick for this comparison
Act-On
- Higher user rating: 4.2/5 vs 3.9/5
- Larger review base (1,558 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Eloqua wins this matchup. HubSpot is our overall Marketing Automation pick. HubSpot is our free Marketing Automation pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Act-On or Eloqua better?
Eloqua is rated in our evaluation. Act-On is contact and Eloqua is paid.
What are Act-On and Eloqua used for?
Act-On: Marketing automation for growth. Eloqua: Enterprise marketing automation by Oracle.
What does Act-On cost vs Eloqua?
Act-On is a paid tool. Eloqua is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.