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.
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:
- • Act-On is an agile marketing automation platform offering a comprehensive suite of tools for enterprises.
- • It features AI-powered analytics, segmentation, and email capabilities, alongside strong customer support and flexible pricing.
Eloqua
Enterprise marketing automation by Oracle
Best for you if:
- • Enterprise B2B marketing automation with AI-powered campaign orchestration
- • Best suited for large organizations with complex multi-channel funnels
| At a Glance |  Act-On |  Eloqua |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Contact/moProfessional | Paid |
Best For | Marketing Automation | Marketing Automation |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Act-On or Eloqua?
Choose Act-On if
Marketing automation for growth
- 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.
Choose Eloqua if
Enterprise marketing automation by Oracle
- Extremely powerful campaign orchestration for complex B2B funnels
- Deep CRM integration with Salesforce, Oracle CX, and Microsoft
- Sophisticated lead scoring across multiple models simultaneously
| Feature | Act-On | Eloqua |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Contact | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.2/5 229 reviews | ★3.9/5 558 reviews |
| Categories | Marketing AutomationEmail Marketing | Marketing AutomationLead Generation |
In-Depth Analysis
Act-On
Marketing automation for growth
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
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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Act-On
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Eloqua
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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Eloqua
- Larger review base (558 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Act-On
- Higher user rating: 4.2/5 vs 3.9/5
The Bottom Line
Eloqua is our 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.