Apollo vs Close: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Apollo and Close 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: Close wins this matchup. HubSpot is our overall CRM pick. HubSpot is our free CRM pick. Pick Apollo if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Apollo
Unify sales data, outreach, and CRM to fill your calendar
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Close requires payment)
- • You want replaces multiple sales tools, reducing cost and complexity
- • You want large, searchable B2B contact database for prospecting
Close
CRM for fast-moving sales teams to close more deals
Best for you if:
- • You want excellent built-in communication tools
- • You want fast and intuitive interface
| At a Glance | Apollo | Close |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $19/monthStarter |
Best For | CRM | CRM |
Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Apollo or Close?
Choose Apollo if
Unify sales data, outreach, and CRM to fill your calendar
- You want a fully free tool (Close requires payment)
- You want replaces multiple sales tools, reducing cost and complexity
- You want large, searchable B2B contact database for prospecting
Choose Close if
CRM for fast-moving sales teams to close more deals
- You want excellent built-in communication tools
- You want fast and intuitive interface
| Feature | Apollo | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 9,826 reviews | ★4.7/5 2,089 reviews |
| Categories | CRMSales Engagement | CRMSales Engagement |
In-Depth Analysis
Apollo
Unify sales data, outreach, and CRM to fill your calendar
The pricing is exceptionally generous as the entire platform is free, making it an unbeatable value for any budget.
Watch out
Overage fees for exceeding contact storage limits
Strengths
- +Replaces multiple sales tools, reducing cost and complexity.
- +Large, searchable B2B contact database for prospecting.
- +Automates repetitive outreach tasks to save time.
Weaknesses
- -Free tier has limited credits and features.
- -Data accuracy can vary for some contacts.
Key features
Close
CRM for fast-moving sales teams to close more deals
Close's pricing is fair for small teams starting with the Starter plan at $19/month, offering essential CRM features.
Watch out
Per-user pricing for Professional/Enterprise tiers adds up quickly.
Strengths
- +Excellent built-in communication tools
- +Fast and intuitive interface
- +Good for high-volume sales
- +Strong automation features
Weaknesses
- -Less suitable for complex sales cycles
- -Limited marketing features
- -Can be expensive per user
Key features
Pricing: Apollo vs Close
| Plan | Apollo | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Starter | $19 month Starter |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $99 month per user Professional |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $139 month per user Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Apollo pricing and Close pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Apollo is free. Close is paid.
Go with: Apollo
Want the highest-rated option?
Apollo: 4.7/5 (9,826 reviews). Close: 4.7/5 (2,089 reviews).
Go with: Apollo
Value user reviews?
Apollo: 9,826 reviews (4.7/5). Close: 2,089 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Apollo
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Apollo is free. Close is paid. Go with Apollo if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are crm tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Both are rated 4.7/5.
Key Takeaways
Close
- Our pick for this comparison
Apollo
- Completely free
- Larger review base (9,826 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Close wins this matchup. HubSpot is our overall CRM pick. HubSpot is our free CRM pick. That said, Apollo is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apollo or Close better?
Close is rated in our evaluation. Apollo is free and Close is paid.
What are Apollo and Close used for?
Apollo: Unify sales data, outreach, and CRM to fill your calendar. Close: CRM for fast-moving sales teams to close more deals.
What does Apollo cost vs Close?
Apollo is completely free. Close is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.