Apollo vs Freshsales: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Apollo and Freshsales 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: Freshsales is our overall pick for CRM workflows. 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 need something completely free
- • Combines data provider, outreach platform, dialer, enrichment, and CRM into one tool.
- • Automates outbound sequences and inbound lead conversion to book more meetings.
Freshsales
AI-powered Sales CRM to streamline sales, boost conversions, and grow your pipeline.
Best for you if:
- • AI-powered CRM for lead generation, qualification, and tracking.
- • Automates tasks and provides AI-driven insights for sales efficiency.
| At a Glance |  Apollo |  Freshsales |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | CRM | CRM |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Apollo or Freshsales?
Choose Apollo if
Unify sales data, outreach, and CRM to fill your calendar
- Replaces multiple sales tools, reducing cost and complexity.
- Large, searchable B2B contact database for prospecting.
- Automates repetitive outreach tasks to save time.
- You want a fully free tool (Freshsales requires payment)
Choose Freshsales if
AI-powered Sales CRM to streamline sales, boost conversions, and grow your pipeline.
- Good CRM
- Fair pricing
- Good features
| Feature | Apollo | Freshsales |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 10,198 reviews | ★4.5/5 1,842 reviews |
| Categories | CRMSales Engagement | CRMSales Engagement |
In-Depth Analysis
Apollo
Unify sales data, outreach, and CRM to fill your calendar
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
Value 95/100. 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
Freshsales
AI-powered Sales CRM to streamline sales, boost conversions, and grow your pipeline.
Strengths
- +Good CRM
- +Fair pricing
- +Good features
- +Active development
- +Freshworks ecosystem
Weaknesses
- -Per-user pricing
- -Learning curve
- -Better alternatives exist
- -Feature gaps
- -Support varies
Key features
Value 85/100. Freshsales offers a very generous Free tier for up to 3 users, making it accessible for small teams.
Watch out: Per-user pricing scales quickly.
Pricing: Apollo vs Freshsales
| Plan | Apollo | Freshsales |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Starter | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $9 Growth |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $39 Pro |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $59 Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Apollo pricing and Freshsales pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Apollo is free. Freshsales is freemium.
Go with: Apollo
Want the highest-rated option?
Apollo: 4.6/5 (10,198 reviews). Freshsales: 4.5/5 (1,842 reviews).
Go with: Apollo
Value user reviews?
Apollo: 10,198 reviews (4.6/5). Freshsales: 1,842 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Apollo
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Apollo is free. Freshsales is freemium. 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?
Apollo is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
Freshsales
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Apollo
- Completely free
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.5/5
- Larger review base (10,198 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Freshsales is our pick. That said, Apollo is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apollo or Freshsales better?
Freshsales is rated in our evaluation. Apollo is free and Freshsales is freemium.
What are Apollo and Freshsales used for?
Apollo: Unify sales data, outreach, and CRM to fill your calendar. Freshsales: AI-powered Sales CRM to streamline sales, boost conversions, and grow your pipeline..
What does Apollo cost vs Freshsales?
Apollo is completely free. Freshsales is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.