Crayon vs Apollo.io: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Crayon and Apollo.io 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:
Crayon
Drive more competitive wins with automated competitive intelligence and AI-powered insights.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • You need competitive intelligence features specifically
- • Automates competitive intelligence gathering and analysis using AI.
- • Creates actionable content like battlecards and enables sales teams with real-time insights.
Apollo.io
Sales intelligence platform
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need sales intelligence features specifically
- • Apollo.io is a sales intelligence platform for finding and engaging B2B prospects
- • It provides contact data, email sequences, and CRM integration for outbound sales
| At a Glance |  Crayon |  Apollo.io |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Competitive Intelligence | Sales Intelligence |
Rating | 88/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Crayon | Apollo.io |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Competitive IntelligenceSales Intelligence | Sales IntelligenceSales Engagement |
Understanding the Differences
Both Crayon and Apollo.io solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Crayon positions itself as "drive more competitive wins with automated competitive intelligence and ai-powered insights." while Apollo.iofocuses on "sales intelligence platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Crayon
Crayon makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 88/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Apollo.io
Apollo.io is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Apollo.io won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Apollo.io
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Crayon handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Crayon
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Crayon is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Crayon
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Apollo.io has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Crayon higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Apollo.io more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Crayon Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Apollo.io If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Crayon (88/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Crayon scores higher in our analysis, but Apollo.io might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crayon or Apollo.io better?
Based on our analysis, Crayon scores higher with 88/100. Crayon ispaid while Apollo.io is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Crayon to Apollo.io easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Crayon and Apollo.io offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Crayon is paid with potential trial.Apollo.io is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.