Crayon vs Clay: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Crayon and Clay 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 8.7/10)
- • 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.
Clay
Data enrichment for GTM
Best for you if:
- • You need lead generation features specifically
- • Creative data enrichment for GTM teams
- • Combine 75+ data sources automatically
| At a Glance |  Crayon |  Clay |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Competitive Intelligence | Lead Generation |
Rating | 88/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | Crayon | Clay |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 169 |
| Categories | Competitive IntelligenceSales Intelligence | Lead GenerationSales Intelligence |
Understanding the Differences
Both Crayon and Clay 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 Clayfocuses on "data enrichment for gtm". 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 Clay
Clay is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Clay
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?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Crayon—it scored higher.
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 Clay more (169 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Crayon Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Clay If
- 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 Clay 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 Clay better?
Based on our analysis, Crayon scores higher with 88/100. Crayon ispaid while Clay is paid. 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 Clay 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 Clay offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Crayon is paid with potential trial.Clay is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.