Instantly vs Mailshake: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Instantly and Mailshake 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:
Instantly
Cold email outreach platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.5/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need cold email features specifically
- • Instantly is an email outreach platform for scaling cold email campaigns
- • It manages multiple inboxes, warms up domains, and automates follow-ups
Mailshake
Sales engagement for modern sales teams
Best for you if:
- • You need sales engagement features specifically
- • You need sales engagement for modern sales teams
- • You need professional-grade features
| At a Glance |  Instantly | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Cold Email | Sales Engagement |
Rating | 75/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Instantly | Mailshake |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 75 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 195 |
| Categories | Cold EmailEmail Deliverability | Sales EngagementCold Email |
Understanding the Differences
Both Instantly and Mailshake solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Instantly positions itself as "cold email outreach platform" while Mailshakefocuses on "sales engagement for modern sales teams". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Instantly
Instantly makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 75/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Mailshake
Mailshake 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: Mailshake
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Instantly handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Instantly
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Instantly is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Instantly
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Instantly—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 Instantly higher (75/100). But the community has upvoted Mailshake more (195 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Instantly Does Better
- Higher overall score (75/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Mailshake 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 Instantly (75/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Instantly scores higher in our analysis, but Mailshake 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 Instantly or Mailshake better?
Based on our analysis, Instantly scores higher with 75/100. Instantly ispaid while Mailshake 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 Instantly to Mailshake 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 Instantly and Mailshake offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Instantly is paid with potential trial.Mailshake is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.