LinkedIn Sales Navigator vs Clay: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between LinkedIn Sales Navigator 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:
LinkedIn Sales Navigator
B2B sales tool for finding leads
Best for you if:
- • You need sales engagement features specifically
- • You need b2b sales tool for finding leads
- • You need professional-grade features
Clay
Data enrichment for GTM
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need lead generation features specifically
- • Creative data enrichment for GTM teams
- • Combine 75+ data sources automatically
| At a Glance |  Clay | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Sales Engagement | Lead Generation |
Rating | —/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | LinkedIn Sales Navigator | Clay |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 48 | 169 |
| Categories | Sales EngagementLead Generation | Lead GenerationSales Intelligence |
Understanding the Differences
Both LinkedIn Sales Navigator and Clay solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.LinkedIn Sales Navigator positions itself as "b2b sales tool for finding leads" while Clayfocuses on "data enrichment for gtm". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose LinkedIn Sales Navigator
LinkedIn Sales Navigator makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Clay
Clay is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool. Scoring 87/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
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. Clay is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Clay
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. LinkedIn Sales Navigator is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: LinkedIn Sales Navigator
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Clay—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 Clay higher (87/100). But the community has upvoted Clay more (169 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Clay Does Better
- Higher overall score (87/100)
- More community upvotes
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider LinkedIn Sales Navigator 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 Clay (87/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Clay scores higher in our analysis, but LinkedIn Sales Navigator 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 LinkedIn Sales Navigator or Clay better?
Based on our analysis, Clay scores higher with 87/100. LinkedIn Sales Navigator 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 LinkedIn Sales Navigator 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 LinkedIn Sales Navigator and Clay offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. LinkedIn Sales Navigator is paid with potential trial.Clay is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.