Tasks / Lead generation
Best AI tool for lead generation
One decision, not a directory. Pricing checked 2026-10-14.
Clay
Data enrichment and AI research for outbound.
Free tierFree plan; paid from ~$54/mo billed annuallySales
Apollo.io
B2B contact database with AI outreach.
Free tierFree plan; paid plans availableSales
- Sign up for Clay's free plan and create a table.
- Import companies or contacts from a CSV, CRM or one of Clay's built-in sources.
- Add enrichment columns (work email, company size, tech stack) using waterfall providers.
- Add an AI column to score fit or write a personalized first line.
- Export qualified leads to your CRM or outreach tool.
Why Clay
Clay chains many data providers and AI steps in a spreadsheet-like table, so you can build precisely targeted lead lists.
When to choose Apollo.io instead
Choose Apollo if you want one simpler tool with a large contact database and built-in email sequences.
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Pricing at a glance
| Tool | Pricing | Free tier |
|---|---|---|
| Clay | Free plan; paid from ~$54/mo billed annually | Yes |
| Apollo.io | Free plan; paid plans available | Yes |
| Instantly | Paid from $47/mo | No |
| HubSpot | Free CRM, paid hubs available | Yes |
| Zapier | Free (100 tasks/mo); Professional from $19.99/mo | Yes |
Pricing changes often; check the official site before buying.
FAQ
What is the best AI tool for lead generation?
Our pick is Clay: Data enrichment and AI research for outbound. Pricing: Free plan; paid from ~$54/mo billed annually.
When should I choose Apollo.io instead?
Choose Apollo if you want one simpler tool with a large contact database and built-in email sequences.
Does Clay have a free plan?
Yes. Clay: Free plan; paid from ~$54/mo billed annually.