Apollo.io vs Nutshell (2026)

5 key differences that decide it

1. 01Overall score: Apollo.io leads 9.6 to 8.9 after identical testing, the gap comes mostly from features.
2. 02Ease of use: Nutshell is the faster tool to learn (92/100). If team adoption is your worry, weight this heavily.
3. 03Feature depth: Apollo.io packs more capability (96/100), notably 275m+ verified b2b contacts.
4. 04Value for money: Apollo.io wins on price-to-power (94/100). Pricing: Apollo.io, free plan · paid from $49/mo; Nutshell, from $16/user/mo.
5. 05Support: Nutshell edged it on support quality (88/100), friendly human support.

Apollo.io vs Nutshell: FAQ

Apollo.io vs Nutshell: the details

Ease of use

Nutshell is easier to get going with (92/100 vs 90/100). In practice, the more approachable tool wins more often than feature lists suggest, because software only pays off when your team actually adopts it. If you expect less technical users, weight this dimension heavily.

Features

On features, Apollo.io leads (96/100 vs 84/100). Apollo.io is built around finding b2b leads, while Nutshell focuses on simple crm + email in one. The right pick depends on which of those matches your actual priority, since more features only help if they're the ones you'll use.

Value for money

Apollo.io offers better value (94/100 vs 90/100). Apollo.io costs free plan · paid from $49/mo with free plan · no card, while Nutshell is from $16/user/mo with 14-day free trial. Both let you start without spending, so you can validate the fit before committing budget.

Support

Nutshell scored higher on support (88/100 vs 85/100). Support quality matters most when something goes wrong at a bad moment, so it's worth testing responsiveness during your trial rather than after you've committed.

Our recommendation

Overall, Apollo.io takes it at 9.6/10 versus 8.9/10. The best lead database we've tested, period. The free plan alone replaces tools that cost $100/mo. Choose Apollo.io if you want finding b2b leads. That said, Nutshell is the better call if your priority is simple crm + email in one, since crm that your team will actually use, pipelines, automation and email marketing together.

The good news: both are free to try, so if you're torn, spend a week with each on your real work and let the results decide. Read the full Apollo.io review and Nutshell review for the complete picture.

Which should you choose?

To make it concrete, here's how we'd advise different buyers deciding between Apollo.io and Nutshell:

• Choose Apollo.io if your main goal is finding b2b leads. 275M+ verified B2B contacts, and genuinely useful free plan (1,200 credits/yr). It starts at free plan · no card.
• Choose Nutshell if you care most about simple crm + email in one. Very fast to learn, and email marketing included. It offers 14-day free trial.
• On a tight budget? Apollo.io scored higher on value (94/100), making it the safer pick if cost is your first concern.
• Want the easiest setup? Nutshell is the more approachable of the two (92/100 on ease of use), which matters if the team is less technical.
• Still unsure? Both offer a free way to start, so the fastest answer is to trial each for a few days with your real workflow. You'll usually know within a week which one clicks.

Whichever you lean toward, it's worth also glancing at the wider category before you commit. See how both stack up against every option we've tested in our best crm & sales ranking, or compare full costs in the crm & sales pricing comparison.

Apollo.io vs Nutshell: quick answers