Apollo.io vs Surfe
Short version: Apollo.io is the better fit for SMB and mid-market teams that want data and outreach in one affordable tool, while Surfe is built for reps who live in LinkedIn Sales Navigator and want one-click CRM sync.
Apollo.io
All-in-one prospecting database + engagement
Free plan
Free plan with limited credits; paid from ~$49/seat/mo
Surfe
Sync LinkedIn to your CRM in one click
Free plan
Free plan; paid from ~$39/seat/mo
At a glance
| Spec | Apollo.io | Surfe |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Budget tier | Budget-friendly | Budget-friendly |
| Complexity | Intermediate | Beginner-friendly |
| Primary category | Prospecting & Lead Data | Prospecting & Lead Data |
| Integrations | 100+ | 20+ |
| Founded | 2015 | 2020 |
Feature comparison
Apollo.io offers 10 of 10 tracked prospecting & lead data features; Surfe offers 7.
| Feature | Apollo.io | Surfe |
|---|---|---|
| Email finder | ||
| Mobile / direct dials | ||
| Email verification | ||
| Bulk enrichment | ||
| LinkedIn / Chrome extension | ||
| Intent data | ||
| 1-click CRM export | ||
| Free plan | ||
| API & webhooks | ||
| Priority / 24-7 support |
Apollo.io
Pros
- Huge contact database with a generous free tier
- Prospecting, sequencing, and dialer in one place
- Excellent LinkedIn Chrome extension
Cons
- Email/phone accuracy dips on smaller or non-US accounts
- Credit limits force upgrades as volume grows
- Engagement features shallower than dedicated platforms
Surfe
Pros
- Seamless LinkedIn-to-CRM contact sync
- Built-in enrichment (emails + phones)
- Works with Sales Navigator messaging
Cons
- Relies on LinkedIn as the entry point
- Enrichment credits limited on lower tiers
- Not a standalone database
Which should you choose?
Choose Apollo.io if…
- you want huge contact database with a generous free tier
- you want prospecting, sequencing, and dialer in one place
- you want excellent LinkedIn Chrome extension
Choose Surfe if…
- you want seamless LinkedIn-to-CRM contact sync
- you want built-in enrichment (emails + phones)
- you want works with Sales Navigator messaging
The verdict
Both are solid prospecting & lead data tools. The best choice comes down to fit: Apollo.io for SMB and mid-market teams that want data and outreach in one affordable tool, and Surfe for reps who live in LinkedIn Sales Navigator and want one-click CRM sync.
Browse all tools →Frequently asked questions
Is Apollo.io or Surfe cheaper?
Apollo.io and Surfe sit in a similar price range (Free plan and Free plan), so the decision usually comes down to features and fit rather than price.
Which is better, Apollo.io or Surfe?
Neither is strictly better, they're built for different priorities. Apollo.io is the stronger pick for SMB and mid-market teams that want data and outreach in one affordable tool, while Surfe suits reps who live in LinkedIn Sales Navigator and want one-click CRM sync.
What's the main difference between Apollo.io and Surfe?
Apollo.io is intermediate and budget-friendly, while Surfe is beginner-friendly and budget-friendly. On tracked prospecting & lead data features, Apollo.io covers 10 and Surfe covers 7.