The verdict
On the data we hold, Apollo comes out ahead. Here is why, point by point.
What the data says
- Both cover 4 of the 4 features we compared.
- Only Apollo has a free plan to start on.
- Mailshake starts lower, at $25/mo against $49/mo.
- Only Apollo has an MCP server, so an AI employee can work in it directly.
- In our Outbound ranking, Apollo places 2 and Mailshake 12 of 33.
Side by side
| 8 points compared | ||
|---|---|---|
| Starts at | $49/mo | $25/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| MCP server | Yes | No |
| Built-in email warmup | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in lead database | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in outreach (sequences/dialer) | Yes | Yes |
| Unified inbox | Yes | Yes |
| Links |
Plans and pricing
Apollo
- FreeFree forever with limited credits; connect Gmail accounts only.Free
- BasicPer seat per month billed monthly; email sequencing and core integrations for individual sellers.$49/mo/seat
- ProfessionalPer seat per month billed monthly; higher credit limits, AI features, call recording and advanced CRM integrations.$99/mo/seat
Mailshake
- Starter1 email address, 1,500 sends a month, unlimited contacts and campaigns. Annual shown as 25 per month.$29/mo/seat
- Email Outreach2 email addresses, unlimited sends, rotation, unified inbox and CRM integrations. Annual shown as 45 per month.$49/mo/seat
- Sales Engagement10 email addresses, unlimited sends and 5 phone numbers with a dialer. Annual shown as 85 per month.$99/mo/seat
Prices as the vendors list them. They change often; the final price is on their sites.
Who each is for
Choose Apollo if…
Lean B2B sales teams and founders running outbound who want a contact database, email sequences and a dialler in one place instead of three separate subscriptions.
Choose Mailshake if…
B2B sales teams, agencies and founders who run email-led cold outreach and want simple sequences, follow-ups, deliverability tools and a built-in lead finder in one tool.
Other options worth a look
Tool·Client acquisitionRuns multichannel cold outreach with built-in email warmup, lead database, and deliverability scoring.Outbound
From $55/mo yearlyAffiliate link
Tool·Client acquisitionSends high-volume cold email across multiple mailboxes with automated warmup and a unified reply inbox.Outbound
From $85/mo yearlyAffiliate link
Tool·Client acquisitionAutomates outreach across email, LinkedIn, calls and SMS to coordinate your sales prospecting in one place.Outbound
From $49/mo yearlyAffiliate link
Tool·Client acquisitionRun cold email outreach at scale with unlimited mailboxes, warm-up automation and lead verification.Outbound
From $32/mo yearly
Tool·Client acquisitionBuilds sender reputation for new email accounts by warming them through a network of real inboxes.Outbound
From $15/mo- Tool·Client acquisitionIdentifies website visitors by company and provides EU-based B2B contact data with buyer intent signals.
Outbound
From €79/mo yearlyFree planAffiliate link