When it comes to email outreach, choosing the right tool can make or break your campaigns. With only 8.5% of cold emails getting a response and 85% failing to reach primary inboxes, having the right platform is critical. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Takeaways:
- Deliverability is essential: Features like SPF, DKIM, DMARC, inbox warm-up, and mailbox rotation are non-negotiable.
- Automation and personalization boost results: Personalized subject lines and messages can increase response rates by 30.5% and 32.7%, respectively.
- Pricing varies widely: From $20/month to $2,500/month, there’s an option for every budget.
Top Platforms for Email Outreach:
- Zapmail: Pre-warmed mailboxes, aged domains, and bulk profile setup. Starts at $39/month.
- Instantly.ai: Unlimited accounts, 4.2M warm-up network, and SEG detection. Starts at $37/month.
- Smartlead: Unlimited scalability, AI categorization, and multi-channel sequences. Starts at $39/month.
- Lemlist: Visual personalization, Lemwarm, and advanced conditions. Starts at $39/month.
- Saleshandy: AI warm-up, sender rotation, and multi-channel sequences. Starts at $36/month.
- Reply.io: AI-powered SDR, multichannel automation, and Gmail API. Starts at $59/month.
- Apollo: 275M+ contact database, CRM integrations, and AI-powered lead scoring. Starts at $49/month.
- Woodpecker: Real-time email verification, bounce shield, and natural sending patterns. Starts at $24/month.
- Snov.io: AI email builder, LinkedIn touchpoints, and pre-configured mailboxes. Starts at $39/month.
- Hunter: Email discovery, verification, and Gmail-native integration. Starts at $49/month.
- GMass: Gmail-based, Spam Solver, and multi-send capabilities. Starts at $25/month.
- Mailshake: AI writer, phone dialer, and LinkedIn automation. Starts at $25/month.
- Skylead: Smart sequences, free email warm-up, and hyper-personalization. $100/month.
- Expandi: Cloud-based LinkedIn and email automation with smart delays. $99/month.
- Salesflow: LinkedIn and email outreach with natural activity patterns. Pricing varies.
Quick Comparison:
| Tool | Starting Price | Key Features | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zapmail | $39/month | Pre-warmed mailboxes, aged domains | Teams and agencies |
| Instantly.ai | $37/month | Unlimited accounts, SEG detection | High-volume senders |
| Smartlead | $39/month | Unlimited scalability, AI categorization | Agencies and scaling |
| Lemlist | $39/month | Visual personalization, Lemwarm | Creative outreach |
| Saleshandy | $36/month | Sender rotation, multi-channel sequences | Small businesses |
| Reply.io | $59/month | AI SDR, multichannel tools | Advanced automation |
| Apollo | $49/month | Large database, AI lead scoring | Prospecting at scale |
| Woodpecker | $24/month | Real-time verification, bounce shield | Deliverability focus |
| Snov.io | $39/month | LinkedIn touchpoints, AI builder | Lead generation |
| Hunter | $49/month | Email discovery, Gmail integration | Simple outreach |
| GMass | $25/month | Gmail-native, Spam Solver | Solopreneurs |
| Mailshake | $25/month | AI writer, LinkedIn automation | Multi-channel outreach |
| Skylead | $100/month | Smart sequences, hyper-personalization | LinkedIn-heavy users |
| Expandi | $99/month | Cloud-based LinkedIn automation | LinkedIn outreach |
| Salesflow | Varies | LinkedIn and email outreach | Multi-channel campaigns |
Each platform offers unique strengths to suit different needs. Whether you’re a freelancer, agency, or enterprise team, there’s a tool here to help you improve deliverability, scale automation, and boost engagement.
Email Outreach Tools Comparison: Features, Pricing & Deliverability Rates
I Tested Every Cold Email Outreach Tool So You Don’t Have To
1. Zapmail
Zapmail tackles one of the most frustrating challenges in cold email outreach: mailbox setup and infrastructure. Forget the hassle of configuring everything yourself – Zapmail provides pre-warmed Google and Microsoft mailboxes that are ready to use from day one.
Deliverability Features
Zapmail handles the technical setup for you, automatically configuring essential records like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. Each mailbox is pre-warmed, ensuring a solid sender reputation before you even start your campaigns.
With ZapShield, your domains are protected at the workspace level. If one domain encounters issues, the others remain unaffected. Plus, Zapmail offers aged domains, which tend to be more trusted by email providers compared to brand-new ones.
Automation Capabilities
Zapmail integrates seamlessly with over 50 outreach platforms, making it easy to connect with your existing tools. Its AI-driven domain and mailbox naming features help you craft professional email addresses that avoid spam filters.
You can also set up multiple accounts at once with bulk profile customization. For those scaling operations, the API allows programmatic control over your entire email infrastructure. This flexibility makes Zapmail a powerful solution for growing businesses.
Pricing
Zapmail offers three straightforward pricing plans:
- Starter Plan: $39 per month, including 10 Google mailboxes with US or EU IP addresses. Additional mailboxes cost $3.50 each.
- Growth Plan: $99 per month, covering 30 mailboxes, with extra mailboxes priced at $3.25 each.
- Pro Plan: Designed for agencies, this plan costs $299 per month for 100 mailboxes. Additional accounts are $3.00 each, and the plan includes priority support and API access.
Whether you’re just starting out or managing campaigns for multiple clients, there’s a plan that fits your needs.
2. Instantly.ai
Instantly.ai is all about high-volume email sending with no limits on the number of email accounts you can connect. Its standout feature is a robust deliverability system, supported by a private warmup network of around 4.2 million accounts.
Deliverability Features
The platform’s peer-to-peer warmup network – powered by those 4.2 million accounts – automates engagement signals like opens, replies, and even avoids the spam folder. By rotating inboxes, it ensures sending volume stays within daily limits. Users who fully warm up their Gmail accounts have reported that over 90% of their emails land in the primary inbox, compared to just 60–70% for unwarmed accounts.
To further boost deliverability, Instantly.ai includes SEG (Secure Email Gateway) detection, flagging contacts protected by services like Barracuda and Mimecast. This feature helps route emails more effectively and ensures proper SPF, DKIM, and DMARC configurations .
"Instantly is currently the only email marketing automation platform with native SEG detection and enrichment." – Tim K, Instantly
For users on higher-tier plans, the platform offers SISR (Server & IP Sharding and Rotation). This feature assigns dedicated IP groups to improve email isolation and deliverability. Together, these features create a strong foundation for Instantly.ai’s automation tools.
Automation Capabilities
Instantly.ai’s AI Copilot simplifies campaign planning and launching using a chat-based interface, saving time on setup. Managing replies is easier with Unibox, a unified inbox that threads responses from all connected accounts into one place.
The platform also automates campaign sequences using lead data and custom variables. Its AI Reply Agent categorizes incoming responses by intent, making it easier to focus on high-priority leads. For sourcing leads, the SuperSearch tool provides access to over 450 million verified contacts and can automatically funnel new leads matching your ICP (Ideal Customer Profile) into ongoing campaigns.
Integrations
Instantly.ai integrates seamlessly with popular CRMs like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Pipedrive, making it easy to sync replies and map fields. Developers can also leverage its API or use Zapier for custom workflows. You can connect unlimited email accounts from Gmail, Outlook, or any custom SMTP setup.
Additionally, the platform includes an email verifier and a "Catch-all" recovery feature to clean up contact lists and minimize bounce rates.
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Monthly Emails | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Growth | $37 | 5,000 | Unlimited accounts, unlimited warmup |
| Hypergrowth | $97 | 100,000 | Advanced support, A/Z testing |
| Light Speed | $358 | 500,000 | SISR deliverability system |
The Lead Finder add-on starts at $47/month for 1,500–2,000 leads. If you opt for an annual subscription, you’ll get a 20% discount. Instantly.ai boasts a 4.9/5 rating on G2, backed by over 2,600 reviews.
3. Smartlead
Smartlead is a powerful tool designed to handle both email deliverability and automation at scale. With its focus on unlimited scalability and control, it’s no wonder it’s trusted by 87,000 businesses. Unlike many platforms, Smartlead allows you to connect unlimited email accounts without charging per seat, making it a great fit for agencies and high-volume users.
Deliverability Features
Smartlead stands out with its comprehensive deliverability features. Its unlimited, human-like warm-up process helps build a strong sender reputation. To avoid triggering spam filters, the platform’s auto-rotation system smartly distributes emails across multiple domains, IPs, and inboxes, preventing volume spikes.
The SmartDelivery feature offers real-time tracking to monitor inbox placement, ensuring your emails land in the primary inbox instead of spam. For those who need more control, SmartServers provide dedicated IP infrastructure, isolating your email reputation from potential issues caused by other users. Additional features like blacklist and bounce protection automatically adjust sending behavior based on live data. Plus, Smartlead supports diverse setups across providers such as Google, Outlook, and premium SMTP services.
"SmartLead’s ability to help me land in the primary inbox and automate the laborious parts of my workflow is brilliant." – Ryane Tully, Co-founder, Pitchlane
Automation Capabilities
Smartlead doesn’t just excel in deliverability – it also streamlines workflows with advanced automation.
Its Master Inbox centralizes all replies, so you don’t need to hop between email clients. The AI Lead Categorization tool automatically tags incoming responses – whether they’re positive replies, out-of-office notices, or follow-ups – helping you prioritize high-intent leads. Need personalized email content? The SmartAI Bot crafts tailored sales copy for specific personas, and with Spintax support, every email feels unique.
Smartlead also enables multi-channel sequences by combining cold email campaigns with LinkedIn actions, such as connection requests, profile visits, and direct messages. Behavior-based triggers adapt these sequences in real-time based on how leads respond.
Integrations
Smartlead integrates seamlessly with popular CRMs like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Pipedrive. These integrations sync campaign activity data – such as opens, clicks, and replies – directly into your CRM. Its HubSpot connection even automates deal creation based on lead categorization and can import leads from HubSpot lists.
For lead enrichment, Smartlead’s Clay integration pulls data from over 50 providers and performs real-time scraping to refine targeting. Additionally, it supports workflow automation tools like Zapier, Make, and N8N, and includes a native Slack integration for instant campaign notifications.
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Active Leads | Monthly Emails | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $39 | 2,000 | 6,000 | Unlimited warm-up and accounts |
| Pro | $94 | 30,000 | 150,000 | GPT-4 integration, API access |
| Custom | $174+ | Up to 12M | Up to 60M | Dedicated support, advanced CRM integrations |
Smartlead boasts a 4.8/5 rating on G2. Users appreciate features like the unlimited mailbox connections and the Master Inbox, though some mention there’s a bit of a learning curve when getting started.
4. Lemlist
Lemlist stands out in the crowded world of cold email campaigns by combining visual personalization with multichannel workflows. Trusted by over 20,000 sales teams, it’s tailored for businesses looking to make a lasting impression in busy inboxes. The platform’s personalized images, videos, and other features are supported by powerful tools designed to boost email deliverability.
Deliverability Features
One of Lemlist’s standout tools is Lemwarm, an automated system that builds your sender reputation by simulating human-like email exchanges with a network of over 10,000 users. To maximize its impact, Lemwarm should be activated 10–14 days before launching a campaign to establish domain trust.
Other deliverability features include:
- Inbox Rotation: This feature spreads your emails across multiple sending addresses within a campaign, helping to avoid spam filters triggered by high email volumes.
- Custom Tracking Domains: By setting up unique tracking domains, you can steer clear of shared URLs that might flag your emails as spam.
- List Verification: Lemlist’s verifier cleans your email lists to reduce bounces and maintain your domain’s reputation.
- Authentication Monitoring: The platform keeps an eye on SPF, DKIM, and DMARC settings in real time to catch and resolve any authentication issues.
Lemlist also provides a Signal Score of 8.3/10, giving users a clear picture of their deliverability health.
Automation Capabilities
Lemlist doesn’t just help with deliverability – it also simplifies campaign management with advanced automation tools.
The AI Sequence Generator is a game-changer, creating multichannel campaigns from simple text prompts. It can generate email copy, follow-up steps, and even personalized icebreakers by pulling data from LinkedIn profiles and websites.
With Advanced Conditions, campaigns adapt dynamically based on prospect behavior. For instance, if a LinkedIn invite goes unanswered, Lemlist automatically switches to an email follow-up. Campaigns also pause automatically when a lead replies or schedules a meeting, ensuring no duplicate outreach occurs.
"We went from using only email sequences and manual steps on other channels to having all important tools, such as HubSpot and Aircall, integrated in Lemlist. Now, we’re able to run multichannel campaigns from just one workflow."
– Patric Lindström, Chief Sales Officer, Videoly
The Unified Inbox further streamlines communication by consolidating responses from email, LinkedIn, and calls into one place, eliminating the hassle of switching between platforms.
Integrations
Lemlist integrates seamlessly with popular CRMs and workflow tools, making it easy to sync and manage outreach efforts.
- CRM Integrations: Connects with HubSpot, Salesforce, and Pipedrive to sync contacts and log all activity directly into your CRM.
- Cold Calling Tools: Integrates with Aircall and Ringover, allowing you to include cold calls within your email sequences for a true multichannel approach.
- Workflow Automation: Works with Zapier, Make, and n8n to automate tasks like routing positive replies to Slack or updating Google Sheets – no coding required.
- Scheduling Tool: The Lemcal feature adds calendar links directly into your messages, making it simple for prospects to schedule meetings.
Additionally, a Chrome extension automates LinkedIn tasks such as profile visits, connection requests, and messages. Lemlist also offers access to a vast B2B database of over 450 million verified contacts, with an enrichment process that boasts an 80% success rate in finding email addresses.
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price (per month) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email Starter | $39 | $32 | Unlimited campaigns, 450M+ lead database, AI campaigns |
| Email Pro | $69 | $55 | Lemwarm, inbox rotation, CRM integration, image personalization |
| Multichannel Expert | $99 | $79 | LinkedIn automation, cold calling, advanced conditions |
| Outreach Scale | N/A | $129 | 2,500 enrichment credits, dedicated account manager |
A 14-day free trial is available for the Multichannel Expert plan. Lemlist has earned high marks from users, with a 4.5/5 rating on G2 and a 4.6/5 rating on Capterra. While the Lemwarm feature and visual personalization tools are frequently praised, some users mention a learning curve for mastering its advanced automation features.
5. Saleshandy
Saleshandy is trusted by over 10,000 businesses for high-volume outreach, offering access to a massive B2B database with more than 700 million verified contacts and details on 60 million companies.
Deliverability Features
Saleshandy stands out with tools designed to ensure your emails reach their intended audience. The platform leverages AI-powered warm-up technology through TrulyInbox to enhance sender reputation [37,39]. To further optimize deliverability, it uses Sender Rotation, which distributes email volume across multiple connected accounts within a sequence. Depending on the plan, this feature scales from 10 accounts per sequence on the Starter plan to up to 1,000 accounts on the Scale plan.
An Email Verification tool ensures a 98% deliverability rate by validating contacts. Real-time Inbox Placement Testing checks if emails land in the Primary, Promotions, or Spam folders across major email providers [40,41]. The Spam Word Detection tool scans email copy for problematic trigger words [38,42], and Bounce Detection pauses campaigns automatically if emails are rejected. For added reliability, dedicated IP options are available through Inframail integration [10,38].
Automation Capabilities
Saleshandy also excels in automation. Its AI Sequence Copilot helps craft multi-step email sequences tailored to specific campaign goals and customer profiles, supporting up to 26-step sequences with built-in variant testing [37,41].
The Unified Inbox (Unibox) consolidates replies from all connected accounts, making it easier to manage conversations. AI Reply Categorization further simplifies follow-ups by labeling responses as "Interested", "Meeting Booked", or "Not Interested" [38,40].
"The perfect outreach platform for our business. You can add unlimited email accounts to increase volume at any scale." – Gino Taka, Founder, Skyrocket
Saleshandy’s sequences go beyond email, incorporating LinkedIn actions (like profile views and connection requests), phone calls, and manual tasks into a unified workflow [10,41]. The Sequence Score feature predicts the success of campaigns by analyzing factors like setup, email service provider usage, and message quality.
Integrations
Saleshandy integrates seamlessly with popular CRMs like Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, and Zoho, syncing email analytics directly with sales data. This feature is available starting with the Outreach Pro plan [39,40]. A Chrome extension enables one-to-one email tracking in Gmail [40,42]. For broader automation, Saleshandy connects with Zapier, opening up integration with thousands of third-party applications. However, there’s no native Google Sheets integration – users need to upload CSV files or rely on third-party tools for that. Additionally, the platform integrates with TrulyInbox for automated warm-ups and Inframail for dedicated IPs [38,40].
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price (per month) | Active Prospects | Monthly Emails | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outreach Starter | $36 | $18 | 2,000 | 6,000 | Unlimited email accounts, 1,000 verification credits |
| Outreach Pro | $99 | $50 | 30,000 | 150,000 | CRM integrations, 5,000 verification credits |
| Outreach Scale | $199 | $100 | 60,000 | 240,000 | Unlimited team members, 10,000 verification credits |
| Outreach Scale Plus | $299 | $150 | 100,000 | 300,000 | Dedicated success manager, 35,000 verification credits |
With a 4.6/5 rating on G2 (based on over 740 reviews) and 4.5/5 on Capterra (over 125 reviews) [37,38], Saleshandy has earned praise for its unlimited email accounts and responsive customer support. However, some users have pointed out a learning curve for advanced analytics and occasional glitches with the Gmail extension [37,39].
6. Reply.io
Reply.io supports over 3,000 businesses with more than 30 features designed to keep emails from landing in spam folders. With a strong 4.6/5 rating on G2 from 1,480 reviews, users have reported impressive results, including open rates as high as 92% and reply rates reaching 65%.
Deliverability Features
Reply.io employs a multi-layered approach to ensure emails land in inboxes. It offers unlimited mailbox warm-ups to build sender reputation and an Email Health Checker that provides real-time monitoring of sending reputation through Google Postmaster integration. By leveraging the Gmail API for sending, the platform ensures better deliverability with major providers. Features like extended delays and inbox rotation mimic natural email behavior, while built-in email validation helps reduce bounce rates. To further avoid spam filters, AI Variables create personalized messages for each recipient, preventing identical content from being flagged. The platform also supports plain text emails and includes list-unsubscribe headers to meet provider compliance requirements.
These tools establish a solid foundation for seamless multichannel automation.
Automation Capabilities
Reply.io takes its deliverability strengths and amplifies them with robust automation tools that simplify sales workflows. The platform integrates email, LinkedIn, SMS, WhatsApp, and voice calls into multichannel conditional sequences. Its AI-powered SDR, named Jason, handles tasks like prospecting, outreach, follow-ups, and even scheduling meetings.
"We transformed our small sales team of 3-5 to have the sales strength of 15-20 just by using Reply.io outreach platform."
This is how Nate Alder from Innoventures described the platform’s impact. Reply.io’s Unified Inbox consolidates communications from all channels, while conditional logic adjusts timing and channel selection based on prospect engagement. For example, Yannis Moati, CEO of HotelsByDay, shared that the platform saved each salesperson 7 hours per week. Similarly, Sjors Mahler, Sales & Growth Lead at pr.co, achieved reply rates exceeding 65% while scaling operations.
Integrations
Reply.io offers seamless integration with leading CRMs like Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zoho, and Microsoft Dynamics, enabling users to sync contact data and track outreach directly within their sales pipelines. Its integration with Calendly allows automated meeting scheduling straight from email sequences. A Chrome extension enhances productivity by enabling users to find verified emails on LinkedIn and Gmail and instantly save leads to their CRM. Additionally, Reply.io connects to over 7,000 apps via Zapier, enabling custom workflows. For video personalization, it integrates with tools like Vidyard, Seismic, and Nexweave.
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price (per month) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email Volume | $59 | $49 | 1,000 active contacts, unlimited mailboxes |
| Multichannel | $99 | $89 | Unlimited contacts, 10 mailboxes, LinkedIn/SMS/WhatsApp integration |
| Jason AI SDR | $500 | $500 | Fully automated AI agent with live contact search |
| Agency | $210 | $210 | Multiple client workspaces, agency dashboard |
Additional services include LinkedIn automation ($69/account), Calls & SMS automation ($29/account), and Email Validation (starting at $200 for 100,000 validations). A 14-day free trial is available, and no credit card is required to get started.
7. Apollo
Apollo combines an extensive B2B database – boasting over 210 million contacts and 30 million companies – with built-in outreach tools. It’s earned an impressive 4.7/5 rating on Outreach Almanac from 8,400 reviews. Users have reported a 70% increase in sales leads and a 4× improvement in SDR efficiency thanks to Apollo’s capabilities. Plus, its deliverability tools are designed to keep your outreach efforts out of spam folders.
Deliverability Features
Apollo takes spam prevention seriously. It automatically detects and blocks sending behaviors that might trigger spam filters. The platform verifies email addresses and phone numbers, tracks domain health, and ensures proper setup of technical elements like SPF and DKIM. Automated bounce tracking also helps maintain a clean contact list and safeguards your sender reputation. While Apollo lacks built-in email warm-up tools (users often rely on third-party solutions for this), it adheres to strict security standards, including GDPR, SOC 2, CCPA, ISO/IEC 27001, and CASA Tier 2 compliance.
Automation Capabilities
Apollo streamlines outreach across multiple channels, including email, LinkedIn, and phone dialers. Its AI Writing Assistant helps craft tailored messages, while AI-powered lead scoring identifies prospects with strong intent and buying signals [48,7].
"Every rep is more productive with Apollo. We booked 75% more meetings while cutting manual work in half."
– Andrew Froning, BDR Leader at Cyera
Andrew Froning’s team saw a 75% jump in booked meetings while reducing manual tasks. Similarly, Collin Stewart, CEO of Predictable Revenue, cut his tech stack costs by 50% and doubled email open rates after switching to Apollo.
Integrations
Apollo integrates seamlessly with major CRMs like Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zoho, and Microsoft Dynamics. Its Chrome extension allows users to prospect and send emails directly from LinkedIn and Gmail. The platform also connects with tools like Dialpad, Marketo, Clearbit, RingCentral, and Aircall [48,7,50]. These integrations make Apollo a one-stop solution for outreach and data management.
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic prospecting, limited email credits, Chrome extension |
| Basic | $49 per user | Advanced filters, CRM integrations, unlimited email credits |
| Professional | $79 per user | Unlimited sequences, A/B testing, built-in dialer |
| Organization | $119 per user | Custom reporting, SSO, enterprise security (minimum 3 users) |
All paid plans include full access to Apollo’s contact database and core automation tools.
8. Woodpecker
Woodpecker takes email deliverability to a new level, offering tools designed to help businesses achieve up to 99% deliverability through its advanced email verification system. According to Miles Veth, CEO of Veth Group, the platform has enabled some clients to secure over 150 appointments monthly at half the cost of an SDR, with his company scheduling around 1,000 appointments each month. Let’s dive into what makes Woodpecker stand out.
Deliverability Features
Woodpecker’s deliverability features are built to minimize bounces and optimize email campaigns. The platform uses Bouncer-powered real-time email verification, ensuring your list stays clean and effective. Its Bounce Shield monitors email provider limits and pauses sending when necessary to prevent account blocks. Meanwhile, the Deliverability Monitor works around the clock to track your email performance, helping you identify and address potential issues before they escalate.
To avoid triggering spam filters, Woodpecker employs natural sending patterns with randomized timing. It also lets you rotate between multiple email accounts to spread out your sending volume. Its AI-driven warm-up tool, which is five times more affordable than standalone options, audits your domain for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC compliance. Additional safety checks flag spam words, duplicate contacts, and empty custom fields, safeguarding your campaigns from common pitfalls.
These deliverability features set the stage for powerful automation tools.
Automation Capabilities
Woodpecker supports campaigns with up to 16 steps, blending automated emails with manual outreach through LinkedIn and phone calls. Its "If-Campaigns" feature creates dynamic follow-up paths based on how prospects interact with your emails – whether they open, click, or reply. The system also detects replies to stop follow-ups automatically and identifies out-of-office messages to reschedule outreach efforts. Plus, built-in AI categorizes responses by interest level, saving time on manual sorting.
A/B testing allows you to compare up to five versions of your messages, helping you refine your approach. Marek Tyniec, Marketing Specialist at Xfive, shared his experience:
"The open rate is significantly higher than it was when I was using other mailing systems".
Additionally, follow-ups can increase reply rates by as much as 22%.
Integrations
Woodpecker integrates seamlessly with popular tools like HubSpot, Pipedrive, Salesforce, Zoho, Calendly, and Google Sheets. Its two-way CRM sync ensures prospect data stays updated automatically. For LinkedIn outreach, the platform connects with Dux-Soup to combine email and social media efforts. Through Zapier and API access, you can link Woodpecker to thousands of other tools, creating fully customized workflows.
Pricing
Woodpecker offers flexible pricing plans tailored to different needs:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $24–$35 | 500 contacted prospects, 6,000 emails/month |
| Growth | $126–$188 | 10,000 contacted prospects, 120,000 emails/month |
| Scale | $903–$1,354 | 100,000 contacted prospects, 1.2M emails/month |
| Max | $6,666–$9,999 | Unlimited prospects and emails |
Optional add-ons include LinkedIn automation for $29/month, extra warm-ups at $5/month per inbox, API access for $20/month, and an Agency Panel for $27/month per client. Woodpecker also offers a 7-day free trial or a 50-contact prospect trial with access to all features.
sbb-itb-36f7bf9
9. Snov.io
Snov.io combines lead generation, email verification, and multichannel outreach into a single, user-friendly platform. Trusted by over 185,000 companies, it helps businesses improve revenue and streamline lead generation efforts. By addressing key challenges like email deliverability and automation, it stands out as a reliable solution for cold email campaigns. Daniel Meck, Head of Sales at Moosend, shares:
"Snov.io’s accuracy is significantly more trustworthy and consistent than that other products we have invested in."
Deliverability Features
Snov.io employs a 7-tier verification process, ensuring 98% accuracy when cleaning email lists. Its automated warm-up system further enhances deliverability by matching your sender account with recipients using the same email provider (e.g., Gmail to Gmail). This natural pairing improves inbox placement. The platform also monitors domain health, checks blacklist status, and scans email content for potential spam triggers before sending.
For those looking to simplify setup, Snov.io offers pre-configured mailbox options starting at approximately $4 per mailbox (plus domain costs). These come equipped with ready-to-use SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, as well as custom tracking domains secured with SSL certificates. This turnkey approach removes much of the hassle associated with email configuration.
Once deliverability is optimized, Snov.io’s automation tools take over to streamline outreach.
Automation Capabilities
The AI Email Builder simplifies the process of creating personalized cold email drafts. In just four steps, it tailors emails based on your product and target audience. Snov.io also supports multichannel sequences, combining email outreach with LinkedIn touchpoints like profile visits, likes, and direct messages. Dmytro Chervonyi, CMO and Co-Founder of Forecastio, highlights:
"Their new LinkedIn automation tool is top. I easily find prospects and their emails on LinkedIn, then build sequences that combine LinkedIn outreach and emails. Everything operates from one centralized dashboard."
Snov.io’s Unibox feature consolidates all prospect replies in one place, making it easy for teams to track conversations in real time without switching between platforms. Additional tools like AI-driven sentiment analysis detect prospect interest levels, while A/B testing allows for fine-tuning messaging strategies.
Integrations
Snov.io’s integration options enhance productivity and ensure seamless data flow. The platform connects with over 5,000 applications, including popular CRMs like HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive, Zoho CRM, and Close CRM. It also integrates with Asana for task management and Google Calendar for scheduling.
For added convenience, Snov.io offers Chrome extensions that support email finding, LinkedIn prospecting, and Gmail tracking. These tools have proven popular, with the browser extension alone gaining over 400,000 users.
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 50 credits, 100 email recipients, 1 mailbox warm-up |
| Starter | $39 ($30/year) | 1,000 credits, 5,000 recipients, 3 mailbox warm-ups |
| Pro | $99 | 5,000 credits, 10,000 recipients, unlimited warm-up, A/B testing |
Snov.io operates on a credit-based system, where each email search or verification uses 1 credit. All plans include access to the sales CRM and deliverability tools, making it a flexible option for businesses of all sizes.
10. Hunter
Hunter brings email discovery, verification, and outreach together in one user-friendly platform, trusted by over 6 million users worldwide. Designed to prioritize quality over quantity, it includes safeguards to protect your sender reputation. Sean Gallagher, a Commercial Account Executive at Lattice, shares his experience:
"Hunter is a great tool for saving time and building pipelines and prospecting. Before we had Hunter in place I was spending a long time guessing emails and using up valuable time every day."
Let’s dive into Hunter’s standout features, including its deliverability tools, automation options, and integrations.
Deliverability Features
Hunter’s Email Verifier categorizes addresses as Valid, Accept All, Blocked, or Invalid to reduce bounce rates. It’s recommended to focus on "Valid" addresses and "Accept All" addresses with a confidence score of at least 85%.
Emails are sent directly from your Gmail, Google Workspace, or Outlook account, leveraging native integration to uphold your sender reputation and improve inbox delivery.
By default, the platform sets a daily email limit of 15, but this can be adjusted up to 400 for Gmail or 250 for Outlook. To avoid sudden spikes in email volume, Hunter uses account rotation. Additionally, custom tracking domains let you monitor email opens and clicks under your own domain.
A Spam Checker is also included, helping you fine-tune your email copy and subject lines by flagging potential trigger words before hitting send.
Automation Capabilities
Hunter’s AI Writing Assistant helps craft and refine personalized outreach emails. Automated follow-up sequences ensure conversations continue smoothly without needing manual input. For added control, the "Review" feature allows you to edit emails before sending, keeping them from sounding too robotic.
These tools make it easier to run efficient campaigns while maintaining high deliverability rates.
Integrations
Hunter integrates seamlessly with popular CRMs like HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive, and Zoho, automatically logging email activity and syncing data. For more advanced workflows, its Zapier integration connects to over 5,000 apps.
A browser extension is also available, enabling you to find verified email addresses directly from websites with a single click. With over 12,000 reviews on the Chrome Web Store, it holds an impressive 4.7/5 rating.
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Connected Email Accounts | Recipients per Campaign |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | $0 | 1 | 500 |
| Starter | $49 | $34/month | 3 | 2,500 |
| Growth | $149 | $104/month | 10 | 5,000 |
| Scale | $299 | $209/month | 20 | 15,000 |
Hunter uses a credit-based system: finding an email uses 1.0 credit, while verifying one uses 0.5 credit. Paid plans come with unlimited team members at no additional cost, and non-profit organizations can enjoy a 30% discount.
11. GMass
GMass turns Gmail into a fully functional email marketing tool through a simple Chrome extension. With over 400,000 users and more than 9 billion emails sent, it’s a go-to solution for many marketers. Operating directly within Gmail, GMass eliminates the need for a steep learning curve. As Ajay Goel, the founder of GMass, puts it:
"GMass is the only email platform to send mail merge, email marketing, and cold email messages – all super fast inside Gmail (with virtually no learning curve) and all while avoiding the spam folder."
This tight integration ensures your campaigns benefit from advanced deliverability features designed to keep emails out of the spam folder.
Deliverability Features
GMass offers a suite of tools to improve inbox placement. Its Spam Solver tests your campaigns by sending them to test accounts, showing whether emails land in the inbox or spam folder, and provides actionable feedback for better results. Built-in email verification reduces bounces, while SSL-secured tracking domains safeguard your links. Features like MultiSend, which rotates inboxes to distribute campaigns across multiple accounts, help users work within Gmail’s daily sending limits (500 emails for free accounts and 2,000 for Google Workspace users). For high-volume campaigns, ColdSMTP allows sending without lengthy warmup periods. Additionally, GMass embeds images directly in Gmail and uses Spintax to randomize email content, further boosting deliverability.
Automation Capabilities
GMass automates follow-ups, which can increase reply rates by up to 21%. These follow-up emails continue until recipients respond, open, or click a link, and users can fully customize the number of follow-ups and the timing between them. The platform also connects to Google Sheets, automatically sending emails as new contacts are added. Campaigns can be scheduled for specific dates or set to recur at regular intervals – hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly. GMass also personalizes subject lines, email content, links, images, and attachments, and includes A/B testing to refine campaign performance.
Integrations
GMass integrates seamlessly with Google Sheets for quick and easy mail merges. Its Salesforce integration ensures outbound emails are logged automatically, keeping CRM data up to date. If you hit Gmail’s daily sending limits, GMass can switch to third-party SMTP services like SendGrid or Mailgun. It also supports a REST API, webhooks, and Zapier, enabling connections to thousands of other apps. Plus, with "The Reply Project", GMass incorporates ChatGPT to help draft AI-powered responses. These integrations, combined with flexible SMTP options, make it easy to design adaptable outreach workflows.
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $25 | $225/year | Unlimited emails, contacts, and campaigns; includes Spam Solver |
| Premium | $35 | $325/year | Adds automated follow-ups, API access, and Zapier integration |
| Professional | $55 | $525/year | Includes MultiSend for inbox rotation and high-priority support |
| Team Plans | $145 | – | Covers five users with all professional features |
A free trial allows users to send up to 50 emails per day. GMass has earned a 4.9/5 rating on Capterra from over 770 reviews and a 4.7/5 rating on G2 from more than 740 reviews.
12. Mailshake
Mailshake is a simple yet powerful email outreach platform trusted by over 100,000 companies. Take Virtuance, for example – they achieved an impressive 83% open rate by leveraging Mailshake’s personalization and deliverability tools. Guarav Harode, Founder & CEO of Enablix, sums it up perfectly:
"Does cold email outreach really, really well. It is very easy to use, very intuitive. No unnecessary bells and whistles."
Deliverability Features
Mailshake goes the extra mile to ensure your emails land in inboxes. It includes a free email warm-up service that builds sender reputation automatically via SMTP. An integrated list cleaning tool verifies email addresses before sending, while its in-app analyzer flags spam words in real time to keep messages out of junk folders. For high-volume campaigns, Mailshake’s email rotation feature spreads sends across multiple mailboxes, helping users stay within provider limits. Additionally, the Spintax feature randomizes subject lines and email body content, reducing the risk of triggering spam filters. Shane Hickenlooper, CEO of Scroll, highlights the benefits:
"I love that it shows me the sending calendar and cleans the list for me, making sure they’re good leads."
These deliverability tools lay the foundation for Mailshake’s standout automation features.
Automation Capabilities
Mailshake streamlines your outreach efforts with smart automation. It handles follow-ups automatically, pausing sequences when prospects reply, unsubscribe, or bounce. The platform’s SHAKEspeare AI writer generates multiple versions of email copy and subject lines tailored to your business description. Its Lead Catcher feature identifies the most engaged prospects and displays them on a centralized dashboard, allowing you to respond directly within the platform. For those using the Sales Engagement plan, Mailshake adds LinkedIn automation for sending connection requests and messages, along with a power dialer for North American phone numbers. All of this is managed seamlessly within multi-channel sequences.
The results speak for themselves: Phil Chambers of High Radius generated over $100,000 in revenue from a single Mailshake campaign, while BrandStar scaled their email volume by 10× for their sales team using Mailshake’s automation tools.
On top of these features, Mailshake integrates effortlessly with other essential sales tools.
Integrations
Mailshake works natively with popular CRMs like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Pipedrive, automatically syncing lead data to keep your sales team on track. It supports Gmail, Outlook, and other providers via SMTP/IMAP, allowing you to send emails from your own mailboxes while maintaining a strong sender reputation. Plus, with Zapier, you can connect Mailshake to thousands of other apps, creating customized workflows tailored to your needs.
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price (Annual) | Email Addresses | Monthly Sends | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $25 | 1 | 1,500 | Unlimited warm-up, verification, AI writing |
| Email Outreach | $45 | 2 | Unlimited | Email rotation, CRM integrations, A/B testing |
| Sales Engagement | $85 | 10 | Unlimited | LinkedIn automation, phone dialer, advanced reporting |
For added flexibility, Mailshake offers optional add-ons like Ready to Use Mailboxes ($11/month) to scale your email infrastructure and Data Finder ($17/month) for sourcing business contacts. With a 4.7/5 rating on both G2 and Capterra, Mailshake has earned its reputation as a reliable choice for email outreach.
13. Skylead
Skylead is a platform that combines LinkedIn and email outreach, making it easier to manage multichannel campaigns. With a stellar 4.7/5 rating on platforms like Capterra, G2, and Product Hunt, users report that it helps them book up to three times more meetings. One standout feature is its unlimited email infrastructure – you can link as many Gmail, Outlook, or custom SMTP accounts as you need without extra charges.
Deliverability Features
Skylead prioritizes email deliverability with several advanced tools. Thanks to its partnership with InboxFlare, the platform offers unlimited email warm-up in over 30 languages, boosting sender reputation. It also includes built-in email discovery and verification to ensure addresses are valid before sending, reducing bounce rates and safeguarding your domain. Features like inbox rotation evenly distribute email traffic across connected accounts, while continuous deliverability monitoring and blacklist checks help you identify and resolve issues early.
To make outreach more engaging, Skylead allows you to combine hyper-personalized images and GIFs with text variables, which can increase response rates by up to 76%. Toine Boelens, Founder, highlights the platform’s flexibility:
"If/else conditions in Smart Sequences are also great. It’s low code, so it’s great because I’m not good at coding yet. I also like the Find & verify business email step, which finds email addresses most of the time."
These deliverability tools provide a strong foundation for Skylead’s advanced automation capabilities.
Automation Capabilities
Skylead’s Smart Sequences utilize if/else logic, allowing outreach to adapt based on prospect actions such as email opens, clicks, or LinkedIn connections. The Smart Inbox consolidates all LinkedIn and email conversations into one dashboard, simplifying follow-ups and saving users over 11 hours of manual work each week. Additionally, the platform automatically finds and verifies business emails within sequences, ensuring smooth workflows. Alex S., a user, shares his experience:
"This product has literally changed the way he works! He praises the interface and notes how building detailed sequences with the tool is incredibly easy."
Integrations
Skylead integrates effortlessly with a variety of tools to enhance its functionality. It connects with CRMs like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Pipedrive through Zapier, Webhooks, or API. For email, it supports Gmail, Outlook, and custom SMTP/IMAP providers, enabling unlimited mailbox connections. Its integration with InboxFlare provides free email warm-up, blacklist monitoring, and deliverability testing. Additionally, integration with Sendspark adds AI-powered dynamic video capabilities, complementing its native image and GIF personalization features.
Pricing
Skylead keeps pricing straightforward at $100 per month per seat. Opting for an annual plan costs $1,000 per year and includes two free months. This pricing covers unlimited email accounts, discovery, verification, and warm-up without hidden fees, aligning with the platform’s robust deliverability and automation tools. With ratings of 4.8/5 on Capterra and 4.9/5 on Product Hunt, Skylead is a reliable choice for teams managing multichannel outreach campaigns.
14. Expandi
Expandi is a cloud-based platform designed for automating LinkedIn and email outreach. Rated 8.2/10 on Deathtocoldemails.com, it’s widely regarded as one of the safest tools for LinkedIn automation. Unlike browser-based extensions, Expandi operates entirely in the cloud using dedicated servers, significantly reducing the risk of account detection. This cloud-based setup provides a secure foundation for its suite of features.
Deliverability Features
Expandi mimics human behavior during outreach by using smart delays and randomizing actions. This helps it stay within platform limits and maintain a strong sender reputation. Features like duplication security and blacklist management further enhance its reliability. Additionally, Expandi’s LinkedIn warm-up strategies can significantly improve email response rates, boosting them from 2–5% to an impressive 12–20%.
Automation Capabilities
Expandi’s automation tools are built on its secure delivery framework. Its Smart Sequences allow users to automate LinkedIn actions – such as profile visits and post interactions – alongside follow-up emails, using conditional logic to guide the process. These sequences can include up to 10 actions and conditions. The Unibox feature consolidates LinkedIn and email replies into one inbox for streamlined management. Expandi also supports A/B testing to refine messaging. For agencies, it offers team workspaces with role-based permissions and white-label options, making it easier to manage multiple client accounts.
Integrations
Expandi integrates LinkedIn and email into unified multichannel sequences, creating a seamless way to coordinate outreach efforts. It also supports hyper-personalization by incorporating dynamic elements like images, GIFs, and videos, which can increase engagement. Combining LinkedIn outreach with emails to multiple contacts within the same company has been shown to improve response rates by up to 93%.
Pricing
Expandi is priced at $99 per month. While the cost is on the higher side, users frequently cite its robust safety features and cloud-based functionality as key reasons for its value. This pricing aligns well with its advanced deliverability and automation capabilities, making it a strong contender for outreach campaigns. Trial periods are often available, giving new users the chance to explore its features before making a commitment.
15. Salesflow
Salesflow is a cloud-based tool designed to automate LinkedIn outreach while also supporting email campaigns. It mimics natural, human-like activity to safeguard your account and aligns with industry standards for cold outreach. One of its standout features is Smart Sequences, which blend LinkedIn actions – like profile visits, connection requests, and InMail messages – with automated email follow-ups. This creates seamless multi-channel campaigns that adjust based on how prospects interact. By using natural activity patterns, Salesflow helps ensure emails land in inboxes, making it easier to increase outreach efforts without sacrificing deliverability.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Here’s a breakdown of the key strengths and challenges of each platform to help you navigate your options. Deliverability is the cornerstone of successful outreach, and Apollo takes the lead with an impressive 98% inbox placement rate at $49/month. Instantly follows closely with 96% at $30/month, while Lemlist, Reply.io, and Smartlead offer 95%, 94%, and 93% respectively. These numbers provide a solid starting point for evaluating how these platforms align with your outreach goals.
Pricing varies significantly across tools. For solo users, Gmass and Saleshandy are budget-friendly options starting at $19.95–$25/month. Agencies may find Instantly and Smartlead appealing, offering unlimited email accounts for around $30–$39/month. On the higher end, premium tools like Reply.io and Expandi cost $89–$99/month and include advanced multichannel capabilities.
Beyond deliverability and pricing, usability plays a crucial role. Some platforms come with steep learning curves or complex interfaces. For instance, Apollo’s vast 275M+ contact database is a standout feature but can overwhelm beginners. Similarly, Smartlead’s master inbox management requires technical setup and comes with a confusing add-on pricing structure. Lemlist offers creative personalization options like image and video capabilities, but its interface can feel cluttered.
Integration gaps are another factor to consider. Instantly lacks a built-in prospecting database, while Saleshandy doesn’t support native LinkedIn or phone integrations. Gmass requires extensive Google Drive permissions and has no built-in warmup feature. Mailshake, while offering a phone dialer integration, only provides annual pricing with no refunds or free trial.
Here’s a quick comparison of the platforms:
| Tool | Key Strength | Primary Weakness | Inbox Rate | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apollo | 275M+ contact database | Overwhelming interface | 98% | $49/month |
| Instantly | Unlimited accounts | No prospect database | 96% | $30/month |
| Lemlist | Image/video personalization | Cluttered interface | 95% | $39/month |
| Reply.io | Jason AI & multichannel tools | Expensive for teams | 94% | $89/month |
| Smartlead | Master inbox management | Complex pricing model | 93% | $34/month |
| Woodpecker | Domain reputation safety | Limited advanced features | N/A | $29/month |
| Gmass | Gmail-native simplicity | No built-in warmup | N/A | $19.95/month |
| Saleshandy | Content quality scoring | Limited channel options | High | $25/month |
| Mailshake | Phone dialer integration | Annual-only pricing | N/A | $25/month |
| Hunter | Email verification | Limited automation | N/A | $34/month |
| Snov.io | Lead finding & drip campaigns | Moderate learning curve | N/A | $39/month |
| Expandi | Safe LinkedIn automation | High price point | N/A | $99/month |
This comparison highlights how each tool’s features and pricing align with different campaign needs, helping you select the best fit for your outreach strategy.
Conclusion
Choosing the right email outreach tool depends on your workflow, scale, and budget. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, so it’s important to pick a tool that meets your specific needs.
For freelancers and solopreneurs, tools that easily integrate into your current setup are key. GMass, which works directly within Gmail and starts at $25/month, or Woodpecker, known for its simplicity and domain protection at $29/month, are great options for smaller-scale operations. These tools are affordable and designed to fit seamlessly into individual workflows.
Agencies handling multiple clients need platforms that support scale and centralize communication. Instantly and Smartlead are excellent choices, offering unlimited email accounts at flat rates (around $37–$39/month) and features like master inboxes to manage client conversations from one dashboard.
For larger teams and enterprises, robust infrastructure is a must. Apollo.io, for example, provides access to a massive database of 275 million B2B contacts starting at $59/month. Other enterprise-grade tools deliver advanced sales intelligence and CRM integration, though they come at a higher price point. These tools are worth the investment when scaling requires advanced automation and deeper integrations.
The right tool strikes a balance between reliable deliverability and the automation features that keep your outreach efforts efficient.
FAQs
How do SPF, DKIM, and DMARC improve email deliverability for outreach campaigns?
SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-Based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) play a key role in ensuring your outreach emails make it to your recipients’ inboxes.
Here’s how they work: SPF checks which servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain, acting as a gatekeeper. DKIM goes a step further by attaching a digital signature to your emails, confirming that the content hasn’t been altered during transit. Then there’s DMARC, which brings SPF and DKIM together, allowing you to define policies for handling unauthorized emails and providing reports to monitor email activity.
Setting up these protocols correctly can do wonders for your email campaigns. They help boost your sender reputation, lower the chances of your messages being flagged as spam, and shield your domain from phishing attacks. The result? Your emails are more likely to land in the primary inbox, giving your outreach efforts better visibility and engagement.
What are the advantages of using AI and automation in email outreach campaigns?
AI and automation revolutionize email outreach by streamlining repetitive tasks like gathering prospect data, customizing messages, and scheduling emails. This means sales and marketing teams can spend less time on tedious manual work and more time closing deals and building relationships.
What’s even better is how AI keeps campaigns personal, even at scale. Each recipient receives messages tailored to their unique context, leading to higher open and reply rates. AI also fine-tunes send times, adjusts messaging based on engagement data, and helps ensure emails avoid spam filters – making every campaign smarter over time.
By blending speed, consistent personalization, and improved deliverability, AI and automation elevate email campaigns, driving better results and maximizing return on investment.
How do I choose the best email outreach tool for my business size and budget?
Choosing the right email outreach tool comes down to your business size, how many emails you plan to send daily, and your budget. If you’re a small business or a solo entrepreneur sending fewer emails, look for tools priced around $30 per month. These typically include unlimited sending and features like email warm-up to help maintain strong deliverability. For mid-sized teams, tools in the $60–$100 per user/month range often provide advanced automation, personalization, and multi-channel outreach options. Larger companies managing high email volumes or complex workflows should explore enterprise-grade tools starting at $100+ per user/month, which usually offer robust CRM integrations, detailed analytics, and team collaboration features.
When comparing tools, prioritize three essential aspects: email volume limits, team collaboration options, and deliverability safeguards. For instance, smaller teams might do just fine with shared infrastructure, while larger organizations may require dedicated IPs and sophisticated spam monitoring. Be sure to match your budget to the potential return on investment – cold email campaigns can reach open rates of up to 60%, making even a modest investment a smart move for many businesses.
