The verdict
On the data we hold, Smartlead comes out ahead. Here is why, point by point.
What the data says
- Both cover 2 of the 2 features we compared.
- Both have an API and an MCP server, so either works with AI employees.
- In our Outbound ranking, Smartlead places 5 and Cognism 18 of 33.
Side by side
| 6 points compared | ||
|---|---|---|
| Starts at | Not known yet | $32/mo |
| Free plan | No | No |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| MCP server | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in lead database | Yes | Yes |
| Buyer intent data | Yes | Yes |
| Links |
Plans and pricing
Cognism
Pricing not in our catalogue yet.
Smartlead
- Base2,000 contacts, 6,000 email sends and 2,000 verified emails per month; $39 monthly or $32 per month billed yearly.$39/mo
- Pro30,000 contacts, 90,000 email sends and 30,000 verified emails per month; $94 monthly or $78 per month billed yearly.$94/mo
- SmartUnlimited contacts, 150,000 sends and 50,000 verified emails per month; $174 monthly or $144 per month billed yearly.$174/mo
- PrimeUnlimited contacts, 500,000 sends and 170,000 verified emails per month; $379 monthly or $315 per month billed yearly.$379/mo
Prices as the vendors list them. They change often; the final price is on their sites.
Who each is for
Choose Cognism if…
Sales, marketing and revenue operations teams selling into Europe that need phone-verified mobile numbers and compliant B2B contact data, with more than one person prospecting.
Choose Smartlead if…
Sales teams, SDRs and agencies running cold email outreach at volume who need many mailboxes, automated warm-up, lead verification and one inbox for all replies.
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 acquisitionFind B2B prospects and run email and phone outreach campaigns from one unified platform.Outbound
From $49/moFree planAffiliate 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 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