When it comes to B2B Leads Database Providers, DNB’s a dinosaur—big, reliable, but kinda slow and rigid. I needed more agility, less red tape, and honestly, a better UI. So I tried a bunch of lead generation companies. Here’s who actually impressed me.

1. 🔍 ZoomInfo – Still the Big Dog, Just Smarter

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ZoomInfo is like DNB’s cooler, faster little cousin. Massive data, killer enrichment tools, and sales/marketing features all rolled into one.

Why it slaps:

  • Real-time intent data

  • SalesOS, MarketingOS, TalentOS—it’s all here

  • Powerhouse integrations (SFDC, HubSpot, Outreach, etc.)

What I didn’t vibe with:

  • Expensive AF if you’re a small team

  • Some contacts still need double-verification

💰 Starts at ~$15K/year depending on seat count.

Verdict: If you’ve got budget, this is a straight-up DNB replacement.

2. 🚀 Apollo.io – Best Bang for Your Buck

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Apollo has been my secret weapon. It’s a full-stack B2B lead generation database + outbound tool. Cheap, powerful, and super scalable.

Best bits:

  • Huge database (270M+ contacts)

  • Built-in email automation + dialer

  • Chrome extension works like a dream

Downsides:

  • UI gets laggy with big workflows

  • Not enterprise-focused like DNB

💰 Starts at $49/mo, free tier available.

Verdict: Pound-for-pound the best DNB alternative for startups and scrappy sales teams.

3. 📞 RocketReach – Lightweight & Fast

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When I just needed quick contact data without all the fluff, RocketReach was a lifesaver.

Pros:

  • 700M+ profiles, easy search

  • Solid Chrome extension

  • Fast API access for devs

Cons:

  • No intent data

  • Minimal enrichment capabilities

💰 Starts around $39/mo.

Verdict: Solid lead gen tool if you’re not into complex stacks like DNB or ZoomInfo.

4. 👤 Kaspr – Chrome Extension for Instant Leads

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Kaspr is great for pulling verified contact info straight from LinkedIn. Perfect for SDRs who live inside Sales Navigator.

Highlights:

  • Real-time phone/email capture

  • Automated LinkedIn workflows

  • Super clean interface

Weaknesses:

  • Limited outside LinkedIn

  • No deep firmographic data like DNB

💰 Starts at €30/mo (approx. $32).

Verdict: Not a full DNB replacement, but deadly for social selling.

5. 🧠 LeadIQ – SDR-Focused & Outreach Friendly

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LeadIQ helps with prospecting and makes your outreach easier. It’s focused more on workflow and syncing rather than raw data.

What rocks:

  • Pulls lead info while you browse LinkedIn

  • Syncs seamlessly with CRMs + Sales Engagement tools

  • Great team collaboration features

What doesn’t:

  • Contact depth isn’t as good as DNB or ZoomInfo

  • Some tools locked behind higher tiers

💰 Starts at $75/mo/user.

Verdict: Built for modern SDR teams who need leads and workflow automation in one spot.

6. 🧠 SalesIntel – Human-Verified Leads for the Win

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If DNB’s stale data drove you nuts, SalesIntel will feel like a breath of fresh air. They actually manually verify their B2B data.

What I liked:

  • 95%+ data accuracy (yep, real humans verify it)

  • Buyer intent data via Bombora

  • Stellar support team

What I didn’t:

  • UI needs a facelift

  • Smaller contact pool than ZoomInfo

💰 Starts around $99/mo (custom for bigger teams)

Verdict: If data quality is non-negotiable, SalesIntel beats DNB hands down.

7. ⚡ LeadSwift – Local Lead Scraping on Autopilot

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LeadSwift targets small biz/local leads (Google Maps, Yelp, FB) which DNB completely ignores.

Pros:

  • Scrapes local leads fast

  • Great for agency cold outreach

  • Clean interface

Cons:

  • Not for SaaS/B2B enterprise

  • No enrichment or CRM integrations

💰 One-time price ~$67 with upsells

Verdict: Not a full DNB replacement but killer for local marketing and SEO agencies.

8. 🔍 LeadScrape – Simple B2B Lead Generation Desktop App

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LeadScrape gives you downloadable lead lists based on niche + location. Super basic, but does the job.

What’s cool:

  • No subscriptions (buy it once)

  • Local + international B2B leads

  • Company emails, phones, industry filters

What’s meh:

  • Desktop-only (no cloud-based UI)

  • Zero automation/workflows

💰 One-time fee ~$97

Verdict: If you just want raw B2B lists and hate monthly fees, it’s a budget-friendly DNB alt.

9. 📩 Skrapp – LinkedIn Email Finder with a Twist

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Skrapp is a simple Chrome extension that pulls professional email addresses from LinkedIn and company websites.

Pros:

  • Easy UI, fast email extraction

  • Team collaboration features

  • LinkedIn + domain search modes

Cons:

  • No phone numbers or advanced targeting

  • Credits run out quick

💰 Free tier; paid from $39/mo

Verdict: Perfect if you mainly want emails and work off LinkedIn. Light years more usable than DNB.

10. 🧊 Snov.io – Lead Gen + Email Outreach in One

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Snov.io is an all-in-one tool: B2B lead generation, email finding, validation, drip campaigns—you name it.

What’s fire:

  • Built-in CRM and drip campaigns

  • Email verifier + domain search

  • Zapier + HubSpot integrations

What’s not:

  • Some contact data isn’t super deep

  • UI can feel clunky

💰 Free plan; paid from $39/mo

Verdict: A solid Datanyze/DNB combo-killer, especially for lean teams running outbound.

11. 🌍 GetProspect – Easy, Affordable LinkedIn Email Finder

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GetProspect is another tool for scraping verified business emails off LinkedIn profiles.

What’s solid:

  • Great for quick prospect list building

  • Simple UI, easy to use

  • CSV exports and CRM sync

What’s lacking:

  • Very little beyond email and company name

  • No phone or intent data

💰 Free plan; starts at $49/mo

Verdict: Basic but gets the job done if you just need solid B2B emails. Lighter, cheaper than DNB.

12. 🤖 TaskDrive – Human-Powered Lead Research

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TaskDrive gives you a dedicated VA-style researcher who builds B2B lead lists manually.

Why it’s dope:

  • Super custom targeting

  • Research includes LinkedIn, tech stack, signals

  • Great for niche markets

The catch:

  • Slower turnaround vs. automation tools

  • Monthly service model

💰 Starts at ~$999/mo

Verdict: If DNB data feels too general and you want high-touch service, this is gold.

13. 🔥 LeadFuze – Automated Lead Generation + Outreach

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LeadFuze is like if Hunter and Apollo had a baby. You build a persona and it auto-fills your lead list.

Highlights:

  • “Fuzebot” finds leads 24/7

  • Includes emails + phones

  • Syncs with CRMs + outreach tools

Weak links:

  • UI feels a bit old school

  • Smaller database than big players

💰 Starts at $147/mo

Verdict: Great for automated lead list building. More modern and flexible than DNB.

14. ⚡ Instantly.ai – Cold Email at Scale

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Instantly isn’t a contact database—it’s an email warm-up and outreach platform. But it pairs well with tools like Apollo or Snov.

What I dig:

  • Send 1,000+ cold emails/day safely

  • Built-in warm-up and inbox rotation

  • Integrates with your lead lists

What I don’t:

  • No leads included

  • Learning curve for newbies

💰 Starts at $37/mo

Verdict: Not a DNB replacement solo, but if DNB’s outreach tools annoyed you—Instantly is 🔥.

15. ✉️ Brevo (ex-Sendinblue) – All-in-One CRM & Email

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Brevo gives you email marketing, CRM, SMS, and lead scoring—all in one clean package.

Best bits:

  • Email automation and newsletters

  • Built-in sales CRM

  • Super startup-friendly pricing

Not so hot:

  • No lead scraping or discovery

  • Can feel limiting for complex use cases

💰 Free plan; paid from $25/mo

Verdict: Not a raw data provider like DNB, but great for nurturing and qualifying inbound leads.

16. 🧬 Leadzai – AI-Powered Ads That Bring Leads

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Leadzai is totally different—it’s focused on automating lead acquisition via paid ads.

Pros:

  • AI sets up and optimizes Google/Facebook ads

  • Focused on ROI and conversions

  • SMB-friendly

Cons:

  • No email/phone database

  • Relies on paid ad budget

💰 Free to start; paid via ad spend

Verdict: Not a DNB copycat, but if you want inbound B2B leads without the grind, it’s worth a spin.

17. 🧠 6sense – Intent + Predictive ABM Magic

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6sense is all about intent-based ABM—think “who’s actually buying soon?”

Pros:

  • Predictive analytics + buying signals

  • Full funnel visibility

  • Killer enterprise features

Cons:

  • Learning curve

💰 Custom pricing (read: expensive)

Verdict: If DNB feels passive and slow, 6sense puts you in front of buyers at the right time.

18. 📈 Leadfeeder – Turn Website Visitors Into Leads

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Leadfeeder tracks companies that visit your site (even if they don’t fill out forms). Super useful.

What rocks:

  • Reveal company names from anonymous visits

  • CRM integrations

  • Tracks lead behavior on your site

What doesn’t:

  • No emails or phones included

  • Works best with B2B traffic

💰 Free plan; paid from $139/mo

Verdict: More of a lead intelligence tool than a traditional DNB alt—but seriously underrated.

19. 🔎 UpLead – Clean, Accurate B2B Contacts

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UpLead is one of the cleanest DNB alternatives for quick B2B contact lists without a data headache.

What I liked:

  • 95%+ email accuracy (they guarantee it)

  • Great filters (tech stack, job title, etc.)

  • Built-in email verifier

What I didn’t:

  • Credits run out fast

  • Smaller database than ZoomInfo

💰 Starts at $74/mo

Verdict: If you need solid B2B leads without paying enterprise pricing, UpLead’s a great pick.

20. 📬 Lead411 – B2B Data + Intent Signals

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Lead411 blends email/phone data with intent signals (Bombora-style), which DNB lacks.

What’s solid:

  • Triggers for job changes, hiring, funding, etc.

  • Verified direct dials and work emails

  • Chrome extension and CRM integrations

What’s not:

  • UI is a little dated

  • Reporting/dashboarding could be better

💰 From $99/mo

Verdict: A nice combo of contact data + triggers. More actionable than DNB’s flat data.

21. 💬 Overloop (ex-Prospect.io) – Outreach Meets CRM

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Overloop is for cold email outreach, not a contact database—but it’s a slick DNB companion.

Pros:

  • LinkedIn email finder

  • Multichannel campaigns (email + LinkedIn + calls)

  • Built-in CRM

Cons:

  • You have to bring your own leads

  • UI takes a sec to get used to

💰 From $39/mo

Verdict: Not a lead database, but if you’re combining Apollo or Skrapp with outreach, Overloop is 🔥.

22. 🕵️‍♂️ Hunter.io – Email Finder + Verifier

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Hunter.io is clean, simple, and stupid fast at finding company emails via domain or LinkedIn.

What’s great:

  • Domain search + bulk email finder

  • API access

  • Super accurate verifier

What’s weak:

  • No phone numbers

  • Doesn’t go deep on company data

💰 Free tier; paid from $49/mo

Verdict: If you’re just looking to pull verified business emails, it’s leaner and cheaper than DNB.

23. 🧊 Coldlytics – Human-Powered, Niche List Building

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Coldlytics builds hyper-targeted lists manually for you based on your ICP. Very hands-on.

What I loved:

  • Custom list requests (e.g. “VPs in AI startups in Berlin”)

  • Data includes emails, phones, LinkedIn

  • Great for obscure niches

What I didn’t:

  • Turnaround time (1–3 days)

  • No “self-serve” database

💰 Starts at $147/mo

Verdict: Better than DNB if you’re going after tight niche verticals and want zero fluff.

24. 🤖 Seamless.AI – Real-Time Email + Phone Finder

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Seamless.AI is all about real-time email and phone scraping, especially from LinkedIn.

Best parts:

  • Live contact data discovery

  • Great Chrome extension

  • Unlimited search plans

Worst parts:

  • Spammy upsells

  • UI can feel chaotic

💰 Free tier; paid from $147/mo

Verdict: More aggressive than DNB with fresher data—great if you want quantity and phones.

25. 🦍 LeadsGorilla – Local Lead Scraper for Agencies

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LeadsGorilla is very niche—pulls leads from Google Maps, Yelp, FB Pages, etc.

What’s cool:

  • Local SEO & agency play

  • Grabs business data + contact info

  • Local ranking audit tools

What’s meh:

  • Not built for SaaS/B2B

  • No enrichment, no CRM sync

💰 One-time ~$37–$67 depending on plan

Verdict: DNB doesn’t even touch local. If you do local lead gen, LeadsGorilla is underrated.

26. 🌐 Lusha – Fast LinkedIn Lead Enrichment

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Lusha is one of the easiest plug-and-play B2B lead generation tools—especially if you’re on LinkedIn daily.

What rocks:

  • Instant emails + phones via Chrome extension

  • Good Salesforce + HubSpot sync

  • Self-serve pricing

What’s not:

  • Not super strong on intent data

  • Can get pricey fast

💰 Free plan; starts at $39/mo

Verdict: Way easier to use than DNB. Great data, modern UI, perfect for sales reps.

27. 🧠 Clay – Data Automation for Nerds (in a good way)

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Clay isn’t a typical lead gen tool—it’s more like Airtable on steroids for outbound.

Why I dig it:

  • Pull data from 50+ sources (Hunter, Apollo, Clearbit, etc.)

  • Enrich, dedupe, personalize at scale

  • Zapier + OpenAI integrations 🤖

Why it’s complex:

  • Steep learning curve

  • You build your own flows

💰 Starts at $149/mo

Verdict: Total DNB killer for advanced users. If you want to customize every step of your workflow, Clay is elite.

28. 🧾 Datanyze – Simple Email Finder, Decent B2B Data

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Datanyze (owned by ZoomInfo) is the lightweight cousin—ideal for quick LinkedIn lead grabbing.

What’s good:

  • Chrome extension for emails

  • Simple UI

  • Pulls tech stack + company info

What’s bad:

  • Limited contacts per month

  • Pricing’s vague and gotcha-style

💰 From $39/mo (but limited)

Verdict: A lite version of DNB, but better UI. Okay for freelancers, not for scale.