Which is Better for Cold Emails: Hunter.io or Yesware?

 

When comparing Hunter.io and Yesware for cold emailing, both platforms offer strong features but cater to different needs. Hunter.io excels in email finding and offers a scalable solution with its unlimited team members and various APIs. Yesware shines in real-time tracking and multi-channel campaigns but requires a separate plan for its Prospector Database. Given the comprehensive features, scalability, and despite a higher cost, Hunter.io edges out as the more complete tool for businesses serious about cold emailing.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Key Features: Where Hunter.io and Yesware Shine
  3. Pricing: Show Me the Money
  4. Pros and Cons: The Full Picture
  5. Feature-by-Feature Comparison: Hunter.io vs. Yesware
  6. Customer Support: Your Lifeline in the Digital World
  7. User Reviews: The Unsung Heroes
  8. FAQs: Clearing the Air
  9. Final Verdict: The Decision-Maker

Introduction

Navigating the labyrinth of cold emailing? Take a breath. With Hunter.io and Yesware, you’re not walking into the battle unarmed. These titans in the cold email software industry offer a plethora of features to keep your B2B game strong. But hold on—how do you pick one over the other? That’s what we’re here to figure out. We’ll dissect each feature, and unravel the pricing plans, pros, cons and user reviews to help you make an informed decision.

Key Features: Where Hunter.io and Yesware Shine

Hunter.io’s Features and Their Benefits

FeatureDescriptionImportance
Email Account RotationSend campaigns from multiple email accountsEvade spam filters and improve deliverability
Email FinderFind emails by name, company, or use APIs and Google Sheets add-onTarget decision-makers precisely
Email and Custom Domain TrackingTrack email opens, clicks, and set up custom domain trackingGauge campaign effectiveness and strategize in real-time
Campaign SchedulingSchedule emails for optimal engagement timesMaximize open rates and response rates
Various APIsRange of APIs for email fetching, verification, and campaign managementStreamline workflows and integrate with other tools
Unlimited Team MembersAdd an unlimited number of team membersScale effortlessly as your team grows
Personalization Customize emails with attachments and visualsMake each email engaging and unique

1. Email Account Rotation

  • Description: Hunter.io lets you send your campaign from multiple email accounts, dodging spam filters like a pro.
  • Real-life Example: Picture a team of five sales gurus. Each contributes an email account to a campaign. The emails are sent, and spam filters are none the wiser.
  • Importance: This feature is a game-changer for those who are wary of spam traps. By rotating email accounts, you reduce the risk of being flagged as spam. It’s like having multiple exit strategies; if one route is blocked, you’ve got others to take. In an age where every email counts, this feature is a lifesaver.

2. Email Finder

  • Description: Name or company—it doesn’t matter. Hunter.io will dig up emails for you. Plus, it has a snazzy Email Finder API and Google Sheets add-on.
  • Real-life Example: You want the big guns at a SaaS company to notice you. Using Hunter.io, you bypass the generic inbox and go straight to the C-suite.
  • Importance: Forget shooting in the dark. With the Email Finder, you can aim with sniper-like precision. It helps you target the people who actually have the power to say ‘yes’ to your proposals. You’re not just sending emails; you’re sending opportunities directly to the people who matter.

3. Email Tracking and Custom Domain Tracking

  • Description: You can track who opens your emails and clicks on your links. Also, you can set up custom domain tracking.
  • Real-life Example: Last week, you fired off 100 cold emails. Seventy were opened. Now, you know where to focus your firepower.
  • Importance: Imagine being a detective and having a magnifying glass that shows you exactly where to look. That’s what this feature does. It lets you know who’s interested and who’s not, enabling you to focus your efforts effectively. This isn’t just tracking; this is strategizing in real-time.

4. Campaign Scheduling

  • Description: Pick the best times for your emails to be sent. It’s like having your own personal timekeeper.
  • Real-life Example: Tuesdays at 10 a.m. have the highest open rates. All your campaigns are now set for that golden window.
  • Importance: Timing is everything in comedy, and guess what—it’s crucial in email marketing, too. By scheduling your emails for the times when they’re most likely to be seen, you’re not just optimizing; you’re maximizing. You’re giving each email its best shot at getting opened, read, and acted upon.

5. Various APIs

Description: Hunter.io is far from being a single-feature wonder; it brings a suite of APIs to the table that can easily mesh with your current operations. Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Domain Search API: Pulls in email addresses linked to a particular domain.
  • Email Finder API: Supplies confirmed emails along with their reliability ratings.
  • Email Verifier API: Checks the validity of email addresses, offering a trustworthiness score.
  • Leads API: Helps you keep tabs on your leads in an organized manner.
  • Campaigns API: Grants you comprehensive oversight of your email marketing activities.

Real-life Example: Let’s say you’ve crafted a bespoke CRM tailored to your company’s needs. Hooking it up with Hunter.io’s array of APIs lets you fill your CRM with authenticated email addresses, confirm their validity, and manage your email outreach without ever leaving your CRM interface.

Importance: The diverse range of APIs allows Hunter.io to be effortlessly integrated into your existing technology setup, enhancing both the efficiency and robustness of your operational flow.

6. Unlimited Team Members

  • Description: Add as many team members as you want. No limits.
  • Real-life Example: Your startup just hit a growth spurt. Team size triples, but no worries—your Hunter.io plan scales with you.
  • Importance: This feature is your scaling-up partner. It allows your tool to grow with your team, eliminating the need to switch plans or platforms. It’s not just about adding names to an email list; it’s about creating a collaborative environment where everyone has access to the tools they need to succeed.

7. Personalization with Attachments and Images

  • Description: Spice up your emails with attachments and images. Make each email an experience.
  • Real-life Example: You’re a design agency. Your portfolios go out as PDF attachments, making every email a mini-art exhibit.
  • Importance: Personalization is the key to standing out in an inbox cluttered with generic pitches. By adding attachments and images, you’re not just sending an email; you’re sending a message that says, “I’ve put thought into this.” You turn every email into a unique proposition, raising the chances of engagement.

Yesware’s Features and Their Benefits

FeatureDescriptionImportance
Real-Time Email TrackingGet instant notifications for email opens and clicksTime your follow-ups perfectly for increased engagement
Integration with Outlook and GmailSend emails directly from your existing accountsEnhance deliverability and build trust
Multi-Touch, Multi-Channel CampaignsExtend your outreach to LinkedIn InMails, calls, and moreDiversify your outreach for more opportunities
Secure Prospector DatabaseAccess a GDPR and CCPA compliant B2B contacts databaseExpand outreach responsibly and legally
Unlimited TrackingNo limits on email, attachment, or open trackingCollect comprehensive data for informed decision-making
Advanced Reporting on My DashboardDetailed reports on email performance, recipient engagement, and moreUnderstand your campaign’s narrative and optimize strategies

1. Real-Time Email Tracking

  • Description: Instant notifications alert you when someone opens your email or clicks on your links.
  • Real-life Example: You’ve sent out a proposal to a high-value prospect. Your phone buzzes, notifying you that they’ve opened the email. You seize the moment and follow up.
  • Importance: This feature is like having a sixth sense for your email campaigns. Knowing exactly when a prospect interacts with your email is invaluable for timing your follow-ups. It’s like catching someone at the exact moment they’re thinking about you. This isn’t just real-time tracking; it’s real-time opportunity seizing.

2. Integration with Outlook and Gmail

  • Description: Emails are sent directly from your existing email accounts, making spam filters less of an issue.
  • Real-life Example: Your corporate Gmail account becomes your cold email outreach tool, virtually eliminating the risk of your emails being flagged as spam.
  • Importance: Trust is a scarce commodity in the world of email. Sending from a familiar domain, like Gmail or Outlook, adds a layer of legitimacy that third-party servers just can’t provide. This isn’t just about deliverability; it’s about building trust right from the inbox.

3. Multi-Touch, Multi-Channel Campaigns

  • Description: Email is just one part of the equation. With Yesware, you can also send LinkedIn InMails, make calls, and other custom touches.
  • Real-life Example: Your email is ignored, but a LinkedIn InMail gets a response. The deal moves forward.
  • Importance: Why put all your eggs in one basket? This feature lets you diversify your outreach across multiple channels, increasing your chances of hitting the bullseye. This is more than just multi-channel; this is multi-opportunity.

4. Secure Prospector Database

  • Description: A treasure trove of 100+ million B2B contacts, all GDPR and CCPA compliant.
  • Real-life Example: You’re expanding your business to Europe and need a list of GDPR-compliant contacts. Yesware delivers.
  • Importance: In a world where data is king but also highly regulated, having a compliant database is a godsend. This feature ensures you’re not just reaching out to more people but also doing it in a way that respects privacy laws. It’s outreach with integrity.

5. Unlimited Tracking

  • Description: Track without limits. Emails, attachments, opens—you name it.
  • Real-life Example: Your latest marketing campaign just exploded in popularity. With Yesware, you can track every interaction.
  • Importance: In the age of Big Data, information is power. With unlimited tracking, you can amass a wealth of data to analyze, learn from, and act upon. This isn’t just tracking; this is comprehensive data collection for informed decision-making.

6. Advanced Reporting on My Dashboard

  • Description: Get a panoramic view of your campaigns, from weekly performance metrics to detailed recipient engagement reports.
  • Real-life Example: At your quarterly review, you find that your cold email campaigns have a better ROI than your Facebook ads.
  • Importance: Reports aren’t just numbers; they’re the narrative of your campaign’s life. Advanced reporting allows you to understand that narrative deeply, make data-driven decisions, and tell a success story that everyone in the company will want to hear.

Pricing: Show Me the Money

When it comes to pricing, both Hunter.io and Yesware offer tiered plans designed to fit a range of business needs. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Hunter.io Pricing

Hunter.io offers a free plan along with three paid plans tailored for different businesses: 

PlanCost Per Month (If Billed Monthly)Cost Per Month (If Billed Yearly)                                                  Features Included
Free PlanFreeFree50 monthly verifications, 25 monthly searches, one connected email account, browser extensions, unlimited team members, Regular Support
Starter Plan49€34€500 monthly searches, 1,000 monthly verifications, 3 connected email accounts, browser extensions, Priority support
Growth Plan149€104€5,000 monthly searches, 10,000 monthly verifications, 10 connected email accounts, custom tracking domain, Priority support
Business Plan499€349€50,000 monthly searches, 100,000 monthly verifications, 20 connected email accounts, Priority support, Account manager

Below, you can see all the features that each plan offers:

Yesware Pricing

Yesware also offers a free plan that includes some basic features plus four paid email outreach plans tailored for small and large businesses. Additionally, it offers three prospector plans for utilising its prospector database. 

Email Outreach Pricing Plans

Pricing Plans Cost Per Month Per Seat (If Billed Monthly) Cost Per Month Per Seat (If Billed Annually) Features Included
Free Forever Free Free Basic email tracking, 10 campaign recipients/month, etc.
Pro $19 $15 20 campaign recipients, unlimited email & link tracking
Premium $45 $35 Everything in Pro, plus unlimited & shared campaigns
Enterprise $85 $65 Everything in Premium, plus add contacts to campaigns
Custom Contact Contact Everything in Enterprise, plus Security & Legal Review

Prospector Pricing Plans 

Pricing Plans Cost Per Month (Billed Only Annually) Features Included
Prospector Starter $37.5 600 credits per year
Prospector Growth $125 3,000 credits per year
Prospector Custom Contact Customized plan

Below, you can see all the features that each Email Outreach Plan offers:

Pros and Cons: The Full Picture

Hunter.io Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Robust email finder capabilities
  • Excellent for team collaboration with unlimited team members
  • Wide range of APIs for seamless integration
  • User-friendly interface 
  • Offers free plan

Cons

  • No multi-channel sequencing 
  • Only verifies professional emails and not personal emails
  • Advanced features come at a higher price point

Yesware Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Real-time tracking allows for timely follow-ups
  • Multi-channel campaigns increase outreach opportunities
  • Secure and compliant contact database
  • Cheaper pricing plans and free plan 

Cons

  • Need to buy a separate plan for using the Prospector database feature
  • Slightly steeper learning curve

Feature-by-Feature Comparison: Hunter.io vs. Yesware

Here, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. How do these two stack up when you compare them feature by feature plus free trials and monthly costs?

Feature/ Aspect Hunter.io Yesware
Email Account Rotation Yes No
Finding Emails of Prospects Yes (via Email Finder) Yes (via B2B Prospector Database, but you need to buy a separate plan to use it)
Email Tracking Yes Yes
Custom Domain Tracking Yes No
Campaign Scheduling Yes Yes
Various APIs with multiple functions Yes No
Unlimited Team Members Yes No
Personalization with Attachments and Images Yes Yes
Built-in Real-Time Email Tracking No Yes
Sending Emails with Outlook and Gmail Yes (via Gmail Chrome Extension and Outlook Add-On) Yes (via Gmail and Outlook integrations)
Multi-Channel Campaigns No Yes
Advanced Reporting on Dashboard No Yes
LinkedIn Integration No Yes
Free Trial No 14 days
Cost Per Month (If Billed Monthly) 49€ – 499€ Email outreach plans: $19 – $85 per seat
Prospector plans: No monthly billing
Cost Per Month (If Billed Annually) 34€ – 349€ Email outreach plans: $15 – $65 per seat
Prospector plans: $37.5 – $125

Customer Support: Your Lifeline in the Digital World

Hunter.io 

  • Live Chat: Replies typically in 1- hour
  • Email Support
  • Resources: Help center, webinars and more.

Yesware

  • Email Support
  • Phone Support
  • No live chat on the website
  • Resources: Live training, reports and guides and more. 

User Reviews: The Unsung Heroes

Don’t just take our word for it. User reviews offer a wealth of real-world insights.

Hunter.io Reviews:

G2 Review

⭐️4.4 out of 5

Yesware Reviews:

G2 Review

⭐️4.4 out of 5

FAQs: Clearing the Air

Q: Are both tools GDPR compliant?

A: Yes, both adhere to GDPR regulations, ensuring your email campaigns are compliant.

Q: Does Hunter.io offer LinkedIn integration?

A: No. 

Q: Do both tools offer CRM integrations?

A: Yes, but Yesware only offers Salesforce integration, whereas Hunter.io offers Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive and more. 

Q: Do both tools offer email provider integrations?

A: Yes, both offer Gmail and Outlook integrations. 

Final Verdict: The Decision-Maker

When it comes down to Hunter.io vs Yesware, the choice isn’t as black and white as you might think. Both platforms offer robust features, but they cater to slightly different needs and budgets.

The Case for Hunter.io

Hunter.io is a powerhouse when it comes to finding and validating emails. Its Email Finder and multiple APIs make it incredibly versatile. If you’re looking for a tool that can integrate seamlessly with your current tech stack, this is it. The fact that you can add unlimited team members also speaks volumes about its scalability. However, the lack of a free trial and the cost—which can go up to 499€ per month if billed monthly—can be a sticking point for some.

The Case for Yesware

Yesware shines in real-time email tracking and multi-channel campaigns, including LinkedIn integration. Its dashboard reporting is a goldmine for data enthusiasts. The 14-day free trial offers you a good taste of its capabilities. The catch? To access its Prospector Database, you have to opt for a separate plan. This could be a deal-breaker for small businesses operating on a tight budget, especially since Prospector plans don’t offer monthly billing.

My Opinion: The Bottom Line

If your primary focus is email finding, validation, and a tool that grows with your team, Hunter.io is the clear winner, despite its higher price tag. However, if real-time tracking and multi-channel campaigns are your bread and butter, and you don’t mind shelling out extra for the Prospector Database, then Yesware is your go-to.

Let’s not forget the free trial aspect. Hunter.io loses points for not offering a trial period, while Yesware gains a slight edge with its 14-day free run. Trials are like test drives; they give you a feel of the product before you commit.

In my opinion, Hunter.io offers a more comprehensive and scalable solution for businesses that are serious about cold emailing. Yesware has its merits, especially in tracking and multi-channel campaigns, but the need to purchase a separate plan for prospecting could be a deal-breaker for some. Therefore, considering all factors—features, scalability, and cost—Hunter.io edges out as the more complete tool for cold emailing.

There you have it! A no-holds-barred, opinionated verdict to help you make the best choice for your cold emailing needs. Choose wisely!

Looking for more options? We’ve got you covered. Dive into our comprehensive list of 22 of the Best Cold Email Tools for more insights.

Philip Ilic

Philip Ilic

B2B Growth Specialist

Phil helps B2B SaaS companies with growth marketing and is a deep specialist in Linkedin advertising and paid social more generally (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn). He runs a paid social agency called Superlumen.co and is the founder of B2Bhero.co.

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