Clay vs Smartlead (2026)
Plans, limits and refund terms for Clay and Smartlead, each with a source. Clay pricing is marked unverified.
Short answer: Clay is a data/enrichment tool, while Smartlead is a sender tool, so they are usually paired rather than swapped. Clay starts at $185/mo (Launch, unverified) and Smartlead at $39/mo (Base); Clay pricing is unverified on its official page. Clay offers a 14-day trial; Smartlead: 7 days (new), 3 days (renewal). Last updated .
Data tool vs sender.
Clay enriches and builds lists; senders deliver the emails. Many teams use one of each.
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This placement is available. Clearly labeled, never mixed into rankings or data.
Plans
- Clay Launch: $185/mo (unverified), data credits: 2,500. Not a sequencer-first tool; 'contacts' modeled as 2,500 data credits/mo. DISAGREEMENT on official page: plan card shows $167/mo, FAQ says 'starting at $185/mo', sub-components list $60 actions + $125 data credits = $185. Unlimited seats. Source, checked 2026-10-16.
- Clay Growth: $495/mo (unverified), data credits: 6,000. Card $446 vs FAQ $495 ($205 actions + $290 credits). 6,000 data credits/mo. Source, checked 2026-10-16.
- Smartlead Base: $39/mo, contacts: 2,000. Unlimited email accounts. 50% off first month promo shown. Source, checked 2026-10-16.
- Smartlead Pro: $94/mo, contacts: 30,000. Source, checked 2026-10-16.
- Smartlead Unlimited Smart: $174/mo, contacts: Unlimited. Unlimited contacts. Source, checked 2026-10-16.
- Smartlead Unlimited Prime: $379/mo, contacts: Unlimited. 3 SmartServers + 3 client workspaces included. Source, checked 2026-10-16.
Refunds
- Clay: Fees non-refundable except as set out in the Agreement; auto-renews; cancel by email or in-app. Downtime >6h earns 5% service credits (no cash). Trial/window: 14-day trial. source
- Smartlead: 7-day full refund for new subscriptions; renewal refund within 3 days if unused + valid reason; add-ons non-refundable. Note: T&Cs separately say fees are non-refundable 'except where expressly stated'. Trial/window: 7 days (new), 3 days (renewal). source
More on these tools
Frequently asked questions
Is Clay or Smartlead cheaper?
By entry plan list price: Clay $185/mo (Launch, unverified), Smartlead $39/mo (Base). Clay plans are priced on data credits, not sending volume, so a like-for-like cost comparison is not possible from our data.
What is the difference between Clay and Smartlead?
In our tracker Clay is categorised as data/enrichment and Smartlead as sender. Clay has no third-party inbox-placement tests in our data; Smartlead: 87.4–91% (3 tests).
What is Clay's refund policy?
Clay: Fees non-refundable except as set out in the Agreement; auto-renews; cancel by email or in-app. Downtime >6h earns 5% service credits (no cash). Trial/window: 14-day trial.
What is Smartlead's refund policy?
Smartlead: 7-day full refund for new subscriptions; renewal refund within 3 days if unused + valid reason; add-ons non-refundable. Note: T&Cs separately say fees are non-refundable 'except where expressly stated'. Trial/window: 7 days (new), 3 days (renewal).
How much does Clay cost?
Clay plans as checked 2026-10-16: Launch $185/mo (unverified); Growth $495/mo (unverified).
How much does Smartlead cost?
Smartlead plans as checked 2026-10-16: Base $39/mo; Pro $94/mo; Unlimited Smart $174/mo; Unlimited Prime $379/mo.
Price changes, before your renewal.
One email a month when Instantly, Smartlead, Apollo, Clay, Lemlist, Reply.io, Saleshandy or Woodpecker change pricing or policies.
This placement is available. Clearly labeled, never mixed into rankings or data.