If you’re running a business or managing marketing campaigns, you know repetitive tasks can eat up your day. Copying leads, scraping emails, or managing social media is important but it’s not the best use of your time. That’s where PhantomBuster comes in. This tool lets you automate repetitive online tasks so you can focus on growth instead of busywork. And when you schedule those automations to run daily, you create a true “set it and forget it” system.
In this guide, I’ll break down what PhantomBuster is, how to schedule automations, connect them with Google Sheets, and why daily scheduling is the key to scaling your workflow.
If you’re serious about cold outreach, you’ve probably come across PhantomBuster and Apollo. Both tools promise to help you reach more people and book more meetings, but they take very different approaches. The big question is: which one is better for you? The answer depends on your goals, your budget, and how comfortable you are with tech. Let’s break it down.
What is PhantomBuster?
PhantomBuster is an automation tool that works like a Swiss Army knife for growth hackers. It lets you scrape data and automate actions across platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and more. You can build custom workflows that fit your unique outreach strategy.
This tool is best for tech-savvy users who don’t mind rolling up their sleeves. If you like experimenting with custom setups and want full control, PhantomBuster gives you that flexibility. It’s also cheaper than many alternatives, making it a solid choice for solo users or those on a tight budget.
Starting from $56/month
Key Features
Extracts real-time data from platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Reddit, and more—even without stale databases by using pre-built “Phantoms” that you can deploy instantly
Lets you string these Phantoms together into multi-step “Workflows,” so you can go from lead scraping to outreach to CRM sync, all without editing a line of code
Runs completely in the cloud, meaning your automations continue in the background even when you’re offline, no local setup or maintenance required.
Why We Recommend It
PhantomBuster saves time by automating lead generation and outreach across multiple platforms. Ideal for marketers, recruiters, and growth teams who need to scale their pipelines without juggling spreadsheets and manual tasks. It simplifies complex workflows into repeatable, cloud-powered automations.
Pros & Cons
- Supports automation across many platforms not just LinkedIn so you can reach where your audience is
- Combines data scraping, enrichment, messaging, and CRM integration into one cohesive system
- There's a learning curve new users might find setup and flow design tricky at first
- Your accounts can get flagged or restricted if automations are too aggressive or misconfigured. Go slow and test thoroughly
- Pricing is based on execution time and "phantom slots," which can become expensive for high-volume or agency use
Pros of PhantomBuster:
- Very flexible and customizable.
- Can automate across multiple platforms, not just email.
- Affordable compared to most outreach tools.
Cons of PhantomBuster:
- Doesn’t come with leads, you have to scrape or bring your own.
- Learning curve is higher, especially if you’re new to automation.
- Risk of account bans if you push limits on platforms like LinkedIn.
In short, PhantomBuster is like a toolbox. It gives you the parts, but you have to build the machine yourself.
What is Apollo?
Apollo takes a different approach. It’s an all-in-one cold outreach platform built for speed and simplicity. Instead of scraping your own leads, Apollo gives you access to a massive B2B database with verified contacts. From there, you can launch email campaigns, track performance, and manage everything in one place.
This makes Apollo perfect for sales reps and teams who want results without the setup. If you’d rather skip the technical side and just start sending emails, Apollo has you covered. The trade-off is cost, Apollo gets expensive if you need lots of credits or advanced features.
Starting from $49/month
Key Features
Comprehensive Lead Database: Access over 200 million B2B contacts and 35 million companies with advanced filters to target by industry, role, company size, and more
Automated Sales Engagement (Sequences): Launch multi-step outreach workflows across email, calls, and social channels, personalized at scale with AI assistance
Smart CRM Enrichment & Analytics: Automatically update and enrich your CRM data with demographic, firmographic, and intent insights. Plus, track performance with real-time campaign analytics
Why We Recommend It
Apollo streamlines B2B sales discover prospects, personalize outreach, enrich data, and track results, all from one cloud-based platform. It’s a powerful tool for teams that want to scale smarter.
Pros & Cons
- Rich B2B database with precise targeting filters
- Multi-channel automation: mail, calls, LinkedIn—all managed in a unified sequence tool
- CRM integration with real-time enrichment keeps your data fresh and accurate
- Data accuracy can vary, some users report high bounce rates and outdated info
- Free and lower-tier plans limit features like CRM enrichment and email deliverability tools
- Steeper learning curve for newcomers setting up sequences, workflows, and CRM mapping
Pros of Apollo:
- Beginner-friendly and easy to start using.
- Huge verified database of B2B leads.
- Built-in tools for email sequencing and deliverability.
Cons of Apollo:
- Pricier than DIY solutions.
- Less flexible, you’re limited to what Apollo offers.
- Mostly focused on email, not multi-platform workflows.
In short, Apollo is like a pre-built machine. You just turn it on and it runs, but you can’t customize it much.
Watch our full comparison video on PhantomBuster vs Apollo:
Which One Should You Choose?
If you want a flexible tool that lets you experiment with multi-platform automation, PhantomBuster is the better choice. It’s powerful, cheap, and great if you’re comfortable with tech. On the other hand, if you need speed, verified leads, and simplicity, Apollo is the winner. It’s designed for people who want to plug in and go without worrying about scraping or setup.
For advanced users, the best setup might actually be a mix of both. Use PhantomBuster to scrape niche leads and then import them into Apollo for email campaigns. That way, you get the best of both worlds.
Final Thoughts
The “best” tool depends on your needs. PhantomBuster is best for custom workflows, lower costs, and multi-platform outreach. Apollo is best for ready-to-go campaigns, verified leads, and ease of use. If you’re just starting, Apollo might save you time and headaches. If you’re more advanced and want full control, PhantomBuster could be your secret weapon. And if you want to scale fast, using both together can take your outreach to the next level.
