lemlist vs Instantly: cold email for new customers
lemlist is the stronger pick when each message has to feel written for one person: it runs sequences across email, LinkedIn and phone calls, follows up when a lead stays quiet and can add a personalised image for each prospect. Instantly wins on volume, because it sends from as many connected inboxes as you like, warms each one up and adds deliverability tools to stay out of spam. Both include a B2B lead database, and Instantly adds a single inbox for replies plus a simple CRM. Neither has a free plan, so start small.
Which one to pick
You sell to a narrow list of prospects, want LinkedIn steps and calls in the same sequence, and push your HubSpot or Pipedrive pipeline from the outreach tool.
You run campaigns at high volume, often for clients as an agency, and need many sending inboxes kept warm with all replies landing in one place.
Side by side
Questions
Which has better deliverability?
Instantly puts deliverability at the centre: it warms up every connected inbox and adds tools to keep your messages out of spam. lemlist includes inbox warm-up as well. Your domain setup and list quality still matter more than the tool. Send from secondary domains and keep daily volumes modest on new inboxes.
Do lemlist and Instantly include leads?
Yes, both include a B2B lead database, so you can find prospects without another subscription. lemlist describes its database as large. Check data quality in your own niche before relying on either one. Verify emails before a big send to protect your domain.
Can I do LinkedIn outreach with them?
lemlist runs sequences across email, LinkedIn and phone calls, so one campaign can mix all three. Instantly focuses on email sent from many inboxes. If LinkedIn is where your buyers answer, lemlist covers it without a second tool. For pure email at scale, Instantly is the leaner choice.
Do they connect to my CRM?
lemlist has native integrations with HubSpot and Pipedrive, so replies and leads can flow into your pipeline. Instantly comes with a simple built-in CRM to track replies and deals. If you already run HubSpot or Pipedrive, lemlist fits in with less work. If you have no CRM yet, Instantly's own can be enough to start.
Is cold email legal in Europe?
Rules differ by country, and GDPR applies to any personal data you collect. Business-to-business outreach is allowed in several EU countries under legitimate interest, while others need prior consent. Include who you are, why you are writing and an easy way to opt out in every message. Check your own country's rules or ask a lawyer before a large campaign.