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Comparing Cognism vs UpLead in 2025

How does Cognism compare to UpLead?

Here are three reasons why Cognism may fit your business better:

01
Phone-verified mobile numbers

Cognism has Diamond Data®, an exclusive on-demand dataset of phone-verified mobile numbers. With it, you can start meaningful conversations with decision-makers.

02
Unrestricted views

Cognism’s pricing model was created to overcome the scarcity mindset, allowing teams to prospect into their target accounts without worrying about credits. Users have access to unrestricted views and individual and page-level exporting (subject to fair use policy).

03
AI-powered intelligence for every user

Sales Companion is personalised for your sales experience so you can see the data that matters most to you. It helps prioritise your time, with leads and insights tailored to your target territories.

Book a demo with our team:

Below we’ll explain how Cognism compares to UpLead so you can make an informed decision when selecting your next data provider.👇 Scroll to learn more about UpLead pricing, features, user reviews and more!

What’s the difference between Cognism and UpLead?

When comparing Cognism to UpLead, it’s important to consider what each tool finds most important. 

Cognism is dedicated to providing high-quality B2B data in NAM, EMEA, and APAC. It has the most complete data in Europe and is a leader in US mobile coverage.

UpLead offers strong North European data with email verification.

Here’s a quick summary:

Cognism
UpLead
Best for
Cognism
Larger revenue teams looking to drive customer revenue growth with the most complete data in Europe and leading mobile coverage in the US.
UpLead
Small to mid-sized sales and marketing teams prospecting in the US.
Pricing
Cognism
Unrestricted views/ individual and page-level exporting on all packages.*
UpLead
Credit and seat-based pricing model.
Integrations
Cognism
Included in all packages: Salesforce, Hubspot, MS Dynamics, Pipedrive, Salesloft, Outreach & Zapier.
UpLead
Integrations include Salesforce, Hubspot, Zoho, Pipedrive, MS Dynamics, Outreach, SalesLoft & Zapier.
Compliance status
Cognism
GDPR & CCPA compliant, SOC 2 accreditations, TPS & DNC screening across 12 countries & notified database.
UpLead
CCPA compliant.
Browser extension
Cognism
Compatible with LinkedIn, Sales Navigator, Recruiter, Salesforce, HubSpot, Outreach, and company domains.
UpLead
Chrome extension works across company domains and LinkedIn profiles.
Intent data
Cognism
Bombora intent data (Max. topics 100).
UpLead
Bombora intent data (Max. topics 25).
Enrichment
Cognism
CSV & Salesforce enrichment: instant, scheduled & on-demand.
UpLead
Only available on Plus and Professional plans.
Phone-verification/ research on-demand service
Cognism
Exclusive phone-verified Diamond Data mobiles & verified emails. Plus, an on-demand verification service.
UpLead
Verified emails and mobile numbers.

Alternatively, see other Cognism comparisons👇

Key features of Cognism vs UpLead

Cognism

Cognism equips teams with everything they need to exceed quota month-on-month. It focuses on supplying accurate global B2B data that complies with international data laws. Features include:

  • Sales Companion: Access a vast database of contacts, companies, and buying signals.
  • International data coverage: EMEA, NAM, APAC. 
  • Exclusive on-demand verified cell phone and email data set Diamond Data®.
  • A mobile phone number coverage leader in the US.
  • The most complete data in the EMEA.
  • Intent data powered by Bombora.
  • Unrestricted views and individual and page-level exporting.*
  • Advanced contextual data points and sales trigger alerts.
  • CRM and sales engagement integration tools are included in every package.
  • Cognism AI Search - Find prospects using ChatGPT-style textual or voice prompts.
*Subject to a generous fair usage policy

UpLead

UpLead has several key features to help businesses reach their ideal buyers. These include: 

  • Real-time email verification. 
  • Intent data powered by Bombora.
  • API for finding contact information from a domain.
  • Chrome extension with technographics.

While both tools use intent data from Bombora, it’s clear that they have key differences and offerings overall.

Why not get started with Cognism right away?

Here’s 25 free leads for you!

Cognism vs UpLead: Databases

UpLead’s website does not directly state where its data coverage lies, only that it has global company profiles.

Cognism has research teams in the EU and the US, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to enter new markets with highly targeted leads

Quality is of utmost importance to Cognism, with phone-verified numbers, the most complete data in Europe and the best mobile number coverage in the United States.

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Where do Cognism and UpLead get their data?

According to the Privacy Policy on its website, UpLead collects data from the following sources:

  • Directly from individuals who submit Business Profile Data to them.
  • Data shared via signing up, contacting UpLead or using the services (based on legitimate interest).
  • From publicly available information on the internet or otherwise.
  • From third-party companies that collect information on UpLead’s behalf and license it to them.

Cognism gathers data via its proprietary sources and fills in the gaps from third-party data providers, publicly available sources, manual research and strategic partnerships. 

Cognism ensures up-to-date and high-quality B2B data via machine learning processes that check millions of data points daily. A team of in-house researchers verifies the data, ensuring quality and compliance. This stringent verification process applies to Cognism’s entire database.

However, Cognism takes data verification to the next level through its exclusive data asset, Diamond Data®.

Diamond Data® comprises phone-verified mobile numbers and verified emails, making it three times more likely that you’ll connect with your ideal customer. The team phone verifies mobile numbers and includes contacts specifically requested by customers, leveraging the Diamonds-on-Demand® service.

Diamond Data® allows sales teams to connect with up to 87% of their prospecting lists.

Here’s an infographic detailing the difference between Cognism’s mobile numbers and standard mobile numbers 👇

Diamond Data Landing Page graphic updated-19

(The study was conducted by an independent organisation calling 1,000 contacts' mobiles)

Thinking of switching from UpLead?

Learn more about how Cognism helps you have more conversations with the people you WANT to do business with. Book a call with a data expert.

UpLead versus Cognism: Compliance

UpLead’s website indicates that outside the United States, customers are responsible for ensuring compliance with local data privacy laws. This suggests that while UpLead provides tools and data, the onus of legal compliance in various jurisdictions rests with the user.

What’s more, in November 2024, UpLead settled with the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) due to failing to register as a data broker between February and July 2024, as mandated by California’s Delete Act.

Cognism has never been fined for not adhering to privacy laws. In fact, GDPR and CCPA compliance were built into the platform from the start. 

Cognism also scrubs all mobile numbers against:

  • TPS/CTPS lists in the UK.
  • Do-Not-Call lists in the USA, Canada, Australia and European countries, including Germany, France, Spain, Ireland, Belgium, Croatia, Portugal, Sweden and more. 

If a number is marked as TPS or DNC, it means that the user has opted out of receiving unsolicited phone calls by applying to the national do-not-call registry. 

Cognism allows admins to choose whether to hide or show contacts on DNC lists from reps, meaning that its customers have complete confidence in the legality of its outreach.

The Cognism platform follows these compliance-based actions: 

  • A stringent B2B data verification process. 
  • Ensures all data is legally sourced and of the utmost quality.
  • Is regulated by the ICO and provides users with a notified database.
compliance graphic-1

Customers like Corporate Traveller praise Cognism for its commitment to compliance:

“Compliance is a major factor when considering how best to access prospect data, and choosing a partner that can combine GDPR conformity, great coverage of the UK market and deliver constantly updated qualified mobile numbers and contact details meant Cognism was the right choice for us.”

Remember, choosing a provider serious about compliance isn’t only about ensuring you don’t incur a hefty fine but also that your teams can prospect confidently. 

Henderson Scott saw the effects of having quality, compliant data when they invested in Cognism: 

“Cognism is our comfort blanket when it comes to compliance.” 

“Whenever a prospect asks where we get their data from, we can confidently say that we’ve sourced their information from a reputable ISO 27001 and SOC Type II certification data company.” 

“With Cognism, you aren’t snowing yourself under with ICO complaints. I couldn’t recommend it enough.”

Cognism vs UpLead: Who’s best for usability?

Cognism and UpLead both offer numerous integrations and a browser extension for sourcing contact data on company websites and LinkedIn. The key difference is that integrations are available on all of Cognism's plans at no extra charge. UpLead integrations with sales tools like Salesloft and Outreach are only available on higher-tier plans.

What makes the Cognism Browser Extension a game-changer for sales reps?

  • It’s connected to a high-quality compliant database of company and contact profiles. 
  • It works over Outreach, HubSpot, and Salesforce, enabling you to enrich prospect records without leaving those tools.
  • It lets you enrich LinkedIn profiles and Sales Navigator lists and find prospect contact details on corporate websites.
  • Sales Companion connects you with ready-to-buy decision makers in the accounts that matter.
Michael-Mannina-g2-review
Michael M.

“Contact Data is actually accurate and complete, especially in unconventional industies. This is is direct comparison with ZoomInfo, Apollo, LeadIQ, and others.”

Zak-Heath-g2-review
Zak H.

“What I like about Cognism is its wider interoperability and integration with a huge amount of CRM systems, completely automating the dreaded task of pulling data from platform to CRM. Its data quality! Without a doubt, the best resource for quality data in the UK, particularly for mobile numbers.”

tom-williams-g2-review
Tom W.

“The amount of correct data that is presented on cognism is by far the best out of any tool I have ever used. With the plugin, it is both so easy to use and set up.”

SalesIntelligence_Leader_EMEA_Leader
LeadIntelligence_Leader_Leader
LeadIntelligence_MomentumLeader_Leader
MarketingAccountIntelligence_MostImplementable_Total
MarketingAccountIntelligence_EasiestAdmin_Mid-Market_EaseOfAdmin-1

Quality data & 75% faster prospecting? 

Connect with the right decision-makers and speed up prospecting with Cognism’s AI Search.

Comparing the pricing of UpLead and Cognism**

Cognism Pricing

Cognism’s pricing model was created to overcome the scarcity mindset, allowing teams to prospect into their target accounts without worrying about credits. Its plans best suit individual contributors who:

  • Don’t want to worry about credits and volume.
  • Do want to get the best possible data for their target accounts.

You can choose between two packages: 

  • Contact and company data, including phone-verified Diamond Data® contacts.
  • Target market analytics.
  • Integrations with leading CRMs and engagement tools.
  • No hidden platform fees: You only pay for licenses and add-ons.
  • Onboarding and training: We ensure a smooth and successful start.
  • Exceptional customer support: Get fast answers via live chat (20-second average response time) from our highly-rated support team (99% satisfaction score).

UpLead Pricing

Its website states UpLead pricing includes three packages and a free trial. Every package includes: 

  • A single-user seat.
  • Verified emails. 
  • Mobile phones.
  • Verified direct dials.
  • Chrome extension.

You will have to pay more for additional credits, enrichment, API, integrations and technographics.

All search filters, buyer intent data, full API access, and competitor intelligence require a professional plan. 

**Pricing information for UpLead and Cognism is dependent on your company’s needs. For accurate pricing, please contact your preferred data provider.

FAQs about UpLead vs Cognism

UpLead is a good no-fluff B2B prospecting platform.

But Cognism is the better choice for businesses looking for a lead generation platform offering up-to-date, accurate data in an easy-to-use interface.

Its verified mobiles and B2B emails are unmatched by UpLead, as are its user-friendly interface and excellent customer service.

So if you’re looking for the best tool to help you reach out to potential leads and target customers, Cognism is the clear winner.

Yes, Cognism is an excellent alternative when comparing UpLead competitors.

Cognism provides highly accurate and up-to-date contact information. It helps sales and marketing teams find the information they need to make fewer calls, contact the most relevant people, and hit quota faster.

Furthermore, Cognism receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from its users. Many users praise its data quality and robust integrations:

Outwardly, UpLead has more affordable pricing options than Cognism. It offers a 7-day free trial and paid plans starting at $99 per user per month. At first glance, it may appear to be better value for money compared to Cognism.

However, UpLead uses a credit-based pricing system. Meaning that as soon as your team runs out of credits, you will need to purchase more. One credit equals one contact in UpLead’s system.

Data enrichment, technographics, intent data, and API access also come at an additional cost. So you can see how the price of using UpLead can quickly go up.

In contrast, Cognism’s data is unrestricted; all license types include unrestricted access to data and individual and page-level exports (up to 25 profiles at a time). It’s subject to a generous fair usage policy. This offers more value to sales teams, especially heavy dialers.

All Cognism packages include key features and integrations designed to make prospecting as efficient as possible. There are no hidden platform fees; you only pay for licenses and add-ons.

How B2B revenue teams use Cognism

Enough about Cognism vs UpLead. 

Here's what actual Cognism customers have to say about the tool👇

60%
increase in the number of reps hitting target
3x
sales in 6 months

“Cognism leads the way for any company looking to grow their sales and increase the number of conversations they have with decision-makers. I’d recommend Cognism to any business that wants to expand within European and APAC markets”

Read the full case study
Elliot Mitchell
CEO @Gradfuel
70%
meetings booked with Cognism's mobile numbers
4000
leads enriched

“Approximately 4,000 leads each month are enriched by our SDR team using Cognism’s database. ”

Read the full case study
Michael Iannuzzi
Director of Marketing & Sales Development @Salesloft
8
saw ROI in 8 weeks
70%
achieved target with 70% fewer calls

“The sales managers used to make 100-150 calls per day. Now they can achieve their targets by making 30 calls per day because they are calling prospects who actually pick up the phone. That’s more results, less calls.”

Read the full case study
George McKenna
Head of Cloud Sales @Ultima

Try Cognism, an UpLead alternative

Cognism vs UpLead - who to choose? 

Cognism is an UpLead competitor with the most complete data in the EMEA and a mobile coverage leader in the US. Even better, it’s the only data provider actively phone-verifying mobile numbers, making it a great choice for global prospecting.

With Cognism, you get more:

✔️ More calls that go through to the right contacts. 

✔️ More confidence when prospecting.

✔️ More targeted leads.

✔️ And more incoming revenue.

Start making every month your best month. Book your demo today!