Choosing the right LinkedIn automation tool can make or break your outreach efforts in 2025. Closely and Dripify are two popular options, but their features, pricing, and user experience cater to different needs. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Closely: Best for mid-size to large teams looking for AI-powered personalization, multichannel campaigns, and in-depth analytics. Plans start at $49/month.
- Dripify: Ideal for small businesses with tighter budgets. Offers affordable pricing (starting at $39/month) and strong drip campaign tools.
| Criteria | Dripify | Closely |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $39/month (annual) | $49/month |
| Drip Campaigns | 4.7/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Ease of Use | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
| AI Personalization | 20+ variables | Profile-based messages |
| Team Features | Advanced plan ($79+) | Available in all plans |
Bottom Line:
- Pick Dripify for affordable, user-friendly LinkedIn prospecting.
- Choose Closely for advanced personalization and multichannel outreach.
Both tools improve response rates and save time, but your choice depends on your budget, team size, and campaign goals.
Is this the BEST LTD for LinkedIn Automation? Closely Review (AppSumo 2024)
Feature Comparison: Core Functions and Tools
When choosing LinkedIn automation tools for U.S. businesses, understanding their core functions is key to determining whether they meet your needs. Both Closely and Dripify bring unique strengths to personalization, campaign management, and analytics.
AI Personalization and Automated Outreach
AI-driven personalization is all about creating messages that feel genuine at scale. Closely automates lead research, qualification, and message customization by tapping into profile data to craft tailored messages in bulk[1]. The platform highlights its ability to "skip the manual work and send messages that feel 1-on-1"[1], with users reportedly experiencing a 35% boost in response rates thanks to this feature[1].
Dripify takes personalization a step further by offering hyper-personalized outreach. Using 20 variables and icebreakers, it analyzes leads’ profiles and recent LinkedIn activity to craft unique intro lines[2]. Users can even adjust messaging styles to fit different tones, from formal to creative. Supporting over 40 languages with its AI icebreaker feature, Dripify is particularly appealing for businesses targeting global audiences. This focus on creating "natural, human-like interactions with leads"[2] has reportedly helped users close 40% more deals through its tailored outreach[2].
"Closely is a powerful tool for anyone looking to enhance their sales engagement. The platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it accessible even for those who are not tech-savvy." – Antonio D., Digital Strategist & Coach[1]
But personalization alone isn’t enough. Effective outreach also depends on strong campaign management capabilities.
Multi-Platform Campaign Management
Closely integrates LinkedIn with email automation, enabling users to manage multichannel campaigns from one dashboard[3]. Dripify, on the other hand, focuses on LinkedIn prospecting, offering tools for email campaigns, sales funnels, and performance tracking[3]. When it comes to drip campaigns, Dripify scores an impressive 4.7/5, compared to Closely’s 3.0/5 rating[4]. Dripify also edges out Closely in ease of use, scoring 4.7/5 versus 4.5/5[4]. This suggests Dripify’s interface may be more intuitive, helping teams get started faster.
However, campaign success often hinges on the quality of analytics and data insights.
Analytics and Data Tools
Data insights are crucial for refining outreach efforts. Dripify provides detailed tracking of LinkedIn activity, including connection requests, unread messages, and profile views – all accessible through a user-friendly dashboard[5]. It also offers a timeline of recent activity and detailed reports on invitation acceptance and response rates[5]. For businesses that rely on CRM systems, Dripify allows lead data – including email addresses, phone numbers, and company information – to be exported as CSV files[5]. Additional analytics features include daily usage stats, campaign performance metrics, and team analytics[6]. However, its A/B testing requires manual setup, which could add some complexity to campaign optimization[6].
| Feature | Dripify Rating | Closely Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Capture | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Drip Campaigns | 4.7/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Campaign Analytics | Not Available | 3.8/5 |
| Contact Database | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 |
The comparison highlights different strengths: Dripify shines in lead capture and drip campaign management, while Closely offers dedicated tools for campaign analytics. Businesses focused on nurturing leads may find Dripify better suited to their needs, while those looking for detailed campaign insights might prefer Closely.
"Great metrics and operates within LinkedIn’s policies." – G2 User[6]
Pricing and Plan Options
For U.S. businesses aiming to maximize ROI, understanding pricing strategies is key. Both Closely and Dripify use tiered pricing models, but their methods of delivering value vary quite a bit.
Plan Details and Monthly Costs
Closely bases its pricing on LinkedIn account limits and a credit-based system. The Starter plan, priced at $49 per month, includes 1 LinkedIn account and 1,000 credits for emails, phone lookups, or AI personalizations. The Growth plan costs $127 per month, offering 3 accounts and 3,000 credits. For larger needs, the Essential plan at $205 per month provides 5 accounts and 5,000 credits. The Custom plan, starting at $350 per month, supports 10 accounts with customizable credit allocations.
Dripify, on the other hand, encourages annual billing for cost savings. The Basic plan is priced at $39 per user per month when billed annually (or $59 monthly) but limits users to one drip campaign and restricted daily quotas[7][8]. The Pro plan, at $59 per user per month annually (or $79 monthly), lifts these restrictions, offering unlimited campaigns, full quotas, and dedicated inbox management[7][8]. At the top, the Advanced plan costs $79 per user per month annually (or $99 monthly) and includes team management tools and enhanced LinkedIn protection[7][8].
| Plan Tier | Closely | Dripify (Annual) | Dripify (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $49/mo (Starter) | $39/user/mo (Basic) | $59/user/mo (Basic) |
| Mid-Tier | $127/mo (Growth) | $59/user/mo (Pro) | $79/user/mo (Pro) |
| Advanced | $205/mo (Essential) | $79/user/mo (Advanced) | $99/user/mo (Advanced) |
| Enterprise | $350/mo (Custom) | Custom pricing | Custom pricing |
Dripify users should also account for email finder credits, which cost $39 for 1,000 credits and go up to $129 for 10,000 credits[6]. These additional expenses can add up quickly for businesses relying heavily on email discovery.
For teams, scalability introduces further cost considerations.
Team and Agency Scaling Options
When scaling for teams or agencies, the pricing structure can significantly impact overall cost efficiency. Closely’s account-based pricing allows multiple team members to collaborate under a single plan[1].
Dripify enables team features starting with the Advanced tier ($79 per user per month). This includes role assignments, performance tracking, duplicate outreach prevention, and centralized subscription management[7]. The Enterprise plan offers custom pricing and premium features like dedicated onboarding, technical support, and a customer success manager[7].
However, Dripify’s per-user pricing model can become expensive for growing teams. Additionally, teams using multiple accounts with Dripify must follow specific technical protocols, including separate Chrome instances and unique IP addresses for each account[9].
In contrast, Closely’s account-based pricing is more budget-friendly for teams, while Dripify’s per-user model provides advanced tools at a higher cost. Both approaches have their strengths, depending on the size and needs of the business.
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User Experience and Integration Options
The way a platform handles user experience can significantly influence your team’s efficiency and overall return on investment (ROI). Both Closely and Dripify offer distinct approaches, each catering to different user needs and preferences.
Interface Design and Workflow Setup
Closely prioritizes simplicity in its dashboard design, aiming to make campaign management as straightforward as possible. Its LinkedIn extension integrates smoothly, and many users find the navigation intuitive once they get started. However, feedback on the interface isn’t universally positive, with some users finding it a bit complex in certain areas.
"I liked the dashboard that they have, it is easy to navigate & the Closely extension is great too. It’s super easy to use and the workflow is easy to manage", shared users including Shreyansh S, a MarkOps Associate, and Gustavo M, a Marketing Director [11].
Dripify, on the other hand, is known for its clean and uncluttered interface, which consistently earns high praise. Its ease of use is reflected in a 4.7 out of 5 rating, showcasing its focus on intuitive design [10]. The platform streamlines the campaign creation process, allowing users to import prospects from LinkedIn or CSV files with minimal hassle. In February 2025, Matthew from SOBRsafe, a health and wellness company, highlighted how Dripify’s seamless integration and easy onboarding allowed his team to focus more on closing deals rather than managing campaigns [10].
Dripify also provides comprehensive onboarding resources, including video tutorials and a detailed Help Center. However, some users initially find its wide range of features a bit overwhelming. For example, Steve from a transportation company shared in January 2025 that he was able to set up his first campaign successfully after following a step-by-step YouTube tutorial [10].
"The interface is user-friendly, even for someone who’s not deeply technical", noted Bhavik from the marketing and advertising industry [10].
These user-focused design choices naturally extend into their integration capabilities.
CRM Connections and API Access
For U.S. businesses, integration options are critical to maximizing the value of existing tools. Closely offers native integrations and webhook support, allowing seamless connections with various software systems. Its API access provides flexibility for businesses with more complex workflows, making it a strong choice for organizations with intricate CRM setups.
Dripify also supports integrations with major platforms, emphasizing a plug-and-play approach. This ease of connection is particularly appealing, especially when considering that companies using CRM systems often see a 41% revenue boost per salesperson, with 89% of midsize businesses reporting better team collaboration and 91% experiencing increased sales productivity [12].
For businesses using tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, Google Workspace, or Zapier, both platforms offer viable integration options. However, the depth and flexibility of these integrations differ. While Closely’s webhook functionality caters to custom solutions, Dripify focuses on simplicity with its ready-to-use setup.
Ultimately, the decision between these platforms often depends on your team’s technical expertise and the complexity of your existing software ecosystem. If you need advanced customization, Closely might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for quick and straightforward connections, Dripify could be a perfect match.
ROI and Performance Results
When it comes to LinkedIn automation tools, the real proof of their value lies in measurable returns. Both Closely and Dripify aim to improve your bottom line, but they achieve this in ways that can uniquely benefit U.S. businesses.
Time Savings and Team Productivity
Closely takes advantage of AI-powered personalization and multichannel campaign management, freeing up sales teams to focus on closing deals rather than repetitive tasks. Similarly, Dripify simplifies LinkedIn lead generation with automated drip campaigns and sales funnels, making prospecting more efficient [14]. User feedback highlights Dripify’s time-saving capabilities, while Closely maintains strong performance metrics [3][14]. For U.S. businesses, where labor costs are notably high, these efficiency gains can translate into significant cost savings. In fact, broader automation initiatives have shown an average 40% reduction in operating costs and a 70% boost in execution speed [17]. However, the ultimate value of these tools lies in their ability to convert leads into customers.
Lead Conversion and Campaign Results
While saving time is important, the real impact comes from improving outreach and conversion rates. Closely uses AI-powered personalization and data enrichment to connect with the right prospects, and fully optimized LinkedIn profiles have been shown to significantly increase opportunities [13].
On the other hand, Dripify offers personalized campaign sequences and even lets users include images, features that have proven popular among its users [14]. Additionally, AI-assisted posts have shown a slight edge in engagement, with rates averaging 6.85% compared to 6.22% for non-AI posts [15].
When evaluating ROI, metrics like cost per action (CPA), lead conversion rates, return on ad spend (ROAS), and customer acquisition cost (CAC) are critical [15][16]. Pricing structures also play a role: smaller teams might prefer Dripify’s lower entry costs, while larger organizations could benefit from Closely’s advanced features and higher credit allowances.
The timeline for seeing ROI can vary. Broader automation tools, such as those used in robotic process automation (RPA), often deliver ROIs between 150% and 300% within the first year, with payback periods of 6 to 9 months [17]. While LinkedIn automation tools operate on a different scale, the principle of achieving a quick return when implemented effectively remains the same.
Final Verdict: Best ROI Choice for U.S. Businesses in 2025
Both Closely and Dripify offer distinct advantages when it comes to maximizing ROI, depending on the size of your business, budget, and outreach objectives. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each platform brings to the table.
Dripify stands out as the go-to solution for small businesses operating on tighter budgets. With plans starting at just $39 per month, it delivers solid functionality at an affordable price. Its 4.7/5 rating from 476 user reviews underscores its reliability and user satisfaction [3].
For mid-size businesses and larger enterprises, Closely takes the lead. Its advanced AI-powered personalization can triple connection requests, double lead generation, and save up to 15 hours of work per week [18][19]. These features make it an excellent choice for scaling operations efficiently.
Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
| Business Type | Best Choice | Key Advantage | Monthly Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Business/Startup | Dripify | Affordable plans, proven results | $39–$79 |
| Mid-size Company | Closely | AI-driven personalization, time savings | $49–$205 |
| Enterprise/Agency | Closely | Advanced features, scalability | $205–$350 |
"Closely is a powerful tool for anyone looking to enhance their sales engagement. The platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it accessible even for those who are not tech-savvy." – Antonio D., Digital Strategist & Coach [19]
FAQs
How does Closely’s AI-powered personalization improve LinkedIn outreach compared to traditional methods?
Closely uses AI-powered personalization to elevate LinkedIn outreach by creating tailored, natural-sounding messages that connect with your audience. Instead of relying on time-consuming manual methods, these AI-generated messages streamline the process while increasing engagement and response rates.
By analyzing LinkedIn profiles and applying advanced algorithms, Closely crafts outreach that feels genuine and aligns with the recipient’s interests. This approach helps you form stronger relationships and achieve better outcomes faster. It’s an ideal solution for sales teams, marketers, and recruiters looking to enhance their LinkedIn campaigns effectively.
What should small businesses look for when deciding between Closely and Dripify for LinkedIn automation?
When deciding between Closely and Dripify for LinkedIn automation, small businesses should weigh a few important factors: ease of use, time-saving tools, and lead generation effectiveness. It’s worth assessing how simple the platform is to set up, how well it streamlines outreach tasks, and how successfully it turns leads into opportunities.
Another key consideration is the quality of analytics and tracking features, which can help fine-tune your campaigns over time. Of course, cost plays a role too – look for a platform that strikes a good balance between features and affordability to ensure you get the best return on your investment. Both tools aim to make LinkedIn automation easier, but the right fit will depend on your specific needs and available resources.
How does Closely’s multichannel campaign management help larger teams improve ROI?
Closely’s multichannel campaign management makes it easier for larger teams to organize their LinkedIn outreach across various channels. By bringing everything together, it simplifies the process, improves productivity, and ensures messaging stays consistent – key factors for better engagement and higher lead conversion rates.
With less time spent on manual tasks, teams can shift their attention to more strategic efforts. This not only streamlines workflows but also helps deliver a noticeable increase in ROI for sales and marketing campaigns heading into 2025.