Sales automation tools simplify repetitive tasks, personalize outreach, and improve campaign management across channels. But choosing the right tool is crucial. Free trials let you test features, integrations, and usability before committing. Here’s a quick breakdown of four tools offering trials:
- Closely: AI-powered LinkedIn automation with multichannel campaigns. Offers a 14-day free trial (no credit card required). Pricing starts at $49/month.
- HubSpot Sales Hub: Combines CRM, email tracking, and automation. Includes a 14-day free trial and a free plan. Pricing starts at $20/month.
- Outreach.io: Advanced sales engagement platform. No free trial, but offers a personalized demo. Pricing starts around $100/user/month.
- Apollo.io: Sales intelligence platform with a strong contact database. Offers a free plan and paid plans for advanced features.
Quick Tip: Use trials to test real workflows, involve your team, and track key metrics like conversion rates and ROI.
Quick Comparison:
| Tool | Trial Type | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closely | 14-day free trial | $49/month | LinkedIn-focused outreach |
| HubSpot | 14-day trial + free plan | $20/month | Small teams needing CRM + basic tools |
| Outreach.io | Demo only | $100/user/month | Large teams with complex workflows |
| Apollo.io | Free plan available | $0 | Lead generation and contact discovery |
Free trials are your chance to evaluate tools with minimal risk. Test, analyze, and choose the one that aligns with your goals.
13 Best AI Sales Tools & Agents 2025 (Ranking & Full Demo)
1. Closely
Closely is a cloud-based sales automation platform designed to supercharge LinkedIn outreach with the help of AI-driven personalization. It simplifies prospecting workflows, making it easier to evaluate how it impacts your LinkedIn efforts and overall sales strategy.
Free Trial Duration
Closely provides a free trial that doesn’t require a credit card, giving you the chance to explore its core features without commitment[2]. This trial offers a hands-on experience with the platform’s capabilities.
Key Features
Closely’s suite of tools automates LinkedIn outreach by handling connection requests, follow-ups, and messaging. It also enables multichannel campaigns, all managed from a single dashboard. The platform uses AI to personalize messages based on detailed prospect data, while its data enrichment tools help you uncover verified emails and phone numbers. A Smart Inbox centralizes LinkedIn and email replies, making it easier to manage conversations. Additionally, Sales AI agents assist with lead research, qualification, and crafting personalized messages – all within a streamlined interface. Closely integrates seamlessly with CRMs like Salesforce, Pipedrive, HubSpot, and GoHighLevel, ensuring smooth data flow between systems.
Pricing (in USD)
Choosing an annual plan can save you around 40% compared to monthly billing. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing:
- Monthly Plans:
- Starter: $49/month (1 LinkedIn account, 1,000 credits)
- Growth: $127/month (3 LinkedIn accounts, 3,000 credits)
- Essential: $205/month (5 LinkedIn accounts, 5,000 credits)
- Custom: $350/month (10 LinkedIn accounts, custom credits)
- Annual Plans:
- Starter: $29/month (billed at $348 annually)
- Growth: $87/month (billed at $1,044 annually)
- Essential: $145/month (billed at $1,740 annually)
- Custom: $206/month (billed at $2,472 annually)
All plans come with unlimited email accounts and white-label options. Credits are used for data enrichment tasks like discovering emails, phone numbers, and AI-driven personalization[1].
US-Specific Benefits
For sales teams in the US, Closely provides 24/7 live chat support and a dedicated customer success manager for quick assistance. Its CRM integrations work seamlessly with popular tools in US sales stacks. Agencies can also take advantage of the platform’s white-label capabilities to offer branded solutions. Plus, the credit-based system for data enrichment ensures predictable monthly costs, making it easier to manage budgets effectively.
2. HubSpot Sales Hub
HubSpot Sales Hub is another strong contender, offering a free trial that lets you dive into its features before committing. It’s designed to simplify LinkedIn outreach, manage multichannel campaigns, and help sales teams build better customer relationships.
Free Trial Duration
The free trial from HubSpot Sales Hub gives you a chance to explore its core tools without needing to provide a credit card. During this trial, you can test out its automation features and CRM capabilities firsthand.
Key Features
HubSpot Sales Hub is packed with tools to streamline your sales process:
- Automates email sequences and follow-ups.
- Tracks engagement across multiple channels.
- Integrates with LinkedIn Sales Navigator for more effective prospecting and social selling.
- Uses AI-driven tools to personalize outreach on a larger scale.
- Includes a built-in CRM to manage contact information and deal pipelines.
- Offers email tracking and scheduling to monitor prospect activity.
- Provides analytics to measure campaign success.
It also works seamlessly with tools like Gmail, Outlook, Slack, and Zoom, making it easier to manage your workflow without switching between platforms.
Pricing (in USD)
HubSpot Sales Hub offers several pricing tiers, with annual billing providing savings:
- Starter: $20/month per seat (billed annually)
- Professional: $100/month per seat (billed annually)
- Enterprise: $150/month per seat (billed annually)
You can use the free trial to compare features across these tiers and find the plan that fits your team’s needs.
US-Specific Benefits
For sales teams in the US, HubSpot goes the extra mile. It offers customer support during standard business hours and provides extensive training materials. The platform complies with US data privacy laws and integrates with tools commonly used by American businesses. Its detailed reporting aligns with US sales strategies, and it’s scalable to support businesses of all sizes. Additionally, HubSpot’s marketplace includes a wide range of third-party integrations that are popular among US companies.
3. Outreach.io
Outreach.io takes a different approach when it comes to trial access, focusing on personalized experiences rather than traditional free trials.
Free Trial Duration
Instead of offering a standard free trial, Outreach.io provides personalized demos tailored to your sales process. This approach allows their sales team to focus on the features that matter most to your business needs [3].
Key Features
- Automates tasks like email sending, follow-ups, and data entry.
- Simplifies and streamlines sales engagement workflows [4].
Pricing (in USD)
Outreach.io’s pricing isn’t publicly listed but is available upon request. Industry estimates suggest entry-level pricing starts around $100 per user per month, while enterprise plans can exceed $3,000 per month [4]. Pricing is calculated per user, with no extra platform fees, and includes basic support.
US-Specific Benefits
Outreach.io has earned strong ratings from US sales teams, scoring 4.3/5 on G2 and 8.3/10 on TrustRadius [4]. These ratings reflect its ability to handle the intricate sales processes often seen in American businesses. The platform’s demo-first approach resonates particularly well with US teams that prioritize personalized service and want to explore its features in detail before committing financially. This unique strategy positions Outreach.io as a tool worth considering for businesses seeking a tailored solution.
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4. Apollo.io
Apollo.io shines as a comprehensive sales intelligence platform, combining tools for prospecting, engagement, and analytics. It’s designed to streamline the sales process, making it easier for teams to connect with potential customers and track their progress. Plus, with a free trial available, you can explore its features firsthand before committing to a paid plan – a great way to see if it aligns with your needs.
Free Trial Duration
Apollo.io offers a free trial, giving users the chance to explore its core tools without any upfront commitment. It’s a risk-free way to evaluate its capabilities.
Key Features
Apollo.io is packed with features to supercharge your sales efforts:
- A powerful contact database to help identify leads.
- Multi-step email sequencing to automate outreach.
- Conversation intelligence for analyzing calls and improving communication strategies.
- A Chrome extension that simplifies LinkedIn prospecting by collecting contact details and adding them directly to campaigns.
- Advanced filtering options to zero in on prospects using specific criteria.
Pricing (in USD)
Apollo.io provides several pricing plans tailored to businesses of different sizes. For the most up-to-date pricing details, check their official website.
US-Specific Benefits
For sales teams in the US, Apollo.io offers some key advantages. It adheres to the CAN-SPAM Act, ensuring compliance with email marketing regulations. Additionally, its customer support operates during US business hours, making it easier to get help when needed. These features, combined with flexible pricing options, make Apollo.io a strong contender for teams in industries like technology and SaaS.
Tool Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick breakdown of each tool’s trial options, pricing, and standout features to help you decide which fits your needs best.
| Tool | Trial/Free Access | Starting Price | Key Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closely | 14-day free trial | $49/month | LinkedIn automation, AI-driven personalization, multichannel campaigns | LinkedIn-focused outreach and AI personalization |
| HubSpot Sales Hub | 14-day free trial + Free plan | $20/month | CRM integration, email tracking, meeting scheduling | Small teams needing a CRM and basic sales tools |
| Outreach.io | Demo only (no free trial) | Custom pricing | Advanced sequencing, sales analytics, enterprise-level features | Large sales teams with complex workflows |
| Apollo.io | Permanent free plan | $0 (free plan) | Contact database, prospecting, email sequences | Teams focused on lead generation and contact discovery |
The tools vary widely in how they let you explore their features. For instance, Apollo.io offers a permanent free plan, which is ideal for teams wanting to explore its capabilities without a time limit. In contrast, Outreach.io requires scheduling a demo, skipping the standard trial process altogether. If you prefer hands-on testing, Closely and HubSpot Sales Hub provide 14-day trials, giving you a chance to dive into their core features.
Pricing also reflects the tools’ target audiences. Apollo.io’s free tier caters to startups and smaller teams, while Outreach.io’s custom pricing is tailored to enterprises with more complex needs.
When deciding, think about what works best for your team. Do you need to test features with actual campaigns during a trial, or would a free plan with some limitations suffice? Consider your budget, team size, and the specific sales automation features that will make the biggest impact on your workflow.
How to Get the Most from Free Trials
Making the most out of free trials for sales automation tools requires a well-thought-out plan. The key lies in setting clear, measurable goals to assess whether the tool genuinely improves your sales process. For instance, you might aim to increase outreach volume by 20% or boost lead conversion rates by 10% during the trial period[9].
Start by identifying inefficiencies in your sales workflow, such as time-consuming follow-up emails or disorganized lead assignments. For US-based teams, focus on tools that integrate seamlessly with your CRM, are user-friendly, offer automation features like email sequencing and lead scoring, and comply with US data privacy laws[5][7].
Track performance metrics throughout the trial, such as conversion rates, cost per lead, pipeline velocity, and ROI (measured in US dollars). Tools like Apollo and HubSpot provide real-time notifications for prospect engagement and include built-in analytics to track metrics like deals closed, emails sent, and meetings booked. Use these insights to compare the tool’s performance against your sales objectives[9].
Set up test campaigns using real or sample data that reflects your actual sales activities. Involve your team in the process, as they’ll be the ones using the tool daily. For example, a mid-sized US marketing agency used HubSpot Sales Hub’s 14-day trial to automate lead nurturing. They tracked response rates and time-to-close in US dollars, discovering a 20% increase in qualified leads and a 15% reduction in manual follow-up time. This data gave them confidence in their decision to purchase the tool[8]. Adjust your criteria as needed based on early trial results.
Verify that the tool complies with US standards for data, payment processing, and reporting. Test customer support to assess response times and expertise. Hold regular team check-ins to discuss progress and document any challenges. Don’t rely solely on vendor-provided performance data – cross-check results using your own sales metrics[6][7].
To summarize your findings, create a concise chart that highlights key outcomes. Avoid common mistakes like failing to set goals, ignoring integration capabilities, or overlooking whether the tool can scale with your team.
When transitioning from a free trial to a paid plan, review all the data you’ve collected to ensure the tool aligns with your business needs. Double-check pricing and contract terms in US dollars, confirm that all integrations function as expected, and plan for staff training on advanced features before committing financially[5][7].
Conclusion
Choosing the right sales automation tool can make or break your business’s efficiency and growth, and a well-thought-out trial process is key to getting it right. Free trials give you the chance to explore tools in-depth, using your own data to test real-world functionality. This hands-on experience helps you see past marketing claims and avoid expensive missteps.
Start your trial with specific goals in mind – whether it’s improving outreach or simplifying follow-ups – and track performance metrics that align with those objectives. By focusing on measurable outcomes, you can turn a short trial into a meaningful evaluation that guides your decision-making.
It’s also important to match a tool’s features with your team’s specific needs. For US-based businesses, this might mean prioritizing seamless CRM integration, compliance with data privacy laws, and customer support during US business hours. Whether you’re automating LinkedIn outreach, managing campaigns across multiple channels, or leveraging AI for lead generation, the tool you choose should align with your workflows and growth plans.
Finally, don’t just focus on features and price – consider how easily your team can adopt the tool, how steep the learning curve is, and whether the platform can scale with your business. Even the most advanced tools won’t deliver results if they’re too complicated to use or can’t grow alongside your needs.
Take advantage of free trials from platforms like HubSpot Sales Hub, Outreach.io, and Apollo.io. Use these trials to simulate real work scenarios, get your team involved, and collect valuable performance data. With these insights, you’ll be better equipped to choose an AI-powered tool that enhances your LinkedIn outreach and multichannel campaigns.
FAQs
What should I look for when trying a sales automation tool during a free trial?
When trying out a free trial for a sales automation tool, it’s important to see how well its features match your objectives. Look for key capabilities like LinkedIn outreach, multichannel campaigns, and AI-driven lead generation. The tool should cater to your specific role, whether you’re in sales, marketing, recruitment, or running an agency.
Pay attention to the trial duration – you’ll want enough time to explore the tool’s potential thoroughly. Assess how easy it is to get started and the quality of customer support available. Also, check if the tool integrates smoothly with your current systems and whether it can scale as your business grows. These considerations will guide you in making a confident choice before making any financial commitment.
What’s the best way to evaluate a sales automation tool during a free trial?
To make the most of a free trial for a sales automation tool, zero in on key performance metrics that show how it influences your sales process. Look at things like the number of leads it helps generate, improvements in response rates, or how much it shortens your sales cycle. Also, take note of how smoothly it integrates with your existing workflow and whether it simplifies tasks such as LinkedIn outreach or managing multichannel campaigns.
Keep an eye on how easy the tool is to use, how long it takes to set up, and whether it aligns with your specific sales goals. By monitoring these aspects, you can determine if the tool is a good fit and offers measurable benefits before committing to a purchase.
What’s the difference between a free trial and a personalized demo for sales automation tools?
A free trial gives you the chance to try out a sales automation tool on your own for a set period – usually anywhere from a few days to a month – without spending a dime. It’s a practical way to dive into the features, see how user-friendly it is, and determine if it aligns with your workflow.
A personalized demo is different. It’s a one-on-one session led by a sales expert who tailors the presentation to your specific needs. This demo focuses on showing how the tool addresses your particular challenges and gives you a more in-depth look at what it can do.
In short, a free trial is all about independent exploration, while a demo provides a guided, customized experience with professional insights.