A UK-specialist database with unlimited search and pay-only-to-export pricing, compared fairly with a well-known enterprise sales-intelligence platform.
AdaptLeads vs Cognism in short: Cognism is a well-known enterprise sales-intelligence platform, recognised for pan-European coverage and phone-verified data, and typically sold on quote-based annual contracts. AdaptLeads is a UK-specialist database with unlimited search and pay-only-to-export pricing, aimed at SMBs and agencies who want UK depth without per-credit costs.
Both give you B2B contact data; they are built for different buyers. Cognism's strength is breadth — coverage across Europe and beyond, with phone data pitched at enterprise revenue teams. AdaptLeads' strength is UK focus — 2.2 million UK businesses, 300,000+ mail-server-verified deliverable emails, a direct phone on over 90% of records, and 600,000+ named Companies House directors, all searchable without limit and priced by what you export rather than by the lead.
Competitor details reflect Cognism's public positioning. Where a figure is not public, we describe it neutrally rather than guess.
| Dimension | AdaptLeads | Cognism |
|---|---|---|
| Primary geographic focus | UK-first — built for UK depth | Global, with strong European & international coverage |
| Pricing model | Public flat monthly + export allowance | Quote-based annual contracts |
| Free to start | Yes — 50 exports, no card | Demo-led; contact sales (per their marketing) |
| How contacts are verified | Emails checked against the mail server; only deliverable exported | Phone-verified data, per their marketing |
| Per-lead / credit charges | None — only exports metered | Credit-based allowances, per their marketing |
| Per-record quality grade before export | Yes — every lead graded 1–5★ | Not shown as a per-record grade |
| Typical buyer | UK SMBs & agencies | Mid-market & enterprise sales teams |
No single tool wins for everyone. Cognism is a strong choice when:
If that describes your team, Cognism's breadth is a real advantage and worth a proper look. AdaptLeads does not try to be a pan-European enterprise suite — it is deliberately UK-deep instead.
If the UK is your market, a global list makes you pay for coverage you never use and rations your prospecting by the lead. AdaptLeads flips it: search the whole of the UK as much as you like, see the quality grade up front, and pay only for the verified contacts you export. Predictable monthly cost, and it is free to start.
Start freeYes, for UK-focused teams. If most of your prospecting is UK and you want verified emails, direct phones and named directors without an annual contract, AdaptLeads covers that with unlimited search and pay-only-to-export pricing. Cognism is a broader enterprise platform with pan-European coverage, so the right choice depends on how international your targeting is.
AdaptLeads publishes flat monthly plans from £99 to £499, plus a free tier and a Custom option, where only exports are metered and re-exports within the month are free. Cognism is typically sold on quote-based annual contracts arranged with their sales team. Cognism's pricing is not public, so the fairest way to compare is on your own expected volumes.
Cognism is well known for phone-verified data at enterprise scale, and if mobile-first calling across Europe is your priority that is a genuine strength. AdaptLeads focuses on UK coverage, with a direct phone on over 90% of records and emails verified against the mail server before export.
Yes. You can start free with no card and export up to 50 verified contacts while you evaluate UK coverage for your sectors. Search and filtering are unlimited on every plan, including the free tier.
Search 2.2 million UK businesses free, check the grade, and export only verified contacts. No card required.
Start free