- Octopus CRM alternatives in one table
- Ten LinkedIn prospecting and outreach tools
- Octopus CRM alternatives and LinkedIn's rules
- Extension, cloud or desktop: how Octopus CRM alternatives differ
- What happens after a prospect replies
- Building a contact system that outlives the tool
- Which Octopus CRM alternative suits which user
- My plain advice on replacing Octopus CRM
- Frequently asked questions
A good Octopus CRM alternative should help you organise LinkedIn prospects, run outreach at a careful pace and track replies without losing context. Check whether it works as an extension, a cloud tool or a desktop app, and how it stores contacts. This page lists ten options in no particular order, then covers LinkedIn's rules and safer habits.
Octopus CRM describes itself on its own site as LinkedIn automation software for agencies, sales teams and recruiters, putting prospecting and outreach on autopilot. Despite the name, it's mainly an outreach tool with contact management built in, which is worth knowing when you compare it with other options.
Here are ten Octopus CRM alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. Some are close equivalents and others lean towards a lightweight CRM. Each description comes from the tool's own website, re-checked today. For the case for a CRM in the first place, read my piece on how any business can benefit from a CRM.
Octopus CRM alternatives in one table
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free plan or free edition you can keep using. Trial only means a free trial with no ongoing free tier. No means neither is stated. Check what each trial allows.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakcold | Social selling CRM | Tracking LinkedIn conversations in a pipeline | Trial only |
| Closely | Outreach platform | LinkedIn and email with CRM sync | Trial only |
| Dux-Soup | LinkedIn extension | Starting with a free edition | Yes |
| Expandi | LinkedIn outreach | Cloud campaigns with email steps | Trial only |
| La Growth Machine | Multichannel outreach | Switching channels by response | Trial only |
| Linked Helper | Desktop automation | Campaigns plus a contact manager | Trial only |
| Meet Alfred | Multichannel outreach | Simple multichannel campaigns | Trial only |
| Skylead | LinkedIn and email outreach | Sequences with intent signals | Trial only |
| Valley | AI outbound | AI research before outreach | Trial only |
| We-Connect | LinkedIn outreach | Managing several client accounts | Trial only |
Ten LinkedIn prospecting and outreach tools
Breakcold
Best for: Founders who want a CRM built around social selling, with LinkedIn activity in view.
Closely
Best for: Agencies who want white-label outreach with replies flowing into their CRM.
Dux-Soup
Best for: Individuals who want a browser-based tool and a free starter edition to try.
Expandi
Best for: Consultants who want multi-step campaigns that keep running when their computer is off.
La Growth Machine
Best for: Teams who want LinkedIn, email and X steps in one adaptive sequence.
Linked Helper
Best for: Users who prefer a desktop app and want contacts organised in the same place.
Meet Alfred
Best for: Small teams who want LinkedIn, email and X outreach without complexity.
Skylead
Best for: Teams who want outreach based on prospects showing interest in their topics.
Valley
Best for: Sales teams who want AI to research buyers and personalise messages.
We-Connect
Best for: Agencies running LinkedIn outreach for many clients.
Octopus CRM alternatives and LinkedIn's rules
Before you pick any tool in this category, read what LinkedIn says. Its help page on prohibited software states that it doesn't permit third-party software, including crawlers, bots, browser plug-ins or browser extensions, that scrape, modify the appearance of, or automate activity on its website. Accounts that break the rules can be restricted. That doesn't make every tool here off-limits, but it does mean you should ask each vendor how it works, keep activity at a human pace and decide how much risk you're comfortable with on your main profile.
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Extension, cloud or desktop: how Octopus CRM alternatives differ
Tools in this category run in one of three ways. Browser extensions work while your browser is open. Cloud tools run from the vendor's servers. Desktop apps run from your own computer. Each has trade-offs for convenience, how your account appears to LinkedIn and where your data sits, so ask every vendor directly.
- Extensions are quick to start but need your browser running.
- Cloud tools keep going around the clock but hold your session on their servers.
- Desktop apps keep data local but need your computer switched on.
What happens after a prospect replies
The other rule people miss is about who you email afterwards. The UK regulator, the ICO, says in its guide to PECR that you can send marketing emails to companies, but sole traders and some partnerships are treated as individuals, so you can only email them with consent or under the soft opt-in for previous customers. Data protection law still applies to the personal details you store. This isn't legal advice; in the US, CAN-SPAM sets different rules, so check what applies to you.
Building a contact system that outlives the tool
Outreach tools come and go, so don't let your relationships live only inside one. Keep a simple record of who you've spoken to, what they need and when to follow up, somewhere you control.
- Export contacts and notes regularly.
- Tag people by where they came from and what they're interested in.
- Record the date and topic of your last conversation.
- Set a reminder for the next useful follow-up, not the next sales push.
- Delete contacts who ask you to, promptly.
If your process feels scattered, my notes on the importance of a sales pipeline explain how to keep deals moving without a heavyweight system.
Which Octopus CRM alternative suits which user
- Recruiters often want quick searches and bulk messaging limits they control.
- Agencies need client separation and reporting.
- Founders may prefer a social selling CRM over heavy automation.
- Teams new to outreach should start with a free edition or short trial.
Do you make a LinkedIn prospecting or outreach tool? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on replacing Octopus CRM
Decide first whether you need automation or organisation. If it's organisation, a social selling CRM may be all you need. If it's automation, pick a tool you can run slowly and safely, and keep your contact history somewhere you own.
Frequently asked questions
Is Octopus CRM a full CRM?
Its own site describes LinkedIn automation software with prospecting and outreach features. Many users pair it with a separate CRM.
Are LinkedIn extensions risky?
LinkedIn says it doesn't permit third-party software or extensions that scrape, modify or automate activity on its site. Weigh that before you install anything on your main profile.
What's the difference between cloud and extension tools?
Extensions run in your browser while it's open; cloud tools run from the vendor's servers around the clock.
Can I move contacts from one tool to another?
Usually by exporting a CSV file and importing it. Check that notes and tags come across too.
Do I need consent to email people I connect with?
In the UK, companies can receive marketing emails, but sole traders need consent or the soft opt-in, according to the ICO. This isn't legal advice.
Which tools offer a free edition?
A few offer a free starter edition; most offer trials. The table shows what each site states.
