Hunter.io vs Tomba.io: Which Email Finder Actually Delivers in 2026?

Finding the right email finder tool can make or break your outbound sales efforts. In this Hunter.io vs Tomba.io comparison, we tested both platforms with identical prospect lists to see which one actually delivers accurate B2B contact data in 2026.

The results were surprising. One tool found 60% more valid emails than the other and costs up to 100% less. Keep reading to discover which email finder deserves your budget.

1. Hunter.io vs Tomba.io: Quick Overview

Before diving into details, here's a snapshot of how these two email finder tools compare.

Bottom line: Tomba.io outperforms Hunter.io in accuracy, features, and pricing. However, let's break down each category so you can decide for yourself.

Tomba Sheet vs Hunter.io Sheet

2. Email Finder Accuracy: Real Test Results

Accuracy matters most when choosing an email finder. After all, what good is a tool that returns outdated or invalid contacts?

We ran both platforms through the same test. We used identical company lists and target roles. The goal was simple: find as many valid, deliverable emails as possible.

Test Results

Tomba.io discovered 597 more valid email addresses from the same input data. That's 60% more opportunities to connect with prospects.

Why such a big gap? Tomba.io uses a larger, frequently updated database. It also pulls from multiple verified sources beyond publicly crawled web pages.

3. Email Verification: Which Tool Is More Reliable?

Sending emails to invalid addresses destroys your sender reputation. Therefore, verification accuracy is critical.

Hunter.io Verification

Hunter.io offers basic verification. It checks syntax, validates domains, and confirms MX records. However, it struggles with catch-all domains and often marks them as "accept all" without deeper analysis.

Tomba.io Verification

Tomba.io provides advanced verification. It includes everything Hunter offers plus:

• Catch-all detection: Identifies true catch-alls vs. valid individual addresses
• Disposable email detection: Flags temporary email addresses
• Role-based email flagging: Warns you about generic addresses like info@ or sales@

As a result, Tomba.io reduces bounce rates and protects your sender score more effectively.

4. Unique Features That Set Tomba.io Apart

Several features make Tomba.io stand out from Hunter.io and other email finders.

Mobile Phone Finder

Tomba.io includes direct-dial phone numbers when available. This feature enables multi-channel outreach. Hunter.io doesn't offer phone data at all.

LinkedIn and Sales Navigator Integration

Tomba.io connects directly with LinkedIn, Sales Navigator, and Apollo.io. You can export prospect lists and enrich them with verified emails instantly. Hunter.io requires manual workarounds.

Richer Data Fields

Tomba.io returns comprehensive contact profiles including:

• Full name and job title
• Department and seniority level
• Company size, industry, and location
• Social media profiles
• Confidence scores

Hunter.io provides basic information but lacks depth for advanced segmentation.

5. Data Enrichment Capabilities Compared

Data enrichment transforms basic contact info into actionable intelligence. Here's how both tools perform.

Clearly, Tomba.io provides richer data for personalized outreach and list segmentation.

6. Pricing: Why Tomba.io Costs Up to 100% Less

Price matters, especially when you're scaling outbound efforts. Let's compare what you actually get for your money.

The Real Cost Difference

Tomba.io is up to 100% cheaper at comparable credit levels. But the savings don't stop there.

Pay only for valid emails: Hunter.io charges credits whether emails are valid, invalid, or unknown. Tomba.io only deducts credits when you receive a verified, deliverable email.

Example: If 30% of Hunter's results are unverifiable, you're effectively paying 30% more than the listed price. With Tomba.io, you pay for results not failed attempts.

7. API and Integrations

Developers and sales teams need flexible integrations. Both platforms offer APIs, but capabilities differ.

Hunter.io API

Hunter.io provides a straightforward API for domain searches and email verification. Documentation is decent, and several third-party integrations exist.

Tomba.io API

Tomba.io offers a robust API with more endpoints. Key advantages include:

• Domain search and email finder
• Email verification with catch-all detection
• Phone number lookup
• Bulk processing capabilities
• SDKs in multiple programming languages

Additionally, Tomba.io integrates with popular tools like Google Sheets, Airtable, and various CRMs.

8. User Experience and Dashboard

Both platforms prioritize usability, though their approaches differ.

Hunter.io UX

Hunter.io features a clean, minimalist interface. Navigation is simple, making it ideal for beginners. However, this simplicity limits advanced functionality.

Tomba.io UX

Tomba.io balances power with usability. The dashboard organizes searches, verification, and enrichment logically. You get more features without a steep learning curve.

Both offer Chrome extensions and Google Sheets add-ons that work smoothly.

Verdict: Hunter.io edges ahead for absolute beginners. Tomba.io wins for users who need depth without complexity.

9. Pros and Cons Summary

Hunter.io Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Simple, beginner-friendly interface
• Established brand recognition
• Decent Chrome extension

Cons:

• Lower email discovery rates
• No catch-all verification
• No mobile phone data
• Charges for unverified emails
• Limited integrations
• Fewer data fields

Tomba.io Pros and Cons

Pros:

• 60% higher email discovery rate
• Advanced catch-all verification
• Mobile phone finder included
• LinkedIn and Sales Nav integration
• Pay only for valid emails
• Up to 100% cheaper
• Comprehensive API

Cons:

• Smaller brand recognition (growing fast)
• More features may feel overwhelming initially

10. Final Verdict: Which Email Finder Should You Choose?

After extensive testing, the winner is clear.

Choose Hunter.io if:

• You need a basic tool for occasional searches
• You prefer minimal features and maximum simplicity
• You're doing very low-volume prospecting

Choose Tomba.io if:

• Email accuracy directly impacts your results
• You need phone numbers for multi-channel outreach
• You use LinkedIn or Sales Navigator regularly
• You want to pay only for emails that actually work
• You're scaling outbound and need better ROI

The Bottom Line

Our test showed Tomba.io finding 1,592 valid emails compared to Hunter's 995. That's 60% more contacts from identical data. Combined with catch-all verification, phone data, and pay-for-valid pricing, Tomba.io delivers superior value.

The best email finder puts accurate contacts in your hands at a fair price. Based on our testing, Tomba.io wins this comparison decisively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tomba.io better than Hunter.io?

Yes. In our testing, Tomba.io found 60% more valid emails than Hunter.io. It also offers catch-all verification, mobile phone data, and costs up to 100% less.

Does Hunter.io verify catch-all emails?

No. Hunter.io marks catch-all domains as "accept all" without deeper verification. Tomba.io uses advanced methods to verify deliverability within catch-all domains.

Which email finder has better pricing?

Tomba.io is significantly cheaper. It costs up to 100% less than Hunter.io at comparable credit levels. Plus, Tomba.io only charges for valid emails.

Can Tomba.io find phone numbers?

Yes. Tomba.io includes a mobile phone finder that returns direct-dial numbers when available. Hunter.io does not offer phone data.

Does Tomba.io work with LinkedIn Sales Navigator?

Yes. Tomba.io integrates with LinkedIn, Sales Navigator, and Apollo.io. You can export lists and enrich them with verified contact data directly.

Which tool is better for bulk email finding?

Tomba.io handles bulk searches more effectively. It offers higher accuracy rates and only charges for valid results, making it more cost-efficient at scale.

Is Hunter.io still worth using in 2026?

Hunter.io works for basic, low-volume searches. However, for serious sales teams needing accuracy and value, Tomba.io is the better choice.

Do I pay for invalid emails with Hunter.io?

Yes. Hunter.io deducts credits regardless of whether emails are valid, invalid, or unknown. Tomba.io only charges for verified, deliverable emails.

Ready to Find More Valid Emails?

Try Tomba.io Free → Get 50 free searches with no credit card required.

Test both platforms yourself. Export a prospect list and compare which tool finds more valid contacts from your target accounts.

Last updated: January 2026