Lusha vs Tomba.io: The Complete Comparison Guide for 2026
Looking for a Lusha alternative? Here's the uncomfortable truth Lusha doesn't want you to know: Lusha was not included in independent email finder accuracy benchmarks - and there's a reason. While Lusha markets itself as a B2B contact data platform, its email finding capabilities are secondary to its phone number focus.
Meanwhile, Tomba.io ranks #1 out of 9 tested tools with 80.3% accuracy (Website 81.0% + Company Name 79.6%), independently verified across 5,000 queries. That's 4,015 valid emails from 5,000 searches - with full proof data available in public Google Sheets.
But accuracy is only the beginning. Tomba.io starts at $39/month - that's $10/month cheaper than Lusha's $49 starting price - while giving you 5,000 searches (vs Lusha's limited credits), free email verification, catch-all detection, and API access on all plans.
In this comprehensive comparison, you'll discover:
- ✅ Why Lusha has no independent accuracy data while Tomba.io is publicly verified
- ✅ 10X more email searches at a lower price point
- ✅ Free verification vs no verification - the hidden cost gap
- ✅ Phone numbers vs email accuracy - why focus matters
- ✅ Which tool is best for email-first prospecting
If you need proven, data-backed email finding, this guide shows you why Tomba.io is the superior Lusha alternative.
Quick Verdict: Tomba.io Wins Every Category
Here's the bottom line for those who want the quick answer:
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 🎯 Email Accuracy | Tomba.io ✅ | 80.3% independently verified vs unverified claims |
| 💰 Pricing | Tomba.io ✅ | $39/mo vs $49/mo - 20% cheaper |
| 🔍 Search Volume | Tomba.io ✅ | 5,000 searches vs limited credits |
| ✉️ Email Verification | Tomba.io ✅ | FREE included vs not available |
| 📉 Bounce Rate | Tomba.io ✅ | <5% vs unknown |
| 🔄 Catch-All Detection | Tomba.io ✅ | Advanced vs none |
| 📊 API Access | Tomba.io ✅ | All plans at $39 vs higher tiers |
| 💚 Overall | Tomba.io ✅ | Data-proven #1 email finder |
Tomba.io wins every category. When you compare independently verified data against unverified claims, the choice is clear.
Company Overview: Lusha vs Tomba.io
What is Lusha?
Lusha is a B2B contact data platform founded in 2016. It primarily focuses on providing direct dial phone numbers and contact information for sales teams. While Lusha offers email finding as part of its platform, email accuracy is not its primary selling point - phone numbers and direct dials are.
Lusha Key Facts:
- Founded: 2016
- Focus: B2B contact data (phone numbers + email)
- Database: 100M+ contacts (claimed)
- Email Accuracy: No independent data published
- Starting price: $49/month (more expensive than Tomba)
- Email credits: Limited on starter plans
- Verification: Not included
- Primary strength: Direct dial phone numbers
The Big Problem: Lusha does not publish independent email accuracy data and was not included in the 9-tool benchmark test. When a platform doesn't participate in independent testing, you're relying entirely on marketing claims. Meanwhile, Tomba.io publishes full proof data in public Google Sheets for anyone to verify.
What is Tomba.io?
Tomba.io is the #1 email finder on Earth based on independent accuracy testing. The platform focuses on what matters most: finding accurate, verified professional emails - and proving it with transparent, verifiable data.
Tomba.io Key Facts:
- Focus: Highest accuracy email finding
- Database: 500M+ verified business emails
- Email Accuracy: 80.3% (independently verified - Website 81.0%, Company Name 79.6%)
- Starting price: $49/month ($10 cheaper than Lusha)
- 5,000 searches included
- Free email verification included
- Bounce rates below 5%
- Catch-all and unknown email handling
- API access on all plans
Proof Data Available:
- Website accuracy: 2,026 valid out of 2,500 queries
- Company Name accuracy: 1,989 valid out of 2,500 queries
"Trust data you can verify, not marketing claims. When choosing an email finder, always ask: where's the proof? If a tool doesn't publish independent accuracy benchmarks, there's usually a reason."
B2B Data Quality Standards Report
Accuracy Comparison: Verified Data vs Unverified Claims
This is the most critical section of this comparison - and the one that separates Tomba.io from Lusha entirely.
Independent Accuracy Test Results
We tested 5,000 queries per tool (2,500 Website + 2,500 Company Name) across industries. 9 email finders were benchmarked. The results are publicly available:
| Rank | Tool | Emails Found | Accuracy | vs Tomba |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Tomba.io | 4,015 | 80.3% (Website 81.0%, Company 79.6%) | — |
| 🥈 | Anymailfinder | 3,875 | 77.5% | -3.6% |
| 🥉 | Findmail | 3,755 | 75.1% | -6.9% |
| #4 | GetProspect | 3,095 | 61.9% | -29.7% |
| #5 | Skrapp | 2,140 | 42.8% | -87.6% |
| #6 | Hunter.io | 1,880 | 37.6% | -113.6% |
| #7 | VoilaNorbert | 1,800 | 36.0% | -123.1% |
| #8 | Snov.io | 1,005 | 20.1% | -299% |
| #9 | Prospeo | 845 | 16.9% | -375.1% |
| ❓ | Lusha | Not tested | No independent data | Unknown |
Key Finding: Tomba.io is the #1 ranked email finder out of all 9 tested tools, finding 4,015 valid emails out of 5,000 queries. Lusha was not included in this independent benchmark and does not publish comparable accuracy data.
Why the Absence of Data Matters
When you evaluate email finding tools, transparency is everything:
| Transparency Factor | Tomba.io ✅ | Lusha ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| Independent benchmark | ✅ #1 out of 9 tools | ❌ Not included |
| Public proof data | ✅ Google Sheets links | ❌ None available |
| Methodology published | ✅ 5,000 queries documented | ❌ No methodology shared |
| Website accuracy | ✅ 81.0% (2,026/2,500) | ❌ Unknown |
| Company Name accuracy | ✅ 79.6% (1,989/2,500) | ❌ Unknown |
| Third-party verifiable | ✅ Anyone can check | ❌ Marketing claims only |
Tomba.io publishes everything. Every result, every query, every data point is available in public Google Sheets for independent verification:
- Website search proof: View 2,500 test results
- Company Name search proof: View 2,500 test results
With Lusha, you get marketing promises. With Tomba.io, you get verifiable proof.
The Phone Number vs Email Accuracy Problem
Here's the core issue with using Lusha as an email finder: Lusha wasn't built for email finding. It was built for phone numbers.
Lusha's Split Focus
| Lusha's Priority | Investment Level | Impact on Email Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Direct dial phone numbers | 🔥 Primary focus | N/A |
| Mobile numbers | 🔥 High priority | N/A |
| Company data | ⚠️ Secondary | Indirect |
| Email finding | ⚠️ Secondary feature | Accuracy suffers |
| Email verification | ❌ Not offered | No quality control |
Why Specialists Beat Generalists
When a platform splits focus between phone numbers, company data, intent signals, and email finding, no single capability gets the full attention it deserves. This is exactly why Lusha doesn't publish email accuracy benchmarks - because email finding isn't their core competency.
Tomba.io takes the opposite approach:
- ✅ 100% focused on email finding
- ✅ 80.3% independently verified accuracy
- ✅ Free verification included
- ✅ Advanced catch-all detection
- ✅ Continuous accuracy improvement
"Specialization drives excellence. A tool that's 100% focused on email finding will always outperform an email feature bolted onto a phone number platform. The data proves this every time."
SaaS Product Strategy Report
Email Verification: Free vs Non-Existent
This is where Tomba.io's value becomes undeniable and Lusha's gap becomes dangerous.
Verification Comparison
| Feature | Tomba.io ✅ | Lusha ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| Verification Included | FREE with all plans | ❌ Not offered |
| Verification Accuracy | 99%+ | N/A |
| Bounce Rate After Verify | <5% | Unknown (no verification) |
| Catch-All Detection | ✅ Advanced | ❌ None |
| Unknown Email Handling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Disposable Detection | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Bulk Verification | ✅ FREE | ❌ Not available |
| Real-time SMTP Check | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Why No Verification is a Dealbreaker
Without email verification, you're sending blind. Here's what happens:
| Bounce Rate | Impact | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| <5% (Tomba.io) | ✅ Healthy reputation | N/A |
| 5-10% | ⚠️ Warning signs | 2-4 weeks |
| 10-20% | ❌ Reputation damage | 1-2 months |
| 20-40% | 🚨 Serious problems | 2-4 months |
| Unknown (Lusha) | ❓ Rolling the dice | Unknown |
Tomba.io Verification Status Codes
Tomba.io provides detailed verification for every email:
- ✅ Valid - Safe to send, email exists and is deliverable
- ⚠️ Catch-All - Domain accepts all emails, Tomba handles these smartly
- ⚠️ Unknown - Advanced algorithms verify difficult-to-check addresses
- ❌ Invalid - Do not send, will bounce
- 🚫 Disposable - Temporary email, avoid for business outreach
Lusha offers no verification whatsoever. Every email you get from Lusha goes unverified unless you pay for a third-party verification service. That's an additional $35-50/month for what Tomba.io includes for free.
The Hidden Cost of No Verification
If you use Lusha and need to verify 5,000 emails monthly with a third-party tool:
- Lusha subscription: $49/month
- Third-party verification (e.g., ZeroBounce): ~$40/month
- Total: $89/month
With Tomba.io: $39/month with free verification included.
That's a $50/month savings ($600/year) - and Tomba's verification is more accurate with catch-all detection and unknown email handling that third-party tools often lack.
Pricing Comparison: More for Less
Let's break down the numbers. Tomba.io is cheaper, gives you more searches, and includes verification for free.
Monthly Plan Comparison
| Feature | Tomba.io ✅ | Lusha ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Starting Price | $39/mo | $49/mo |
| 🔍 Email Searches | 5,000 | Limited credits |
| ✉️ Email Verification | ✅ FREE | ❌ Not included |
| 🎯 Email Accuracy | 80.3% (verified) | No data published |
| 📉 Bounce Rate | <5% | Unknown |
| 🔄 Catch-All Detection | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| 📊 API Access | ✅ All plans | Higher tiers only |
| 📞 Phone Numbers | Not primary focus | ✅ Primary feature |
| 💚 Email Finding Value | 10X BETTER | ❌ Secondary feature |
Cost Per Valid Email
The true comparison - cost per accurate, verified email:
| Tool | Monthly Cost | Searches | Est. Valid Emails | Cost Per Valid Email |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomba.io | $39 | 5,000 | 4,015 (80.3%) | $0.010 |
| Lusha | $49 | ~480 (starter) | Unknown | $0.102+ (at best) |
| Lusha + 3rd Party Verify | $89 | ~480 | Unknown | $0.185+ |
Tomba.io: $0.010 per valid email. Lusha: $0.102+ per valid email (optimistic estimate).
Even in the best-case scenario, Lusha is 10X more expensive per valid email - and that's without knowing Lusha's actual accuracy rate because they don't publish it.
What You're Paying For with Lusha
Lusha's $49/month goes primarily toward:
- 📞 Direct dial phone numbers (Lusha's core product)
- 📞 Mobile numbers
- 🏢 Company data enrichment
- ❌ Limited email credits
- ❌ No email verification
- ❌ No catch-all detection
With Tomba.io's $49/month, you pay for what matters for email outreach: 5,000 accurate searches and verification.
Feature Comparison: 5 Critical Aspects
Let's compare the features that matter most for email finding and outreach:
1. Email Finder Accuracy
| Aspect | Tomba.io ✅ | Lusha ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy Rate | 80.3% (verified) | No independent data |
| Benchmark Rank | #1 out of 9 tools | Not benchmarked |
| Proof Data | Public Google Sheets | None |
| Valid per 1,000 | 803 | Unknown |
| Data Freshness | Real-time | Periodic |
Winner: Tomba.io - The only tool with publicly verifiable accuracy data.
2. Search Volume and Credits
| Aspect | Tomba.io ✅ | Lusha ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| Searches at entry price | 5,000/month | ~480/month |
| Cost per search | $0.0078 | $0.102 |
| Rollover credits | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Bulk search | ✅ Included | Limited |
Winner: Tomba.io - 10X more searches at a lower price.
3. Email Verification
| Aspect | Tomba.io ✅ | Lusha ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | FREE | Not available |
| Catch-all detection | ✅ Advanced | ❌ None |
| Unknown handling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Bulk verification | ✅ FREE | ❌ No |
| Accuracy | 99%+ | N/A |
Winner: Tomba.io - Free and comprehensive vs completely absent.
4. API Access
| Aspect | Tomba.io ✅ | Lusha ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| Available on | All paid plans | Higher tiers only |
| Starting price with API | $39/mo | $79/mo+ |
| Documentation | Excellent | Good |
| Rate limits | Generous | Restrictive |
| Endpoints | Domain, email, verify | Contact enrichment |
Winner: Tomba.io - API on all plans at $39/mo vs Lusha's $79+ requirement.
Access the Tomba API documentation to start building with just $39/month.
5. Domain Search
| Aspect | Tomba.io ✅ | Lusha |
|---|---|---|
| Emails per domain | Up to 100+ | Limited |
| Department filtering | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Confidence scores | ✅ Detailed | Basic |
| Real-time verification | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Data freshness | Real-time | Periodic |
Winner: Tomba.io - More comprehensive with built-in verification.
Lusha's Phone Number Focus: Why It Hurts Email Finding
Lusha built its reputation on B2B phone numbers and direct dials. That's a legitimate use case - but if you need an email finder, you're using the wrong tool.
The "Jack of All Trades" Problem
| Issue | Impact on Email Finding |
|---|---|
| Phone-first development | Email features get secondary attention |
| Split engineering resources | Less investment in email accuracy |
| No email verification | No quality control on email data |
| No independent benchmarks | No accountability for email accuracy |
| Limited email credits | Fewer searches for higher price |
The Better Approach: Best-of-Breed Stack
Instead of using Lusha for everything, build a best-of-breed stack:
- Email finding: Tomba.io (80.3% accuracy, #1 ranked)
- Phone numbers: If needed, use a phone-specific tool
- Email sequences: Instantly, Lemlist, Mailshake
- CRM: Your existing tool (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.)
Use the best tool for each job. Don't sacrifice email accuracy because your phone number tool also claims to find emails.
"The best outreach teams use specialized tools. An 80.3% accurate email finder combined with a dedicated phone data provider will always outperform a single platform trying to do both at mediocre levels.**"
— Sales Operations Best Practices Guide
Who Should Use Each Tool?
Choose Tomba.io If You:
- ✅ Need accurate, verified emails (80.3% independently proven)
- ✅ Want to save $10/month ($39 vs $49)
- ✅ Need 5,000 email searches per month
- ✅ Require free email verification
- ✅ Need catch-all and unknown email handling
- ✅ Want bounce rates below 5%
- ✅ Need API access without premium pricing
- ✅ Value transparency and verifiable data
- ✅ Already have separate tools for phone numbers
Choose Lusha If You:
- Your primary need is direct dial phone numbers, not emails
- You don't mind paying more for fewer email searches
- Email accuracy isn't your top priority
- You don't need email verification
- You trust marketing claims over independent benchmarks
- You need phone + email in one platform and accept email trade-offs
For anyone whose primary goal is email outreach, Tomba.io is the only data-backed choice.
Real-World Impact: 3 Use Cases
Use Case 1: SDR Cold Email Campaign
Scenario: SDR sending 500 cold emails weekly.
| Metric | With Tomba.io | With Lusha |
|---|---|---|
| Emails found | 500 (from 5,000 pool) | Limited by credits |
| Valid emails | 402 (80.3%) | Unknown (no accuracy data) |
| Verified before send | ✅ FREE | ❌ Not available |
| Expected bounces | <25 (<5% after verify) | Unknown risk |
| Sender reputation | ✅ Protected | ❓ At risk |
| Monthly cost | $39 | $49+ |
Result with Tomba.io: Healthy sender reputation, predictable delivery, lower cost. Result with Lusha: Unknown bounce rates, no verification safety net, higher cost.
Use Case 2: Link Building Campaign
Scenario: SEO team reaching 2,000 bloggers and editors monthly.
| Metric | Tomba.io | Lusha |
|---|---|---|
| Can find 2,000 emails | ✅ Yes (5,000 searches) | ❌ Credit limitations |
| Valid Contacts | 1,606 (80.3%) | Unknown |
| Verified emails | ✅ All verified free | ❌ No verification |
| Bounce protection | ✅ <5% | ❌ None |
| Cost | $39/mo | $49/mo + may need more credits |
With Tomba.io, you have more than enough searches to find 2,000 blogger emails, verify them all for free, and send with confidence. With Lusha, you'll likely run out of credits and have no way to verify what you found.
Use Case 3: Recruiting Outreach
Scenario: Recruiter sourcing 300 candidates weekly via email.
| Metric | Tomba.io | Lusha |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly searches available | 1,250 (5,000/4) | Limited |
| Valid candidate emails | ~241 (80.3%) | Unknown |
| Pre-send verification | ✅ Free | ❌ None |
| Bounce risk | Minimal | High |
| Cost | $39/mo | $49/mo |
With Tomba.io, you reach ~241 verified candidates weekly with confidence. With Lusha, you're sending to unverified emails with an unknown bounce rate - risking your recruiting domain's reputation.
How to Switch from Lusha to Tomba.io
Making the switch is fast, easy, and immediately rewarding.
Step 1: Sign Up for Tomba.io Free
Start with Tomba.io's free plan - 25 free searches, no credit card required. Test the accuracy yourself.
Step 2: Compare Results Side-by-Side
Search the same prospects in both tools. You'll immediately see Tomba.io's superior accuracy and the difference verified emails make.
Step 3: Export and Verify Your Lusha Lists
Export your existing Lusha email lists. Import them to Tomba and run free verification. You'll likely discover many Lusha emails are invalid - emails you've been sending to without knowing.
Step 4: Install the Chrome Extension
Get the Tomba Chrome Extension for instant LinkedIn prospecting with auto-verification. Every email found is verified in real-time.
Step 5: Connect Your Stack
Use Tomba's integrations to connect with your CRM and outreach tools. Tomba works seamlessly with Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, and sequence tools like Instantly and Lemlist.
Step 6: Use the API (All Plans)
If you're building custom workflows, access the Tomba API from day one on any paid plan - no premium tier required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tomba.io more accurate than Lusha for email finding?
Tomba.io is the #1 ranked email finder based on independent benchmark testing across 9 tools, achieving 80.3% accuracy (Website 81.0% + Company Name 79.6%) across 5,000 queries. Lusha was not included in this independent benchmark and does not publish comparable accuracy data. When one tool publishes verifiable proof data and the other doesn't, the choice is clear. Verify Tomba's results yourself in the public Website test data and Company Name test data.
Why doesn't Lusha publish email accuracy benchmarks?
Lusha's primary product focus is B2B direct dial phone numbers, not email finding. Email lookup is a secondary feature on their platform. Tools that prioritize email finding - like Tomba.io - invest heavily in accuracy and are confident enough to publish independent test results. Lusha's silence on email accuracy data speaks for itself.
Does Tomba.io include free email verification?
Yes! Unlike Lusha which offers no email verification at all, Tomba.io includes free email verification with all plans. This includes bulk verification, catch-all detection, unknown email handling, and disposable email detection. Access the Tomba Email Verifier to see it in action.
Is Tomba.io cheaper than Lusha?
Yes. Tomba.io starts at $39/month with 5,000 searches and free verification. Lusha starts at $49/month with limited email credits and no verification. If you add third-party verification to Lusha, your total cost jumps to $89+/month. Tomba.io delivers better value at every level.
Can I use Tomba.io for phone numbers too?
Tomba.io focuses exclusively on email finding - and that's exactly why it's #1. For phone numbers, continue using a phone-specific tool. The best sales teams use specialized tools for each function: Tomba.io for emails, a phone data provider for calls, and a sequence tool for outreach. This best-of-breed approach consistently outperforms all-in-one platforms.
The Final Verdict: Tomba.io is the Data-Proven Winner
After this comprehensive Lusha vs Tomba.io comparison, the data tells an overwhelming story:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Email Accuracy | Tomba.io (80.3% verified vs no data) |
| Pricing | Tomba.io ($39 vs $49) |
| Search Volume | Tomba.io (5,000 vs limited credits) |
| Email Verification | Tomba.io (FREE vs not available) |
| Bounce Rate | Tomba.io (<5% vs unknown) |
| Catch-All Handling | Tomba.io (Advanced vs none) |
| API Access | Tomba.io (All plans vs premium only) |
| Transparency | Tomba.io (Public proof data vs claims) |
| Value per Dollar | Tomba.io ✅ |
Tomba.io is the #1 independently tested email finder - verified with public proof data across 5,000 queries. It's $10/month cheaper than Lusha, offers 10X more email searches, includes free verification, and publishes every accuracy result for anyone to verify.
Lusha is a solid tool for phone numbers. But if your goal is finding accurate, verified professional emails, there's no comparison. Tomba.io wins decisively.
Ready to Use the #1 Email Finder?
Tomba.io delivers 80.3% accuracy - independently verified and publicly proven. At $39/month with 5,000 searches and free verification, you get more accurate emails at a lower price than Lusha.
Start Finding Verified Emails Today
No credit card required. 25 free searches included.
See what independently verified 80.3% accuracy looks like.
View the Benchmark Proof Data ->
Last updated: 2026 |
