Top 5 Alternatives to Octopus CRM
Octopus CRM is a popular LinkedIn automation tool, well-regarded for its affordability and straightforward functionality as a Chrome extension. It helps users automate connection requests, send messages, and view profiles, making it a solid entry-level choice.
However, being a browser extension comes with limitations. Some users may seek more powerful features, enhanced security, or a more robust platform. If you're looking for alternatives to Octopus CRM that offer different capabilities, you're in the right place. In this guide, we'll explore the top 5 alternatives, comparing their features, pricing, and unique strengths.
1. Bindago
- Website: https://bindago.com/
- What it does: A comprehensive desktop application for LinkedIn automation that covers bulk connection requests, mass InMail campaigns, multi-step message sequences, and CSV exports. Because it runs locally on your computer, your credentials are never shared with a third-party server.
- Pricing: $9.99/month (flat rate for all features)
- Key Features:
- Bulk connection requests with personalized notes
- Multi-step messaging sequences
- Mass InMail sending to Sales Navigator leads
- Bulk withdrawal of pending invitations
- Export LinkedIn search results to CSV
- Runs locally for maximum security
- 10-day free trial (no credit card required)
- Platform: Desktop App (Windows/Mac/Linux)
- Best For: Professionals and small businesses looking for a secure, affordable, and all-in-one alternative to Octopus CRM.
Why Bindago is the #1 Alternative: Bindago offers a significant upgrade from a browser extension like Octopus CRM while matching its affordable price point. The biggest advantage is security and stability; as a dedicated desktop app, it runs independently of your browser and keeps your LinkedIn credentials on your machine. For just $9.99/month, it provides a more comprehensive feature set, including advanced sequences and bulk InMails, making it the best value for users seeking a powerful and secure automation tool.
2. LinkedHelper 2
- Website: https://linkedhelper.com/
- What it does: A desktop-based application that offers a wide range of automation features, including complex campaign creation, list management, and detailed follow-up sequences.
- Pricing:
- Standard plan: $15/month
- Pro plan: $45/month
- Best For: Power users who need highly customizable and complex campaign workflows and prefer a desktop application for security.
3. Expandi.io
- Website: https://expandi.io/
- What it does: A powerful cloud-based automation tool that mimics human behavior with smart sequences, connection requests, and follow-ups. It also offers multi-channel capabilities (LinkedIn + Email).
- Pricing: Starts at $99/month per user/seat.
- Best For: Agencies and teams needing a premium cloud-based solution with advanced safety features and multi-channel outreach.
4. Dux-Soup
- Website: https://www.dux-soup.com/
- What it does: One of the most well-known Chrome extensions for LinkedIn automation. It automates profile visits, sending connection requests, and messaging.
- Pricing: Paid plans start at €12.99/month.
- Best For: Users looking for another simple and reliable Chrome extension with a long-standing reputation.
5. Waalaxy
- Website: https://waalaxy.com/
- What it does: A cloud-based tool with a user-friendly interface that focuses on creating multi-channel prospecting sequences (LinkedIn + Email). It has a visual campaign builder that makes it easy to design outreach flows.
- Pricing: Starts around €56/month for paid plans, with a limited free plan available.
- Best For: Marketers and sales professionals who want to combine LinkedIn and email outreach in a single platform with an intuitive visual builder.
Comparison Table
| Tool | Starting Price | Platform | Security Model | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bindago | $9.99/mo | Desktop App | Local (High Security) | Most affordable, secure all-in-one tool |
| Octopus CRM (Baseline) | $9.99/mo | Chrome Extension | Browser-based | Budget-friendly & simple |
| LinkedHelper 2 | $15/mo | Desktop App | Local (High Security) | Powerful customization & complex campaigns |
| Expandi.io | $99/mo | Cloud | Cloud-based | Advanced safety features & multi-channel |
| Dux-Soup | €12.99/mo | Chrome Extension | Browser-based | Reliable & straightforward |
| Waalaxy | €56/mo | Cloud | Cloud-based | Visual campaign builder & email integration |
Conclusion: Which Octopus CRM Alternative is Right for You?
Choosing the right tool depends on your priorities:
-
For the Best Value and Security: Bindago is the clear winner. It provides a more robust and secure desktop application for the same starting price as Octopus CRM, but with a richer feature set.
-
For a Similar Experience: Dux-Soup is a great choice if you want to stick with a simple, reliable Chrome extension.
-
For Power and Customization: LinkedHelper 2 offers deep customization for users who need to build intricate workflows in a desktop environment.
-
For Premium Cloud Features: Expandi.io and Waalaxy are powerful, albeit more expensive, options for those who need cloud-based multi-channel outreach.
While Octopus CRM is a great starting point, these alternatives offer clear upgrade paths for users seeking better security, more features, or different platform types. For most users, Bindago offers the perfect balance of power, security, and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are desktop apps safer than Chrome extensions? A: Generally, yes. Desktop applications like Bindago run in a separate environment from your browser, offering better stability and security. Your LinkedIn login credentials are not stored on a third-party server, reducing the risk of data breaches.
Q: Can I get banned for using these tools? A: All automation tools carry some risk as they are against LinkedIn's Terms of Service. However, tools that simulate human behavior with smart delays and have built-in safety limits (like Bindago) significantly reduce this risk. Always start with low volumes and use the tools responsibly.
Q: Do I need Sales Navigator to use these tools? A: It's not strictly required, but highly recommended. Sales Navigator provides much better search filters and higher commercial use limits, which allows you to get the most out of any automation tool.
