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Comparing Cognism vs DiscoverOrg in 2025

Here are 3 reasons why Cognism wins:

01

Leading European B2B database

Propel revenue growth with the most comprehensive European data set. Use it to identify senior-level contacts in new or existing target markets.

02

Phone-verified mobile numbers

Cognism has Diamond Data®, which arms sales teams with phone-verified mobile numbers. With it, you can start meaningful conversations with key decision-makers.

03

Unrestricted views

Cognism’s pricing model was created to overcome the scarcity mindset, allowing teams to prospect into their target accounts without worrying about credits. Users have access to unrestricted views and individual and page-level exporting (subject to fair use policy).

Book your Cognism demo:

Unconvinced? Scroll 👇 to learn more about DiscoverOrg vs Cognism, including pricing, features, user reviews and more!

Key features of Cognism vs DiscoverOrg

Cognism

  • Sales Companion (Web App): Access a vast database of contacts, companies, and buying signals.
  • Sales Companion (Browser Extension): Access company and contact details on LinkedIn and other platforms.
  • Diamond Data®: Phone-verified mobile numbers for B2B contacts.
  • Intent data by Bombora: Identify companies researching topics relevant to your business.
  • Cognism AI Search: Find prospects with ChatGPT-style text or voice prompts.
  • Cognism Enrich: Instant and scheduled CRM enrichment and on-demand CSV enrichment.
  • Seamless integrations with CRMs and sales and marketing tools.
  • International coverage: EMEA, NAM, APAC.
  • Fully GDPR and CCPA-compliant data.
  • Database checked and cleaned against global DNC lists.
  • Fast and friendly support team.
  • Unrestricted access to person and company-level data (subject to fair use policy).

DiscoverOrg

  • US-centred database that’s community verified and GDPR aligned.
  • Intent data sourced from devices across the United States.
  • Real-time buying signals.
  • Website visitor tracking.

Alternatively, learn how Cognism compares to ZoomInfo 👇

What’s the difference between DiscoverOrg and Cognism?

The first thing to be aware of when comparing Cognism to DiscoverOrg is that DiscoverOrg is part of ZoomInfo. In 2019 the two data providers merged to become ZoomInfo powered by DiscoverOrg. 

Meaning that when you choose DiscoverOrg, you’re choosing ZoomInfo

But how does the new, improved DiscoverOrg platform compare to Cognism?

Cognism
DiscoverOrg
Packages to suit business size
Cognism
✔️
DiscoverOrg
✔️
Browser extension
Cognism
✔️
DiscoverOrg
✔️
Web app
Cognism
✔️
DiscoverOrg
✔️
Intent data
Cognism
✔️
DiscoverOrg
✔️
Phone-verification/ research on-demand service
Cognism
✔️
DiscoverOrg
Unrestricted views/ individual and page-level exporting
Cognism
✔️
DiscoverOrg
Do-not-call lists in US and Europe
Cognism
✔️
DiscoverOrg
Phone-verified mobile numbers
Cognism
Phone-verified
DiscoverOrg
Community verified
Compliance status
Cognism
GDPR & CCPA compliant
DiscoverOrg
CCPA compliant, GDPR aligned

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Cognism vs DiscoverOrg: Databases

When looking at DiscoverOrg data, its website does not directly state where its data coverage lies, only which industries its database includes. 

Meanwhile, Cognism has research teams in the EU and the US, making it a great option for anyone looking to find highly-targeted leads on both continents. 

Quality is of utmost importance to Cognism, with phone-verified data, the most complete records in Europe, and quality mobile coverage in the US.

Why not get started with Cognism right away?

Here's 25 free leads for you!

Where do Cognism and DiscoverOrg get their data?

According to the Privacy Policy on the ZoomInfo site, it collects data from the following sources:

  • Search technology scans the web and gathers publicly available information.
  • Information licensed from other companies.
  • A community of contributors who validate new and existing data and add contacts.
  • Community software that extracts business data from email clients and signatures.
  • Through market research surveys and phone interviews conducted by an in-house research team.

Cognism gathers data via its proprietary sources and fills in the gaps from third-party data providers, publicly available sources, manual research and strategic partnerships.

Cognism ensures data accuracy and currency via machine learning processes that check millions of data points daily. A team of researchers verify the data, ensuring accuracy and compliance. This stringent verification process applies to Cognism’s entire database.

However, Cognism takes data verification to the next level through its exclusive data asset, Diamond Data®.

Diamond Data® comprises phone-verified mobile numbers that make it 3x more likely you’ll connect with your ideal customer. The team phone verifies mobile numbers and includes contacts specifically requested by customers leveraging the Diamonds-on-Demand® service.

Diamond Data® allows sales teams to connect with up to 87% of their prospecting lists.

Here’s an infographic detailing the difference that calling factually correct, phone-verified mobiles can make 👇

Diamond Data Landing Page graphic updated-19

 

Comparing the pricing of DiscoverOrg and Cognism

DiscoverOrg pricing

According to its website, DiscoverOrg pricing includes multiple plans at different price points. Every package includes: 

  • Department-level org charts.
  • Direct dials, email addresses, and physical location data.
  • Intent data.

Cognism pricing

Choose a package to suit your needs:

  1. Grow, which offers essential contact and company data for prospecting.
  2. Elevate, which combines Cognism’s high-quality data with advanced intelligence and actionable signals.

Both packages include:

  • Contact and company data, including phone-verified Diamond Data® contacts.
  • Target market analytics.
  • Integrations with leading CRMs and engagement tools.
  • No hidden platform fees: You only pay for licenses and add-ons.
  • Onboarding and training: We ensure a smooth and successful start.
  • Exceptional customer support: Get fast answers via live chat (20-second average response time) from our highly-rated support team (99% satisfaction score).
Packages

Choose from 2 pricing plans for easy prospecting or advanced sales intelligence.

Integrations

Integrations with leading CRMs and sales tools included in both packages.

No hidden fees

You only pay for licenses and add-ons.

Diamond Data®

Phone-verified contacts included in both packages

DiscoverOrg vs Cognism: Usability

DiscoverOrg offers a straightforward platform with a wide range of supported integrations and add-ons. 

Cognism customers speak highly of Cognism’s interface and usability:

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Thinking of switching from DiscoverOrg?

Learn more about how Cognism helps you have more conversations with the people you WANT to do business with. Book a call with a data expert. 

DiscoverOrg versus Cognism: Compliance

DiscoverOrg does not indicate what data protection laws it follows. However, since the DiscoverOrg ZoomInfo merger, DiscoverOrg’s legal policies have redirected to ZoomInfo’s. Thus,  it’s sufficient to say they both follow the same privacy laws. 

According to ZoomInfo’s website, the solution complies with global and domestic privacy standards whereby customers can access data that complies with CCPA in the US and the GDPR in Europe.

Cognism is a GDPR-compliant B2B data provider that monitors global regulations. Customers praise its commitment to compliance.

Cognism follows these compliance-based actions:

  • A stringent B2B data verification process. 
  • Ensures all data is legally sourced and of the utmost quality.
  • Is regulated by the ICO and provides users with a notified database.

One key difference between Cognism and other providers is that Cognism is the only provider that scrubs mobile numbers against many DNCs, including:

The USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Ireland, Belgium, Croatia, Portugal, Sweden, and more!

Cognism also scrubs against TPS/CTPS lists in the UK.

If a number is marked as TPS or DNC, it means the user has applied to the national do-not-call registry to opt out of receiving unsolicited phone calls.

Cognism allows admins to choose whether to hide or show contacts that are on DNC lists from reps. Meaning that its customers have complete confidence in the legality of its outreach.

compliance image

Customers like Corporate Traveller praise Cognism for its commitment to compliance:

“Compliance is a major factor when considering how best to access prospect data, and choosing a partner that can combine GDPR conformity, great coverage of the UK market and deliver constantly updated qualified mobile numbers and contact details meant Cognism was the right choice for us.”

Remember, choosing a provider serious about compliance isn’t only about ensuring you don’t incur a hefty fine but also that your teams can prospect confidently. 

Henderson Scott saw the effects of having quality, compliant data when they invested in Cognism: 

“Cognism is our comfort blanket when it comes to compliance.” 

“Whenever a prospect asks where we get their data from, we can confidently say that we’ve sourced their information from a reputable ISO 27001 and SOC Type II certification data company.” 

“With Cognism, you aren’t snowing yourself under with ICO complaints. I couldn’t recommend it enough.”

FAQs about DiscoverOrg vs Cognism

Cognism is the better choice for businesses looking for a lead generation platform that offers up-to-date, accurate data in an easy-to-use interface. Its unrestricted access to data and Browser Extension is unmatched by DiscoverOrg, as is its user-friendly interface and excellent customer service. 

So if you’re looking for the best tool to help you reach out to potential leads and target customers, Cognism is the clear winner.

There’s no such thing as DiscoverOrg vs ZoomInfo! The merged business intelligence platform is officially known as ZoomInfo, powered by DiscoverOrg. Following DiscoverOrg's acquisition of ZoomInfo, the two brands merged to offer clients a combined software with the best features from both applications.

Yes, DiscoverOrg and ZoomInfo are the same product. DiscoverOrg acquired ZoomInfo on 4 February 2019. The two platforms merged in September 2019 to be called ZoomInfo, Powered by DiscoverOrg. However, the name has since been changed and is now called DiscoverOrg, a ZoomInfo Company.

Yes, Cognism is an excellent alternative when comparing DiscoverOrg competitors. DiscoverOrg pricing is considerably more expensive than Cognism, and Cognism provides highly accurate and up-to-date contact information that helps sales and marketing teams find the information they need to make fewer calls, contact the most relevant people, and hit quota faster.

Furthermore, DiscoverOrg reviews show the tools has had its share of complaints about slow response times and customer service issues, whereas Cognism has received overwhelmingly positive user reviews. In particular, many users praise its user-friendly interface, accurate data and excellent customer service.

 

DiscoverOrg is a sales intelligence solution. B2B businesses use it to identify business opportunities, discover new clients and monitor market trends.  

DiscoverOrg acquired ZoomInfo on 4 February 2019, and the two platforms merged in September 2019.

Yes, DiscoverOrg is legal. It is CCPA compliant & GDPR aligned and follows a process to collect business-related data, such as work email addresses or the job titles of a company's employees. 

If you’re worried about compliance you should choose a provider like Cognism. It is both GDPR & CCPA Compliant. 

How B2B sales and marketing teams say they use Cognism

Enough about Cognism vs DiscoverOrg. 

Here's what actual Cognism customers have to say about the tool 👇

10%
new business meetings booked with Cognism data
15%
Increase in conversion rate

“Today we’re able to measure bad data trends over time. These trends show that Cognism is our most consistent provider of quality phone numbers without any degradation. It also shows that Cognism has very high coverage across all of our key segments.”

Read the full case study
Jonny Fianu
Global Head of Revenue Operations @ComplyAdvantage
70%
meetings booked with Cognism's mobile numbers
80%
data accuracy

“On average, 70% of monthly meetings are booked over the phone and every mobile number is pulled from Cognism”

Read the full case study
Michael Iannuzzi
Director of Marketing & Sales Development @Salesloft
8
saw ROI in 8 weeks
70%
achieved target with 70% fewer calls

“The sales managers used to make 100-150 calls per day. Now they can achieve their targets by making 30 calls per day because they are calling prospects who actually pick up the phone. That’s more results, less calls.”

Read the full case study
George McKenna
Head of Cloud Sales @Ultima

Choose Cognism, a DiscoverOrg alternative

Cognism vs DiscoverOrg - who to choose? 

Cognism is a DiscoverOrg alternative with the most complete data in the EMEA and a mobile coverage leader in the US. Even better, it’s the only data provider actively phone-verifying mobile numbers, making it a great choice for global prospecting.

With Cognism, you get more:

  • More calls that go through to the right contacts.
  • More confidence when prospecting.
  • More targeted leads.
  • And more incoming revenue.

Start making every month your best month. Book your demo today!