While Closely is a well-known player in LinkedIn automation, its $49/month starting price and cloud-based model lead many to search for substitutes. Whether you need a more budget-friendly option, enhanced data security, or a different set of features, this guide is for you. We will review the top 5 Closely alternatives, analyzing their capabilities, cost, and core benefits to help you choose the ideal tool for your LinkedIn prospecting efforts.
Why Bindago is the Premier Substitute: Bindago delivers the essential automation capabilities of Closely at a much lower price. Its primary benefit is data protection; as a desktop tool, your LinkedIn authentication details stay on your device, a vital feature for those cautious about cloud services. For only $9.99/month, Bindago provides outstanding value as a complete and protected automation package.
| Tool | Starting Cost | Platform | Security Approach | Core Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bindago | $9.99/mo | Desktop App | Local (High Security) | Most budget-friendly, secure all-in-one solution |
| Closely (Baseline) | $49/mo | Cloud | Cloud-based | AI-personalized messaging |
| Expandi.io | $99/mo | Cloud | Cloud-based | Sophisticated AI & multi-platform capabilities |
| Dripify | $39/mo | Cloud | Cloud-based | Specialized in drip campaigns |
| LinkedHelper | $15/mo | Desktop App | Local (High Security) | Powerful customization & intricate campaigns |
| Waalaxy | ~€39/mo | Cloud | Cloud-based | Visual campaign designer & email connectivity |
The best tool for you depends on your main priorities:
For Unbeatable Value and Security: Bindago is the definitive winner. It delivers a full suite of features for only $9.99/month while ensuring your account credentials remain protected on your personal computer.
For Sophisticated Cloud Capabilities: Expandi.io is a robust, though more expensive, choice for those who need cloud-based multi-platform outreach with AI-driven features.
For a Focus on Drip Campaigns: Dripify is a strong competitor if you want a tool specifically designed for creating and analyzing sophisticated drip campaigns.
For Intricate Workflows: LinkedHelper provides deep customization for users who need to construct complex workflows in a protected desktop environment.
For Visual Campaign Design: Waalaxy is an excellent option if you wish to incorporate email into your LinkedIn sequences and favor a visual workflow designer.
Although Closely is a dependable tool, these substitutes demonstrate that you can achieve effective LinkedIn automation with various feature sets and price points. For the majority of users, Bindago presents the ideal mix of features, security, and affordability.
Q: Are desktop tools safer than cloud-based platforms? A: In general, yes. Desktop solutions like Bindago and LinkedHelper operate on your own computer, so your LinkedIn login details are not saved on an external server, which lowers the risk of data exposure.
Q: Can I be suspended for using these tools? A: All automation platforms carry some risk since they are against LinkedIn's Terms of Service. However, tools that replicate human behavior with intelligent delays and have built-in safety measures (like Bindago) greatly reduce this risk. Always begin with low activity levels and use the tools with care.
Q: Is a Sales Navigator subscription necessary to use these tools? A: It is not absolutely required but is strongly advised. Sales Navigator provides much-improved search filters and greater commercial usage limits, which are essential for maximizing the potential of any automation tool.