AI SDR alternatives compared: which one fits a small business?
There are four kinds of AI SDR: hosted AI SDR platforms (11x, Artisan, AiSDR) that research, write and send for you; data and enrichment tools (Clay, Apollo) that you build on; DIY workflows in n8n or Make; and ready-made workflows you run in your own accounts (PlugStaff, $19/month). Hosted platforms do the most and cost the most. Ready-made workflows are the cheapest way to get research and drafts without giving up control.
Side-by-side
| Option | Type | Entry price (published/reported) | Sends for you? | Fits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11x (Alice) | Hosted platform | from $3,750/mo, annual | Yes | Mid-market teams with a sales owner |
| Artisan (Ava) | Hosted platform | ~$250/mo annual, $280 monthly | Yes | Startups wanting an AI BDR |
| AiSDR | Hosted platform | $1.50 per person contacted | Yes | SMB SaaS, founders |
| Apollo.io | Data + sequencer | free tier; paid from $49/seat/mo annual | Yes (sequences) | Teams that need a contact database |
| DIY in n8n / Make | Build it yourself | Your time + runtime | Up to you | Technical founders who enjoy building |
| PlugStaff AI SDR | Ready-made workflow in your accounts | $19/mo, 7-day trial | No: Gmail drafts, you send | Small businesses that want control and low cost |
Where PlugStaff is weaker (honestly)
- No lead database. You bring the list (a sheet, a CRM export, Apollo's free tier).
- No sending infrastructure. It writes Gmail drafts. You send, or connect your own sequencer.
- You run it. It lives in your n8n, ChatGPT or Claude. That's about 15 minutes of setup on n8n Cloud and your own AI key.
Where it's stronger
- Price. $19/month for the AI SDR, $49/month for all five AI employees (SDR with prospect research, support, content, recruiting, bookkeeping).
- Control and data. Prospect data stays in your Google and AI accounts. Nothing is sent without you.
- Grounded writing. The model only uses the prospect's own website, so first lines are checkable.
How to choose
- If you want sending, mailboxes and data handled and have $250+/month, try a hosted platform.
- If you have a list and want research + drafts for the least money, try the PlugStaff AI SDR or the narrower Cold Email Research Agent.
- If you love building, start from our free guide on AI cold email personalisation in n8n.
FAQ
What is the cheapest AI SDR?
Among ready-to-use options, PlugStaff's AI SDR at $19/month (plus your own AI usage) is one of the cheapest, because it runs in your own n8n, ChatGPT or Claude and leaves sending to you. Building your own in n8n costs only runtime and your time.
Which AI SDR sends emails for me?
Hosted platforms such as 11x, Artisan and AiSDR send for you. PlugStaff deliberately does not: it creates Gmail drafts that a person reviews and sends.
Is PlugStaff an alternative to 11x or Artisan?
For research and drafting, yes, at a fraction of the price. For fully managed sending, data and mailboxes, no. Those platforms do more.
The AI SDR is this workflow, tested and ready to import, with a setup guide (about 15 minutes on n8n Cloud). $19/month on Starter, 7-day free trial.