Phantombuster Review: We’ve used it for over 2 years and here’s what we think

This article is for you if:

You’ve heard of PhantomBuster before but never really figured out what it does and how it works.

OR

You’re in sales and need to figure out if this tool can help you get leads.

Whatever your answer, don’t worry, we've got you covered!

In this PhantomBuster review, I'll share my own experience along with real user reviews to help you decide if it's the right tool for you.

Here's what my PhantomBuster review has for you:

• We'll kick things off with an overview of what PhantomBuster brings to the table.

• Next up, I'll uncover PhantomBuster's top-notch features and areas where it could use some improvement.

• I’ll tell you about PhantomBuster's pricing plans. 

• Lastly, I'll compare PhantomBuster with another solution for those considering a PhantomBuster alternative for getting leads from LinkedIn to help you make an informed decision.

Now, find a comfortable spot on the corner of your sofa, grab a refreshing beverage, and get ready.

So, what is PhantomBuster?

PhantomBuster is an all-in-one cloud-based automation tool that can help you automate activities across a huge selection of social media platforms.  

I’m talking about platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Craigslist, Medium, and more.

Here's what else you can use it for:

• PhantomBuster lets you extract data from websites, monitor prices, manage your social media accounts, and more.

• It comes with over 100 pre-made automation tools that can help you generate leads from all the major websites and networks.

• However, you do need to be a tech expert to use PhantomBuster. The interface is hard to get used to, and you need to be comfortable with cookies and proxies.

Now that we have an idea of what PhantomBuster is, let's see if it's the right tool for you.

PhantomBuster review: Why should you use it?

Here are 3 reasons you should be using PhantomBuster: 

1. If you are looking to automate campaigns across multiple web platforms like Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn by connecting different Phantoms into a chain or flow.

2. If you want to scrape data from websites and extract information that's available online.

3. If you want to enrich your database with contact information. 

Overall, if you're looking for a tool that can help you automate your marketing campaigns and extract data from the web, PhantomBuster might be just what you need.

Now that we know what PhantomBuster is and how it can help you with your business. Let’s take a look at its features. 

Who is PhantomBuster for?

PhantomBuster is a software designed for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an efficient automated growth hacking tool.

It allows users to automate workflows and generate more leads without manually managing individual tasks.

That's perfect for those who are short on time and want to boost productivity.

The software is best used for data enrichment and LinkedIn outreach and you can make it work with your LinkedIn automation tool of your choice.

How does PhantomBuster work?

PhantomBuster is an automation platform that offers you an extensive range of over 100 Phantoms and Flows to accelerate your business growth. 

You can choose between two types of automation: 

1. Phantoms

2. Flows

"Phantoms" are single automated actions.

And you can chain together individual Phantoms into "Flows”.

Put the two together, and you have everything it takes to start creating lead generation sequences on PhantomBuster.

So, you can use it for a variety of tasks, here are a few examples:

1. Extract lead lists 📝

Data extraction that normally takes days will now only take a few minutes!

You can pull prospects from any major platform or website, and add them to a .CSV file, Google Sheets document, or spreadsheet.

2. Enrich data and emails 📧

You’ve found the right people.

Now how do you get to know them, and safely access their contact information?

PhantomBuster lets you fill in the gaps with verified email addresses, company details, phone numbers and more.

3. Send outreach campaigns 💬

It’s time to scale up your connections on the web—but don’t forget to keep it personal and authentic!

PhantomBuster lets you automate personalized messages to nurture new leads, and track your progress to ensure the best results.

Most of the users want features that help them scale, right? 

And they all want to do this without taking any risk.

I mean, it’s a no-brainer.

So, the question the people generally ask me is…. 

Is PhantomBuster safe? 

Yes, PhantomBuster is a safe tool. 

Since it's a cloud-based tool, it lowers the chance of your account being detected by LinkedIn and other social media platforms.

Here’s how to use PhantomBuster in 4 steps: 

• Pick a Phantom or Flow from the store. 

• Add an element, such as a session cookie or an API key, to give access. 

• Configure the Phantom or Flow based on what you want from it.

• Click ‘launch”. You can choose to manually launch, launch repeatedly, or launch repeatedly ( advanced). 

The rest will subsequently be handled by PhantomBuster itself.

When it's done, it will provide a data output file with all the output data, ready for you to upload directly to your CRM.

But is that all PhantomBuster does? 

Let’s take a look at some more of PhantomBuster’s capabilities.

From LinkedIn to Instagram: Here’s what PhantomBuster can automate

From one founder and marketer to another, we know the importance of integrating different platforms and tools when it comes to automating your lead gen efforts.

That's why PhantomBuster's ability to integrate with several platforms makes it a very attractive option.

Unlike other competitors, PhantomBuster offers a wide range of automation platforms to choose from, which increases your chances of generating more leads and revenue.

Remember to be careful with your automation setups to avoid any issues with the platforms you're integrating with.

LinkedIn

One of the platforms that PhantomBuster integrates particularly well with is LinkedIn.

You can export search results, auto-connect and track requests, send auto-follow-up messages, and scrape companies to enrich data and marketing efforts.

With PhantomBuster, you can even extract up to 2,500 LinkedIn profiles daily by simply extracting information from Google or Microsoft Excel sheets.

Facebook

PhantomBuster’s Facebook Profile URL Finder automation tool helps you find profiles or pages using URLs from a complete list of company names.

This tool helps you enrich your contact list by browsing the web and viewing thousands of Facebook accounts efficiently.

You can also use the Facebook Group Members Export tool to process your campaign launch and keep track of your lead gen strategy using the CSV spreadsheet.

Instagram

PhantomBuster's Instagram automation is also worth mentioning, as it allows you to export lists of followers, extract and download profile data, and set up automated workflows.

You can quickly develop massive leads lists for your marketing and sales outreach by using auto-liking, commenting, and following other Instagram accounts.

This enables you to extract data and interact with your desired niche.

Overall, if you're looking for a tool that integrates with multiple platforms and offers a wide range of automation options, PhantomBuster is definitely worth considering.

PhantomBuster review: Pros and cons of using it to generate leads

Now that I’ve covered everything you need to know in my PhantomBuster review, let’s get down to brass tacks.

Starting with the benefits of using PhantomBuster:

• You can automate repetitive tasks and focus on critical tasks
• You can scale your business by providing valuable insights through data analysis
• It integrates with multiple platforms offering a wide range of automation options.

With all that said, it’d hardly be an unbiased review if I said PhantomBuster was a perfect automation tool.

Here are the downsides of using PhantomBuster:

• Cannot Safely Bypass LinkedIn Limits

Unfortunately, PhantomBuster can't bypass LinkedIn's limit or connection invite restrictions.

This means you'll still have to follow LinkedIn's guidelines and regulations of a measly 100 connection requests per week.

That’s barely enough to get your LinkedIn lead generation off the ground!

• Limited Slots for Running Multiple Tasks Simultaneously

The number of Phantoms you can run at the same time is limited.

So, if you need to run multiple tasks, you have to wait for one to finish before starting another task.

• Restrictions on Lead Generation

PhantomBuster is incredibly limited when it comes to lead gen automation, and these restrictions may impact your lead-generation efforts.

• Safety Concerns With Accessing Your Cookies

PhantomBuster requires you to download a Chrome extension and access your cookies to enter LinkedIn, which could potentially put your account at risk of suspension.

Kinda a lose-lose situation when PhantomBuster can’t keep your LinkedIn account safe AND can’t bypass the weekly limit. 🤔

All in all, PhantomBuster could potentially help your prospecting and outreach efforts with automation.

But honestly, you could be shooting yourself in the foot with its limited automation, inability to bypass the LinkedIn limit, and non-existent safety measures.How much does itPhantomBuster cost?

How much does PhantomBuster cost?

Here's a breakdown of the pricing for PhantomBuster, along with some additional information:

• Trial: 14-day free trial with 5 slots and 2 hours per day
• Starter: $69/month with 5 slots and 20 hours per month
• Pro: $159/month with 15 slots and 80 hours per month
• Team: $439/month with 50 slots and 300 hours per month

Each plan offers different features and capabilities to suit different business needs.

The Starter plan is a good option for individuals or small businesses who want to try out PhantomBuster's services, with 5 slots and 20 hours per month.

The Pro plan is best for small sales teams and offers more slots and hours for those who need to automate more tasks or require more hours of usage.

The Team plan is ideal for larger organizations or teams that require even more automation capabilities.

And if choose to go for annual billing, PhantomBuster offers a 20% discount on the subscription.

You can take a 14-day free trial anytime you want. No credit card required. 

Just know there are limited number of slots and hours available during the trial.

PhantomBuster reviews on G2 and Capterra 

You'll be surprised by the ratings of the tool on G2 and Capterra. 

First, let’s discuss its G2 ratings: 

It has a 4.2 out of 5-star rating and 60% of 41 reviews giving it a 5-star rating, it's clear that people are loving it.

We've noticed that many users appreciate how much faster and more efficient PhantomBuster is compared to other market tools. It's also really user-friendly and has a lot of useful features and options.

Plus, it's more affordable than similar products on the market.

However, some users have shared their dissatisfaction with the limitations of the free trial. 

Many have found that the 2-hour usage isn't enough time to fully explore the tool and get a proper feel for it.

PhantomBuster Review on Capterra:

PhantomBuster has a 4.6 rating, which is pretty great.

But, I’ve noticed that users still have some mixed feelings about it.

On the one hand, they love how versatile the platform is and how it gives you complete control over the automation workflow and scheduling.

But on the other hand, some users have expressed that some of its features have led to their accounts getting banned.

And they've mentioned that combining several phantoms can be quite complex.

Final thoughts on the PhantomBuster review

We understand that versatility and automation capabilities are important to your business. 

That's why PhantomBuster has received positive reviews from users. It’s like a Swiss Army knife of lead generation tasks on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and more.

However, much like using a real Swiss Army knife, you can slice your finger open if you don’t know what you’re doing.

You'll appreciate the platform's control over automation workflow and scheduling, as well as the tutorial videos that make it easier to understand.

However, a number of users have expressed concerns about the complexity of combining phantoms and frustration with the many many glitches.

It's important to be aware of its limitations, including LinkedIn limits, limited slots, restrictions on lead generation, and safety concerns.

But what other choice do you have? It’s not like the perfect PhantomBuster alternative can just show up in your life and fix everything?

Well, about that…

I've done the research for you and handpicked the best outreach automation tool.

What I’m basically saying is, you’re going to walk out with the perfect automation tool for your business today!😃

Best Alternatives to PhantomBuster:

While there are a number of tools in the market like Apollo, Linked Helper, Meet Alfred, etc…. 

Only 2 tools that stand out from the noise are:

• SalesRobot
• TexAu

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SalesRobot:

SalesRobot is a sales automation platform that assists sales teams and lead generation agencies in automating their multichannel outreach on LinkedIn and email.

SalesRobot enables users to communicate with potential leads on LinkedIn by crafting personalized messages and connection requests.

All the while keeping your outreach feel human-like with automated follow-ups, delays, and so much more.

SalesRobot is perfect for anyone from start-ups, sales teams, recruiting firms, lead generation agencies, and small business owners.

SalesRobot aims to take care of the repetitive tasks so that you can focus on what really matters: Closing. More. Deals.

How Can SalesRobot Help?

• Pull prospects from anywhere:

SalesRobot lets you pull prospects from LinkedIn/Sales Navigator search URLs, LinkedIn groups, posts, events, and even custom CSV imports.

And if you’re having a hard time finding your target industry on Sales Nav (or you don’t want to deal with the 31.4% inaccuracy), you can use SalesRobot’s B2B prospect lookalike database.

SalesRobot helps you find prospects that resemble your winning customers in an instant.

All you have to do is input the domain of your customer, and voila! SalesRobot will generate a list of prospects for you.

• Advanced dashboard:

The dashboard provides valuable insights to help you identify your most responsive audiences and optimize your sales strategy.

• Drip messaging campaigns: You can create multi-channel campaigns that leverage LinkedIn and email to reach more prospects and achieve an impressive 32%+ favourable response rate.

• Advanced LinkedIn automation:

SalesRobot does more than just sending outreach messages and follow-ups.

You can automate complex LinkedIn actions like viewing and following profiles, liking and commenting on relevant posts, leave endorsements, all in the same message sequence.

• Hyper-personalized images and GIFs:

SalesRobot lets you personalize your messages with custom media content in bulk.

Taking an extra step to personalize your messages pays off when you’re out there making meaningful connections and booking more meetings.

• A/B testing:

You can create multiple variants of your messages so that you can test what type of message resonates with your target audience and gives you a high positive response rate.

• Positive responses with “AI brain”:

SalesRobot helps you draft messages that get more positive responses with our “AI brain”, thanks to its Readability Score feature.

SalesRobot calculates the likelihood of a positive response, so you can keep editing till you see a high score!

• Virtual AI assistant with SalesGPT 2.0:

What if I told you SalesRobot can auto-respond to your prospects, book meetings on your calendar on auto-pilot, and create multichannel campaigns?

All that is possible with SalesRobot’s SalesGPT 2.0, which works like your virtual AI assistant.

• Protect your LinkedIn account:

SalesRobot has a  “Safe Mode” feature where you can safely reach out to 200+ people a week without risking your LinkedIn account.

How much does SalesRobot cost?

Let's talk about SalesRobot's pricing plans.

‍SalesRobot offers a 3-tier pricing plan:

• Starter “Do-it-yourself” plan for $99 per month.
• Pro “We-do-it-for-you” plan for $1000 per month.
• Pro+ “We-do-it-all” plan for $1500 per month.

But if you go for an annual subscription, you get an additional 20% discount automatically applied.

You can try our 14-day free trial to test SalesRobot's features yourself and see if it's the real deal.

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SalesRobot vs PhantomBuster: Which is the better option?

If you're in the market for an automation tool specifically for LinkedIn, then SalesRobot is the way to go.

Unlike PhantomBuster, SalesRobot not only bypasses LinkedIn's limitations in three different ways, but it also prioritizes your safety while doing so.

Additionally, SalesRobot has features like delaying and randomizing activity, skipping holidays and weekends, and in-app activity limits to mimic human activity and not  set off any red flags for LinkedIn's algorithms.

And the best part?

SalesRobot is cloud-based and comes with a Safe Mode that's included in every pricing plan.

This means you can personalize your messages to the fullest extent and optimize your LinkedIn outreach strategy.

Trust me, personalizing your sales and marketing efforts will lead to a steady stream of qualified leads and higher conversion rates.

So, if you want personalized LinkedIn outreach that runs on autopilot while keeping you safe and bypassing LinkedIn limits, SalesRobot is the ideal alternative to PhantomBuster.

TexAu:

TexAu is a tool that's similar to PhantomBuster in terms of its capabilities.

With TexAu, you can automate a wide range of activities on over 10 popular web platforms, including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Quora, Slack, and more.

That means you can streamline your work and save time on repetitive tasks.

Another great feature of TexAu is its ability to extract data from these platforms and store it for later use.

This makes it an excellent tool for data gathering and analysis. Whether you need to compile a list of contacts, gather information for market research, or collect data for any other purpose, TexAu has you covered.

So, if you're looking for a tool that can automate your activities and help you gather and store valuable data, TexAu is definitely worth considering.

What’s good about TexAu?

TexAu is a tool that's packed with features to make your work easier and more efficient. Here are some of the things it excels at:

• Automation: You can automate different activities on over 10 web platforms using "Spices" or connect them into complete sequences using "Recipes." This saves you time and effort.

• Templates: TexAu comes with a wide range of templates, so you don't have to start from scratch when creating your workflows. Instead, you can use some of the ready-made ones.

• Data Scraping: TexAu can scrape data from various places on the web, making it an excellent tool for data collection and analysis.

• Affordability: Compared to other tools, TexAu offers more for the same amount of money, making it a more affordable option.

In a nutshell, TexAu is a versatile tool that can automate your work, provide templates for different workflows, scrape data, and do it all at an affordable price.

What are the shortcomings of TexAu?

Well, while TexAu has a lot of great features, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Here are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Steep learning curve: TexAu can be a bit difficult to understand and get used to.

You'll need to spend a lot of time reading the documentation and manual, and there's still no guarantee that you'll be able to use it to its full potential.

• Limited LinkedIn options: Unfortunately, TexAu doesn't have any options for bypassing LinkedIn limits in a safe way.

• Email finder credits and restrictions: TexAu limits its email finder credits, file storage, and daily execution time to ensure the smooth functioning of the tool.

Choosing the desktop version of the software ensures added safety, as there is no need for a browser extension to copy or mimic your cookies.

This reduces the risk of being detected and banned by LinkedIn algorithms. However, the desktop version can only work on a single device at a time.

If you're working in a team or agency, the cloud version might be a better option. It requires the installation of a Chrome extension, but it allows multiple users to work simultaneously.

On the other hand, the app can work only when your device is running, and it’s suitable for only one user.

If you’re a team or an agency, you’ll have to opt for the cloud version that requires the installation of a Chrome extension for everything to work properly.

How Much Does TexAu Cost?

TexAu offers 3 pricing plans.

Starter - $79 per month

Teams - $199 per month

Agency - $459 per month

They offer a 14-day free trial. That’s plenty of time for you to try out the tool and see if it’s for you or not.

TexAu and PhantomBuster Review. Which One is Better?

So basically, TexAu and PhantomBuster are both tools for automating tasks on various websites, including LinkedIn. TexAu has some advantages over PhantomBuster, such as

• You can run more tasks simultaneously per day for the same or a slightly higher price.

• You get more data and email finder credits, as well as total working time in a day.

So, if you're looking for a PhantomBuster alternative that has similar features but with a better price-value ratio, TexAu might be the better option for you.

In Conclusion:

So, to sum it up, PhantomBuster is a powerful tool that can make your online marketing tasks easier and more efficient.

With its impressive range of features, you can automate and scale your strategies with ease.

Now, if you're looking for an option that is more budget-friendly, TexAu is definitely worth checking out. It's a great alternative that offers a wide variety of tasks at a more affordable price.

But if you’re only looking for multichannel lead generation, SalesRobot is the way to go.

It's cloud-based and takes extra precautions to ensure your accounts are safe while providing personalized LinkedIn outreach.

And the hyper-personalized messages with human-like automation helps you scale faster, without running the risk of getting your account banned or restricted.

Don’t forget! SalesRobot isn’t just going to automate your messages.

Complex LinkedIn actions, prospecting, outreach campaign creation, you name it, SalesRobot has got your back no matter what.

Thanks for following along with me till the end, and here's to your success in lead generation!

Until next time,

Good luck!

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^{Disclaimer: The content of this blog post reflects our own opinions and judgements based on our research and experience as of published date. Comparisons made to other software or tools are for informational purposes only and are based on publicly available information and our own analysis. We do not claim absolute accuracy and encourage readers to conduct their own research to form their own opinions. While we may discuss competitor offerings, our primary focus is to showcase the features and benefits of SalesRobot. SalesRobot is not affiliated with any other software or tool mentioned in this blog post.}