SAM vs Artisan (Ava): AI BDR Comparison (2026)
Choose SAM for better personalization quality and human oversight at lower cost. Choose Artisan if you need access to their 300M+ contact database.
SAM
RecommendedAI Sales Manager by InnovareAI
$199-$499/mo (unlimited users)
AI Sales Manager with 8 autonomous agents
View PricingArtisan (Ava)
AI BDR That Automates 80% of Outbound
$1,500-$2,000/mo
AI BDR with 300M+ contact database
Feature Comparison
| Feature | SAM | Artisan (Ava) |
|---|---|---|
| AI Prospecting | ||
| AI Message Writing | ||
| Email Outreach | ||
| LinkedIn Outreach | ||
| Human-in-the-Loop Approval | ||
| Built-in Contact DatabaseArtisan: 300M+ contacts | ||
| Email Warm-up | ||
| Multi-Agent Architecture | ||
| Personalization Waterfall | ||
| CRM Integration | ||
| No Annual Contract |
Pros & Cons
SAM Pros
- 75% lower cost than Artisan
- Better personalization quality (multi-agent)
- Human approval before every message
- No annual commitment
SAM Cons
- Bring your own lead lists (or integrations)
- Newer platform
Artisan (Ava) Pros
- 300M+ built-in contact database
- Claims 80% task automation
- Includes deliverability tools
- Y Combinator backed
Artisan (Ava) Cons
- Annual contract required
- Mixed reviews on message quality ("GPT-generated")
- Some users report UI bugs
- Higher price point
Who Should Use Each Tool?
Choose SAM if:
Teams who want quality AI personalization with human oversight, and have their own lead sources or use tools like Apollo/ZoomInfo.
Start Free TrialChoose Artisan (Ava) if:
Teams who need an all-in-one platform with built-in contact data and don't mind annual contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SAM or Artisan better for personalization?
SAM's multi-agent architecture typically produces higher-quality personalization. Some Artisan users have reported messages that feel "GPT-generated" or generic. SAM also requires human approval before sending, ensuring quality control.
Does SAM have a contact database like Artisan?
SAM integrates with lead data providers (Apollo, ZoomInfo, etc.) rather than having a built-in database. This gives you flexibility to use verified data sources. Artisan includes 300M+ contacts, but quality varies.
Which is more affordable?
SAM costs $199-$499/month with no annual contract. Artisan costs $1,500-$2,000/month with annual commitment. SAM saves 75%+ for most teams.