# PhantomBuster vs Waalaxy vs Derrick: Which Is Better in 2026?

*Canonical: https://derrick-app.com/vs/phantombuster-vs-waalaxy-vs-derrick-app*
*Published: 2025-12-25 · Updated: 2026-09-28*

[Try Derrick free](https://app.derrick-app.com)

## Short answer

PhantomBuster vs Waalaxy vs Derrick in short. PhantomBuster: cloud-based scraping and social automation. Waalaxy: beginner-friendly LinkedIn automation Chrome extension for solo prospectors. Derrick is a B2B enrichment web app (nothing to install), also available as a Google Sheets add-on, a REST API and an MCP server (Claude and ChatGPT drive enrichment for you). It is free forever with 100 credits/month, with paid plans from €9/month, and it runs on its own or alongside PhantomBuster or Waalaxy.

## PhantomBuster vs Waalaxy vs Derrick: full feature comparison

|  | [PhantomBuster](/tools/phantombuster-alternatives) | Derrick App | [Waalaxy](/tools/waalaxy-alternatives) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Works natively in Google Sheets | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Requires LinkedIn Sales Navigator ($100/month) | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Sales Navigator 1-click import | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Email finder with real-time validation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Phone finder from LinkedIn | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Company tech stack lookup | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ |
| SimilarWeb & G2 insights integrated | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ |
| AI integration (Claude & ChatGPT) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic AI Lead Scoring | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Data cleaning & normalization | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Multi-platform scraping (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook) | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Zapier, Make, n8n integrations | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Public API available | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Native CRM integrations (HubSpot, Salesforce) | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Entry price (paid plan) | $56/mo (annual) | Free plan · from €9/month | €19/user/mo (Pro) · Free 80 invites/mo |
| Permanent free plan | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rollover credits to next month | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Simple and transparent credit system | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Simple setup & onboarding | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Complete documentation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |

## True cost over 12 months

| | PhantomBuster | Waalaxy | Derrick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $56/mo (annual) | €19/user/mo (Pro) · Free 80 invites/mo | €0 (free) · €9/month paid |
| Annual cost (base) | ~$672/yr | ~€228/yr | €0/year free · €108/year on Mini |
| Free plan? | No (14-day free trial) | Yes - 80 invitations/mo permanently free | Forever - 100 credits/mo |

Competitor prices come from each tool's review page on derrick-app.com; when its sources disagree, no figure is shown.

## Which one is right for you?

### Pick PhantomBuster if…
- You specifically need growth hackers & ops teams
- 150+ pre-built Phantoms across platforms
- Best LinkedIn Sales Navigator export
- You're already invested in the PhantomBuster ecosystem

### Pick Waalaxy if…
- You specifically need solo prospectors testing LinkedIn outbound for the first time
- Most generous free tier in LinkedIn automation
- Best ease of use in the category
- You're already invested in the Waalaxy ecosystem

### Pick Derrick if…
- You want B2B enrichment with nothing to install (web app, also in Sheets, Claude, API)
- You need a usable free plan (100 credits/mo, no card)
- You don't want long contracts, lock-in, or sales calls
- You need 100+ data points per lead in one tool

[Try Derrick free](https://app.derrick-app.com)

## FAQ

### How does Derrick compare to PhantomBuster in features and pricing?
Derrick operates as a web app enrichment platform (also in Google Sheets, Claude and the API), eliminating the CSV exports and complex setup required by PhantomBuster's automation workflows. While PhantomBuster excels at large-scale data extraction and scraping, Derrick focuses on streamlined enrichment directly in the web app (or in Sheets, Claude and the API) with 50+ attributes per contact. Pricing-wise, Derrick starts at €0 with 100 credits and offers rollover credits monthly, whereas PhantomBuster's costs scale aggressively with volume. Derrick also includes integrated AI with Claude and ChatGPT for scoring and segmentation, providing data quality validation that complements extraction-focused tools like PhantomBuster for teams seeking a complete prospecting solution.

### Is Derrick a good alternative to PhantomBuster for automation?
Yes, Derrick is an excellent alternative to PhantomBuster for automation, especially if you prioritize simplicity and cost efficiency. While PhantomBuster excels at large-scale web scraping and workflow automation, Derrick offers a more streamlined approach by operating natively in the web app (or in Google Sheets, Claude and the API) without requiring complex setup or CSV exports. Derrick provides real-time email validation, 50+ enrichment attributes, and integrated AI capabilities with Claude and ChatGPT for intelligent segmentation and scoring. Unlike PhantomBuster's steep learning curve for advanced workflows, Derrick requires minimal technical knowledge. Additionally, Derrick's monthly rollover credits and no credit card requirement for the free tier make it more cost-effective for teams with variable automation needs, while PhantomBuster's pricing scales aggressively with volume.

### Which is better Derrick or Waalaxy for LinkedIn prospecting and data?
Derrick and Waalaxy serve different prospecting needs. Waalaxy excels at LinkedIn automation and outreach sequencing, making it ideal for teams focused on connection requests and message campaigns. However, Derrick outperforms for data enrichment and prospect intelligence, offering 50+ attributes per contact with real-time email validation directly in the web app (or in Google Sheets, Claude and the API). Derrick requires no LinkedIn Sales Navigator subscription, saving teams $1,200 annually, while providing integrated AI scoring and seamless CRM syncing through 3,000+ app integrations. For comprehensive prospecting combining enrichment with outreach, Derrick delivers superior data depth and cost efficiency without complex setup.

### What’s the Derrick vs PhantomBuster vs Waalaxy difference for use cases?
For use cases, Derrick shines as a web app enrichment (also in Google Sheets, Claude and the API) and prospecting hub, while PhantomBuster excels at automated data extraction and broad workflow automation, and Waalaxy focuses on LinkedIn-driven outreach and multi-channel prospecting. Derrick offers 50+ enrichment attributes per contact, real-time email validation, AI-powered scoring and segmentation, and seamless 3,000+ integrations via Zapier/Make/n8n, all without exporting to CSV or using LinkedIn Navigator. PhantomBuster is strong for large-scale scraping and template-driven automation but may require external enrichment for deeper insights. Waalaxy delivers fast LinkedIn-centric outreach and CRM integration but can lack depth in data enrichment. If your priority is deep, scalable prospect intelligence directly in the web app (or in Sheets, Claude and the API) with zero CSV exports and flexible credits, Derrick provides a measurable edge.

### Does PhantomBuster offer better pricing than Derrick or Waalaxy?
PhantomBuster's pricing structure scales aggressively with volume, making per-record enrichment expensive for high-frequency campaigns, particularly when running large-scale operations simultaneously. Waalaxy similarly charges based on usage, with costs rising quickly for teams managing multiple outreach sequences. Derrick offers a more transparent, credit-based pricing model starting at just €9 monthly for four thousand credits with rollover flexibility, meaning unused credits carry forward. Unlike PhantomBuster and Waalaxy which require separate tools for enrichment depth, Derrick combines data enrichment with fifty plus contact attributes directly in the web app (or in Google Sheets, Claude and the API), eliminating costly third-party integrations and reducing your overall prospecting stack expenses.

### Can Derrick replace both PhantomBuster and Waalaxy for data enrichment?
Yes, Derrick can replace some of PhantomBuster and Waalaxy for data enrichment, but with nuances. Derrick is a web app (also in Google Sheets, Claude and the API), enabling rich enrichment across 50+ attributes per contact or company and real-time email validation, all without scraping or LinkedIn dependencies. PhantomBuster excels at large-scale automation and data extraction, while Waalaxy focuses on LinkedIn-based outreach. Derrick complements or supersedes basic enrichment and data quality within a practical, web-app-first workflow, especially for teams valuing seamless integrations, AI scoring, and cost efficiency. However, for heavy multi-source scraping or advanced LinkedIn automation, you may still need specialized tools.

## Where to use Derrick: web app, Google Sheets, Claude (MCP) or API

The same B2B data enrichment is available on four surfaces. The free plan gives 100 credits a month, no card required.

- **Web app** (main entry, nothing to install): import or paste your list and enrich it in the browser. https://app.derrick-app.com
- **Google Sheets**: the sidebar add-on enriches your list in place, inside your spreadsheet. Install: https://workspace.google.com/marketplace/app/linkedin_email_phone_finder_ia_%E2%80%94_derrick/3746789989?flow_type=2
- **Claude / AI agents (MCP)**: connect the Derrick MCP server, then enrich from chat. Setup: /mcp
- **REST API**: call the same enrichment endpoints from your own stack (PLUS plan and up). Docs: https://app.derrick-app.com/api-docs