# The Best ZoomInfo Replacements for Global/EU Data & GDPR Compliance

Hey there, fellow RevOps and sales pros! If you're running a global or even just a pan-European sales team, you know the drill: ZoomInfo is a powerhouse, especially in North America. But the moment your sights turn to the EU with its maze of regulations and the omnipresent spectre of GDPR compliance things get complicated, fast.

I've been in the trenches, wrestling with outdated contact databases and the panic of a potential compliance breach. It’s like trying to navigate a narrow cobblestone street in Rome with a monster truck. It's simply not built for the job.

The truth is, for teams prioritizing quality EU/Global data and iron-clad data compliance, the search for the best [ZoomInfo alternative](https://www.jarvisreach.io/blog/zoominfo-alternative) isn't about finding a clone; it’s about finding a platform built on a foundation of privacy-first principles. We need prospecting tools that are legally safe, globally capable, and still offer the high-octane performance to fuel your lead generation software stack. Let's dive into the platforms that can genuinely replace ZoomInfo without giving your legal team an aneurysm.

**The Core Challenge: Data Compliance vs. Global Scale**
Before we get to the replacements, let's nail down why we're here. GDPR changed the game. It demands a lawful basis for processing personal data, which makes the mass-aggregated, US-centric model of many contact database providers a huge liability when selling into Europe.
My own wake-up call came when a marketing campaign into Germany resulted in a stern email from a prospect, simply asking, "Where did you get my data?" It was a moment of realization: we needed sales prospecting software that could answer that question confidently, transparently, and legally. This isn't just about avoiding fines; it’s about building trust, which is the ultimate market intelligence tool for long-term sales success.

**The Top-Tier ZoomInfo Alternative for EU Dominance: Cognism**
If your primary focus is EU data and best-in-class compliance, Cognism is the clear frontrunner for the best ZoomInfo alternative.
• The Compliance Difference: Cognism is unapologetically built for GDPR. They prioritize a legal basis for processing B2B data, including rigorous scrubbing against Do-Not-Call (DNC) lists across multiple countries. This focus means their data isn't just large it’s actionable in highly-regulated markets.
• Data Quality & Coverage: Unlike some competitors that have thin EU coverage, Cognism is an established leader in the EMEA market, offering deep, accurate coverage, especially their proprietary, phone-verified Diamond Data® mobile numbers.
• Feature Stack: Beyond the basic contact database, they offer fantastic [lead enrichment](https://www.jarvisreach.io/) and powerful intent data powered by Bombora. Their CRM integrations (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.) are seamless, ensuring that all your newly compliant leads slot right into your sales workflow. This makes it a serious contender in the saas sales tools space.

**The Feature-Rich Contender: Apollo**
For teams that love having an all-in-one platform and a strong feature set often at a more accessible price point than the enterprise-level players Apollo has gained significant traction as a powerful ZoomInfo alternative.
• The All-in-One Advantage: Apollo’s strength lies in combining its extensive contact database with a full suite of sales engagement tools, like email sequencing. For mid-market and smaller sales teams, consolidating your prospecting tools into one platform offers huge efficiency gains.
• Global Reach & Data: Apollo has a vast, global database, making it a compelling option for teams targeting multiple regions, not just the EU. While its EU-specific compliance may require closer scrutiny than Cognism’s, the breadth of its features is hard to ignore.
• Ideal User: If you're looking for a single system that handles lead discovery, lead enrichment, and initial outreach, and you operate across NAM and EU markets with a robust internal data compliance process, Apollo should be on your shortlist.

**The Lean, Mean Prospecting Machine: Lusha**
Sometimes, you don't need the whole battleship you just need a highly effective, compliant sniper rifle. That's where Lusha shines.
• Simplicity and Speed: Lusha’s browser extension is famously simple and fast, allowing SDRs to grab verified contact details directly from LinkedIn or company websites with minimal friction. It’s an easy-to-adopt tool that has a low barrier to entry for any sales team.
• Credit-Based Model: For teams with more unpredictable or lower-volume prospecting needs, their credit-based model can be a highly cost-effective way to get reliable data, avoiding the high annual commitment of some other saas sales tools.
• Compliance: Lusha is generally considered GDPR compliant, providing a lawful basis for their data collection, which is crucial for any business operating in the European sphere. They excel as a straightforward sales prospecting software tool that keeps things simple and clean.

**Final Thoughts and Your Next Steps**
The move from a traditional US-centric data provider to a global, GDPR-compliant solution is more than a tool change it’s a shift in mindset. You're choosing quality and trust over sheer volume.
For genuine global expansion, especially with a heavy focus on the European Union, the compliance pedigree of a platform like Cognism gives you a distinct, legally sound competitive advantage. If your budget is tighter and you want an integrated outreach suite, Apollo is a phenomenal option. And for pure, fast, compliant contact retrieval, Lusha remains a staple ZoomInfo alternative.
My best advice? Don't just look at the contact database size. Ask the hard questions about their data compliance practices, especially how they source and manage EU mobile numbers. Then, run a small, dedicated A/B test with a trial license to see which platform's intent data and data quality actually deliver meetings for your team.