Independent comparison of the best appointment setting companies. Use the table and jump links to scan quickly, then dive into detailed reviews.
In today’s B2B sales environment, securing quality meetings with the right decision-makers is harder than ever. Sales teams are under pressure to book pipeline at scale, but building a reliable appointment setting function in-house requires time, expertise, and heavy investment. That’s where appointment setting companies come in — giving you a ready-made team and proven systems to book meetings, nurture leads, and fuel revenue growth.
In this guide, we’ve reviewed the 10 best appointment setting companies in 2025, breaking down their services, strengths, and where they fit. While several providers stand out, one consistently rises to the top: Outbound Sales Pro, our #1 ranked choice for companies that want smarter, multi-channel execution backed by proprietary AI software.
| Rank | Company | Strengths | Best For | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Outbound Sales Pro (OSP) | AI platform, parallel dialing, multi-channel orchestration | B2B SaaS & agencies wanting scale + quality | Hybrid: services + software |
| #2 | CIENCE | Data operations, global delivery, multi-channel | Enterprises needing broad market coverage | Confirm connect-to-meeting efficiency |
| #3 | Belkins | Email-centric programs, Folderly deliverability | Teams prioritizing cold email + inbox health | Less emphasis on phone programs |
| #4 | SalesRoads | Call-first approach, U.S. SDRs, high-touch | North American markets, complex solutions | Automation-light |
| #5 | Martal Group | Tech focus, embedded reps, flexible programs | SaaS & IT firms wanting integrated reps | Watch total cost at scale |
| #6 | SalesHive | Structured playbooks, multi-channel, reporting | Process-driven teams wanting predictable rhythm | Validate ICP tuning for new markets |
| #7 | Callbox | Cost-effective offshore coverage, remarketing | Budget-minded teams needing large TOFU | Check rep seniority by market |
| #8 | Leadium | Research-driven targeting, personalized copy | Mid-market & SaaS valuing personalization | Confirm dialing/talk-time targets |
| #9 | RevBoss | ICP alignment, email-led cadence | SaaS & agencies wanting steady meetings | Ask about calling blend when email plateaus |
| #10 | Blue Zebra | Veteran callers, voice-first expertise | Phone-led motions, niche services | Clarify email/LinkedIn support |
Tip: Use the jump links above to open each detailed review.
Our evaluation considered more than 20 factors, grouped into four main categories:
While many providers look similar on the surface, our deep dive reveals major differences in execution, transparency, and results. We ranked Outbound Sales Pro as #1 because of its proprietary AI platform, parallel dialing systems, and unmatched focus on pipeline quality.
Outbound Sales Pro is not just another appointment setting company. Built by operators who have scaled outbound campaigns across dozens of industries, OSP blends human expertise with AI-powered systems to deliver unmatched results.
OSP differentiates itself with a proprietary software layer that multiplies SDR efficiency by 2–10x compared to the industry average. Instead of relying on sheer volume, campaigns are structured as multi-channel funnels — email warms prospects, LinkedIn builds credibility, and cold calls convert to meetings.
Best For: B2B SaaS, agencies, and enterprises that want to scale pipeline fast without sacrificing quality. OSP is the clear leader in multi-channel appointment setting.
Note: OSP is one of the only providers offering both done-for-you campaigns and AI-driven infrastructure, making it a unique hybrid solution in the market.
CIENCE is a large sales development agency best known for its data-heavy approach. They operate at scale, combining human SDRs with automation for list building, email sequencing, and outbound prospecting. Their emphasis on data operations makes them attractive to companies needing broad market coverage.
Best For: Enterprises seeking volume-based prospecting and broad reach rather than highly tailored conversations.
Note: While CIENCE offers impressive scale, companies should clarify connect-to-meeting efficiency and guard against over-automation.
Belkins has built its reputation as one of the most recognized appointment setting agencies. They deliver outbound email programs, LinkedIn outreach, and lead research for companies across SaaS and B2B services. Belkins also offers its proprietary tool Folderly, which focuses on email deliverability. Learn more at belkins.io.
Best For: Companies prioritizing cold email campaigns and deliverability improvements.
Note: Belkins is strong on email, but their phone and multi-channel orchestration capabilities are less emphasized compared to leaders like OSP.
SalesRoads is a U.S.-based appointment setting company with a strong track record in cold calling and inside sales programs. Unlike some competitors who lean on automation, SalesRoads emphasizes human SDRs trained to handle complex conversations. Learn more at salesroads.com.
Best For: Companies targeting North American markets who want experienced SDRs leading cold call campaigns.
Note: SalesRoads’ emphasis on phone is valuable, though it may not match the AI-driven multi-channel orchestration of more modern competitors.
Martal Group is a Canada-based appointment setting agency serving tech companies, SaaS vendors, and enterprises worldwide. Their model includes outsourced SDRs and account executives embedded into client campaigns. Learn more at martal.ca.
Best For: Tech and SaaS companies wanting dedicated reps integrated into their outbound function.
Note: Martal is effective for SaaS firms, but costs can scale quickly compared to performance-based options.
SalesHive delivers outsourced SDR and appointment setting with a strong focus on multi-channel prospecting and measurable outcomes. Their model blends email, cold calling, and LinkedIn with clear playbooks and weekly reporting. Explore services and case studies at saleshive.com.
Best For: B2B companies that want a process-driven SDR partner with predictable management rhythm and multi-threaded outreach.
Note: Confirm connect-to-meeting efficiency and how SalesHive tunes messaging for new ICPs before scaling volume.
Callbox provides appointment setting and lead generation with an offshore SDR model and multi-channel programs that include phone, email, and retargeting. Their value proposition emphasizes cost efficiency and scalable teams. Learn more at callboxinc.com.
Best For: Teams seeking budget-friendly appointment setting with large top-of-funnel activity and broad targeting.
Note: Validate rep seniority per market and how Callbox ensures messaging quality for complex technical products.
Leadium is a boutique outbound partner that combines research-driven targeting with SDR appointment setting. Their programs lean into custom ICP work, cleaner data, and personalized messaging for mid-market and SaaS teams. See details at leadium.com.
Best For: Companies that value deeper research and personalization over brute-force volume.
Note: Confirm dialing approach, daily talk-time targets, and how Leadium scales once a message-market fit is proven.
RevBoss offers lead generation and appointment setting with a focus on SaaS and agencies. Their process integrates lead research, email outreach, and SDR qualification, with an eye toward steady-monthly meeting flow. Learn more at revboss.com.
Best For: Teams wanting predictable email-led appointment setting with consistent monthly cadence.
Note: Press on calling strategy, connect-rate benchmarks, and how RevBoss blends channels when email alone plateaus.
Blue Zebra is a long-standing U.S.-based calling specialist focused on B2B appointment setting. Their reputation centers on experienced callers who manage nuanced, consultative conversations—especially useful in services and niche B2B. Visit bluezebraappointmentsetting.com.
Best For: Firms that prioritize phone-led appointment setting and need veteran agents to handle objections.
Note: Clarify how Blue Zebra supplements voice with email/LinkedIn and how they report on funnel health beyond booked meetings.
Start with your ICP and buying committee: titles, industries, and regions you must reach. From there, map the channels that fit your motion (voice, email, LinkedIn) and the capacity targets you need weekly. Ask each vendor for connect-rate and conversion benchmarks for your market, and request recent call recordings or email reply samples to validate quality.
Outbound Sales Pro stands out by pairing proprietary AI software with parallel dialing and a strategic multi-channel funnel. Campaigns are orchestrated to warm and nurture leads via email and LinkedIn, then convert via live conversations—all while Parakeet.io safeguards deliverability with automated DNS, premium inboxes, and dynamic throttles.
The result is 2–10× SDR efficiency and pipeline that converts.
If you found this comparison helpful, you may also want to explore:
Want a plan tailored to your ICP and targets?
Talk to OSP and we’ll map your market, project benchmarks, and show you the exact funnel we’d run to fill your calendar with qualified meetings.
The best appointment setting companies in 2025 include Outbound Sales Pro, CIENCE, Belkins, and SalesRoads. The right fit depends on whether you want scale, personalization, or multi-channel execution. See our comparison table.
An appointment setting company provides trained SDRs and outbound systems to book meetings with qualified prospects using cold calling, email, and LinkedIn.
They handle prospecting, outreach, and booking. Agencies research your ICP, run multi-channel campaigns, and deliver qualified meetings to your calendar.
They’re the same—both terms refer to agencies that provide SDRs to book meetings for sales teams.
Yes. Offshore or hybrid firms like Callbox can be budget-friendly. For complex SaaS, premium multi-channel providers like Outbound Sales Pro usually deliver higher ROI.
Common models: per-meeting ($150–$300) or monthly retainers ($3K–$10K+). Compare packages and connect-to-meeting benchmarks before committing.
Outbound Sales Pro (#1), CIENCE, Belkins, SalesRoads, Martal Group, SalesHive, Callbox, Leadium, RevBoss, and Blue Zebra.
Belkins publishes custom pricing. Industry ranges are commonly $4K–$8K/month depending on scope and deliverability support. Confirm directly with Belkins.
CIENCE typically prices by team size and data services. Benchmarks often fall around $5K–$10K/month. Ask for connect-to-meeting efficiency by ICP.
Outbound Sales Pro (AI-driven multi-channel), CIENCE (data-heavy scale), and Belkins (email deliverability) are top choices depending on needs.
While many companies use these terms interchangeably, understanding the distinction helps you select the right service and set proper expectations:
| Aspect | Appointment Setting Companies | Full SDR Outsourcing Agencies |
|---|---|---|
| Core Service | Booking qualified meetings on your calendar | Complete sales development function (research, prospecting, qualifying, meetings) |
| Typical Scope | Cold calling → appointment booking, sometimes with email support | Multi-channel campaigns (email, phone, LinkedIn, social), list building, lead scoring |
| Lead Ownership | You provide the list or they build it specifically for appointment setting | Full pipeline ownership from target account identification through meeting |
| Pricing Model | Often per-meeting ($150-$300) or hybrid (retainer + per-meeting) | Monthly retainer ($4k-$12k+) based on team size and channels |
| Best For | Companies with existing marketing/prospecting who just need calendar filling | Companies building outbound pipeline from scratch |
| Example Use Case | "We have warm leads from webinars, need someone to call and book demos" | "We have no outbound motion, need to build cold prospecting engine" |
For a detailed comparison of full SDR outsourcing options, see our guide: Best Outsourced SDR Agencies (2025).
Understanding how appointment setting companies charge helps you evaluate true cost-per-opportunity and avoid surprises. Here are the four most common models:
How it works: You pay a fixed fee ($150-$400) for each qualified meeting booked and held.
Typical range: $150-$250 for SMB leads, $250-$400 for enterprise contacts
How it works: Fixed monthly fee ($3,000-$10,000+) for dedicated capacity and guaranteed meeting volume.
Typical range: $4,000-$8,000/month for 15-25 meetings, $8,000-$12,000/month for 25-40 meetings
How it works: Lower base retainer ($2,000-$4,000) + per-meeting fee ($100-$200) for volume above baseline.
Example: $3,500/month base + $150 per meeting above 10/month
How it works: Pay for each qualified conversation (not just booked meeting), typically $50-$100 per conversation.
| Scenario | Pay-Per-Meeting | Monthly Retainer | In-House SDR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 meetings/month | $4,000-$6,000 (20 × $200-$300) |
$5,000-$7,000 (fixed retainer) |
$10,000-$12,000 (salary, tools, manager time) |
| Setup Time | 1-2 weeks | 2-4 weeks | 2-4 months (hire + ramp) |
| Risk | Low (pay per result) | Medium (3-6 mo commitment) | High (salary + benefits committed) |
| Quality Control | Variable | Better (dedicated resources) | Highest (direct oversight) |
Protect yourself from low-quality providers by watching for these warning signs during your evaluation:
The Problem: Contract promises "20 qualified meetings" but doesn't define what "qualified" means.
What to demand:
The Problem: Provider refuses to share call recordings or talk tracks before signing.
Why it matters: Your brand is on the line. Bad scripts damage your reputation permanently.
What to demand: Listen to 3-5 sample calls from similar industries before committing. Evaluate tone, objection handling, and how they position your value prop.
The Problem: "We guarantee 30 meetings/month" before understanding your target market, pricing, or competitive landscape.
Why it matters: Realistic providers ask detailed ICP questions first. Aggressive guarantees without discovery suggest they'll book unqualified meetings to hit numbers.
The Problem: Only provides high-level monthly summaries (dials, meetings booked) without transparency into quality or conversion.
What to demand:
The Problem: Can't (or won't) share typical connect rates or conversation-to-meeting rates for your ICP.
Industry benchmarks:
If a provider can't share their benchmarks, they either lack data or hide poor performance.
The Problem: Using overseas reps (Philippines, India) for technical B2B products requiring deep product knowledge.
When it works: High-volume, transactional appointment setting with simple qualification
When it doesn't: Complex enterprise sales, technical products, or nuanced objection handling
What to ask: Where are reps located? Can you speak with the actual SDRs who will call your prospects?
Appointment setting companies aren't always the right answer. Avoid wasting budget by recognizing when building in-house or using a different approach makes more sense:
At low deal sizes, appointment setting economics rarely work. If paying $200-$300 per meeting and only 30% convert to opportunities, you're spending $700-$1,000 per opportunity. With a $3,000 ACV and 25% close rate, you're paying $2,800-$4,000 to acquire a $3,000 customer.
Better alternative: Self-service trials, PLG motion, inbound marketing, or automated email sequences.
If you're still figuring out your ICP, value proposition, or messaging, outsourcing is premature. Appointment setters amplify what you give them—without clarity, you'll burn budget testing hypotheses.
Better alternative: Founder-led sales or a single versatile in-house SDR to validate messaging before scaling.
If prospects need 45-minute technical consultations before booking a demo (enterprise infrastructure, healthcare compliance, complex integrations), generic appointment setters will struggle.
Better alternative: Hire specialized in-house SDRs with technical backgrounds or use solution engineers for first outreach.
If your primary challenge is responding to inbound leads within 5 minutes (speed-to-lead advantage), outsourcing creates handoff delays and timezone friction.
Better alternative: In-house SDRs dedicated to inbound, or conversational AI/chatbots for instant engagement.
Booking 40 meetings/month doesn't help if your two AEs are already maxed out with existing pipeline. Unworked meetings damage relationships and waste money.
Better alternative: Scale AE capacity first, or use appointment setters to fill scheduling gaps (not create bottlenecks).
Hire an appointment setting company when:
Track these seven metrics to evaluate whether your appointment setting investment is delivering real ROI:
What it measures: Percentage of booked meetings where the prospect actually shows up.
Why it matters: Most important metric agencies hide. A 40% held rate means half your "booked meetings" waste AE time.
How to track: Compare calendar invites sent vs meetings that occur. Demand this in monthly reports.
What it measures: AE rating of meeting quality (ICP fit, decision-making authority, genuine interest).
Why it matters: High volume of low-quality meetings (<3 score) erodes AE trust and time.
How to implement: Require AEs to score each meeting 1-5 in CRM within 24 hours. Track average weekly.
What it measures: Percentage of held meetings that advance to qualified opportunities in pipeline.
Why it matters: Bridges appointment setting activity to actual revenue impact.
Red flag: If <20%, your qualification criteria need tightening or messaging is misaligned.
What it measures: Total appointment setting cost ÷ opportunities created.
How to calculate: If you pay $6,000/month for 20 meetings and 30% become opportunities, cost per opp = $1,000.
Benchmark: Should be <10% of your average deal size (for $50k ACV, <$5k per opportunity is acceptable).
What it measures: Days from contract signing to first qualified meeting held.
Why it matters: Fast ramp indicates readiness and efficiency. >6 weeks suggests organizational issues.
What it measures: Percentage of dials reaching live conversations (not voicemail).
Why it matters: Low connect rates (<5%) indicate poor data quality or wrong calling times.
How to improve: Verify mobile vs landline, optimize calling windows (10-11am, 2-4pm local time).
What it measures: Outsourced cost per meeting vs what it would cost internally.
| Metric | Outsourced (Pay-Per-Meeting) | In-House SDR |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per meeting | $200-$300 (direct payment) | $500-$600 (fully loaded cost ÷ meetings) |
| Setup time | 2-4 weeks | 3-6 months |
| Flexibility | Scale up/down easily | Fixed cost (salary committed) |
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