TL;DR
- Kickbox is cheaper at every size: $40 vs $69 for 5K, $500 vs $649 for 100K, $2,999 vs $3,199 for 1M.
- Both don't charge for unknown results.
- ZeroBounce has a recurring free tier (100 a month); Kickbox gives 100 free verifications to new accounts.
- ZeroBounce adds a finder, scoring and inbox tests; Kickbox is a focused verifier that states SOC 2 and GDPR compliance.
Pay-as-you-go prices
| Emails | ZeroBounce | Kickbox | Mail Exchange |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5,000 | $69 ($0.0138) | $40 ($0.0080) | $29 ($0.0058) |
| 10,000 | $129 ($0.0129) | $70 ($0.0070) | $49 ($0.0049) |
| 100,000 | $649 ($0.0065) | $500 ($0.0050) | $299 ($0.0030) |
| 1,000,000 | $3,199 ($0.0032) | $2,999 ($0.0030) | $1,699 ($0.0017) |
Sources: ZeroBounce pricing page and Kickbox pricing page, checked 2026-10-18.
Terms and extras
| ZeroBounce | Kickbox | |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 100 validations a month | 100 verifications, once |
| Unknown results | Not charged | Not charged |
| Subscription | ZeroBounce ONE from $99/month for 10K | None |
| Extras | Finder, AI scoring, inbox and server tests, blacklist monitor | Focused on verification |
| Compliance (stated) | Data deleted 30 days after upload; check its security page for certifications | SOC 2, GDPR |
| Accuracy (vendor-stated) | 99.6%, described as guaranteed | Check Kickbox's page |
Which to choose
- Verification only, lower bill: Kickbox.
- You'll use the finder, scoring or inbox tests: ZeroBounce, and accept the premium.
- Occasional use: ZeroBounce's monthly free credits help; Kickbox's free credits are a one-off.
Where Mail Exchange fits
Mail Exchange is lower priced than both: 58% below ZeroBounce and 28% below Kickbox at 5K, and 40% below Kickbox at 100K, with non-expiring credits and refunds for unknowns and duplicates. See vs ZeroBounce and vs Kickbox.
What the price gap means in dollars
| Volume | ZeroBounce | Kickbox | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5,000 | $69 | $40 | $29 |
| 10,000 | $129 | $70 | $59 |
| 100,000 | $649 | $500 | $149 |
| 1,000,000 | $3,199 | $2,999 | $200 |
The gap is largest in relative terms at small packs and narrows at 1M, where per-email prices converge ($0.0032 vs $0.0030).
What to test
- Use ZeroBounce's monthly 100 free credits and Kickbox's 100 free verifications on the same addresses.
- Compare how each tags catch-all and role addresses.
- Check whether you'd use ZeroBounce's finder or inbox tests; if not, you're paying for extras.
- Confirm credit expiry for the pack you plan to buy.
FAQ
Is Kickbox cheaper than ZeroBounce?
Yes at every pay-as-you-go size we checked on 2026-10-18.
Which has the better free tier?
ZeroBounce: 100 validations refreshed every month. Kickbox gives 100 once.
Do either charge for unknown results?
No, neither charges for unknown results.
Related
- Emailable vs Kickbox
- NeverBounce vs Kickbox
- ZeroBounce vs NeverBounce
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