iris vs Lemlist
iris drafts from scratch; Lemlist personalizes a template.
why iris?
AI-drafted bodies, not just personalized variables
Lemlist's variables (first name, company, custom images) sit inside a static template body. iris generates the entire body per contact - structure, opener, and angle vary, not just the merge fields.
Instagram and Twitter DMs, not just email
Lemlist added LinkedIn over time but stayed primarily email. iris treats Instagram and Twitter DMs as first-class channels with their own drafting tone.
discovery + sending in one tool
Lemlist focuses on the sequencer; you bring the contact list. iris discovers contacts, enriches them, and drafts messages in one campaign flow.
approval queue by default
iris drafts then waits for your approval. Lemlist's typical flow auto-sends once the sequence is activated.
feature comparison
| feature | iris | Lemlist |
|---|---|---|
| image personalization in email | ||
| AI-drafted message bodies (per contact) | AI assist for snippets | |
| merge variables (first name, company, etc.) | ||
| Instagram DM outreach | ||
| Twitter DM outreach | ||
| LinkedIn outreach | ||
| built-in contact discovery | ||
| approval queue before sending | optional | |
| deliverability warm-up |
the verdict
pick Lemlist if image personalization and LinkedIn are central to your motion and you already have a list. pick iris if your channels are email + Instagram + Twitter, you want messages drafted from scratch rather than templated, and you want discovery in the same tool.
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