Top 10 Applicant Tracking System Software Comparison
By Jordan Patel | Published: 2025-03-04 | Category: Applicant Tracking System Software
About Applicant Tracking System Software
Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software helps organizations streamline and manage their entire recruitment process, from posting job openings to hiring candidates. These platforms centralize candidate information, track application progress, and facilitate collaboration among hiring teams.
Scoring Criteria
- → Ease of Use
- → Feature Set
- → Integration Capabilities
- → Customization Options
- → Reporting & Analytics
- → Customer Support
- → Value for Money
The Best Applicant Tracking System Software
#10
Ashby
By Ashby, Inc.
A modern ATS focused on data, automation, and productivity for high-growth technology companies.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based
Best For: High-Growth Startups, Tech Companies, Data-Driven Recruiting Teams, Efficiency-Focused Hiring
Key Features
- ✓All-in-One Platform: Combines ATS, CRM, Scheduling, and Analytics.
- ✓Advanced Scheduling Tools: Sophisticated options for coordinating complex interview loops.
- ✓Powerful Reporting & Analytics: Deep, customizable insights into every stage of the funnel.
- ✓Recruiter Productivity Features: Tools designed to streamline recruiter workflows.
- ✓API & Integrations: Connects with various HR tech tools.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.4 / 10.0)
Pricing
Standard
$-1.00 / Annual
- Full ATS & CRM
- Scheduling
- Analytics
Limitations: Quote-based
Enterprise
$-1.00 / Annual
- Advanced Security
- Custom SLAs
- Premium Support
Limitations: Quote-based
Pros
- + Exceptional reporting and analytics capabilities
- + Powerful scheduling and automation features
- + Modern, efficient user interface
- + Strong focus on recruiter productivity
Cons
- - Primarily targets tech and high-growth companies
- - Pricing is quote-based and likely high-end
- - Newer player compared to established vendors
Verdict
"A cutting-edge ATS for data-obsessed, high-growth tech companies prioritizing analytics, scheduling efficiency, and recruiter productivity."
#9
Zoho Recruit
By Zoho Corporation
A versatile ATS and recruitment CRM that's part of the larger Zoho ecosystem, offering strong customization and value.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based, iOS App, Android App
Best For: Staffing Agencies, Corporate HR, Users of Zoho Ecosystem, Customizable Workflows
Key Features
- ✓ATS & CRM Combo: Manages both applicants and client relationships (for agencies).
- ✓Resume Parsing: Automatically extracts information from resumes.
- ✓Blueprint (Workflow Automation): Define and automate complex recruitment processes.
- ✓Extensive Customization: Highly configurable modules, fields, and layouts.
- ✓Zoho Ecosystem Integration: Seamless connection with other Zoho apps (CRM, People, etc.).
Scorecard (Overall: 7.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- 1 Recruiter
- Basic ATS
Limitations: Single active job, Limited features
Standard
$30.00 / Per User/Month
- Core ATS
- Resume Parsing
- Basic Integrations
Limitations: Limited features
Professional
$60.00 / Per User/Month
- Advanced Features
- Blueprint
- Assessments
Limitations: Some features restricted
Enterprise
$90.00 / Per User/Month
- Full Feature Set
- Advanced Analytics
- Role-based Security
Pros
- + Very competitive pricing, excellent value
- + Highly customizable workflows and modules
- + Strong feature set, especially at higher tiers
- + Integrates well with the broader Zoho suite
Cons
- - Interface can feel cluttered or less modern
- - Learning curve for advanced customization
- - Support quality can be variable
Verdict
"Offers exceptional value and customization, making it ideal for businesses (especially staffing agencies or Zoho users) needing a powerful, configurable ATS on a budget."
#8
Recruitee
By Recruitee B.V.
A collaborative hiring platform known for its intuitive design, employer branding tools, and flexibility, suitable for growing companies.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based, iOS App, Android App
Best For: Collaborative Hiring, Employer Branding, SMB & Mid-Market Recruiting, European Market Focus
Key Features
- ✓Careers Site Editor: Easy-to-use tools to build attractive, branded career pages.
- ✓Team Collaboration Features: Notes, tags, evaluations, and mentions for team input.
- ✓Talent Pools: Organize and nurture potential candidates.
- ✓Workflow Automation: Automate repetitive recruitment tasks.
- ✓Multi-language Support: Suitable for international hiring.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Launch
$269.00 / Monthly
- 5 Active Job Slots
- Core ATS
- Basic Reporting
Limitations: Limited job slots
Scale
$479.00 / Monthly
- 10 Active Job Slots
- Automations
- API Access
Limitations: Limited job slots
Lead
$-1.00 / Annual
- Unlimited Job Slots
- Advanced Features
- SSO
Limitations: Quote-based
Pros
- + Highly intuitive and visually appealing interface
- + Strong emphasis on team collaboration
- + Excellent employer branding tools
- + Flexible workflow customization
Cons
- - Pricing based on active job slots can be costly for high volume
- - Reporting could be more advanced
- - Some advanced features require higher tiers or custom quote
Verdict
"An excellent choice for growing companies that value collaboration, employer branding, and an intuitive user experience."
#7
JazzHR
By JazzHR
An affordable and easy-to-use ATS targeted specifically at the recruiting needs of small and medium-sized businesses.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based, Mobile Optimized
Best For: SMB Recruiting, Budget-Conscious Hiring, Simple Recruitment Processes, Franchise Hiring
Key Features
- ✓Job Syndication: Posts jobs to numerous free and paid boards.
- ✓Candidate Screening Tools: Includes questionnaires and interview guides.
- ✓Collaborative Hiring: Allows team members to review and rate candidates.
- ✓Offer Management: Tools for creating and sending offer letters.
- ✓Basic Reporting: Tracks key recruiting metrics.
Scorecard (Overall: 6.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Hero
$49.00 / Monthly
- 3 Open Jobs
- Core ATS
Limitations: Limited job slots, Basic features
Plus
$239.00 / Monthly
- Unlimited Jobs
- Interviews
- Assessments
Limitations: Fewer integrations, No offer management
Pro
$359.00 / Monthly
- All Features
- Offer Management
- Reporting Boost
Pros
- + Affordable pricing tiers
- + Easy to set up and use
- + Good job board syndication
- + Specifically designed for SMB needs
Cons
- - Feature set is less comprehensive than competitors
- - Limited customization and integration options
- - Reporting capabilities are basic
Verdict
"A solid, budget-friendly choice for SMBs who need a straightforward ATS to organize their hiring process without complex features."
#6
BambooHR
By Bamboo HR LLC.
Primarily an HRIS platform with a well-integrated ATS module, best for companies wanting a unified HR and recruiting solution.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based, iOS App, Android App
Best For: Integrated HR and Recruiting, SMB HR Management, Streamlined Onboarding, Centralized Employee Data
Key Features
- ✓Integrated HRIS: Seamless flow from candidate to employee record.
- ✓Job Opening Management: Create, post, and track job openings.
- ✓Candidate Tracking: Manage applicants through customizable hiring stages.
- ✓Offer Letter Generation: Create and send offer letters electronically.
- ✓Reporting: Basic recruitment reports integrated with HR data.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.1 / 10.0)
Pricing
Essentials
$-1.00 / Per Employee Per Month
- Core HRIS
- Limited ATS
Limitations: Basic recruiting features
Advantage
$-1.00 / Per Employee Per Month
- Full ATS Module
- Onboarding
- Advanced Reporting
Limitations: Quote-based pricing
Pros
- + Excellent integration with core HR functions
- + User-friendly interface
- + Strong customer support reputation
- + Simplifies the transition from candidate to employee
Cons
- - ATS features are less robust than standalone systems
- - Limited sourcing and CRM capabilities
- - Pricing is quote-based and tied to HRIS package
Verdict
"Best suited for SMBs and mid-market companies prioritizing a unified HRIS and ATS experience over advanced, standalone recruiting features."
#5
Breezy HR
By Breezy HR, Inc.
A visually oriented and user-friendly ATS known for its pipeline management and automation features, popular with SMBs.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based, iOS App, Android App
Best For: SMB Hiring, Visual Pipeline Management, Collaborative Recruiting, Startups
Key Features
- ✓Drag-and-Drop Pipeline: Kanban-style board for easy candidate stage tracking.
- ✓Candidate Automations: Automate tasks like sending emails or scheduling interviews based on stage changes.
- ✓Team Collaboration Tools: Real-time discussion and feedback on candidates.
- ✓Video Interviews: Integrated one-way and live video interviewing options.
- ✓Background Check Integration: Seamless initiation of background checks.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.1 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- 1 Active Position
- Basic ATS
Limitations: Very limited functionality
Startup
$171.00 / Monthly
- Unlimited Positions
- Core ATS Features
- Basic Automations
Limitations: Limited advanced features
Growth
$299.00 / Monthly
- Enhanced Automations
- Candidate Comparisons
- Assessments
Limitations: No CRM or advanced reporting
Business
$479.00 / Monthly
- All Features
- Advanced Reporting
- Talent Pools (CRM)
Pros
- + Highly intuitive visual interface
- + Excellent automation capabilities for its price point
- + Transparent and competitive pricing
- + Good collaboration features
Cons
- - Reporting is less robust than enterprise systems
- - Limited customization options
- - CRM features only available on the highest tier
Verdict
"A great option for SMBs and startups looking for an easy-to-use, visually appealing ATS with strong automation features at a reasonable price."
#4
SmartRecruiters
By SmartRecruiters
A talent acquisition suite designed for enterprise-level organizations with complex global hiring needs.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based, iOS App, Android App
Best For: Enterprise Talent Acquisition, Global Recruitment, High-Volume Hiring, Compliance Management
Key Features
- ✓Talent Acquisition Suite: Comprehensive modules covering ATS, CRM, and Marketing.
- ✓SmartGlobal: Features for managing compliance and hiring across multiple countries.
- ✓Marketplace: Extensive ecosystem of integrated HR technologies.
- ✓Candidate Experience Tools: Features focused on creating a positive application journey.
- ✓Advanced Analytics: Deep insights into global hiring performance.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.9 / 10.0)
Pricing
SmartStart
Contact Vendor
- Basic ATS for <250 employees
- Limited Job Postings
Limitations: Limited features, Company size restriction
SmartRecruit
$-1.00 / Annual
- Full ATS
- CRM
- Analytics
Limitations: Quote-based
SmartGlobal
$-1.00 / Annual
- All features
- Global Compliance
- Advanced configuration
Limitations: Quote-based, Enterprise focus
Pros
- + Highly comprehensive feature set for large enterprises
- + Strong global capabilities and compliance support
- + Extensive integration marketplace
- + Scalable architecture
Cons
- - Can be overly complex for smaller organizations
- - Higher cost compared to many ATS
- - Learning curve can be steep
- - Free version is very limited
Verdict
"A leading choice for large, global enterprises needing a highly configurable and comprehensive talent acquisition suite with robust compliance features."
#3
Workable
By Workable Software
An intuitive ATS offering a blend of powerful features and ease of use, suitable for SMBs and mid-market companies.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based, iOS App, Android App
Best For: SMB Recruiting, Mid-Market Hiring, Global Recruitment, Fast Hiring Cycles
Key Features
- ✓AI-Powered Candidate Sourcing: Suggests potential candidates from a large database.
- ✓One-Click Job Posting: Distributes job ads to numerous free and premium job boards.
- ✓Mobile Recruiting App: Full-featured apps for hiring on the go.
- ✓Interview Scheduling Tools: Integrates with calendars for easy coordination.
- ✓Assessment Integrations: Connects with various candidate testing platforms.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go
$149.00 / Per Job/Month
- Core ATS
- Job Posting
- Basic Reporting
Limitations: Limited active jobs, Fewer features
Standard (Annual)
$-1.00 / Annual
- More Features
- Unlimited Jobs
- Career Pages
Limitations: Quote-based
Premier (Annual)
$-1.00 / Annual
- Advanced Features
- AI Sourcing
- Dedicated Support
Limitations: Quote-based
Pros
- + Very user-friendly interface
- + Strong sourcing capabilities
- + Flexible pricing options including pay-per-job
- + Good mobile app functionality
Cons
- - Reporting can be basic for complex needs
- - Customization options are somewhat limited
- - Annual plans require custom quotes
Verdict
"Excellent for SMBs and mid-market companies needing a powerful yet easy-to-use ATS with flexible pricing and strong sourcing tools."
#2
Lever
By Lever, Inc.
Combines ATS and CRM capabilities, emphasizing candidate experience and team collaboration, particularly suited for fast-growing tech companies.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based, iOS App, Android App
Best For: Talent Relationship Management, Collaborative Hiring, High-Volume Sourcing, Tech Recruiting
Key Features
- ✓LeverTRM Suite: Integrated ATS and CRM functionalities.
- ✓Nurture Campaigns: Automated email sequences to engage passive candidates.
- ✓Visual Pipeline Management: Drag-and-drop interface for tracking candidate stages.
- ✓Easy Book Interview Scheduling: Simplified scheduling synced with calendars.
- ✓Diversity & Inclusion Analytics: Tools to track and improve DEI metrics in hiring.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.9 / 10.0)
Pricing
LeverTRM
$-1.00 / Annual
- Core ATS & CRM
- Reporting
- Integrations
Limitations: Requires custom quote
LeverTRM for Enterprise
$-1.00 / Annual
- Advanced Analytics
- Enhanced Security
- Premium Support
Limitations: Requires custom quote
Pros
- + Strong CRM features for proactive sourcing
- + User-friendly interface
- + Excellent collaboration tools
- + Focus on candidate experience
Cons
- - Reporting could be more robust for some users
- - Pricing is quote-based and can be high
- - Less customization compared to some competitors
Verdict
"A top choice for companies focused on proactive sourcing, candidate engagement, and collaborative hiring, especially in the tech sector."
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#1
Greenhouse
By Greenhouse Software, Inc.
A comprehensive ATS focused on structured hiring and improving recruitment performance, popular among mid-market and enterprise companies.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web-based, iOS App, Android App
Best For: Enterprise Recruiting, Structured Hiring, Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives, High-Growth Companies
Key Features
- ✓Structured Hiring Workflow: Tools to define, follow, and optimize consistent hiring processes.
- ✓Candidate Relationship Management (CRM): Build and nurture talent pools for future openings.
- ✓Scorecards & Interview Kits: Standardized evaluation tools for objective candidate assessment.
- ✓Advanced Reporting & Analytics: In-depth insights into recruitment metrics and pipeline health.
- ✓Onboarding Module: Manages post-hire tasks and documentation.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.1 / 10.0)
Pricing
Essential
$-1.00 / Annual
- Core ATS
- Job Posting
- Basic Reporting
Limitations: Limited customization, Fewer integrations
Advanced
$-1.00 / Annual
- Enhanced Reporting
- CRM Capabilities
- More Integrations
Limitations: Some enterprise features restricted
Expert
$-1.00 / Annual
- Full Feature Set
- Advanced Customization
- Dedicated Support
Pros
- + Robust feature set for structured hiring
- + Powerful reporting and analytics
- + Extensive integration marketplace
- + Strong focus on data-driven recruitment
Cons
- - Can be complex to set up and learn
- - Higher price point compared to some competitors
- - Pricing is not transparent (quote-based)
Verdict
"Ideal for mid-to-large organizations prioritizing structured, data-driven hiring processes and needing extensive features and integrations."
Final Thoughts
The Applicant Tracking System market offers diverse solutions catering to various business sizes and needs. Enterprise options like Greenhouse, Lever, and SmartRecruiters provide comprehensive features and scalability, while Ashby excels in analytics for tech firms. Mid-market choices like Workable and Recruitee balance features with usability. For SMBs, Breezy HR and JazzHR offer user-friendly interfaces and affordability. Zoho Recruit stands out for value and customization, and BambooHR is ideal for those seeking an integrated HRIS/ATS.