Best Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) in 2026 — Compared

Choosing the right Applicant Tracking System (ATS) can make or break your hiring process. With dozens of platforms on the market — each claiming to be the best — finding the one that actually fits your team size, budget, and workflow is no small task.

We researched, tested, and compared the top ATS solutions available in 2026 so you don’t have to. Whether you’re a startup making your first hires, a growing mid-market company, or an enterprise managing thousands of requisitions, this guide will help you make the right call.

Looking for a CRM-first approach to recruiting instead? Check our guide to the best recruitment CRMs.

Quick Comparison: Top 12 ATS Platforms

What Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

An ATS is software that manages the inbound side of your recruitment process — from posting job ads to collecting applications, screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and tracking candidates through your hiring pipeline.

Think of it as the central operating system for your hiring team. It replaces spreadsheets, scattered emails, and manual processes with a structured workflow that keeps everyone aligned.

An ATS typically handles:

• Job posting — Distribute openings to multiple job boards in one click
• Resume collection & parsing — Automatically extract candidate data from resumes
• Candidate tracking — Move applicants through customizable pipeline stages
• Interview scheduling — Coordinate calendars and send automated reminders
• Team collaboration — Share notes, scorecards, and feedback with hiring managers
• Compliance & reporting — Stay GDPR-compliant and track key recruitment KPIs

It’s worth noting that an ATS focuses on inbound recruiting (applicants coming to you). For outbound recruiting — sourcing passive candidates, running outreach sequences, and managing talent pools — you’ll want a Recruitment CRM. Many teams use both. For a deeper comparison, see our article on ATS vs CRM: which is the best software for recruitment.

How We Evaluated These ATS Platforms

To keep this comparison fair and useful, we assessed each platform across five criteria:

1. Ease of use — How intuitive is the interface for recruiters and hiring managers? Can non-technical users get started quickly?
2. Core features — Does it cover job posting, resume parsing, interview scheduling, pipeline management, and reporting?
3. Integrations — How well does it connect with your existing tools (LinkedIn, calendar, HRIS, background checks)?
4. Pricing & value — Is the pricing transparent? Does it scale reasonably as your team grows?
5. AI & automation — Does it offer modern capabilities like AI screening, automated workflows, and intelligent candidate matching?

We also considered G2, Capterra, and TrustRadius reviews to validate our findings against real user feedback.

The 12 Best Applicant Tracking Systems in 2026

1. Greenhouse — Best for Structured Hiring

Greenhouse is one of the most established ATS platforms, built for companies that want a structured, repeatable hiring process. It’s the go-to choice for mid-sized companies and scale-ups that hire 50+ people per year and need consistency across departments.

Greenhouse stands out with its structured interviewing methodology — every candidate goes through the same scorecard-based evaluation, reducing bias and improving hiring quality.

Key Features

• Customizable interview kits and scorecards
• Structured hiring workflows with approval chains
• 500+ integrations (LinkedIn, Zoom, BambooHR, Workday, Checkr, DocuSign)
• DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) tracking tools
• Advanced reporting and pipeline analytics
• Branded career pages

Pros

• Industry-leading structured hiring methodology
• Massive integration ecosystem
• Strong DEI and compliance features
• Excellent onboarding and customer support

Cons

• Pricing is on the higher end (not ideal for startups)
• Interface can feel complex for small teams
• Reporting customization has a learning curve

Pricing: Starting around $6,000/year. Custom quotes based on company size and headcount.

Best for: Mid-size to large companies (50-5,000 employees) that prioritize structured, data-driven hiring and need extensive integrations.

2. Workable — Best for AI-Powered Screening

Workable has positioned itself as a leader in AI-driven recruitment. Its AI engine helps source candidates, screen resumes, and even draft job descriptions — making it ideal for lean teams that need to do more with less.

Key Features

• AI-powered candidate sourcing and resume screening
• One-click job posting to 200+ job boards
• Built-in video interviews
• Automated offer letters and e-signatures
• Employee referral portal
• Mobile app for hiring on the go

Pros

• AI features are genuinely useful (not just marketing)
• Very fast setup — can be running in hours, not weeks
• Strong sourcing capabilities built into the platform
• Transparent, predictable pricing

Cons

• Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
• Customization options are more limited than Greenhouse
• Some users report occasional slow loading with large candidate volumes

Pricing: Starting at $169/month. Scales based on number of active jobs and add-ons.

Best for: Growing companies (20-500 employees) that want AI-powered efficiency without enterprise complexity.

3. Ashby — Best for Data-Driven Recruiting

Ashby is a newer entrant that has quickly gained traction among data-driven recruiting teams. It combines ATS, CRM, and analytics into a single platform, eliminating the need for separate reporting tools.

Key Features

• All-in-one ATS + CRM + scheduling + analytics
• Real-time recruiting analytics dashboards
• Customizable hiring workflows
• Automated interview scheduling
• Built-in sourcing and nurture campaigns
• Advanced DEI reporting

Pros

• Best-in-class analytics — no need for external BI tools
• Modern, clean interface that recruiters love
• Combines ATS and CRM functionality natively
• Strong automation capabilities

Cons

• Relatively new — smaller integration ecosystem than Greenhouse
• Can be complex to configure initially
• Pricing is not publicly listed

Pricing: Custom pricing based on company size. Typically mid-range.

Best for: Tech companies and data-driven teams (50-2,000 employees) that want deep analytics built into their ATS.

4. Lever — Best for CRM + ATS Combined

Lever (now part of Employ) pioneered the concept of combining ATS and CRM into one platform. It’s designed for teams that don’t just manage applicants but actively nurture relationships with passive candidates over time.

Key Features

• Combined ATS + CRM in a single platform
• Nurture campaigns for passive candidates
• Visual pipeline management
• Collaborative hiring with interview feedback loops
• Advanced search and candidate rediscovery
• Integration with LinkedIn, Slack, and major HRIS platforms

Pros

• CRM functionality is built-in, not bolted on
• Excellent candidate nurturing and engagement tools
• User-friendly interface that hiring managers actually adopt
• Strong collaboration features

Cons

• Some integrations are limited compared to Greenhouse
• Reporting could be more granular
• Pricing may be steep for very small teams

Pricing: Between $6,000 and $12,000 per year depending on features and team size.

Best for: Companies (50-1,000 employees) that actively source passive candidates and want CRM-style relationship management built into their ATS.

5. Teamtailor — Best for Employer Branding

Teamtailor stands out with its beautiful, highly customizable career site builder. If employer branding is a priority for your organization, Teamtailor makes it easy to create a compelling candidate experience without needing a designer.

Key Features

• Drag-and-drop career site builder
• Automated workflows and triggers
• Employee referral management
• Candidate nurturing campaigns
• Analytics and reporting dashboard
• Integration with major HR tools and job boards

Pros

• Best-in-class career page builder — no coding needed
• Intuitive, modern interface
• Excellent value for money, especially for SMBs
• Strong automation for routine recruiting tasks

Cons

• Some advanced integrations require custom development
• Less suitable for very high-volume enterprise hiring
• Reporting is good but not as deep as Ashby or Greenhouse

Pricing: Starting around $2,500/year. Scales with company size.

Best for: SMBs and mid-market companies (20-500 employees) that want to build a strong employer brand and attract more inbound applicants.

6. BambooHR — Best for SMBs & Onboarding

BambooHR is primarily an HRIS (Human Resource Information System) with a built-in ATS module. If you need a single platform for both HR management and recruitment, BambooHR is hard to beat for small and mid-sized businesses.

Key Features

• ATS integrated within a full HR suite (payroll, benefits, time tracking)
• Customizable hiring pipelines
• Automated offer letters
• Seamless hiring-to-onboarding transition
• Employee self-service portal
• Mobile app for managers

Pros

• All-in-one HR + recruiting solution
• Seamless transition from candidate to employee
• Very intuitive, aesthetically pleasing interface
• Excellent customer support and onboarding

Cons

• ATS features are less advanced than dedicated platforms like Greenhouse
• Limited customization of recruiting workflows
• Not built for high-volume or agency recruiting

Pricing: Starting at $5.25 per employee per month. Custom quotes for larger teams.

Best for: Small and mid-sized businesses (10-250 employees) that want HR and recruiting in one platform, with a smooth onboarding experience.

7. Manatal — Best Budget-Friendly AI ATS

Manatal is an AI-native ATS that delivers surprisingly powerful features at a fraction of the price of competitors. It’s particularly popular with staffing agencies and cost-conscious in-house teams.

Key Features

• AI-powered candidate scoring and recommendations
• Social media enrichment (pulls data from LinkedIn, GitHub, etc.)
• Customizable pipelines and workflows
• CRM features for managing client relationships (agency mode)
• Career page builder
• Compliance management (GDPR, EEO)

Pros

• Exceptional value — powerful AI features at $15/user/month
• Very quick to set up and easy to learn
• Built-in CRM module for recruitment agencies
• AI candidate matching actually works well

Cons

• Smaller integration ecosystem than established players
• Reporting is functional but not as deep as Ashby or Greenhouse
• Less known in the enterprise market

Pricing: Starting at $15/user/month (Professional plan). Enterprise plan at $35/user/month.

Best for: Recruitment agencies, startups, and budget-conscious teams that want AI-powered features without enterprise pricing.

8. Pinpoint — Best for In-House Recruiting Teams

Pinpoint is designed specifically for in-house talent acquisition teams that manage consistent or high-volume hiring. It focuses on attracting more qualified applicants and providing a great candidate experience.

Key Features

• Employer branding and career site tools
• Blind screening to reduce unconscious bias
• Automated interview scheduling
• Custom evaluation scorecards
• Analytics and reporting
• Integration with 100+ HR tools

Pros

• Built for in-house teams, not agencies
• Strong focus on candidate experience and employer branding
• Blind screening feature helps reduce hiring bias
• Excellent automation for high-volume roles

Cons

• Not designed for recruitment agencies
• Smaller brand recognition compared to Greenhouse or Lever
• Custom pricing means no quick price comparison

Pricing: Custom pricing based on company size and hiring volume.

Best for: In-house recruiting teams (100-2,000 employees) that prioritize candidate experience, employer branding, and bias reduction.

9. Zoho Recruit — Best Budget Option

Zoho Recruit is a versatile ATS that benefits from deep integration with the broader Zoho ecosystem (CRM, mail, analytics). It’s a strong choice for teams already using Zoho products and those who need a capable ATS at an affordable price.

Key Features

• Multi-channel sourcing (job boards, social media, referrals)
• AI candidate matching and resume parsing
• Customizable hiring workflows
• Client portal for agencies
• Advanced search and filtering
• Integration with Zoho CRM, Zoho Mail, and 50+ third-party tools

Pros

• Free plan available — one of the few ATS platforms with a genuine free tier
• Seamless integration with the Zoho ecosystem
• Highly customizable workflows
• Available for both corporate HR and staffing agencies

Cons

• Interface can feel dated compared to modern competitors
• Third-party integrations outside of Zoho are more limited
• Advanced reporting requires the Enterprise plan

Pricing: Free plan available. Standard: $25/user/month. Professional: $50/user/month. Enterprise: $75/user/month (billed annually).

Best for: Small businesses and agencies (5-200 employees) already using Zoho products, or teams that need a free or very affordable ATS.

10. JazzHR — Best for Small Businesses

JazzHR is purpose-built for small businesses that need a simple, affordable ATS without the complexity of enterprise tools. It covers the basics well and offers unlimited users on every plan.

Key Features

• Job posting to multiple job boards
• Customizable application forms
• Interview scheduling and scorecards
• Candidate assessment workflows
• Offer management and approval
• Integrations with LinkedIn, Indeed, and background check providers

Pros

• Unlimited users on all plans — great value for growing teams
• Simple, no-fuss interface
• Very affordable pricing for small businesses
• Good integration with popular job boards

Cons

• Limited sourcing capabilities
• Reporting is basic compared to mid-market tools
• Not suitable for high-volume or enterprise-level hiring

Pricing: From $75/month (Hero plan — 3 open jobs) to $420/month (Pro plan — all features including eSignatures).

Best for: Small businesses (5-100 employees) that need an affordable, simple ATS with unlimited team access.

11. Breezy HR — Best Free ATS Option

Breezy HR offers one of the best free plans in the ATS market, making it an excellent entry point for startups and very small teams. Its visual, drag-and-drop pipeline gives recruiting a Kanban-board feel.

Key Features

• Visual drag-and-drop candidate pipelines
• Automated candidate communications
• Multi-job-board posting
• Breezy Intelligence (AI candidate scoring)
• Collaborative hiring tools
• Branded career site

Pros

• Genuine free plan (limited to one active position)
• Intuitive visual pipeline — easy to learn and use
• Good automation features even on lower-tier plans
• Mobile-friendly design

Cons

• Free plan is very limited (one position only)
• Advanced analytics and reporting are basic
• Not suited for large enterprises or complex hiring workflows

Pricing: Free (Bootstrap plan — 1 position). Startup: $189/month. Growth: $329/month. Business: $529/month.

Best for: Startups and very small teams (1-50 employees) that want to start with a free ATS and scale up as they grow.

12. iCIMS — Best for Enterprise Hiring

iCIMS Talent Cloud is the enterprise-grade ATS designed for large organizations that hire at scale across multiple regions, brands, or business units. It’s a comprehensive talent platform that goes well beyond basic applicant tracking.

Key Features

• End-to-end talent acquisition suite (ATS + CRM + onboarding)
• AI-powered candidate matching and screening
• Text recruiting and conversational AI chatbots
• Branded career sites with personalization
• 800+ marketplace integrations
• Advanced compliance, analytics, and reporting

Pros

• Massive integration marketplace (800+ partners)
• Highly configurable for complex enterprise workflows
• Strong compliance and audit features
• End-to-end platform from attraction to onboarding

Cons

• Steep learning curve — not intuitive for new users
• Expensive — pricing starts at $15,000+/year
• Customer support has mixed reviews
• Interface feels dated compared to newer competitors

Pricing: Starting around $15,000-$35,000/year for mid-market. Enterprise contracts can exceed $100,000/year.

Best for: Large enterprises (1,000+ employees) that hire at scale, need complex multi-region workflows, and require a deep integration ecosystem.

How to Choose the Right ATS for Your Needs

With 12 strong options on the table, here’s how to narrow down your choice:

By Company Size

• 1-50 employees: Breezy HR (free), JazzHR, or Manatal — simple, affordable, quick to set up
• 50-500 employees: Workable, Teamtailor, or Lever — balanced features, good value, room to scale
• 500-2,000 employees: Greenhouse, Ashby, or Pinpoint — structured hiring, advanced analytics, strong integrations
• 2,000+ employees: iCIMS — enterprise-grade, highly configurable, global compliance

By Budget

• Free: Breezy HR (Bootstrap), Zoho Recruit (Free plan)
• Under $100/month: Manatal ($15/user), Zoho Recruit ($25/user), JazzHR ($49/month)
• $100-500/month: Workable, Breezy HR (paid plans), Teamtailor
• $500+/month: Greenhouse, Lever, Ashby, Pinpoint, iCIMS

By Primary Need

• AI & automation: Workable or Manatal
• Structured interviewing: Greenhouse
• Analytics & data: Ashby
• CRM + ATS combined: Lever
• Employer branding: Teamtailor or Pinpoint
• HR + recruiting in one: BambooHR
• Enterprise scale: iCIMS
• Recruitment agencies: Manatal or Zoho Recruit

ATS vs Recruitment CRM: What’s the Difference?

An ATS manages the inbound side of hiring — job postings, applications, candidate tracking, and interviews. A Recruitment CRM, on the other hand, focuses on outbound recruiting: sourcing passive candidates, running personalized outreach sequences, and building long-term talent pools.

Most modern recruiting teams use both:

• ATS for processing applicants who come to you
• CRM for finding and engaging candidates who haven’t applied yet

Some platforms (like Lever and Ashby) combine both. Others are best paired with a dedicated recruiting CRM like Leonar for the sourcing and outreach side.

For a detailed breakdown, read our dedicated comparison: ATS or CRM — What is the best software for recruitment?

If you work at a staffing agency, also check our guide on the best ATS for staffing agencies.

ATS Trends to Watch in 2026

The ATS market is evolving fast. Here are the key trends shaping recruitment software this year:

AI Is No Longer Optional

79% of organizations have now integrated AI or automation into their ATS. In 2026, AI isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s table stakes. The best platforms use AI for resume screening, candidate matching, interview summaries, and even generating job descriptions. Teams adopting AI-augmented ATS report 55% faster time-to-hire and 49% higher recruiter productivity.

ATS + CRM Convergence

The line between ATS and CRM is blurring. Platforms like Lever and Ashby now offer both, and standalone ATS providers are adding sourcing and nurture features. This convergence means fewer tools to manage and a more unified recruiting workflow.

Candidate Experience as a Differentiator

With talent competition still fierce, the candidate experience your ATS delivers matters more than ever. Mobile-friendly applications, transparent status updates, and fast response times are becoming standard expectations — not bonus features.

DEI and Bias Reduction Built In

Blind screening, structured scorecards, and DEI analytics are moving from “nice to have” to core features. Platforms like Greenhouse and Pinpoint are leading this shift with built-in tools to reduce unconscious bias in hiring.

Skills-Based Hiring

Modern ATS platforms are shifting from keyword-matching to skills-based candidate evaluation. Instead of filtering by job titles and degrees, the best systems now assess competencies, potential, and transferable skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best ATS for small businesses?

For small businesses with limited budgets, JazzHR ($49/month with unlimited users) and Manatal ($15/user/month with AI features) offer the best value. If you need a completely free option, Breezy HR and Zoho Recruit both offer free plans with basic functionality.

What is the best free ATS?

Breezy HR offers a free Bootstrap plan that lets you manage one active position with core ATS features. Zoho Recruit also has a Forever Free plan. For a more comprehensive free solution, SmartRecruiters offers a free tier called SmartStart. Keep in mind that free plans typically have significant limitations on features and job slots.

How much does an ATS cost?

ATS pricing varies widely. Budget options like Manatal start at $15/user/month, mid-range platforms like Workable start at $149/month, and enterprise solutions like Greenhouse and iCIMS can cost $6,500 to $100,000+ per year. Most platforms price based on company size, number of active jobs, or number of recruiters.

What’s the difference between an ATS and a recruitment CRM?

An ATS manages inbound recruitment — job postings, applications, resume screening, and interview scheduling. A Recruitment CRM handles outbound recruiting — sourcing passive candidates, running outreach sequences, and managing talent pools. Many teams use both. Some platforms like Lever combine both in one. Read our full comparison in our guide to ATS vs CRM.

Do I need an ATS for my company?

If you’re hiring more than 5-10 people per year, an ATS will save you significant time. It eliminates manual tracking in spreadsheets, ensures no candidate falls through the cracks, and keeps your hiring process GDPR-compliant. Even small teams benefit from the structure and automation an ATS provides.

Can an ATS integrate with LinkedIn?

Yes, most modern ATS platforms integrate with LinkedIn in some form. Premium integrations (like LinkedIn Recruiter System Connect) are available with Greenhouse, Lever, Workable, and iCIMS. These allow you to sync candidate profiles, send InMails from within the ATS, and post jobs directly to LinkedIn.

What is the best ATS for staffing agencies?

Staffing agencies have different needs than in-house teams — they need client management, multi-pipeline tracking, and often a built-in CRM. Manatal, Zoho Recruit, and Bullhorn are popular choices for agencies. For a detailed comparison, see our guide to the best ATS for staffing agencies.

What features should I look for in an ATS?

At minimum, look for: job posting distribution, resume parsing, customizable pipelines, interview scheduling, team collaboration tools, reporting and analytics, and integrations with your existing tools (calendar, email, HRIS). In 2026, AI-powered screening and candidate matching are increasingly important differentiators. For outbound recruiting capabilities, you may also want to pair your ATS with a dedicated sourcing platform.

Wrapping Up

The best ATS is the one that fits your team’s size, budget, and hiring workflow — not necessarily the one with the most features. Start by identifying your biggest pain points (is it sourcing? Screening? Collaboration? Compliance?) and choose the platform that addresses those first.

If your priority is outbound recruiting and candidate sourcing, consider complementing your ATS with a dedicated recruitment CRM to handle LinkedIn sourcing, automated outreach sequences, and candidate relationship management — so your ATS handles inbound while your CRM handles outbound.

For recruiting and staffing agencies specifically, integrated platforms offer the best value. Explore our guide to ATS CRM solutions built specifically for recruiting and staffing agencies to find platforms that combine both capabilities.