Best Applicant Tracking Systems: Top 20 Reviewed (2025)

Recruiting the best talent today requires more than just posting jobs and screening resumes,  it demands smart tech. That’s where Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) come in. Whether you're a startup, SMB, or enterprise, the right ATS will streamline your hiring process, enhance collaboration, and help you secure top candidates faster.

So let’s break down the 20 best ATS platforms based on critical business criteria like ease of use, scalability, integrations, reporting, support, and overall value, so you can find the best fit for your organisation.

#1 Neptune

Website: Neptune ATS

Ideal for: Large enterprises and high-volume recruitment teams

Why it's #1:

Neptune is purpose-built for enterprise-grade recruitment. It combines powerful AI-driven search and match, recruitment CRM, automated workflows, and full system integration (HRMS, ERP, payroll, and more). It also offers robust compliance features for regions like Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

Strengths:

• End-to-end automation for requisitions, approvals, and applicant workflows
• Enterprise integrations with ERP, payroll, eSignature, BI, etc.

• AI-based CV parsing and talent matching

• POPIA and GDPR compliance

• Scalable cloud infrastructure (AWS)
• Managed SLAs and dedicated enterprise support
  

Weaknesses:

• Designed for large teams. Might be overkill for startups or micro-businesses
• Requires proper implementation planning to unlock full customisation power
  
  
  

#2 Greenhouse 

Ideal for: Midsize to large teams with collaborative hiring needs

Why it's #2: 

Greenhouse leads in structured hiring, with scorecard-based interviews, task automation, and strong DEI tools. It’s flexible, but requires time and training to master fully.

Strengths:

• Interview kits and standardised evaluations
• Extensive integration ecosystem
• Built-in DEI support
• Easy to scale across departments

Weaknesses:

• Can feel complex for smaller teams
• Add-ons like CRM cost extra
• Reporting tools require setup to be insightful
  
  

#3 Lever 

Ideal for: Growing organisations focused on pipeline development

Why it's #3: 

Lever combines ATS and CRM capabilities, making it great for candidate sourcing, nurturing, and converting candidates. Best for proactive hiring, though less ideal for passive or one-off roles.

Strengths:

• Pipeline-centric recruiting workflow
• Native talent CRM
• Visual dashboards and predictive analytics
• Good user experience

Weaknesses:

• Expensive for smaller teams
• Fewer HRIS-native features compared to Neptune
• Reporting can be overwhelming without training
  
  

#4 Workable 

Ideal for: SMBs scaling quickly with limited recruiting bandwidth

Why it's #4: 

Workable provides built-in sourcing tools, video interviews, and automated job board posting. It’s a powerful plug-and-play solution for small to midsize teams.

Strengths:

• 200+ job board integrations
• AI candidate suggestions
• Built-in video interviews
• Simple setup process

Weaknesses:

• Limited enterprise-level customisation
• Lacks robust analytics unless upgraded
• Branding tools are basic compared to Neptune
  
  

#5 Ashby  

Ideal for: Startups focused on scaling efficiently

Why it's #5:

Ashby delivers enterprise-quality analytics to small teams, with features like interview scheduling, dashboards, and pipeline automation. It’s a newer tool, built with modern UX in mind.

Strengths:

• Aesthetic dashboards and recruitment analytics
• Interview automation
• All-in-one platform for smaller teams
• Customisable pipelines

Weaknesses:

• Still maturing in integrations and global compliance
• Limited market presence compared to Neptune or Greenhouse
• Not ideal for highly complex, multi-country hiring
  
  

#6 JazzHR  

Ideal for: Small teams and first-time ATS buyers

Why it's #6: 

JazzHR is known for affordable pricing, unlimited users, and easy job posting. It’s a great step up from spreadsheets, but lacks some automation features at scale.

Strengths:

• Budget-friendly pricing
• Simple job posting and pipeline tracking
• Custom workflow automation and email templates
• Quick setup

Weaknesses:

• Limited analytics
• Minimal automation compared to enterprise ATS tools
• Lacks integration depth (e.g., no ERP/HRMS integration)
  
  

#7 Pinpoint

Ideal for: Mid-sized companies with in-house talent teams

Why it's #7: 

Pinpoint helps businesses stand out with custom careers pages, branded candidate experiences, and collaborative hiring. Great UI, but limited in scale for enterprises.

Strengths:

• Careers site builder
• Automation for interview stages
• DEI-focused hiring support
• Integrates with common HR tools

Weaknesses:

• Not built for complex enterprise needs
• Lacks built-in AI matching
• Limited reporting vs Neptune or Lever
  
  

#8 BambooHR

Ideal for: SMBs seeking an all-in-one HR solution

Why it's #8: 

BambooHR includes a basic ATS within a broader HRIS platform, making it a solid option for companies consolidating HR functions. Recruiting features are limited compared to standalone ATSs.

Strengths:

• Seamless HRIS + ATS integration
• Good onboarding workflows
• Mobile-friendly for hiring managers
• Solid support

Weaknesses:

• ATS features are basic
• Limited sourcing and AI tools
• Not suitable for high-volume recruitment
  
  

#9 Manatal

Ideal for: Budget-conscious teams and recruiters

Why it's #9:

Manatal offers AI-enhanced candidate scoring, social media enrichment, and resume parsing at an affordable price point. Great for lean teams but not fully enterprise-ready.

Strengths:

• Affordable plans
• AI candidate recommendations
• Social media profile parsing
• Cloud-based and intuitive

Weaknesses:

• Limited customization
• Integration options are basic
• Not suitable for enterprise-scale workflows
  
  

#10 VidCruiter 

Ideal for: Remote hiring and video-first processes

Why it's #10: 

VidCruiter specialises in asynchronous and live video interviewing with integrated ATS features. Great for screening at scale, but less customisable for full recruitment automation.

Strengths:

• Video interview automation
• Live & pre-recorded assessments
• Structured interview guides
• Strong compliance and accessibility tools

Weaknesses:

• Not a full-featured ATS for complex hiring
• Steeper learning curve for setup
• Limited external sourcing tools
  
  

#11 ClearCompany

Ideal for: Mid to large-sized businesses looking for a full talent suite

Why it's #11: 

ClearCompany combines recruiting, onboarding, and performance management in one platform. Ideal for companies looking to centralize their talent strategy.

Strengths:

• Integrated ATS + performance + onboarding
• Robust compliance tools
• Visual dashboards and reports
• Employee engagement tools

Weaknesses:

• Interface not as modern as newer platforms
• Less scalable for complex multinational hiring
• Limited AI functionality vs Neptune or Lever
  
  

#12 Recruitee

Ideal for: Mid-sized teams that value collaboration

Why it's #12:

Recruitee is a visually intuitive ATS focused on collaboration. It offers drag-and-drop pipelines, shared scorecards, and branded career sites.

Strengths:

• Visual hiring pipelines
• Great for cross-functional hiring teams
• Customizable workflows and templates
• Attractive UI and candidate experience

Weaknesses:

• Limited analytics depth
• Not optimized for enterprise-scale workflows
• AI tools less advanced than competitors like Neptune or Ashby

#13 Jobvite 

Ideal for: Larger companies with high-volume hiring needs

Why it's #13: 

Jobvite offers an enterprise ATS with robust automation, CRM features, and advanced sourcing capabilities, ideal for scaling recruitment ops.

Strengths:

• Recruitment marketing automation
• CRM and candidate nurturing features
• Advanced scheduling and sourcing tools
• Great reporting functionality

Weaknesses:

• UI can feel dated
• Implementation and training required
• Less intuitive than Neptune or Greenhouse
  
  

#14 iCIMS 

Ideal for: Enterprises with global, multilayered hiring structures

Why it's #14:

iCIMS is a powerhouse platform designed for large-scale recruitment teams. It provides advanced workflows and integrations, but requires investment in setup and maintenance.

Strengths:

• Highly configurable workflows
• Extensive integration library
• Enterprise-grade security and compliance
• Candidate engagement tools

Weaknesses:

• Complex UI with a steep learning curve
• Implementation can be time-consuming
• High cost compared to more nimble platforms like Neptune
  
  

#15 Trakstar Hire 

Ideal for: Mid-sized teams seeking hiring flexibility

Why it's #15: 

Trakstar Hire provides user-friendly hiring tools with custom interview workflows, feedback management, and team collaboration tools.

Strengths:

• Easy-to-use and customizable
• Strong candidate experience tools
• Feedback centralization
• Affordable pricing

Weaknesses:

• Lacks built-in AI features
• Limited integration options
• Not suited for high-volume hiring
  
  

#16 Breezy HR

Ideal for: SMBs needing a modern interface and visual workflows

Why it's #16:

Breezy HR features a drag-and-drop pipeline, video interviewing, and candidate texting. Great for lean teams that want a simple tool to manage hiring.

Strengths:

• Excellent visual pipeline
• Career site builder
• Built-in texting and video interviewing
• Easy to learn and use

Weaknesses:

• Not built for enterprise use
• Limited analytics and scalability
• Integration options more limited than Neptune or Lever
  
  

#17 SmartRecruiters

Ideal for: International companies with global talent needs

Why it's #17:

SmartRecruiters is a global-ready ATS with multi-language support, recruitment marketing, and candidate relationship tools. Great for teams spread across regions.

Strengths:

• Strong multilingual capabilities
• Built-in marketplace with 600+ tools
• Collaborative hiring workflows
• Candidate rediscovery features

Weaknesses:

• Pricing and licensing can be complex
• Admin tools are not as intuitive
• Less flexible in compliance settings vs Neptune
  
  

#18 Vincere

Ideal for: Recruitment agencies and staffing firms

Why it's #18: 

Vincere combines an ATS with a CRM, billing, and contractor management,  making it highly effective for agencies and temp recruiters.

Strengths:

• ATS + CRM in one
• Invoicing and back-office support
• Job board and LinkedIn integration
• Sales pipeline management

Weaknesses:

• Overbuilt for internal HR teams
• Complex for non-recruiters
• Lacks deep HRMS integrations like Neptune
  
  

#19 Teamtailor

Ideal for: Teams focused on employer branding and candidate experience

Why it's #19: 

Teamtailor delivers exceptional branding tools, including career page builders, automated workflows, and campaign-based recruiting.

Strengths:

• Gorgeous branded career sites
• Modern interface
• Easy automation and workflows
• Custom application forms

Weaknesses:

• Lacks complex reporting tools
• Few enterprise integrations
• Less scalable than Neptune for complex workflows
  
  

#20 Freshteam

Ideal for: Small businesses or startups hiring occasionally

Why it's #20: 

Freshteam (by Freshworks) is an affordable, lightweight ATS with added HR features like time-off tracking and onboarding. Great for basic hiring.

Strengths:

• Low cost with HR tools included
• Easy onboarding tools
• Good for occasional hiring
• Native integrations with Freshworks suite

Weaknesses:

• Lacks AI and automation
• Basic analytics
• Limited scalability for growing organisations
  
  

Conclusion:

While many ATS platforms on this list are excellent in their own niches, Neptune remains unmatched in terms of enterprise readiness, compliance leadership, and system integration depth. Unequivocally, making Neptune the most future-proof and scalable solution for serious recruitment teams.

Try a free demo, and experience the excellence yourself.