Applicant Tracking System: Top 9 ATS for 2024

Managing job applications can be overwhelming, especially when a single job posting brings in hundreds—or even thousands—of candidates. That’s where an applicant tracking system (ATS) steps in to simplify your hiring process. By streamlining workflows, organizing candidate information, and automating repetitive tasks, these tools ensure you can efficiently build your talent pipeline and find the perfect fit for your team.

Here’s a guide to the best ATS software for 2024, designed to suit businesses of all sizes and hiring needs.

What Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

What Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

An applicant tracking system is software that helps HR professionals and recruiters manage job applications, streamline hiring workflows, and maintain communication with candidates. These platforms are equipped with features such as job board integrations, automated candidate tracking, and customizable hiring pipelines, ensuring the recruitment process runs smoothly from start to finish.

9 Best Applicant Tracking Systems for 2024

9 Best Applicant Tracking Systems for 2024

Workable

Best for Candidate Tracking

Workable excels at advanced candidate tracking and search functionality. Its People Search tool allows recruiters to locate candidates using specific details like job title, location, or education. The platform also uses AI to generate job descriptions and interview questions, saving valuable time.

Key Features:

  • One-click AI-powered job description creation.
  • Comprehensive candidate filtering options.
  • Prebuilt HR templates and customizable hiring pipelines.

Pros:

  • User-friendly and mobile-compatible.
  • Advanced search tools for identifying candidates.

Cons:

  • Reporting is limited.
  • Add-ons for features like video interviews incur extra costs.

Pricing: Starting at $149/month.

Breezy HR

Best for Small Businesses on a Budget

Breezy HR offers a free plan with essential ATS features, making it ideal for startups or small businesses. The platform includes a drag-and-drop Kanban-style pipeline, automated emails, and a branded career site.

Key Features:

  • AI-powered candidate matching and ranking.
  • Customizable applications and job board integrations.
  • Mobile-friendly interface with onboarding tutorials.

Pros:

  • Free plan available.
  • Budget-friendly without sacrificing features.

Cons:

  • Occasional glitches.
  • Interface could be more intuitive.

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $157/month (billed annually).

Pinpoint

Best for a Premium Experience

Pinpoint combines a sleek, user-friendly interface with high-level features like customizable hiring workflows and bias-reducing tools. It’s perfect for companies seeking a professional, polished experience.

Key Features:

  • Unlimited job postings with dynamic branding.
  • Tools for anonymized candidate screening to reduce bias.
  • Custom pipelines with up to 25 stages.

Pros:

  • Gorgeous, customizable dashboards.
  • Excellent bias-reduction tools, including anonymized candidate profiles.

Cons:

  • Higher cost.
  • Limited for smaller budgets.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on needs.

Zoho Recruit

Best for AI Features

Zoho Recruit stands out for its AI-powered assistant, Zia, which matches candidates to job descriptions and suggests top candidates for open roles. With advanced workflow automation, it’s an excellent choice for teams that want to streamline recruitment.

Key Features:

  • AI assistant for candidate matching and rating.
  • Automates rejection emails, updates statuses, and triggers webhooks.
  • Integrates seamlessly with Zoho’s broader ecosystem.

Pros:

  • Free plan available.
  • Time-saving automation.

Cons:

  • Clunky interface.
  • Advanced features require paid plans.

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $25/user/month.

Greenhouse

Greenhouse

Best for Reporting

Greenhouse shines in reporting, offering over 40 prebuilt reports and interactive data visualizations. Its analytics dashboard helps identify top-performing job boards and track the effectiveness of recruitment strategies.

Key Features:

  • Comprehensive reporting with visual data insights.
  • 500+ integration partners, including social media and CRM tools.
  • Customizable interview kits.

Pros:

  • Detailed reports for data-driven hiring.
  • Robust job board integrations.

Cons:

  • Slow performance at times.
  • Pricing available only upon request.

BambooHR

Best for Full HR Integration

BambooHR offers applicant tracking as part of its larger HR suite, which includes payroll, benefits, and onboarding features. It’s an excellent choice for businesses looking to consolidate HR processes.

Key Features:

  • All-in-one HR platform for managing candidates and employees.
  • Intuitive interface with customizable hiring workflows.
  • Advanced filtering for candidate pools.

Pros:

  • Easy transition from candidate to onboarding.
  • Strong automation features.

Cons:

  • Customer support limited to business hours.
  • Lacks built-in candidate scorecards.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on company size.

JazzHR

Best for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses

JazzHR is a competitively priced ATS that simplifies the hiring process with a dynamic job posting guide and easy-to-use automation.

Key Features:

  • Automated emails and interview scheduling.
  • Careers page builder with customizable templates.
  • “Watch” list for top candidates.

Pros:

  • Affordable and feature-rich for SMBs.
  • Great customization options for job postings.

Cons:

  • Setup takes time.
  • Lacks advanced security like multi-factor authentication.

Pricing: Starting at $75/month (billed annually).

Lever

Best for Engaging Passive Candidates

Lever excels in building relationships with passive candidates through personalized email campaigns and an intuitive talent pipeline.

Key Features:

  • Chrome extension for sourcing candidates.
  • Analytics dashboard for tracking engagement.
  • Candidate nurturing campaigns for passive recruitment.

Pros:

  • Great for building long-term relationships with candidates.
  • User-friendly dashboards.

Cons:

  • Limited reporting customizations.
  • Doesn’t automatically post listings to job boards.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on needs.

Ashby

Best for High-Growth Organizations

Ashby consolidates applicant tracking, scheduling, and reporting into one platform. Its robust dashboard reporting is ideal for fast-growing companies looking to optimize recruitment workflows.

Key Features:

  • Advanced reporting with customizable dashboards.
  • AI tools for candidate sourcing and pipeline management.
  • Structured workflows and alerts.

Pros:

  • Excellent reporting and data visualization tools.
  • All-in-one solution for high-growth businesses.

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve.
  • Higher starting price.

Pricing: Starts at $360/month (billed annually).

Conclusion

The right applicant tracking system can make hiring faster, easier, and more efficient. From AI-powered automation to robust reporting, there’s an ATS for every business need. Whether you’re a startup with a tight budget or a growing company looking for premium features, these tools will help you attract and manage top talent effortlessly.