What is an ATS (Applicant Tracking System)?

An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is recruiting software that centralizes and automates application management. It lets you post jobs, receive and sort resumes, track candidates through the hiring process, collaborate as a team, and generate reports. An ATS saves recruiters an average of 10-15 hours per week.

What is the best ATS in 2025?

The best ATS depends on your profile. For staffing firms and recruiting agencies, Cobalt is most suitable (ATS + CRM + Staffing). For growing SMBs, Recruitee offers the best experience. For enterprises, Greenhouse or SmartRecruiters are recommended. For tight budgets, JazzHR or Zoho Recruit work well.

How much does an ATS cost?

Prices range from $25 to $500+ per month depending on the solution and number of users. JazzHR starts at $49/month, Recruitee at $224/month, Cobalt at $89/user/month. Enterprise solutions (Greenhouse, SmartRecruiters) are quoted. Also count hidden costs: setup, training, integrations.

Are there free ATS options?

Some ATS offer limited free versions: Zoho Recruit (free up to 1 recruiter), Breezy HR (free version), Notion (recruiting templates). However, for professional use, free features are often insufficient. HubSpot free CRM can serve as a base but isn't a true ATS.

What's the difference between ATS and recruiting CRM?

ATS manages active applications (current openings, recruitment process, pipeline). Recruiting CRM manages long-term candidate relationships (talent pool, nurturing, follow-ups). ATS covers job-to-hire, CRM covers sourcing-to-retention. The best solutions like Cobalt combine both.

How do I choose an ATS?

Evaluate 6 criteria: 1) Fit for your business (staffing, agency, company), 2) Ease of use and adoption, 3) Key features (multi-posting, parsing, AI), 4) Integrations (LinkedIn, job boards, HRIS), 5) Price and ROI, 6) Support and compliance. Always test in real conditions before choosing.

Which ATS for a staffing firm or recruiting agency?

For staffing firms and agencies, choose an ATS built for the business: Cobalt (unified ATS + CRM + Staffing, AI, assignment management), Bullhorn (global staffing leader, complex), or specialized solutions. Ideally, choose a solution that integrates ATS, client CRM, and staffing management in one platform.

How do I migrate to a new ATS?

Migration happens in 7 steps: 1) Audit existing data, 2) Export data (candidates, jobs, history), 3) Clean duplicates, 4) Import into new tool, 5) Configure (pipeline, templates), 6) Train teams, 7) Transition period with dual usage. Plan 2-4 weeks depending on data volume.

Best ATS Software 2025: Top 12 Applicant Tracking Systems Compared | Cobalt

Name: Cobalt
Author: Cobalt

What is an ATS? Definition

An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is recruiting software that manages the entire hiring process: receiving applications, sorting resumes, tracking interviews, communicating with candidates, and reporting.

Why Use an ATS?

Without ATS	With ATS
Resumes scattered (emails, folders)	All applications centralized
Manual resume searching	Instant keyword search
Tracking on Excel or paper	Automated visual pipeline
Emails sent one by one	Templates and automatic sending
No reporting	Real-time statistics
Difficult collaboration	Shared comments and evaluations

An ATS saves recruiters an average of 10-15 hours per week.

ATS vs Recruiting CRM: What's the Difference?

ATS	Recruiting CRM
Manages active applications	Manages candidate talent pool
Recruitment process	Long-term relationship
From job to hire	From sourcing to retention
Stage tracking	Nurturing and follow-ups

2025 trend: Platforms combining ATS + CRM for complete recruitment cycle management.

How to Choose Your ATS? Key Criteria

Decision Grid

Criterion	Importance	Questions to Ask
Ease of use	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Will my teams adopt it?
Features	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Does it cover all my needs?
Integrations	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Does it connect to my tools (LinkedIn, job boards)?
Price	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Is it within my budget?
Support	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Responsive support?
Scalability	⭐⭐⭐	Will it follow my growth?
Compliance	⭐⭐⭐	GDPR compliant? Data location?

Essential Features

Feature	Why It's Important
Job posting distribution	Post to 10+ job boards in 1 click
Resume parsing	Automatic extraction of candidate info
Customizable pipeline	Adapt workflow to your process
Advanced search	Find the right profile in seconds
Automated emails	Save time, improve experience
Scorecards	Objectively evaluate candidates
Reporting	Make data-driven decisions
Mobile app	Recruit from anywhere
LinkedIn integration	Source directly

Best ATS Comparison 2025

Overview

ATS	Type	Target	Starting Price	Rating
Cobalt	ATS + CRM + Staffing	Staffing firms, agencies	$89/user/month	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recruitee	Collaborative ATS	SMBs, scale-ups	$224/month	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Greenhouse	Enterprise ATS	Large enterprises	$500+/month	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lever	ATS + CRM	Tech scale-ups	$300+/month	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bullhorn	ATS + CRM	Large staffing firms	$99/user/month	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Workable	International ATS	International SMBs	$149/month	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Teamtailor	ATS + employer brand	SMBs/mid-market	$250/month	⭐⭐⭐⭐
JazzHR	Budget ATS	Small businesses	$49/month	⭐⭐⭐
BambooHR	HR + ATS	SMBs	$99/month	⭐⭐⭐⭐
SmartRecruiters	Enterprise ATS	Large corporations	On quote	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Zoho Recruit	Budget ATS	Small businesses	$25/user/month	⭐⭐⭐
Breezy HR	Simple ATS	Startups	Free-$189/month	⭐⭐⭐

Detailed ATS Analysis

1. Cobalt - Best ATS for Staffing Firms and Agencies

Criterion	Evaluation
Positioning	Unified ATS + CRM + Staffing platform with AI
Strengths	Modern interface, integrated AI, automatic matching, complete staffing management
Weaknesses	Newer solution, staffing focus
Ideal target	Staffing firms 5-200 consultants, recruiting agencies
Price	From $89/user/month
Support	Responsive
Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)

What differentiates Cobalt:

All-in-one: ATS + CRM + Staffing in one platform
Native AI: automatic candidate-job matching
Built for staffing: bench management, rates, assignments
Modern interface: consumer-grade UX
Integrations: LinkedIn, job boards, HR tools

Ideal for: Staffing firms and recruiting agencies seeking a unified, modern solution.

2. Greenhouse - Best Enterprise ATS

Criterion	Evaluation
Positioning	Structured ATS for large enterprises
Strengths	Structured processes, scorecards, D&I, analytics
Weaknesses	Very expensive, complex to configure
Ideal target	Large enterprises 500+ employees
Price	From $500/month
Support	Enterprise-level
Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4/5)

Ideal for: Large enterprises with structured hiring processes.

3. Lever - Best ATS for Tech Scale-ups

Criterion	Evaluation
Positioning	ATS + CRM for tech companies
Strengths	Candidate nurturing, advanced analytics, modern
Weaknesses	Very expensive
Ideal target	Tech scale-ups 100-1000 employees
Price	From $300/month
Support	Good
Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5)

Ideal for: Tech scale-ups with large recruiting budgets.

4. Bullhorn - Global Staffing Leader

Criterion	Evaluation
Positioning	ATS + CRM leader for staffing agencies
Strengths	Very complete, many integrations, robust
Weaknesses	High price, complex interface
Ideal target	Large staffing firms 50+ consultants
Price	From $99/user/month
Support	International
Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5)

Ideal for: Large groups and international agencies.

5. Recruitee - Best Collaborative ATS

Criterion	Evaluation
Positioning	Collaborative ATS for growing companies
Strengths	Excellent UX, native collaboration, career site
Weaknesses	No CRM, not suited for staffing
Ideal target	SMBs 50-500 employees, scale-ups
Price	From $224/month (team)
Support	Good
Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)

Ideal for: Growing tech companies with internal recruiting.

6. Workable - Best International ATS

Criterion	Evaluation
Positioning	All-in-one international ATS
Strengths	Integrated AI, passive sourcing, easy
Weaknesses	Per-job pricing
Ideal target	International SMBs
Price	From $149/month
Support	International
Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5)

Ideal for: Companies recruiting in multiple countries.

Complete Comparison Table

Features

ATS	Multi-posting	Resume Parse	CRM	AI/Matching	Mobile	API
Cobalt	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Greenhouse	✅	✅	❌	🟡	✅	✅
Lever	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Bullhorn	✅	✅	✅	🟡	✅	✅
Recruitee	✅	✅	❌	🟡	✅	✅
Workable	✅	✅	🟡	✅	✅	✅
Teamtailor	✅	✅	🟡	🟡	✅	✅
JazzHR	✅	✅	❌	❌	🟡	✅
Zoho Recruit	✅	✅	🟡	🟡	✅	✅

Pricing and Support

ATS	Minimum Price	Free Trial	Data Location
Cobalt	$89/user/month	✅	🇪🇺 EU
Greenhouse	$500+/month	❌	🇺🇸 USA
Lever	$300+/month	✅	🇺🇸 USA
Bullhorn	$99/user/month	❌	🇺🇸/🇪🇺
Recruitee	$224/month	✅ 18 days	🇪🇺 EU
Workable	$149/month	✅ 15 days	🇺🇸 USA
Teamtailor	$250/month	✅	🇪🇺 EU
JazzHR	$49/month	✅ 21 days	🇺🇸 USA
Zoho Recruit	$25/user/month	✅	🇪🇺 EU

Which ATS for Your Profile?

By Company Size

Size	Recommendation	Why
1-10 employees	JazzHR, Zoho Recruit	Tight budget, simple needs
10-50 employees	Recruitee, Workable	Good features/price balance
50-200 employees	Cobalt, Teamtailor	Advanced features
200-1000 employees	Lever, Greenhouse	Scalability, analytics
1000+ employees	Greenhouse, SmartRecruiters	Enterprise, compliance

By Organization Type

Type	Recommendation	Why
Staffing firm / Agency	Cobalt	Built for the business, CRM + Staffing integrated
Tech startup	Lever, Recruitee	Modern, tech-friendly
Manufacturing SMB	JazzHR, Workable	Simple, affordable
Multi-site mid-market	Teamtailor, Workable	Career sites, multi-country
Enterprise	Greenhouse, SmartRecruiters	Compliance, complex processes

Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Consequence	Solution
Choosing on price alone	Missing features	Evaluate overall ROI
Ignoring adoption	Unused tool	Test with teams
Neglecting integrations	Data silos	Check ecosystem
Forgetting compliance	Legal risk	Verify data hosting
Underestimating migration	Data loss	Plan for support

2025 ATS Trends

AI Takes Over

Automatic matching candidate-to-job
Intelligent parsing of resumes
Predictive scoring of applications
Assisted writing of jobs and messages
Chatbots for first contact

Candidate Experience Becomes Key

Simplified application (LinkedIn Apply, no CV)
Personalized and fast communication
Transparency on process
Mobile-first

ATS + CRM Consolidation

Recruiters want one platform
Long-term talent pool management
360° view of candidate

Conclusion: Our Top 3

🥇 Cobalt - Best ATS for Staffing Firms and Agencies

The most complete solution for staffing firms and recruiting agencies. Unified ATS + CRM + Staffing with native AI. Modern interface, great support.

Want to go further?

Discover how Cobalt can help you.

See demo

🥈 Greenhouse - Best Enterprise ATS

Excellent for large enterprises with structured hiring processes. Powerful scorecards, D&I features, advanced analytics.

🥉 Recruitee - Best Collaborative ATS

Ideal for growing companies with internal recruiting. Remarkable UX, native collaboration, good value.

Need an ATS built for staffing firms and agencies? Discover Cobalt, the platform that unifies recruiting, CRM and staffing with AI.

Best ATS Software 2025: Top 12 Applicant Tracking Systems Compared