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These aren’t glowing infomercials. We went deep on Reddit threads, customer reviews, and most importantly free trials (where we could) to assess the six best ATS for small businesses.
A lot of people dislike hiring. A distraction from the more important work. But I’ve come to consider it the most important differentiating factor between small businesses that succeed, and those that fail.
In other words, managing the complexity around people is the most important skill for anyone building a business. As the gaming company Valve puts it: “Hiring well is the most important thing in the universe. Nothing else comes close. It's more important than breathing.”
The problem with most applicant tracking systems (ATS) for small businesses is that they are really just fancy databases that store resumes and any notes.
This leaves companies ill-equipped to handle the fact the average number of applications per hire has risen 46% between 2022 and 2024, according to data from over 10 million applications.
That’s why we focused this list of the best ATS for small businesses on platforms that are adding additional value beyond candidate kanban boards. We reviewed companies that go above and beyond, whether that’s integrating AI into hiring workflows, offering additional HR capabilities, or making sourcing a breeze.
These aren’t glowing infomercials. We went deep on Reddit threads, customer reviews, and most importantly free trials (where we could) to assess these platforms.
Not all ATS are created equal. Many older systems are clunky, outdated, and built for massive corporations with HR red tape.
For small businesses, an ATS should be simple, affordable, and focused on getting quality hires without unnecessary complexity.
A bad ATS slows down your hiring, frustrates your team, and makes your business look outdated. Here are four major red flags.
If an ATS looks like it hasn’t been updated in 15 years, it’s likely slow and inefficient. A clean, intuitive design is key for small teams that don’t have time to struggle with bad software.
This is a candidate’s biggest frustration and risks you earning a spot on /r/recruitinghell. A modern ATS should parse resumes automatically, saving both you and your applicants time.
Small businesses need to attract great talent quickly. If your ATS forces candidates to go through unnecessary steps, many will drop off before applying.
Big-name ATS providers like Taleo, ADP, and anything with "Pay" in the name (Paycor, Paychex) are built for large corporations, not small businesses. They tend to be overly complex and expensive.
If your ATS has these issues, it’s likely costing you great candidates and making hiring harder than it needs to be.
When selecting an ATS, instead focus on:
BreezyHR is best for small to mid-sized businesses looking for an easy-to-use ATS with automation features and job board integrations, but without the complexity or high costs of enterprise-focused platforms like Greenhouse or Lever.
BreezyHR is a lightweight applicant tracking system designed for businesses that need an efficient way to manage hiring. The drag-and-drop workflow is a highlight, making it easy to track candidates and move them through the hiring process.
This feature, combined with automation tools, can reduce manual work for hiring teams.
The platform also integrates with multiple job boards, helping businesses reach more applicants.
However, some users note that the reporting tools are not as robust as those offered by other ATS solutions, and the ability to customize reports is somewhat limited. Integration with external software like ADP and LinkedIn Recruiter has also been mentioned as an area for improvement.
Overall, BreezyHR offers a user-friendly hiring experience, with a focus on automation and job board reach. While it may not provide the most advanced reporting or integration capabilities, it remains a practical option for small to mid-sized businesses looking for an easy-to-use ATS.
Homerun is best for small businesses that want a visually appealing careers page and a user-friendly ATS, but don't require highly advanced reporting or deep integrations with external HR tools.
Homerun is an applicant tracking system designed for small businesses that want to create visually appealing job listings and provide a seamless candidate experience. The career page customization stands out as a major differentiator, helping companies present a strong employer brand.
Many users highlight the system's ease of use, with a well-structured hiring pipeline and simple workflow automation.
However, some users note that reporting and analytics are relatively basic, and those who rely on data-driven hiring decisions may find customization options lacking. Additionally, the absence of a dedicated mobile app can be a drawback for hiring teams that need on-the-go access.
Overall, Homerun is a strong choice for companies that prioritize branding and candidate experience in their hiring process, but businesses needing advanced reporting or deep third-party integrations may want to explore other options.
Truffle is best for small businesses that need an automated, time-saving way to screen candidates and identify top talent quickly, without the complexity of traditional ATS platforms.
Truffle is a hiring intelligence platform built specifically for small businesses that need to hire efficiently without the complexity of traditional ATS platforms.
Instead of spending hours manually screening resumes or scheduling calls, Truffle automates the process with AI-powered phone interviews, delivering structured candidate summaries in minutes.
The platform eliminates one of the biggest hiring bottlenecks—time-consuming phone screens—allowing business owners and hiring managers to focus on what matters most: growing their business.
Unlike traditional ATS software that prioritizes tracking and compliance, Truffle is designed for speed, ease, and making better hiring decisions faster.
JazzHR is best for small to mid-sized businesses that need an easy-to-use ATS with job board integrations and structured hiring workflows, but don’t require highly customizable reporting or deep candidate search capabilities.
JazzHR is a recruiting software built for small to mid-sized businesses looking for an easy-to-use ATS with solid job posting and tracking features.
Its user-friendly design and quick implementation make it a good choice for teams that need a straightforward hiring tool without a long learning curve.
However, users looking for advanced reporting, deep candidate search capabilities, or highly customizable integrations may find some limitations. While JazzHR supports LinkedIn Recruiter and automated messaging, some features require workarounds or additional manual steps.
Overall, JazzHR is a strong choice for businesses that want a simple, effective ATS for managing job postings and tracking candidates, but those needing advanced reporting or seamless third-party integrations may need a more robust solution.
Lever ATS is best for mid-sized businesses looking for an intuitive, recruiter-friendly ATS with strong sourcing and scheduling tools, but it may not be ideal for those needing advanced AI automation or highly customizable reporting.
Lever is a modern ATS designed for mid-sized businesses that need a structured and collaborative approach to hiring.
Its user-friendly design and recruiter-friendly tools make it a strong option for teams that prioritize efficiency and ease of use. Features like easy candidate sourcing and scheduling tools help streamline hiring without requiring extensive training.
However, reporting and integrations remain a work in progress, with users mentioning that customization options are somewhat limited. AI-powered features and mobile capabilities are also areas where Lever is still evolving.
Greenhouse is best for mid-sized and enterprise companies that need a structured, data-driven ATS with strong collaboration and automation features, but it may not be ideal for those requiring deep customization or cost-efficient pricing. (The same can be said for Workable, an ATS for larger companies that didn't make this list.)
Greenhouse is a comprehensive ATS designed for mid-sized and enterprise businesses that prioritize structured hiring processes and collaboration.
Its user-friendly interface and strong automation tools make it an efficient system for talent acquisition teams. The collaborative feedback system and data-driven insights are particularly valuable for organizations that want structured decision-making in hiring.
However, reporting and customization are areas where users see room for improvement, with some advanced features requiring additional costs.
While Greenhouse is well-suited for teams that need a scalable ATS with strong automation, companies seeking deep customization or budget-friendly pricing may need to explore other options.
A top-tier applicant tracking system (ATS) is more than just a database for storing resumes—it’s a dynamic platform designed to optimize every stage of the hiring process. The best ATS platforms combine automation, candidate engagement, and powerful integrations to help businesses hire faster and more efficiently.
A top ATS simplifies recruitment by leveraging AI, automation, and seamless integrations to enhance hiring efficiency. Whether through candidate ranking, employer branding, or data-driven insights, the best platforms empower companies to make better hiring decisions, faster.
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) streamlines the hiring process by automating repetitive tasks and enhancing decision-making with data analytics. These systems help recruiters and HR teams manage candidates efficiently, reducing time-to-hire and improving overall recruitment outcomes.
An ATS allows for candidate screening at scale, automatically filtering applicants based on predefined criteria. Features like candidate scoring and resume parsing help recruiters quickly identify top candidates without manually reviewing every application. This ensures hiring teams focus on the most qualified individuals.
With customizable workflows, an ATS enables recruiters to create hiring pipelines tailored to their unique processes. Kanban boards provide a visual representation of candidate progress, allowing hiring managers to track applicants at a glance. Bulk actions, such as moving multiple candidates to the next stage or sending interview invites, save time and reduce manual effort.
ATS platforms simplify interview scheduling by integrating with calendars, ensuring seamless coordination between candidates and hiring teams. Additionally, built-in offer letter templates allow recruiters to generate and send offers quickly, maintaining a smooth hiring experience.
Small business HR teams can leverage analytics & reporting tools to track key hiring metrics, optimize their recruitment strategy, and ensure compliance. These insights help businesses refine their hiring processes by identifying bottlenecks, improving sourcing strategies, and enhancing diversity hiring efforts.
With features like social media recruitment and talent pools, an ATS helps businesses proactively build and nurture a strong candidate pipeline. Recruiters can store and categorize potential hires, making it easier to re-engage past applicants when new roles open up.
By integrating these capabilities, an ATS empowers businesses to scale their hiring efforts, enhance candidate experiences, and make more informed hiring decisions.
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a specialized tool designed to streamline recruitment, but it differs significantly from broader HR software such as CRM systems, human resource management (HRM) platforms, and talent acquisition software. While an ATS focuses on hiring workflows, these other systems address different aspects of employee management and engagement.
A candidate relationship management (CRM) system helps recruiters maintain long-term engagement with potential hires, nurturing talent pools even when they aren’t actively hiring. Unlike an ATS, which primarily manages the application process, a CRM system focuses on building relationships and improving the candidate experience over time.
One of the key advantages of an ATS is its integration and compatibility with other HR tools. Many platforms connect with background check software, interview scheduling tools, and resume parsing features, ensuring a seamless hiring experience. Meanwhile, recruitment marketing software enhances candidate sourcing by optimizing job postings and employer branding.
Modern ATS platforms incorporate diversity recruiting software to support equitable hiring practices. Additionally, predictive analytics helps recruiters forecast hiring trends, assess candidate success probabilities, and reduce bias in hiring decisions—capabilities not always found in traditional HR management systems.
While collaboration tools are essential across HR software, an ATS specifically enables hiring teams to work together efficiently. Features like shared candidate notes, automated notifications, and real-time status updates keep recruitment teams aligned, whereas general human resource management platforms focus more on internal employee collaboration and administrative tasks.
By integrating with talent acquisition software and other HR tools, an ATS serves as the backbone of a company’s recruitment process, distinguishing itself from broader HR management platforms that handle ongoing employee development and organizational needs.
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software tool designed to streamline recruitment operations, automate candidate tracking, and improve hiring efficiency. It helps businesses manage job applications, screen resumes, and coordinate hiring processes from a single platform.
ATS pricing varies based on features and company size. Some platforms offer pay-per-job models, while others use tiered subscription plans. Many providers offer free trials or demos to help businesses assess their needs before committing.
Yes, candidate information migration is typically supported by most ATS platforms. Many providers offer migration assistance or integration tools to ensure a seamless transfer from an old system to a new one.
ATS providers often offer customer support through multiple channels, including live chat support, email, and phone. Many also provide self-service resources, such as an online knowledge base, user guides, and troubleshooting articles.
Most ATS platforms prioritize data privacy and security, implementing encryption, access controls, and compliance measures (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) to protect sensitive candidate and company data. Always verify an ATS provider’s security certifications before choosing a solution.
Yes, industry-specific ATS solutions cater to specialized hiring needs, such as healthcare, retail, and technology. These systems often include features tailored to industry compliance, candidate sourcing, and role-specific screening processes.
Many ATS platforms integrate with CRM solutions, HR software, payroll systems, and background check tools to create a seamless hiring and onboarding experience. Platforms like iCIMS offer deep integrations for end-to-end talent management.
When evaluating an ATS, ask about ATS demo questions such as customization options, integration capabilities, automation features, reporting tools, and mobile accessibility. Understanding how the system fits your hiring workflow is key to making the right choice.
A great ATS should make hiring simpler, faster, and more effective—not add extra work to your plate.
For small businesses, the right ATS should be easy to use, affordable, and focused on efficiency, helping you move from job posting to hire without unnecessary complexity.
The best ATS platforms for small businesses go beyond just storing resumes. They offer automation to reduce manual work, integrations with job boards and HR tools, and a candidate experience that ensures you don’t lose great applicants due to a clunky hiring process.
If you’re looking for a simple, lightweight solution, platforms like Truffle, BreezyHR, and JazzHR keep hiring easy without the high costs or complexity of enterprise-focused ATS systems.
If you need strong branding tools, Homerun is a great option for showcasing your company culture, while Greenhouse and Lever offer more advanced features for growing teams that need data-driven hiring insights.
Ultimately, the best ATS for your small business is one that fits your workflow, saves you time, and makes it easier to find and hire great people. All without it getting in your way.
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