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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 Many older systems are clunky, outdated, and built for massive corporations with HR red tape.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. Here's how to choose an ATS.
A bad ATS slows down your hiring, frustrates your team, and makes your business look outdated.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.
Modern ATS platforms use AI-based candidate ranking to evaluate and score applicants based on qualifications, experience, and skills. This feature helps recruiters quickly identify the best-fit candidates without manually reviewing every resume.
Built-in assessments and tests allow employers to evaluate candidates' competencies through skills-based and cognitive tests. Additionally, blind screening features help reduce hiring bias by anonymizing candidate details like name, gender, and age, ensuring a fairer selection process.
A well-designed UX/UI ensures that both recruiters and candidates have a smooth experience. A user-friendly interface simplifies navigation for hiring teams, while an optimized candidate experience includes seamless application processes, automated updates, and mobile-friendly career pages.
A bespoke career site allows companies to create visually appealing job listings that reflect their employer brand. These career pages help attract top talent by showcasing company culture, team values, and employee testimonials.
Recruiters can engage candidates more effectively using text/SMS capabilities, allowing for faster interview scheduling, reminders, and follow-ups. This feature improves response rates and ensures timely communication throughout the hiring process.
A great ATS offers integration and compatibility with third-party tools like HRIS platforms, payroll systems, background check providers, and video interview tools. This ensures a seamless hiring process from candidate application to onboarding.
Reporting and analytics features help businesses track hiring performance, identify bottlenecks, and improve recruitment strategies. Insights into sourcing effectiveness, time-to-hire, and candidate engagement allow for data-driven hiring decisions.
Effective ATS platforms provide screen and ranking tools that automatically filter candidates based on predefined criteria, ensuring that recruiters focus on the most qualified applicants. These tools enhance hiring efficiency by reducing manual workload.
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 comprehensive solution that automates the entire hiring process, helping businesses source candidates, track qualified applicants, and manage candidate profiles efficiently. It streamlines the recruitment process by automating manual tasks, such as candidate communication, email notifications, and scheduling interviews. ATS platforms, like Zoho Recruit, Breezy HR, and Recruit CRM, offer robust features such as customizable workflows, candidate texting, and background check features to enhance candidate experiences.
ATS software pricing varies based on key features, the number of unlimited users, and whether it includes advanced features such as AI-powered tools and video interviews. Many applicant tracking systems offer custom pricing options and customizable templates based on business size—ranging from fast-growing businesses to midsize businesses. Some platforms offer a 14-day free trial or a 15-day free trial to allow companies to explore valuable time-saving features before committing to annual billing.
Yes, most candidate tracking systems support candidate tracking data migration. Many ATS solutions include seamless integrations with third-party software, popular job boards, and email systems, ensuring a smooth transition of candidate resumes, applicant pipelines, and employee records to a centralized platform.
ATS providers offer multiple candidate support channels, including email tracking, email marketing platforms, and live chat support. Additionally, many platforms provide comprehensive HR platforms with user feedback, custom reports, and report customization to help users optimize their hiring process.
Security is a top priority for recruitment workflows and candidate tracking systems. Most ATS platforms include compliance features like GDPR and CCPA compliance, access controls, tokened offer letters, and AI-based applicant tracking systems to protect job candidates’ data.
Yes, many ATS platforms offer customizable careers pages and Branded Careers portals to align with a company’s employer brand options. Whether you are in tech stack, healthcare, or retail, candidate sourcing tools can help attract both qualified candidates and passive candidates to your talent pool.
A modern ATS seamlessly integrates with candidate relationship management (CRM) platforms, business owners’ email sequences, customizable hiring workflows, and collaborative hiring tools. Many platforms also offer third-party tools such as partnerships with job boards, custom job workflow automation, and tech stack integration capabilities.
When evaluating an ATS, consider the following:
These questions will help ensure that your ATS includes the lots of features needed to support your talent acquisition team, improve the candidate pipeline, and reduce repetitive tasks in the application process.
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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