Zoho Recruit is a well-known applicant tracking system (ATS), but it may not suit every team’s requirements. Some users find its interface a bit complex, its customizations too limited, or its pricing less competitive.

As a result, some users prefer a simple-to-use ATS with better integrations, equipped with modern AI tools and good customer service. If this sounds familiar, it may be time to consider switching.

In this blog, we have compiled the top 10 Zoho Recruit alternatives that offer AI recruitment tools, increased flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. From AI-powered platforms to streamlined ATS tools for small businesses, there is a solution for every hiring team.

What is Zoho Recruit ATS?

Zoho Recruit is an applicant tracking system (ATS) and recruitment software started by Zoho Corporation in 2009, based in Chennai, India. It aims to simplify hiring for staffing agencies, corporate HR teams, and temporary workforce management.

The software provides a complete solution, involving job posting, candidate sourcing, onboarding, and analytics, supported by AI features like resume parsing and candidate matching scores. 

It effectively organizes the hiring process with customizable workflows, a centralized candidate database, and job postings to multiple boards. Moreover, monthly plans of Zoho Recruit staffing agency and Zoho Recruit corporate starts with $30.

10 Best Zoho Recruit Alternatives for Fast Hiring

We have found the best Zoho Recruit competitors that enhance recruitment, improve candidate experience, streamline workflows, and boost hiring efficiency. These alternatives provide advanced features such as AI candidate matching, easy integrations, and strong analytics for scalable, cost-effective recruitment.

Here are top 10 Zoho applicant tracking competitors that excel in different areas:

1. Skima AI

An ATS and next-generation talent intelligence platform called Skima AI was created to revolutionize the way recruiters locate and select talent. It scans millions of resumes are swiftly using the AI search engine.

Skima AI is unique because of its AI-powered tools, which include AI resume parsing, AI matching scores, and AI to rank top candidates so recruiters can easily select the best fit. It makes accurate job fit predictions by analyzing local and global candidate data from 800 million databases.

Moreover, Skima AI offers integration with tools like Indeed, Glassdoor, Slack, Zapier, LinkedIn, etc for smooth process throughout.

Key Features

• Application Tracking System (ATS)
• AI Search Engine
• AI-Powered Candidate Matching
• Resume Parser
• Resume Tagging
• In-House APIs
• AI Job Description Generator
• Customizable Workflows
• Multiple Language Support
• Local Database Search
• Smart Filtering System
• Reporting and Analytics
• Public Job Advertising
• Email Campaigns

Free Trial: 14 days

Pricing:

Pros

According to users, here are the advantages of using Skima that make it one of the best Zoho Recruit alternatives:

• AI Search Engine: Skima AI’s AI search engine scans millions of resumes in under a second, delivering instant results. Recruiters can find the right candidates faster than ever, cutting down hours of manual searching. 
• AI-Driven Matching: Skima AI uses deep learning algorithms to find the best candidates quickly. The system analyzes thousands of resumes in seconds, significantly reducing time-to-hire.
• Automation Capabilities: It automates job posting, resume screening, and interview scheduling, allowing recruiters to focus on strategic decisions.

Cons

Based on reviews, these are the cons of Skima AI:

• Advanced AI Tools: Skima AI comes with modern AI recruitment tools that will take little time, like 1 or 2 days, to learn about them. However, they are worth learning as they will boost your recruitment process up to 2x.

2. iCIMS 

iCIMS is a talent acquisition software and ATS, simplifying high-volume hiring and filling specialized roles. AI-powered automation enhances productivity by minimizing manual tasks for recruiters.

iCIMS' Candidate Experience Management (CXM) improves candidate engagement through behavior-based marketing automation and AI insights. It streamlines sourcing, interviews, and connects employees to opportunities based on skills.

iCIMS integrates with 750+ major systems such as LinkedIn, Workday, ADP, SAP, ZipRecruiter, UKG, AMS, Microsoft Teams, OR, etc.

Key Features

• Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
• Candidate Experience Management (CXM)
• Career Site Builder
• Onboarding
• iCIMS Digital Assistant
• Video Interviewing
• Analytics and Reporting
• Text Engagement
• AI-Powered Hiring Solutions
• Personalized Candidate Experiences
• iCIMS AI
• Global Recruitment

Free Trial: iCIMS offers 30 days free trial

Pricing: The price of iCIMS is hidden in its official website. Hence, you need to contact their sales team for more information.

Pros

According to the number of users, these are the benefits of using iCIMS:

• Adaptable for High-Volume Hiring: iCIMS uses automation to help large organizations manage recruitment more efficiently, reducing time-to-hire.
• Comprehensive Talent Acquisition Suite: iCIMS provides text recruiting, video interviewing, and recruitment marketing services for talent acquisition.
• AI-Powered Candidate Matching: iCIMS uses AI to improve hiring by providing smart candidate recommendations for faster recruitment. 

Cons

According to the customer reviews, these are the drawbacks of iCIMS:

• Limited and Complicated Reporting Tools: iCIMS has strong analytics, but users find custom report generation difficult and time-consuming.
• Synchronization Issues: Users have faced issues with interview scheduling tools and integrations with platforms like Microsoft Teams. CRM, ATS, and text engagement tools often work as separate systems, needing individual logins and lacking smooth synchronization.

3. Breezy HR

Breezy HR is a modern applicant tracking system that simplifies and streamlines the hiring process for businesses of all sizes. It offers automation tools, collaborative features, and seamless integrations with tools like ZipRecruiter, Google Workspace, and LinkedIn.

You can automate repetitive tasks like follow-ups and interview scheduling, saving valuable HR time. Furthermore, its diversity-focused features help ensure fair hiring practices across the board.

Features

• Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
• Employee Referrals
• Customizable Career Sites
• Candidate Management
• Automated Workflows
• Collaborative Hiring Tools
• Interview Scheduling and Video Interviews
• Diversity and Inclusion Tools
• Reporting and Analytics
• Offer Management
• Reporting and Analytics

Free Trial: Breezy HR offers 14 days free trial

Pricing: 

Breezy HR provides two plans: Hire and Perform, each designed for specific needs. The Hire plan helps you find and hire employees quickly, offering tools for job advertising and making offers. The Perform plan focuses on reviewing and improving performance, helping you set and achieve goals while engaging employees effectively.

Hire-

Perform-

Pros

According to the customer reviews, here are the advantages of using Breezy HR:

• Powerful Automation Features: The platform saves time by automating tasks like resume parsing and interview scheduling.
• Seamless Integration Capabilities: Breezy HR works with tools like Slack, Google Workspace, and LinkedIn for better teamwork.
• Customizable Career Sites: Users can create career sites that show their company’s identity for candidates.

Cons

Based on users' feedback, these are the drawbacks of Breezy HR:

• Limited Free Plan: The free Bootstrap plan allows only one active position, which may be insufficient for growing companies.
• Basic Reporting Features: Breezy HR's reporting and analytics capabilities are relatively basic compared to other applicant tracking systems.

4. Workable

Workable is a comprehensive HR platform and ATS that redefines human resources with intelligent tools designed to streamline hiring, employee data management, time tracking, and automation.

It offers candidate database management, AI recommendations, and automation tools for easier hiring. It has a candidate sourcing suite that posts to over 200 job boards, using various sourcing methods.

Furthermore, Workable integrates with over 270 tools like LinkedIn, Indeed, Google for Jobs, etc.

Key Features

• Application Tracking System (ATS)
• Multi-Language Support
• AI-Powered Candidate Sourcing
• Customizable Hiring Pipelines
• Candidate Database Management
• Employee Referral Program
• Recruitment Marketing
• Referral Management Dashboard
• Interview Tools
• AI-powered Candidate Screening
• Collaboration Tools
• Time and Attendance Tracking

Free Trial: Workable offers a 15-day free trial program.

Pricing:

Pros

As per the user's reviews, here are the top advantages of Workable that make it one of the Zoho Recruit competitors:

• Extensive Talent Pool: Access a large database of over 400 M+ candidate profiles, using filters and AI search tools.
• Comprehensive Automation: Workable offers automation features for recruitment, including job postings, self-scheduled interviews, and AI screening tools.
• Global Hiring Support: It facilitates international recruitment by offering localization, multiple language options, and access to global job boards.

Cons

According to the reviews given by users, these are the cons of Workable:

• Pricing Can Be Expensive: The per-job pricing model may not be cost-effective for high-volume hiring. Companies on tight budgets should consider alternative pricing plans.
• Less Configurability for Complex Workflows: The platform has fewer customization options than some enterprise ATS, limiting suitability.

5. Manatal

Manatal is a modern ATS designed to make recruitment fast and simple for businesses of all sizes. It uses AI to match candidates to jobs and streamlines the hiring process from sourcing to onboarding.

Manatal ATS combines AI candidate sourcing with recruitment features, helping HRs and businesses access advanced AI tools. Recruiters can manage candidates, publish job ads, and track pipelines effectively, saving time and enhancing hiring decisions. Furthermore, Manatal integrates with platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, Google Calendar, and Microsoft 365.

Key Features

• AI-powered candidate recommendations
• Drag-and-Drop Recruitment Pipelines
• Social Media Enrichment
• Job Posting
• Customized Career Pages
• Collaboration Tools 
• Advanced Reporting and Analytics
• Resume Parsing 

Free Trial: Manatal offers 14 days free trial plan

Pricing:

Pros

As per the reviews given by users, here are the benefits of using Manatal:

• AI-Powered Features: The AI candidate matching system quickly finds top talent, reducing manual screening time.
• User-Friendly Design: Manatal has a simple and user-friendly design, allowing easy use for recruiters without much training.
• Extensive Integrations: As per users Manatal connects with over 2,500 job boards, increasing visibility and improving candidate sourcing.

Cons

Based on users' reviews, these are the drawbacks of Manatal:

• Limited Career Page API: Career page customization options are limited, restricting branding flexibility and personalization tools.
• Dashboard Customization: Some users feel the dashboard is inflexible with personalized widgets and views, which can hinder data-driven recruiters.

6. Greenhouse 

Greenhouse is an ATS and hiring platform designed for enterprise-level hiring. It provides a structured recruitment process, helping companies make more data-driven hiring decisions.

Greenhouse includes an all-in-one HRIS, easy onboarding, ATS, CRM, talent rediscovery, and job ad market. In addition, Greenhouse uses embedded AI and machine learning to improve hiring.

Greenhouse integrates seamlessly with over 500 pre-built applications, such as BambooHR, BrightHire, Calendly, Checkr, DocuSign, Linkedin, Namely, Sterling, Grayscale, etc.

Features

• Application Tracking System (ATS)
• Candidate Experience
• Structured Hiring Workflows
• Customizable Interview Kits
• Reporting and Analytics
• Onboarding
• Compliance and Data Management
• DE&I Tools

Free Version: No free version, only a demo is available

Pricing: Greenhouse ATS offers three plans: Essential, Advanced, and Expert, which can be customized as needed. You can contact their sales team to get a quote for your business.

Pros

As per the reviews given by users, here are the advantages of using a Greenhouse:

• Streamlined Hiring Process:  According to the users, Greenhouse ATS automates job postings, interview scheduling, and candidate tracking, making recruitment efficient.
• Diversity & Inclusion Features: As per users Greenhouse provides structured hiring to reduce bias. By standardizing interview processes, it helps in making unbiased decisions. 
• Deep Analytics: It offers reporting tools for recruitment insights. HR teams can create custom reports and track hiring metrics.

Cons

Based on user feedback, these are the cons of Greenhouse:

• Complex Setup: Users say the Greenhouse needs time, expert guidance, and effort to set up. 
• Expensive for Small Businesses: Pricing is better for large companies. Startups and small businesses may find it expensive, so alternative ATS options could be cheaper.

7. SmartRecruiters

SmartRecruiters offers AI-driven recruiting tools, automated workflows, recruitment software, integrated candidate messaging, and tools for collaboration and evaluation.

SmartRecruiters can handle multi-language job postings, compliance across various regions, and built-in collaboration tools for hiring teams. It ensures smooth talent acquisition for organizations operating in multiple countries.

Besides this, it integrates with SmartJobs, SmartCRM, and SmartAssistant, and offers resources like webinars and eBooks, and other 247 platforms such as Zoom, LinkedIn, Peoplein, CoderPad, XOR,

Key Features

• Applicant Tracking System 
• CRM
• Recruiting Software
• Chatbot Recruiting
• AI Recruiting
• Text Recruiting
• Onboarding
• Job Advertising
• Text Recruiting
• Collaboration Tools
• Offer Management
• AI Profile Matching

Free Trial: SmartRecruiters provides a free version called SmartStart, designed for small businesses with up to 250 employees.  It provides advanced hiring features for free, allowing smaller businesses to attract and hire candidates more effectively.

Pricing: SmartRecruiters pricing is hidden in its official website. If you are interested you have to Contact their sales team for more information.

Pros

Based on user reviews, here are the advantages of SmartRecruiters:

• Flexible Options: Users appreciate plugging in extra tools to meet their hiring needs perfectly, creating a flexible custom setup.
• Great Candidate Experience: The career pages engage applicants from the beginning, enhancing the company's appeal and attracting more talent.
• Scalability: Reviewers say it effectively handles many hires easily and remains steady, even with many applications.

Cons

Here are the cons of SmartRecruiters highlighted by the users:

• Customer Support Challenges: Some users report challenges in getting prompt and effective support from SmartRecruiters. Hence, noting delays and the need for in-house problem resolution, especially for smaller businesses.
• Integration Complexities: SmartRecruiters has integration options, but connecting with other systems can require custom setups, causing delays and disruptions for users.

8. Bullhorn

Bullhorn is a staffing software that integrates Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) functionalities. It seamlessly integrates with 300+ platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, ADP, aircall, QuickBooks, etc.

Leveraging automation and artificial intelligence, Bullhorn accelerates talent acquisition, and its dashboards provide a holistic view of recruitment metrics.

Bullhorn’s AI-powered search and match quickly finds the best talent. Easily connect candidates to job openings and increase placements.

Key Features

• Applicant tracking system (ATS)
• CRM
• Automation and AI
• Reporting and Analytics
• Onboarding

Free Trial: Bullhorn did not offer free trial

Pricing: The pricing of Bullhorn is not transparent in its official website. Therefore, you have to contact their sales team for the quote

Pros

These are the advantages of using Bullhorn, as per the users, which make it one of the Zoho Recruit alternatives:

• User-Friendly Interface: Users appreciate Bullhorn's user-friendly interface, which allows for efficient management of recruitment tasks. 
• Effective Applicant Tracking and Reporting Tools: Bullhorn offers robust applicant tracking and reporting features. It helps recruiters to monitor candidate progress.
• Customization Options: The platform allows for the customization of workflows and dashboards, enabling agencies to tailor the system to their specific needs.

Cons

Based on the reviews, here are the cons of Bullhorn:

• Performance Issues: Some users have reported slow loading times and performance lags. It can thus hinder productivity during recruitment activities.
• Limited Customer Support: Users are unhappy with Bullhorn's customer support due to slow responses.

9. Crelate

Crelate is a combination of an ATS and CRM built for staffing agencies and recruiters who want to streamline hiring. It’s designed to manage candidates, clients, and jobs all in one easy-to-use platform.

The drag-and-drop interface of Crelate allows you to easily monitor candidate progress. In addition, built-in tools simplify recording interactions, managing tasks, and communicating directly from your pipeline screen.

Crelate integrates with tools like LinkedIn, Microsoft Outlook, Hirelogic, Leoforce, Quill, Glassdoor, Lonsetr, etc, for seamless workflows.

Key Features

• Applicant tracking system (ATS)
• CRM
• Onboarding
• E-Signature
• Contact Data Enrichment
• Recruiting CRM
• AI Recruiting Co-Pilot
• Recruiting Analytics
• Sequencing
• Job and Client Portal

Free Trial: Crelate did not offer a free trial

Pricing:

Crelate offers plans according to business types. Standard pricing for recruiting, staffing, and consulting agencies is provided. However, in-house recruiting teams can get customized pricing by contacting the sales team.

Pros

According to user reviews, these are the benefits of Crelate:

• Advanced Reporting: Crelate tools help agencies improve reporting, make more placements, win business, and grow their teams by providing insights into recruitment.
• Intuitive and Customizable Interface: Crelate provides an easy-to-use, drag-and-drop interface that makes recruitment simpler and customizable for users.
• Comprehensive Candidate Tracking: Crelate offers a complete view of candidate profiles and tracking history.

Cons

As per the reviews given by customers, here are the cons of using Crelate:

• Limited Advanced Search Capabilities: Some users feel Crelate lacks advanced search and sorting features, making client or candidate searches difficult.
• Performance Issues with Large Data Imports: Importing many resumes from a local system can slow down processing times and efficiency.

10. Lever

Lever is known for its strong focus on collaborative hiring, which makes it easier for teams to collaborate on recruitment.  It combines an applicant tracking system with advanced candidate relationship management tools. Hence, enabling companies to build strong talent pipelines and improve hiring efficiency.

Lever’s automation and AI-driven insights streamline recruitment, making hiring more efficient. In addition, it also supports diversity hiring initiatives with built-in DEI tools.

Lever offers integration with famous platforms such as Criteria, Wedge, Namely, Gusto, Indeed, LinkedIn, BambooHR, UKG Onboarding, etc.

Key Features

• Application Tracking System (ATS)
• Recruitment Automation
• Career Site Builder
• Recruitment Marketing
• High Volume Hiring
• Recruitment Analytics
• DEI Hiring

Free Trial: No Lever did not offer free trail.

Pricing: Liver pricing is hidden in its official website. Hence, if you are interested you need to contact there customer support team to get more information.

Pros

According to the users, these are the advantages of Lever:

• Extensive Integration Capabilities: Lever supports many integrations with HR technologies like HRIS, assessment tools, and video interviewing platforms for customization.
• Customizable Interview Scorecards: The software creates custom scorecards for standardized evaluations and objective decisions.
• User-Friendly Interface: Lever has an easy-to-use and clean design that recruiters, hiring managers, and candidates can all understand.  

Cons

As per the ratings and reviews given by users, these are the drawbacks of Lever:

• Limited Customization: Customization options are limited in enterprise-focused ATS platforms, which may hinder unique hiring needs.
• Scalability Challenges for Larger Organizations: Lever's features and customization options may not fully meet the needs of larger, more complex organizations.

How to Choose the Best Zoho Recruit Alternatives?

Choosing the best Zoho Recruit competitor depends on your team’s specific needs, budget, and hiring goals. Here is a quick and easy 5 steps guide that will help you make an informed decision:

Step 1. Identify Your Requirements

• Team Size and Scale: Small teams may prioritize simplicity and affordability. Whereas, enterprises need robust features like advanced analytics or multi-user support.
• Key Features: Determine must-haves, such as AI-driven candidate sourcing, seamless integrations, customizable workflows, etc. For example, check how well the ATS integrates with HRIS or famous job boards such as Linkedin, Indeed, etc. 
• Pain Points with Zoho Recruit: Address specific issues like complex UI, limited customization, or slow customer support.

Step 2. Evaluate Core Features

• Ease of Use: Look for user friendly interfaces to reduce training time of your team members.
• Automation: Prioritize platforms with having AI resume parsing, candidate matching, or email workflows to save time.
• Analytics: Choose tools with strong reporting capabilities for data-driven hiring decisions.

Step 3. Compare Pricing and Scalability

• Pricing: Check for transparent pricing that fits your budget. There are many ATS that comes with cost effective solutions for small business and tailored solutions for enterprise level organizations.
• Scalability: Ensure the tool you select can scale with your growth, supporting increased hiring volume or additional users without steep cost jumps.
• Free Trial: Look for free trials or demos to test functionality before committing.

Step 4. Assess Customer Support and Training

• Customer Service: Choose platforms with responsive support such as live chat, dedicated account managers, a chatbot, and email support.
• Tutorials and Training Guides: Check for onboarding resources, such as tutorials or training sessions, to ensure smooth adoption.

Step 5. Read Reviews and Test Options

• Real User Reviews: Explore user reviews on platforms like G2 or Capterra to get real-world performance reviews.
• Final Test: Shortlist 2-3 tools and test them via trials to compare usability. After that, you can choose the best one that suits your requirements.

Why is Skima AI One of the Best Zoho Recruit Alternatives?

Zoho Recruit markets itself as a versatile ATS for businesses of all sizes, with pricing starting at $30 per user per month. However, its Standard plan lacks critical features like AI-driven candidate matching, advanced automation, and robust analytics, which are only available in the $75 per user per month Enterprise plan. 

Besides this, small teams often find Zoho’s interface overly complex, with a learning curve that slows adoption. Whereas, Zoho Recruit alternatives like Skima AI provide an advanced, AI-driven solution. Skima AI includes an AI search engine, AI candidate matching with scores, automated outreach with AI campaigns, and easy integrations.

Skima AI's simple interface enables quick onboarding even for non-technical users, and pricing begins at $49 per month with a 14-day free trial.

Want to see how Skima AI stacks up against Zoho Recruit? Here’s a feature-by-feature breakdown of why Skima AI could be the superior choice for your 2025 hiring needs, empowering your team to hire smarter, faster, and more cost-effectively.

Research Methodology

It takes careful research to rank the top ten Zoho Recruit alternatives. To help recruiters find the best competitor to Zoho Recruit applicant tracking, we learn about real user problems and where Zoho Recruit is lacking in modern recruitment tools.

Here are the parameters we use to list the top 10 Zoho Recruit ATS competitors:

• Market Analysis: We reviewed different recruitment software solutions by looking at their features, user reviews, and performance to understand their pros and cons.
• User Experience Evaluation: To ensure a smooth experience for hiring managers and recruiters, we examined the user interface, navigation, and usability of each platform.
• Features and Pricing Comparison: Compare features such as AI tools, reporting capabilities, and pricing among Zoho Recruit alternatives to determine the best one.

Summary: Why Zoho Recruit is Not the Right Fit for 2025 Hiring Needs?

Zoho Recruit may fall short in 2025 due to its limited customization, lack of advanced AI features, and high pricing compared to newer or better recruitment platforms. It didn’t meet evolving hiring expectations for companies seeking scalable, data-driven, and automation-friendly tools.

Therefore, Zoho Recruit alternatives like Skima AI stand out as the best option due to their advanced AI-driven features, competitive pricing, user-friendly interface, and robust integrations.

Its ability to handle high-volume hiring with precise resume parsing, conversational search, and AI-powered matching scores makes it ideal for modern recruitment challenges. Hence, for teams seeking a faster, more efficient, and scalable ATS, Skima AI is the best choice.

Boost your recruitment upto 5x with Skima AI's. Start your Free Trial or Book a Demo today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is the competitor for Zoho Recruit?

The top Zoho Recruit competitor of Zoho Recruit is Skima AI. It offers modern AI tools for recruitment, starts with $49 annual plan pricing, and offers a free trial of 14 days.

2. What is the difference between Zoho Recruit and Manatal?

Zoho Recruit provides more customization and integration with Zoho apps for in-house recruiters and agencies. Manatal excels with AI features, social media enrichment, and ease of use. Zoho is suitable for scalability, while Manatal is best for fast, AI-driven hiring.

3. Is Zoho Recruit free?

Yes. Zoho Recruit offers a 15-day free trial having features of its enterprise plan.

4. What is Zoho Recruit used for?

Zoho Recruit is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that simplifies hiring. It aids recruiters in posting jobs, managing candidates, scheduling interviews, and automating workflows.