10 Best Applicant Tracking Systems for Recruiters in 2025

Around 99% of all Fortune 500 companies use Applicant Tracking Systems, which report a decrease in the hiring cycle of up to 60%.

That means a few minutes for sorting resumes, easier collaboration with hiring managers, and a detailed view of the best candidates.

We researched, reviewed, and ranked the Top 10 Applicant Tracking Systems for Recruiters and the benefits that matter. Plus, we shared best practices for ATSs to get compounding benefits from day one.

10 Best Applicant Tracking Systems for Recruiters

After putting hours of research into reviewing each Applicant Tracking System for recruiters, we made a list of the top 10 ATSs that streamline hiring. These detailed reviews include features, pros, cons, and pricing plans.

1. Skima AI

Skima AI is a recruiter-centric AI applicant tracking system built for end-to-end hiring. It offers in-house secure AI models that streamline job posting, resume parsing, AI search, candidate matching, outreach automation, and more.

Plus, you can integrate it seamlessly with your existing ATS, HR, and VMS systems without delay. Explore the platform with a 14-day free trial today without even adding a credit card.

Skima AI Features

• Automatically Extracts and Organizes Data from Resumes
• Applicant Tracking and Candidate Pipeline Management
• Resume Tagging Capabilities
• AI Search Algorithm Trained on Millions of Resumes
• AI chat-based search with AI candidate matching
• Skill Evidence Detection
• Secure in-house AI models with no external APIs
• Integrates with existing ATS and HR Software Seamlessly
• On-premises Deployment Option
• Enterprise-grade security and compliance

Skima AI Pricing

Pros of Skima AI

• AI Search Engine: Skima AI has an AI search feature that helps recruiters search for candidates. It scans thousands of profiles and surfaces the top ones within seconds with AI scores and explanations.
• AI-Driven Matching: Skima AI uses deep learning to match the ideal candidates quickly with your given job description. It makes the screening part easy, fast, and effective, cutting down time-to-hire.
• Automation Capabilities: It automates job posting, resume parsing & screening, interview scheduling, candidate outreach, and more. This allows recruiters to focus on strategic decisions.
• Seamless Integration: Skima AI integrates easily with existing ATS systems, making recruitment smoother. It also connects with payroll and HR systems, bringing everything together for a hassle-free experience.
• Reliable Customer Support: Several users have praised Skima AI’s support team for being quick and helpful. This improves their overall experience with the platform.

Cons of Skima AI

Initial Learning Curve: Although the system is effective, recruiters may need a short period to adjust to the advanced AI hiring features. However, training and demo sessions are provided to ease the transition.

2. Greenhouse

Greenhouse is an ATS and hiring platform that simplifies recruitment. It has a set of features, like applicant tracking, CRM, talent rediscovery, and job advertising tools.

Greenhouse automates workflows and team collaboration tools, which keep your hiring team in sync. Its reporting tools provide insights into key metrics, including the time to hire and candidate sources.

Greenhouse Features

• Talent Sourcing
• Scalable Workflows
• Candidate Experience
• Interviewing & Decision-Making
• Bulk Outreach Campaigns

Pros of Greenhouse

• Great Collaboration Tools: Greenhouse enables teams to rate candidates, sync data, and schedule interviews easily, reducing back-and-forth emails.
• Powerful Analytics: It provides clear insights into key metrics, like time-to-hire and the best job boards.
• Diversity Focus: Greenhouse provides tools like anonymized resumes and diversity tracking to support fair hiring and achieve inclusion goals.
• Seamless Integrations: Greenhouse integrates with many tools, like Slack for updates, LinkedIn for sourcing, and HR systems like Workday.
• User-Friendly Design: Its modern layout makes it easy to post jobs and track candidates, no matter your tech skills.

Cons of Greenhouse

• Limited Automation: Some users report that Greenhouse lacks strong automation, so they end up doing more manual work.
• Restricted Customization: A few users feel the pipeline is too rigid compared to more flexible tools.
• Slow Customer Support: Several users mention long response times, especially for smaller clients.
• Complex Setup: Some say the initial setup takes too much admin work, which can be hard for small teams.
• High Cost for Small Teams: Many startups feel the pricing is too high for their budget.

3. Lever

Lever combines an applicant tracking software for recruiters with advanced candidate relationship management tools. This helps companies build strong talent pipelines and hire more efficiently.

It also supports diversity hiring with built-in DEI features and integrates with platforms like Namely, Gusto, Indeed, LinkedIn, BambooHR, and UKG Onboarding.

Lever Features 

• Application Tracking System (ATS)
• Recruitment Automation
• High Volume Hiring
• Recruitment Analytics
• DEI Hiring

Pros of Lever 

• Automated Communication: Lever’s built-in email templates and automated outreach reduce manual work and ensure timely communication with candidates.
• User-Friendly Interface: Its clean UI makes it easy for candidates, recruiters, and hiring managers to navigate without extra training.
• Scheduling and Management Automation: Lever automates interview scheduling and applicant tracking, which saves time and allows teams to focus on engagement.
• DEI Tools and Dashboards: It tracks EEO data and helps organizations hire fairly and build diverse teams.
• Advanced Candidate Filtering: Lever’s powerful search filters let hiring teams find ideal candidates based on customizable criteria.

Cons of Lever 

• Limited Onboarding Features: Lever relies on third-party HRIS tools for advanced training and comprehensive onboarding.
• High API Costs: Lever’s API can be expensive, adding extra costs for integrations with other HR applications.
• Integration Challenges: Some users report difficulties connecting Lever with third-party systems, often requiring extra technical support.
• Limited Customization and Scalability: Users say Lever may not scale as well as competitors, making it less suitable for large organizations with complex hiring needs

4. iCIMS

iCIMS is an ATS designed for high-volume hiring and specialized roles. It also offers a talent acquisition software that simplifies finding and hiring top talent. 

Its AI-powered features cut manual work for recruiters while streamlining sourcing and interviews. iCIMS also integrates with 750+ HR systems and platforms like LinkedIn, Workday, and ADP.

iCIMS Features 

• Candidate Experience Management (CXM)
• Career Site Builder
• iCIMS AI
• Analytics and Reporting
• Personalized Candidate Experiences

Pros of iCIMS 

• Comprehensive Suite: iCIMS combines ATS, CXM, onboarding tools, and career site management in one unified platform.
• Customizable Solution: It enables tailored workflows, branded career sites, and flexible automation to match unique hiring needs.
• Strong Analytics: It provides real-time insights on metrics like time-to-fill, cost-per-hire, and overall candidate engagement.
• Seamless Integrations: iCIMS connects seamlessly with payroll systems, HR platforms, and communication tools for a smoother process.
• Great Candidate Experience: It offers engaging career sites, AI-powered job recommendations, and a simple application process.

Cons of iCIMS

• Non-transparent Pricing: iCIMS does not disclose clear pricing, which makes it difficult for small businesses and startups to plan budgets.
• Outdated User Interface: Several users find the interface dated and hard to navigate, which can slow workflows and reduce adoption.
• Complex AI Navigation: Limited explanations make it challenging for recruiters to understand and fully utilize the platform’s automation tools.

5. Bullhorn

Bullhorn is an ATS with a built-in CRM that helps staffing and recruitment agencies manage candidates, client relationships, and the entire hiring process in one platform.

It automates workflows, improves team collaboration, and delivers real-time, data-driven insights. Bullhorn also scales easily, which makes it suitable for businesses of any size.

Bullhorn Features 

• Unified ATS & CRM
• AI-Powered Search & Match
• Email Integration & Parsing
• VMS Integration
• Onboarding & Compliance

Pros of Bullhorn

• Comprehensive ATS and CRM integration: Bullhorn combines applicant tracking and client relationship management in one platform, streamlining workflows and improving efficiency.
• Advanced Reporting and Analytics: It provides customizable dashboards and detailed metrics to help agencies make data-driven decisions.
• Strong Automation Features: It uses AI to automate repetitive tasks, allowing recruiters to focus on strategic hiring activities.
• Scalable for Growth: Bullhorn can adapt to agencies of all sizes with solutions that grow as business needs evolve.

Cons of Bullhorn

• Limited Customization: Some users feel the platform’s customization options are not flexible enough to fit specific workflows.
• Steep Learning Curve: Bullhorn’s wide range of features requires time to master, which can slow initial productivity.
• High Pricing for Smaller Agencies: Its costs can be significant, especially when adding advanced features and integrations.
• Integration Challenges: Bullhorn may require extra technical resources to connect with third-party applications.
• Complex Interface: Some users find the interface difficult to navigate across multiple functionalities and settings.

6. Workable

Workable is an ATS and recruitment platform that helps companies manage the entire hiring process. It combines AI-driven features with global job board distribution to source, assess, and manage talent efficiently.

It streamlines job postings, tracks candidates, and also automates interview scheduling using AI insights.

Workable Features 

• Seamless Job Board Integrations
• Multi-Language Hiring Options
• Mobile-Optimized Application Forms
• Jobs Widget and API Access
• AI-Powered Candidate Recommendations

Pros of Workable

• Comprehensive Candidate Evaluations: Workable offers detailed analytics and visualization tools to assess candidate quality, track recruiting metrics, and make informed hiring decisions.
• Quick Onboarding Process: It provides simple setup steps with clear instructions, allowing teams to start using the platform with minimal training time.
• User-Friendly Interface: It features an intuitive dashboard design that lets users navigate easily and perform tasks without technical complexity.
• Collaborative Hiring Options: Its platform enables teams to review candidate profiles, share real-time updates, and coordinate decisions seamlessly.
• Cost-Effective Pricing Plans: Workable delivers affordable recruitment solutions with flexible plans that fit businesses of all sizes.

Cons of Workable

• No Integration with Video Conferencing Tools: Workable does not integrate with platforms like Zoom, which makes it harder to schedule and conduct virtual interviews seamlessly.
• Email Syncing Issues: Some users report problems syncing inbox emails, which can delay communication and lead to missed opportunities.
• Limited Functionality Post-Offer: Workable functionalities drop substantially once a candidate accepts an offer, which leaves customers without tools for the final recruiting procedures.

7. SmartRecruiters

SmartRecruiters is an ATS designed to simplify hiring for businesses of all sizes. It offers a complete suite of tools to attract, engage, and hire top talent efficiently.

The platform has evolved from a basic ATS into a comprehensive hiring solution, featuring job advertising, collaborative hiring, candidate relationship management (CRM), and advanced analytics.

SmartRecruiters Features

• Career Site Optimization
• Candidate Relationship Management
• Interview Scheduling
• Mobile Accessibility
• Automation and Reporting

Pros of SmartRecruiters

• Efficient Candidate Tracking: The platform tracks every applicant’s progress and highlights top candidates with detailed activity insights for faster decision-making.
• High Candidate Experience: It's simple, well-structured application process improves the overall experience for candidates.
• Strong Customer Support: Users report quick, helpful, and knowledgeable support from the service team.
• Seamless Integrations: SmartRecruiters integrates smoothly with tools like Zoom, LinkedIn, and DocuSign to enable a connected hiring workflow.
• User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive design makes job posting, application tracking, and collaboration easy for recruiters and hiring managers.

Cons of SmartRecruiters

• Limited Interview Scheduling Features: Users note the inability to schedule interviews with candidates and internal hiring members within the platform.
• Lack of Email Notifications: Some users experience issues with email alerts, leading to missed or delayed communication from candidates.
• Basic Functionality Limitations: Users mention the inability to perform certain basic  
  functions, affecting workflows.
• Integration Limitations: The platform could improve its compatibility with video conferencing tools to make interview scheduling more seamless.

8. JazzHR

JazzHR is an ATS designed for small and mid-sized businesses that want to make hiring easier. It focuses on automation and team collaboration, helping recruiters find the right candidates faster.

It integrates with tools like LinkedIn, Slack, Google Calendar, and ADP. Each JazzHR plan comes with unlimited users, candidates, and job syndication to streamline the hiring process.

JazzHR Features

• Job Posting
• Candidate Sourcing
• Automated Filtering
• Resume Parsing
• Reporting and Analytics
• Interview and Assessments

Pros of JazzHR

• Advanced Applicant Tracking System: JazzHR provides a robust ATS that helps recruiters and hiring managers organize, manage, and track candidates efficiently across all stages of the hiring process.
• Flexible Workflows and Task Management: The platform allows users to create customized workflows and assign tasks to team members at different hiring stages. 
• Easy-to-Use Interface: Its intuitive design makes it easy to navigate without any extensive training.
• Smooth Integration with Job Boards & Social Media: JazzHR integrates with major job boards and social media channels, enabling recruiters to promote openings smoothly and attract more candidates.
• Automated Notifications and Reminders: Its automated alerts ensure that recruiters and hiring managers never miss critical updates, interviews, or candidate communications.

Cons of JazzHR

• Complicated Reporting System: While JazzHR includes reporting tools, users find them difficult to navigate and extract actionable insights.
• Inefficient Career Page Structure: All job postings appear in a single list, making it harder for candidates to filter and find relevant roles. This impacts user experience and candidate engagement.
• Difficult Subscription Cancellation Process: Users reported that canceling a subscription isn’t straightforward, as it requires direct interaction with customer support, which several find inconvenient.
• Frequent Workflow Maintenance: Despite its automation capabilities, JazzHR workflows require frequent updates and adjustments, which adds extra effort for recruiters.

9. BreezyHR

Breezy HR is a cloud-based applicant tracking system (ATS) designed to simplify hiring for businesses of all sizes. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools to help HR teams attract, evaluate, and hire top talent efficiently.

With a user-friendly interface and robust analytics, Breezy HR empowers companies to optimize hiring strategies and make informed decisions.

BreezyHR Features

• Job Posting and Distribution
• Candidate Management
• Automated Workflows
• Interview Scheduling and Video Interviews
• Diversity and Inclusion Tools
• Seamless Integration Capabilities

Pros of BreezyHR

• Automation Features: Breezy HR automates tasks like resume parsing, interview scheduling, and candidate communication, enabling HR teams to focus on strategic decisions.
• Integration Capabilities: The platform integrates with LinkedIn, Slack, Google Calendar, and Microsoft Office 365, ensuring smooth workflows and accurate data syncing.
• Collaborative Tools: Breezy HR supports teamwork with shared calendars, feedback options, and custom workflows that keep hiring teams aligned.
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform offers a simple drag-and-drop interface, making it easy for users without technical expertise.
• Customizable Workflows: Breezy HR allows businesses to tailor hiring workflows to match their processes, which improves efficiency and control.
• Easy Job Posting: The platform enables one-click job postings to over 50 job boards, increasing reach and attracting diverse candidates.

Cons of BreezyHR

• Pricing Structure: Breezy HR’s pricing can feel steep for smaller teams or startups, with advanced features available only on paid plans despite a free option.
• Limited Advanced Features: Breezy HR offers various functions, but some users find that reporting and analytics capabilities could be more robust.
• Automation Complexity: Its automation setup can be tricky, and users sometimes struggle to identify and manage active triggers effectively.
• Video Platform Quality: Some users report that the built-in video interviewing feature lacks reliability and could benefit from higher quality performance.

10. Zoho Recruit

Zoho Recruit provides a comprehensive suite of tools to streamline the entire hiring process. It includes automation, candidate tracking, and seamless integrations across HR systems.

The platform is designed for both corporate HR teams and staffing agencies. It combines an ATS with AI-powered candidate matching, custom workflows, and detailed analytics to optimize recruitment processes.

Zoho Recruit Features

• Candidate Sourcing
• Job Advertising
• AI-powered Resume Parser and Chatbot
• Background Screening
• Hiring Analytics
• Assessments
• Video Interview

Pros of Zoho Recruit

• Solid Integrations: Zoho Recruit connects smoothly with Zoho tools, G Suite, and job boards, simplifying workflows and cutting down on manual tasks. 
• Customization Options: It provides adaptable workflows, custom fields, and portals. This lets teams adjust it to their hiring needs.
• Affordable Pricing: Zoho Recruit has different pricing plans. This gives businesses more flexibility.
• AI-Powered Tools: Zia’s resume parsing and candidate matching quickly highlight top talent, saving time.
• Easy Job Posting: You can post jobs across multiple boards and use smart sourcing tools to attract the best candidates.

Cons of Zoho Recruit

• Complicated Setup: The initial configuration can take a lot of time, particularly for teams new to Zoho’s ecosystem. 
• Intensive Learning Curve: New users can struggle with advanced features like custom workflows. They often need time or training to understand them.
• Slow Support: Users often find it frustrating to wait for help, especially on lower-priced plans, as response times can be delayed.
• Job Posting Requirements: Zoho Recruit requires a matching website domain and email to post jobs, which can lead to extra costs and complications.
• Outdated Design: The Zoho applicant tracking interface feels old-fashioned and less user-friendly compared to modern ATS options.

Applicant Tracking System Best Practices for Recruiters

Applicant tracking software for recruiters offers various features, but you should not prioritize each one. You should focus on the ones that will get you the results. Below are 7 ATS best practices that recruiters find most impactful:

1. Start with a Clean Pipeline

An ATS is only as good as the data inside it. Archive outdated job postings, merge duplicate candidate profiles, and standardize rejection reasons. This keeps reporting accurately and ensures your team isn’t wasting time chasing clutter.

2. Build Scorecards Before You Source

Defining must-haves, nice-to-haves, and dealbreakers upfront keeps evaluations consistent. Candidate scorecards inside the ATS help you measure skills against the same criteria, reducing bias and guesswork.

3. Use Structured Interviews

Structured interviews, where each candidate gets the same questions and clear rating rubrics, predict job performance better than unstructured chats. When you add these templates to your ATS, you ensure fairness and help hire higher-quality candidates.

4. Shorten the Application Process

Most candidates now apply via mobile, but long, clunky applications lead to high drop-off rates. Simplifying the process with fewer fields and no forced account creation boosts completion rates significantly.

5. Set SLAs for Speed

Set clear service-level agreements (SLAs) with hiring managers. For example, review resumes within 24 hours and schedule interviews within 48 hours. This approach keeps your hiring cycle competitive.

6. Automate the Critical Admin

Automated emails, interview reminders, and rejection updates save time for each vacancy. They also keep candidates informed. Small touches, like adding a personal line in templates, make automation feel more engaging.

7. Measure the Entire Funnel

Dashboards should track every step: clicks, applications, interviews, offers, and hires. Breaking down data by source or recruiter shows what’s working and what needs fixing. Without this visibility, you’re flying blind.

How to Choose the Best ATS for Recruiters?

We have made a research-backed guide to help choose the best applicant tracking software for recruiters. Below are 5 practical and detailed steps to find the ATS that will deliver the best ROI:

1. Define Hiring Goals and Budget First

Before shortlisting vendors, get clear on your priorities. How many roles do you plan to fill this year? Which processes slow you down the most: resume screening, scheduling, or working with hiring managers?

Once you know your must-haves, set a realistic budget. Remember, an ATS’s ROI is in time saved and fewer bad hires. Recruiters report significant time savings using ATS tools.

2. Put Candidate Experience First

A strong ATS serves both recruiters and candidates. Most applicants now apply on mobile, look for platforms with one-click apply, mobile-optimized forms, and smart autofill. The easier the process, the more qualified applicants you’ll keep in your funnel.

3. Prioritize automation and integrations

The best ATS systems, like Skima AI, save hours of manual work. Features like automated scheduling, resume parsing, and personalised email templates can save recruiters 15-25% of their time for each role.

Also, ensure the system integrates smoothly with your HRIS, calendar, sourcing tools, and assessments. This way, your workflow feels connected, not fragmented.

4. Check Compliance, Security, and Reporting

You can’t afford to overlook compliance. Ask vendors about EEO support, audit trails, and data security standards like SOC 2 or ISO.

Just as important, ensure the reporting is robust. You should be able to track the full funnel, from clicks to hires. So you can spot bottlenecks and improve continuously.

5. Test the ATS Before You Purchase

Finally, don’t just take the sales demo at face value. Run a 7-14 day pilot with live roles and measure the results.

Did it save time? Improve applicant flow? Make collaboration easier? Real-world testing will tell you if the ATS delivers measurable ROI before you sign a long-term contract. You can start a 14-day free trial without even adding a credit card.

Research Methodology

To ensure the list of ATS systems is genuinely useful for recruiters, we followed a clear and transparent selection process. Our evaluation combined industry research, trusted benchmarks, and real recruiter feedback.

Here’s how we shortlisted the best ATS for recruiters in 2025:

• Adoption and Market Presence: We prioritized ATS platforms widely used across industries. More than 98% of Fortune 500 companies now rely on an ATS. That adoption rate helped us identify the solutions trusted by both large enterprises and growing startups.
• Core Features and Innovation: We evaluated systems for key features like resume parsing, candidate search, pipeline management, and compliance tools. We also considered newer innovations, like AI-powered matching and analytics,  since recruiters require future-proof solutions.
• Candidate and Recruiter Experience: A great ATS should serve both sides of the hiring process. We checked reviews and research highlighting mobile-friendliness, ease of use, and communication features.
• Data, Reporting, and Compliance: ATS solutions were compared on reporting depth, EEO/SOC2 compliance, and integration with HR systems. With regulatory requirements tightening, these capabilities are no longer optional.
• Value for Money: Finally, we considered ROI. Recruiters believe an ATS helps them hire faster and more cost-effectively. Systems that balance affordability with strong functionality ranked higher.

By applying these criteria, we have narrowed the field to the ATS platforms for recruiters that genuinely deliver speed, quality, and value in 2025.

Summary

An applicant tracking system for recruiters has become the backbone of modern hiring. The right system helps recruiters streamline workflows, improve candidate experience, and make faster, data-driven hiring decisions. But not every platform delivers on all fronts, and that is often where recruiters feel the gap.

This is exactly why Skima AI ATS was built. It combines ATS reliability with advanced AI features like automated campaigns, skill-based matching, resume parsing, etc. This helps recruiters save time and find the right talent in seconds, unlike traditional tools.

You can experience the AI magic in your ATS with Skima AI's 14-day free trial without the need for a credit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is ATS software?

ATS software, or applicant tracking system, is a recruiting tool that helps manage the entire hiring process. It organizes applications, automates workflows, and enables recruiters to track, filter, and evaluate candidates more efficiently.

2. How do ATS systems work?

An ATS works by collecting job applications, parsing resumes, and storing candidate data in a searchable database. Recruiters can filter applicants using keywords, skills, or experience, making it easier to shortlist qualified candidates quickly.

3. Which is the best applicant tracking system for recruiters?

The best applicant tracking system for recruiters is Skima AI, an AI-powered ATS designed to streamline hiring. It offers secured AI features like job posting, resume parsing, search, candidate matching, and more. It can also integrate with your current tech stack easily.

4. Why do recruiters use applicant tracking systems?

Recruiters use ATS to save time, reduce manual work, and improve candidate experience. With automation, structured workflows, and reporting features, ATS software helps recruiters focus more on quality hiring and less on admin tasks.

5. Can an ATS improve the candidate experience?

Yes. An ATS streamlines communication, speeds up application reviews, and keeps candidates updated throughout the process. This creates a smoother, more transparent hiring experience that strengthens employer branding and reduces candidate drop-off.