Applicant tracking systems (ATS) have become essential to keep up with present-day hiring standards. Using ATS can be an important strategy to ensure that you don’t lose the best talents to your competitors.
But if you’re worried about high overhead expenses, fear not! Many free ATS tools are available, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to improve your recruitment.
In this blog, we have compiled a list of free ATS tools with essential features that can help you manage candidates and track applications easily.
What is Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
An ATS automates various stages of the recruitment process to help you easily hire the best talents. It helps businesses manage everything from posting job openings to hiring candidates. Many ATS tools are available, and each has its own set of features.
Here are some common features of ATS tools:
- Centralized storage of resumes and applications
- Automated resume evaluation to filter out unqualified candidates
- Assessments to match candidates with job descriptions
- Keyword search feature to show relevant skills and experience
- Multi-platform job posting options
- Automatic email responses for easier communication
- Interview scheduling to save time
- Paperless onboarding for a smoother process
To learn more about some of the specialized features of ATS, check out our blog, “Top Important Features of Applicant Tracking Systems”
Now that we’ve covered the basics of ATS, let’s explore the benefits of using an ATS over traditional systems.
Benefits of Using ATS Over Traditional Systems
ATS offers many advantages over traditional systems, including faster hiring, better organization, and enhanced candidate experiences. It simplifies the recruitment process and provides valuable insights to improve decision-making.
Here’s an overview of the benefits of using ATS over traditional systems:
| Criteria | ATS | Traditional Hiring |
| Efficiency | High efficiency – due to automation | Low efficiency – due to manual processing of applications. |
| Cost Effectiveness | Low hiring costs in the long run | High costs due to manual processes |
| Scalability | Easily scalable | Limited by the capacity of HR professionals |
| Candidate Experience | Process is smooth on a digital platform | Process can be slow and confusing |
| Data-Driven Insights | Provides real-timereal time analytics for better decision making | There is no structured data analysis |
| Bias Reduction | Standardized evaluation reduces bias | Prone to bias |
| Compliance | Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements | There is risk of errors in compliance |
Having discussed the benefits of ATS, it’s time to look at some top free ATS tools that can help improve your recruitment strategy.
Top Free ATS Tools
Choosing the right ATS can greatly improve your recruitment process. According to a report by Forbes, 98% of fortune 500 companies use ATS for recruitment. The global use of ATS has increased considerably and in future recruitment will probably rely entirely on ATS.
If you’re ready to implement an ATS in your business but are concerned about the costs, here’s a list of the best free ATS tools:
1. Breezy HR
BreezyHR is a cloud-based, easy-to-use software with a quick setup. It offers an online knowledge base, video tutorials, weekly webinars, and email support. The free version allows one job opening and one candidate with all basic features, making it ideal for SMBs with limited hiring needs. Advanced features and automation are available with paid plans.
Breezy HR has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 on G2.
Key Features
Here are the key features of the Bootstrap version of Breezy HR ATS which is available for free:
- Unlimited Users: Add as many team members as needed
- Training and Support: Access email and web support, an online knowledge base, video tutorials, and weekly webinars to help you get the most out of the platform.
- Branded Career Site: Create a customizable and mobile-friendly career portal to showcase your company.
- Job Boards Posting: Post your job openings across more than 50 popular job boards.
- GDPR Compliance & Automation: Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations while automating processes.
- Multi-Language Support: Reach a broader talent pool with support for multiple languages.
- World-class Resume Parsing: Effortlessly extract key candidate information from resumes for efficient screening.
Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of using Breezy HR:
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy-to-use interface with a simple setup | Advanced features require paid plans. You can only use basic features with the free plan. |
| Distributes jobs to over 50 job boards | Limited reporting and analytics in the free version |
| Automated GDPR compliance and resume parsing | Lacks advanced automation for larger teams |
Best For:
Small businesses that are looking for a simple, cost-effective way to manage recruitment without sacrificing key features.
2. Dover
Dover is an all-in-one ATS designed to help startups streamline their hiring process. It offers a free version with essential features to manage your hiring pipeline, track candidates, and collaborate with your team.
Dover has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 on G2
Key Features
Here are some notable features of Dover ATS that are available free of cost:
- Unlimited jobs: Post as many job listings as needed.
- Candidate tracking: Track applicants through every stage of the hiring process.
- AI applicant sorting: Automatically sort and prioritize candidates using AI technology.
- Job board integrations: Easily integrate with job boards for job distribution.
- 20-minute onboarding call: Receive onboarding assistance if eligible.
Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of using Dover:
| Pros | Cons |
| Free for startups with unlimited users and jobs | Free version may not be suitable for larger organizations |
| AI-powered candidate sorting saves time | Some integrations require paid plans |
| Easy to set up and use with a career page | Limited advanced features in the free version |
| Distributes jobs to multiple boards for wider reach |
Best For:
Startups and small businesses looking for a free, simple-to-use ATS with AI-powered features to manage recruitment efficiently.
If you’re looking for the best ATS tools for startups, check out our blog, “Best Applicant Tracking Systems for Startups” for a complete list of solutions.
3. iKrut
iKrut is a free and flexible ATS that offers a wide range of tools for businesses free of cost. It helps users post jobs, track candidates, and manage applications across multiple platforms without any cost.
Key Features
Here are some features available with the free version of iKrut:
- Unlimited Job Postings and Applications: Post and manage as many job openings and applications as needed.
- Bulk Rejection Tool and Notes: Easily reject multiple candidates at once and add detailed notes for better candidate evaluation.
- Unlimited Users and Editable Careers Site: Invite unlimited team members and customize your career page to reflect your brand.
- GDPR Compliance and Email Support: Ensure data privacy compliance and receive email support for assistance.
- Social Media Integration: Post job openings to social media platforms to increase visibility and reach a wider audience.
Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of using iKrut:
| Pros | Cons |
| Free with no hidden fees | Limited customization for careers site |
| Easy to set up and use | User interface is fairly basic |
| GDPR compliant for data privacy | To use advanced features you need to buy their premium plan |
Best For:
Companies that need only a few basic recruitment features in the ATS.
4. Jobsoid
Jobsoid is a recruitment software designed to help businesses with the complete hiring process. The free version offers essential features to manage job postings, track candidates, and collaborate with your team.
Jobsoid has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 on G2.
Key Features
Here are some key features of free version of Jobsoid:
- Post Jobs: You can post one job opening at a time with the free version.
- Unlimited Candidates: Accept and manage unlimited applications for your job posts.
- Unlimited User Accounts: Allow unlimited users to collaborate on your hiring process.
- Android & iOS Mobile Apps: Access the platform on the goon-the-go with mobile apps.
- GDPR Compliance: Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations in your hiring process.
Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of using Jobsoid:
| Pros | Cons |
| Free with no hidden charges | Only one job posting allowed at a time |
| Unlimited candidate management and user accounts | Features like EEO compliance, reviews and questionnairesquestionnaire are available with paid versions |
| Mobile access with Android & iOS apps | Advanced features like video screening etc are unavailable in free version |
Best For:
Small businesses looking for basic recruitment functions.
If you’re looking for robust ATS tools for a small business, check out our blog, “11 Best Applicant Tracking Systems For Small Businesses”.
5. MightyRecruiter
MightyRecruiter is a free, all-in-one ATS that offers all the basic set of tools for managing job postings, candidate applications, and recruitment processes. It is completely free with all the basic features of an ATS. Unlike other ATS tools, it does not have any higher price tiers other than the free version.
MightyRecruiter has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on G2.
Key Features
Here are some of the key features of MightyRecruiter:
- Unlimited Job Postings and Resume Searching: Post as many jobs as needed and search unlimited resumes to find the best candidates.
- Collaboration Tools: Add unlimited users to your account and easily manage the hiring process together.
- Easy Job Distribution: One-click posting to 29 job boards and automatic social media publishing.
- Mobile Access: Manage your recruitment process from anywhere with mobile-friendly features.
- Custom Branding: Create a branded job posting page and build a company career center to showcase your brand.
- Candidate Communication: Communicate directly with candidates through the platform and get expert job posting advice.
Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of using MightyRecruiter:
| Pros | Cons |
| Completely free with no hidden charges | Customization options for job postings and career pages are basic |
| Posting to social media and job boards is simple | Customer support is mainly through email, which might be slower than real-time support. |
| Easy to use with no training required |
Best For
Companies seeking an end-to-end free ATS tool.
6. OpenCATS
OpenCATS is a free, open-source applicant tracking system designed for both small and large-scale recruitment environments. It offers flexibility for users, allowing them to install it on their local systems, local networks, or public-facing servers.
OpenCATS has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 on G2.
Key Features
Here are some key features of OpenCATS:
- Free and Open-Source: OpenCATS is completely free to use, with the ability to modify and customize the software as needed.
- Web-Based or Local Installation: Can be installed on local systems or web servers for broader access.
- Unlimited Users: No limitations on the number of users, making it scalable for businesses of any size.
- Candidate Search and Application Management: Simplified job portal for candidates with search and easy application processes.
- Job Portal Management: Create and manage job openings with an intuitive interface for easy posting and candidate tracking.
Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of using OpenCATS:
| Pros | Cons |
| Completely free and open-source | Requires self-hosting and technical setup |
| Customizable to fit unique business needs | Lacks some advanced features of paid systems |
| Full control over your data and security | Requires technical know-how for installation |
Best For
OpenCATS is ideal for businesses seeking control over their data and looking to customize their ATS to their specific needs.
Check out our blog, “Free Employee Onboarding Software with Open Source Features” to learn about the best free onboarding platforms.
7. SmartRecruiters
SmartRecruiters is a comprehensive talent acquisition suite that simplifies the hiring process for businesses of all sizes. It offers a free version called SmartStart, designed to help small businesses attract, select, and hire the best talents.
SmartRecruiters has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 on G2.
Key Features
Here are some important features of SmartRecruiters ATS
- Unlimited Job Postings: Easily create and manage an unlimited number of job listings.
- Collaborative Hiring: Utilize customizable scorecards and interview management tools for better collaboration.
- Branded Career Site: Develop a personalized career page to showcase your company’s employer brand.
- Integrated Job Distribution: Seamlessly post job openings to various job boards and social media platforms.
- Candidate Relationship Management (CRM): Engage with potential candidates through a centralized messaging system.
- Mobile Access: Manage recruitment activities on the goon-the-go with mobile-friendly features.
- GDPR Compliance: Ensure that your hiring processes adhere to data protection regulations.
Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of using SmartRecruiter ATS:
| Pros | Cons |
| Mobile access allows recruitment management anywhere | Limited to 10 active job postings in the free plan |
| Customizable career site to enhance employer branding | |
| Robust collaborative features for hiring teams |
Best For:
Small businesses looking for all-in-one solutions to improve their hiring process without any investment.
8. Zoho Recruit
Zoho Recruit is one of the best recruitment solutions. Its ATS platform combines the best features required for modern hiring practices. While Zoho Recruit offers multiple pricing plans, it offers a completely free plan.
Zoho Recruit has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 on G2.
Key Features
Here are some of the key features of Zoho Recruit ATS:
- One Active Job: Manage one job opening at a time with no restrictions.
- Candidate Management: Organize and track candidates throughout the hiring process.
- Email Management: Communicate directly with candidates through the platform’s integrated email system.
- Interview Scheduling: Coordinate and schedule interviews efficiently with candidates.
- 8/5 Support: Receive reliable support during business hours for assistance.
Pros and Cons
Pros and cons of using Zoho recruit are:
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy-to-use interview scheduling features | Limited to 8/5 support rather than 24/7 |
| Easy communication with candidates via integrated email | Lacks advanced features in the free version |
| Includes essential candidate management tools | No access to advanced reporting and analytics |
Best For:
Small recruitment agencies looking for a straightforward, no-cost ATS to manage candidate communication and job postings.
9. Odoo
Odoo is a notable software service provider in almost every business area, including marketing, sales, finance, and recruitment. Odoo offers a forever-freeforever free ATS with unlimited users. ATS is free as Odoo provides the first application for free, and you only pay when you install other solutions.
Odoo has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 on G2
Key Features
Here are some key features of Odoo ATS:
- Customizable Job Positions: You can create and organize job positions with specific types, vacancies, and applicants.
- Recruitment Pipeline Management: Manage a pipeline of candidates with activities like scheduled calls, interviews, and meetings.
- Integrated Communication: Contact candidates, schedule meetings, and send emails directly from the application card.
- Candidate Self-Scheduling: Candidates can select available times for interviews directly through the website.
- Onboarding Automation: Once hired, employees are automatically integrated into the system and onboarded with a structured plan.
Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of using Odoo ATS:
| Pros | Cons |
| Team members can work together easily with shared feedback and status updates. | Setting up the system and customizing it to your needs can take time. |
| Odoo ATS grows with your business, adapting to increasing recruitment needs. | To keep up with new features and improvements, regular updates are important. |
| The interface is intuitive, making it easy for users to navigate despite its features. | While the basic version is free, some advanced functionalities may require a paid plan. |
Best For:
Organizations seeking a customizable and integrated recruitment solution with extensive features to manage complex hiring processes.
10. PyjamaHR
PyjamaHR is an AI-driven Applicant Tracking System (ATS) designed to streamline and accelerate the hiring process. Trusted by over 4,700 businesses globally, it offers a comprehensive suite of features to manage job postings, candidate evaluations, and team collaborations.
PyjamaHR has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 on G2.
Key Features
Here are some key features of PyjamaHR ATS:
- AI Recruiter: Utilizes artificial intelligence to screen thousands of candidates, providing AI scores and summary reports to identify top candidates efficiently.
- Job Distribution: Allows posting job openings across multiple job boards simultaneously, maximizing reach and attracting a diverse talent pool.
- Interview Scheduling: Simplifies the coordination of interview schedules between recruiters and candidates, reducing manual effort and potential scheduling conflicts.
- Candidate Evaluation: Offers tools like AI-powered resume matching, 360° comparison views, and customizable assessments for evaluation.
- Team Collaboration: Helps in easy collaboration among hiring teams with features like feedback sharing, comment sections, and real-time performance visibility.
Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of using PyjamaHR:
| Pros | Cons |
| Efficiently filters and ranks candidates using AI | New users may require time to familiarize themselves with the platform’s extensive features. |
| Easily distribute job openings across various platforms, increasing visibility in a broader candidate pool. | As a cloud-based system, it requires a stable internet connection for optimal performance. |
| Manage interview scheduling and candidate communications within the platform. |
Best For:
PyjamaHR is ideal for businesses seeking an AI-powered, scalable, and collaborative recruitment solution to improve their hiring processes.
Now that we’ve explored some of the top free ATS options, it’s important to understand how to choose the best one for your organization’s unique needs.
How to Choose the Best Free ATS?
Choosing the right free ATS requires careful consideration of your organization’s specific hiring needs. It’s important to evaluate features that will improve your recruitment process while being easy to use and scalable as your business grows.
Here are key factors to keep in mind when making your decision:
- Ease of Use: Look for an intuitive interface that your team can quickly adopt without much training.
- Customization Options: Ensure the ATS allows you to customize workflows, job postings, and candidate evaluations to suit your processes.
- Integration: Check if it integrates smoothly with other tools you already use, like email platforms and job boards.
- Scalability: Choose an ATS that can scale as your hiring volume increases or as your company grows.
- Support & Resources: Make sure the tool offers reliable customer support and has helpful resources for troubleshooting or guidance.
To discover more ATS solutions, visit the hrtech marketplace, your one-stop shop for all HRM software needs.
Conclusion
In this blog, we’ve explored some of the best free applicant tracking systems (ATS) available today. These tools can help businesses streamline their hiring process, manage job postings, and efficiently track candidates without the burden of expensive subscriptions. Each tool offers unique features suited to different needs, from small businesses to recruitment agencies.
The hrtech marketplace is an ideal platform for discovering even more ATS solutions. It offers a wide range of HRM software, allowing you to compare and choose the best tools that fit your specific hiring requirements. With easy access to multiple solutions, you can find the perfect match for your organization’s needs.
Ready to find the right ATS for your business? Visit the hrtech Marketplace today and take your recruitment process to the next level.
