Compare ATS software
Compare applicant tracking system (ATS) software for recruitment. From CV parsing to candidate pipelines — find the ATS that fits your hiring process and connects to your HRIS.
An ATS (Applicant Tracking System), or recruitment software, runs your hiring process: posting vacancies, receiving CVs, moving candidates through the pipeline and reporting on it. A good ATS integrates with your HRIS and with job boards.
How do you find the right ats software?
You find the right ats software by getting your requirements clear — organisation size, region, integrations and budget — and matching those against vendors that fit. With OptioHR you complete one free intake, and providers that fit your request on category and region come forward themselves: no preferential treatment, and you pay nothing.
- 1Complete the free intake — Your requirements: size, region, integrations, budget.
- 2Providers come forward — Providers that fit on category and region come forward themselves.
- 3Compare and choose — Put those who come forward side by side and decide.
What to look for
The options side by side
A vendor-independent comparison of common approaches. Costs are indicative — ask for quotes based on your own situation.
| Approach | Implementation time | Indicative cost | Suits | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standalone ATS | 1–4 weeks | €50–€500+ per month | Continuous or higher hiring volumes | Needs an integration with your HRIS |
| ATS module in your HRIS | Along with the HRIS | Often included or an add-on | SMEs that want everything in one place | Shallower recruitment features |
| Recruitment agency | Immediate | Fee per placement (15–25%) | Occasional or hard-to-fill roles | Expensive at volume; no pipeline of your own |
OptioHR in numbers
Based on our independent vendor directory for the Benelux.
Want to know who they are? See the options in the directory.
To the directoryFrequently asked questions about ats software
What does ATS software cost?
ATS pricing ranges from €50–€500+ per month, depending on the number of vacancies and users. Enterprise recruitment suites can sit considerably higher.
Can I connect an ATS to my HRIS?
Yes. Most modern ATS platforms ship with standard integrations for HRIS systems such as Personio, Workday and SAP SuccessFactors, so onboarding follows straight after the hire.
When do I need an enterprise ATS?
An enterprise ATS starts to make sense from roughly 250 employees, or when you run more than 50 vacancies a year, have multiple recruiters, or hire globally. Below that, a lighter solution is usually enough.
What is the difference between an ATS and a candidate tracking system?
Nothing — they are two names for the same thing. Both describe software that manages your hiring process from vacancy through to appointment.
How do you compare recruitment software, and which ATS is best?
Compare recruitment software on functionality (sourcing, pipeline, job boards), HRIS integration, scalability and price. There is no objective "best ATS" — it depends on your hiring volume and requirements. Providers that fit your request on category and region come forward themselves — without preferential treatment.
Last updated: 13 June 2026
Buyer's guide: how to choose an ATS (PDF)
The complete buyer's guide as a PDF — downloaded straight away and sent to your inbox, including the step-by-step plan and comparison criteria.
No spam. Your data is never sold.