Alternatives · Hiring
CATS alternatives
As of Nov 13, 2026, the highest-graded CATS alternative is Top Echelon (2.4 GPA).
CATS compared with 5 alternatives: Top Echelon, Recruit CRM, JazzHR, Bullhorn and Crelate.
CATS is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $89 per user / month (billing period not stated). None of the alternatives has a free plan. 3 more offer a free trial.
Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from
Black Friday: is there a CATS sale?
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| CATSThis tool | Free trial · from $89/mo | Trial only | Web, Browser extension |
| Top Echelon | Free trial · from $79/mo | Trial only | Web, Browser extension |
| Recruit CRM | Free trial · from $95/mo | Trial only | Web, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| JazzHR | From $1,000/yr | No | Web |
| Bullhorn | From $99/mo | No | Web |
| Crelate | Free trial · from $85/mo | Trial only | Web, iOS, Android |
Price against what you get
CATS starts at $89 a month for each person and scores 2.7 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 5 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.
Top Echelon, JazzHR and Crelate start lower without scoring higher.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
How each one differs from CATS
Top Echelon
ATS and recruiting CRM for recruiting agencies and staffing firms
- Top Echelon starts at $79 per month, billed annually ($95 billed monthly).
- Top Echelon does not cover sales pipeline, which CATS does.
Suits: Independent recruiters and small recruiting agencies
Recruit CRM
ATS and client CRM for recruitment agencies, with AI agents
- Recruit CRM starts at $95 per user / month, billed annually ($109 billed monthly).
- Recruit CRM also lists iOS and Android apps.
- Recruit CRM also covers time tracking and AI agents.
- Recruit CRM does not cover sales pipeline and reports, which CATS does.
Suits: Recruitment agencies and executive search firms placing candidates with clients
JazzHR
Applicant tracking for small businesses at a flat yearly price
- JazzHR starts at $1,000 per year, billed annually ($110 a month billed monthly).
- JazzHR lists no browser extension, which CATS has.
- JazzHR does not cover sales pipeline, which CATS does.
Suits: Small businesses that hire regularly without an in-house recruiter
Bullhorn
ATS, CRM and AI recruiting software for staffing agencies
- Bullhorn starts at $99 per user / month (billing basis not stated).
- Bullhorn lists no browser extension, which CATS has.
- Bullhorn does not cover sales pipeline, which CATS does.
Suits: Staffing and recruitment agencies of any size
Crelate
Applicant tracking and recruiting CRM for staffing and search firms
- Crelate starts at $85 per user / month, billed annually.
- Crelate also lists iOS and Android apps.
- Crelate lists no browser extension, which CATS has.
- Crelate does not cover sales pipeline, workflow automation and reports, which CATS does.
Suits: Staffing and search firms that need an ATS and a CRM together
Limits worth knowing in CATS
- The pricing page shows one per-user price and does not say whether it assumes monthly or annual billing.
- Data migration from an old system is a separate charge: $500 on an annual plan or $1,000 on a monthly one, per the migration page.
- SMS texting is listed for the US and Canada only.
- The terms of service name Top Echelon Software, LLC as the provider.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to CATS?
The alternatives to CATS in this directory are Top Echelon, Recruit CRM, JazzHR, Bullhorn and Crelate. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with CATS.
Is there a free alternative to CATS?
None of the alternatives listed here has a free plan. Top Echelon, Recruit CRM and Crelate offer a free trial.
Which CATS alternatives work on Android?
The CATS listing does not include an Android app. Recruit CRM and Crelate list one.
Which CATS alternatives work on iOS?
The CATS listing does not include an iOS app. Recruit CRM and Crelate list one.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 18, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.