The more time I’ve spent working alongside HR teams, the more I realize hiring is a lot like marketing. You need to attract the right audience (candidates), nurture them through a pipeline (interview process), and ultimately convert them into loyal brand advocates (employees).
But just like marketing, the process quickly falls apart without the right tools (resumes slip through the cracks, communication breaks down, and top talent moves on).
That’s why I wanted to take a closer look at G2’s top-rated applicant tracking systems (ATS). These platforms promise to help recruiters and talent teams stay organized, automate repetitive tasks, and make hiring seamless. But which ones actually deliver?
After evaluating over 25 tools, here are the eight best ATS platforms that can transform your hiring. Let’s get into it!
*These ATS software are top-rated in their category, according to G2 Grid Reports. I’ve also added their monthly pricing to make comparisons easier for you.
Hiring isn’t just about finding the right people; it’s about managing the entire process without losing momentum. A slow or clunky ATS system can cost you top talent, which is why choosing the best ATS software is a big deal for recruiters and HR teams.
But not all applicant tracking systems get it right. Some help you track candidates, schedule interviews, and keep hiring managers in sync. Others? They make things harder than they need to be.
I reviewed the best ATS options to find the ones that offer everything, from automated resume screening to custom hiring workflows, and these tools stood out for all the right reasons.
I didn’t just want to round up the most talked-about applicant tracking systems; I tried to find out which ones help recruiters and HR teams hire smarter. That meant digging into honest user feedback, evaluating features, and looking beyond marketing claims.
I started by analyzing G2’s latest Grid Reports, focusing on usability, automation, and how well each ATS system supports hiring teams at different stages. This gave me a solid baseline of which platforms consistently performed well and which had recurring issues.
To go deeper, I used AI-driven analysis to sift through thousands of user reviews, picking up patterns in what people genuinely liked and what caused the most frustration.
Beyond rankings and reviews, I compared core ATS features, paying close attention to candidate tracking, interview scheduling, reporting, and collaboration tools. When I couldn’t understand too much about a platform due to limited access, I turned to HR professionals who use these tools daily, validating their insights with real user feedback from G2.
The screenshots in this article include both images from my evaluation and verified visuals from vendor pages on G2.
I considered the following factors when evaluating the best applicant tracking systems.
The list below contains genuine user reviews from the applicant tracking software category page. To be included in this category, a solution must:
*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.
Based on my review of G2 user feedback, Greenhouse simplifies recruitment workflows with tools for candidate tracking, team collaboration, and seamless integrations with various HR software.
One feature that I frequently see getting a lot of praise is ease of use. Users often highlight the clean and logically structured interface, which makes navigation easy for hiring managers and recruiters. Tracking candidates through different hiring stages feels seamless, with critical information readily accessible. Many G2 reviewers appreciate the system’s ability to facilitate collaboration by allowing multiple team members to leave structured feedback without cluttering the process.
Another standout capability, according to users, is robust integrations. Greenhouse integrates with a wide variety of HR tools, ranging from background check providers to scheduling software. G2 reviewers consistently mention that the integration process is straightforward, without requiring excessive configurations or workarounds. This makes Greenhouse an ideal choice for companies that rely on multiple tools for different aspects of the recruitment process.
A commonly appreciated element is reporting and analytics. Greenhouse’s customizable reports provide deep insights into hiring trends, recruiter performance, and candidate pipelines. From my review of G2 user feedback, many users value the clear, data-driven metrics that help improve recruitment strategies over time. Whether it's for a quick overview or more detailed reports, users note that the system makes it easy to pull the numbers they need.
However, customization tends to receive mixed feedback. Some G2 users feel that while Greenhouse covers all the essential features, it lacks flexibility in areas like workflows and automated actions. I’ve noticed that for teams looking for a fully tailored ATS, this can be a limitation, as they may need to work within the platform's existing constraints.
Additionally, candidate management is a point of frustration for some users. While the system does a good job of keeping applicants organized, managing more complex hiring pipelines isn’t always smooth. Multiple reviewers mention that the search and filtering functions could be improved, especially when dealing with large applicant pools.
“What I love most about Greenhouse is its ease of use and the extensive marketplace of third-party applications, which give it superpowers through the many available integrations. It’s rare to find a vendor that isn’t integrated with Greenhouse. Many recruiters have worked with Greenhouse at some point in their careers, which means the ramp-up time for them is usually very short. Their support team is reliable, providing efficient solutions, and their learning center is incredibly comprehensive.”
- Greenhouse Review, Daniel M.
“Searching for candidates in the resume database is Greenhouse's greatest weakness. While you can do a Boolean search and use filters, the displayed results aren't particularly helpful. If they added AI with natural language search, it would greatly improve the experience. Additionally, the workflow for reviewing applicants is to look at one resume at a time and either reject or advance them. It would be better to narrow down the list of applicants being reviewed before going through this process.”
- Greenhouse Review, Bill B.
Related: Need pricing insights? Explore our comprehensive HR software pricing guide.
From my review of G2 user feedback, BambooHR offers a comprehensive suite of HR tools designed to streamline hiring and employee management. It features a user-friendly interface, a dedicated mobile app for on-the-go access, and an ATS that simplifies the recruitment process.
One feature that I frequently see getting a lot of praise is mobile accessibility. G2 users appreciate how the mobile app allows employees to check schedules, request time off, and stay updated without needing a desktop. Many reviewers mention that this convenience of accessing HR tools anytime, anywhere, significantly enhances daily operations.
Another commonly appreciated element is BambooHR’s applicant tracking system (ATS). Users highlight its ability to simplify resume screening, track candidate progress, and schedule interviews. According to feedback I gathered, reviewers value how it organizes applicant data efficiently, reducing the need for manual tracking. This is particularly useful for hiring teams seeking a straightforward, well-structured ATS solution.
In terms of ease of use, BambooHR’s user-friendly interface stands out in reviews. Many G2 users appreciate how the platform makes navigation effortless, even for non-tech-savvy individuals. The logical menu design and clean layout are consistently praised for making it easy to manage employee records or generate HR reports.
On the downside, chat support tends to receive negative feedback. Several G2 users mention that when facing technical difficulties or urgent queries, relying on email or phone support slows down the resolution process. This can be frustrating for users who need quick assistance.
Additionally, reporting and dashboard capabilities are often pointed out as a limitation. I’ve seen users note issues with BambooHR’s basic analytics, noting that reports lack depth. Multiple reviews mention that the limited customization options make it difficult to generate highly specific insights, which can hinder data-driven decision-making.
“BambooHR is a highly user-friendly and intuitive HR system. The platform is designed for ease of use, making it simple to update and manage both candidate and employee records efficiently. It is an excellent tool for tracking and organizing HR processes. Additionally, BambooHR is easy to implement and offers great virtual event features, enhancing employee engagement and collaboration.”
- BambooHR Review, Aicha B.
“My biggest complaint about BambooHR is when I receive email replies from Customer Support, they don't include my original email to them. I'm a busy person, as most HR pros are, and if too much time goes by before I get a reply, I sometimes forget exactly what I needed help with. I really can't think of any complaints I have with the BambooHR system itself.”
- BambooHR Review, Sandy K.
Related: Assess the success of your hiring strategy. Discover how to calculate recruitment ROI.
Based on my review of G2 user feedback, JobDiva is recognized for integrating AI-powered features with robust data management capabilities, helping recruiters streamline sourcing, hiring, and tracking applicants while maintaining a centralized database.
One feature that I see getting a lot of praise is AI-powered candidate matching. The platform's algorithm scans resumes and job descriptions to suggest top candidates, significantly reducing manual search time. From the feedback I gathered from G2 users, many appreciate how this automation allows recruiters to focus on engaging with suitable candidates, saving them hours of sifting through applications.
Another standout capability, according to users, is centralized data management. JobDiva centralizes all recruitment data, including candidate history, job details, and communication logs, making it easier for users to track hiring progress and revisit past interactions. I’ve noticed that G2 reviewers frequently highlight the system’s structured approach to organizing recruitment data, which ensures that important details are easily accessible and not lost in the process.
Some users have also highlighted JobDiva’s customer support as a major strength. Multiple G2 reviews mention that the support team is responsive and helpful, resolving both minor and more complex issues efficiently. This level of support is a commonly appreciated element for recruiters who rely on seamless platform performance.
On the flip side, slow loading times are a recurring theme in negative feedback. According to feedback I gathered from G2 users, some users find certain pages take longer to load than expected, which can become a bottleneck when working under tight deadlines.
Additionally, occasional lag and glitches have been pointed out in several reviews. Users have mentioned that navigating specific features can sometimes result in delays or minor bugs, which require refreshing the page. While this isn’t considered a dealbreaker, I’ve noticed that these issues can hinder efficiency, especially for users managing multiple candidates at once.
“The aspect I appreciate most about JobDiva is its ease of finding suitable candidates from a pool of over a hundred thousand individuals. Additionally, we can update the notes section for each candidate, making information accessible to all users. JobDiva also offers excellent customer support, with responses typically received within minutes. Its straightforward implementation of rules and regulations is another reason why it has so many users.”
- JobDiva Review, Yuven B.
“When dealing with a large number of data, sometimes it becomes a little bit slow, or the site gets down, especially during the peak time."
- JobDiva Review, Sumit K.
Related: Need a payroll app? Discover the 7 best payroll software options for 2025.
From my analysis of G2 user feedback, Ceipal ATS is widely appreciated for its ease of use. Many G2 users highlight how intuitive the interface is, making it easy to navigate between different recruitment functions. Whether users are searching for candidates or managing job postings, the platform's simplicity eliminates the need for extensive training, allowing recruiters to focus on hiring tasks rather than mastering complex software.
Another feature that G2 users consistently praise is resume parsing. The platform effectively extracts key details from resumes and automatically organizes them into structured profiles. According to feedback, this feature is a significant time-saver, reducing manual data entry and ensuring that candidate information is consistently formatted, which improves the effectiveness of searches.
Candidate database organization also receives positive feedback. The ability to store, search, and retrieve candidate profiles efficiently is a commonly appreciated aspect. Reviewers mention how having all candidate information in one place streamlines their workflow and reduces administrative tasks, allowing recruiters to focus on engagement.
However, I’ve seen some users express frustration with performance speed. Some reviewers mention that processes like loading candidate profiles or running searches can take longer than expected. While these delays aren’t a dealbreaker for most, they can become disruptive when working under tight deadlines.
Another point of feedback I’ve come across is the limited customization options. While Ceipal ATS covers the core recruitment needs, some G2 users note that the ability to tailor workflows, reports, and search parameters is somewhat restricted. This could be an issue for teams that require more flexibility to adapt the platform to specific needs.
“Ceipal is the best platform for sending mass emails to all my candidates. It is also very easy to post jobs on job boards. My favorite feature of Ceipal is how simple it is to create a job post.”
- Ceipal ATS Review, Uday K.
“Sometimes the system runs slowly, causing delays in uploading profiles. Additionally, I am uncertain about how to contact customer support if I encounter any technical issues or errors with Ceipal ATS.”
- Ceipal ATS Review, Dhivyashree J.
From my review of G2 user feedback, Lever is highly regarded for its integrations, which are seen as one of its biggest advantages. Many G2 users highlight how seamlessly the platform connects with key recruitment tools like LinkedIn RSC, enabling them to track outreach and sync notes without manual intervention. Additionally, the Data Explorer add-on is frequently praised for enhancing reporting capabilities, allowing users to generate custom insights with ease.
Another standout feature that I see getting a lot of praise is ease of implementation. G2 users consistently mention how smooth the onboarding process is. The setup is described as straightforward, and many reviewers note the proactive role played by customer support in ensuring they were up and running quickly. The low need for extensive training during setup is also appreciated by several users.
Usability is another area where Lever receives positive feedback. Many reviewers mention how the clean, modern interface makes navigation easy, which simplifies managing job postings, tracking candidates, and reviewing reports. Based on feedback, the low learning curve stands out as a notable benefit, allowing new users to get comfortable with the system quickly.
However, I’ve come across noticeable dissatisfaction around lag issues. Some G2 users point out that certain actions, like loading profiles or switching between views, can feel slow at times. Although these delays aren’t frequent, they can disrupt workflow and cause frustration.
Another point of feedback that I’ve noticed is the use of different terminology. While this doesn’t affect functionality, some G2 users find it slightly confusing compared to the standard ATS terminology they are used to. This adjustment period can make the platform feel less intuitive for some users at first.
“I find that Lever is easy to use for adding candidates from various sources, scheduling interviews, customizing interview templates, and uploading an unlimited number of resumes and documents. We also utilize it to search for candidates in the database.”
- Lever Review, Susan H.
“There is not a good way to pause a candidate's progress, especially when a job goes on hold or will be delayed but you're still sourcing candidates.”
- Lever Review, Betsy K.
From my review of G2 user feedback, Zoho Recruit stands out for its customization capabilities. A consistent theme in reviews is the platform’s customization options, which allow users to modify modules and automate workflows. Many G2 reviewers highlight how easy it is to tailor recruitment processes to specific business needs. This flexibility ensures that tasks can be more efficient and suited to each organization’s unique workflow, without relying on cumbersome workarounds.
I frequently see G2 reviewers mention recruitment management as one of Zoho Recruit’s strengths. The platform centralizes candidate tracking, interview scheduling, and collaboration, covering every stage of the hiring process. This reduces the need for external tools, making it easier to manage job postings and applicant progress. Once users become familiar with the layout, many note how the system simplifies these tasks.
A commonly appreciated element is customer support. Users consistently praise Zoho Recruit’s support team for being responsive and helpful. According to feedback from G2 users, having quick assistance available is particularly useful during the initial setup phase, easing the transition and helping users navigate the platform with minimal frustration.
However, based on my review of G2 user feedback, I’ve noticed some users mention a learning curve. While Zoho Recruit offers robust features, many G2 reviewers point out that getting comfortable with all the customization options and settings takes time. New users may need additional onboarding before they can fully take advantage of the platform’s capabilities.
Another challenge that frequently appears in reviews is integration inconsistencies. While Zoho Recruit integrates with various third-party tools, some users note that syncing with calendars or linking to other HR systems doesn’t always function smoothly. These occasional hiccups often require manual adjustments or workarounds, which can disrupt workflow efficiency.
“Finding candidates can often be a lengthy and complex process, but Zoho Recruit has made it more streamlined and organized. From candidate searches and process tracking to interview scheduling and the final hiring stage, everything is much easier to manage.
With Zoho Recruit's reporting tools, I can access a detailed list of all candidates registered on the company's job portal. This allows me to review their profiles, understand their experience, and select the best fit for the vacancy.
The platform's setup is straightforward, and the overall user experience is highly intuitive and efficient, providing excellent support to the recruitment process and helping maintain clear organization for every candidate.”
- Zoho Recruit Review, Ray R.
“Some more advanced features may require technical knowledge, however new users can start with pre-configured templates to gradually learn and explore the more complex features.”
- Zoho Recruit Review, Paul O.
Based on my review of G2 user feedback, HRone is often seen as a versatile solution for businesses, offering a broad range of HR tools, from recruitment management to payroll processing. A consistent theme in reviews is its intuitive interface, which is appreciated for minimizing the learning curve for new users. Many G2 reviewers highlight how easy it is to manage job postings, track applicants, or handle payroll, with the platform’s accessible layout making key functions easy to locate and reducing time spent on administrative tasks.
I’ve noticed that the feature-rich platform is another aspect G2 users frequently praise. HRone offers an extensive suite of HR tools, including attendance tracking and performance management. Many users appreciate how these various functions are integrated into a single system, eliminating the need for multiple external tools and making it easier to manage end-to-end HR operations all in one place.
One standout feature that I see getting a lot of praise is payroll management. Users appreciate how the system automates payroll calculations, reducing the risk of manual errors and ensuring timely salary processing. This is often seen as a major time-saver and a key benefit for businesses managing payroll on a large scale.
However, I’ve come across noticeable dissatisfaction around performance speed. Some G2 users mention that certain tasks, such as loading reports or switching between modules, can take longer than expected. While these slowdowns are not consistent, they can disrupt workflow efficiency, particularly during busy periods when time is of the essence.
I’ve also seen some users express frustration with data deletion options. There doesn’t seem to be a way to permanently delete certain data, which could be a concern for companies with strict data retention policies. Many users suggest that a more flexible approach to data deletion and archival would be beneficial, allowing businesses to better manage their historical records.
“Reduction of manual data as it is automatically captured from the app and reports are generated. Attendance data can be accessed from anywhere anytime of any employee. Location is also tracked for tracking purpose while marking attendance.”
- HROne Review, Arjan M.
“No customization is allowed in the profile section. It is difficult to create formula for the pay components and you also can't share documents more than 50 mb file size.”
- HROne Review, Gangaraju M.
From my review of G2 user feedback, Teamtailor is widely recognized for helping recruiters manage applications efficiently while offering a positive candidate experience. One of the standout features that G2 reviewers consistently highlight is automation. Users appreciate how the platform automates repetitive tasks, such as candidate screening and follow-up emails, which helps keep communication consistent and ensures no candidate is overlooked. This saves recruiters time and allows them to focus more on engaging with candidates.
I frequently see G2 reviewers mention collaboration as a major plus. The ability to share notes, tag team members, and leave structured feedback makes it easier for hiring teams to work together within the platform. Many users highlight how this eliminates the need for scattered emails or external messaging apps, streamlining communication and fostering smoother collaboration between hiring managers and recruiters.
One feature that G2 users really appreciate is branding capabilities. Teamtailor's career site builder allows companies to create an engaging careers page without needing technical skills. Reviewers often praise the customization options, which make it easy to align the career site with a company’s employer brand, enhancing the overall candidate experience.
However, based on my review of G2 user feedback, the mobile experience is a common point of frustration. While the desktop version is often praised for its ease of use, many users mention that navigating the platform on mobile devices could be more seamless. Tasks like reviewing applications on the go can be more cumbersome due to the lack of mobile optimization, which some users find inconvenient.
Additionally, I’ve come across noticeable dissatisfaction around occasional glitches. While not major dealbreakers, users have pointed out issues such as delays in loading candidate profiles or inconsistencies in CV parsing. These minor technical hiccups occasionally disrupt workflow and could benefit from further improvements to enhance the platform's overall efficiency.
“We like how it has transformed our process tremendously, moving us from a cold, impersonal recruiter towards an agency that is enabled to be engaging (Nurture Campaign). It’s intuitive, candidate-friendly, and actually makes hiring feel like a two-way conversation rather than just filling a job. Plus, the careersite has been extremely helpful. The game changer is really the recent development of Co-pilot that allows you to screen through hundreds of CVs based on your screening criteria.”
- Teamtailor Review, Josiah L.
“My only critique would be that to access the transcription feature, the interview has to be recorded, which I find a bit costly. As a result, I had to use Tactiq for transcription and note-taking instead.”
- Teamtailor Review, Antonella S.
For recruiters focused on efficiency, Greenhouse offers structured hiring processes, while Lever combines ATS and CRM for better candidate engagement. JobDiva provides AI-driven automation for high-volume sourcing, and Ceipal ATS excels in resume parsing and vendor management. These platforms support organized hiring, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making.
Greenhouse and Lever use AI to rank candidates for effective resume screening, while JobDiva and Ceipal ATS specialize in detailed parsing and keyword matching. Zoho Recruit automates resume analysis, helping recruiters focus on the most qualified applicants.
Small businesses benefit from ATS platforms that are easy to use and adaptable. BambooHR simplifies hiring with built-in HR tools, Zoho Recruit offers cost-effective automation, HROne connects hiring with other HR functions, and Teamtailor helps with branding and candidate experience. These options make hiring more manageable for growing teams.
Staffing agencies rely on ATS platforms that support high-volume hiring. JobDiva stands out with AI-driven sourcing, Ceipal ATS improves candidate tracking with VMS integrations, Zoho Recruit offers workflows built for staffing needs, and Greenhouse helps recruiters assess candidates effectively. These tools make it easier to handle large applicant pools.
Yes, all the listed ATS platforms are cloud-based. They allow recruiters and HR teams to access hiring tools from any location, offering flexibility and integration with other software.
Finding the right applicant tracking system can make all the difference in how you hire, manage candidates, and keep your team aligned. Whether you're handling high-volume recruiting, building a structured hiring process, or searching for a solution that grows with your business, the right tool can make every step easier.
From automating repetitive tasks to improving collaboration, the best ATS options listed here are designed to create a smoother experience for everyone. I’ve done the research, breaking down the pros, cons, and key features, so you don’t have to. Now, the only question left is: Which one best fits your hiring needs?
Curious about how your HR operations are performing? Explore HR analytics software.
If you’ve found yourself asking what an ATS is, it’s time to learn more about how an applicant...
by Mara Calvello
An application tracking system (ATS) is part of many organizations' recruitment tech stack....
by Sudipto Paul
Finding the right candidates for your business’s open positions can be long and repetitive....
by Holly Landis