Published on Jul 5, 2025 4 min read

5 Top-Rated Applicant Tracking Software for Small Businesses

For any small business, hiring new staff is a significant task requiring time and effort. Many small businesses turn to specialized tools known as applicant tracking systems (ATS) to streamline their hiring processes. These systems simplify job posting, resume tracking, and interview scheduling, ensuring a more organized and efficient approach.

Why Applicant Tracking Systems Matter

These hiring process tools empower even small teams to hire more effectively. Some ATS tools are free, while others offer advanced features for a premium. Each tool provides unique advantages tailored to different team needs. While some focus on automation, others emphasize team collaboration. This guide explores five essential ATS tools for small businesses, helping you find the one that best fits your team’s needs.

Top 5 Applicant Tracking Systems for Small Businesses

Discover the best ATS for small businesses to simplify your recruitment process.

1. Breezy HR

Breezy HR is an intuitive applicant tracking solution perfect for small businesses. Its drag-and-drop interface feels like moving cards across a board, allowing users to design custom hiring pipelines. Even the free version acts as robust job posting software, managing applicants, interviews, and listings in one place. Key features include candidate scorecards, SMS messaging, email templates, and video interviews. Breezy HR fosters team collaboration, which is crucial when multiple people are involved in hiring. Automation tools handle repetitive tasks like email follow-ups and interview scheduling. However, advanced reports and background checks require a subscription. The free plan offers a good starting point for small organizations seeking a user-friendly, adaptable ATS.

2. Workable

For small businesses looking to enhance their hiring strategies, Workable is a scalable and robust ATS. It supports job postings on over 200 job boards with just one click, helping small teams reach a wider audience. The platform includes structured evaluation tools, AI-driven candidate sourcing, and interview kits, promoting smarter hiring. Workable also offers mobile access, enabling users to manage applicants or resumes anytime, anywhere. Team collaboration tools, onboarding, and templates simplify the hiring process. While there is no free plan, Workable’s pricing allows for scaling, starting with a basic package and upgrading as needed. Its user-friendly interface and supportive resources make it ideal for small businesses ready for growth.

3. Zoho Recruit

Zoho Recruit is an excellent choice for small businesses seeking to customize their hiring process. As part of the larger Zoho suite, it integrates seamlessly with Zoho CRM, email, and other tools many small businesses already use. The platform offers job posting, resume processing, candidate tracking, and customizable workflows. Many processes, including email correspondence and candidate progress updates, can be automated. Zoho Recruit provides unique features for staffing agencies and internal hiring, with configurable dashboards and data to monitor hiring performance. While the learning curve is steep, the system’s flexibility and control are worth the effort. Mobile access, client portals, and job site integrations keep recruiters effective from anywhere. Although the free plan is limited, Zoho Recruit is a cost-effective option for businesses using Zoho or seeking a personalized hiring solution.

4. Recruitee

Recruitee supports team collaboration by promoting collective efforts in recruiting. Small businesses find it easy to make hiring decisions together with a shared dashboard where everyone can view applications, leave comments, and rate candidates. Recruitee allows for customized workflows, offering templates for career pages, job descriptions, and interview questions. Its ability to create a branded careers website helps attract talent that fits your company culture. The platform’s straightforward UI is ideal for non-tech users and includes candidate sourcing, job promotion tools, and email scheduling. While there is no free version, subscription plans offer excellent value for small teams. Recruitee is perfect for companies wanting a centralized, flexible platform to manage the entire hiring process.

5. JazzHR

JazzHR is designed specifically for small and growing businesses, offering a comprehensive set of essential hiring tools at an affordable price. It allows for unlimited job postings, resume organization, interview scheduling, and workflow creation tailored to your team’s hiring process. JazzHR ensures compliance with hiring policies, including EEOC and OFCCP guidelines. It features team communication tools, interview scorecards, and searchable resumes for better decision-making. JazzHR integrates with popular job boards, quickly reaching qualified applicants. Although the interface may seem outdated to some users, its simplicity and functionality provide great value, especially in the standard plan. JazzHR is ideal for businesses needing a straightforward ATS that balances price, performance, and customization.

Conclusion

Choosing the right ATS for your small business will simplify, expedite, and organize your hiring processes. Each product discussed—Breezy HR, Workable, Zoho Recruit, Recruitee, and JazzHR—offers functional capabilities to meet diverse needs. Whether you prioritize simplicity, affordability, or comprehensive features, there’s a fantastic option available. Consider your team’s needs, such as collaboration, automation, or customization, and match them with the right tool. These systems enable small teams to work smarter, not harder. Try one that aligns with your style and budget, and soon you’ll be enhancing your hiring process!

For more insights on optimizing your business processes, explore our other technology reviews.