Remember the good old days? When 'hiring' meant taping a 'Help Wanted' sign to your window and hoping for the best? Yeah, me neither. Now, you post a single job opening and get buried under an avalanche of PDFs, each one claiming 'expert proficiency' in Microsoft Word. Your inbox becomes a black hole, and you spend more time wrestling with spreadsheets than actually talking to qualified people.

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) promises to fix this mess, but most are built for corporate giants with budgets to match. So, which platforms are actually worth it for a small business? We’ve been in the trenches, tested the software, and lived to tell the tale. This guide cuts through the marketing fluff to give you a pragmatic look at the best applicant tracking systems for small businesses. We'll dive into what works, what doesn't, and how much it’ll actually cost you.

We’ll show you how these tools can organize your chaos, from posting jobs to scheduling interviews. And once you find that perfect candidate, the next step is just as critical. After your ATS helps streamline candidate selection, crafting a clear and compelling offer is the final hurdle. We've found some solid job offer letter templates that can help you seal the deal professionally. Let’s dig in.

1. JazzHR – Async Interview Integration

For small businesses trying to punch above their weight in the talent market, the JazzHR – Async Interview integration isn't just a tool; it’s a secret weapon. It combines a solid, user-friendly ATS with the game-changing efficiency of one-way video interviews, solving the biggest bottleneck in hiring: scheduling. This isn't about adding another shiny object to your tech stack; it's about fundamentally rethinking how you screen candidates.

This powerful duo lets you automate the initial screening process. Instead of endless, mind-numbing phone screens, you send candidates a link to record video responses to your questions on their own time. Those videos pop up directly inside the candidate's profile in JazzHR, creating a single source of truth for your hiring team. It’s one of the best applicant tracking systems for small businesses because it directly tackles the resource drain of early-stage interviews.

Why It Stands Out

What makes this combo so effective is its seamless workflow. You're not just bolting on a video tool; you're embedding it into your core hiring process. The AI-powered transcription feature is a massive time-saver, allowing you to scan responses for keywords instead of watching every minute of every video. And yes, we're biased. Toot, toot!

Key Strength: By eliminating the logistical nightmare of scheduling initial calls, this integration lets you review a higher volume of candidates in a fraction of the time, accelerating your entire hiring pipeline.

For a practical use case, imagine you need to hire a sales representative. You can send a video interview request to 50 applicants, have them answer questions about their sales philosophy and a mock pitch, and review their submissions whenever you have a free moment. The best contenders are then moved forward in JazzHR for live interviews, saving dozens of hours. This is how you modernize your recruitment process with on-demand asynchronous interviews and actually compete with larger companies.

Pros:

• Streamlines the initial screening process directly within the ATS workflow.
• Significantly reduces time-to-hire by allowing on-demand review of candidates.
• AI transcription makes evaluating video submissions faster and more efficient.
• Consolidates all feedback and candidate data in one platform, perfect for team collaboration.

Cons:

• Best suited for small to midsize businesses; may not scale for massive enterprise needs.
• Requires familiarity with both platforms to leverage the integration to its fullest potential.

Website: https://asyncinterview.io/integrations/jazzhr/

2. Workable

Workable is for the small business that wants to look and feel like a big-shot recruiting firm. It’s an all-in-one platform that handles not just your applicant tracking but can also manage basic HRIS functions like onboarding and time off. If you’re tired of duct-taping five different tools together to get one hire across the finish line, Workable feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s a robust, full-featured suite that doesn’t require a dedicated IT department to get running.

The real knockout feature is its powerful sourcing tool, giving you access to a massive candidate database right from the jump. Instead of just posting and praying, you can actively hunt for talent. Plus, its one-click job posting to over 200 sites saves you from a soul-crushing afternoon of copy-pasting job descriptions. It’s one of the best applicant tracking systems for small businesses that plan to scale their hiring efforts, and fast.

Key Details & Pricing

Workable offers transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing starting at $149/month for their "Starter" plan, which is rare and refreshing in the ATS space. You can try it out with a 15-day free trial.

Pros:

• Transparent Pricing: You can see costs and sign up online without a sales call. A minor miracle.
• Unlimited Jobs: The Standard plan lets you hire for as many roles as you need simultaneously.
• All-in-One Potential: It can grow with you, adding HRIS features as you need them.

Cons:

• Costly Add-ons: Features like video interviews and assessments will jack up your monthly bill.
• Tier-Gated Features: Advanced tools like single sign-on (SSO) are locked behind pricier plans.

Visit Workable to learn more.

3. JazzHR

JazzHR is the workhorse. It's the go-to applicant tracking system for small businesses that need a powerful, no-nonsense recruiting engine without a hefty price tag or a complex setup. It's built for teams that want to post a job and see qualified candidates roll in, not spend weeks learning a new platform. If you value straightforward functionality over flashy, enterprise-level extras, JazzHR delivers a clean, focused experience that just plain works. It’s for the SMB that needs to hire effectively now.

What makes JazzHR a top contender is its incredible value and flexibility. You get unlimited users and jobs on all plans, which is a rare find and a massive win for growing teams. The platform excels at the core ATS functions: job syndication, collaborative hiring workflows, and interview scheduling. Its extensive integration marketplace means you can easily connect it to your existing HRIS or payroll systems, making it one of the best applicant tracking systems for small businesses looking for a scalable and budget-friendly solution.

Key Details & Pricing

JazzHR offers three simple, public-facing pricing plans, starting at $59/month for their "Hero" plan, making it one of the most accessible options available. They offer a 21-day free trial.

Pros:

• Budget-Friendly: The entry-level plan is highly affordable and packed with core features.
• Unlimited Everything: No caps on jobs or users, which is fantastic for scaling teams.
• Broad Integration Network: Connects seamlessly with dozens of popular HR and payroll tools.

Cons:

• Add-on Costs: Key features like candidate texting and advanced reporting cost extra.
• Tier-Gated Features: Critical tools like offers and e-signatures are reserved for higher-priced plans.

Visit JazzHR to learn more.

4. Breezy HR

Breezy HR is for the small business that needs a legitimate, powerful ATS without a terrifying price tag. If you're dipping your toes into structured hiring for the first time, their free plan is a godsend, letting you manage one active job with surprising depth. It’s designed to feel less like clunky enterprise software and more like a modern tool you’d actually want to use, with a clean, drag-and-drop pipeline that makes tracking candidates feel intuitive, not like a chore.

The platform’s strength lies in its automation and candidate communication features. It automates interview scheduling and sends customized emails, saving you from the black hole of administrative follow-up. Plus, with job posting to over 50 boards and built-in EEOC/OFCCP reporting, it handles the tedious-but-critical tasks right out of the box. It’s one of the best applicant tracking systems for small businesses looking for a free or low-cost entry point with the power to scale.

Key Details & Pricing

Breezy HR shines with its transparent pricing, including a genuinely useful free plan. Paid plans start at $171/month ("Growth") and all come with unlimited users and candidates. A 14-day free trial is available for all paid plans.

Pros:

• Genuine Free Tier: A truly free-forever plan for one position is perfect for startups.
• Transparent Pricing: You can see all costs upfront without a sales demo.
• Strong Automation: Excellent tools for interview scheduling and candidate communication.

Cons:

• Add-on Costs: Key features like texting candidates and some AI tools cost extra.
• Advanced Analytics Gated: The most powerful reporting features are reserved for higher-tier plans.

Visit Breezy HR to learn more.

5. BambooHR (with built-in ATS)

BambooHR isn't just an ATS; it’s a full-blown HR platform where recruiting is one piece of a much larger puzzle. This is the choice for the small business that wants to graduate from spreadsheets for everything. If you're looking for a single system to handle hiring, onboarding, performance, and time off, BambooHR elegantly combines these functions. It’s less about being a specialized recruiting tool and more about creating a seamless employee lifecycle from the first application.

The standout feature here is the integration. When you hire a candidate, their data flows directly into the HRIS, kicking off your onboarding workflow without any manual data entry. It’s one of the best applicant tracking systems for small businesses that prioritize an all-in-one approach over a best-of-breed, standalone ATS. The dedicated mobile "Hiring" app is also a huge plus, letting you manage candidates from anywhere instead of being chained to your desk.

Key Details & Pricing

The $500 Hello: BambooHR uses a quote-based pricing model, so you'll need to contact sales for a custom price. The ATS is included in their "Advantage" package, not the "Essentials" base plan.

Pros:

• All-in-One System: A single source of truth for all HR data, from applicant to tenured employee.
• Excellent Mobile App: The dedicated Hiring app makes reviewing candidates on the go incredibly practical.
• Scalable Integrations: A robust marketplace allows you to connect other tools as your needs grow.

Cons:

• Quote-Based Pricing: You can't see the cost without a sales call, making it hard to compare quickly.
• Not a Standalone ATS: It’s overkill and not cost-effective if you only need applicant tracking.

Visit BambooHR to learn more.

6. Zoho Recruit

Zoho Recruit is for the small business that wants a powerful, customizable hiring engine without having to sell a kidney to afford it. If you’re already living in the Zoho ecosystem with its CRM or other business apps, this feels like coming home. It’s a cost-effective and wildly flexible ATS designed for both in-house HR teams and staffing agencies, offering a level of automation that lets you punch way above your budget.

The standout here is its deep integration and customization. You aren’t just getting an applicant tracker; you're getting a platform that can be molded to your exact workflow with custom modules and powerful automation rules. Its multi-channel sourcing and resume parsing tools streamline the top of your funnel, while built-in analytics give you the data to make smarter hiring decisions. For small businesses that need a system that adapts to them, not the other way around, Zoho Recruit is one of the best applicant tracking systems available.

Key Details & Pricing

Zoho Recruit offers a free-forever plan for a single recruiter and transparent, affordable paid plans starting at just $30/recruiter/month (billed annually).

Pros:

• Highly Affordable: The free plan and low-cost entry point make it accessible for any budget.
• Zoho Ecosystem: Seamlessly integrates with Zoho CRM, Mail, and other business tools. To understand its power, learn more about how it fits into the broader world of recruitment automation tools.
• Customizable: Offers deep customization options to build the exact hiring process you need.

Cons:

• Learning Curve: The user interface can feel a bit dated and may require time to fully customize and master.
• Add-on Costs: Key features like video interviews and candidate portals are paid add-ons.

Visit Zoho Recruit to learn more.

7. Freshteam by Freshworks

Freshteam is the answer for small businesses that think a full-blown ATS is overkill but are drowning in recruitment spreadsheets. It's a lightweight, user-friendly platform that cleverly bundles applicant tracking with essential HR functions. If your hiring process is currently a chaotic mix of email threads and shared folders, Freshteam offers a clean, organized alternative without a steep learning curve or a scary price tag. It’s designed for teams who need to get organized fast and don't have a dedicated HR tech manager.

What sets Freshteam apart is its generous free forever plan, making it one of the best applicant tracking systems for small businesses just dipping their toes into formal recruitment software. The platform scales gracefully, allowing you to add more advanced HR tools like onboarding and employee data management as you grow. Its clean candidate pipelines, interview kits, and simple automations (Autopilot) help you professionalize your hiring without needing a corporate budget. This approach is why it's also a top contender among the best HR software for startups.

Key Details & Pricing

Freshteam offers a free plan for up to 50 employees and three active job postings. Paid plans are priced per employee, making costs predictable as you scale.

Pros:

• Generous Free Plan: Perfect for getting started with zero financial commitment.
• User-Friendly Interface: Incredibly easy to set up and use, even for non-technical teams.
• Integrated HR Suite: Can grow with you from a simple ATS to a more comprehensive HRIS.

Cons:

• Limited Customization: Less flexible than more robust enterprise-level systems.
• Hidden Pricing Details: Some specific costs or add-ons can be hard to find on the main site.

Visit Freshteam by Freshworks to learn more.

8. Manatal

Manatal is the answer for the small business that needs powerful AI and automation without having to mortgage the office ping-pong table. It delivers a surprisingly robust feature set, including AI-driven candidate recommendations and slick pipeline automation, at a price point that won't make your accountant cry. If you’re a tiny team trying to operate like a major player, Manatal gives you the tools to source, engage, and manage candidates with impressive efficiency.

Its standout capability is its AI engine, which goes beyond simple keyword matching to score and enrich candidate profiles. The Chrome extension for LinkedIn sourcing is also a game-changer, letting you pull profiles directly into your talent pool. It’s one of the best applicant tracking systems for small businesses focused on getting the most bang for their buck, offering enterprise-grade features in a refreshingly simple package. The clean interface means you can get set up and start hiring in an afternoon.

Key Details & Pricing

Manatal’s per-user pricing is transparent and highly competitive, starting at just $15 per user/month. They offer a 14-day free trial without requiring a credit card, so you can test the full platform risk-free.

Pros:

• Affordable Pricing: The low per-user cost is ideal for startups and very small businesses.
• Powerful AI Tools: Get automated candidate scoring and enrichment without a high price tag.
• Easy to Use: The platform is intuitive and quick to set up with a clean, modern interface.

Cons:

• Limited Integrations: Its third-party app ecosystem is smaller than more established competitors.
• Tier-Gated API: Key features like API access and SSO are locked behind the highest-tier plans.

Visit Manatal to learn more.

9. Recruitee (by Tellent)

Recruitee is designed for the modern, collaborative hiring team that cares deeply about its employer brand. If your hiring process feels less like a well-oiled machine and more like a chaotic group chat, this platform brings structure and style. It excels at creating a seamless, branded candidate experience from the first click, making it one of the best applicant tracking systems for small businesses that want to look like major league players. It’s less about just tracking applicants and more about building a talent magnet.

The platform’s standout feature is its CareersHub, which lets you build a polished, custom careers site without needing a developer. This, combined with its strong emphasis on team-based evaluation and interview scheduling, makes hiring feel like a group effort, not a siloed task. Forget endless email threads; everyone can see candidate progress, leave notes, and coordinate schedules in one place, which is a lifesaver for fast-moving teams.

Key Details & Pricing

Recruitee's pricing is based on active jobs and your company's employee count, with plans often requiring an annual commitment. You can start with an 18-day free trial.

Pros:

• Strong Employer Branding: The custom careers site builder is a top-tier feature.
• Team Collaboration: Designed from the ground up to support team-based hiring workflows.
• Great User Experience: The interface is clean, modern, and easy for the whole team to adopt.

Cons:

• Annual Billing Focus: Monthly plans are pricier, pushing you toward an annual commitment.
• Pricing by Employee Count: The cost increases as your company grows, even if your hiring volume doesn't.

Visit Recruitee to learn more.

10. Indeed Employer (Sponsored Jobs and Hiring tools)

While not a full-blown ATS, Indeed is the 800-pound gorilla of job boards, and its built-in hiring tools are a crucial starting point for any small business. Think of it less as a dedicated system and more as a high-powered candidate pipeline. If you need to fill a role yesterday and want to tap into the largest active candidate pool in the U.S., sponsoring a job on Indeed is often the fastest way to get applications flowing. It’s the definition of meeting candidates where they are.

The real power here is its pay-to-play model. You set a budget, and your job post gets premium placement. Indeed’s lightweight tools for screening, messaging, and matching candidates are surprisingly effective for managing initial volume. It's one of the best applicant tracking systems for small businesses that need immediate reach without committing to a complex platform. For many, it’s the perfect top-of-funnel tool that can feed into a more robust ATS later.

Key Details & Pricing

Indeed offers free standard job postings, but its real value comes from its flexible, budget-based Sponsored Jobs. You can start with a small daily budget and scale up as needed, paying per application or per click depending on your preference.

Pros:

• Unmatched Reach: Tap into the largest pool of U.S. candidates instantly.
• Flexible Budgeting: Start with a low daily budget and only pay for performance.
• Simplicity: The self-serve interface is incredibly easy to use and requires no training.

Cons:

• Not a True ATS: Lacks deep workflow automation, collaboration, and reporting features.
• Variable Costs: Budgeting can be unpredictable and requires monitoring to optimize spend.

Visit Indeed Employer to learn more.

11. Capterra – Applicant Tracking Software Category

Think of Capterra not as an ATS, but as the ultimate ATS matchmaker. When you’re staring down a list of fifty near-identical platforms, Capterra is where you go to cut through the noise. It’s a massive software directory that lets you compare hundreds of applicant tracking systems side-by-side, filter by your exact needs, and read reviews from other small business owners who’ve already been in the trenches. It’s less of a tool and more of a research command center for your hiring stack.

Instead of booking ten different sales demos, you can use its powerful filters to shortlist platforms based on pricing models, specific features like interview scheduling, and business size. This is how you discover those hidden-gem tools that don't have a million-dollar marketing budget. For any small business trying to find the best applicant tracking system without a dedicated research team, Capterra is an indispensable first step to making a smart, informed decision.

Key Details & Pricing

Capterra is a free resource for buyers. The platform makes money through vendor advertising and referral fees, but access to reviews, guides, and comparison tools costs you nothing.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Listings: A great way to discover a wide range of ATS options, including niche players.
• Real User Feedback: Unfiltered reviews give you a sense of real-world performance.
• Powerful Filtering: Lets you quickly narrow the field to tools that meet your specific criteria.

Cons:

• Sponsored Placements: Be aware that the default sorting may be influenced by vendor advertising; always sort and filter.
• Outdated Information: Pricing and feature sets can sometimes lag behind the vendor’s official site, so always verify.

Visit Capterra to start your research.

12. BambooHR Marketplace – ATS Listings and BambooHR ATS Info

For the small business that already runs on BambooHR for its HRIS, this isn't just a resource; it's your command center. Instead of presenting a single ATS, the BambooHR Marketplace shows you how to supercharge your existing setup. It details BambooHR’s own solid ATS and lists dozens of third-party applicant tracking systems that integrate seamlessly. It answers the crucial question: "How can I get the best recruiting tools without breaking my current HR workflow?"

This platform is less about finding a standalone tool and more about building a connected ecosystem. You can compare partners like Greenhouse, Workable, and Breezy to see how they plug into BambooHR, ensuring candidate data flows directly into your employee records upon hiring. It’s one of the best applicant tracking systems for small businesses that prioritize integration and want to avoid the nightmare of manual data entry between platforms.

Key Details & Pricing

The Marketplace itself is free to browse. Pricing for BambooHR's ATS is part of their overall HRIS packages, which require a custom quote. Partner ATS pricing varies and is listed on their respective sites, though the marketplace often provides starting price notes.

Pros:

• Perfect for BambooHR Users: It’s the easiest way to find a compatible ATS if you're already in their ecosystem.
• Clear Integration Info: You know exactly how a partner app will connect and share data.
• One-Stop Research: Saves you from hunting down which ATS platforms play nice with your HRIS.

Cons:

• Biased Ecosystem: This is a walled garden; it only shows tools that integrate with BambooHR.
• Inconsistent Pricing Info: You often have to click through and request quotes from partners.

Visit the BambooHR Marketplace to learn more.

Top 12 Applicant Tracking Systems Comparison for Small Businesses

So, What's the Verdict? Your Next Move.

Alright, we’ve laid it all out. We’ve dissected JazzHR, poked holes in Workable’s pricing, and given BambooHR a nod for its all-in-one ambition. If your eyes are glazing over from feature comparisons and pricing tiers, let’s bring it back to reality. The painful truth is there’s no single, magical "best applicant tracking system for small businesses" that fits everyone. Sorry, I don't make the rules.

The right choice for your startup that's scaling like crazy is going to be wildly different from what a stable 30-person agency needs. One of you needs a drag-and-drop pipeline like Breezy HR; the other might benefit more from an integrated HRIS like BambooHR to keep everything under one roof. The biggest mistake you can make right now is getting paralyzed by choice and sticking with that color-coded spreadsheet you’re so proud of. It’s a ticking time bomb of missed candidates and administrative chaos.

Your Action Plan: Ditch the Analysis Paralysis

So, what's next? Don't just close this tab and go back to your inbox. It’s time to get your hands dirty.

1. Shortlist Your Contenders: Pick two, maybe three, platforms from this list that genuinely resonated with you. Did Zoho Recruit’s "free forever" plan catch your eye? Or did Recruitee’s collaborative features feel like the perfect fit for your team-based hiring?
2. Run the Free Trials (Seriously): Don't just watch the slick demo videos. Sign up for the trial and run a real, live job opening through it. Post a role, move a few dummy candidates through the pipeline, and see how it feels. Is the interface intuitive, or does it feel like you need an engineering degree to schedule an interview?
3. Focus on Workflow, Not Just Features: A shiny feature list is useless if it complicates your day. The goal is to reclaim your time, not to add more clicks to your process. The best ATS will make your hiring workflow smoother, faster, and less prone to human error. It should feel like an upgrade, not just a different kind of busywork.

Ultimately, choosing an ATS is just the first step. For many small businesses, the real bottleneck isn't just tracking applicants, it's the entire HR ecosystem. If you find yourself needing a more holistic solution, a broader review of the 7 Best Small Business HR Solutions for UK Firms can provide valuable context on managing everything from payroll to performance.

The right technology doesn't just organize your chaos; it gives you the leverage to compete with the big guys for top talent. Stop letting great candidates slip through the cracks because of a clunky process. Pick a tool, commit to it, and start hiring people who will actually move the needle.

Ready to supercharge your new ATS and cut your screening time in half? Async Interview plugs directly into your workflow, letting you replace tedious phone screens with powerful, one-way video interviews. Stop scheduling, start hiring. See how Async Interview can transform your hiring process.