Hiring the right people is one of the toughest challenges for any company. That is why most businesses today rely on an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). An ATS is a powerful Candidate Tracking System that helps Talent Acquisition Specialists manage applications, shortlist resumes, schedule interviews, and improve the overall candidate experience.
The USA is home to some of the Best ATS Software that are trusted worldwide. From large enterprises to growing startups, organizations use these tools to save time, reduce bias, and hire smarter. The Top ATS Systems are more than just tools, they are complete hiring solutions. They bring together automation, analytics, and collaboration so companies can focus on people instead of paperwork.
In this guide, we will explore the Best Applicant Tracking Systems in the USA, arranged in decreasing order of effectiveness. Each section will explain the history, unique features, and pros and cons of these Top Applicant Tracking Systems so you can find the one that matches your business needs.
List of the Top ATS Systems in the USA – Ranked by Effectiveness
Here is a List of the Top Applicant Tracking Systems in USA:
- Zimyo – Unified HRMS + ATS with AI hiring, smooth workflows, and strong candidate experience.
- Greenhouse – Best overall for structured hiring, analytics, DEI tools, and collaboration.
- Workable – Highly effective AI-driven automation, excellent for scaling teams fast.
- Lever – Strong ATS + CRM combo, nurturing pipelines & enhancing candidate experience.
- iCIMS – Enterprise-grade, robust compliance, reporting, and integrations.
- SmartRecruiters – End-to-end hiring platform with AI features, great for global enterprises.
- Workday Recruiting – Best for organizations already on Workday HCM, seamless integration.
- Pinpoint – Excellent for candidate experience and workflow customization.
- Breezy HR – Simplified, affordable, with video interviewing & drag-and-drop pipelines.
- BambooHR – ATS + HRIS + onboarding, strong fit for SMBs.
- Zoho Recruit – Cost-effective, flexible, with AI features and a free tier.
- Recooty – Best for small teams/startups; user-friendly, budget ATS.
Now, let us understand each one of these in detail.
Top ATS Systems in the USA (Explained in Detail)
1. Zimyo
Zimyo is an HR Tech company founded in 2018 in Gurugram, India, and is now growing its presence in the USA as well. It offers a complete HRMS suite along with one of the Best Applicant Tracking Systems for small and mid-sized businesses. Zimyo ATS was designed to simplify recruitment for HR teams and Talent Acquisition Specialists by making the process faster, smarter, and more collaborative. It is recognized as one of the Top ATS Systems for businesses that want all HR and recruitment functions in a single platform.
Uniquely Different Features
- Easy integration with Zimyo HRMS (payroll, performance, onboarding).
- AI-based resume parsing and candidate shortlisting.
- Customizable workflows for different job roles.
- Branded career page and candidate self-service portal.
- In-depth analytics for recruiters and Talent Acquisition Specialists.
- Mobile-friendly interface for better candidate experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Affordable Best ATS Software for SMBs | Not yet as widely known as global Top ATS Systems |
All-in-one platform with HR + Applicant Tracking System | Limited marketplace integrations compared to Greenhouse or SmartRecruiters |
Improves candidate experience with branded career pages | Fewer advanced AI tools than Workable |
Great support and easy setup | Focused mainly on SMBs, not very large enterprises |
Helps Talent Acquisition Specialists manage end-to-end hiring | Reporting features are basic compared to iCIMS |
2. Greenhouse
Greenhouse started in 2012 in New York. It quickly became one of the Top Applicant Tracking Systems because it focused on structured hiring instead of unplanned recruiting. Today, it is trusted by global companies for creating a fair and data-driven hiring process. Talent Acquisition Specialists love it for its detailed analytics and fairness in hiring.
Uniquely Different Features
- Structured hiring workflows (interview kits, scorecards, job benchmarking).
- Advanced diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) tools.
- Interactive analytics dashboards for every hiring stage.
- Strong candidate experience focus with consistent interview journeys.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Best Applicant Tracking System for structured hiring | Learning curve for first-time users |
Excellent for candidate experience | Can feel complex for small businesses |
Robust integrations with HR and recruiting tools | Pricing is on the higher side |
Trusted by top enterprises as the Best ATS Software | Customization requires admin effort |
3. Workable
Workable was founded in 2012 in Greece and later moved to Boston. It became one of the Best ATS Systems because it focuses heavily on automation and AI. It helps businesses of all sizes hire quickly and efficiently, making it a favorite for growing teams and Talent Acquisition Specialists.
Uniquely Different Features
- AI-powered sourcing of candidates.
- Automated job description generation.
- AI-based resume screening and candidate scoring.
- Simple yet powerful mobile experience for recruiters and candidates.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Best Applicant Tracking System for AI-driven hiring | Some advanced features cost extra |
Candidate Tracking System with easy-to-use UI | Reporting is less detailed compared to Greenhouse |
Affordable compared to other Top ATS Systems | Limited CRM capabilities |
Improves candidate experience with fast communication | May not suit very large enterprises |
Fact: According to a Market.us report, the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) market in North America was worth about USD 1,028.7 million in 2024, and is expected to grow to around USD 1,823.2 million by 2034.
4. Lever
Lever started in 2012 in San Francisco. It combined an Applicant Tracking System with a CRM to make nurturing talent easier. It is ranked among the Top ATS Systems because it doesn’t just track applicants but also helps recruiters build long-term talent pipelines.
Uniquely Different Features
- ATS + CRM in one platform.
- Advanced pipeline nurturing and automated email outreach.
- Visual dashboards for better candidate tracking.
- Collaborative hiring tools that involve entire teams.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Best ATS Software for building pipelines | Can be expensive for small firms |
Candidate experience is highly personalized | Advanced reporting requires training |
Loved by Talent Acquisition Specialists for nurturing | Complex setup for new users |
One of the Top Applicant Tracking Systems for mid-market companies | Limited scalability for very large enterprises |
5. iCIMS
iCIMS was founded in 1999 in New Jersey, making it one of the oldest and most trusted Applicant Tracking Systems in the USA. It is mainly used by large enterprises and is recognized as a Top ATS System for compliance, scalability, and automation.
Uniquely Different Features
- Enterprise-grade compliance tools.
- Built-in AI candidate matching and job recommendations.
- Email templates and automated interview scheduling.
- Talent cloud for ongoing candidate relationship management.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
One of the Best ATS Systems for enterprise hiring | Pricing is high |
Strong Candidate Tracking System for large companies | Can feel heavy for SMBs |
Excellent for global compliance and reporting | User interface is less modern |
Supports large-scale talent acquisition specialists | Setup takes time |
6. SmartRecruiters
SmartRecruiters was founded in 2010 in San Francisco. It quickly became one of the Top Applicant Tracking Systems for global enterprises. Its Best ATS Software is known for combining candidate sourcing, applicant tracking, and AI bias reduction tools.
Uniquely Different Features
- End-to-end hiring platform.
- AI tools for reducing unconscious bias.
- Marketplace of over 600 recruiting apps.
- Strong collaboration features for Talent Acquisition Specialists.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
One of the Top ATS Systems for global firms | Expensive for startups |
Improves candidate experience with fairness tools | Can be overwhelming with features |
Best ATS Software for multinational recruiting | Support can be slow for smaller clients |
Flexible and customizable workflows | Complexity for beginners |
7. Workday Recruiting
Workday Recruiting is part of Workday’s larger HCM suite. It became popular in the last decade as a Top ATS System for enterprises already using Workday for HR, payroll, and finance.
Uniquely Different Features
- Fully integrated with Workday HCM.
- Candidate pipelines tied directly to HR workflows.
- Strong analytics and reporting.
- Unified platform for HR + ATS in one.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Best Applicant Tracking System for companies already on Workday | Only useful if company already uses Workday |
Strong analytics and compliance | Candidate experience is weaker compared to Greenhouse |
Works well for large enterprises | Can feel clunky and outdated |
Trusted by global firms | Complex implementation |
8. Pinpoint
Pinpoint is a modern ATS created to improve the Candidate Experience. It is recognized as one of the Best ATS Systems for mid-sized companies that want better workflows and branding.
Uniquely Different Features
- Candidate-focused design.
- Branded career sites and application forms.
- Custom workflows for hiring teams.
- Easy collaboration for Talent Acquisition Specialists.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Candidate experience is the best among Top ATS Systems | Less known compared to big names |
Affordable Best ATS Software for mid-market | Limited AI features |
Easy setup and use | Smaller support network |
Customizable workflows | Not ideal for very large companies |
Fact: According to Ongig’s study of ATS usage in the Fortune 500, Workday Recruiting is used by about 22.6% of Fortune 500 companies. Thus, making it one of the most common Best ATS Software among very large firms.
9. Breezy HR
Breezy HR was founded in 2014 in Jacksonville, Florida. It became popular as one of the Best ATS Systems for small businesses because of its simple drag-and-drop design and low cost.
Uniquely Different Features
- Drag-and-drop pipeline for candidate tracking.
- Built-in video interviewing.
- Automated candidate communication.
- Mobile-friendly interface.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Best ATS Software for SMBs | Limited reporting |
Easy-to-use Candidate Tracking System | Not great for large teams |
Affordable Best Applicant Tracking System | Fewer integrations |
Improves candidate experience with video tools | Lacks enterprise-level features |
10. BambooHR
BambooHR was founded in 2008 in Utah. It started as an HRIS but later added a strong Applicant Tracking System. It is now one of the Top ATS Systems for small and mid-sized businesses that want an all-in-one HR solution.
Uniquely Different Features
- ATS + HRIS + payroll + onboarding.
- Customizable offer letters.
- Self-service portal for candidates.
- Great HR integrations.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Best ATS Software for SMBs | ATS features are not very advanced |
Combines ATS with HRIS | Candidate experience tools are basic |
Affordable Best Applicant Tracking System | Not built for enterprises |
Great for Talent Acquisition Specialists in SMBs | Limited AI automation |
11. Zoho Recruit
Zoho Recruit is part of the Zoho suite and started in 2009. It is known as one of the most flexible and affordable Applicant Tracking Systems. It is a Top ATS System for agencies and SMBs because it offers a free version and powerful customization.
Uniquely Different Features
- AI-powered candidate matching.
- Chrome extension for sourcing.
- Free version for small teams.
- Advanced customization of workflows.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Best ATS Software for staffing agencies | Free version is limited |
Flexible Candidate Tracking System | Interface feels dated |
Affordable Best Applicant Tracking System | Reporting is not as strong |
Great for SMBs and recruiters | Less suited for enterprises |
12. Recooty
Recooty is a newer ATS founded in 2018 in India and is gaining traction in the USA. It became popular as one of the Best ATS Systems for startups and small businesses because it is simple, budget-friendly, and effective.
Uniquely Different Features
- AI resume parsing.
- 24/7 customer support.
- Easy-to-use career page builder.
- Affordable pricing with global reach.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Best Applicant Tracking System for startups | Limited advanced features |
Great for Talent Acquisition Specialists in SMBs | Not built for complex workflows |
Candidate experience is smooth and simple | Small brand recognition |
Affordable Best ATS Software | Limited third-party integrations |
Process to Choose the Right Applicant Tracking System in USA
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to choose an ATS in USA, with short crisp explanations for each:
Now us understand each one of these in detail.
- Define Hiring Needs – Check if you need ATS for SMB, mid-size, or enterprise hiring.
- Set Budget – Decide how much you can spend monthly or yearly.
- Check Integrations – Ensure the ATS connects with HRMS, payroll, or job boards you use.
- Evaluate Candidate Experience – Pick an ATS that makes applying simple and smooth.
- Look for AI & Automation – Saves time with resume parsing, auto-shortlisting, and scheduling.
- Review Analytics & Reports – Strong dashboards help Talent Acquisition Specialists track success.
- Test Ease of Use – Make sure recruiters and hiring managers find it simple to adopt.
- Check Scalability – Ensure the ATS can grow as your hiring volume grows.
- Read Reviews & Demos – See feedback from US companies and test live demos.
- Check Support & Compliance – Good customer support and legal compliance (EEO, GDPR) are must-haves.
Conclusion
Choosing the Best Applicant Tracking System in USA is not just about features, it’s about finding the right fit for your business needs. Whether you are a startup looking for an affordable solution or an enterprise needing a robust platform, the Top ATS Systems make hiring faster, smarter, and more candidate-friendly. Always focus on candidate experience, easy adoption, and future scalability. With the right ATS, Talent Acquisition Specialists can redefine recruitment into a seamless, data-driven, and human-centered process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most popular ATS software?
Some of the most popular Applicant Tracking Systems in the USA are Zimyo, Workday Recruiting, iCIMS, and Lever. These are considered Top ATS Systems because of their enterprise reach and global use. For SMBs and growing companies, newer tools like Zimyo ATS are becoming popular as the Best ATS Software with unified HR + ATS features.
Who is the best ATS?
The Best ATS depends on the company size and hiring needs. Greenhouse is often seen as the Best Applicant Tracking System for structured hiring, while Workable is ranked high for AI automation. However, if a business wants an affordable, all-in-one HRMS with a strong Candidate Tracking System, Zimyo ATS is among the Top Applicant Tracking Systems to consider.
What ATS does Best Buy use?
Large US companies like Best Buy usually rely on enterprise-grade Applicant Tracking Systems such as Workday Recruiting or iCIMS. These Top ATS Systems are chosen because they integrate well with global HR platforms. For smaller businesses, tools like Zimyo ATS offer similar benefits in a more cost-effective and user-friendly way.
How much does an ATS usually cost?
The cost of an Applicant Tracking System in the USA can range widely. Small businesses can start with free or low-cost ATS Software like Zoho Recruit or Zimyo ATS, which may cost around $50–$100 per month. Enterprise-level Top ATS Systems like Greenhouse, SmartRecruiters, or iCIMS can cost several thousand dollars per year depending on features and number of users.
