The ATS for startups is essential for streamlining hiring processes and attracting top talent in 2025.
With competition for skilled employees at an all-time high, startups must use the right applicant tracking software to simplify recruitment and improve decision-making.
Most HR teams are looking for three things in an ATS:
- Seamless integration with existing tools
- Data-driven insights
- Intuitive user experience
When it comes to hiring developers, an ATS ensures you’re not just filling roles but finding the right cultural and technical fit.
At Remote Crew, we know the right ATS can help startups to attract exceptional talent while saving time and resources.
Are you...
- Struggling to manage job applications efficiently?
- Losing top candidates due to slow processes?
- Spending too much time on administrative tasks?
Hiring challenges can overwhelm small teams, but the right ATS transforms your process.
Keep reading if you are a...
- Startup founder building a lean team
- HR professional aiming for better hiring outcomes
- Recruiter seeking efficiency and organization
In this article, we will break down the top ATS options for startups in 2025: Greenhouse, Ashby, Workable, and Lever.
Table Of Contents:
- 3 Must-Have Features To Look For In The Best ATS For Startups
- 3 Top ATS Solutions For Startups In 2025
- How To Choose The Best ATS For Your Startup
- 4 Immediate Benefits Of Using An ATS For Startups
- Finding The Best Applicant Tracking Software For Your Startup
3 Must-Have Features To Look For In The Best ATS For Startups
The best applicant tracking software for startups provides tools that align with specific recruitment needs. Here are the three key features to evaluate:
Built-In Candidate Sourcing Tools
Integrations with job boards, social media platforms, and sourcing tools enable startups to cast a wide net for talent.
These tools simplify the process of reaching the right candidates while saving valuable time.
Pipeline Management
Customizable workflows help visualize where candidates are in the hiring process and identify bottlenecks.
This ensures transparency and efficiency, allowing teams to make data-driven decisions quickly.
Automation Capabilities
Features like auto-replies, interview scheduling, and offer letter generation eliminate repetitive tasks, freeing up your team to focus on high-value work.
3 Top ATS Solutions For Startups In 2025
Greenhouse
Greenhouse is useful for pipeline management, offering a personalized dashboard, custom roles and permissions, and automations such as sending interview booking emails when candidates move to specific stages.
With private notes for sensitive information like salary and a dedicated job analytics page, it provides unparalleled control.
Pros: Customizable workflows, advanced analytics, strong integrations, and interviewer experience tools like editable feedback forms and private notes.
Cons: Higher cost compared to competitors.
Pricing: $9,496.99 per annum + $500 (one-time implementation fee) for organizations with up to 125 employees.
Best For: Startups needing a data-driven platform with extensive customization options and scalable features.
Ashby
Ashby combines ATS functionality with its origins in analytics, making it highly suited for data-driven hiring.
It includes AI-powered sourcing, CRM tools for candidate outreach, customizable dashboards, and advanced reporting features like passthrough rates and recruiting plans.
Pros: Robust analytics, customizable dashboards, AI-driven outreach, and seamless candidate management with tools like automated interview scheduling and e-signatures.
Cons: Job posting integrations can feel slightly clunky.
Pricing: Starts at $9,540 per year for 12 paid users, with additional discounts for multi-year contracts.
Best For: Startups prioritizing analytics, detailed reporting, and automated outreach features.
Workable
Workable offers intuitive sourcing tools and straightforward candidate management.
However, its reporting features are less flexible, and some users find metrics like candidate source attribution unreliable.
Pros: Affordable pricing and user-friendly design, making it ideal for small teams.
Cons: Limited customization and weaker reporting compared to Greenhouse or Ashby.
Pricing: Starts at $129 per month per job.
Best For: Startups with straightforward hiring needs and smaller teams.
Lever
Lever’s CRM-first approach centralizes candidate management, enabling long-term relationship building.
Communication is streamlined with centralized messaging, and its user interface is intuitive and collaborative.
Pros: Excellent CRM tools, strong collaboration features, and ease of use.
Cons: Reporting and analytics are less robust than Greenhouse or Ashby.
Pricing: Starts at $4,500 per year, with additional implementation fees.
Best For: Startups focused on long-term candidate relationship management and collaborative hiring.
How To Choose The Best ATS For Your Startup
Selecting the right startup applicant tracking system requires careful consideration of your unique needs.
Follow these steps to make an informed choice:
- Define your hiring needs. Consider the volume of roles, job boards, and desired features.
- Compare features and pricing among the tools listed above.
- Assess scalability to ensure the ATS can grow with your team.
- Take advantage of free trials to evaluate usability and functionality.
- Prioritize customer support to handle any technical or operational issues.
4 Immediate Benefits Of Using An ATS For Startups
Applicant tracking software for startups offers several advantages, including:
- Faster hiring processes that save time for HR teams.
- Improved candidate experiences with clear communication and timely updates.
- Streamlined team collaboration through centralized workflows.
- Data-driven hiring decisions enabled by real-time analytics.
FAQs
What is an ATS, and why is it important for startups?
An ATS helps startups manage recruitment by organizing candidate data, automating repetitive tasks, and improving hiring efficiency.
Can small startups afford an ATS?
Yes. Many ATS platforms offer affordable pricing plans tailored to small businesses.
Are there free ATS options for startups?
Some ATS tools provide free plans with limited features, ideal for startups with basic needs.
How do I migrate to an ATS if I’m using spreadsheets?
Most ATS platforms offer data import tools and support teams to simplify migration.
Finding The Best Applicant Tracking Software For Your Startup
You need an ATS that simplifies hiring, adapts to your growth, and gives your team the tools they require to hire top talent.
With the right application tracking software in your corner, your HR team will:
- Save time
- Improve efficiency
- Attract top talent
Greenhouse, Ashby, Workable, and Lever each offer unique features to address startup hiring challenges.
Assess your needs, test your options, and choose the ATS that aligns with your goals.
Remote Crew can work with you to determine the best ATS for your team.
If you want to hire remote developers, learn more about Remote Crew here.
