Name: ApplicantStack
Rating: 4.394533762057878 (1555 reviews)

ApplicantStack vs Criteria

100Hires

CEIPAL ATS

BambooHR

100Hires is AI-first recruiting software (ATS) that understands your hiring data. An AI Recruiter answers questions about any candidate; an AI Copilot scores and ranks applicants, takes notes, and writes outreach. Native MCP support (Claude Code, Cursor, ChatGPT) plus a full REST API.

AI-powered recruitment platform that sources, matches, and engages top talent across 200+ channels. Built for staffing firms and healthcare agencies to reduce time-to-fill and boost recruiter productivity.

BambooHR® centralizes employee, payroll, time, and benefits data in one platform, ensuring accurate, secure, and coordinated information for peace of mind.

Payroll and Accounting

I didn't like the fact that ApplicantStack doesn't have a reference check program or a vendor partner (like Harver).

Administrator

If you cancel, no past customer service available.

Field marketing coordinator

The customizable workflows and communication tools were particularly helpful in streamlining tasks.

?Since 2009, 2,500+ companies have chosen ApplicantStack: the affordable, easy-to-use Recruiting and Onboarding system to automate and streamline their process.

Activity Dashboard

Activity Tracking

Advertising Management

Alerts/Notifications

Applicant Tracking

Application Management

Approval Process Control

Assessment Management

Background Screening

Boolean Search

Calendar Management

Candidate Management

Candidate Profiles

Candidate Tracking

Careers Page

Collaboration Tools

Communication Management

Compliance Management

Compliance Tracking

Customizable Branding

Customizable Fields

Customizable Reports

Customizable Templates

Dashboard

Data Import/Export

Document Management

Electronic Forms

Electronic Signature

Email Management

Employee Database

Employee Handbook

Employee Management

Employee Profiles

Feedback Management

For Small Businesses

HR Management

Internal HR

Interview Management

Interview Scheduling

Job Application Management

Job Board

Job Description Management

Job Management

Job Posting

Job Requisition

Mobile Access

Onboarding

Orientation Workflow Management

Payroll Management

Performance Management

Pipeline Management

Real-Time Reporting

Recruitment Management

Reference Checking

Reminders

Reporting/Analytics

Reporting & Statistics

Resume Database

Resume Parsing

Resume Search

Resume Storage

Role-Based Permissions

Scoring

Search/Filter

Self Service Portal

Social Media Integration

Social Recruiting

Talent Management

Talent Pool

Task Management

Third-Party Integrations

Training Management

User Management

Workflow Management

By industry, ApplicantStack reviewers are most commonly professionals in hospital & health care (17%). The most frequent use case for ApplicantStack cited by reviewers is applicant tracking (64% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Most users consider ApplicantStack cost-effective, especially for small to mid-sized businesses, and appreciate its user-based pricing and stable costs. However, some users report higher expenses for multiple users, integrations, or certain features, and mention occasional pricing inconsistencies.

Value for money

ApplicantStack is an applicant tracking tool with key features that include candidate tracking, an activity dashboard, application management, job posting, reporting and analytics, and more.

ApplicantStack

Web-based

Windows

Linux

Breezy

ADP Workforce Now

ZipRecruiter

Workday HCM

ICIMS

Workable

Greenhouse

JobDiva

Monster+

LinkedIn Recruiter

CareerBuilder

ClearCo

Paycor

JazzHR

isolved Talent Acquisition

Zoho Recruit

Starter

Growth

Recruit

Onboard

Bundle

Problems managing duplicate applicants

63% of reviewers feel negative about ApplicantStack’s handling of duplicate applicants. Users say the system often fails to recognize or merge duplicate profiles, leading to redundant entries and confusion. They mention that searching for candidates by name is unreliable, resulting in wasted time and resources. Reviewers find it difficult to delete or consolidate duplicates, which affects reporting accuracy and can cause recruiters to contact the same candidate multiple times. This lack of effective duplicate management is seen as a significant inefficiency, especially for teams handling high applicant volumes.

Cumbersome document formatting and printing

40% of reviewers feel negative about ApplicantStack’s document management. Users report issues with formatting when uploading, printing, or sharing documents, leading to wasted paper and awkward layouts. They mention difficulties with electronic signatures, limited options for editing or exporting forms, and problems finding documents stored in multiple locations. Reviewers say printing applications or resumes is often inconvenient, and that document organization can be messy or disorganized. These challenges make it harder to maintain accurate records and share necessary paperwork with other stakeholders.

Limited and confusing reporting features

51% of reviewers feel negative about ApplicantStack’s reporting capabilities. Users indicate that generating custom or detailed reports is challenging, with confusing labels, limited filters, and a lack of intuitive options. They say reports are often difficult to set up, export, or interpret, and that the system lacks robust analytics tools. Reviewers mention inconsistencies in report data, cumbersome processes for pulling information, and frustration with the overall user experience when trying to track metrics or compliance. Many rely on support to build reports, highlighting the need for more user-friendly reporting tools.

Outdated and cluttered user interface

Student

It was a little difficult to switch back and fourth between different people, which obviously cut down efficency.

47% of reviewers feel negative about ApplicantStack’s user interface. Users describe the design as dated, cluttered, and sometimes confusing, with too many options or unnecessary steps to complete tasks. They mention difficulties navigating between screens, a lack of dashboard functionality, and inefficient workflows that require multiple clicks. Reviewers say the visual appeal is lacking, and the interface can be overwhelming for new users. Some find it hard to locate specific features or understand how to make changes, which slows down their work and reduces overall satisfaction.

Frequent technical glitches and slowdowns

65% of reviewers feel negative about ApplicantStack’s bugs and technical issues. Users report experiencing glitches during job postings, slow system response, and occasional crashes that disrupt their workflow. They mention problems with updates causing downtime, difficulties with document editing, and confusing error messages. Some reviewers say the platform can be sluggish, requiring extra clicks to complete tasks, and that technical support is sometimes slow to resolve urgent issues. These recurring problems lead to frustration, especially when they impact time-sensitive recruiting activities or require manual workarounds.

Efficient recruitment process management

93% of reviewers feel positive about ApplicantStack’s recruitment features. Users report that the platform centralizes candidate data, streamlines communication, and automates repetitive tasks, which saves time and improves coordination among recruiting teams. They value the ability to manage job postings across multiple channels, assign candidates to different recruiters or managers, and move applicants efficiently through the pipeline. Reviewers highlight the customizable messaging, integrated communication tools, and the system’s adaptability for both high-volume and specialized recruiting needs, making it easier to nurture candidates and fill positions faster.

Comprehensive applicant tracking tools

97% of reviewers feel positive about ApplicantStack’s applicant tracking capabilities. Users say the system helps them organize and monitor candidates throughout every stage of the hiring process, making it easy to keep all applicant information in one place. Reviewers appreciate features like customizable workflows, note-taking, and the ability to track interactions and statuses. They find it valuable for managing large volumes of applicants, maintaining compliance, and simplifying communication. Many mention that having a centralized, electronic record reduces paperwork and streamlines daily recruiting tasks, while also allowing for quick searches and historical reference.

Affordable pricing for small businesses

90% of reviewers feel positive about ApplicantStack’s pricing. Users say the platform offers robust applicant tracking and onboarding features at a cost that fits small to mid-sized business budgets. They highlight the value for money, noting that the system provides essential functions without the high price tag of competitors. Reviewers appreciate the transparent pricing structure, lack of hidden fees, and the flexibility to scale as needed. Many mention that the affordability allows them to allocate resources elsewhere, making ApplicantStack an attractive option for organizations with limited HR budgets.

Streamlined hiring process coordination

Talent Acquisition Specialist

The technology has greatly expedited the hiring process by streamlining the administration of job ads, tracking of applications, and communication between hiring teams and candidates.

92% of reviewers feel positive about ApplicantStack’s hiring process management. Users say the platform brings structure and clarity to hiring by enabling detailed tracking of candidates, collaborative decision-making, and clear status updates for all involved. They find it helpful for organizing documents, customizing workflows, and maintaining communication with applicants. Reviewers appreciate that multiple departments can access relevant information, which reduces confusion and speeds up hiring. Many mention that the tool’s automation and reminders help keep the process moving smoothly, especially when handling multiple hires or locations.

Leadership

Applicant Stack is an enjoyable tool that alerts me when I have a new candidate and provides me with their availability, work history, and resume all in one spot.

It’s a reliable tool for managing the hiring process, offering helpful features like customizable workflows and seamless candidate communication.

CEO and Founder

Makes a huge difference in efficiency and communication within the team with the transparent notes section, so we can track the entire process with each candidate.

HR Representative

It doesn't filter out duplicate applicants and can have a buildup over time.

It stores all the necessary information for all the processes.

IT Specialist

I like being able to see documentation, names of the candidates and being able to maneuver between the pages to get the info I need.

Care Coordinator Marketing Scheduler

We love how you can change the status for the applicant, so we are all aware of where they are during the hiring/deactivation process.

When posting a job on the job boards, the budget could be higher or lower than the job board itself. If you set your budget at $1000, it was a little confusing to see how far that stretches.

Recruiter

The ability to gather applications, message, applications and complete onboarding all in one app.

HR Generalist

The use of templates in ApplicantStack ensures that candidates receive consistent communication and are kept informed about the status of their applications PLUS it saves me the time of writing the same communications over and over.

Recruiting Specialist and HR Adm Assist

The ability to text and email to applicants; the stage advancements; the flexibility of choosing the columns needed for processing an applicant; the menu options; ability to make customized reports; ability to select groupings of details needed for daily activities; usually quick response from tech/customer service issues; ability to notate at each stage set so if needed, relevant notes are available

HR Manager

Applicant stack keeps our employment ads active and reposted on multiple job boards.  

Manager and HR Rep

Posting across multiple job boards and hosting our own internal job board.

Director

Applicant stack makes it easy to streamline our application process by posting job opportunities for us on multiple sights while integrating the applicants into one place for us to review.

Deputy Director

Tracking communication and logging detailed notes.

Operations Director

Use for the hiring process, review applications work through hiring process

Client Care and Intake Coordinator

It helps to weed out applicant's that do not qualify for the position.

Executive Vice President

Phone numbers entered by applicants are not separated by dashes, so follow up phone calls to numerous applicants is more time consuming to enter the phone number to avoid mistakes.

The fact that some of the pre-built templates have few modification choices makes it difficult to completely customize the system to meet unique demands, which is one feature of ApplicantStack that I liked least.

Opportunity Manager

Sometimes there is almost too much flexibility and too many ways to handle the same functionality.

Supervisor

Appstack also does a better job of weeding out bad applicants.

I enjoy the email alerts me when there is a new applicant for my review.

We appreciate the informational seminars, like the zoom training on the new w2 form.

Analyst

Love having all the job postings automatically display on our website

Recruiting Coordinator

There should be a text tab like the email tab to easily search.

Would like to be able to delete job postings that are no longer relevant

Overall, ApplicantStack has been a fantastic tool, with excellent customer support whenever needed. If I HAD to come up with a negative (and it's really not), it is that the platform is highly customizable, so the initial setup and configuration can require some trial and error and extra time setting up templates, workflows, etc.

Travel Advisor

Cannot login and cannot get anyone to answer my emails or call me back.   

Concierge

As well lets use put candidates in different stages at all times.

Automatically sends emails to candidates with a click of a button.

Crisis Outreach Supervisor

We normally have a small number to review at a time (<5) so maybe a place for comments on the dashboard to have some bullet points to separate the applicant's highlights?

Executive Assistant Administration and HR Designee

I love that I can list the one post and it goes to so many different avenues.

I really appreciate the program's cost effectiveness and how useful ApplicantStack is for small to mid-sized companies

Recruiter Onboarding Specialist

My experience has been great and you guys always made it a point to inform us that we can schedule a training at anytime as well.

ApplicantStack vs Criteria Comparison (2026)

ApplicantStack

Criteria

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives