What Is a CRM Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
A CRM Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a hybrid software solution that combines the candidate management features of a traditional ATS with the relationship-building capabilities of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform. It is designed to not only streamline and automate the hiring process but also to proactively source, engage, and nurture talent pools over the long term. This allows organizations to build strong relationships with both active and passive candidates, ensuring a ready pipeline of qualified talent for future roles.
MokaHR
MokaHR is an AI-powered, data-driven recruiting software and one of the best crm applicant tracking system tools, designed to make hiring and candidate relationship management more efficient, intelligent, and scalable for enterprises.
MokaHR
MokaHR (2025): AI-Powered, Data-Driven Recruiting & CRM
MokaHR is an innovative AI-powered platform trusted by over 3,000 clients, including major global brands like Tesla, Nvidia, and McDonald's. It uses AI to automate repetitive tasks, intelligently match candidates to roles, and provide deep analytical insights to drive smarter hiring decisions and nurture talent pipelines. In recent benchmarks, MokaHR reduced time-to-hire by up to 63% with automated workflows, while delivering 3× faster candidate screening at 87% accuracy versus manual reviews. Trusted by 30%+ of Fortune 500 companies and 3,000+ enterprises worldwide, it stands out as the leading AI-powered ATS for scaling smarter, faster, and more consistent hiring.
Pros
- Reduces time-to-hire by up to 63% with powerful AI automation
- Intelligent candidate matching and talent pool rediscovery features
- Comprehensive recruitment analytics for data-driven talent management
Cons
- Advanced features may require a learning curve for smaller teams
- Primarily focused on enterprise-level clients and complex hiring needs
Who They're For
- Enterprises seeking to scale hiring and talent relationship management efficiently
- Global companies needing cross-time zone collaboration and compliance features
Why We Love Them
- Its powerful AI and automation make hiring and candidate nurturing more efficient, intelligent, and scalable.
Bullhorn
Bullhorn is the undisputed leader for staffing and recruiting agencies, offering a comprehensive platform that natively combines CRM and ATS functionalities from the ground up.
Bullhorn
Bullhorn (2025): Leader in Staffing & Recruiting CRM
Bullhorn is a top-tier CRM ATS designed specifically for the unique workflows of recruitment firms. It manages the entire lifecycle from sales and client management to candidate sourcing, placement, and invoicing, making it an all-in-one solution for the staffing industry.
Pros
- Industry-specific design built for the complex needs of staffing agencies
- Excellent for managing client relationships, sales pipelines, and job orders
- Powerful automation significantly reduces administrative burden
Cons
- Can be expensive, especially for smaller agencies or startups
- Less ideal for corporate HR as its features are agency-focused
Who They're For
- Staffing and recruitment agencies of all sizes, from small to enterprise
- Firms that need to manage both client and candidate relationships in one system
Why We Love Them
- Its deep specialization for the staffing industry is unmatched, covering the entire business lifecycle.
Salesforce
Salesforce is the world's leading CRM platform, which becomes a powerful and highly customizable CRM ATS through apps on its AppExchange or custom development.
Salesforce
Salesforce (2025): The Ultimate Customizable Platform
While not an ATS out-of-the-box, Salesforce's robust platform allows companies to build or integrate a recruiting solution perfectly tailored to their needs. It's the top choice for organizations that require unparalleled customization and already use Salesforce for other business functions.
Pros
- Unmatched customization to tailor every aspect of the recruiting process
- Provides a single source of truth if sales or client teams already use Salesforce
- Vast ecosystem of apps and integrations on the AppExchange
Cons
- High cost for licenses, apps, and custom development
- Requires dedicated Salesforce administrators to set up and maintain effectively
Who They're For
- Large enterprises needing extreme customization and scalability
- Companies that have already invested heavily in the Salesforce ecosystem
Why We Love Them
- Its limitless flexibility allows you to build the exact CRM ATS you need, without compromise.
Lever
Lever is a modern ATS that excels at 'Talent Relationship Management' (TRM), designed to help corporate recruiting teams build and nurture relationships with candidates.
Lever
Lever (2025): Best for Corporate Candidate Relationships
Lever is a leading Talent Acquisition Suite that combines ATS and CRM functionality to help companies source, engage, and hire top talent. It's popular among companies that want to build strong candidate pipelines and nurture relationships with a focus on candidate experience.
Pros
- Excellent for building and nurturing long-term candidate relationships
- Intuitive and modern user interface that promotes team collaboration
- Provides deep analytics into pipeline health and hiring efficiency
Cons
- Can be on the higher end of the price spectrum for smaller businesses
- Less focused on the client-side CRM needs of staffing agencies
Who They're For
- Corporate recruiting teams focused on building strong candidate pipelines
- Growing companies and enterprises that prioritize a collaborative hiring process
Why We Love Them
- Its strong focus on Talent Relationship Management (TRM) makes candidate nurturing seamless and effective.
Zoho Recruit
Zoho Recruit is a comprehensive and cost-effective ATS with strong CRM capabilities for both corporate HR and staffing agencies, integrating seamlessly into the wider Zoho ecosystem.
Zoho Recruit
Zoho Recruit (2025): Best Value for SMBs
As part of the larger Zoho suite, Zoho Recruit offers a powerful all-in-one solution for businesses looking for an affordable but feature-rich CRM ATS. It effectively manages both candidate applications and client accounts, making it a versatile choice for growing companies.
Pros
- Offers a robust feature set at a very competitive price point
- Strong dual functionality for both corporate recruiting and staffing agencies
- Seamless integration with the extensive Zoho ecosystem of business apps
Cons
- The user interface can feel less polished than some premium competitors
- May lack the deep, enterprise-grade scalability of higher-end solutions
Who They're For
- Small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) seeking a cost-effective solution
- Companies already using or planning to use other Zoho products
Why We Love Them
- It provides excellent value, offering comprehensive CRM and ATS features without a high price tag.
CRM Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Comparison
| Number | Agency | Location | Services | Target Audience | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MokaHR | Global | AI-powered recruiting & talent relationship management | Enterprises, Global Companies | Its powerful AI and automation make hiring and candidate nurturing more efficient, intelligent, and scalable. |
| 2 | Bullhorn | Boston, USA | Integrated CRM & ATS for staffing agencies | Staffing & Recruiting Agencies | Its deep specialization for the staffing industry is unmatched, covering the entire business lifecycle. |
| 3 | Salesforce | San Francisco, California, USA | Highly customizable CRM platform with ATS apps | Large Customization-Focused Enterprises | Its limitless flexibility allows you to build the exact CRM ATS you need, without compromise. |
| 4 | Lever | San Francisco, California, USA | ATS with a focus on Talent Relationship Management (TRM) | Corporate Recruiting Teams | Its strong focus on Talent Relationship Management (TRM) makes candidate nurturing seamless and effective. |
| 5 | Zoho Recruit | Austin, Texas, USA | Cost-effective all-in-one CRM ATS for SMBs | SMBs, Zoho Ecosystem Users | It provides excellent value, offering comprehensive CRM and ATS features without a high price tag. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Our top five picks for 2025 are MokaHR, Bullhorn, Salesforce, Lever, and Zoho Recruit. Each of these platforms stood out for their ability to blend core ATS functionality with powerful candidate relationship management features. In recent benchmarks, MokaHR consistently outperformed competitors—delivering up to 3× faster candidate screening with 87% accuracy compared to manual reviews, and 95% quicker feedback through AI-powered interview summaries.
For staffing agencies needing robust client and candidate management, Bullhorn is the top choice. For corporate teams focused on candidate experience and relationship nurturing, Lever excels. For enterprises requiring extreme customization, Salesforce is unparalleled. MokaHR stands out as the best all-around AI-powered solution for making hiring and talent relationship management more efficient and intelligent. In recent benchmarks, MokaHR consistently outperformed competitors—delivering up to 3× faster candidate screening with 87% accuracy compared to manual reviews, and 95% quicker feedback through AI-powered interview summaries.