Investing in an applicant tracking system (ATS) is an important step for companies looking to streamline their recruitment process, save time and improve the candidate experience. But one of the most common questions is: what does a recruitment tool actually cost?
The price can vary greatly depending on features, number of users and how scalable the solution is. In this guide, we look at what influences the cost and how you can think about finding the right tool for your organization.
The price of recruitment tools - from free to premium solutions
- Free or basic systems
- Suitable for small businesses or organizations that recruit infrequently.
- Limited number of users and few features.
- Often without support or the possibility to customize the process.
- Mid-range (often subscription-based)
- Most common for small and medium-sized businesses.
- Price: from around SEK 1 000-5 000 per month.
- Includes features such as job posting, candidate database and reporting.
- Premium solutions for larger organizations
- Customized ATS for companies with high recruitment volume or need for multiple integrations (HR systems, testing tools, video interviews).
- Price: from €5,000/month and up - sometimes based on number of users or recruits per year.
- Often includes advanced reporting, AI capabilities, video and skills-based recruitment methods.
What affects the price of a recruitment tool?
- Number of users - the more recruiters and managers who need access, the higher the cost can be.
- Number of recruitments - some ATSs charge per recruitment process or per advertisement published.
- Features - for example, video interviews, competency-based selection modules or other features.
- Support & onboarding - personalized onboarding, training and support may be included or added as a cost.
- Integrations - links to other systems (HR, payroll, advertising) may affect the price.
Is it worth the cost?
A recruitment tool can feel like an expense, but should rather be seen as an investment. Some examples of values:
- Saves time - less administration and faster processes.
- Reduces recruitment errors - competency-based recruitment increases accuracy.
- Strengthens employer branding - modern ATSs offer video and visual content that provides an attractive candidate experience.
- Better candidate journey - smooth processes mean more candidates apply for the job.
A bad hire can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars - so the right recruitment tool pays for itself quickly.
How to find the right recruitment tool for your budget
The price of a recruitment tool varies from free options to premium solutions that cost tens of thousands of dollars per year. The important thing is to make sure the functionality matches your needs. For smaller businesses, an easy-to-use, subscription-based ATS may be ideal. For larger organizations, it's often worth investing in a more advanced solution that provides scalability, integrations and employer branding support.
Author: Nicklas Wikblad
Reviewer: Moa Jacobsson