ActiveCampaign vs Bullhorn
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign is a customer experience automation platform that combines email marketing, marketing automation, and CRM in one powerful tool. It is known for having the most advanced email automation capabilities in its price range. ActiveCampaign is used by over 180,000 businesses that want to deliver personalized customer experiences at scale.
Bullhorn
Bullhorn is the leading ATS and CRM platform built specifically for staffing and recruiting agencies. It combines applicant tracking with client relationship management in one purpose-built system.
Pros
- ✓Best-in-class email marketing automation at an affordable price
- ✓Powerful segmentation and personalization capabilities
- ✓Strong CRM features integrated with marketing tools
- ✓Excellent deliverability rates
Cons
- ✗Can be complex to set up advanced automations
- ✗CRM features are less robust than dedicated CRM tools
- ✗Interface has a learning curve for new users
Pros
- ✓Purpose-built for staffing agencies
- ✓Strong CRM and client management
- ✓Excellent pipeline visibility
- ✓Deep integration with job boards
- ✓Good mobile app
Cons
- ✗Not ideal for in-house recruiting teams
- ✗Can be expensive
- ✗Interface has a learning curve
- ✗Customization requires technical knowledge
ActiveCampaign vs Bullhorn: Side by Side
| Factor | ActiveCampaign | Bullhorn |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $15/mo | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | SMBs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a CRM | Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform |
| Our Pick | — | — |
ActiveCampaign Features
- ✓Email marketing
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓CRM
- ✓lead scoring
- ✓site tracking
- ✓SMS marketing
- ✓landing pages
- ✓reporting
Bullhorn Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓CRM for recruiters
- ✓resume parsing
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose ActiveCampaign if smbs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a crm. Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
Best For
SMBs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a CRM
Best For
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Also Consider
If neither ActiveCampaign nor Bullhorn is the right fit, Monday.com CRM is worth evaluating.
Monday.com CRM
Teams that want CRM and project management combined in one visual platform
From $12/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ActiveCampaign and Bullhorn?
ActiveCampaign is best for smbs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a crm. Bullhorn is best for staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
Which is better, ActiveCampaign or Bullhorn?
Choose ActiveCampaign if smbs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a crm. Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
How much does ActiveCampaign cost?
ActiveCampaign starts at $15/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Bullhorn cost?
Visit Bullhorn website for current pricing.
Who should use ActiveCampaign?
SMBs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a CRM
Who should use Bullhorn?
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform