Bullhorn vs ActiveCampaign
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
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.
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
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
Bullhorn vs ActiveCampaign: Side by Side
| Factor | Bullhorn | ActiveCampaign |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $15/mo |
| Best For | Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform | SMBs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a CRM |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Bullhorn Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓CRM for recruiters
- ✓resume parsing
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓integrations
ActiveCampaign Features
- ✓Email marketing
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓CRM
- ✓lead scoring
- ✓site tracking
- ✓SMS marketing
- ✓landing pages
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform. Choose ActiveCampaign if smbs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a crm.
Best For
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Best For
SMBs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a CRM
Also Consider
If neither Bullhorn nor ActiveCampaign is the right fit, Manatal is worth evaluating.
Manatal
Recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting AI-powered ATS at an affordable price
From $15/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Bullhorn and ActiveCampaign?
Bullhorn is best for staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform. ActiveCampaign is best for smbs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a crm.
Which is better, Bullhorn or ActiveCampaign?
Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform. Choose ActiveCampaign if smbs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a crm.
How much does Bullhorn cost?
Visit Bullhorn website for current pricing.
How much does ActiveCampaign cost?
ActiveCampaign starts at $15/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Bullhorn?
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Who should use ActiveCampaign?
SMBs wanting powerful email marketing automation combined with a CRM