Bullhorn vs EngageBay
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
EngageBay is our recommended pick for most teams — budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan.
Try EngageBay →Read our full EngageBay review →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.
EngageBay
EngageBay is an all-in-one marketing, sales, and customer support platform designed for small and mid-size businesses. It offers a free plan that includes CRM, email marketing, live chat, and helpdesk tools — making it one of the most generous free plans in the market. EngageBay is positioned as an affordable alternative to HubSpot.
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
- ✓One of the most generous free plans available — includes CRM, marketing, and support tools
- ✓Affordable paid plans compared to HubSpot
- ✓All-in-one platform reduces the need for multiple subscriptions
- ✓Good automation features
Cons
- ✗Less brand recognition and fewer integrations than HubSpot
- ✗Interface can feel cluttered with so many features
- ✗Customer support response times can vary
Bullhorn vs EngageBay: Side by Side
| Factor | Bullhorn | EngageBay |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.3/5 ★ |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Free |
| Best For | Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform | Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Bullhorn Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓CRM for recruiters
- ✓resume parsing
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓integrations
EngageBay Features
- ✓CRM
- ✓email marketing
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓live chat
- ✓helpdesk
- ✓landing pages
- ✓appointment scheduling
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
EngageBay
FreemiumFree to start
Free: $0 · Basic: $12/mo · Growth: $24.99/mo · Pro: $49.99/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
EngageBay
- →Small businesses wanting all-in-one CRM and marketing
- →Startups replacing multiple tools with one platform
- →Companies migrating away from expensive HubSpot plans
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
EngageBay is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing advanced customization
- ✗Teams requiring sophisticated marketing attribution
- ✗Businesses needing dedicated enterprise support
Integrations
EngageBay
Zapier, Gmail, Outlook, Stripe, SendGrid, Mailgun, Twilio, Xero
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Bullhorn if...
- →Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Choose EngageBay if...
- →Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan
- →Small businesses wanting all-in-one CRM and marketing
- →Startups replacing multiple tools with one platform
Our Take
Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform. Choose EngageBay if budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan.
Best For
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Best For
Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan
Also Consider
If neither Bullhorn nor EngageBay 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 EngageBay?
Bullhorn is best for staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform. EngageBay is best for budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan.
Which is better, Bullhorn or EngageBay?
Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform. Choose EngageBay if budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan.
How much does Bullhorn cost?
Visit Bullhorn website for current pricing.
How much does EngageBay cost?
EngageBay starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Bullhorn?
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Who should use EngageBay?
Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan