EngageBay vs Bullhorn
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 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 →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.
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
- ✓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
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
EngageBay vs Bullhorn: Side by Side
| Factor | EngageBay | Bullhorn |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.3/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan | Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
EngageBay Features
- ✓CRM
- ✓email marketing
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓live chat
- ✓helpdesk
- ✓landing pages
- ✓appointment scheduling
- ✓reporting
Bullhorn Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓CRM for recruiters
- ✓resume parsing
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓integrations
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
Our Take
Choose EngageBay if budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan. Choose Bullhorn if 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
Best For
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Also Consider
If neither EngageBay 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 EngageBay and Bullhorn?
EngageBay is best for budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan. Bullhorn is best for staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
Which is better, EngageBay or Bullhorn?
Choose EngageBay if budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan. Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
How much does EngageBay cost?
EngageBay starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Bullhorn cost?
Visit Bullhorn website for current pricing.
Who should use EngageBay?
Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan
Who should use Bullhorn?
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform