Rippling ATS vs Trello
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Rippling ATS
Rippling Recruiting is the applicant tracking module within the Rippling platform. It connects recruiting directly to onboarding, payroll, and IT provisioning so that when a candidate is hired, their entire employee setup happens automatically. Rippling ATS is ideal for companies already using Rippling for HR who want a seamlessly integrated recruiting experience.
Trello
Trello is a visual project management tool based on the Kanban board methodology. It uses cards, lists, and boards to help teams organize tasks and workflows in a simple, visual way. Owned by Atlassian, Trello is one of the most widely used project management tools in the world, known for its simplicity and ease of use.
Pros
- ✓Seamless connection from hiring to onboarding to payroll — zero manual handoff
- ✓Automatically provisions IT accounts and equipment when a candidate is hired
- ✓Deep integration with the full Rippling platform
- ✓Eliminates duplicate data entry across HR systems
Cons
- ✗Only valuable if you use the full Rippling platform
- ✗Requires custom pricing quote
- ✗Less feature-rich as a standalone ATS compared to dedicated tools like Greenhouse
- ✗Overkill for companies not using Rippling
Pros
- ✓Extremely easy to learn and use — teams are productive within minutes
- ✓Generous free plan with unlimited cards
- ✓Familiar Kanban interface that most people already understand
- ✓Large library of power-ups and integrations
Cons
- ✗Limited project management features beyond Kanban boards
- ✗Not suitable for complex projects with dependencies
- ✗Reporting and analytics are basic
- ✗Timeline and calendar views require paid plan
Rippling ATS vs Trello: Side by Side
| Factor | Rippling ATS | Trello |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | Free |
| Best For | Companies using Rippling for HR who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll | Small teams and individuals wanting simple, visual Kanban-based task management |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Rippling ATS Features
- ✓Job posting
- ✓candidate pipeline
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓offer management
- ✓automated onboarding trigger
- ✓payroll integration
- ✓IT provisioning
- ✓analytics
Trello Features
- ✓Kanban boards
- ✓cards and checklists
- ✓power-ups and integrations
- ✓automation
- ✓timeline view
- ✓calendar view
- ✓mobile app
- ✓templates
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Rippling ATS if companies using rippling for hr who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll. Choose Trello if small teams and individuals wanting simple, visual kanban-based task management.
Best For
Companies using Rippling for HR who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll
Best For
Small teams and individuals wanting simple, visual Kanban-based task management
Also Consider
If neither Rippling ATS nor Trello 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 Rippling ATS and Trello?
Rippling ATS is best for companies using rippling for hr who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll. Trello is best for small teams and individuals wanting simple, visual kanban-based task management.
Which is better, Rippling ATS or Trello?
Choose Rippling ATS if companies using rippling for hr who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll. Choose Trello if small teams and individuals wanting simple, visual kanban-based task management.
How much does Rippling ATS cost?
Rippling ATS starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Trello cost?
Trello starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Rippling ATS?
Companies using Rippling for HR who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll
Who should use Trello?
Small teams and individuals wanting simple, visual Kanban-based task management