SmartRecruiters vs Deputy
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
SmartRecruiters
SmartRecruiters is an enterprise talent acquisition platform that offers a genuinely free plan alongside paid enterprise tiers. Its free plan includes unlimited job postings, candidate tracking, and team collaboration — making it one of the most generous free ATS options available. SmartRecruiters is used by global enterprises including Visa, Bosch, and LinkedIn.
Deputy
Deputy is a workforce management platform focused on employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor compliance. It helps businesses with shift-based workforces build schedules, manage leave, and track hours worked. Deputy integrates with major payroll providers to streamline the pay run process.
Pros
- ✓Genuinely useful free plan with unlimited jobs and users
- ✓Enterprise-grade features available as you scale
- ✓Strong AI candidate screening on paid plans
- ✓Used by large global enterprises giving it credibility with candidates
Cons
- ✗Free plan has limited analytics and automation
- ✗Enterprise pricing can be expensive
- ✗Interface can feel complex for small teams
- ✗Implementation requires dedicated time for enterprise features
Pros
- ✓Excellent scheduling tools with AI-powered shift recommendations
- ✓Strong labor compliance features for overtime and break rules
- ✓Good mobile app for employees to clock in, swap shifts, and request leave
- ✓Integrates with 30+ payroll providers
Cons
- ✗Limited core HR features beyond scheduling and time tracking
- ✗Not a full HRIS replacement
- ✗Reporting could be more customizable for complex workforce analytics
SmartRecruiters vs Deputy: Side by Side
| Factor | SmartRecruiters | Deputy |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $4.50/user/mo |
| Best For | Companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ATS from free to enterprise | Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking |
| Our Pick | — | — |
SmartRecruiters Features
- ✓Unlimited job postings
- ✓candidate tracking
- ✓collaborative hiring
- ✓AI screening
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓offer management
- ✓analytics
- ✓career page
- ✓mobile app
Deputy Features
- ✓Employee scheduling
- ✓time tracking
- ✓leave management
- ✓payroll integrations
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose SmartRecruiters if companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ats from free to enterprise. Choose Deputy if businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking.
Best For
Companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ATS from free to enterprise
Best For
Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking
Also Consider
If neither SmartRecruiters nor Deputy 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 SmartRecruiters and Deputy?
SmartRecruiters is best for companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ats from free to enterprise. Deputy is best for businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking.
Which is better, SmartRecruiters or Deputy?
Choose SmartRecruiters if companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ats from free to enterprise. Choose Deputy if businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking.
How much does SmartRecruiters cost?
SmartRecruiters starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Deputy cost?
Deputy starts at $4.50/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use SmartRecruiters?
Companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ATS from free to enterprise
Who should use Deputy?
Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking