Head to head

ApplicantStack vs Dover

Same facts, side by side: starting price, free tier, MCP, API and what each one is actually built for.

ApplicantStack

$29.99/mo 14 day free trial

No-frills small-business ATS from $29.99 a month, with a free trial. Starter covers one active job.

Where ApplicantStack fits

  • Small HR teams
  • Start-ups with one live role
  • Buyers replacing a spreadsheet
  • Teams that want a free trial on a cheap tracker

Dover

Free ATS, paid sourcing Free tier

Genuinely free startup ATS with job distribution and a modern interface. Premium ATS is $199 a month if you outgrow the free tier.

Where Dover fits

  • Early-stage startups
  • Teams that need a free tracker today
  • Founders posting a handful of roles
  • Buyers who will add sourcing later

At a glance

DetailApplicantStackDover
Starting price$29.99/moFree ATS, paid sourcing
Free tier–No✓Yes
Free trial14 day free trialNot on record
MCP server–No–No
Public API–No✓Yes
Listed underATSATS
Capterra4.4 from 1,555 reviewsNot enough reviews

Where they pull apart

ApplicantStack

Stands out: A published sub-$30 paid start for small HR teams.

Watch out: Starter is capped at one active job, and there is no API or MCP.

Not the right fit for

  • Agencies
  • Teams that need MCP or an API

Dover

Stands out: A real free tier rather than a countdown trial, with job distribution included.

Watch out: Sourcing is sold separately, and there is no MCP.

Not the right fit for

  • Agencies
  • Enterprises
  • Teams that need MCP

Pros and cons

ApplicantStack

  • Published price under $30
  • Free trial
  • Simple job posting plus pipeline
  • One active job on Starter
  • No API
  • No MCP

Dover

  • Real free tier, not a trial
  • Job distribution without a contract
  • Public API
  • No MCP
  • Sourcing costs extra
  • Not built for agencies

What each one costs

ApplicantStack

$29.99/mo

From $30/mo. Confirm current pricing on the vendor site.

Checked 17 Sep 2026

Dover

Free ATS, paid sourcing

Free ATS, paid sourcing. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 7 Sep 2026

Common questions

Can you try ApplicantStack or Dover for free?
Dover carries a free tier on our listing. ApplicantStack offers a 14 day free trial.

Not the pair you wanted?

All ApplicantStack alternatives All Dover alternatives Every ATS tool

Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 17 Sep 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?