Head to head

ApplicantStack vs Trakstar Hire

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

Trakstar Hire

Quote-based

Small-business ATS, formerly Recruiterbox, now part of the Trakstar talent brand. Simple workflows, quote-based, with no API or MCP.

Where Trakstar Hire fits

  • Small in-house teams
  • Companies already using Trakstar
  • Teams that want scorecards without enterprise process
  • Buyers replacing a spreadsheet

At a glance

DetailApplicantStackTrakstar Hire
Starting price$29.99/moQuote-based
Free tier–No–No
Free trial14 day free trialNot on record
MCP server–No–No
Public API–No–No
Listed underATSATS
Capterra4.4 from 1,555 reviews4.6 from 186 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

Trakstar Hire

Stands out: Straightforward Recruiterbox-era hiring workflows under the Trakstar brand.

Watch out: No API and no MCP, so it will not connect to the rest of a stack.

Not the right fit for

  • Agencies
  • Teams that need MCP or an API

Pros and cons

ApplicantStack

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

Trakstar Hire

  • Simple pipeline and scorecards
  • Familiar workflow for former Recruiterbox users
  • Fits small in-house teams
  • No published price
  • No MCP
  • No API

What each one costs

ApplicantStack

$29.99/mo

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

Checked 17 Sep 2026

Trakstar Hire

Quote-based

Quote-based. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 7 Sep 2026

Common questions

Can you try ApplicantStack or Trakstar Hire for free?
Neither carries a free tier on our listing. ApplicantStack offers a 14 day free trial.

Not the pair you wanted?

All ApplicantStack alternatives All Trakstar Hire alternatives Every ATS tool

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