Head to head

CATS vs Top Echelon

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

CATS

$89/user/mo 30 day free trial

Classic agency ATS for firms that want cheap and proven. $89 per user/month, with a 30-day free trial and a documented API.

Where CATS fits

  • Staffing agencies that want cheap and proven
  • Desks that need an API without enterprise services
  • US agency front office
  • Buyers comparing Recruit CRM and Crelate

Top Echelon

$79/mo Free trial

Split-network ATS for independent desk recruiters. Standard is $79/month billed annually, or $95 monthly, with a free trial.

Where Top Echelon fits

  • Independent desk recruiters
  • Split and network staffing
  • Small agencies that partner on roles
  • Buyers who want published monthly pricing

At a glance

DetailCATSTop Echelon
Starting price$89/user/mo$79/mo
Free tier–No–No
Free trial30 day free trialYes
MCP server–No–No
Public API✓Yes✓Yes
Listed underATS, CRMATS, CRM
Capterra4.2 from 144 reviews4.6 from 515 reviews

Where they pull apart

CATS

Stands out: A proven agency ATS with published per-user pricing and a real API.

Watch out: No MCP, and it is a front-office tool rather than a corporate hiring platform.

Not the right fit for

  • Corporate structured hiring
  • Teams that need MCP

Top Echelon

Stands out: Split and network deals with partner recruiters handled inside the ATS.

Watch out: No MCP, and it only makes sense if splits are part of how you work.

Not the right fit for

  • Corporate in-house talent teams
  • Teams that need MCP

Pros and cons

CATS

  • Published per-user pricing
  • Documented API for desk automations
  • 30-day free trial
  • No MCP
  • Front-office only
  • Not a corporate ATS

Top Echelon

  • Split network is a first-class feature
  • Published monthly pricing
  • Free trial available
  • No MCP
  • Only worthwhile if you work splits
  • Not a corporate ATS

What each one costs

CATS

$89/user/mo

From $69/user/mo. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 17 Sep 2026

Top Echelon

$79/mo

From ~$119/mo. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 17 Sep 2026

Common questions

Is CATS cheaper than Top Echelon?
Top Echelon starts lower, at $79/mo against $89/user/mo for CATS. That is the entry plan on each side, so the real number depends on seats and the tier you land on.
Can you try CATS or Top Echelon for free?
Neither carries a free tier on our listing. CATS offers a 30 day free trial. Top Echelon offers a free trial.

Not the pair you wanted?

All CATS alternatives All Top Echelon alternatives Every ATS tool

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