Compare/Head to head
Same facts, side by side: starting price, free tier, MCP, API and what each one is actually built for.
Starting price
$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
$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
| Detail | CATS | Top Echelon |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $89/user/mo | $79/mo |
| Free tier | –No | –No |
| Free trial | 30 day free trial | Yes |
| MCP server | –No | –No |
| Public API | ✓Yes | ✓Yes |
| Listed under | ATS, CRM | ATS, CRM |
| Capterra | 4.2 from 144 reviews | 4.6 from 515 reviews |
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
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
CATS
Top Echelon
CATS
$89/user/mo
Pro is $89 per user per month billed annually, or $110 per user per month billed monthly. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.
Checked 4 Nov 2026
Top Echelon
$79/mo
TE Recruit Standard is $79/mo billed annually ($95/mo billed monthly) and Professional is $95/mo billed annually ($115/mo billed monthly). Confirm current terms on the vendor site.
Checked 4 Nov 2026
All CATS alternatives All Top Echelon alternatives Every ATS tool
Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 4 Nov 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?