Handshake alternatives

Indeed

PPC / subscription Free tier MCP API

Why it comes up: Broad demand if the role is not campus-only.

Stands out: The board candidates actually open, with MCP and an API on top.

Watch out: Pay-per-click spend can outrun a small budget quickly, and it is not your ATS.

Best for

• Almost every employer buying application volume
• Teams that already live on sponsored jobs
• Employers who want organic and paid on one board

4.5 on Capterra from 7,613 reviews

Read the Indeed write-up · Handshake vs Indeed

Wellfound

$135/seat/mo Free tier

Why it comes up: Startup tech talent if the hire is early-career at a startup.

Stands out: A free job post on a board early-stage candidates actually browse.

Watch out: Weak outside early-stage tech, and the paid tiers are a different product from the free post.

Best for

• Startups hiring technical people
• Teams that still recruit early-stage on Wellfound
• Companies on Greenhouse, Lever, Ashby or Workable

4.7 on Capterra from 35 reviews

Read the Wellfound write-up · Handshake vs Wellfound

LinkedIn Recruiter

Quote-based

Why it comes up: The default graph if campus is only one source.

Stands out: It is the graph every other sourcing tool enriches from.

Watch out: It is supply, not a system of record, so you still need an ATS.

Best for

• Almost every in-house talent team
• Agency desks running InMail projects
• Sourcers who work the graph daily

4.5 on Capterra from 150 reviews

Read the LinkedIn Recruiter write-up · Handshake vs LinkedIn Recruiter

Built In

Sales-quoted

Why it comes up: Tech employer brand plus jobs outside campus.

Stands out: Employer-brand pages for a tech audience rather than a bare job listing.

Watch out: No published price, and it is weak outside technology hiring.

Best for

• Technology companies hiring in specific cities
• Employer-brand teams in software
• Talent teams that want a tech-specific audience

Read the Built In write-up · Handshake vs Built In