Best ATS Software in the UK 2026

A transparent overview of the best applicant tracking systems for UK companies — from SMB-friendly platforms to enterprise SaaS and open-source options.

ByJoachim KolleReviewed byJoachim KolleUpdatedMay 2, 2026Fact checkedMay 2, 2026

ATS software in the UK market

The UK is one of the largest ATS markets in Europe. Organizations range from fast-growing London tech companies to large enterprises across financial services, retail, and public sector. The market is dominated by US and European SaaS platforms, with strong adoption of tools like Greenhouse, Workable, and SmartRecruiters.

Methodology and disclosure

This page is maintained by the team behind Reqcore. Reqcore is an open-source (AGPLv3) ATS listed on this page — self-hostable, or available as a managed cloud product. We have listed all significant options we are aware of, including direct competitors. We do not use paid placements or fake ratings.


Enterprise platforms

Greenhouse

One of the most widely used enterprise ATS platforms in UK technology companies and financial services firms. Strong structured hiring workflows, DEI reporting, and a large integration marketplace. Common in companies with 200+ employees and dedicated recruiting operations teams.

  • Cloud SaaS, enterprise pricing (contact for quote)
  • Strong structured hiring and analytics
  • greenhouse.com

See full Greenhouse profile

SmartRecruiters

Used by large UK and global enterprises. Offers an open integration marketplace and a free tier for small teams, making it easier to evaluate. Strong multi-region hiring capabilities for companies with global operations.

See full SmartRecruiters profile


Scale-up and growth-stage platforms

Lever (LeverTRM)

Popular with London-based and UK-wide scale-ups, particularly in technology and fintech. Combines ATS with built-in candidate CRM, making it a strong choice for companies running proactive sourcing pipelines alongside reactive hiring.

  • Cloud SaaS, subscription pricing
  • Strong CRM and sourcing workflows
  • lever.co

See full Lever profile

Teamtailor

Well-regarded in UK tech and startup companies looking for strong employer branding. Swedish-founded but widely adopted in the UK market. Career site builder is a key differentiator.

  • Cloud SaaS, subscription pricing
  • Strong employer branding tools
  • teamtailor.com

See full Teamtailor profile


SMB platforms

Workable

One of the most popular SMB ATS platforms in the UK. Transparent pricing, easy to set up, and covers the full hiring workflow including AI-assisted sourcing, video interviews, and onboarding. Used by thousands of UK small and mid-size businesses.

  • Cloud SaaS, published pricing
  • Best for teams of 10–200 employees
  • workable.com

See full Workable profile


SMB cloud ATS

Reqcore

Disclosure: Reqcore is our own product.

Reqcore is an AGPL-licensed, open-source ATS for businesses getting more applicants than their team can read — self-hostable, or free to start on managed cloud. AI reads every application, ranks the best fits, and shows the reasoning, so hiring managers can reach a confident shortlist in hours, not days. Paid plans scale with hiring volume.

  • Cloud SaaS, freemium
  • AI-assisted applicant ranking with visible reasoning
  • Built for non-recruiters; setup in minutes
  • reqcore.com

See full Reqcore profile

Open-source and self-hosted options

OpenCATS

Free, open-source (LGPL-3.0). Established PHP/MySQL stack. More dated architecture than modern alternatives but completely free.

See full OpenCATS profile


Quick comparison

SoftwarePricingUK market presenceSelf-hosted optionBest for
GreenhouseEnterpriseVery strongNoEnterprise, 200+ employees
SmartRecruitersFreemiumStrongNoGlobal enterprises
LeverSubscriptionStrongNoScale-ups, CRM-focused teams
TeamtailorSubscriptionGrowingNoTech companies, employer branding
WorkableSubscription (published)Very strongNoSMBs, 10–200 employees
ReqcoreFreemiumGrowingYesSMBs with high applicant volume
OpenCATSFree (OSS)NicheYesBudget-constrained teams

Last updated: May 2026. Verify current features and pricing with each vendor.

Reqcore

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