Ashby vs CATS
Two recruitment CRMs compared on pricing, features, and fit, so you can shortlist with confidence.
✓Pricing verified against vendor pagesData reviewed September 22, 2026How we research →
By Ramin Assemi, B2B SaaS marketer and former Head of Content at Close.comPublished Updated
Ashby
Analytics-first ATS expanding from startups into agencies
Best for: Tech-focused teams that prioritize analytics and product velocity
✓Best-in-class custom reporting and analytics
✓Rapid product velocity, constant shipping
✕Built for in-house hiring; weak multi-client database separation for agencies
✕Opaque pricing for AI add-ons and larger plans
CATS
Straightforward, customizable ATS for small agencies
Best for: Small agencies wanting simple, affordable applicant tracking
✓Deep customizability of fields and workflows
✓Simple, centralized candidate management
✕Clunky, dated interface
✕Weak third-party data integration
Our verdict
Choose Ashby if…
- ✓You're in in-house talent acquisition, a segment CATS doesn't focus on
- ✓You want workflow automation working out of the box
- ✓AI matching and assistance are on your must-have list
- ✓Reporting and analytics drive how you run the desk
Choose CATS if…
- ✓Your team sources through LinkedIn every day
- ✓Multi-job-board posting is core to how you fill roles
- ✓You want to trial before committing (free trial available)
Feature-by-feature
| Feature | Ashby | CATS |
|---|---|---|
| ATS + CRM core | ✓ | ✓ |
| Email/inbox sync | ✓ | ✓ |
| LinkedIn / Chrome extension | ~ | ✓ |
| Multi-job-board posting | ~ | ✓ |
| Built-in candidate sourcing | ~ | ~ |
| Workflow automation | ✓ | ~ |
| AI matching & assistance | ✓ | – |
| Reporting & analytics | ✓ | ~ |
| Temp back-office (pay & bill) | – | – |
| Open API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile app | – | – |
IncludedPartial or paid add-onNot available
What would it cost your team?
| Est. monthly cost, entry tier | 5 seats | 20 seats | 50 seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashby (official) | $400/mo (org ≤100 employees)flat | $400/mo (org ≤100 employees)flat | $400/mo (org ≤100 employees)flat |
| CATS (official) | $89/user/mo (term not stated)flat | $89/user/mo (term not stated)flat | $89/user/mo (term not stated)flat |
Estimated from each vendor's published entry-tier price as of September 22, 2026; real quotes vary with plan tier, add-on modules, and contract terms. See how we label pricing confidence.
Frequently asked questions
How do Ashby and CATS pricing compare?
Ashby pricing starts at $400/mo (org ≤100 employees) (official, reviewed July 4, 2026). CATS pricing starts at $89/user/mo (term not stated) (official, reviewed September 22, 2026).
What does Ashby cost?
Ashby pricing starts at $400/mo (org ≤100 employees) (official, reviewed July 4, 2026). Foundations $400/mo for organizations up to 100 employees (10% annual-commitment discount); larger plans and Analytics are custom-quoted. Priced by company headcount, not recruiter seats (vendor pricing page, Jul 2026).
What does CATS cost?
CATS pricing starts at $89/user/mo (term not stated) (official, reviewed September 22, 2026). One published plan, CATS Pro, at $89/user/mo shown against a struck-through $110, plus a $500 data migration fee. The pricing page does not say whether $89 is a monthly or an annual rate, so the billing term is unconfirmed. The older $69 figure that third-party sites still quote no longer applies (vendor pricing page, Sep 2026).
Which is rated higher, Ashby or CATS?
Ashby is rated higher: 4.7/5 on G2 versus 4.2/5 for CATS on G2.
Who is Ashby best for, and who is CATS best for?
Ashby: Tech-focused teams that prioritize analytics and product velocity. CATS: Small agencies wanting simple, affordable applicant tracking.