Bullhorn vs Top Echelon
Two recruitment CRMs compared on pricing, features, and fit, so you can shortlist with confidence.
✓Pricing verified against vendor pagesData reviewed July 4, 2026How we research →
By Ramin Assemi, B2B SaaS marketer and former Head of Content at Close.comPublished Updated
Bullhorn
The market-leading platform for staffing and recruitment agencies
Best for: Mid-size to enterprise staffing firms, especially temp/contract
✓Unmatched scale: 300+ marketplace integrations and 110+ VMS connections
✓Deepest temp/contract back-office (timesheets, pay & bill)
✕Dated, click-heavy UI that reviewers call sluggish
✕Automation and AI (Amplify) are expensive modular add-ons
Top Echelon
Affordable ATS/CRM with a built-in split-placement network
Best for: Solo recruiters and small perm firms doing split placements
✓Extremely affordable with transparent pricing
✓TE Network: unique split-placement revenue opportunities
✕UI needs a modern overhaul
✕Recurring bugs with email sync and resume attachments
Our verdict
Choose Bullhorn if…
- ✓You're in rpo providers, a segment Top Echelon doesn't focus on
- ✓You're in high-volume hiring, a segment Top Echelon doesn't focus on
- ✓You're in contract & temp staffing, a segment Top Echelon doesn't focus on
- ✓You run temp or contract desks and need pay & bill in the platform
Choose Top Echelon if…
- ✓You're in executive search firms, a segment Bullhorn doesn't focus on
- ✓Entry price matters: $75/user/mo published vs $99 for Bullhorn
- ✓You want to trial before committing (free trial available)
- ✓Peer sentiment: 4.6/5 across 513 G2 reviews vs 4.2/5 for Bullhorn
Feature-by-feature
| Feature | Bullhorn | Top Echelon |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ~ |
What would it cost your team?
| Est. monthly cost, entry tier | 5 seats | 20 seats | 50 seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullhorn (official) | $495/mo | $1,980/mo | $4,950/mo |
| Top Echelon (official) | $375/mo | $1,500/mo | $3,750/mo |
Estimated from each vendor's published entry-tier price as of July 4, 2026; real quotes vary with plan tier, add-on modules, and contract terms. See how we label pricing confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bullhorn cheaper than Top Echelon?
Top Echelon has the lower published starting price. Top Echelon pricing starts at $75/user/mo (official, reviewed July 4, 2026). Bullhorn pricing starts at $99/user/mo (official, reviewed July 4, 2026).
What does Bullhorn cost?
Bullhorn pricing starts at $99/user/mo (official, reviewed July 4, 2026). Publishes small-agency pricing only: Starter $99/user/mo (1–2 users) and Core $165/user/mo. Pro and larger deployments are quote-based, and optional modules (AI Search & Match, Onboarding, Back Office) are priced separately (vendor pricing page, Jul 2026).
What does Top Echelon cost?
Top Echelon pricing starts at $75/user/mo (official, reviewed July 4, 2026). Standard $75/user/mo and Professional $89/user/mo billed annually ($89/$110 monthly). Optional TE Network: $135/mo per agency on annual billing; annual waives the $350 startup fee charged monthly (vendor pricing page, Jul 2026).
Which is rated higher, Bullhorn or Top Echelon?
Top Echelon is rated higher: 4.6/5 on G2 versus 4.2/5 for Bullhorn.
Who is Bullhorn best for, and who is Top Echelon best for?
Bullhorn: Mid-size to enterprise staffing firms, especially temp/contract. Top Echelon: Solo recruiters and small perm firms doing split placements.