CATS 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
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
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 CATS if…
- ✓You need an open API for custom integrations
- ✓Your team sources through LinkedIn every day
- ✓Multi-job-board posting is core to how you fill roles
Choose Top Echelon if…
- ✓You're in executive search firms, a segment CATS doesn't focus on
- ✓Entry price matters: $75/user/mo published vs $89 for CATS
- ✓Peer sentiment: 4.6/5 across 513 G2 reviews vs 4.2/5 for CATS
Feature-by-feature
| Feature | CATS | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CATS (official) | $445/mo | $1,780/mo | $4,450/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 CATS 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). CATS pricing starts at $89/user/mo (official, reviewed July 4, 2026).
What does CATS cost?
CATS pricing starts at $89/user/mo (official, reviewed July 4, 2026). Current official page shows $89 and $110/user/mo options plus a $500 data migration fee; billing-term mapping needs confirmation. The older $69 price no longer applies (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, CATS or Top Echelon?
Top Echelon is rated higher: 4.6/5 on G2 versus 4.2/5 for CATS.
Who is CATS best for, and who is Top Echelon best for?
CATS: Small agencies wanting simple, affordable applicant tracking. Top Echelon: Solo recruiters and small perm firms doing split placements.