Handshake vs Tracker
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
Handshake
The campus recruiting network: 1,400+ colleges, 18M students
Best for: Employers running campus, internship, and early-career programs
✓Unmatched campus reach: direct registrar-verified student profiles
✓Genuinely free Basic tier for job posting
✕Free tier is tightly limited (10 messages/month)
✕Steep jump from Free/Pro to quote-based Enterprise
Tracker
Integrated ATS/CRM with native back-office and hands-on service
Best for: Mid-size staffing firms that value hands-on support
✓Native back-office: timesheets, compliance, shift management, video interviewing
✓Deep workflow configurability
✕AI matching is keyword-driven rather than contextual
✕Interface can feel outdated and click-heavy
Our verdict
Choose Handshake if…
- ✓You're in campus & graduate recruiting, a segment Tracker doesn't focus on
- ✓You want built-in candidate sourcing instead of separate tools
Choose Tracker if…
- ✓You're in recruitment agencies & staffing firms, a segment Handshake doesn't focus on
- ✓You're in rpo providers, a segment Handshake doesn't focus on
- ✓You're in contract & temp staffing, a segment Handshake doesn't focus on
- ✓You run temp or contract desks and need pay & bill in the platform
Feature-by-feature
| Feature | Handshake | Tracker |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handshake (official) | $450/mo (Pro)flat | $450/mo (Pro)flat | $450/mo (Pro)flat |
| Tracker (official) | $395/mo | $1,580/mo | $3,950/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
How do Handshake and Tracker pricing compare?
Handshake pricing starts at $450/mo (Pro) (official, reviewed July 4, 2026). Tracker pricing starts at $79/user/mo (official, reviewed July 4, 2026).
What does Handshake cost?
Handshake pricing starts at $450/mo (Pro) (official, reviewed July 4, 2026). Basic is free (job posting, but capped at 10 messages/mo); Pro is $450/mo with 200 messages/mo; Enterprise is quote-based. Promoted jobs are a flexible-rate add-on. The old $100+/week Plus tier no longer exists (vendor pricing page, Jul 2026).
What does Tracker cost?
Tracker pricing starts at $79/user/mo (official, reviewed July 4, 2026). Launch $79/user/mo (up to 5 recruiters) and Core $99/user/mo, both billed monthly; Professional and Enterprise are quote-based. Multi-channel job board search/posting requires separate subscriptions (vendor pricing page, Jul 2026).
Which is rated higher, Handshake or Tracker?
Tracker is rated higher: 4.7/5 on G2 versus 4.4/5 for Handshake.
Who is Handshake best for, and who is Tracker best for?
Handshake: Employers running campus, internship, and early-career programs. Tracker: Mid-size staffing firms that value hands-on support.