PCRecruiter 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
PCRecruiter
Veteran, deeply customizable ATS/CRM (now part of Recur Software)
Best for: Boutique to mid-market perm and exec-search firms with complex workflows
✓Extreme stability with very large databases
✓Deep customization and powerful Boolean search
✕Outdated, click-heavy interface
✕Reporting is complex to decipher
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 PCRecruiter if…
- ✓You need an open API for custom integrations
- ✓Multi-job-board posting is core to how you fill roles
Choose Top Echelon if…
- ✓Entry price matters: $75/user/mo published vs $85 for PCRecruiter
Feature-by-feature
| Feature | PCRecruiter | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCRecruiter (reported) | $425/mo | $1,700/mo | $4,250/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 PCRecruiter 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). PCRecruiter pricing starts at $85/user/mo (reported, reviewed July 4, 2026).
What does PCRecruiter cost?
PCRecruiter pricing starts at $85/user/mo (reported, reviewed July 4, 2026). No current official price list. Third-party buyer sites report from ~$85/user/mo, one citing a 2-year contract for entry pricing; unverified with the vendor (SelectHub Jan 2026 / Software Finder).
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, PCRecruiter or Top Echelon?
Top Echelon is rated higher: 4.6/5 on G2 versus 4.3/5 for PCRecruiter.
Who is PCRecruiter best for, and who is Top Echelon best for?
PCRecruiter: Boutique to mid-market perm and exec-search firms with complex workflows. Top Echelon: Solo recruiters and small perm firms doing split placements.