Pin 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
Pin
AI sourcing and outreach layer with an 850M-profile database
Best for: Sourcing-led boutiques that need response rates, not a system of record
✓850M+ profile database with AI matching
✓Outreach algorithms producing standout reply rates (~17% on LinkedIn)
✕A sourcing layer, not a complete system of record
✕Usually needs a separate ATS for post-interview pipeline
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 Pin if…
- ✓You want built-in candidate sourcing instead of separate tools
- ✓You want workflow automation working out of the box
- ✓AI matching and assistance are on your must-have list
- ✓Your team sources through LinkedIn every day
Choose Top Echelon if…
- ✓You want to trial before committing (free trial available)
Feature-by-feature
| Feature | Pin | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pin (official) | $99/mo (Solo, annual)flat | $99/mo (Solo, annual)flat | $99/mo (Solo, annual)flat |
| 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
How do Pin and Top Echelon pricing compare?
Pin pricing starts at $99/mo (Solo, annual) (official, reviewed July 4, 2026). Top Echelon pricing starts at $75/user/mo (official, reviewed July 4, 2026).
What does Pin cost?
Pin pricing starts at $99/mo (Solo, annual) (official, reviewed July 4, 2026). Solo $99/mo (annual billing only), Professional $149/user/mo annual ($179 monthly), Business $249/user/mo annual ($299 monthly). SSO/SAML and SCIM are +$150/mo each (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, Pin or Top Echelon?
Pin is rated higher: 4.8/5 on G2 versus 4.6/5 for Top Echelon.
Who is Pin best for, and who is Top Echelon best for?
Pin: Sourcing-led boutiques that need response rates, not a system of record. Top Echelon: Solo recruiters and small perm firms doing split placements.