Crelate Review
4.4(210)Configurable ATS/CRM for recruiting and staffing firms
Crelate is the configurable middle option for US firms: sales-style CRM pipelines and retained-search project management without Bullhorn's cost. Note the entry plan's hard cap: Essentials only covers 2 users, so most agencies effectively start at the $119 Business tier.
By Ramin Assemi, B2B SaaS marketer and former Head of Content at Close.comPublished Updated
Crelate pricing
Essentials $85/user/mo paid annually (capped at 2 users and 20k contacts) and Business $119/user/mo. Data enrichment and advanced AI modules cost extra (reviewers cite ~$600+/yr) (vendor pricing page, Jul 2026).
- Free trial
- Yes
- Free tier
- No
- Min. seats
- 1
- Billing
- Annual only
Pricing data: Official (published by the vendor).
Pros
- ✓Deep CRM configurability with drag-and-drop swimlane pipelines
- ✓Strong relationship tracking suited to retained search
- ✓Dedicated customer success teams
Cons
- ✕Interface feels cluttered and dated to many reviewers
- ✕Steep learning curve requiring real training
- ✕Essential data enrichment is a paid extra
Features
| 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 | ✓ |
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Crelate: frequently asked questions
How much does Crelate cost?
Crelate pricing starts at $85/user/mo (official, reviewed July 4, 2026). Essentials $85/user/mo paid annually (capped at 2 users and 20k contacts) and Business $119/user/mo. Data enrichment and advanced AI modules cost extra (reviewers cite ~$600+/yr) (vendor pricing page, Jul 2026).
Does Crelate offer a free trial?
Yes. Crelate offers a free trial. There is no free tier.
Is Crelate an ATS or a CRM?
Crelate is a combined ATS + CRM platform: applicant tracking and candidate/client relationship management in one system.
Who is Crelate best for?
US perm + search firms wanting configurable workflows. We rank it for recruitment agencies & staffing firms, executive search firms, rpo providers.
What are the main drawbacks of Crelate?
The criticisms that come up most: Interface feels cluttered and dated to many reviewers; Steep learning curve requiring real training; Essential data enrichment is a paid extra.
What are the best Crelate alternatives?
Based on segment overlap and review ratings, the closest Crelate alternatives are Vultus Recruit, Happlicant, Recruit CRM, Manatal. Full list: https://recruitmentcrm.com/alternatives/crelate.