Top Echelon Review
4.6(513)Affordable ATS/CRM with a built-in split-placement network
Top Echelon (TE Recruit, acquired by Recur Software in 2026) pairs a budget ATS/CRM with something nobody else has: a split-placement network that generates deals for solo recruiters. The software is dated but the economics are compelling.
By Ramin Assemi, B2B SaaS marketer and former Head of Content at Close.comPublished Updated
Top Echelon pricing
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).
- Free trial
- Yes
- Free tier
- No
- Min. seats
- 1
- Billing
- Monthly available
Pricing data: Official (published by the vendor).
Pros
- ✓Extremely affordable with transparent pricing
- ✓TE Network: unique split-placement revenue opportunities
- ✓Well-reviewed customer support
Cons
- ✕UI needs a modern overhaul
- ✕Recurring bugs with email sync and resume attachments
- ✕Clunky navigation
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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Top Echelon: frequently asked questions
How much 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).
Does Top Echelon offer a free trial?
Yes. Top Echelon offers a free trial. There is no free tier.
Is Top Echelon an ATS or a CRM?
Top Echelon is a combined ATS + CRM platform: applicant tracking and candidate/client relationship management in one system.
Who is Top Echelon best for?
Solo recruiters and small perm firms doing split placements. We rank it for recruitment agencies & staffing firms, executive search firms.
What are the main drawbacks of Top Echelon?
The criticisms that come up most: UI needs a modern overhaul; Recurring bugs with email sync and resume attachments; Clunky navigation.
What are the best Top Echelon alternatives?
Based on segment overlap and review ratings, the closest Top Echelon alternatives are Vultus Recruit, Happlicant, Recruit CRM, Manatal. Full list: https://recruitmentcrm.com/alternatives/top-echelon.