Karat vs Criteria Corp: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Karat and Criteria Corp comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Karat
Interviewing as a service
Best for you if:
- • You need recruiting features specifically
- • You need interviewing as a service
- • You need professional-grade features
Criteria Corp
Pre-employment assessment
Best for you if:
- • You need ats features specifically
- • You need pre-employment assessment
- • You need professional-grade features
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Recruiting | ATS |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Karat | Criteria Corp |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 214 | 123 |
| Categories | RecruitingAI for HR | ATSRecruiting |
Understanding the Differences
Both Karat and Criteria Corp solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Karat positions itself as "interviewing as a service" while Criteria Corpfocuses on "pre-employment assessment". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Karat
Karat makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Criteria Corp
Criteria Corp is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Criteria Corp
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Criteria Corp is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Criteria Corp
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Karat is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Karat
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Karat—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Karat higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Karat more (214 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Karat Does Better
- More community upvotes
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Criteria Corp If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Karat. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Karat scores higher in our analysis, but Criteria Corp might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Karat or Criteria Corp better?
Based on our analysis, Karat scores higher with high/100. Karat ispaid while Criteria Corp is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Karat to Criteria Corp easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Karat and Criteria Corp offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Karat is paid with potential trial.Criteria Corp is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.