Karat vs Testlify: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Karat and Testlify 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
Testlify
AI-native platform for fair, defensible, and scalable skill assessments and interviewing.
Best for you if:
- • You need assessment tools features specifically
- • AI-native platform for skill assessments and interviewing.
- • Reduces unconscious bias and accelerates hiring by up to 82%.
| At a Glance |  Testlify | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Recruiting | Assessment Tools |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Karat | Testlify |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 214 | 0 |
| Categories | RecruitingAI for HR | Assessment ToolsRecruiting |
Understanding the Differences
Both Karat and Testlify solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Karat positions itself as "interviewing as a service" while Testlifyfocuses on "ai-native platform for fair, defensible, and scalable skill assessments and interviewing.". 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 Testlify
Testlify 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: Testlify
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Testlify is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Testlify
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 Testlify 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 Testlify 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 Testlify better?
Based on our analysis, Karat scores higher with high/100. Karat ispaid while Testlify 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 Testlify 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 Testlify offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Karat is paid with potential trial.Testlify is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.