Teal HQ vs Lever: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Teal HQ and Lever 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:
Teal HQ
Job search platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need ai assistants features specifically
- • AI-powered job search platform with over 2 million members featuring resume builder, job tracker, and interview prep
- • Chrome extension named one of Web Stores Favorites of 2023 for one-click job bookmarking from 50+ job boards
Lever
Talent acquisition suite
Best for you if:
- • You need ats features specifically
- • Lever is an applicant tracking system with built-in CRM for recruiting
- • It combines sourcing, nurturing, and hiring in one collaborative platform
| At a Glance |  Lever | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | AI Assistants | ATS |
Rating | 86/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Teal HQ | Lever |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AI AssistantsTask Management | ATSCRM |
Understanding the Differences
Both Teal HQ and Lever solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Teal HQ positions itself as "job search platform" while Leverfocuses on "talent acquisition suite". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Teal HQ
Teal HQ makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Lever
Lever is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Teal HQ lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Teal HQ
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Teal HQ handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Teal HQ
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Lever takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Lever
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Teal HQ, upgrade when you're ready.
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 Teal HQ higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Lever more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Teal HQ Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Lever 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 Teal HQ (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Teal HQ scores higher in our analysis, but Lever 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 Teal HQ or Lever better?
Based on our analysis, Teal HQ scores higher with 86/100. Teal HQ isfreemium while Lever 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 Teal HQ to Lever 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 Teal HQ and Lever offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Teal HQ is freemium with a free tier.Lever is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.