ZipRecruiter vs Greenhouse: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between ZipRecruiter and Greenhouse 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:
ZipRecruiter
AI-powered job matching
Best for you if:
- • You need recruiting features specifically
- • You need ai-powered job matching
- • You need professional-grade features
Greenhouse
Hiring software for growing companies
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need ats features specifically
- • Enterprise applicant tracking system for structured hiring
- • Scorecards and interview stages reduce bias
| At a Glance |  Greenhouse | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Recruiting | ATS |
Rating | —/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | ZipRecruiter | Greenhouse |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 165 | 0 |
| Categories | RecruitingATS | ATSRecruiting |
Understanding the Differences
Both ZipRecruiter and Greenhouse solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.ZipRecruiter positions itself as "ai-powered job matching" while Greenhousefocuses on "hiring software for growing companies". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Greenhouse
Greenhouse is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool. Scoring 87/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
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: Greenhouse
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Greenhouse is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Greenhouse
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. ZipRecruiter is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: ZipRecruiter
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Greenhouse—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 Greenhouse higher (87/100). But the community has upvoted ZipRecruiter more (165 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Greenhouse Does Better
- Higher overall score (87/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider ZipRecruiter 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 Greenhouse (87/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Greenhouse scores higher in our analysis, but ZipRecruiter 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 ZipRecruiter or Greenhouse better?
Based on our analysis, Greenhouse scores higher with 87/100. ZipRecruiter ispaid while Greenhouse 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 ZipRecruiter to Greenhouse 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 ZipRecruiter and Greenhouse offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. ZipRecruiter is paid with potential trial.Greenhouse is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.