7 Best Applicant Tracking Systems for Remote Teams (2026)
We compared 5 top tools for this category. Ashby is our #1 overall recommendation, boasting a 4.9/5 rating and excelling at all-in-one power. If you are looking for an alternative specifically for hiring engineers, Cord is a highly capable runner-up.
Ashby
The modern favorite. Ashby is built for speed and analytics. It combines ATS, scheduling, and analytics in one, perfect for distributed teams that need to coordinate interviews across time zones.
Runner Ups
Cord
Hiring EngineersDirect messaging for hiring. Cord integrates with your ATS but allows for direct, chat-like communication with engineers and designers, skipping the formal email threads that slow remote hiring down.
- Direct access to candidates
- High response rates
- Simple messaging interface
- Focuses on tech roles
- Limited to specific regions
Starting at
Custom
Remote
Global ComplianceHire anywhere. While primarily an EOR (Employer of Record), Remote's 'Talent' product helps you post jobs and manage applicants specifically for international roles, ensuring compliance from day one.
- Built-in compliance checks
- Seamless transition to onboarding
- Access to global talent pool
- ATS features are basic
- Upsell to EOR is the goal
Starting at
Free (for Talent)
Lever
Candidate NurturingRelationship focused. Lever combines ATS with CRM, allowing you to nurture passive candidates over time. This is crucial for remote teams fishing in a competitive global talent pool.
- Strong CRM features
- Easy scheduling integration
- Visual pipeline
- Reporting can be complex
- Pricey for small teams
Starting at
Custom
Workable
AI SourcingThe sourcing engine. Workable's 'AI Recruiter' scans the web to find candidates that match your job description, helping remote teams find talent in markets they don't know well.
- AI candidate sourcing
- One-click posting to 200+ boards
- Mobile app for hiring managers
- Can get expensive
- AI matches vary in quality
Starting at
$129/mo
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about choosing the right software.
Based on our analysis of 5 options, Ashby is the best overall choice for remote teams, earning a 4.9/5 rating. Key strengths include Incredible scheduling automation and Deep analytics on hiring speed. For a different focus, Cord (4.7/5) is a strong alternative specializing in hiring engineers.
Ashby (4.9/5, Custom) is best for all-in-one power, while Cord (4.7/5, Custom) excels at hiring engineers. Ashby takes the top spot overall, but Cord is the better pick if your priority is specifically hiring engineers.
Yes, 1 tool(s) in this comparison offer a free plan or freemium tier: Remote. Among them, Remote stands out for remote teams thanks to its focus on global compliance.
Key criteria for remote teams include: all-in-one power, hiring engineers, global compliance. Our #1 pick Ashby leads in all-in-one power, while Remote (4.8/5) is a noteworthy option for global compliance. Consider your specific workflow needs and budget to narrow down the best fit.
In this comparison of 5 tools, pricing ranges from Custom (Ashby) at the low end to premium enterprise tiers. 1 tool(s) offer free plans. For the best balance of features and value, we recommend Ashby at Custom.