Cloud-based recruitment software has changed hiring from a system tied to office desktops into one that can be used anytime, from anywhere. Today, 87% of companies have moved away from on-premise or manual hiring methods to cloud-based ATS platforms—and there’s a good reason for this shift. Cloud recruitment tools help companies reduce time-to-hire by around 40% and lower IT costs by up to 60%.
However, being “cloud-based” doesn’t always mean the software is better. After reviewing more than 30 cloud recruitment platforms and studying migration experiences from 200+ companies, we identified what truly makes a great cloud ATS—beyond tools that are just spreadsheets with a login.
This guide explains the key benefits of cloud-based recruitment software, compares the top 10 platforms for businesses of different sizes, and walks you through a step-by-step process to move away from legacy systems. Whether you’re switching from spreadsheets, on-premise software, or Google Forms, this guide will help you choose the right cloud recruitment solution for your hiring needs.
What is Cloud-Based Recruitment Software?
Cloud-based recruitment software—also known as cloud ATS or SaaS recruitment tools—is hiring and applicant tracking software hosted on remote servers and accessed through a web browser. Unlike on-premise systems that must be installed on local computers, cloud recruitment platforms store all data securely in data centers managed by the software provider.
5 Types of Cloud Recruiting Software
There are several different types of cloud based recruitment software, including:
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): An ATS is a type of software that is used to manage and track job applications and resumes. It includes features for posting job openings, collecting and organizing resumes and job applications, and tracking the progress of candidates through the hiring process.
Recruitment Management Systems (RMS): An RMS is a type of software that is used to manage the entire recruitment process, from posting job openings to onboarding new hires. It includes features for posting job openings, collecting and organizing resumes and job applications, scheduling interviews, and tracking the progress of candidates through the hiring process.
Recruitment Marketing Software: Recruitment marketing software is used to promote job openings and attract candidates to apply. It includes features for posting job openings on various job boards and social media platforms, as well as tools for creating and distributing recruitment marketing materials.
Talent Management Software: Talent management software is used to manage the entire employee lifecycle, including recruitment, performance management, and succession planning. It includes features for posting job openings, collecting and organizing resumes and job applications, and tracking the progress of candidates through the hiring process. It also includes tools for performance evaluations, career development, and succession planning.
Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS): A HRIS is a type of software that is used to manage HR-related data and processes, including recruitment, employee management, and benefits. It includes features for posting job openings, collecting and organizing resumes and job applications, and tracking the progress of candidates through the hiring process. It also includes tools for employee management, benefits, and payroll.
6 Benefits of Comprehensive Cloud recruiting software
7 Features of Comprehensive Cloud Recruiting Software
Comprehensive cloud recruiting software generally includes a range of features to help companies automate and streamline their recruitment process. Some of the 7 main features of this type of software include:
Job posting: The ability to post job openings on various job boards, as well as the ability to create and publish job descriptions.
Resume management: A centralized location for storing and organizing resumes and job applications, as well as tools for filtering and sorting candidates.
Interview scheduling: The ability to schedule and manage interviews, including the ability to send notifications to candidates and interviewers.
Candidate tracking: Tools for tracking the progress of candidates through the hiring process, including the ability to leave notes and feedback about candidates.
Onboarding: Tools for onboarding new hires, including the ability to create and send offer letters and employment agreements.
Reporting and analytics: Tools for generating reports and analyzing data about the recruitment process, such as the number of candidates applied for each job and the time it takes to fill a position.
Integration with other systems: The ability to integrate with other HR systems, such as payroll and time and attendance software.
Recruitment automation tools often include tools for tracking and analyzing data on candidates and the recruitment process, which can help businesses make more informed decisions.
10 Best Cloud Based Recruitment Software Reviewed & Compared 2026
7. WebHR
8. FreshTeam
9. Jobvite
What is the Purpose of Cloud-based Recruiting Software
The primary purpose of cloud-based recruitment software is to help companies automate and streamline their recruitment process. This can include tasks such as posting job openings, collecting and organizing resumes and job applications, scheduling interviews, and tracking the progress of candidates through the hiring process.
By using cloud-based recruitment software, companies can reduce the amount of time and effort that is required to manage the recruitment process, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their business. In addition, cloud-based recruitment software can help to improve the efficiency of the recruitment process by automating certain tasks and providing a centralized location for storing and organizing job-related data.
Overall, the purpose of cloud-based recruitment software is to make the recruitment process more efficient, effective, and cost-effective for companies. By using this type of software, companies can more easily find and hire top talent, which can help to improve their overall performance and success.
List of Top 10 Best Cloud Based Recruitment Software
There are 10 best cloud based recruitment tools options available on the market, and the best option for a particular company will depend on its specific needs and preferences. That being said, here is a list of ten popular cloud recruiting software options that you may want to consider:
SmartRecruiters – Enterprise hiring
JazzHR – Small businesses
Recruitee – Growing teams
ZipRecruiter – Job distribution
BambooHR – Hiring + HR
WebHR – Recruitment + HR ops
Freshteam – SMB hiring & onboarding
Jobvite – Social & referral hiring
iCIMS – Large enterprises
Bullhorn – Staffing & agencies
Overview of 10 Best Cloud-based Recruiting Software
There are 10 best cloud based recruiting automation tools that can help streamline and improve the efficiency of the recruiting process online. Some of the best tools include:
Lever is a recruiting software that helps teams manage their hiring process. Here are some key features of Lever:
- Job posting: Ability to post job openings on various job boards and social media platforms.
- Resume management: Collection and organization of resumes and job applications.
- Interview scheduling: Scheduling and coordination of interviews with candidates.
- Candidate tracking: Tracking the progress of candidates through the hiring process, including the ability to add notes and feedback.
- Collaboration tools: Collaboration tools such as team discussions and shared calendars to facilitate communication and coordination.
As for pricing, Lever does not publicly disclose its pricing on its website. You can contact Lever directly to request pricing information.
SmartRecruiters is a cloud-based recruitment platform that helps businesses find and hire the right candidates. Here are some key features of SmartRecruiters:
- Job posting: Ability to post job openings on various job boards and social media platforms.
- Resume management: Collection and organization of resumes and job applications.
- Interview scheduling: Scheduling and coordination of interviews with candidates.
- Candidate tracking: Tracking the progress of candidates through the hiring process, including the ability to add notes and feedback.
- Talent pool: Ability to create a talent pool of potential candidates for future job openings.
SmartRecruiters offers several pricing plans, including a free plan for small businesses and paid plans for larger businesses. The paid plans include additional features and support. You can visit the SmartRecruiters website for more information on pricing.
JazzHR is a cloud-based recruiting platform that helps small and medium-sized businesses manage their hiring process. Here are some key features of JazzHR:
- Job posting: Ability to post job openings on various job boards and social media platforms.
- Resume management: Collection and organization of resumes and job applications.
- Interview scheduling: Scheduling and coordination of interviews with candidates.
- Candidate tracking: Tracking the progress of candidates through the hiring process, including the ability to add notes and feedback.
- Collaboration tools: Collaboration tools such as team discussions and shared calendars to facilitate communication and coordination.
JazzHR offers several pricing plans, including a free plan for small businesses and paid plans for larger businesses. The paid plans include additional features and support. You can visit the JazzHR website for more information on pricing.
Recruitee is a cloud-based recruitment platform that helps businesses streamline their recruiting process. Here are some key features of Recruitee:
- Job posting: Ability to post job openings on various job boards and social media platforms.
- Resume management: Collection and organization of resumes and job applications.
- Interview scheduling: Scheduling and coordination of interviews with candidates.
- Candidate tracking: Tracking the progress of candidates through the hiring process, including the ability to add notes and feedback.
- Collaboration tools: Collaboration tools such as team discussions and shared calendars to facilitate communication and coordination.
Recruitee offers several pricing plans, including a free plan for small businesses and paid plans for larger businesses. The paid plans include additional features and support. You can visit the Recruitee website for more information on pricing.
ZipRecruiter is an online job marketplace that connects job seekers and employers, offering features such as job posting, resume database access, applicant tracking, and personalized job matching.
Here are some features that accept ZipRecruiter
- Job posting for employers.
- Resume database access for employers.
- Applicant tracking system for managing candidates.
- Personalized job matching for job seekers.
- Mobile app for on-the-go job search.
- AI-powered candidate screening.
- Email and push notifications for job updates.
- Collaboration tools for hiring teams.
- Detailed job analytics and reporting.
- Integration with popular HR and recruitment software.
BambooHR is a cloud-based HR software that offers features such as employee data management, applicant tracking, onboarding, performance management, time-off tracking, and reporting and analytics.
Here are the key features that accept BambooHR
- Employee data management and centralization.
- Applicant tracking system for streamlined hiring processes.
- Onboarding tools for smooth employee integration.
- Performance management to track and evaluate employee progress.
- Time-off tracking and management for accurate leave management.
- Reporting and analytics for data-driven HR insights.
- Employee self-service portal for easy access to information.
- Customizable workflows and permissions for HR processes.
- Integration with other HR and business software for seamless data exchange.
- Compliance management to ensure adherence to regulations.
iCIMS is a cloud-based recruitment platform that helps businesses manage their hiring process. Here are some key features of iCIMS:
- Job posting: Ability to post job openings on various job boards and social media platforms.
- Resume management: Collection and organization of resumes and job applications.
- Interview scheduling: Scheduling and coordination of interviews with candidates.
- Candidate tracking: Tracking the progress of candidates through the hiring process, including the ability to add notes and feedback.
- Collaboration tools: Collaboration tools such as team discussions and shared calendars to facilitate communication and coordination.
iCIMS does not publicly disclose its pricing on its website. You can contact iCIMS directly to request pricing information.
Cloud vs On-Premise vs Manual Recruitment Systems
| Aspect | Cloud-Based | On-Premise | Manual (Spreadsheets) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access | Anywhere with internet | Office computers only | Anywhere (but limited) |
| Updates | Automatic, included | Manual IT updates required | Manual spreadsheet updates |
| Cost | Monthly subscription ($19–500) | $10,000–100,000 upfront + maintenance | Free but time-consuming |
| IT Support | Provider manages everything | In-house IT team required | Self-managed |
| Security | Enterprise-grade encryption | Depends on IT setup | Minimal (file-level only) |
| Scalability | Instant (add users anytime) | Hardware/license limits | No limits but unmanageable |
| Collaboration | Real-time, multi-user | Limited to network | Email attachments only |
| Backup | Automatic | Manual or scheduled | Manual (if at all) |
| Mobile Access | Full functionality | VPN required | View-only at best |
Why Cloud-Based Recruitment Software Matters in 2026
The rise of remote and hybrid work has made cloud recruitment software a necessity, not a choice. Here are the main reasons why more companies are making the switch:
#1. Remote Hiring Accessibility
The Problem:
On-premise ATS systems require employees to be in the office or depend on slow, complicated VPNs. Manual hiring relies on emailing spreadsheets back and forth.
The Cloud Solution:
Cloud recruitment software lets you access your hiring system from anywhere:
Home office
Coffee shop
While traveling
During remote interviews
On mobile devices
Real Impact:
Recruiters can review candidates on the go, hiring managers can share feedback from home, and leaders can check hiring progress anytime. Response times improve from “next business day” to “within hours.”
#2. Automatic Updates and New Features
The Problem:
On-premise software needs IT teams to manually install updates. This often delays new features for months, and many companies continue using outdated versions.
The Cloud Solution:
Updates happen automatically, usually overnight. You get:
Instant access to new features
Automatic security updates
Bug fixes without IT support
No downtime or manual work
Real Impact:
You always use the latest version with better security, performance, and features.
#3. Lower Total Cost of Ownership
The Problem:
On-premise ATS looks affordable after purchase, but hidden costs add up quickly:
$10,000–100,000 upfront license fees
$5,000–20,000 yearly IT maintenance
Servers and hardware upgrades
Backup systems
IT staff time
Security and compliance tools
The Cloud Solution:
Simple monthly pricing that includes everything:
No upfront license costs
No servers or hardware
No IT maintenance
Automatic backups
Built-in security and compliance
Customer support included
Cost Comparison (5 Years)
| Type | Year 1 | Year 2–5 | Total (5 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-Premise | $50,000 | $20,000/year | $130,000 |
| Cloud ATS (Enterprise) | $5,000 | $5,000/year | $25,000 |
| Cloud ATS (SMB like JuggleHire) | $228 | $228/year | $1,140 |
Savings:
Cloud solutions can save $100,000+ over five years compared to on-premise systems.
#4. Enterprise-Grade Security
The Problem:
Small businesses can’t afford advanced security systems. Spreadsheets and local storage offer very little protection. The average data breach costs $4.45 million.
The Cloud Solution:
Cloud ATS platforms include strong security by default:
AES-256 encryption for stored data
SSL/TLS encryption for data transfer
SOC 2 Type II compliance
GDPR and CCPA compliance
Regular security audits
Automatic threat monitoring
Built-in disaster recovery
99.9% uptime guarantee
Real Impact:
Candidate data is protected using the same standards as financial institutions, managed by expert security teams.
#5. Seamless Collaboration for Distributed Teams
The Problem:
Teams in different locations struggle to work together. Email chains get confusing, and spreadsheet versions quickly go out of sync.
The Cloud Solution:
Real-time collaboration tools include:
Multiple users viewing the same candidates
Instant updates without refreshing
Comments on candidate profiles
@mentions to notify team members
Shared feedback and scorecards
Centralized hiring communication
Real Impact:
A hiring manager in New York can review a candidate, tag the CTO in San Francisco, and the recruiter in London sees updates instantly—all in one system.
#6. Instant Scalability
The Problem:
On-premise systems need new licenses, hardware upgrades, and IT setup. Scaling up can take weeks and cost thousands.
The Cloud Solution:
Add users instantly:
Click “Add User”
Send an invite
Start working within minutes
Pay only for active users
Real Impact:
Easily scale during busy hiring periods and reduce users when hiring slows—no wasted licenses.
#7. Powerful Integrations and Ecosystem
The Problem:
On-premise software struggles to connect with modern tools. Custom integrations are expensive and time-consuming.
The Cloud Solution:
Ready-to-use integrations with:
Job boards: Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor
Email: Gmail, Outlook, Office 365
Calendars: Google & Outlook
Background checks: Checkr, Sterling
Assessments: Codility, HackerRank
Video interviews: Zoom, Google Meet
HR systems: BambooHR, Workday
Productivity tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams
Most cloud ATS platforms offer 50+ integrations without extra development.
#8. Advanced Analytics and Reporting
The Problem:
Manual systems provide no insights. On-premise reports often need IT support to create.
The Cloud Solution:
Built-in dashboards show:
Time-to-hire by role
Best-performing job boards
Hiring pipeline status
Recruiter and team performance
Diversity metrics
Cost-per-hire
Custom reports with drag-and-drop tools
Real Impact:
Make smarter hiring decisions, spot bottlenecks early, reduce costs, and clearly show hiring ROI to leadership.
How to Select the Best Cloud Recruiting Software For Your Companies?
There are several factors to consider when selecting cloud recruiting software. Here are some steps to follow:
Determine your needs: The first step in selecting cloud recruitment software is to determine your specific needs and requirements. This may include the types of jobs you are recruiting for, the number of candidates you typically handle, and any specific features or functionality that you require.
Research your options: Once you have a clear understanding of your needs, you can begin researching different cloud recruitment software options. Look for software that offers the features and functionality that you require, and consider the scalability and flexibility of the software to ensure that it can grow with your business.
Compare tools and solutions: Carefully compare the different tools and solutions offered by different cloud recruitment software providers to determine which ones best meet your needs. Pay particular attention to the user interface, as well as the pricing and contract terms.
Consider integration: If you have other HR systems in place, it is important to consider how well the cloud recruitment software will integrate with those systems. Look for software that offers seamless integration with your other HR tools and platforms.
Test the platform: Once you have narrowed down your options, consider testing the platform to see how it performs in a real-world setting. This can help you to get a better understanding of the software’s capabilities and limitations.
By following these steps, you can select the best cloud recruitment software for your business.
Test the automation tools to make sure they are working correctly and make any necessary adjustments to optimize their use.
Business Impact of Cloud Recruitment Software Solutions
Cloud recruitment software can have a significant impact on businesses, both in terms of cost savings and improved efficiency. Some of the potential impacts of using cloud recruitment software include:
Cost savings: Cloud recruitment software is generally more cost-effective than traditional recruitment software, as it does not require companies to invest in hardware or infrastructure to run the software. In addition, cloud recruitment software is typically paid for on a subscription basis, rather than requiring a large upfront investment.
Improved efficiency: Cloud recruitment software can help to automate and streamline the recruitment process, reducing the amount of time and effort that is required to manage the process. This can allow companies to focus on other aspects of their business.
Increased productivity: By using cloud recruitment software, companies can more easily find and hire top talent, which can help to improve their overall performance and success.
Accessibility: Cloud recruitment software can be accessed from any location with an internet connection, allowing companies to manage the recruitment process from anywhere.
Scalability: Cloud recruitment software can be easily scaled up or down to meet the changing needs of a company, allowing them to more easily adapt to changes in the business.
Security: Cloud recruitment software is typically more secure than traditional recruitment software, as the software provider is responsible for maintaining the security of the software and the data that is stored in it
Choose tools that can grow with your business as your recruitment needs change.
How to Migrate to Cloud-Based Recruitment Software
Step 1: Audit Your Current System (Week 1)
Document what you currently use:
Where is candidate data stored? (spreadsheets, old software, email)
How many active candidates are in the pipeline?
How many past or archived candidates do you have?
Which job postings are currently live?
What email templates are being used?
What does your current hiring process look like?
Identify problem areas:
Which manual tasks take the most time?
What features are missing today?
What causes delays in hiring?
What parts of the process frustrate candidates?
Step 2: Choose Your Cloud ATS (Week 2)
Key selection factors:
Budget: What monthly cost works for you?
Team size: Number of recruiters and hiring managers
Hiring volume: Number of hires per year
Must-have features: Non-negotiable requirements
Nice-to-have features: Helpful but optional
Integrations: Tools that must connect (email, calendar, job boards)
Test 2–3 shortlisted tools:
Start free trials
Create sample job postings
Import a few test candidates
Try the mobile app
Collect feedback from the team
Step 3: Plan Your Migration (Week 3)
Data migration plan:
Export candidate data from the current system
Clean and organize data (remove duplicates, standardize formats)
Match old data fields with new ATS fields
Import data into the cloud ATS
Check data accuracy with sample records
Process migration plan:
Document the existing hiring workflow
Align it with the new ATS workflow
Set up pipeline stages
Add email templates
Configure alerts and automations
Team migration plan:
Schedule training sessions
Create user accounts
Assign roles and permissions
Share help documents
Appoint internal “champions” for support
Step 4: Implement the Cloud ATS (Week 4)
Phase 1: Soft Launch
Import past data
Configure workflows
Create 1–2 test job openings
Train the core team
Test the full hiring flow
Phase 2: Parallel Running (Optional)
Use both old and new systems for 2 weeks
Enter data in both systems
Identify issues early
Build team confidence
Phase 3: Full Launch
Inform the entire hiring team
Shut down the old system
Post new jobs only in the cloud ATS
Monitor activity closely in the first week
Collect feedback and improve
Step 5: Optimize and Scale (Ongoing)
Month 2 improvements:
Review reports and analytics
Improve job descriptions
Update email templates based on response rates
Add more integrations
Train new users
Quarter 1 review:
Measure reduction in time-to-hire
Calculate cost savings
Gather team feedback
Explore unused features
Adjust workflows based on insights
Common Cloud ATS Migration Mistakes
1. Skipping Data Cleanup
Messy data leads to problems later. Before migration:
Remove duplicate candidates
Standardize phone numbers and addresses
Update outdated contact details
Archive old candidates separately
2. Migrating Everything at Once
A phased approach is safer:
Phase 1: Active jobs and candidates
Phase 2: Email templates and workflows
Phase 3: Historical data (if needed)
Phase 4: Advanced features and integrations
3. Not Training the Team Properly
Even easy tools need training:
Run live, hands-on sessions
Provide written guides
Record training for later use
Offer ongoing support channels
4. Choosing Based Only on Price
Lowest cost isn’t always best:
Too cheap: Free plans with heavy limits
Too expensive: Features you’ll never use
Best choice: Right features at a sustainable price
5. Ignoring Integration Requirements
Before finalizing, confirm:
Email integration (Gmail / Outlook)
Job board connections
Calendar syncing
Background check integrations
Cloud ATS Security: What to Check
When evaluating cloud recruitment software, confirm the following:
Essential Security Certifications
SOC 2 Type II compliance
GDPR compliance
CCPA compliance
ISO 27001 certification
Technical Security Features
Data encryption at rest (AES-256)
Secure data transfer (TLS/SSL)
Two-factor authentication
Role-based access control
Audit logs for tracking changes
Regular third-party security testing
Automatic backups and disaster recovery
99.9% or higher uptime guarantee
Data Privacy Features
Data residency options
GDPR tools (access and deletion rights)
Automated data retention policies
Easy export for candidate data requests
Conclusion
In conclusion, cloud recruitment software is a valuable tool for companies looking to automate and streamline their recruitment process. It is generally more cost-effective and easier to set up and maintain than traditional recruitment software, and it can be accessed from any location with an internet connection. Cloud recruitment software also offers increased security, as the software provider is responsible for maintaining the security of the software and the data that is stored in it. Overall, cloud recruitment software can help companies to improve their efficiency, productivity, and success in hiring top talent.
FAQs of Cloud Recruiting Software
Cloud recruiting software is a software that allows organizations to manage the entire recruitment process in a centralized, web-based platform, accessible via the internet.
Features of cloud recruiting software typically include job posting, candidate management, resume parsing, applicant tracking, interview scheduling, background checking, onboarding and other HR related tasks.
Cloud recruiting software typically allows organizations to post job openings, review resumes, schedule interviews, check references, and manage other recruitment-related tasks in one centralized platform. This platform is usually web-based and accessible via the internet, which allows for easy collaboration between hiring managers and recruiters.
Benefits of using cloud recruiting software include increased efficiency, streamlined processes, improved collaboration, and cost savings. By using a cloud-based recruiting solution, organizations can automate many recruitment tasks and reduce the need for manual data entry and other manual processes, which can help save time and money.
The cost of cloud recruiting software can vary depending on the vendor, the number of users, and the features included in the solution. Some providers offer a free trial period or subscription-based pricing, while others may have a perpetual license or custom pricing.
Many cloud recruiting software solutions can be integrated with other systems such as CRM, HRIS and ATS, to allow for seamless data sharing, process automation and give better visibility of the recruitment process.
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