ATS Mako vs Bullhorn
Bullhorn is one of the most established names in staffing software — a genuine enterprise-grade ATS and CRM with a large partner marketplace. ATS Mako takes a different approach: two-way SMS and AI candidate ranking are native to the platform from day one, priced as a flat monthly rate instead of per user.
ATS Mako differs from Bullhorn mainly in pricing model and communication: ATS Mako runs two-way SMS and AI candidate ranking natively for a flat monthly rate starting at $149/month, while Bullhorn is priced per user (publicly listed at $99-$165/user/month) with SMS handled through a partner integration and AI features available as an add-on.
Bullhorn is a genuinely deep, established staffing ATS/CRM, especially for larger operations with the budget for its per-user pricing and add-on ecosystem. ATS Mako is built for teams that want two-way SMS, AI candidate ranking, and full white-label branding included from the start, at a flat monthly rate rather than a per-seat bill that grows with headcount.
ATS Mako vs Bullhorn
| Capability | ATS Mako | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Flat monthly rate per tier — $149/mo covers up to 5 users, $299/mo up to 10 — so the bill doesn't grow every time you add a recruiter. | Priced per user: publicly listed at $99/user/month (Starter) and $165/user/month (Core), so cost scales directly with headcount. |
| Two-way SMS | Native to the core platform from day one — no separate app, no extra contract. | Available through a partner integration (Bullhorn Messaging, powered by TextUs, or similar third-party add-ons) rather than built by Bullhorn itself. |
| AI candidate ranking | Included in the platform, not a separate purchase. | AI capabilities are available, but reviewers note they come as an add-on — an extra cost some smaller firms don't have budgeted. |
| Setup | Self-serve: start a 30-day free trial and configure branding, SMS, and pipelines without a sales cycle. | Typically a sales-led onboarding process, reflecting its larger enterprise feature set and partner ecosystem. |
What sets ATS Mako apart.
One flat rate, not a per-seat bill
Bullhorn's published pricing charges per user on top of tiered plans. ATS Mako charges one flat rate per tier, so adding your fifth or tenth recruiter doesn't mean a bigger invoice every month.
Texting that's built in, not bolted on
Bullhorn's two-way texting runs through a partner integration layered on top of the core platform. ATS Mako's SMS is native — it's the same system your candidate pipeline already lives in, no second login or extra contract.
AI ranking without the add-on line item
Reviewers flag Bullhorn's AI features as an extra-cost add-on that not every firm has budget for. ATS Mako includes AI candidate ranking in the base platform.
Live in days, not a sales cycle
Start a free trial and configure your own branding, pipelines, and messaging — no procurement process required to see the platform running on your own data.
ATS Mako vs Bullhorn — FAQ
Is ATS Mako a Bullhorn alternative?
Yes, particularly for staffing and recruiting teams that want native two-way SMS and AI candidate ranking included in a flat monthly rate rather than billed per user with add-ons layered on top.
How does ATS Mako's pricing compare to Bullhorn's?
Bullhorn publishes per-user pricing: $99/user/month for its Starter plan and $165/user/month for Core. ATS Mako publishes flat plans instead — $149/month for up to 5 users (Reef Shark) and $299/month for up to 10 users (Tiger Shark) — so the price doesn't rise every time you add a recruiter.
Does Bullhorn have native SMS texting?
Bullhorn's two-way texting is delivered through partner integrations layered on top of the core platform (for example, Bullhorn Messaging, powered by TextUs), rather than being built natively by Bullhorn. ATS Mako runs SMS as a native, core feature of the platform itself.
Is Bullhorn better for large enterprise staffing firms?
For very large operations that need Bullhorn's specific partner marketplace and deep enterprise configuration, and have the per-seat budget for it, Bullhorn's depth is real and well-established. ATS Mako is built for teams that want native SMS, AI ranking, and white-label branding at a flat rate without that sales-led, per-seat process.
Does ATS Mako have as many integrations as Bullhorn?
Bullhorn's marketplace is larger, reflecting its longer time in the market. ATS Mako connects through 50+ integrations covering job boards, HRIS, and payroll — enough for most staffing and recruiting workflows, though not matching Bullhorn's partner count.
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