5 Best Cluen Alternatives for All Business Types
Discover top Cluen alternatives and competitors: a detailed overview of platforms to enhance your hiring, executive search and talent acquisition.
Cluen is an executive search software provider that offers robust solutions for search firms, in-house recruitment, and talent acquisition teams. Its Encore software excels in managing assignments, building candidate databases, and streamlining workflows, with a strong emphasis on data security and GDPR compliance.
However, Cluen’s pricing may deter smaller firms or those on tight budgets. Its steep learning curve and less intuitive design can also affect efficiency, prompting businesses to explore Cluen alternatives that are more affordable, user-friendly, and scalable.
Why Businesses Are Seeking Cluen Alternatives & Competitors?
Cluen provides a dependable platform for managing executive search processes, but it might not align perfectly with every firm's needs. Its higher price point and complexity can be a drawback for companies requiring simpler, more cost-effective solutions. Additionally, some users report that Cluen's software lacks certain modern features, such as advanced AI-driven analytics or seamless integration capabilities with newer third-party tools.
Fortunately, the executive search software market offers a range of alternatives designed to address these limitations. These platforms combine intuitive design, enhanced automation, and flexible pricing, making them more suitable for firms seeking innovation and ease of use in their recruitment processes.
Here’s Why Some Firms Are Moving Away from Cluen:
- - High pricing limits affordability for smaller firms.
- - A steep learning curve slows team adoption.
- - An outdated interface impacts user experience.
- - Limited third-party integrations.
- - Scalability issues for growing businesses.
For executive search firms looking to replace Cluen, these alternatives offer a fresh perspective on recruitment technology. With features like advanced automation, better scalability, and modern user interfaces, they fill the gaps left by Cluen’s software. Platforms like iSmartRecruit also provide flexible pricing and simplified onboarding, making them ideal for both small businesses and large enterprises.
Explore these solutions to find the one that matches your firm’s unique requirements, streamlines your workflows, and helps you achieve more efficient, effective executive search processes. The right and best Cluen alternative can transform how you manage your assignments and deliver superior results for your clients.
Top Cluen Alternatives at a Glance
If you're looking for a swift overview of the best Cluen alternatives and competitors for executive search software, here's a concise comparison table. It highlights the key features and pricing of each option, making it easier for you to make an informed decision quickly.
 iSmartRecruit
|
 Cluen
|
 Loxo
|
 Invenias
|
 Manatal
|
 Clockwork
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing Starts From |
- |
$119 |
$1 |
$19 |
$149 |
|
| Free Trial |
|
|
|
No |
|
|
| Ease of Use | 4.5 |
3.8 |
4.6 |
4.1 |
4.7 |
4.3 |
| Customer Service | 4.7 |
4 |
4.7 |
4.4 |
4.6 |
4.3 |
| Features | 4.6 |
2.7 |
4.5 |
4.4 |
4.5 |
4.1 |
| Value for Money | 4.6 |
2.7 |
4.5 |
4.6 |
4.6 |
4.3 |
| Capterra Rating | ||||||
| G2 Rating | ||||||
Pricing Starts From Get Quote
Free Trial: YES
Ease of Use: 4.5
Customer Service: 4.7
Features: 4.6
Value for Money: 4.6
Capterra Rating:
G2 Rating:
Pricing Starts From -
Free Trial: Yes
Ease of Use: 3.8
Customer Service: 4
Features: 2.7
Value for Money: 2.7
Capterra Rating:
G2 Rating:
Pricing Starts From $119
Free Trial: Yes
Ease of Use: 4.6
Customer Service: 4.7
Features: 4.5
Value for Money: 4.5
Capterra Rating:
G2 Rating:
Pricing Starts From $1
Free Trial: No
Ease of Use: 4.1
Customer Service: 4.4
Features: 4.4
Value for Money: 4.6
Capterra Rating:
G2 Rating:
Pricing Starts From $19
Free Trial: Yes
Ease of Use: 4.7
Customer Service: 4.6
Features: 4.5
Value for Money: 4.6
Capterra Rating:
G2 Rating:
Pricing Starts From $149
Free Trial: Yes
Ease of Use: 4.3
Customer Service: 4.3
Features: 4.1
Value for Money: 4.3
Capterra Rating:
G2 Rating:
Which Solutions Are Considered the Best Alternatives to Cluen?
Cluen Alternative #1: iSmartRecruit
iSmartRecruit is the best alternative to Cluen among all due to several reasons. It has some extraordinary plus points that you won't find in any other. It simplifies and optimises your talent acquisition process without hassle, making it suitable for businesses of any size.
Features like automating job postings, resume parsing and creating intelligent workflows, all with AI capabilities and with affordable price structure, not only make it stand out more than Cluen and others but also result in a smooth and efficient hiring experience.
To summarise, iSmartRecruit is the right choice if you're wondering about alternatives to Cluen. You can book a free demo today to see how it works.
Suitable For
Small, mid-size, and large staffing firms, recruitment agencies, executive search firms, and in-house HR teams.
Star Rating
4.8 on G2 & 4.6 on Capterra
Apps
Android and iOS Mobile App and Web Version.
Key Features of iSmartRecruit
Sourcing Mailbox- Assign Multiple Recruiters
- Revenue
- Knockout Screening
- Pre-Assessment Screening
- Autopilot Workflow
- Smart Search
- Fuzzy & Proximity Search
- Self Scheduling Interviews
- AI features - Matching jobs & candidates,
suggesting candidates.
- Pipeline Management
- IMAP Configuration (Communication)
- Client & Candidate Portal
- Client Job Tracker
- Seamless Data Migration
- Languages
- Vendor Management
- Referral Campaign
Find the perfect feature for your hiring needs!
Pros
Supportive customer service, custom solutions and value for money.
Highly customisable with robust Java-based features.
User-friendly and easy to onboard HR teams.
Ideal for startups needing affordable, quick setups.
Easy-to-use features.
Flexible and Innovative, consistently improving based on feedback.
Self-service portals for clients and candidates.
Excellent customer support.
Strong job posting and regular updates.
Streamlined candidate tracking and reporting with a clear dashboard.
Excellent recruitment database for resume search and candidate tracking.
iSmartRecruit has been a lifesaver for streamlining our application tracking. Since it’s cloud-based, our team members can manage everything from job posts to candidate tracking, no matter where we are. It keeps all our data in one easy-to-navigate dashboard, so we no longer have to jump between spreadsheets and emails—it's a huge time-saver.
Cons
Minor display and loading delays.
Pastel colour palette reduces visibility.
No automatic record display for incoming calls.
Platform speed can be slow at times.
Occasional errors and missing functionalities.
Training is necessary for effective use.
Limited file upload options.
Complex settings, though CS is helpful.
Sometimes it takes time to load a single page while doing bulk upload.
Cluen Alternative #2: Loxo
After iSmartRecruit, loxo can be a good alternative to Cluen. Loxo has its own features to compare with Cluen. Loxo enables you to set up automated messages across multiple channels that make it easier to connect with candidates through email, SMS, and even phone calls.
The AI capabilities of Loxo extend to candidate matching, where proprietary algorithms analyse job requirements and the talent pool to deliver ranked lists of best-fit candidates. This automation streamlines the hiring process, reducing manual effort and accelerating the hiring process.
In summary, Though Loxo streamlines everything from finding candidates to placing them within one system, it is an alternative to Cluen but not less efficient compared to iSmartRecruit.
Suitable For
Recruiting agencies, RPO, executive search firms and in-house executive search teams of Small-midsize-enterprise companies.
Star Rating
4.4 on G2 & 3.6 on Capterra
Apps
Android and iOS Mobile App and Web Version.
Key Features of Loxo
Candidate Import Chrome Extension
Automated activity tracking
Performance Report Analysis
Candidate Data Auto-Update
Versatile Recruitment Solutions
AI-Powered Multi-Channel Outreach
Integrated Sales CRM
Pros
Easy-to-use, reliable, with responsive support and intuitive AI.
Highly effective for team productivity.
Comprehensive metrics tracking for improved business processes.
All-in-one ATS, CRM, and marketing tools in a user-friendly system.
Customisable with automatic email sync.
Intuitive platform for sourcing, and pipeline with live chat support.
Efficient pipeline and search, much faster than previous systems.
Clean, organised interface for streamlined operations.
Seamlessly integrated everything through sales, recruiting interview process and placements.
Cons
Inconsistent layout, unclear display of information like company addresses.
High cost compared to other competitive products.
Lengthy, messy data migration with inadequate support.
Disruptive updates change essential features without reversion options.
API updates lag, leaving outdated candidate info.
Impersonal, rushed training sessions make learning difficult.
Poor CV formatting and clunky interface hinder workflow.
Unresponsive customer support, especially for cancellation requests.
Frequent glitches, duplicate candidates, and search limitations.
No desktop/mobile app; frequent UI changes disrupt user experience.
The system always has issues. Customer service is not that great either. You are not able to pull your data out once you enter it without it taking upwards of 48 hours to obtain.
Cluen Alternative #3: Invenias
Invenias is a cloud-based software designed explicitly for executive search firms and strategic hiring groups. It is a considerable alternative to Cluen as it provides a user-friendly interface that effortlessly connects with Microsoft Outlook.
Invenias shines with its powerful reporting and analytics tools. It also prioritises security and compliance and keeping sensitive information safe that meets industry regulations. Still, some users reported that it has an outdated interface, has slow performance, and lacks modern features. Such scenarios makes iSmartRecruit good choice than Vincere and Cluen.
Suitable For
Startups, SMEs and global leaders in commercial, technical, strategic and executive talent.
Star Rating
1.1 on G2 & 4.4 on Capterra
Apps
Android and iOS Mobile App and Web Version.
Key Features of Invenias
Candidate and Client management
Internal HR
Email & calendar integration
Collaboration tools
Customisable workflow
Interview scheduling and management
API Access
Client Portal
GDPR Compliance
Pros
Simple CRM with excellent support.
Integrated features for effective work management.
User-friendly, with strong reporting and search functions.
Organised candidate email capture.
Fast, reliable, and customisable interface.
Seamless Outlook integration for contact identification.
Designed for headhunting, with ongoing improvements.
We use Invenias as a database for recruiting, it's a useful space to store a variety of details about candidates and allows us to keep track of candidates conversations etc. and longlists up to date vs keeping them on excel where you need to manually update any moves etc.
Cons
Poor UI and limited functionality.
Challenging setup with difficult data cleanup.
Incomplete management reports and Chrome add-in.
Slow response, no Mac integration, and cumbersome installation.
Limited dupe checking on bulk imports.
No browser access for Invenias yet.
Occasional crashes, similar to other software.
Product is not being developed - we have to pay another vendor to achieve basic functionality. Almost no integrations available. UI close to unacceptable. Tons of features - but never the features you actually need.
Cluen Alternative #4: Manatal
When looking for the alternatives to Cluen recruitment software, you must have come across manatal. Still, you can compare Manatal with Cluen and find that iSmartRecruit is the best choice among all.
Manatal features include candidate recommendations and scoring, which help recruiters quickly identify the best candidates. Manatal consists of an ATS and CRM to boost efficiency in talent acquisition. There might be some negative consequences of going with Manatal, like there will be minimal feature access to hiring managers and reduced overall efficiency and usability that impact hiring productivity.
Suitable For
Medium and large-sized companies and recruitment agencies.
Star Rating
4.8 on G2 & 4.6 on Capterra
Apps
Android and iOS Mobile App and Web Version.
Key Features of Manatal
Automated CV/resume formatting and branding
Progressive mobile application
Candidate management
AI-generated job description
Vendor Portal
AI-based candidate recommendation
Customisable hiring pipelines
Pros
Exceptional customer service with quick responses and free training available when needed.
An efficient tool for recruiters that streamlines processes, saving valuable time.
Advanced search features highlight top candidates automatically, enhancing hiring precision.
Automated candidate matching saves time, proving invaluable for busy recruiters.
Great value for budget-conscious companies, providing quality without compromise.
Integrated with Outlook and a LinkedIn Chrome extension for improved usability.
High user satisfaction after long-term use, proving its reliability for recruitment needs.
Most of their features are super helpful; They have the capability to automate the entire hiring process. We have used Manatal for quite a long time, and the team has built simple and easy products for hiring companies.
Cons
Limited customisation options, with occasional bugs that impact usability.
Frustrating UX/UI design with slow, cluttered navigation, making it difficult to locate essential features.
Poor search functionality; social media AI integration is ineffective. Limited technical support, with difficulties in exporting JSON files and incompatible data formats.
Language support is limited, with the job page only supporting English and Spanish.
No automated weekly reports; data must be manually retrieved from the admin page.
Payment is required upfront, but access delays and lack of refunds leave users dissatisfied.
Additional add ons would cost extras. Career page APIs only has basic feature. Unable to add additional label as you need to pay extra. Once data has been migrated, you will need to pay extra to download your own data at a cost as it is not possible to do it on your own. We have used other system such as workable, avature and freshteams. We never had such issues.
Cluen Alternative #5: Clockwork
Clockwork Recruiting's software covers the entire executive search journey, from drumming up business to placing the right candidate. It is one of the good alternatives to Cluen. It has features and integrations, Clockwork Recruiting screening and Clockwork CRM, making it simple for executive search professionals to work.
Clockwork Recruiting strives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of executive search projects. Although it is good altenrnative to Cluen, it has some cons to keep in mind before going for it. For example, it lacks the LinkedIn Recruiter integration and tagging and merging lists are inefficient without having admin support.
Suitable For
Retained executive search firms of any size, corporate or in-house executive talent acquisition teams, and institutional investors such as venture capital and private equity.
Star Rating
3 on Capterra
Apps
Android and iOS Mobile App and Web Version.
Key Features of Clockwork
Client Collaboration Tools
Team Collaboration
Advance Data management
Business Development CRM
Robust Security Compliance
Pros
Ideal for retained search firms, provides comprehensive project tracking.
Excellent service and support help clients succeed.
Enables small firms to compete with useful reporting and search tracking features.
Simple purchasing with responsive support staff.
User-friendly interface with strong Long List presentations, search functions, and profile management.
Cloud-based, secure, client-friendly, and promotes team collaboration.
Flexible workflows add client value and are easy for new users to learn with prompt support.
The built-in contact grabber app from LinkedIn is incredibly useful. Lots of capability to customize as well.
Cons
Limited reporting makes it hard to provide clients with organised candidate summaries.
Minimal training and no dedicated support centre, requiring admins to learn by trial and error.
Search functionality is clunky, leading users to avoid many features.
Updates have removed useful features like multi-tag searches.
Tagging and merging lists are frustrating.
Lack of Outlook 365 compatibility forces dual calendar management.
People search lacks organisation, such as an Org Chart view and profile ranking options.
Basic interface with lagging updates and manual processes compared to other CRM/ATS tools.
I dislike the lack of an iPhone app. Would definitely help to have the increased accessibility.
Wrapping Up
For executive search firms looking to replace Cluen's Encore, these alternatives offer a fresh perspective on recruitment technology. With features like advanced automation, better scalability, and modern user interfaces, they fill the gaps left by Cluen’s software. Platforms like iSmartRecruit also provide flexible pricing and simplified onboarding, making them ideal for both small businesses and large enterprises. Start your 14-day free trial and experience a smarter way to recruit.
Explore these solutions to find the one that matches your firm’s unique requirements, streamlines your workflows, and helps you achieve more efficient, effective executive search processes. The right Cluen alternative can transform how you manage your assignments and deliver superior results for your clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some top alternatives to Cluen?
Notable Cluen alternatives include iSmartRecruit, Firefish, Recruit CRM and Vincere, each offering unique features tailored to various recruitment needs.
2. Why consider alternatives to Cluen?
Some firms may seek alternatives due to Cluen's higher pricing, steep learning curve, and less intuitive design, which can affect efficiency and budget constraints.
3. Are these Cluen alternatives suitable for small to mid-sized firms?
Absolutely. Many of these platforms, including iSmartRecruit, are designed to cater to the needs of small and mid-sized recruitment agencies, offering scalable solutions that grow with your business.
4. How does iSmartRecruit compare to Cluen?
iSmartRecruit offers a user-friendly interface, customisable workflows, and advanced AI-driven analytics, making it a competitive alternative for firms seeking flexibility and scalability.
5. Is there a free trial available for these alternatives?
Yes, platforms like iSmartRecruit offer free trials, allowing agencies to explore their features before making a commitment.
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