Indeed vs ZipRecruiter vs Workable
By the FirstHire Team · Last updated Nov 2026
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To find your first employee you have to post the job somewhere. Indeed, ZipRecruiter and Workable are three common choices, but they charge in completely different ways: per application, by subscription plan, or as a full hiring system.
How we wrote this: we read each vendor's public pricing and product pages (linked at the bottom) and compared them for a business with 1 to 10 people. We have not run a long-term hands-on test of these products, and we will say so on this page when we have.
The short answer
- Start with Indeed if you want to post one job and only pay to boost it.
- Try ZipRecruiter if you want your job sent to many boards at once and can use its free trial.
- Choose Workable if you will hire several people a year and want a full applicant tracking system.
How each one charges
| Tool | Pricing model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indeed | Sponsored jobs; most qualifying sponsored jobs use Pay Per Started Application | You are charged when a job seeker starts an application. Indeed does not list one fixed price; you set a budget. |
| ZipRecruiter | Plans (Standard, Premium, Pro) with monthly to annual billing | Pricing is tailored to your job slots. New employers can start a free trial; you enter a card and can cancel before it ends. |
| Workable | Subscription | Standard bundle listed at $299/month and Premier at $599/month for 1 to 20 employees; 15-day free trial, no credit card. |
Tips for a first hire
- Write the pay range in the post; it helps you get relevant applicants.
- Set a budget cap before you sponsor anything.
- Once you hire, run onboarding through your payroll tool and report the new hire to your state. See our free Utah first-hire guide.
Our take
For one hire, a budget-capped Indeed post or a ZipRecruiter trial is the low-commitment route. Workable makes sense once hiring becomes an ongoing process.
FAQ
Can I post a job for free?
ZipRecruiter offers new employers a free trial. On Indeed, sponsored jobs are how you pay for more visibility. Check each site's current terms.
What does an ATS do?
An applicant tracking system like Workable keeps applicants, interviews and offer letters in one place.
Sources: Indeed: how pricing works, Indeed PPSA overview, ZipRecruiter plans, ZipRecruiter free posting help, Workable pricing. Prices and features as of Nov 2026. Check the vendor site before you buy, because prices and promotions change. Not tax or legal advice.