Head-to-head · Career Services Software
Handshake vs Prentus
Handshake leads on 0 checks, Prentus on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreHandshake · 8.9/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly Prentus
- Most featuresPrentus · 5 of 6
Handshake scores higher on our rubric for career services software: 8.9 against 7.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.
Handshake is the better fit for career centers needing a broad employer and student network. Prentus is the better fit for small teams seeking low-cost AI career guidance.
- Handshake fits best
Career centers needing a broad employer and student network
- Prentus fits best
Small teams seeking low-cost AI career guidance
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Side by side
| Feature | Handshake 8.9/10 Visit ↗ | Prentus 7.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.9 | 7.6 |
| Ranking | #1 in Career Services Software | #8 in Career Services Software |
| Best for | Career centers needing a broad employer and student network | Small teams seeking low-cost AI career guidance |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | $69/yr |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | 3 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, Chrome extension |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | |
| Integrations | 9 integrations | 6 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Handshake 0/6 · Prentus 5/6 | ||
| Appointment scheduling | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Employer portal | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Job posting workflow | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Outcomes tracking | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Event management | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Student mobile app | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Handshake serves students, employers, and educational institutions through a shared career platform. Employers can post early-career jobs, connect with schools, message candidates, manage applications, promote events and career fairs, and… Read the review → |
Prentus brings student career guidance and institutional career-services workflows together for career schools, community colleges, workforce programs and universities. Students can get personalized AI career plans, practice interviews by… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Handshake — where it wins
- Free Basic plan supports job posts and a company presence
- ATS integrations connect applications and status synchronization
- Web, iOS, and Android apps support students and employers
Where it doesn't
- Basic limits proactive outreach to 10 messages per month
- Promoted Jobs is an add-on for Basic or Pro
- Advanced messaging, analytics, and automation are Enterprise features
Prentus — where it wins
- Combines AI advising, interview practice and resume tools for students
- Includes job tracking, employer workflows, scheduling and outcomes tracking
- Offers a free plan and Pro from $69 per year for individuals
Where it doesn't
- The free plan limits users to 3 resumes, 3 cover letters and 1 AI review
- The 3-day Pro trial requires a card
- Institutional pricing and implementation are quoted by request
- Handshake8.9/10 · Free plan
A broad career network with free posting, student engagement, events, and ATS-connected hiring tools.
Visit HandshakeFull verdict → - Prentus7.6/10 · Free plan · 3-day trial
A broad career-services toolkit with free individual access and paid AI guidance.
Visit PrentusFull verdict →
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- Symplicity CSM Experiential Learning vs Prentus
All career services software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update