Head-to-head · Job Tools
Handshake vs Wellfound
Handshake leads on 0 checks, Wellfound on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreHandshake · 8.6/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresWellfound · 2 of 7
Handshake scores higher on our rubric for job tools: 8.6 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.
Handshake is the better fit for employers and career centers recruiting students. Wellfound is the better fit for candidates targeting startup and tech roles.
- Handshake fits best
Employers and career centers recruiting students
- Wellfound fits best
Candidates targeting startup and tech roles
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Side by side
| Feature | Handshake 8.6/10 Visit ↗ | Wellfound 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.6 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #2 in Job Tools | #8 in Job Tools |
| Best for | Employers and career centers recruiting students | Candidates targeting startup and tech roles |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | — | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features Handshake 0/7 · Wellfound 2/7 | ||
| Job matching | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Resume builder | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Application autofill | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Interview practice | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Cover-letter generator | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Application tracker | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| LinkedIn import | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Handshake brings employers, students, and educational institutions together around early-career hiring. Employers can post jobs, connect with schools, message student candidates, manage applications, promote career events, and build an… Read the review → |
Wellfound is a job marketplace for candidates pursuing roles at startups and technology companies. Job seekers create a profile with their work history, skills, achievements, preferences, and resume, then use it to find and apply to… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Handshake — where it wins
- Free Basic plan includes job posts and 10 messages per month
- Pro adds 200 monthly outreach messages and applicant tools
- Supports campus events, school connections, and ATS synchronization
Where it doesn't
- Pro starts at $450 per month
- Basic limits employers to 10 messages per month
- Promoted jobs are an add-on on Basic and Pro
Wellfound — where it wins
- Apply to listings with one click using a reusable candidate profile
- See salary and equity information on job listings
- Track application status and receive profile-based job suggestions
Where it doesn't
- Focused on startup and technology roles rather than broad job search
- Candidate tools are available on web only
- Support is limited to documentation
- Handshake8.6/10 · Free plan
A campus-focused recruiting platform with free job posts and paid outreach and workflow tools.
Visit HandshakeFull verdict → - Wellfound7.9/10 · Free plan
A free job marketplace focused on startup and technology roles.
Visit WellfoundFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update