Best Applied Alternatives in 2026
The top Applied alternatives are Fair HQ, Kanarys and Mathison: 15 diversity, equity and inclusion software our editors would look at instead of Applied, in our ranking order.
Applied: Applied brings anonymised, structured and skills-focused assessment to inclusive recruitment. Where it falls short: pricing requires a custom quote based on hiring volume, hires and add-ons..
Switching from Applied? For most diversity, equity and inclusion software buyers the best Applied alternative is Fair HQ, built for organizations needing broad DEI governance.
Why People Look for an Applied Alternative
- Pricing requires a custom quote based on hiring volume, hires and add-ons
- Its core focus is inclusive recruiting, not full-spectrum DEI management
- AI-generated assessments and shortlisting require appropriate human oversight
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallFair HQ9.3
Organizations needing broad DEI governance
Visit Fair HQ
All 15 Applied Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forOrganizations needing broad DEI governance
- Better than Applied:
- Editor score 9.3 vs 7.2
A broad DEI governance platform spanning audits, analytics, pay equity and action planning.
- Anonymous feedback
- Pay-equity analysis
- DEI action plans
9.3/10★★★★★Visit Fair HQ -
Best forOrganizations tracking DEI across workforce processes
- Better than Applied:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 7.2
A broad DEI platform for measuring workforce equity and prioritizing action.
- Anonymous feedback
- Pay-equity analysis
- DEI action plans
9.1/10★★★★★Visit Kanarys -
Best forTeams combining DEI analytics and enablement
- Better than Applied:
- Editor score 8.9 vs 7.2
A broad DEI platform combining workforce measurement, action planning, recruiting, and learning.
- DEI action plans
- Inclusive recruiting
- DEI metrics dashboard
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit Mathison -
Best forOrganizations wanting DEI software plus learning
- Better than Applied:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 7.2
A broad DEI platform combining workforce analytics, learning, consulting, and workshops.
- DEI action plans
- Inclusive recruiting
- DEI metrics dashboard
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Paradigm -
Best forData-driven DEI teams needing benchmarks
- Better than Applied:
- Editor score 8.5 vs 7.2
A data-focused DEI platform for benchmarks, inclusion scores, and workforce analysis.
- Anonymous feedback
- DEI action plans
- ERG programs
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit Diversio -
Best forGlobal ERG programs needing mobile access
- Better than Applied:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 7.2
A broad ERG platform for global programs that need mobile access and connected analytics.
- Anonymous feedback
- ERG programs
- Inclusive recruiting
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit Teleskope -
Best forPay-equity teams needing broader workforce analysis
- Better than Applied:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 7.2
A broad pay-equity and workforce analysis suite for teams working beyond pay-gap reporting.
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit PayAnalytics -
Best forEmployers needing audit-ready pay-equity modeling
- Better than Applied:
- Editor score 8.1 vs 7.2
A focused, audit-ready pay-equity platform with advanced modeling and monitoring.
- Pay-equity analysis
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Salary.com -
Best forGlobal teams managing pay-equity remediation
- Better than Applied:
- Editor score 8.0 vs 7.2
Advanced pay-equity analysis and remediation for large, multinational employers.
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit Trusaic -
Best forOrganizations needing structured pay-equity programs
- Better than Applied:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 7.2
A structured pay-equity platform spanning job architecture, analysis, reporting, and dashboards.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Sysarb -
Best forEnterprises needing continuous pay governance
- Better than Applied:
- Editor score 7.8 vs 7.2
A focused platform for continuous pay governance, reporting, and compensation decision controls.
- Pay-equity analysis
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Syndio -
Best forCompanies prioritizing pay equity and workforce planning
- Better than Applied:
- Editor score 7.7 vs 7.2
A focused people analytics platform for pay equity, payroll insight, and workforce planning.
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit Equitabl -
Best forEstablished organizations managing ERG programs
- Better than Applied:
- Editor score 7.6 vs 7.2
A focused ERG management platform for established organizations running employee-led communities.
- ERG programs
- DEI metrics dashboard
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Benevity -
Best forOrganizations scaling communities and ERGs
- Better than Applied:
- Editor score 7.5 vs 7.2
A centralized platform for managing complex ERG and employee community programs.
- ERG programs
- DEI metrics dashboard
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit CommunityCliQ -
Best forEnterprise ERG teams needing workflow controls
- Better than Applied:
- Editor score 7.4 vs 7.2
A workflow-focused platform for organizing enterprise ERGs and measuring participation.
- ERG programs
- DEI metrics dashboard
7.4/10★★★★☆Contact Chezie
Applied Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Applied?
Fair HQ: #1 in our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.3 out of 10. A broad DEI governance platform spanning audits, analytics, pay equity and action planning.
Why do people look for Applied alternatives?
Pricing requires a custom quote based on hiring volume, hires and add-ons; Its core focus is inclusive recruiting, not full-spectrum DEI management; AI-generated assessments and shortlisting require appropriate human oversight.
How do I switch from Applied?
Export your data from Applied (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Applied.
How to Switch from Applied
- Export your data from Applied (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Applied.
Applied vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Paid from | DEI metrics dashboard | Inclusive recruiting | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | Applied | Yes | Yes | 7.2 | |
| 1 | Fair HQ | Yes | Yes | 9.3 | |
| 2 | Kanarys | Yes | Yes | 9.1 | |
| 3 | Mathison | Yes | Yes | 8.9 | |
| 4 | Paradigm | Yes | Yes | 8.7 | |
| 5 | Diversio | Yes | Yes | 8.5 | |
| 6 | Teleskope Affinities | Yes | Yes | 8.3 | |
| 7 | PayAnalytics | 8.2 | |||
| 8 | Salary.com Pay Equity | 8.1 | |||
| 9 | Trusaic PayParity | 8.0 | |||
| 10 | Sysarb | 7.9 | |||
| 11 | Syndio | 7.8 | |||
| 12 | Equitabl | 7.7 | |||
| 13 | Benevity Employee Groups | Yes | 7.6 | ||
| 14 | CommunityCliQ | Yes | No | 7.5 | |
| 15 | Chezie | Yes | 7.4 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update