If you're running a recruitment agency in 2026, CV parsing isn't optional — it's essential. The question isn't whether to use parsing, but which solution actually delivers.

We've analysed the major CV parsing options available to recruitment agencies, from standalone parsing APIs to full ATS platforms with built-in parsing. Here's what you need to know.

What we evaluated

For each solution, we looked at:

• Parsing accuracy — How often does it get the data right?

• Format support — PDF, Word, images, scanned documents?

• Language support — Critical for European agencies

• Speed — How fast is extraction?

• Integration — Does it work with your existing tools?

• Pricing — What does it actually cost at scale?

The main categories of CV parsing software

Before diving into specific tools, understand the landscape:

Standalone parsing APIs

These are dedicated parsing engines you integrate via API. They do one thing — parse CVs — and do it well. Examples include Textkernel, Sovren (now part of Textkernel), RChilli, DaXtra, and Affinda.

Pros: Often the most accurate parsing available. Highly configurable. Scale well.

Cons: Require technical integration. Add another vendor to manage. Separate cost from your ATS.

ATS platforms with built-in parsing

Many applicant tracking systems include CV parsing as a core feature. The parsing happens automatically when you add candidates.

Pros: No separate integration needed. Single vendor relationship. Parsing flows directly into your workflow.

Cons: Parsing quality varies wildly. You're stuck with whatever parsing your ATS provides.

AI-native recruitment tools

Newer platforms built on modern AI from the ground up, where parsing is powered by large language models rather than traditional rule-based systems.

Pros: Better handling of unusual formats and languages. Contextual understanding. Often more affordable.

Cons: Newer vendors, less track record. May have fewer enterprise features.

Standalone parsing APIs compared

Textkernel

Best for: Enterprise agencies with high volume and technical resources

Textkernel (which acquired Sovren in 2022) is the market leader in dedicated parsing. They process billions of CVs annually and support 29 languages.

Strengths:

• Exceptional accuracy on standard formats

• Extensive language support

• Skills taxonomy and normalisation

• Job parsing as well as CV parsing

Weaknesses:

• Enterprise pricing (not transparent)

• Requires technical integration

• Overkill for smaller agencies

Pricing: Custom quotes only. Expect significant investment.

RChilli

Best for: Agencies wanting solid parsing at lower cost

RChilli offers parsing in 40+ languages with a more accessible price point than Textkernel.

Strengths:

• Competitive accuracy

• Transparent pricing tiers

• Good multilingual support

• Decent API documentation

Weaknesses:

• Less sophisticated than Textkernel

• Skills normalisation not as strong

Pricing: Starts around $75/month for basic plans. Volume discounts available.

DaXtra

Best for: Staffing agencies already in the DaXtra ecosystem

DaXtra offers parsing alongside matching and search tools, useful if you want an integrated suite.

Strengths:

• Up to 95% stated accuracy

• Strong matching capabilities alongside parsing

• Good for staffing workflows

Weaknesses:

• Pricing not transparent

• Less standalone flexibility

Pricing: Custom quotes based on usage.

Affinda

Best for: Agencies wanting modern AI-powered parsing via API

Affinda uses newer AI approaches and extracts 100+ fields from CVs.

Strengths:

• Modern AI technology

• 56 language support

• Developer-friendly

• Free tier available

Weaknesses:

• Newer player, less established

• Accuracy can vary

Pricing: Free tier for testing. Paid plans from $99/month.

ATS platforms with built-in parsing

Bullhorn

Best for: Large staffing agencies with complex workflows

Bullhorn is a dominant player in staffing, with parsing built into its workflow.

Strengths:

• Deep staffing industry features

• Established platform

• Extensive integrations

Weaknesses:

• Parsing quality is mediocre

• Expensive

• Complex, steep learning curve

• Enterprise complexity most agencies don't need

Parsing verdict: Functional but not exceptional. Many Bullhorn users add a dedicated parsing layer.

Zoho Recruit

Best for: Budget-conscious agencies wanting an all-in-one solution

Zoho Recruit offers CV parsing in its affordable ATS package.

Strengths:

• Very affordable

• Full ATS functionality

• Part of Zoho ecosystem

Weaknesses:

• Parsing accuracy is basic

• Limited language support

• Interface can feel cluttered

Parsing verdict: Adequate for English CVs in standard formats. Struggles with complexity.

Recruitee

Best for: Growing agencies wanting modern UX

Recruitee offers a cleaner interface with parsing included.

Strengths:

• Good user experience

• Solid collaboration features

• Reasonable pricing

Weaknesses:

• Parsing powered by third-party (quality varies)

• Limited customisation

Parsing verdict: Serviceable but not a standout feature.

AI-native platforms

Adeptiq

Best for: European agencies wanting simplicity + accuracy

Adeptiq takes a different approach: AI-powered parsing built on large language models, delivered through a deliberately simple interface.

Strengths:

• AI CV parsing that understands context, not just patterns

• Handles diverse formats including multilingual CVs

• Natural language search across parsed data

• European-built, GDPR-compliant by design

• Clean interface with no bloat

• Free tier available, transparent pricing

Weaknesses:

• Newer platform (launched 2025)

• Fewer integrations than established players

• Focused feature set (no enterprise complexity)

Parsing verdict: Modern AI parsing that actually works reliably. Strong on European languages.

Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans from €49/month.

hireEZ (formerly Hiretual)

Best for: Agencies focused on sourcing and outreach

hireEZ combines parsing with AI-powered sourcing tools.

Strengths:

• Strong sourcing capabilities

• AI-powered candidate matching

• Good Chrome extension

Weaknesses:

• More sourcing tool than ATS

• Parsing is part of larger suite

• US-focused

Parsing verdict: Good enough, but parsing isn't the main focus.

How to choose the right CV parsing solution

Consider your volume

Low volume (< 100 CVs/month): Built-in ATS parsing is probably fine. Focus on overall workflow.

Medium volume (100-1000 CVs/month): Parsing quality starts mattering. Look for AI-powered solutions.

High volume (1000+ CVs/month): Dedicated parsing APIs or AI-native platforms become essential. Time to hire depends on parsing speed and accuracy.

Consider your markets

English-only: Most solutions work reasonably well.

European multi-language: Prioritise multilingual parsing. Textkernel, RChilli, and Adeptiq handle this well.

Global: You need extensive language support. Textkernel or Affinda.

Consider your technical resources

No developers: Choose an ATS with built-in parsing. Adeptiq, Zoho Recruit, or Recruitee.

Some technical ability: API-based parsers become viable. RChilli or Affinda.

Full technical team: Any solution works. Optimise for accuracy and features.

Consider total cost

Don't just look at parsing cost. Factor in:

• Time spent correcting parsing errors

• Missed candidates due to bad search results

• Integration and maintenance overhead

Cheap parsing that requires constant correction costs more than accurate parsing at a higher price point.

Our recommendations by agency type

Solo recruiter or small agency

Recommendation: Adeptiq or Zoho Recruit

You need parsing that works without complexity. Adeptiq's AI approach means better accuracy without enterprise overhead. Zoho Recruit is the budget option if accuracy is less critical.

Growing agency (5-20 recruiters)

Recommendation: Adeptiq or RChilli + your preferred ATS

At this scale, parsing accuracy directly affects recruitment KPIs. Either use an AI-native platform like Adeptiq, or add RChilli parsing to your existing ATS.

Large staffing agency

Recommendation: Textkernel or Adeptiq

Volume and accuracy both matter. Textkernel is the enterprise standard. Adeptiq offers comparable AI-powered accuracy at lower cost if you don't need every enterprise feature.

European agency with multilingual needs

Recommendation: Adeptiq or Textkernel

Language support is critical. Both handle European languages well. Adeptiq is European-built with GDPR at its core.

The bottom line

CV parsing technology has advanced significantly. The gap between good parsing and bad parsing is wider than ever.

If your current solution forces you to correct every candidate profile, you're using outdated technology. Modern AI-powered parsing — whether from dedicated APIs like Textkernel or AI-native platforms like Adeptiq — can actually deliver on the promise of automated data extraction.

The best parsing is the parsing you don't notice. It just works, candidates appear as complete profiles, and you can focus on what actually matters: connecting great candidates with great opportunities.

Want to see modern CV parsing in action? Try Adeptiq free — upload a CV and watch AI create a structured, searchable candidate profile in seconds.