Yena vs Factorial.
Recruiting specialist vs HR platform with ATS add-on
Factorial is an affordable European HR platform ($8/user), but the ATS is a paid add-on. Yena is a dedicated recruiting specialist — describe a role to the Sourcer, get a ranked shortlist in minutes, and calibrate it yourself.
Why we're credible to write this
Factorial is a leading European HR platform. Factorial wins on entry-level affordability ($8/user) and broad HR modules (payroll, expenses). Yena wins on recruiting specialization — the Sourcer's plain-language search and calibration loop — plus AI semantic matching. Current Yena plans are published on /pricing.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison.
| Characteristic | Yena | Factorial |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Product Focus | Recruiting specialist: purpose-built ATS+CRM | HR platform: core HR ops with ATS add-on |
| Target Market | RecruitersExecutive search, agencies, consultants | HR DeptsEuropean SMBs managing HR lifecycle |
| ATS Pricing Model | IncludedFull ATS+CRM included in base price | Paid Add-On$39-119/mo extra on top of Core HR |
| LinkedIn Integration | Sourcer-MatchedSourcer surfaces relevant profiles automatically, contact info included on the record | NoneNo integration; manual data entry |
| Calibration | Yes/Maybe/NoLabel results, refine the prompt in chat — re-ranks in seconds | NoneManual entry or candidate provides |
| AI Candidate Matching | SemanticThe Sourcer's AI ranks candidates by fit, standard in every plan | NoneNo AI matching capability |
| Active Sourcing | Core FocusSignal-first: surfaces likely-to-move candidates before a role is posted | Not SupportedDesigned for inbound applications only |
| Weekly Time Saved | 5-7 hoursSourcer shortlist + calibration loop replaces manual longlisting | MinimalBasic automation, no extraction/AI |
| Executive Search Workflows | Purpose-BuiltConfidential, passive nurturing, client portal, multi-client | NoneBasic job posting & pipeline only |
| Multi-Client Management | Agency-FocusedManage 10+ client searches simultaneously | Single EmployerBuilt for in-house HR hiring for one company |
| HR Suite Features | Not IncludedRecruiting specialist only | ComprehensivePayroll, Core HR, Expenses, Time tracking |
| Evaluation | Guided trialTest Yena with your own recruiting workflow | ImmediateCloud solution, no installation required |
| Product Maturity | Shipped, purpose-built recruiting AI — not a bolt-on module | N/A (Focused on European market) |
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Factorial is an all-in-one HR platform for core operations (time, expenses, docs). The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is an optional paid add-on ($39-119/mo).
Factorial does not have automated LinkedIn sourcing. You must verify and enter candidate data manually. Yena's Sourcer finds and imports matching candidates automatically, with contact info included on the profile.
No, Factorial relies on manual screening. Yena's Sourcer uses semantic matching as standard, with a "why this candidate" explanation on every result and a calibration loop (Yes/Maybe/No) to refine the shortlist.
Yena is purpose-built for agencies with multi-client workflows, confidential searches, and active sourcing. Factorial is built for single-company in-house HR.
Yena publishes its current plans and limits on /pricing and offers a 10-day free trial. Factorial charges per user for Core HR ($8/user/mo) plus an extra monthly fee for the ATS add-on ($39-119/mo).