Shortlists vs Vincere
It started as an upgrade from Bullhorn. Then the add-ons started.
Vincere was the modern alternative. Better interface, better UX. But since the Access Group acquisition, it's been slowly turning into everything it was supposed to replace.
“Something happens and then I have to go and do it in the CRM. Every. Single. Time.”
At a glance
Shortlists vs Vincere — quick overview
The honest take
Here's what's actually happened to Vincere.
Vincere was genuinely good — a better alternative to Bullhorn, cleaner interface, more modern. Plenty of recruiters made the switch and were happy.
Then Access Group acquired them. And since then: features that used to be standard have moved behind add-on paywalls. The roadmap has slowed. And the 90-day notice requirement — which was always there — now feels a lot more like a trap than a formality.
At $130/month before add-ons, Vincere costs 73% more than Shortlists. And the gap grows every time they move another feature behind a paywall.
Why agencies switch
What drives recruiters away from Vincere.
Add-on creep
Features that were once included are being moved to paid add-ons. Every quarter, the effective cost goes up.
“Expensive data exports, basic features moved to add-ons.”
The 90-day trap
Want to leave? You need to give 90 days' notice. Miss the window and you're locked in for another year.
“Vincere ends around July — 90-day notice required.”
Still reactive, not proactive
Vincere records what happened. You still have to go in and log everything manually after every call, email, and meeting.
“I want something to happen in the CRM that knows it's already happened.”
Price went the wrong way
Post-acquisition, pricing has only moved in one direction. The value proposition has weakened as costs have grown.
“Currently pays for expensive Vincere subscription.”
Feature by feature
Everything side by side.
Pricing accurate as of Q1 2026. Verify current Vincere pricing with their sales team.
Pricing
One price. No add-ons.
Vincere
Base price. Add-ons for enrichment, portals, and advanced AI are extra.
You save $660/year — before you count their add-ons.
Switching is easier than you think
Your 90-day notice period can work in your favour.
Start with Shortlists now. By the time your Vincere notice period runs out, you'll already be fully set up, migrated, and billing. We'll handle your data migration personally and for free. We've done it from Vincere exports before. It takes one night.
Start your free migration →Questions
Shortlists vs Vincere — common questions.
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