Quick verdict
Zety is best for first-time resume builders who want a step-by-step wizard. Kickresume is best for job seekers who want resume + cover letter + interview prep in one freemium tool. Pick Zety if first-time resume builders who want a step-by-step wizard; pick Kickresume if job seekers who want resume + cover letter + interview prep in one freemium tool.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Zety | Kickresume |
|---|---|---|
| Resume Builder | ✓ | ✓ |
| ATS Checker | — | — |
| AI Resume Tailoring | — | ✓ |
| Cover Letters | ✓ | ✓ |
| Job Tracker | — | — |
| Matched Job Feed | — | — |
| Interview Prep | — | ✓ |
| LinkedIn Optimization | — | — |
| Multilingual | ✓ | ✓ |
Pricing comparison
| Plan | Zety | Kickresume |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Build free, pay to download | Basic templates, unlimited downloads (never expires) |
| Paid | ~$24/mo | ~$8-24/mo |
| Annual | ~$5.99/mo annual | ~$5/mo annual |
Zety
Pros
- Easy guided wizard for beginners
- Large template library
- Multilingual support
- Cover letter builder included
Cons
- Pay to download (not truly free)
- Templates are not all ATS-safe
- No AI tailoring or ATS checking
- Aggressive upselling
Kickresume
Pros
- Generous free tier that never expires
- Resume + cover letter + interview prep in one
- Multilingual support
- Career map feature
Cons
- No ATS checker
- No job feed or tracker
- Templates are basic on free tier
Who should pick which?
Pick Zety if you...
- First-time resume builders who want a step-by-step wizard
- Easy guided wizard for beginners
- Large template library
Pick Kickresume if you...
- Job seekers who want resume + cover letter + interview prep in one freemium tool
- Generous free tier that never expires
- Resume + cover letter + interview prep in one
Frequently asked questions
Is Zety or Kickresume better for software engineers?
It depends on your specific needs. Zety is best for first-time resume builders who want a step-by-step wizard. Kickresume is best for job seekers who want resume + cover letter + interview prep in one freemium tool.
Is Zety or Kickresume cheaper?
Zety pricing: Build free, pay to download (free), ~$24/mo (paid), ~$5.99/mo annual (annual). Kickresume pricing: Basic templates, unlimited downloads (never expires) (free), ~$8-24/mo (paid), ~$5/mo annual (annual). The cheaper option depends on how long your job search lasts and which features you actually need.
Can I use both Zety and Kickresume?
Yes. Many job seekers use multiple tools — for example, one for tracking and another for resume building. Zety and Kickresume serve overlapping purposes, so combining them may give you the best of both.
Does Zety or Kickresume have a free plan?
Zety free plan: Build free, pay to download. Kickresume free plan: Basic templates, unlimited downloads (never expires). Both offer some level of free access, but the limits and features differ.