Best Enhancv Alternatives with Free Tiers and ATS Tools (2026)

Enhancv builds good-looking resumes. Modern designs, clean layouts, and section types that go beyond the standard template. The problem? You can't try it without paying.

No free tier. No free downloads. No trial with actual output. You commit to a subscription before seeing a single PDF.

For a tool in a market full of free and freemium options, that's a tough sell.

TL;DR: Top 3 Enhancv Alternatives

1. ResumeFast - Free tier with AI writing and ATS scoring. Pro at $7.95/month.
2. Novoresume - Similar modern designs with a functional free tier. $19.99/month for premium.
3. Indeed Resume Builder - Completely free, ATS-safe, no subscription required.

What Enhancv Does Well

Enhancv has earned its 2.98M monthly visitors with genuine product strengths:

• Modern, distinctive templates: Designs that stand out without looking unprofessional
• Custom sections: Add portfolio links, volunteer work, achievements, and other non-standard sections
• Content analyzer: Checks your resume against best practices
• Clean interface: Intuitive builder with real-time preview
• Multiple formats: Resume, CV, and cover letter building

Enhancv's templates are genuinely well-designed. The issue isn't quality; it's access.

Why People Look for Alternatives

1. No Free Tier

In 2026, most resume builders offer some form of free access. Even a limited free tier lets users test the product before committing money. Enhancv doesn't. You're paying before you know if the tool works for you.

2. Pricing

Enhancv's pricing starts at $19.99/month for Pro, with the full-featured plan at $24.99/month. This puts it in the same price range as competitors with more features.

3. Limited ATS Optimization

Enhancv focuses on design and content quality but doesn't offer detailed ATS scoring against specific job descriptions. For most job seekers applying online, ATS compatibility matters more than visual design.

4. No AI Writing at Lower Tiers

Enhancv's AI features are limited to higher-priced plans. At the Pro tier, you get basic suggestions but not full AI-powered content generation.

Quick Comparison

Alternative 1: ResumeFast (Best Value)

Full disclosure: This is our product.

ResumeFast gives you what Enhancv charges for, plus ATS features Enhancv doesn't offer, starting at free.

Why Enhancv users switch:

• Free tier that works: Create a resume, use AI writing, download as PDF. No payment required to start.
• ATS scoring included: See how your resume scores against specific job descriptions, something Enhancv doesn't offer at any price
• AI writing at every level: Even the free tier includes AI-powered bullet point suggestions
• $7.95/month for Pro: Less than half Enhancv's Pro price with more features

What you might miss from Enhancv:

• Enhancv's templates are more visually distinctive
• Custom section types (mini-portfolios, volunteer work blocks)
• Enhancv's content analyzer provides different feedback than ATS scoring

Pricing:

• Free: 1 resume, 1 cover letter, 2 PDF downloads/month, AI writing
• Pro: $7.95/month (25 resumes, full ATS scoring, unlimited downloads)
• Unlimited: $14.95/month (everything unlimited)

Try ResumeFast free

Alternative 2: Novoresume

Novoresume is the closest match to Enhancv's design philosophy, with a functional free tier.

Strengths:

• Modern, clean templates similar in quality to Enhancv
• Free tier with actual download capability
• Good for students and entry-level (handles limited experience well)
• Skills matcher against job descriptions
• Custom sections for projects and achievements

Limitations:

• Same price as Enhancv's Pro tier ($19.99/month)
• Some templates have minor ATS issues with multi-column layouts
• AI features limited to premium plans
• Content suggestions can feel generic

Pricing:

• Free: 1 resume with basic features and download
• Premium: $19.99/month or $79.99/year

Best for: Users who want Enhancv's design quality but with a free trial opportunity.

Alternative 3: Indeed Resume Builder

The polar opposite of Enhancv: zero design flair, zero cost.

Strengths:

• Completely free, no strings attached
• ATS-compatible output
• Simple and functional
• Unlimited resumes and downloads

Limitations:

• Very basic templates (3-4 options)
• No AI features
• Minimal customization
• No design differentiation

Best for: Users who prioritize function over form and want zero financial commitment.

Alternative 4: Kickresume

If Enhancv appealed to you for its design quality, Kickresume offers even more visual options.

Strengths:

• Visually striking templates (more variety than Enhancv)
• AI content generation
• Personal website builder
• Resume samples for inspiration

Limitations:

• Free tier adds watermarks to downloads
• Some templates aren't ATS-friendly
• Full AI features require Premium Complete ($39/month)
• More expensive than Enhancv at the highest tier

Pricing:

• Free: Limited features, watermarked
• Premium: $19/month or $48/year
• Premium Complete: $39/month or $96/year

Best for: Design-focused professionals who want more creative options than Enhancv.

Feature Deep-Dive: What Enhancv Users Need

Custom Resume Sections

Enhancv's custom sections (portfolios, volunteer work, certifications) are a genuine differentiator. Among alternatives:

• ResumeFast: Standard resume sections with flexible formatting. No drag-and-drop custom blocks.
• Novoresume: Custom sections for projects, certifications, and achievements
• Kickresume: Custom sections plus website builder for portfolio content

Content Quality Tools

Enhancv's content analyzer checks writing quality. Alternatives approach this differently:

• ResumeFast: AI suggests specific improvements and matches content against job descriptions
• Novoresume: Skills matcher identifies gaps against job postings
• Kickresume: AI generates content but doesn't analyze existing writing

Design Quality

Enhancv's design is a core strength. Honest comparison:

• Enhancv: Best-in-class modern resume design
• Kickresume: Close second, more variety
• Novoresume: Clean and modern, slightly less distinctive
• ResumeFast: Professional and clean, prioritizes ATS compatibility over visual flair
• Indeed: Basic, functional design only

Pricing Over a Job Search

Switching from Enhancv Pro to ResumeFast Pro saves $36 over 3 months while adding ATS scoring and AI writing.

Who Should Stay with Enhancv

Enhancv is worth the premium if:

• Design is your top priority: Enhancv's templates are among the best-looking in the market
• You need custom sections: Portfolio blocks, volunteer sections, and non-standard layouts
• You're in a creative field: Where visual resume design impacts hiring decisions
• Price isn't a concern: If $20-25/month fits your budget comfortably
• You don't need ATS scoring: If you're applying to small companies or handing resumes directly to people

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Enhancv offer any free trial?

Enhancv occasionally offers limited trials, but there's no permanent free tier. You'll need to subscribe to access downloads. Check their website for current promotions.

Are Enhancv resumes ATS-compatible?

Most Enhancv templates parse correctly in ATS systems. However, templates with complex layouts or custom sections may cause parsing issues. Enhancv doesn't provide ATS scoring to verify compatibility.

Is Enhancv good for tech resumes?

Yes. Enhancv's clean, modern designs work well for tech roles, and custom sections let you highlight projects and technical skills. However, for roles at large tech companies with aggressive ATS filtering, an ATS-focused tool may be more effective.

Can I use Enhancv for CVs (not just resumes)?

Yes. Enhancv supports multi-page CVs with academic sections, publications, and research experience. This is a genuine strength for academic and international job seekers.

What's the cheapest Enhancv alternative with modern design?

ResumeFast offers clean, modern templates at $7.95/month with a functional free tier. Novoresume matches Enhancv's design quality more closely but costs $19.99/month. Both are cheaper than Enhancv.

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Try before you buy. ResumeFast's free tier lets you build, write with AI, and download without a credit card. See if you need to pay before you commit.

For the full picture, read our 2026 resume builder comparison. Curious about ATS compatibility? Check our ATS scoring guide.