3 Best textkernel alternatives

Textkernel has been a widely used solution for parsing CVs, job descriptions, and other recruitment-related documents. However, as the HR tech and recruitment automation landscapes evolve, businesses are seeking more modern, flexible, and scalable alternatives. Whether you're building an applicant tracking system (ATS), a recruitment marketplace, or an AI-powered hiring platform, choosing the right parsing API is essential for performance, data quality, and integration speed.

In this article, we explore the three best alternatives to Textkernel based on parsing accuracy, API usability, developer experience, and scalability. From modern REST APIs to GDPR-compliant document handling and AI-enhanced data extraction, these tools are shaping the future of recruitment technology. If you're looking for a smarter, faster way to extract structured data from CVs and job specs, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

1. Gateway APIs – modern, accurate, and built for scale

Ruvia offers a powerful and developer-friendly alternative to Textkernel for parsing CVs, cover letters, job descriptions, and other structured documents. Designed for speed, accuracy, and integration ease, it’s built to serve high-volume hiring platforms and modern SaaS tools.

Key features:

• Fast and accurate parsing: Extract structured data from CVs and job descriptions in seconds with high precision.
• Simple API integration: One endpoint does it all—no bloated SDKs or outdated documentation.
• Flexible pricing: Ideal for startups, platforms, and agencies who need predictable, usage-based billing without long-term contracts.
• Privacy-focused: Fully GDPR compliant with encrypted data handling and no long-term storage.

Whether you need to extract candidate education, experience, skills, or contact information, Gateway APIs provides a modern alternative that’s easy to deploy and scale. It also integrates seamlessly with other tools like ATSs, CRMs, and job boards.

2. Sovren – enterprise-grade parsing with legacy architecture

Sovren has long been a competitor to Textkernel and offers advanced parsing and matching tools suitable for enterprise environments. While it delivers detailed parsing capabilities, its API is more complex and may require additional time for integration and maintenance.

Pros:

• Extensive parsing capabilities for CVs and job descriptions.
• Multilingual support and configurable output formats.
• Option for on-premise deployment.

Cons:

• Older documentation and integration hurdles.
• Higher setup and licensing costs.
• Less agile for small to mid-sized teams or modern tech stacks.

3. Affinda – affordable and accessible for startups

Affinda is a newer entrant in the parsing market and offers a clean, accessible API that’s easy to use and cost-effective. While it may not offer the deep customisation of larger providers, it’s a good fit for early-stage companies looking for basic CV parsing functionality.

Pros:

• Quick to integrate with well-documented REST APIs.
• Good accuracy for common CV formats.
• Attractive pricing for low-volume use.

Cons:

• Limited advanced features and customisation.
• Not ideal for high-volume platforms or enterprise needs.

Final thoughts on choosing a Textkernel alternative

As AI and automation continue to reshape the recruitment technology space, modern parsing solutions must deliver on speed, accuracy, and ease of integration. Textkernel remains a legacy player, but today's fast-moving HR platforms require tools that are lightweight, developer-first, and designed with flexibility in mind.

Whether you're a hiring startup, a global ATS vendor, or building your own career tech solution, it's worth comparing new players in the market. Ruvia stands out as the best overall alternative to Textkernel due to its accuracy, simplicity, privacy-first approach, and affordable pricing. If you're looking to improve data parsing performance while reducing technical overhead, now is the time to explore modern alternatives.