20+ best online resume builders 2024

It is a job search no-brainer to use an online resume builder, but which one to choose is far trickier. Given the immense return on investment, paying for a well-designed resume makes sense, but the personal nature of a resume means that preferences will vary greatly. A good job pays tens of thousands of dollars a year and determines your entire life trajectory. In that light, paying for top-tier resume service doesn’t seem like much.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t be picky when it comes to choosing what you think is the best resume builder. To help job seekers make comparisons, Resume.io has come up with a list of the 20 best online resume builders. For each one we've come up with a summary of key features, pros and cons, and pricing.

Before we jump into the details, just in case you’re pressed for time, we'll start with a short top 10 list of resume builders — editor’s choice — in no particular order.

Please note: Both the 20 resume builder list and the top 10 resume builder lists are based on subjective evaluation. We have extensive experience in resume builder development and job search service, but we are still human. Having said that, let’s dive into the analysis.

Short top 11 resume builder list (editor’s pick):

1. Resume.io

Resume.io was created with two main elements in mind: recruiter/HR knowledge and the best software functionality. The online resume builder itself is constantly updated by veteran software developers and the team includes specialists from many industries/areas that review and write content.

This allows Resume.io to constantly roll out cool features for the resume builder (like writing suggestions for your resume based on data science/research) and to provide expert professional advice for job hunts. It also has a constantly improving cover letter builder.

Additionally, the resume builder is integrated with a job tracking board to help your job search.

Pros:

• 350+ occupation-specific resume examples and 180+ cover letter examples, all with corresponding writing guides
• Professionally designed, attention-grabbing resume and cover letter templates
• Automatic summary generator
• Skills suggestions based on machine learning technology that improves based on thousands of professional resumes
• AI pre-written phrases
• Optimized for ATS
• Live text editing and pre-written job-based phrases
• Convenient and easy-to-use interface
• Photo background removal tool — use any photo you have and remove unwanted background
• Integrated job tracking board, plus a Chrome extension to save job openings on any website
• Merge your resume and cover letter into one PDF document, or download as MS Word file

Templates:

• 36 impactful resume templates and 10 distinctive cover letter templates

Resume builder pricing:

• Free: 1 resume and 1 cover letter, downloaded only in TXT format
• 7-Day Trial: $2.95, then auto-renews at $24.95 billed every 4 weeks
• 6 Month Plan: $44.95 one-time payment (this translates to $7.50/month
• 12 Month Plan: $74.95 one-time payment (this translates to $6.25/month)

Whether Resume.io has the best resume builder or not is up to you to decide. That’s why we encourage you to test out its functionality yourself!

2. Visualcv

VisualCV offers a resume management system to build your resume, share it online and invite feedback from friends. The 30+ resume templates offer plenty of choice with good customization options, and there are 500+ resume samples. There is less writing assistance than other leading resume builders offer.

Pros:

• Resume analytics allow you to track resume views on hosted websites
• Enables you to create multiple resume versions
• Templates are more customizable than most — even page margins

Cons:

• Not as much intuitive writing assistance as other resume builders provide
• Basic cover letter builder with minimal options

VisualCV Pricing:

• Free: Test-drive all templates, create one resume, preview formatting, career journal trial access
• Monthly Plan: $24/month
• Quarterly Plan: $15/month

3. Kickresume

Kickresume is another resume builder that allows you to link to a personal CV website as well as create CV documents. Some of the 35+ graphics-led templates may struggle to be parsed by the ATS software and the pre-written content is aimed at entry-level job seekers. It includes 400+ job-specific resume and cover letter writing guides and 1,500+ cover letter and resume examples. New AI writing tools can assist with resume and cover letter creation. 

Pros:

• Import your LinkedIn profile to simplify filling in the template
• Ability to turn your resume into a one-click website
• AI-generated writing for resumes and cover letters
• AI resume checker
• Get resume score with instant feedback and personalized improvement tips

Cons:

• Pre-written content is mainly for entry-level job seekers
• Some of the more creative templates may encounter ATS issues after you export them from the resume builder

Kickresume Pricing:

• Free: 4 basic resume templates, 4 matching cover letter templates, 1 basic website template, 20,000 pre-written phrases, 1,500+ resume examples, unlimited downloads
• 1 Month Premium: $9/month
• 3 Months Premium: $12/month
• Yearly Premium: $3/month ($36/year) — 5 friends get 1 month Premium free

4. Indeed

Indeed is a leading global job board that has developed a free basic resume builder to complement its service. The 8 resume templates are not as appealing as those from the paid providers, and there is minimal writing assistance. However, the one-click Indeed job application may prove tempting for some.

Pros:

• Free resume builder. Unlimited downloads and editing
• Option of uploading and reformatting your current resume
• One-click application to jobs on Indeed with their template

Cons:

• Basic templates that are less visually appealing than many others
• No suggested phrases or assistance with job application content

Templates:

• 8 resume templates

Indeed Pricing:

• The Indeed resume builder is free

5. Lensa.com

Lensa is a US-based job board offering a free resume tips tool as part of its application assistance process. Job seekers can sign up, upload their resumes, and receive a rating based on how well their resumes align with the requirements of a selected job. Additionally, users can generate tailored cover letters to enhance their applications.

Pros: 

• Free resume rating and tips
• One click application for a selected job
• Assistance with resume optimization and cover letter writing

Cons: 

• Needs an existing resume to give tips and help optimize
• Basic support for enhancing resumes

Lensa pricing 

• The Lensa resume guidance is free.

6. Resume.com

Resume.com offers a free resume builder with 12 classic resume templates that are created by a simple step-by-step editor. Uploading your current resume is a useful option. A collection of 200+ occupation-specific CV samples offer inspiration, but the generic template designs look much like any other word-created CV.

Pros:

• Classic resume templates with an organized and logical flow
• LinkedIn profile import option may prove useful for many
• Share with employers on Indeed job board.
• It is free — useful for entry level professionals who need a simple resume

Cons:

• Very basic functionality makes it hard to create an impressive resume for anything beyond entry-level positions
• Some of the step-by-step editing functions are prone to malfunction
• Many job seekers use this popular free option, so your resume won’t stand out

Resume.com Pricing:

• The Resume.com resume builder is free

7. Resume Genius

ResumeGenius leads the job seeker through their resume builder, filling in their information step-by-step into one of their 17 resume templates. There are pre-written bullet points for certain job responsibilities and basic tips to guide you along the process.

Pros:

• AI generates unique content for each resume section
• Possible to download into MS Word — not all builders enable this
• Helpful resume writing suggestions with bullet point ideas
• Personalized resume critique from an external job search expert

Cons:

• Not possible to preview resume, so you are writing “in the dark”
• All content fields needed to be filled in, so there is minimal customization

ResumeGenius Pricing:

• Free: Can download resume and cover letter templates and examples as a text file
• 14-Day Trial: $2.95, then auto-renews if your first resume is downloaded within the trial period
• Yearly Plan: $7.95/month, billed annually at $95.40

8. Jobscan

Jobscan is more of a resume analysis tool rather than a pure resume builder and its ATS-led content optimization techniques can give the content a somewhat manufactured and inauthentic feel. The 18 templates are accompanied by job search advice, although live editing is somewhat lacking.

Pros:

• Real time resume scoring against any job description with past scan history
• Can upload, optimize and score an existing resume based on matching criteria
• Unique approach to keyword optimization and linguistic impact in the resume builder
• Significant volume of resume, cover letter and job search guidance

Cons:

• Astronomically expensive if you just want a resume builder
• The ATS-centric approach can hinder the personality of the writer

Jobscan Pricing:

• Free: 5 match rate calculations and 5 keyword comparisons / month, limited scan history, resume manager, Jobscan Learning Center
• 14-day trial: free
• Monthly Plan: $49.95/month
• Quarterly Plan: $89.95/quarter after the free 14-day trial

9. Enhancv

EnhanCV offers a no-frills resume builder with 4 resume templates that will be sure to pass the ATS but less certain to impress a hiring manager. There is an interesting collaboration section where friends can leave comments. Content assistance is limited to basic editing and spell checking.

Pros:

• Easy to change layout and customize the resume backgrounds
• Content analyzer tool. Your resume can be critiqued by your friends
• ATS-friendly templates with no-frills approach to resume design

Cons:

• Premium resume builder subscription is required for certain resume sections
• Little in the way of content suggestions or interactive editing

EnhanCV Pricing:

• Monthly Plan: $24.99/month, billed monthly
• Quarterly Plan: $16.66/month, $49.97 billed every 3 monthhs
• Semi-Annual Plan: $13.32/month, $79.94 billed every 6 months

10. Cake Resume

Cake Resume literally lets you piece together your own tempting job cake with attractive designs and an innovative editing suite, although too much freedom to choose can be harmful if you are not confident about +what you want. It's more of an online resume shop window than a resume builder. It offers 12 pre-made resume templates with five color schemes.

Pros:

• Drag-and-drop interface with an intuitive UI allows you to build a resume your way
• Choice of 50+ resume template snippets for multimedia elements such as text, images, slides, videos, and references
• Host on a custom domain name and track views with Google analytics

Cons:

• Inability to copy/paste rich text makes for a difficult process in the resume builder
• Lack of “gold standard” format risks resumes standing out for the wrong reasons

CakeResume Pricing:

• Free: Can make a resume using 50+ resume template snippets and download as a PDF
• 7-Day Trial: $2.95, then it auto-renews at $19.95 billed every 4 weeks
• Monthly Advanced: $20/month, billed monthly
• Monthly Pro: $30/month, billed monthly
• Quarterly Advanced: $10/month, billed quarterly at $30
• Quarterly Pro: $15/month, billed quarterly at $45
• Yearly Advanced: $8/month, billed annually
• Yearly Pro: $$12/month, billed annually

11. Resumonk

Resumonk offers a PDF download and online hosting with its functional resume builder, but none of the content assistance that other providers offer. The 21 templates are somewhat conservative and many of the advanced features are only available on the paid plan.

Pros:

• Can create a basic resume before signing up for the premium plan
• Choose between downloading a PDF or hosting the resume online
• Can make a lot of modifications before you upgrade to the paid plan

Cons:

• Clumsy editing interface and old-fashioned templates in the resume builder.
• Little in the way of content inspiration or online editing options.

Resumonk Pricing:

• Free: 5 resume templates (1 with photo), import full LinkedIn profile, download as PDF
• Annual Plan: $49.00
• Forever Plan: $149.00

12. ResumeLab

ResumeLab offers a resume builder for those on a budget with 20+ customizable resume templates, real time editing and basic content examples. Preview the document in real time with a scoring system to help you make those crucial final adjustments.

Pros:

• AI-based resume scoring system can offer interesting insights
• Advanced customization options allow for increased personalization
• Budget tool offers all the basic functions of a resume builder

Cons:

• No functionality to download resume template to Microsoft Word
• Not as much actionable resume advice as other providers

ResumeLab Pricing:

• Free: Create a resume and cover letter but can’t download
• 14-day subscription: $2.95, auto-renewed and billed at $23.95/month if not canceled + $0.45 per additional download

13. CVmaker

CVmaker simplifies resume creation with 8 templates and an editor that focuses on the most popular format choices. There are few customization options, which means the resumes will look professional, if a little bland. On the flip side, the tool is more affordable than some others. CVmaker offers a resume writing service for creating or optimizing your existing resume

Pros:

• Simple interface includes all basic resume requirements
• Up to 37 languages are included for international job seekers

Cons:

• Overly simplistic templates with minimal customization options.
• No resume or cover letter advice or in-tool writing assistance.

CV Maker Pricing:

• 7-day trial $1.95, auto-renewed and billed at $24.95/month
• Resume writing service: Basic - $89, Expert — $189, Complete — $249

14. Zety

Zety offers 15+ resume templates, with many resume tips, pre-written content suggestions, and a wealth of resume advice. Its UI is not the easiest to navigate and the editor can be somewhat temperamental. The resume score service is interesting, but the metrics for what makes a perfect resume aren’t entirely clear.

Pros:

• Auto suggestions for content and comprehensive resume customization
• Drag and drop resume content for summary and work experience
• Resume score metric adds a little gamification to the process
• Resume or cover letter made from scratch or uploaded from old documents
• Resume wizard with built-in expert tips and suggestions
• Matching resume and cover letter templates
• Possible personalization
• Free unlimited download in several formats, including PDF and .docx

Cons:

• Confusing UI – it is easy to get lost in the resume builder layout
• The rich text editor does not always translate the correct formatting
• Not possible to add a photo

Zety Pricing:

• Free: Create as many customized resumes as desired using builder and template, then download as a TXT file
• 2-week trial: $2.70, can cancel anytime
• Monthly: $23.70
• Yearly: $71.40

15. Novoresume

Novoresume enables job seekers to scan their resume into the resume builder and offers content optimization tips as you fill in each section. Their resume management system is one of the best, with interesting customization and editing features. Rich text copy/paste is (sadly) hit and miss.

Pros:

• Live content “nudges” and optimization to help improve resume writing
• Resume management allows for saving individual parts of a resume
• 16 ATS-friendly resume templates that won’t be lost in the screening process

Cons:

• Character limit in certain resume builder sections could prove restrictive
• Content editor is a little too intrusive in some situations

Novoresume Pricing:

• Free: 1 single-page resume using predefined layout
• 1 Month Plan: $19.99
• 3 Month Plan: $39.99
• 12 Month Plan: $99.99

16. Hloom

Hloom offers a significant amount of pre-written options in its resume builder, and while this is useful, it can prompt job seekers to take an impersonal approach to their writing. Customization options are solid for a free builder, but the 28 template designs leave a little to be desired.

Pros:

• Solid selection of pre-written summary and job descriptions to choose from
• Drag and drop functionality and editing makes resume composition easy
• Personal dashboard contains all previous resumes – organized and secure

Cons:

• Templates are not as impactful as others and colour choices seem dull
• Limited customization features compared to other builders
• There is no resume writing advice, and the tool feels somewhat basic

Hloom Pricing:

• Free: Access to resume and cover letter builders, pre-written suggestions, spell-check, one free plain text resume download
• 14-day trial: $2.80, auto-renews at $24.80/month if not cancelled
• Annual: $125.80 if paid up front

17. ResumUP

ResumUp offers a breath of fresh air for job seekers in the creative and freelance industries. For those with a portfolio of career paths, the templates offer a visual way of depicting parallel careers. The 13  templates are simple to create and modify. Expensive resume builder, but worth it for some types of job seekers.

Pros:

• Infographic-led visual resumes as well as the more traditional options.
• Functional resume designs that place more emphasis on skills over experience.
• Great resume builder for consultants, creatives and those with a portfolio career.

Cons:

• Highly visual templates make it suitable for a limited number of career paths
• 14-day trial: $2.80, auto-renews at $24.80 monthly if not cancelled
• Annual: $125.80 if paid up front career paths.
• Monthly fee is more expensive for longer-term use of the tool.

ResumUP Pricing:

• Free: 2 templates only, and some sections require premium
• Pro: Monthly Plan: $20/month
• Lifetime Plan: $149

18. Resume-Now

Resume-Now offers 16 resume templates enabling you to rearrange the sections and add text, all on one screen. There are pre-written suggested phrases, but minimal content optimization in the resume builder, so if you have a job seeker writer’s block, you will likely struggle.

Pros:

• Simple to rearrange resume sections for those who know the structure they want
• A decent amount of pre-written material for both resumes and cover letters
• Salary calculator included in premium — useful for assessing potential roles

Cons:

• No content optimization or editing advice — tough for beginners
• Eye-wateringly expensive after the expiration of the initial trial period

Resume Now Pricing:

• Free: Only 1 template available
• 14 day trial: $ 2.45, then $23.85./month if not cancelled
• Monthly Premium Plan: $39.90/month
• Yearly Plan: $125.40 if paid in advance

19. ResumeHelp

ResumeHelp has a mobile-friendly resume builder with 15 templates for those people who are always on the go, and the smart bullet-points are great to trigger inspiration. The resume cannot be viewed in real time and there is also a lack of real-time writing assistance.

Pros:

• Smart bullet points offer inspiration when considering accomplishments.
• Easy to use the resume builder on a mobile device when on the go.
• Cover letter builder that matches the aesthetic of your resume.

Cons:

• Templates are somewhat conservative and lacking in visual impact
• Customization options are less intuitive than other leading resume builders
• Resume and cover letter writing cannot be viewed in real time

ResumeHelp Pricing:

• Free: Can use resume builder but not download, save and create multiple resumes.Yes,
• 14-day trial: $2.90, auto-renewed if not canceled to $24.90/month, billed monthly
• Monthly: $7.90/month, billed annually at $94.80

20. GotResumeBuilder

GotResumeBuilder is a free resume builder with 6 templates, allowing you to manage the different versions of your resume. It is intuitive and easy to use, but with few customization options or advanced features for the more experienced job seeker. Hints and tips during the writing process.

Pros:

• Manage and organize multiple resumes during your job search
• Real-time hints and keyword suggestions while writing the resume
• More customization options than most free resume builders

Cons:

• No cover letter builder to align the document styles
• Very basic templates with little customization of visual design

GotResumeBuilder Pricing:

• The GotResumeBuilder builder is free

21. Resume Nerd

Resume Nerd offers a typical take on the resume builder wizard, with custom content suggestions and 8 downloadable templates. The resume check is an interesting feature, although the lack of resume writing advice will leave job seekers with more questions than answers.

Pros:

• Pre-written examples organized by profession and function
• Free to use – no complicated plans or subscriptions to consider
• Create a personal website from your resume template
• Template chosen at the end of writing, with explanations of what makes each unique

Cons:

• There are minimal editing features in the resume builder (and less than impactful visuals)
• Resume can’t be viewed as you go along, only after entering all information
• There is no activity tracker or place to store previous content

Resume Nerd Pricing:

• Free: Can download text file resumes
• 14-day trial: $1.75, auto-renewed if not canceled and billed monthly
• Monthly Plan:$2.75
• Quarterly Plan: $22.75/3 months
• Annual Plan: $39.75

Related article

Our top 10 best resume writing services

A great resume can clear the path to transforming your career. Investing in a resume writer is common. But who can you trust to do you justice?

Best of the rest

There were many other potential resume builders vying for a place in our top 20, so we felt that it would be appropriate to mention a few more of them. Choosing the best resume builder is an intensely personal choice that depends on many factors, so in the name of fairness, here are six more: Resume Build, Live Career, FlowCV, Resunate, Wozber, Super Resume and Teal (TealHQ).

Whichever provider you choose, it cannot be denied that a recruiter-designed custom resume and cover letter is infinitely more impressive than a self-created Word document.

We do hope that you will use and love the Resume.io builder though. The 28,000+ Trustpilot reviews rating us 4.6 can’t be wrong.

So, let us make resume writing quick and easy for you … and help you get the job of your dreams!