JobSprout vs Resume.io: Which Resume Builder is Right for You in 2026?

Resume.io is one of the most established resume builders online. Founded in 2013 (originally as CVster.nl), they've helped create over 58 million resumes and operate in 20 languages. With 25,000+ new sign-ups daily, they're clearly doing something right.

This comparison looks at JobSprout and Resume.io to help you decide which platform serves your needs better, especially when it comes to free plan features and pricing models.

Full disclosure: We built JobSprout, so we're naturally confident in our product. But we'll be honest about where Resume.io excels and where JobSprout might not be the right choice for everyone.

Quick Comparison Table

Pricing: The Trial Trap Problem

Resume.io uses a pricing model that's become controversial in the industry: the low-cost trial that auto-renews to a much higher monthly rate.

JobSprout Pricing

• Free: 500 AI credits (one-time), 1 CV, 1 cover letter, 10 AI assistant messages/day, unlimited PDF downloads
• Pro Monthly: $12/month
• Pro Annual: $84/year ($7/month, 42% savings)
• Lifetime: $120 (one-time payment)

Resume.io Pricing

According to Resume.io's pricing page:

• 7-Day Trial: $2.95 (full access)
• After Trial: Auto-renews to $29.95/month every 4 weeks
• Quarterly: $49.95 every 3 months (~$16.65/month)
• Free Plan: Limited to Vancouver template or TXT downloads only

Important: The trial auto-renews automatically. You must cancel before 7 days to avoid the monthly charge.

The Pricing Verdict

How the pricing compares:

The trial model concern: Resume.io's $2.95 trial is attractive, but many users report forgetting to cancel and being charged $29.95. Their Trustpilot reviews include numerous complaints about this billing practice. If you try Resume.io, set a calendar reminder to cancel before day 7 if you don't want to continue.

Free Plan: The Critical Difference

This is where the platforms differ most dramatically.

Resume.io Free Plan

According to Resume.io's official help documentation:

What you get:

• Use the resume builder to create a resume
• Download as PDF only with the Vancouver template
• Download as TXT file (plain text, no formatting)
• Share online links to your resume
• Browse sample resumes for inspiration
• Access to job search tool
• Create one cover letter with same limitations

What you don't get:

• PDF downloads with any template except Vancouver
• Access to 30+ premium templates
• Multiple resumes
• Full formatting control

The TXT download is essentially unusable for job applications. You'd need to copy the text into Word or Google Docs and format it yourself, defeating the purpose of using a resume builder.

JobSprout Free Plan

• CVs: 1 CV
• Cover Letters: 1 cover letter (with full AI features)
• AI Credits: 500 one-time credits for AI writing
• AI Assistant: 10 messages per day
• Downloads: Unlimited PDF downloads
• Templates: Basic template

The Free Plan Verdict

JobSprout's free plan is genuinely usable. You can create a CV and cover letter, use AI to improve them, and download unlimited PDFs. You're limited to one template, but you can actually apply for jobs with what you create.

Resume.io's free plan is essentially a preview. The Vancouver-only PDF restriction means most users will hit a wall where they either pay or leave. The TXT download option isn't practical for real job applications.

This is a fundamental philosophical difference: JobSprout wants free users to succeed with limitations. Resume.io wants free users to convert to paid.

AI Features Comparison

Both platforms have added AI features, but with different approaches.

Resume.io AI Features

Resume.io offers AI-powered features across their platform:

AI Resume Builder

• Pre-generated phrases and suggestions
• Content recommendations based on job titles
• AI writing assistance for summaries and bullet points

ATS Scorer

• Checks resume compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems
• Provides optimization suggestions

Their AI features are integrated throughout the builder, offering suggestions as you write. However, detailed AI features require a premium subscription.

JobSprout AI Features

AI Assistant

• A chat interface that knows your work history, CV, and target role
• Ask anything: "Make my summary more confident," "Tailor this for startups"
• No need to re-explain your situation each time
• Free: 10 messages/day; Pro: Unlimited

AI Writer (Inline Editing)

• Select any text: a word, phrase, sentence, or entire section
• Tell the AI exactly what you want: "shorter," "more technical," "add metrics"
• Choose tone and length preferences
• You maintain control over your narrative

Deep Research (Pro)

• AI-powered web research about companies and roles
• Pulls in real company insights for cover letters
• References specific projects, tech stacks, and company values

Grammar Check

• Finds spelling and grammar issues
• Presents corrections for you to accept or reject

The AI Verdict

Resume.io has solid AI suggestions built into the writing process, particularly useful for users who want guidance on what to write.

JobSprout's AI is more conversational and context-aware. The AI Assistant remembers your background and can help you think through your positioning, not just fill in blanks. The Deep Research feature for cover letters is unique and creates genuinely personalised content.

Templates and Design Quality

Resume.io Templates

Resume.io offers 30+ professionally designed templates:

• Free: Vancouver template only
• Premium: Full library access
• Styles: Modern, professional, creative, simple
• Customization: Colors, fonts, sections

Their templates are well-designed and cover various styles. However, to access anything beyond Vancouver, you need a premium subscription.

JobSprout Templates

JobSprout uses Typst, a modern typesetting system:

• Free: Basic template
• Pro: Additional template options
• Quality: Professional typography with proper kerning and spacing
• Output: Print-quality PDFs

The Typst difference is subtle but noticeable. Documents have the visual quality of professionally typeset materials, not web pages saved as PDFs.

The Template Verdict

Resume.io offers more variety if you're willing to pay. Their 30+ templates cover diverse styles.

JobSprout offers higher quality output through Typst typesetting. Fewer template choices, but each produces print-quality documents.

Languages and International Support

Resume.io International Features

Resume.io excels internationally:

• 20 languages supported
• 25 countries with localised versions
• Localised content and examples for each region

This is valuable for non-English speakers or those applying to international roles.

JobSprout International Features

• English focus (UK and US spelling options)
• International users can use the platform, but content and examples are primarily English

The International Verdict

Resume.io has an edge on international support. If you need to create a resume in French, German, Spanish, or 17 other languages, Resume.io is a strong choice.

JobSprout is optimised for English-language job markets. If you're applying primarily in English-speaking countries, this isn't a limitation.

Cover Letter Support

Resume.io Cover Letters

• Free: Same limitations as resumes (Vancouver template or TXT only)
• Premium: Full template access
• Features: Pre-generated sentences, tips, spell check

JobSprout Cover Letters

• Free: 1 cover letter with full AI features
• Pro: Unlimited cover letters
• Deep Research: AI researches the company and role
• Linked CV: Cover letter AI knows your CV context

The Cover Letter Verdict

Different approaches to cover letters. JobSprout's Deep Research capability pulls in company-specific information to personalise content. Resume.io's cover letters use pre-written phrases and templates.

On free plans, JobSprout allows full cover letter downloads while Resume.io applies the same template restrictions as resumes.

User Reviews and Reputation

Resume.io Reviews

Trustpilot rating: 4.3/5 with 55,115 reviews

What users like:

• Easy to use interface
• Good template selection
• Quick resume creation
• Helpful suggestions

Common complaints:

• Trial auto-renewal catches users off guard
• Difficulty cancelling subscriptions
• Premium features required for basic functionality
• Support response times

JobSprout Reviews

JobSprout is newer and building its review base.

The Reputation Verdict

Resume.io has established credibility with millions of users and thousands of positive reviews. However, the recurring billing complaints in negative reviews suggest the pricing model frustrates some users.

Who Should Choose Resume.io?

Resume.io is the better choice if:

1. You need multilingual support. 20 languages available with localised content. No other platform matches this international coverage.

2. You want lots of template variety. 30+ templates versus JobSprout's fewer options. If you need a specific style, Resume.io probably has it.

3. You're comfortable with the trial model. If you'll definitely use premium features and remember to manage your subscription, the $2.95 trial gives full access for a week.

4. You're applying internationally. Resume.io's presence in 25 countries means content tailored to different job markets.

5. You value established platforms. 58+ million resumes created means Resume.io has extensive experience.

Who Should Choose JobSprout?

JobSprout is the better choice if:

1. You want lower monthly costs. JobSprout is $12/month versus Resume.io's $29.95/month. The $120 lifetime option provides permanent access.

2. You want a genuinely usable free plan. Unlimited PDF downloads on the free tier. No Vancouver-only restriction. You can actually apply for jobs with the free plan.

3. You want context-aware AI. JobSprout's AI Assistant knows your entire background and can have conversations about your career, not just fill in templates.

4. Deep Research for cover letters appeals to you. JobSprout's AI actually researches companies to personalise your cover letters with specific insights.

5. You prefer professional typesetting. Typst produces print-quality documents that stand out visually.

6. You're wary of trial traps. JobSprout's free tier doesn't require credit card information. There's no auto-renewal surprise.

7. You're applying in English. If your job search is in English-speaking markets, Resume.io's international features don't add value.

Feature-by-Feature Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Resume.io worth it?

Resume.io is worth it if you need multilingual support, want extensive template options, and are comfortable with their pricing model. The platform is well-designed and has helped millions create resumes. However, be aware of the trial auto-renewal if you start with the $2.95 trial.

Is JobSprout better than Resume.io?

It depends on your needs. JobSprout is better for English-language users who want context-aware AI, professional typesetting, and a genuinely usable free tier. Resume.io is better for multilingual needs and template variety.

Can I use Resume.io for free?

Technically yes, but with significant limitations. You can only download PDFs using the Vancouver template. For any other template, you need premium. The TXT download option gives you raw text without formatting, which isn't practical for job applications.

Does Resume.io auto-renew?

Yes. The $2.95 trial auto-renews to $29.95/month after 7 days unless you cancel. This is the most common complaint in their reviews. Set a reminder if you try the trial.

Does JobSprout have a lifetime plan?

Yes. JobSprout offers a $120 lifetime option that gives you permanent access to all Pro features. Resume.io does not offer a lifetime plan.

Which has better cover letters?

JobSprout's cover letters are more personalised thanks to the Deep Research feature, which pulls in actual company information. Resume.io's cover letters are template-based with pre-written phrases.

Which is better for international job seekers?

Resume.io has an edge here. They support 20 languages and have localised versions in 25 countries. JobSprout focuses primarily on English-language markets.

Are there hidden fees?

Neither platform has hidden fees. However, Resume.io's trial auto-renewal surprises many users. JobSprout's free tier doesn't require payment information.

The Bottom Line

Choose JobSprout if you want a genuinely usable free plan, context-aware AI, professional typesetting, and lower prices. JobSprout's unlimited free PDF downloads mean you can actually use the free tier for real job applications.

Choose Resume.io if you need multilingual support, want 30+ template options, or are applying in international markets. Resume.io's scale and international presence are unmatched.

Both are legitimate tools that have helped job seekers succeed. The right choice depends on your specific needs: JobSprout for English-language users who value AI and affordability, Resume.io for international users who need language support and template variety.

Try JobSprout

If context-aware AI, professional typesetting, and affordable pricing sound right for your job search, give JobSprout a try.

Create your CV and cover letter for free. Unlimited downloads. No credit card required. No auto-renewal surprises.

Last Updated: January 2026

Pricing and features verified against official sources. Information accurate as of publication date. Always check each platform's website for current details.

Sources:

• Resume.io Pricing
• Resume.io Free Plan Help
• Resume.io About Page