Exploring the Top Five Online Resume Builders to Use in 2026

Building on 2025, modern hiring practices pose a significant challenge for job seekers across industries. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven screening measures demand a shift in how applications are both built and presented. Resume examples from 2026 will look dramatically different from those from ten or even five years ago; learning to adapt is crucial for prospective employees.

Using Resume Examples From the Best Resume Builders

To build an effective resume in an age of ATS systems and AI screening, many applicants are turning to online resume builders for support. Expectations surrounding application volume can be difficult to keep pace with, but the best resume builders provide the tools necessary to create an array of customizable resumes compatible with ATS systems and capable of moving past AI screening.

Importantly, a trusted resume builder will likely provide users with access to resume examples; better yet, resumes that have moved through modern systems for a successful review by a real human. If a resume builder can’t demonstrate the efficacy of its resume output, it may be a sign to look for a different tool. For the five best resume builders, resume examples are part of the baseline.

1. Resume.co: High-Quality Resume Examples and More

Resume.co aims to simplify the job hunt, leveraging automation and encouraging real connections. The platform employs AI and proven templates to refine resumes, ensuring they meet ATS keyword requirements. Importantly, it maintains the human element, as applications are ultimately reviewed by real people.

Effective for job seekers, established professionals, and career switchers alike, each of Resume.co’s templating tools is accessible at a free tier. For $1.95, users gain seven-day unlimited access not only to the baseline resume and cover letter builder, ATS-friendly resume templates, and resume sharing features, but to unlimited downloads, unlimited AI-tailoring, and unlimited AI cover letters.

2. Zety: Effective for Guided Resume Examples

Outside of offering numerous resume templates, Zety offers free professional advice from career experts. For job seekers looking for a bit of extra guidance, the platform claims to guide applicants through the entire recruitment process. It’s a step-by-step resume-building experience, backed by effective tips and tools.

Similarly to Resume.co, Zety’s basic package is free to access. This includes a resume and cover letter builder, various templates, and TXT format downloads. For $25.95 a month, users can access Zety’s pro package, allowing for unlimited downloads, as well as resume check services and instant job matches.

3. Resume Genius: Create Resume Examples Fast

With a focus on speed, Resume Genius caters to the perceived need for a volume of output in the modern job search. The platform provides expertly-written guides and examples, as well as the software necessary to build an effective resume. For those who value speed and efficiency, Resume Genius may be a reliable option.

For its free access plan, Resume Genius offers a TXT resume builder, as well as resume and cover letter templates for Microsoft Word and Google Docs. Users also gain access to a resume checker and an AI-powered summary generator. For $23.95 a month, this package also includes PDF and Word options for its resume builder, as well as resume reviews, digital resumes, and job board access.

4. Novorésumé: Clean and Modern Resume Examples

Novorésumé recognizes the importance of a design-forward resume. So many ATS systems and human reviewers look for efficient, aesthetically appealing resumes as a reflection of the applicant, making an application’s layout a valuable knob to turn. Claiming to help users build a resume in as little as five minutes, Novorésumé’s custom layout controls and ATS considerations are well-suited to the market.

With free access, Novorésumé users can design a single, one-page version of a resume using predefined layouts. At a cost of $21.99 a month, users can create multiple ten-page resumes with matching cover letters on custom layouts, with various other design features readily available.

5. Enhancv: Personal Branding Resume Examples

Modern resumes are defined by building a personal brand, something that Enhancv places its emphasis on. Its templates focus on storytelling and personal strengths. They include sections for a user’s achievements, values, and traits. The effect of this approach changes depending on the position, but it can help in the job search.

Enhancv’s free plan includes all resume templates, basic resume sections with a maximum of 12 section items, and access to all design tools. However, a resume built this way comes with Enhancv branding. For $19.67 a month on a quarterly plan, users can design up to 150 resumes and cover letters on any resume template. Additionally, Enhancv provides real-time content suggestions, an ATS check, and lets you add unlimited sections, all without any branding or watermarks.

Choosing the Best Resume Builder For You

Ultimately, there is no single best resume builder. Some may stand out from the rest, but users need a tool they can rely on to optimize their job search. One applicant’s industry may not require an aesthetically appealing application, but favor maximum output. Another might take interest in the opposite. As the job search grows difficult for traditional solutions, online resume builders provide a new approach in 2026.