Zety Full Review (2026): Pros, Cons, Everything You Should Know

When it comes to building a resume online, Zety is often one of the first names job seekers hear about. Known for its clean design and straightforward tools, Zety has built a strong reputation in the career space. But does it really deliver what today's job seekers need? This Zety review examines the platform's features, pricing, user feedback, and overall value to help you decide whether it's the right choice for your job search in 2026.

User Feedback: What Customers Are Saying

Zety maintains a 4.2 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot based on 11,693 reviews as of February 2026, reflecting a mixed but generally positive user experience.

What Users Like

• Ease of use: "It's user friendly and gives you hints" and "Very very easy to make resume it save my time"
• Template quality: Professional appearance and variety of design options
• Results: Several users credit Zety with helping them secure job interviews
• Customer service: Generally responsive and helpful

Common Complaints

• Misleading "free" plan: "It was described as free cover letter but when I needed to download needs to pay"
• Cancellation difficulties: "After cancellation they continued to charge me a $25 monthly subscription fee"
• Unexpected charges: "Subscription started off at just over a dollar/month then jumped to 23+ per month"
• Billing transparency: Some users describe feeling deceived by unclear subscription terms

What Zety Offers: Core Features

Zety's platform centers around an intelligent resume builder that combines automation with customization. The AI-powered system provides prewritten, job-specific content and real-time suggestions, eliminating the intimidation of starting from scratch.

Key Features

• 18+ professional templates: Modern, minimalist, and creative layouts with extensive customization options for colors, fonts, and margins
• AI content suggestions: Job-specific phrases, keywords, and professional skills based on your industry
• ATS Resume Checker: Scans your document for compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems, reviewing formatting, keyword usage, and content structure
• Cover letter builder: Creates coordinated documents matching your resume's style
• Multiple export formats: PDF, Word (DOCX), and plain text options
• Career resources: Articles, guides, and expert tips for your job search

Pricing and Value

Zety operates on a freemium model with three distinct pricing tiers that can be confusing for new users.

The pricing structure has generated significant user frustration. While technically free to use, the platform requires payment for professionally formatted downloads, the very feature most job seekers need. This disconnect between expectations and reality has contributed to negative sentiment around Zety's transparency.

For context on how Zety compares to other options, check out the best Zety alternatives or read a Resume.io full review.

Is Zety Free?

Technically, yes, but with a critical limitation. Zety's free Basic Package provides access to the resume builder, templates, and editing tools, but you can only download your finished resume as a plain text file. This format strips away all design elements, leaving raw content that lacks the visual polish necessary for professional applications.

If you need your resume in PDF or Microsoft Word format, which is standard for job applications, you must upgrade to a paid plan. The free plan works best for users who simply need help organizing their content or want to test the platform before committing financially.

How Does the Zety Free Trial Work?

Zety's Pro Package includes a 14-day trial starting at $1.95. During this trial, you gain full access to premium features including all templates, PDF and Word downloads, and the ATS checker. The trial automatically converts to the standard Pro subscription at $25.95 every four weeks unless you cancel before the trial period ends.

How to Cancel a Zety Subscription

Given user complaints about cancellation difficulties, follow these steps carefully:

• Log into your Zety account and navigate to "My Plan" or "My Settings"
• Follow the cancellation prompts
• Wait for an email confirmation with a cancellation number, save this documentation
• If you can't find the cancellation option, contact customer support directly (U.S.: 800-985-7561)

According to Zety's refund policy, you can request a full refund if you cancel within the first seven days of purchase. After this period, refunds may still be available if you haven't downloaded any files. Cancel well before your next billing cycle and keep all confirmation emails as proof.

Is Zety a Good Resume Builder?

Zety delivers a solid platform with genuine strengths and notable limitations.

Pros

• Extensive template selection with professional designs
• AI-powered content suggestions save time
• ATS optimization tools improve application success
• Matching cover letter builder streamlines applications

Cons

• Misleading "free" offering creates frustration
• Cancellation process can be difficult
• Monthly pricing is expensive compared to competitors
• Lacks job-specific customization for individual applications

Zety works best for users who need a quick, polished resume and are comfortable with the paid pricing structure. However, it doesn't address the critical need for job-specific customization that modern ATS systems demand. For a detailed comparison of different approaches, explore Zety vs PitchMeAI.

A Smarter Approach to Resume Customization

While Zety creates attractive resumes, the modern job market demands tailored applications for each specific position. PitchMeAI addresses this gap with a Chrome extension that adapts your resume to each job description with a single click, increasing your interview rate by up to 3x.

Beyond resume optimization, PitchMeAI identifies hiring managers, finds their contact information, and generates personalized outreach emails. The platform also includes a resume builder that creates ATS-optimized documents from uploaded resumes, free text, or voice notes in seconds. New users receive 3 free credits, followed by a 3-day free trial with 10 credits, before the unlimited plan at $22 per month.

Final Verdict

This Zety review reveals a platform with professional templates, helpful AI suggestions, and a user-friendly approach that simplifies resume creation. The 4.2 Trustpilot rating reflects real satisfaction among users who successfully navigate the platform. For those who need design assistance and are comfortable with the annual subscription at $71.40/year, Zety delivers solid value.

However, persistent complaints about pricing transparency, cancellation difficulties, and the misleading "free" offering represent significant drawbacks. The gap between marketing and reality has created frustration that undermines trust. Additionally, Zety doesn't address job-specific customization that modern hiring practices demand.

Zety works best for job seekers who want design assistance and plan to manually customize their resume for different applications. For those seeking automatic job-specific optimization or direct hiring manager outreach, exploring alternatives may yield better results. As you evaluate your options, consider not just how a tool helps you create a resume, but how it positions you to stand out in an increasingly competitive job market.