ClearanceJobs vs Handshake: which is better? Comparison 2026
By our public methodology ClearanceJobs scores 77 out of 100 and Handshake scores 64. Below: the factors and facts where they differ, each fact with its source.
Score breakdown
| ClearanceJobs | Handshake | |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 100 | 100 |
| Safety for job seekers | 100 | 50 |
| Terms for job seekers | 33 | 67 |
| Vacancies and app | 75 | 49 |
Pros and cons
ClearanceJobs
- Says it checks employers or moderates job ads
- Publishes advice on avoiding job scams
- Names the operator and its registration number
- Large number of vacancies
Handshake
- Free for job seekers
- Says it checks employers or moderates job ads
- Names the operator and its registration number
- Publishes a privacy policy
Facts side by side
| Fact | ClearanceJobs | Handshake |
|---|---|---|
| Employer checks or ad moderation | Yes about.clearancejobs.com | Yes joinhandshake.com |
| Anti-scam guidance for job seekers | Yes news.clearancejobs.com | Not verified |
| Hide CV from employers | Yes about.clearancejobs.com | Not verified |
| Vacancies (as stated by the site) | 84,894 clearancejobs.com | Not verified |
| Free for job seekers | Not verified | Yes joinhandshake.com |
| State job portal | No about.clearancejobs.com | No joinhandshake.com |
| Operator named on the website | Yes about.clearancejobs.com | Yes joinhandshake.com |
| Privacy policy | Yes about.clearancejobs.com | Yes joinhandshake.com |
| Online since | 2002 clearancejobs.com | Not verified |
| Job seeker app | Yes itunes.apple.com | Yes itunes.apple.com |
| App Store rating | 3.9★ itunes.apple.com | 4.9★ itunes.apple.com |
| App Store ratings | 33 itunes.apple.com | 140,152 itunes.apple.com |