---
title: "Reactive Resume vs Zety"
description: "Compare Reactive Resume and Zety by free downloads, guided writing, resume checks, templates, open source, and self-hosting."
---

Zety combines a guided resume builder with writing assistance, a cover-letter workflow, a resume check, and job-matching tools. Reactive Resume is an open-source editor that includes designed PDF and DOCX exports, but it does not provide equivalent prewritten guidance or job matching.

## Quick comparison

| Consideration | Reactive Resume | Zety |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Free final download | PDF, DOCX, Markdown, and JSON | Plain-text TXT |
| PDF and Word | Included exports | Paid formats |
| Guidance | Direct editing; optional provider-configured AI | Guided builder, templates, and writing resources |
| Related job tools | No equivalent job matching | Resume Check and Instant Job Matches listed in the free package |
| Deployment | Hosted use or self-hosting | Hosted service |

Zety's pricing page lists TXT download in its free package. In the plan comparison, it identifies PDF, Word, and TXT as multiple formats and shows TXT only for the free package. This means the free package can create and export text, but a designed PDF or Word download is in the paid workflow.

Reactive Resume includes [PDF, DOCX, Markdown, and JSON exports](/guides/exporting-your-resume) in its core resume workflow. The difference is a document-format boundary, not a guarantee about how either resume will be received by an employer or an applicant-tracking system.

## Where Zety is a better fit

Zety fits when you want guidance and related job-search tools in one hosted product. Its pricing page lists a resume builder, templates, cover-letter builder, cover-letter templates, a resume check, and instant job matches. The wider Zety site also presents resume help and examples alongside the builder.

That can be a practical fit when you want assistance choosing words, want to prepare a matching cover letter, or want a separate checking tool before exporting. The free package's TXT download can also be sufficient when you are submitting content into a text-based form rather than attaching a formatted document.

## Where Reactive Resume is a better fit

Reactive Resume fits when you want to download a designed PDF or DOCX without upgrading. Its templates render structured resume sections, and the [template guide](/guides/choosing-a-template) explains the template-selection workflow. JSON export retains Reactive Resume's structured data for backup or reuse, which is separate from the final PDF or DOCX.

It also offers deployment control: the source is public under the [MIT license](/legal/license), and the project can be deployed through the [Docker self-hosting guide](/self-hosting/docker). Optional AI support can be configured with your own provider if you want assistance while editing.

## Which should you choose?

Choose Zety if you want a hosted builder with guided writing, a resume check, cover-letter tools, and job-matching features, and TXT is enough for the free export. Choose Reactive Resume if a free designed PDF or DOCX, structured exports, and the option to self-host are more important than those built-in guidance tools.

Review the final wording and document layout in either product. The available toolset can support preparation, but it does not determine a hiring result.

## Reactive Resume limitations in this comparison

Reactive Resume does not have an equivalent integrated library of prewritten writing guidance, a dedicated resume-check product, or job matching. Its optional AI route needs provider setup, and self-hosting has operational work. Zety may be more convenient if you want those hosted services available alongside the builder and do not need a free PDF or Word export.

## Sources

- [Zety pricing](https://zety.com/pricing)
- [Reactive Resume: exporting your resume](/guides/exporting-your-resume)
- [Reactive Resume: choosing a template](/guides/choosing-a-template)
- [Reactive Resume license](/legal/license)

Last checked: July 28, 2026

<Card title="Download a designed resume without upgrading" icon="arrow-right" href="https://rxresu.me">
  Try Reactive Resume when free PDF and DOCX exports matter more than guided writing and job-matching tools.
</Card>
