When it comes to human resource management (HRM) platforms, BambooHR has established itself as a reputable name. But it’s not the only player in the field.
So, we’ve rounded up a list of the top BambooHR alternatives, each with its unique strengths.
Whether you’re a growing startup or an established enterprise, this guide will steer you toward the HR management software that fits your budget and organizational needs.
Let’s explore together.
Disclaimer: The information below is accurate as of December 19, 2023.
Table of Contents
Alternatives to BambooHR: Comparison Table (With Ratings & Pricing)
Best Alternatives to BambooHR by Use Case
Alternative #8: SAP SuccessFactors HXM Suite
Alternative #9: ADP Comprehensive Services
Alternatives to BambooHR: Comparison Table (With Ratings & Pricing)
BambooHR has set a high standard for HR software with its robust features and user-friendly interface. Yet, every business has unique requirements that may call for something different.
Here’s a comparison table of top BambooHR competitors to provide you with a clear snapshot of each option:
Software | Best For | Capterra Rating | G2 Rating | Pricing |
Zoho People | Small (startups) to midsized businesses | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 | Essential: $1/user/month Professional: $2/user/month Premium: $3/user/month Enterprise: $5/user/month People Plus: $10/user/month Free Trial: 30 days |
Gusto | Small businesses and startups | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 | Basic: $40/month +$6/user Plus: ($80/month + $12 per user/month) Premium: Price on request Free Trial: 1 month |
Workday | Large enterprises | 4.5/5 | 4.0/5 | Price on request |
Zenefits | Small to midsized businesses | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 | Essentials: $10/user/monthGrowth: $20/user/monthZen: $33/user/month |
Freshteam by Freshworks | Small to midsized businesses and startups | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 | Free: $0 up to 50 employeesGrowth: $1/user + $59.99 platform fee/monthPro: $2/user + $99 platform fee/monthEnterprise: $4 + $169.99 platform fee/month |
Namely | Midsized businesses, (particularly in tech or creative industries) | 4.1/5 | 3.9/5 | Now: $9/monthPlus: Price on requestPlus People: Price on requestComplete: Price on request |
Paylocity | Small to midsized businesses | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 | Price upon request |
SAP SuccessFactors HXM Suite | Large multinational corporations | 4.0/5 | 3.9/5 | Price upon request |
ADP Comprehensive Services | Midsized to large enterprises | 4.1/5 | 4.3/5 | Price upon request |
With a clear comparison of how each BambooHR alternative stacks up against each other, let’s delve into their specific use cases.
Best Alternatives to BambooHR by Use Case
When seeking the perfect BambooHR alternative, it’s crucial to consider the specific use cases that align with your HR needs and objectives. Here are the best BambooHR alternatives tailored to different scenarios:
- Zoho People — Best for affordability and employee self-service.
- Gusto — Best for integrating payroll with HR functions.
- Workday — Best for its robust HR analytics and finance integration.
- Zenefits — Best for its comprehensive benefits administration.
- Freshteam by Freshworks — Best for applicant tracking and recruitment processes.
- Namely — Best for its comprehensive performance management tools.
- Paylocity — Best for flexible payroll solutions.
- SAP SuccessFactors HXM Suite — Best for its robust human experience management capabilities.
- ADP Comprehensive Services — Best for its extensive HR outsourcing services.
These tailored solutions aim to enhance your HR management system — whether that means timesheet tracking or boosting employee engagement.
Want to go even deeper? Let’s explore these alternatives one after the other.
Alternative #1: Zoho People
Zoho People is robust cloud-based HR software that stands out for its comprehensive suite tailored to the needs of small and midsized businesses.
The platform provides a range of features from onboarding new hires to performance management, all designed to streamline HR processes efficiently.
Capterra Rating
4.3 / 5
G2 Rating
4.4 / 5
Standout capabilities
HR professionals will value Zoho People for its:
- Customizable modules for various HR functions, offering flexibility across different HR workflows.
- Intuitive learning management system (LMS) that facilitates continuous learning and employee development.
- Real-time analytics and reporting tools that provide actionable insights into HR operations.
Downsides to consider
However, there are some areas for improvement:
- A steep learning curve for new users, especially when setting up complex workflows or custom features.
- Limited third-party integrations could restrict some businesses looking for broader connectivity options.
Best for
Startups and small businesses that value affordability and a wide array of HR features, from leave management to employee self-service.
Top Features
Key features that distinguish Zoho People include:
- A robust LMS for training and development.
- Flexible time-tracking and shift-scheduling capabilities.
- Advanced analytics for data-driven HR insights.
- A comprehensive self-service portal for employee empowerment.
Pricing
Zoho People offers a flexible pricing strategy:
- Essential: $1/user/month
- Professional: $2/user/month
- Premium: $3/user/month
- Enterprise: $5/user/month
- People Plus: $10/user/month
- Free Trial: 30 days
How does Zoho People compare to BambooHR?
When comparing Zoho People to BambooHR, Zoho People presents itself as a competitively priced alternative with a strong emphasis on customizability and employee self-service.
BambooHR | Zoho People | |
Best Feature | Advanced, custom reports | Performance management |
Limitations | Customization capabilities | Third-party integrations |
Pricing | Essentials starting at $5.25/employee/month | Essential HR starts at $1/employee/month |
Customer Service | Good customer service | Fair customer service |
Alternative #2: Gusto
Gusto is a modern HR platform designed primarily for small to midsized businesses, offering an all-in-one solution for payroll management, benefits administration, and compliance monitoring.
The platform is appealing for its simplicity and ease of use, particularly for companies whose payroll is a significant administrative challenge.
Capterra Rating
4.7 / 5
G2 Rating
4.5 / 5
Standout capabilities
Gusto shines for its:
- Full-service payroll with automatic tax processing.
- Integrated health benefits and workers’ comp administration.
- User-friendly interface and simple navigation.
- Proactive compliance updates and reminders.
Downsides to consider
Some users have reported challenges with:
- Customer service responsiveness.
- Integration hiccups with third-party time tracking applications.
Best for
Gusto is best suited for small businesses looking for a comprehensive solution that simplifies HR tasks without the need for extensive HR knowledge.
Top Features
- Full-service payroll processing with direct deposit and tax filing.
- Employee self-service portal for benefits and time-off management.
- Robust benefits administration with a variety of plan options.
- Compliance features to help businesses adhere to regulations.
Pricing
Gusto offers three main pricing tiers:
- Basic: At $40 per month plus $6 per month per person, providing a streamlined set of payroll features.
- Plus: At $80 per month plus $12 per month per person, offering comprehensive tools for payroll, benefits, and HR.
- Premium: Custom pricing for growing teams, including scalable solutions and dedicated support.
Note: There’s also a one-month free trial available to test out the service.
How does Gusto compare to BambooHR?
Gusto positions itself as a more payroll-centric platform compared to BambooHR’s broad human resource information system (HRIS) capabilities.
BambooHR | Gusto | |
Best Feature | Comprehensive performance management system | Full-service payroll with automatic tax processing |
Limitations | Limited payroll features for international companies | Third-party integration glitches |
Pricing | Essentials plan starts at $5.25/employee/month | Basic plan starts at $40/month |
Customer Service | Responsive | Some reports of delays in response |
Alternative #3: Workday
Workday is an extensive enterprise-level software program providing a suite of financial management and human capital management applications.
The platform is designed for large businesses that require a robust and comprehensive set of tools for their global workforce management and complex financial processes.
Capterra Rating
4.5 / 5
G2 Rating
4.0 / 5
Standout capabilities
Workday shines for its:
- In-depth HR analytics and reporting.
- Seamless financial management integration.
- Ability to support global businesses with a diverse and large workforce.
- Flexibility in handling various HR functions, from payroll to talent acquisition and learning management.
Downsides to consider
Users have noted that:
- Workday can be complex and not particularly intuitive, making it challenging to perform simple tasks.
- The implementation process can be lengthy and may require significant effort from the IT department.
Best for
Workday is best suited for large enterprises looking for an all-in-one solution to manage a wide range of HR processes and financial tasks.
Top Features
- Comprehensive tools for workforce planning, talent management, and HR analytics.
- Robust financial capabilities that cover everything from accounting and procurement to budgeting and financial planning.
- Sophisticated time and attendance tracking that integrates with HR and payroll functions.
- Tools to measure and improve employee engagement and performance throughout the organization.
Pricing
Prices on request.
How does Workday compare to BambooHR?
While BambooHR focuses on small to midsized businesses with straightforward HR management tools, Workday caters to larger enterprises with complex features that handle broader HR and financial tasks.
BambooHR | Workday | |
Best Feature | User-friendly and intuitive interface | Advanced HR analytics and reporting capabilities |
Limitations | Fewer features for complex HR processes | Can be complex and non-intuitive |
Pricing | Starts at $5.25 per employee per month | Price on request |
Customer Service | Accessible support | Fair support |
Alternative #4: Zenefits
Zenefits is an all-in-one HR platform designed to help small to midsized businesses manage their HR functions with a suite of integrated tools.
The platform also offers extensive HR tools for onboarding, PTO tracking, performance reviews, and benefits administration.
Capterra Rating
4.2 / 5
G2 Rating
4.0 / 5
Standout capabilities
Zenefits stands out for its:
- Comprehensive benefits administration capabilities, offering different options to manage and customize employee benefits packages.
- User-friendly interface that simplifies navigation, making HR tasks accessible to all users.
Downsides to consider
Some users report challenges with:
- Customer support responsiveness and the time required to get service reps up to speed.
- The implementation process being more time-consuming than expected.
Best for
Zenefits is best for small to midsized businesses that require a robust, yet straightforward HR platform to handle a wide range of HR tasks.
Top Features
- Core HR and organization management.
- Comprehensive benefits administration with enrollment planning and management.
- User-friendly self-service portal for employees.
- Advanced reporting and dashboards for tracking and analytics.
Pricing
Zenefits’s pricing starts at:
- $10/employee/month for the Essentials plan.
- $20/user/month for the Growth plan.
- $33/employee/month for the Zen plan (includes payroll processing).
How does Zenefits compare to BambooHR?
When compared to BambooHR — which focuses on HR data and employee experience — Zenefits provides a broader range of services that may suit businesses looking for an all-in-one solution.
BambooHR | Zenefits | |
Best Feature | Intuitive user interface | Robust benefits administration and payroll processing |
Limitations | Limited payroll features for international companies | Longer-than-expected implementation time |
Pricing | Starts at $5.25 per employee per month | Starts at $10 per employee per month |
Customer Service | Accessible | Some challenges with support |
Alternative #5: Freshteam by Freshworks
Freshteam is an innovative HR software designed to streamline the hiring process, making it ideal for companies looking to enhance their recruitment strategy.
The platform offers a user-friendly interface and powerful applicant tracking system (ATS) for managing candidate information and customizing the recruitment workflow.
Capterra Rating
4.4 / 5
G2 Rating
4.4/ 5
Standout capabilities
Freshteam stands out for its:
- Advanced reporting and analytics for a full overview of the hiring cycle.
- An intuitive ATS that allows for extensive candidate information customization.
- Unlimited job postings and detailed candidate management.
Downsides to consider
- Reports of slow server responses.
- Limited filtering capabilities within the candidate database.
Best for
Small to midsized businesses that require robust recruitment and hiring tools.
Top Features
- Customizable ATS with kanban boards for applicant tracking.
- Automated reporting with customizable criteria.
- Comprehensive candidate management, including scheduling and interview collaboration.
- Social sourcing and customizable career pages for effective candidate attraction.
Pricing
Freshteam offers a range of pricing tiers:
- Free: $0 up to 50 employees
- Growth: $1/user + $59.99 platform fee/month
- Pro: $2/user + $99 platform fee/month
- Enterprise: $4 + $169.99 platform fee/month
How does Freshteam compare to BambooHR?
Freshteam provides a focused set of tools tailored for the recruitment process, positioning itself as a strong BambooHR alternative for companies that prioritize advanced hiring functionalities
BambooHR | Freshteam | |
Best Feature | Comprehensive HR management suite | Robust candidate management feature |
Limitations | Limited customization options | Slow server times |
Pricing | Starts at $5.25 per employee per month | Offers a free plan for small organizationsPaid plans start at $1 per employee per month |
Customer Service | Positive feedback on customer service | Mixed feedback on support |
Alternative #6: Namely
Namely is an HR solution that integrates human resources, payroll, benefits, and talent management in one platform designed to improve the employee experience.
The platform streamlines HR processes for midsized businesses, offering tools that span the entire employee lifecycle.
Capterra Rating
4.1 / 5
G2 Rating
3.9 / 5
Standout capabilities
Namely shines with its:
- All-in-one platform for HR, payroll, benefits, and talent management.
- Strong focus on employee engagement with tools that unify the workplace.
- Robust compliance resources, with live advice readily available.
Downsides to consider
- Some users find the user interface cluttered and unintuitive for simple tasks.
- The payroll system setup could be problematic for global companies.
Best for
Namely is best suited for midsized businesses looking to streamline their onboarding process and benefits management.
Top Features
- Modern, intuitive HR technology that makes it easier for HR teams to manage employee data efficiently.
- Employee engagement tools, all designed to foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Comprehensive compliance tools to help businesses navigate the complex landscape of HR regulations.
- Enhanced payroll services to handle the intricacies of payroll processing, including tax filings and benefit deductions.
Pricing
Starts at $9.00 per month, with customized pricing available upon request for additional services and features.
How does Namely compare to BambooHR?
Compared to BambooHR, Namely offers a more all-encompassing HR solution with a focus on employee engagement and compliance support.
BambooHR | Namely | |
Best Feature | Streamlined onboarding process | Strong focus on employee engagement and compliance tools |
Limitations | Limited payroll features for international companies | Challenges with payroll setup |
Pricing | Starts at $5.25 per employee per month | Starts at $9 per month |
Customer Service | Responsive | Challenges with support consistency |
Alternative #7: Paylocity
Paylocity is an integrated HR and payroll service provider that emphasizes improving the employee experience through its cloud-based suite.
The platform offers an array of features aimed at streamlining HR processes and fostering a collaborative workplace.
Capterra Rating
4.3 / 5
G2 Rating
4.4 / 5
Standout capabilities
Paylocity stands out for its:
- Award-winning customer service and all-in-one suite functionality.
- Robust platform, designed to handle core HR tasks, payroll, and talent management efficiently.
- Extensive self-service options.
Downsides to consider
- Some users report challenges with setup and ongoing management.
- Issues with custom reporting have been points of frustration for some users.
Best for
Paylocity is best suited for midsized to large organizations looking to optimize their HR workflows and employee management.
Top Features
- Advanced payroll processing with tax management, making it less cumbersome for HR departments.
- Employee time off accrual and tracking, facilitating easy requesting and approval processes.
- Scalable performance and reliability for growing businesses, ensuring that the platform remains reliable for them.
- Mobile app for on-the-go HR management, allowing employees and HR managers to handle various HR-related tasks anywhere, at any time.
Pricing
Price on request.
How does Paylocity compare to BambooHR?
BambooHR focuses on offering an easy-to-use interface for small to midsized businesses, while Paylocity provides broader features for larger organizations seeking a more complex HR solution.
BambooHR | Paylocity | |
Best Feature | Comprehensive HR management tools | Advanced payroll processing with integrated tax management |
Limitations | Limited customization and integration options | Service issues regarding setup and support |
Pricing | Essentials plan starts at $5.25 per employee per month | Pricing available on request |
Customer Service | Good customer service | Mixed feedback on support |
Alternative #8: SAP SuccessFactors HXM Suite
SAP SuccessFactors HXM Suite is an extensive human experience management platform designed to provide detailed insights into employee experiences and facilitate comprehensive talent management.
The platform offers a robust set of features for core HR, payroll, and talent management, as well as HR analytics and workforce planning.
Capterra Rating
4.0 / 5
G2 Rating
3.9 / 5
Standout capabilities
SAP SuccessFactors HXM Suite shines in:
- Employee experience management with a range of surveys and feedback tools.
- Talent intelligence with a focus on mobility and career development opportunities.
- Global compliance features for over 100 countries.
Downsides to consider
Some users find the platform slow, non-intuitive, and challenging to navigate.
Best for
Large enterprises that require a global HR solution with advanced analytics and comprehensive workforce planning.
Top Features
- Tools for gauging employee performance and gathering actionable insights to improve workplace experience.
- Comprehensive HR information system, streamlining HR processes from onboarding to offboarding.
- Advanced algorithms that analyze workforce data to predict trends and inform decision-making.
- Strategic tools that allow for hypothetical scenario planning to prepare for and adapt to future workforce needs.
Pricing
Pricing on request.
How does SAP SuccessFactors HXM Suite compare to BambooHR?
SAP SuccessFactors HXM Suite is a comprehensive and customizable HR suite that can handle complex global operations.
Meanwhile, BambooHR’s simplicity and ease of use make it a more suitable option for smaller businesses seeking an efficient and straightforward HR system.
BambooHR | SAP SuccessFactors HXM Suite | |
Best Feature | User-friendly interface | Global compliance capabilities |
Limitations | Fewer advanced analytics options | Non-intuitive interface |
Pricing | Starts at $5.25 per employee per month | Price on request |
Customer Service | Good customer service | Challenges with support |
Alternative #9: ADP Comprehensive Services
ADP Comprehensive Services is a robust, all-encompassing suite for HR management, known for integrating advanced HR tech with expert human support.
The platform is designed to streamline HR operations from recruitment to retirement.
Capterra Rating
4.1 / 5
G2 Rating
4.3 / 5
Standout capabilities
ADP Comprehensive Services stands out for its:
- Blend of technology and expert support.
- Specialized HR advisors.
- Suite of compliance and talent management tools.
Downsides to consider
- Some users report that the implementation process can be lengthy.
- There’s a need for more guided setup and hands-on training during the initial stages.
Best for
Medium to large enterprises that seek a broad, outsourced HR management system.
Top Features
- World-class HR and people management, so businesses can handle all aspects of HR management.
- Tools designed to engage and appreciate employees.
- Compliance assurance tools and resources to stay on top of various compliance risks
- Enhanced payroll services to streamline financial HR tasks.
Pricing
Price on request.
How does ADP Comprehensive Services compare to BambooHR?
ADP Comprehensive Services shines with its robust HR offerings and personalized support, making it a strong contender for companies looking for an all-inclusive HR partnership.
Meanwhile, BambooHR maintains its appeal for those who prefer a more hands-on and simplified HR software solution.
BambooHR | ADP Comprehensive Services | |
Best Feature | Performance management tools | Advanced HR technology |
Limitations | Limited payroll functionality for international businesses | Long implementation time |
Pricing | Starts at $5.25 per employee per month | Price on request |
Customer Service | Accessible and responsive | Dedicated and responsive |
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Looking for a BambooHR Alternative?
In the search for the perfect HR management solution, it’s clear there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
From Zoho People’s user-friendly interface to Gusto’s full-service payroll, each alternative offers unique features tailored to different business needs.
Yet, finding the right HR software can be a game changer for your organization.
Ready to discover more HR insights? Continue your journey on the SwagDrop blog for more HR trends, tips, and reviews to empower your human resources strategy.