How to Choose HR Software
Knowing how to choose HR software can help make your business run smoother. It saves time, keeps things organized and helps take care of your team. With so many choices out there, it’s important to pick one that fits your needs. This guide covers five of the top HR software options available today.
1. BambooHR
BambooHR offers tools to manage employee records, time off tracking, hiring, onboarding and performance. It includes an applicant tracking system for job postings and interviews, along with features to help new employees get started. It also supports performance reviews and goal setting.
Pricing starts at around $6 per employee per month, but exact costs depend on company size and the features required. BambooHR is best for small to midsized businesses that want simple HR tools that are easy to use.
Pros
- Very easy to use with a clean design.
- Excellent customer service.
- Fast setup for small HR teams.
- Good mobile app for managers and staff.
Cons
- No built-in payroll.
- Performance and other tools cost extra.
- Not ideal for large companies.
2. Rippling
Rippling combines HR, IT and payroll services into one platform. It helps manage employee data, run payroll, offer benefits, track time and even set up work laptops and software for new hires. It also supports app permissions and lets you automate common tasks.
Pricing starts at $8 per employee per month, but most features are sold separately. Depending on how many tools you add, the price can go up. Rippling works best for growing businesses, especially with remote teams or lots of software tools.
Pros
- All-in-one platform (HR, IT and payroll).
- Strong automations save time.
- Great for remote teams.
- Scales well as your business grows.
Cons
- Setup can take time.
- Some features cost extra.
- Can get expensive with add-ons.
3. SAP SuccessFactors
SAP SuccessFactors offers a wide range of tools for large and global companies. It includes core HR functions, payroll, performance management, learning programs, workforce planning and analytics. It supports global teams and helps companies manage complex HR systems across many countries.
The pricing for SAP SuccessFactors is custom, so you’ll need to contact the company for a quote. Because it is made for large organizations, it tends to be more expensive and may require help with setup and training. This software is best for large enterprises that need powerful, flexible tools to manage thousands of employees in different locations.
Pros
- Powerful and highly customizable.
- Great for large and global companies.
- Strong performance and talent tools.
- Includes advanced reporting.
Cons
- Steep learning curve.
- Expensive compared to other platforms.
- Takes time to set up.
4. Gusto
Gusto is known for its easy-to-use payroll and HR tools. It helps with running payroll, filing taxes, managing employee benefits, onboarding new hires and tracking time. It also integrates with tools like QuickBooks to help with accounting.
Pricing for Gusto starts at $40 per month plus $6 per employee. Premium plans with more HR tools are also available for an added cost. Gusto is best for small businesses that want a simple payroll system with a few extra HR features.
Pros
- User-friendly and quick to get started.
- Great payroll and benefits support.
- Affordable for small teams.
- Helps stay compliant with tax laws.
Cons
- Limited HR features.
- Fewer options for global use.
- Not ideal for deep performance tracking.
5. ADP Workforce Now
ADP Workforce Now is a full-service HR platform. It handles payroll, time tracking, benefits, hiring, onboarding and performance. It also offers employee scheduling and HR reports. ADP is known for being a reliable and trusted HR provider.
Pricing is not listed online and depends on your company’s size and needs. You’ll need to contact ADP to get a custom quote. It can be more expensive than some of the other options, especially for smaller businesses. ADP is best for medium to large companies that want a full range of HR and payroll services in one system. It’s especially useful for companies planning to grow or add more employees.
Pros
- Trusted name with long history.
- Full range of HR and payroll tools.
- Scales well as business grows.
- Offers HR services and support.
Cons
- Not very modern-looking.
- Can be hard to use for small teams.
Every business is different, so the best HR software depends on what you need. Look at your company’s size, budget and most important HR tasks, then choose the software that helps you save time, stay organized and support your team.