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What is HR software?
Human resources (HR) software systems unify administration, recruitment, payroll, training, employee engagement, performance management, and other essential HR functions. This provides a secure database of employee data and a centralized view of a company. It also helps HR teams effectively manage each stage of the employee life cycle.
The right HR software solution can help optimize processes by automating manual tasks, organizing employee records, and building data-driven reports. Moreover, advanced HR software solutions enable better workforce planning, financial forecasting, and strategic decision-making.
I reviewed 13 human resources software solutions and narrowed them down to the best of the best:
ADP Workforce Now is the best HR software overall.
Deel is the best HR software for startups.
BambooHR is the best HR software for small businesses.
Rippling is the best HR software for midsize companies.
SAP SuccessFactors HCM is the best HR software for large enterprises.
Honorable mentions:
Paycor is the best for companies with field and frontline workers.
Paylocity is the best for workforce management.
Gusto is the best for new businesses in the U.S.
Featured partners
Keka HR
Medium sized companies ℹ️
360 Degree Feedback, Applicant Tracking, Benefits Administration, and 10 more
QuickBooks Online, Tally
Monitask
Any Company Size ℹ️
Employee Shift Scheduling, Self-Service Portal, Time/Attendance Management, and 1 more
Asana, Basecamp, ClickUp, and 10 more
My picks for the best HR software
| Overall score | Use case | Starting price | |
|---|---|---|---|
 ADP Workforce Now Visit ADP ↗ | 3.95 ★★★★☆ | Best overall | $8/employee |
 Deel Visit Deel ↗ | 3.64 ★★★★☆ | Best for startups | $19/employee |
 Bamboo Visit Bamboo ↗ | 3.64 ★★★★☆ | Best for small businesses | $250/mo. for 20 employees |
 Rippling Visit Rippling ↗ | 4.05 ★★★★☆ | Best for midsized businesses | $40/mo. + $8/employee |
 SAP SuccessFactors HCM Visit SAP ↗ | 3.81 ★★★★☆ | Best for enterprises | $75.50/user |
 Paycor Visit Paycor ↗ | 3.83 ★★★★☆ | Best for companies with field and frontline workers | Contact sales |
 Paylocity Visit Paylocity ↗ | 3.76 ★★★★☆ | Best for workforce management | $99/mo. + $6/employee |
 Gusto Visit Gusto ↗ | 3.50 ★★★★☆ | Best for new businesses in the U.S. | $49/mo. + $6/employee |
Pricing across all featured human resources software providers are up to date (April 25, 2025).
*Based on a quote I received. ADP Workforce Now charges additional fees based on your payroll schedule and add-on services like check printing, signing, and delivery. For a weekly payroll schedule, ADP quoted me an additional $180 per month and $500 implementation fee.
**Starting price for Deel U.S. Payroll.
+Starting price for SAP SuccessFactors HCM's base module, Employee Central.
ADP Workforce Now: Best overall
Pros
- ➕Narrative insights to assist with people data analysis.
- ➕Optional HR advisory services for enhanced compliance.
- ➕Extensive product line for fast-growing companies.
- ➕Global payroll support for over 140 countries.
Cons
- ➖Benefits administration is only available on the Plus plan and higher.
- ➖Time and labor management is only available in the highest subscription tier.
Deel: Best for startups
Pros
- ✔ Immigration services to hire and relocate talent from across the globe.
- ✔ On-demand payroll support for direct and EOR employees.
- ✔ Light and dark mode functionality for increased accessibility.
- ✔ Diverse account payment options, including cryptocurrency using Coinbase.
Cons
- ✖ Difficult to navigate user interface (UI).
- ✖ Can only pay employees by direct deposit.
- ✖ Does not support weekly payroll schedules.
- ✖ Lacks recruiting features.
Why I chose Deel
Deel replaces my previous pick for the best HR software for startups, Gusto, by a narrow margin. Deel's 3.64 bests Gusto's 3.50 because of the former's global capabilities that allow you to pay and retain employees worldwide.
In fact, despite Gusto's entry into EOR services in early 2024, it currently only supports 12 countries compared to Deel's more than 150.
Need extra support services? Deel's PEO, FRO, and U.S. Payroll plans provide 24/7 expert support, access to compliance advisors, global health benefits, employee management tools and more.
Deel integrations like Slack plugins streamline workflows without interrupting the flow of work.
Other HR solutions for startups
The case for Bob
I've participated in multiple demos of Bob, and I'm always impressed with its focus on customization and employee experience. (Bob's "clubs" for fostering employee engagement is one of my favorite features.) These qualities make it a great candidate for startups where business processes are in flux and you're only just building your culture.
BambooHR: Best for small businesses
Pros
- ✔ Refreshed new interface for easier navigation.
- ✔ Ability to change platform colors and logos to reflect your brand.
- ✔ Customizable homepage and profile dashboards.
- ✔ Automated wellbeing surveys to track employee happiness over time.
Cons
- ✖ Reports have limited customization settings.
- ✖ No modules for employee training or scheduling.
- ✖ Does not support paying employees outside of the U.S.
- ✖ Requires integration with Cronofy for in-app candidate interview scheduling.
Why I chose BambooHR
With a total score of 3.64 out of 5, BambooHR is my top choice for small businesses because it is by far the easiest platform to use on my shortlist. It strikes a perfect balance between simple pre-built workflows for HR teams looking for no-fuss process implementation and features to support processes from hire to retire.
In fact, BambooHR is one of the few solutions in my roundup that pays as much attention to the employee experience as system administrators. Besides a modern but user-friendly homepage where employees can see PTO balances, request time off, or clock in for a shift with one click, BambooHR also offers a platform where they can collaborate with peers in Employee Community. This is huge for small businesses where subscribing to standalone employee experience, recognition, and communication platforms can be a costly added expense.
Why is BambooHR so popular?
BambooHR is a versatile HR suite that covers a lot of ground in the world of HR. As a BambooHR aficionado, I frequently include it in my HR software shortlists—check them out:
Rippling: Best for midsize businesses
Overall score
4.05 / 5.00
Pros
- ✔ Employee profile translation and localization for more than 150 countries.
- ✔ Finance and IT management tools available.
- ✔ EDI, PEQ, ASO, COBRA, ACA, and global payroll services available.
- ✔ Ability to use Excel formulas in reports for more detailed insights.
Cons
- ✖ There is no free trial, and it may be too expensive for basic HR needs.
- ✖ Scheduling requires Time and Attendance purchase and lacks automatic schedules.
- ✖ Limited employee engagement and recognition features.
- ✖ API access is now an add-on to Rippling Platform.
Why I chose Rippling
Rippling is one of the most adoptable HR programs I've demoed, resulting in an overall score of 4.05. With its customizable workflows and approvals, you don't need advanced IT training to automate most HR administrative processes in the app. This alone makes Rippling appealing to midsize businesses with a larger headcount, where HR automation is a must.
Rippling's global app access and inventory management also means it supports a growing company's more diverse tech workflows. Expense reimbursement, global payroll, and scheduling modules now work their way end-to-end—from frontline workers to remote employees and traveling professionals.
Plus with Rippling's ability to create custom data fields, you can get as specific as you need with your HR, finance, and other work policies.
SAP SuccessFactors HCM: Best for large enterprises
Overall score
3.81 / 5.00
Pros
- ✔ Advanced analytics and reporting capabilities with AI-powered insights.
- ✔ Comprehensive global compliance support for multinational organizations.
- ✔ Extensive customization options for complex organizational structures.
- ✔ Strong integration capabilities with other SAP and third-party systems.
Cons
- ✖ High implementation costs and complex setup process.
- ✖ Steep learning curve for end users and administrators.
- ✖ Limited flexibility for smaller organizations with simpler needs.
- ✖ Requires significant ongoing maintenance and support resources.
Why I chose SAP SuccessFactors HCM
SAP SuccessFactors HCM earns its place as the best HR software for large enterprises with a score of 3.81. While it may not have the highest overall score, it excels in areas that matter most to enterprise organizations: talent acquisition (4.50), workforce management (4.25), and HRIS reporting (4.13).
Large enterprises need sophisticated talent management capabilities, and SAP SuccessFactors delivers with its comprehensive suite of modules covering everything from recruiting and onboarding to performance management and succession planning. The platform's ability to handle complex organizational hierarchies and global compliance requirements makes it ideal for multinational corporations.
The AI-powered analytics and reporting features provide enterprise leaders with the insights needed to make strategic workforce decisions at scale.
Honorable mentions
Paycor: Best for companies with field and frontline workers
Paycor excels at managing distributed workforces with robust time tracking, scheduling, and mobile capabilities that work well for field and frontline employees. Its user-friendly mobile app ensures workers can clock in/out, view schedules, and access important information from anywhere.
Key strengths:
- • Mobile-first design for field workers
- • Advanced scheduling and time tracking
- • Geofencing capabilities
Starting price:
Contact sales for pricing
Paylocity: Best for workforce management
Paylocity stands out for its comprehensive workforce management capabilities, including advanced scheduling, time and attendance tracking, and labor optimization tools. It's particularly strong for organizations with complex scheduling needs and variable workforces.
Key strengths:
- • Advanced workforce scheduling
- • Labor cost optimization
- • Compliance management
Starting price:
$99/mo. + $6/employee
Gusto: Best for new businesses in the U.S.
Gusto is perfect for new U.S. businesses looking for an affordable, easy-to-use HR and payroll solution. It offers excellent onboarding, intuitive interface, and strong customer support that helps new business owners get up and running quickly without HR expertise.
Key strengths:
- • User-friendly interface
- • Excellent customer support
- • Affordable pricing for startups
Starting price:
$49/mo. + $6/employee
Types of HR software
HR software comes in many different forms. Understanding the distinctions between different types of HR software can help you choose the right solution for your organization's needs.
Core HR software
Human resources information system (HRIS)
Centralized database for all employee information and HR processes
Human resources management system (HRMS)
Comprehensive system managing all HR functions from hiring to retirement
Human capital management (HCM) software
Strategic approach to workforce optimization and talent management
Function-specific HR software
Recruiting
Streamline hiring processes and candidate management
Onboarding
Automate new employee orientation and training
Payroll software
Manage compensation, benefits, and tax compliance
Performance management
Track employee performance and career development
Employee engagement
Foster workplace culture and employee satisfaction
Learning management systems (LMS)
Deliver training programs and track skill development
Benefits of HR software
Modern HR software solutions offer numerous advantages that can transform how organizations manage their workforce and HR processes.
Efficiency
HR software solutions are designed to consolidate capabilities that drive the efficiency of different HR processes. When HR staff can spend less time on repetitive manual tasks, they are able to focus on more valuable priorities. Additionally, HR software provides employees with direct access to the updated employee handbook so they can complete tasks like direct deposit elections or benefits enrollment independently.
Compliance
Compliance with HR-related laws and regulations is usually non-negotiable because of the costly penalties associated with violations. HR software helps organizations stay in compliance with current local, state, and federal requirements by automatically updating processes. Typically, this manifests as built-in overtime and pay compliance warnings, legally mandated paperwork tracking, reminders about compliance deadlines, and automated best practices documents.
Reporting
Robust HR software reporting features help organizations make informed decisions with accurate data. Many HR platforms offer report generation templates to help users find the information they need, and others offer advanced plugins to support deeper data insights like predictive analytics and natural language processing.
Key features to look for in HR software
Compliance Management
Payroll and benefits administration with built-in safeguards
Recruitment & Retention
Streamlined hiring processes and employee engagement tools
Performance Tracking
Employee development and performance management systems
Data Insights
Analytics for effective workforce planning and decision-making
What to consider when choosing HR software
Selecting the right HR software requires careful consideration of your organization's unique needs, budget, and long-term goals. Here are the key factors to evaluate:
HR software FAQ
Core HR software
Function-specific HR software
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