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10+ Best HRIS Systems: Reviews & Comparisons for Q3/2025

Our HR tech experts demoed dozens of HRIS systems and researched many more to find the best tools on the market. Find pricing info, screenshots, pros & cons, and more below.

Phil Strazzulla
Written by
Phil Strazzulla
HR Tech Expert, Harvard MBA, Software Enthusiast
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Last Updated: Oct 27, 2025
TOP
Top payroll and HR software for midsize companies
Paylocity
4.2
Popularity Score
4.3
User Score
4.1
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Top payroll and HR software for midsize companies
Paylocity
4.2
Popularity Score
4.3
User Score
4.1
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Popular global HR, payroll, and performance for growing teams
Deel
4.4
Popularity Score
4.6
User Score
4.5
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Popular global HR, payroll, and performance for growing teams
Deel
4.4
Popularity Score
4.6
User Score
4.5
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Best for SMBs seeking HR, payroll, and even performance in one system
Keka
4.2
Popularity Score
4.5
User Score
4.3
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Best for SMBs seeking HR, payroll, and even performance in one system
Keka
4.2
Popularity Score
4.5
User Score
4.3
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Employee communication platform with social intranet
Workvivo
4.1
Popularity Score
4.8
User Score
4.3
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Employee communication platform with social intranet
Workvivo
4.1
Popularity Score
4.8
User Score
4.3
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Highly Intuitive People Analytics Platform
Crunchr
4.6
Popularity Score
4.9
User Score
4.9
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Highly Intuitive People Analytics Platform
Crunchr
4.6
Popularity Score
4.9
User Score
4.9
Product  Score
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TOP
Top freelance management platform with solid project management tools
Worksuite
4.0
Popularity Score
4.6
User Score
4.3
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Top freelance management platform with solid project management tools
Worksuite
4.0
Popularity Score
4.6
User Score
4.3
Product  Score
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Best HRIS Systems

HiBob

: Culture-focused HRIS for multinational organizations

Rippling

: A unified system for SMB-oriented HR, IT, and spend management

OnPay

: Affordable HRIS and payroll system for small businesses

APS

: Affordable U.S. payroll and HR system, ideal for healthcare and nonprofits

Paycor

: Top HR document management software for U.S.-based companies

BambooHR

: Best HRIS system for customization and flexibility

Monday.com

: Straightforward HR tools from project management app leader

Factorial

: Strong HR software solution for small businesses

TOP
Top payroll and HR software for midsize companies
Paylocity
4.2
Popularity Score
4.3
User Score
4.1
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Top payroll and HR software for midsize companies
Paylocity
4.2
Popularity Score
4.3
User Score
4.1
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Popular global HR, payroll, and performance for growing teams
Deel
4.4
Popularity Score
4.6
User Score
4.5
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Popular global HR, payroll, and performance for growing teams
Deel
4.4
Popularity Score
4.6
User Score
4.5
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Best for SMBs seeking HR, payroll, and even performance in one system
Keka
4.2
Popularity Score
4.5
User Score
4.3
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Best for SMBs seeking HR, payroll, and even performance in one system
Keka
4.2
Popularity Score
4.5
User Score
4.3
Product  Score
Learn More
Over 3 million HR leaders trust our advice

Introduction to HRIS Systems

Human Resources Information Software (HRIS) can singlehandedly handle all people processes. This includes TA/recruiting, compensation, leave management, organizational management, and sometimes more. Although HRIS is a competitive market, it shouldn't be a nightmare of a process with the right guidance.

This guide covers everything you need to know to make an informed decision. We discuss HR software features, costs, benefits, pitfalls, product demos, and implementation best practices. Before we delve deeper, please know that we also offer free 1:1 help for anyone seeking assistance with shortlisting vendors for their organization.

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Our Criteria: Here's How We Chose The Best HRIS Systems

To choose the best HR software, we meet with vendors for product demos and ask tough questions based on user research statistics, expert feedback from HR thought leaders, and the real-world expertise of our editorial team.

The crucial features on which we evaluate HRIS systems include scalability, integration, self-service functionality, compliance and security, and total cost.

  • Scalability: We test each HRIS system’s capacity to handle rapidly growing teams by looking for features such as single sign-on, enterprise system integration, batch processes, and HR automation.
  • HRIS Integration: Integration is critical for an HRIS. Each of our top picks integrates with existing systems such as payroll, talent management, or recruitment software to ensure seamless data sharing.
  • Reporting and Analytics: The best HRIS systems feature robust reporting and analytics capabilities and provide actionable insights into employee data, HR metrics such as employee growth and retention, and workforce trends such as the number of female executives.
  • Employee Self-Service: Each HRIS is evaluated by our experts for the quality of their self-service functionality. These critical HR features empower employees to access and update their information, request time off, view pay stubs, and participate in performance management processes.
  • Data Security: It is crucial that HRIS vendors undergo regular audits such as SOC2. In addition to ensuring measures were in place to protect sensitive employee data, we also evaluated each platform’s approach to compliance with relevant employment laws and data protection regulations.
  • Total Cost of Ownership: It is important to know the overall cost of implementing and maintaining an HRIS system, including licensing fees, customization, training, and ongoing support costs.

To gain deeper insights into how we build these lists, check out this article about how we evaluate HR tech vendors.

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Compare the Best HRIS Systems

Popularity Score
Best for
Key Differentiator
Pricing
Free Trial
Customers
Users Score
Product Score
4.2
Paylocity is best for medium and large companies.
Comprehensive HR and payroll platform with great customer support
Custom Pricing
Get pricing info
No
40,000+ companies
4.3
4.1
4.4
Remote-first, global organizations
Affordable price, excellent integration capabilities
Starts at $5/mo
Get pricing info
No
Well in the thousands
4.6
4.5
4.2
Global SMBs
All tiers include payroll
Starts at $9/mo
Get pricing info
Yes
10,000+ companies
4.5
4.3
Phil Strazzulla
HR Tech Expert, Harvard MBA, Software Enthusiast

Need Help? Get Custom Recommendations for Best HRIS Systems

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Detailed Reviews of the Best HRIS Systems

Paylocity

Visit Website
Paylocity
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Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.3 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5

Why we picked Paylocity

Paylocity’s comprehensive and user-friendly HRIS offers a wide range of features to support the entire employee lifecycle. With its strong focus on automation, customization, and compliance, their platform is a great choice for businesses looking to optimize their HR operations.

PROS

  • Paylocity offers an all-in-one platform for payroll, HR, benefits, and more.
  • The platform is user-friendly with solutions tailored to different size businesses.
  • There’s a mobile app for both employees and managers.
  • Paylocity’s customer support is highly rated for always being available to answer questions.
  • Global payroll support for 100+ countries.
  • Provides free and unlimited training modules on the website.
  • Paylocity’s mobile app has a good UI and functionality
  • The tool is easy to use for both employees and employers.
  • Has 350+ pre-built integrations.

CONS

  • Pricing isn’t transparent. There isn’t a free trial or free plan either.
  • There’s a slight learning curve due to Paylocity’s feature breadth. 
  • There’s room for improvement with report customization.
  • Undisclosed pricing.
  • It doesn’t have a free trial or free plan.
  • Support is available in English only.
  • It isn’t the best solution for remote teams looking for a tool to manage payroll and benefits for their contractors.
Paylocity HRIS

Paylocity Review

In addition to their stellar payroll solutions, Paylocity offers a robust HRIS that simplifies the management of employees, documents, and processes. One of the key strengths of their HRIS is the ability to streamline information collection and task completion across various users and workspaces. Whether it's confirming employee addresses, collecting proof of certification, or managing employee onboarding, Paylocity makes it easy to automate and centralize these processes.

We appreciate the attention that’s been put into Paylocity’s accessibility and data management. Employees can securely access their payroll and HR data anytime, anywhere, via desktop or the Paylocity mobile app. This means they can quickly access offer letters, paystubs, tax forms and benefits info, request time off, update personal information, collaborate with teammates and more. As for managers and HR professionals, they have full visibility into employee data at the position and seat level, can easily configure new positions, assign required skills and certifications, predict vacancies, and manage budget changes.

Paylocity also takes compliance seriously, with an intuitive dashboard that provides quick access to work authorizations, EEO and FLSA compliance data, industry news, and more. And if you need extra support, Paylocity's HR Edge service provides expert resources, including an account manager, to help you minimize risk and implement best practices.

Finally, you can use Paylocity's robust reporting and analytics capabilities to gain a deeper understanding of your workforce. With real-time, visualized data, you can monitor key metrics, identify trends, optimize your HR strategies, and drive business success.

Paylocity Customers

Paylocity is used by over 40,000 companies including Polywood, Momentus, and Watters.

Paylocity Pricing

Paylocity pricing can range from $22 to 32 per employee per month, according to our sources.

How has Paylocity Changed Over Time?

Best For

Paylocity is best for medium and large companies.

Paylocity in action
Reviewer's Rating
6/10

We use Paylocity for various purposes, such as payroll, onboarding, and managing employees' work hours and wages. Our payroll processing is done weekly. Each week, we review the hours reported by our employees in Paylocity to ensure that the final payment is accurate and make any necessary adjustments for deductions, such as child support, health insurance, paid time off, or pending payments.

The onboarding module is used once or twice per week, depending on the number of new employees. With the module, you can add an employee's basic information, employee earnings, PTO, deductions, and simultaneously send a candidate a link to access the Paylocity platform, where they can review and sign necessary documents such as policies, NDA, and handbooks. This helps us streamline the onboarding process, ensuring that new employees have all the required documents and knowledge for their first day of work.

What do you like about this tool?
  • Their customer service is quick and easy to reach.
  • You can integrate modules and customize them according to the company's needs.
  • The payroll module integrates with the workforce time management module, allowing employees to clock in and out and generating reports for payments.
  • They keep you informed about changes in federal and state employee laws, especially those related to taxes and changes that may affect your company's payroll.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We are a growing company and can no longer manage payroll manually. In 2020, we started using Paylocity. It has greatly improved the time it takes to process payroll and the accuracy of the payments, particularly for our hourly employees. Additionally, our onboarding was done manually. We spent a lot of time sending emails, attaching documents, and transcribing applicants' information into our system. This task could take a full day and did not allow the HR team to focus on other tasks.

To address this problem, the company decided to purchase the onboarding module. It helped us automate the process and save time. Now, on one platform, employees can authenticate, sign, and submit documents, as well as input their information. This has reduced the need for printing and handling physical documents. I have used Paylocity for the past four years, and I believe it is an excellent tool worth the investment.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • The platform is challenging to navigate.
  • You still need to add information manually to the payroll, such as holiday pay.
  • The employee clock-in and clock-out system sometimes freezes or stops working without reason, requiring a reinstallation of the app.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

I have worked with several tools, most of which are similar, but the workforce time management module stands out. It effectively tracks employee hours worked daily and is simple to use. It also integrates seamlessly with the payroll module, offering an advantage that no other HR system provides.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

If you are looking for an efficient HR system that you can customize according to the organization's needs, Paylocity is a great tool. Also, if you are looking for payroll software but know that you will need performance appraisal or another HR process in the future, Paylocity allows you to acquire and integrate more modules.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Paylocity continuously changes to offer a better experience to its customers, especially HR departments. When I started working with them, some processes were still manual, but over time, they improved and automated these processes, saving us time that we can now invest in other tasks.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Paylocity is a valuable tool for companies with hourly workers as it allows for easy tracking and control of their time.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Paylocity is an excellent tool for any organization. It is important to define the company's priorities to understand which modules are correct for the organization.

Deel

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Deel
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.4 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5

Why we picked Deel

Deel is a simple, effective HRIS for remote and international teams that need a way to compensate their employees, and a system for record.

PROS

  • Offers a single system for paying employees in over 100 countries and contractors in over 150 countries.
  • Provides 100% in-house support from local country experts, with a first response time of just 1.25 minutes.
  • Features APIs and native integrations with over 100 popular HR tools.
  • Employee experience features such as 1:1's and pulse surveys.
  • Excellent 24/7 customer service with fast onboarding (2-3 days) and local payroll experts in each jurisdiction.
  • Seamless integration with platforms like QuickBooks, BambooHR, and Greenhouse, plus custom integration options.
  • User-friendly, self-service features enable quick setup; identity verification often takes under 24 hours.
  • Automated invoices simplify payments, provided they're in English.

CONS

  • Not the best option for teams on a budget that don't hire internationally.
  • The HR suite is relatively new and lacks many features you would find in BambooHR, Bob, or other established solutions.
  • Key features like onboarding automation are add-ons, which may increase costs.
  • Limited flexibility in modifying contracts or service agreements; changes often require an addendum.
  • Invoices cannot be generated in languages other than English.

Deel Review

We added Deel's HRIS to this page because of its global focus and simplicity. Deel has many very large companies (Nike, DropBox, Shopify) using their global payroll platform. However, we view this HRIS as more focused on SMB and mid-market companies that need a solution for a global team. This is different than their global payroll solution which companies of all sizes can leverage.

Deel HRIS software

Deel is a leader in the global payroll space, and this new HRIS functionality allows them to go deeper into the HR Tech stack of smaller companies. It's an easy, free, and adequate solution.

That said, it reminds us of Gusto a bit in that the functionality isn't as robust as many HRISs. Just like Gusto added some HRIS-like features to their payroll offering, Deel is doing the same.

So - this is great for companies that are global, smaller, cost cost-conscious. But, there will be tradeoffs with more robust systems (which of course will cost a lot more!).

Deel Customers

35,000+ companies, including Makerpad, Andela, and Brex.

Deel Pricing

Deel HRIS starts at $5 per month.

How has Deel Changed Over Time?

Best For

Deel HR is best for remote-first companies that have global payroll needs.

Deel in action
Reviewer's Rating
10/10

I utilized Deel due to its international capabilities for hiring remote workers without needing a physical presence. It assisted in managing expenses, payroll, benefits, PTO, and ensuring compliance with labor laws in different countries such as India, China, and England. Replit also engaged contractors through the platform and hired in that way. This helped organize us while Replit was on a few different HR platforms such as Justworks, Culture Amp, and Rippling. I enjoyed using Deel as it was straightforward, and the key workflows made sense to me. It was easy to understand, and if I had any questions, I could chat with the representative right away.

What do you like about this tool?
  • I appreciated Deel for its user-friendly interface and straightforward usability.
  • It was easy to navigate and intuitive, which made managing tasks efficient.
  • The sales representative I interacted with was highly competent and responsive, which enhanced the overall experience of using the platform.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

Replit bought Deel because of its global capacities, and I have used it for six months. It helped with the global side of payroll and compliance. It assisted in managing expenses when people onboarded, traveled, and took paid time off or leaves of absence. Other considerations included hiring contractors on their platform, which made it easier to hire people from different countries. This greatly diversified the workforce.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • I found Deel somewhat costly, and accessing the backend could be challenging if you weren't familiar with its setup.
  • It takes time to get familiar with different systems.
  • Keeping up with international laws was occasionally problematic and required multiple communications to align everyone. I appreciate that Deel is actively expanding its platform to address these issues.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

Deel stands out due to its strong innovation and proactive market presence. Compared to Rippling, they were more responsive, which led me to believe that we should have onboarded everyone onto their platform. Deel's proactive approach to innovation kept them ahead in the market, offering solutions that were more responsive and tailored to our needs compared to Rippling. Their platform's capabilities and customer service exceeded expectations, making the transition smooth and efficient. Deel proved to be a valuable partner in streamlining operations and enhancing our business processes.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

When considering Deel as an HR person, think about the specific needs of your organization, such as managing remote workers across different countries and ensuring compliance with international labor laws. Evaluate Deel's platform for its user-friendliness, scalability, and ability to handle payroll and contractor management efficiently. Consider the responsiveness and support provided by their customer service team, especially in resolving issues related to backend access and legal compliance. Assess Deel's pricing structure to ensure it aligns with your budget and provides value for the services offered.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Deel has continually adapted to meet users' evolving needs by enhancing its platform's functionality and user interface, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. They have expanded their global capabilities, allowing businesses to manage remote teams across diverse jurisdictions seamlessly. Deel's responsiveness to customer feedback has led to improvements in customer support and backend accessibility, ensuring smoother operations for HR professionals managing payroll and compliance tasks internationally. These advancements highlight Deel's commitment to evolving alongside the needs of modern businesses, facilitating efficient and compliant workforce management worldwide.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Deel is well-suited for small and medium-sized companies, offering capabilities that cater to their needs effectively. One standout feature is the ability to update people's compensation promptly, which proves beneficial for companies planning growth and scalability. This feature ensures that organizations can adapt quickly to changing circumstances and reward their workforce dynamically, fostering a supportive environment for ongoing expansion.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Deel may not be ideal for very large companies that require highly complex and customized HR solutions. Its streamlined approach and user-friendly interface are more suited to smaller and medium-sized businesses. Larger enterprises with extensive and intricate HR needs might find Deel's capabilities less flexible or scalable compared to enterprise-level solutions that offer more robust customization and integration options.

Keka

Visit Website
Keka
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.5 / 5
Product Score
4.3 / 5

Why we picked Keka

Keka’s HRIS combines core HR, payroll, time and attendance, and even performance management into a single platform with tiered pricing that makes it accessible for different stages of growth. We liked how the system allows SMBs to start with essential automation and scale up to advanced engagement, analytics, and talent development without switching tools.

PROS

  • Three clear pricing tiers (Foundation, Strength, Growth) to match company size and complexity.
  • All tiers include payroll with direct deposit, tax filing, benefits tracking, and expense management.
  • Strong onboarding workflows with self-service portals and document storage.
  • Integrated time tracking with advanced features like GPS/selfie attendance and continuous location punching in higher tiers.
  • Engagement and performance tools (pulse surveys, OKRs, skill matrix) are available without buying separate software.
  • Mobile app access for employees from the Foundation tier up.
  • Federal and state tax filing is included at all tiers.
  • Flexible pay schedules with direct deposit support.
  • Overtime and leave policy automation to match local labor laws.
  • Benefits, loans, and expense tracking in one place.
  • Built-in dashboards and reports to monitor payroll trends.
  • Accounting integrations for streamlined finance workflows.

CONS

  • Keka does not offer an instant-access free trial; access requires a sales demo.
  • Implementation fee applies for setup, payroll configuration, and data migration.
  • The platform can be slow to load at times.
  • Some advanced features (custom reports, asset tracking, engagement tools) locked behind higher-cost tiers.
  • Multi-entity payroll and API access are add-ons, not standard.
  • “Free Trial” access is gated behind a sales demo and disclosed only after signup.
  • Implementation fees for setup, tax configuration, and data migration.
  • Advanced tools (custom reports, asset tracking, engagement surveys) only available in higher tiers.
  • Multi-entity payroll and API access require add-on fees.
  • Slow load times in the demo raise usability concerns about payroll deadlines.

Keka Review

For SMBs that want HR, payroll, and performance management in one platform with room to add advanced automation and engagement over time, we think Keka HRIS offers a compelling, tiered approach.

Keka HRIS platform

In our demo, we saw how Foundation covers essential automation: interactive employee profiles, onboarding, life cycle tracking, and standard dashboards. Payroll is included from the start, with direct deposit, tax filing, benefits tracking, expense management, and accounting integration. Time-off management, overtime automation, and a gamified attendance system give small teams the core tools they need without adding complexity.

The Strength tier builds on this with advanced HR and time tracking capabilities. It adds employee timelines, exit surveys, a travel desk, asset tracking, advanced roles and permissions, and Slack/MS Teams integration. Custom notifications and a report builder make it easier to tailor workflows. Time tracking expands to GPS/selfie attendance and continuous location punching, which can be particularly useful for distributed field teams.

Growth takes it further into engagement, performance, and talent development. You can run employee pulse surveys, schedule one-on-one meetings, provide continuous feedback, and post public praise. Performance reviews become more structured with analytics, skill matrices, and goal/OKR alignment tools. Talent development features like performance improvement plans and training need identification make this tier well-suited for companies focused on growing and developing their workforce.

We appreciated how Keka integrates these modules so employee data flows across payroll, attendance, performance, and engagement without manual syncing. The mobile app is available from the entry-level plan, and from our experience as an employee user, navigating to self-manage profiles, requests, and attendance is generally smooth.

As much as we like the scalable, tiered approach, we can’t help but be disappointed that the “Free Trial” requires a sales demo before access, but doesn’t disclose that condition upfront. We only discovered this after signing up.

Additionally, while Keka is transparent about its monthly pricing, it does charge implementation fees for setup and data migration. And certain features that are deemed essential for many scaling companies, such as multi-entity payroll and API access, are sold as add-ons.

From a UX standpoint, we also noticed slow page load times during our demo, which could become a real productivity drain for HR teams handling large volumes of requests.

Keka Customers

Over 10,000 companies, such as eBay, Randstad, and ONEPLUS, use this product.

Keka Pricing

Keka HR and Payroll module offers three pricing tiers per employee per month:

  • Foundation ($9): Includes core HR, payroll, time tracking, and basic features.
  • Strength ($16): Adds advanced features like exit surveys, asset tracking, and integrations.
  • Growth ($22): Offers performance management, feedback, and analytics.

Other available add-ons include Payroll for Multiple Legal Entities, Advanced Shift Scheduler, Automatic Distance Calculation, API & Webhooks, and Helpdesk.

How has Keka Changed Over Time?

Best For

Small to mid-sized businesses seeking an integrated HRIS, payroll, and performance management platform that can scale from basic automation to more holistic employee management and engagement tools.

Keka in action
No items found.

HiBob

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HiBob
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.5 / 5
User Score
4.4 / 5
Product Score
4.3 / 5

Why we picked HiBob

Bob is a global platform that can streamline pretty much everything an HR department needs to do, in a highly customizable manner. It’s particularly well-suited for small and midsize companies, including those based in the US and UK, that need flexibility as they grow and manage global operations.

PROS

  • Highly customizable for international operations, ideal for small and midsize companies expanding globally, including US and UK-based organizations.
  • Simplifies management of diverse workflows (e.g., time off, leave, employment types) across multiple countries.
  • Has intranet features that allow users to post announcements and share content.
  • Robust integration capabilities enable the connection with other essential business tools.
  • They have tons of modules, which makes them a real one-stop shop. Beyond Core HR, they have modules for most things People Ops-related.  
  • Bob is a fast-growing company and their product looks the part, as it has one of the sleekest-looking platforms in the HRMS space right now. 
  • Their payroll hub allows you to connect all your payroll systems, which works great if you want to pay people in multiple locations without switching providers.

CONS

  • While functional, the reporting capabilities of Bob can be considered limited for an HRIS.
  • As an HRIS, some users feel that certain modules, such as performance management and surveys, could benefit from more extensive options and customizable parameters.
  • The user interface can be less intuitive in certain areas, requiring a slight learning curve for optimal utilization.
  • Customer support is only offered via a chatbot and email. 
  • As to implementation, several users commented that they felt there could be more attention via personal walkthroughs provided at the beginning. Many had to resort to reading documentation and watching videos or just figuring things out by themselves. 
  • Pricing is only custom and available upon request, so you can’t just sign up, pay, and start using the tool.
Hibob HRIS screenshot

HiBob Review

Bob, or HiBob, is a really interesting contender in the HRMS space. Their philosophy is to put the employee first, and you can see that in how easy the product is to use. Also, in various ways, this solution engages employees to better understand and cultivate culture. This is a great fit for forward-thinking HR departments that need tools like onboarding, time-tracking, payroll reports, time-off management, surveys, benefits, and much more.

HiBob Customers

Tufin, Yotpo Ltd., Fiverr, Happy Socks, Taptica

HiBob Pricing

HiBob's pricing is estimated to be around $16 to $25 per employee per month.

How has HiBob Changed Over Time?

Best For

Bob is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses, especially those with multinational teams.

HiBob in action
Reviewer's Rating
7/10

I used Bob for a couple of years to support a company’s recruitment efforts. The primary modules I relied on included the recruitment module for posting job advertisements, managing candidate pipelines, and overseeing the onboarding process. It played a crucial role in organizing these workflows and ensuring a smoother hiring experience.

What do you like about this tool?

Bob is a very user-friendly tool for both administrators and applicants. The recruitment analytics were effective for a company of this size, which had fewer complexities in terms of organizational structure and recruitment goals. It provided a strong candidate experience for those comfortable using computers and technology.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

Our medium-sized US company needed a more efficient tool to enhance the recruitment process. During peak hiring seasons, we required a more organized approach to posting job openings, managing candidate pipelines, and streamlining the onboarding experience.

Bob proved to be user-friendly, and while I have used more intuitive HRIS systems in the past, this one effectively met our needs. It was particularly useful for managing high-volume recruitment during critical times. I used this tool for a couple of years during my time with the organization.

What do you dislike about this tool?

Bob's training posed a significant learning curve for management teams who were unfamiliar with similar tools. While it worked well for employees and managers regularly using computers (e.g., in customer service, sales, and accounting), it was challenging for frontline workers in packaging and production roles due to their limited technological skills.

The tool was not ideal for smaller companies or larger, more complex organizations with global needs.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

From a user-friendliness perspective, Bob ranks highly. However, in terms of functionality, other tools I have used, such as Workday, Paradox, and PeopleSoft, offer more advanced features that are better suited for larger, more complex organizational needs.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

If you are looking for a system that is user-friendly and well-suited for a medium-sized company with predominantly office-based employees, Bob would be a great fit. However, for companies with a diverse workforce, including frontline employees, or those with highly complex needs, other solutions may be more suitable.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

It has been a few years since I used Bob, but at the time, it effectively met the basic needs we had. That said, it lacked the advanced functionalities required by larger organizations with more complex requirements.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Bob is ideal for medium-sized organizations, especially those without highly complex or global organizational structures. It is also more suitable for companies with employees who are comfortable using technology.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Bob is not a good fit for larger corporations with more complex organizational structures or smaller companies that may find it unnecessarily costly and overly complex for their needs.

Rippling

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Rippling
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Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.2 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5

Why we picked Rippling

Rippling is an HRIS platform with a pleasing design and thoughtful UX that handles everything between onboarding and offboarding.

PROS

  • All-in-one HRIS platform for employee management, PEO services, and IT management.
  • 500 integrations.
  • US and global full-service payroll.
  • Responsive chat support.
  • Straightforward payroll function.
  • Has a mobile app.
  • Does a great job catching compliance issues.
  • All-in-one platform for employee management + PEO services offered, and even a suite of other IT products 
  • With 500 integrations, it’s very likely that they integrate with other key tools from your tech stack.
  • Operates globally with any currency
  • Workflow automation
  • Analytics opportunities
  • Provides a holistic view of company outflows—headcount costs included

CONS

  • Very SMB-oriented.
  • No phone support.
  • Decent prices for the core HR tools, yet extra features (sold as add-ons) can be too pricey for some.
  • The reporting function is not the most user-friendly.
  • Some shortcomings are reported with benefit carriers, and users are limited to their partner ecosystem.
  • Total buy-in to Rippling is essential 
  • Very SMB-oriented, in case you’re a larger company. 
  • New features tend to be buggy in ways that tech teams are not accustomed to fixing
Rippling dashboard screenshot - one of the best hris software company

Rippling Review

Rippling has gained traction with their product that focuses on helping SMBs manage HR and IT news with one platform.

Rippling’s focus is on automation and ease of use. In response to user feedback about problematic UX/UI, Rippling made significant improvements to the design of the web and app-based versions. The new design is a massive improvement and a big hit with our user testers.

Rippling Customers

Proxy, Dwell, Superhuman, Expensify, Checkr.

Rippling Pricing

Rippling pricing starts at $8 per user per month. Rippling uses a per-employee-per-month pricing subscription model and has monthly base fees for some of its products.

How has Rippling Changed Over Time?

Best For

Rippling works best for small and mid-sized businesses looking to manage HR, IT, and payroll in one place. The HRIS’s average customer size is between 25-150 employees.

Rippling in action
Reviewer's Rating
7/10

I used the tool for managing workflows, onboarding, I-9 forms, and offer letters by refining existing processes to enhance usability. I gathered user feedback and identified pain points from our employees, focusing on streamlining workflows and making them more intuitive. I also looked into using engagement surveys with Rippling. Through iterative improvements and testing in controlled environments, I created smoother processes that supported efficient task completion. I documented best practices and provided training to ensure users could navigate the tool effectively and maximize its benefits.

What do you like about this tool?

Regarding Rippling, I appreciated its all-in-one capabilities. Another aspect I appreciated was their continuous development of new features. It also provides excellent compliance and management tools. The system's integration with other HR and IT tools is helpful for centralized management.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

I assisted with implementing Rippling at the company where it was utilized and had signed on prior to my joining. Initially, they integrated it for approximately 3-6 months, followed by another 9 months, and continue to use it. Their objective was to streamline processes related to onboarding, HR, Carta, and IT solutions. My role involved configuring workflows, email reminders, setting up the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), and implementing Carta. Despite using it effectively for six months at Replit, they aimed for a more efficient onboarding experience but ultimately did not utilize Rippling as extensively as anticipated.

What do you dislike about this tool?

It was quite complex, requiring significant learning effort. The system was not as intuitive as expected, and even the representatives lacked comprehensive knowledge to ensure seamless integration. Rippling demanded considerable time for proficiency, and its compatibility with other systems was limited. Not all data was easily downloadable. If their team responded faster, it would improve the platform. Some workflows were clunky, and many features required explanation over calls, extending the time needed for implementation.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

Rippling remains a strong choice for HRIS due to its comprehensive all-in-one functionality. Having multiple HR personnel benefits from its consolidated system, although updating information on one page may necessitate adjustments across other workflows, requiring careful attention. It also has the potential to add benefits and payroll, which are good options if required.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Factors to consider include the investment in financial resources, time from HR representatives, and overall resources dedicated to the software's success. It is crucial to have someone overseeing the broader strategic view and a team to manage the system comprehensively, including regular audits. Consider the level of customization and integration needed and ensure the tool aligns with your company's scale and complexity.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

I believe their services are improving, but they need to respond more quickly and avoid giving basic customer service answers. They should show more curiosity about their customers' needs. Building features faster would also be beneficial.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Rippling is a good fit for medium to large enterprises.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Rippling might not be ideal for small companies still figuring out their needs due to its extensive features, which could be overwhelming and unnecessary at their scale. Smaller businesses may find the cost of Rippling prohibitive when simpler, more affordable solutions would suffice. On the other hand, very large companies might outgrow Rippling's capabilities and require more robust, enterprise-level solutions like Workday. As organizations scale, they often need faster response times, more advanced customization, and comprehensive integration options that Rippling may not fully provide.

OnPay

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OnPay
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Popularity Score
4.3 / 5
User Score
4.8 / 5
Product Score
4.7 / 5

Why we picked OnPay

OnPay has transparent pricing and is quite affordable for a solution that combines payroll, HR, and benefits. You get the setup and employee data migration for free. The platform won’t ever charge additional fees except when you add more employees.

PROS

  • The employee self-service portal allows employees to view and manage basic payroll preferences, review HR documents, and request time off.
  • Six permission levels allow you to grant specific users certain access to the software’s data.
  • Automated onboarding within the employee self-service portal.
  • Built-in essential HR tools include e-signing, customizable offer letters, I-9 and W-4 forms, HR guides, and legal templates.
  • Auto centralizes employee database and company documents.
  • Benefits include health and dental benefits in 50 states, in-house licensed brokers to handle life, vision, and disability insurance, and integrated 401(k) plans.
  • Compensation management features unlimited monthly pay runs, multiple pay rates and schedules, and various options to pay employees with no extra fee.
  • Free tax form handling for W-2 employees and 1099 contractors.
  • Some HR services included within the plan at no additional cost.
  • 30-day free trial available (starts after OnPay verification).
  • Well-developed online help resources.

CONS

  • Accounting and time tracking are available when using third-party integrations.
  • The mobile app version for employees is poorly rated for its incompetency.
  • Limited integration options.
  • No available features for learning management, recruiting functions, and training.
  • Poor functioned employee mobile app.
  • Requires payment four days before payday for direct deposit.
  • Doesn’t support automatic payroll.
  • Customer support sometimes hard to reach.
Our reviewer took screenshot of OnPay's HRIS software during the review

OnPay Review

OnPay is an excellent option for teams with up to 500 employees due to its wealth of features and simple, affordable pricing. With one monthly fee, you get HR management, benefits administration, and payroll services.

Our favorite feature of the software is its compensation and benefits management capabilities. You don't have to calculate state and federal taxes and withholdings, as the platform will do it for you in compliance with regulations automatically. We encountered no issues when testing the software's payroll features, but what impresses us even more is its tax accuracy guarantee. If an OnPay error occurs, the platform takes responsibility for all the work with the tax agency, penalties, and fees to resolve the issue. We also used OnPay for tax form filing and payments and found it to be highly reliable. As for benefits tools, the platform is an excellent licensed health insurance broker and can help you select the right plans in all 50 states. We also noticed some well-known names, such as Vestwell and Guideline, listed as OnPay's 401(k) providers if you need retirement benefits for your employees.

OnPay's HR features include e-signing, sending offer letters, customizable checklists, PTO management, and self-onboarding, covering most essential HR tools. However, it lacks a native time tracking system, so you'll need to integrate it with software such as Deputy or QuickBooks Time for that capability. Another limitation to note is its integration options. Apart from the two time tracking tools mentioned, the software only connects to a few others: Xero, When I Work, Mineral, PosterElite, and Magnify.

OnPay Customers

OnPay Pricing

  • OnPay pricing consists of a base fee of $40 and $6 per employee per month.
  • Software setup and employee data migration are offered for free.
  • There’s a price calculator on the website for you to get the estimated cost.
  • OnPay also has a one-month free trial.

How has OnPay Changed Over Time?

Best For

OnPay is best for small businesses that need affordable HR software to handle essential HR functions, advanced payroll, and benefits. It is especially helpful for agriculture businesses, churches, clergy, and nonprofits because of its special payroll services.

OnPay in action
Reviewer's Rating
8/10

We use OnPay regularly, typically once a week, to manage payroll processes in the organization. The tool has helped us automate payments to employees and contractors, calculate taxes, and file them on time. We also use it to track employee benefits and time off, making it easy to keep everything organized. OnPay is especially helpful for generating reports, which we use for financial planning and compliance. Overall, it has streamlined payroll and HR tasks, reducing manual work through automation.

What do you like about this tool?
  • Payroll processing is made simple for users of all levels by OnPay’s user-friendly interface.
  • Its comprehensive suite of payroll solutions ensures accuracy and saves time, offering features like direct deposit, automatic tax calculations, and compliance management.
  • The customer service provided by OnPay is excellent, with professional support agents available to help with any queries or issues.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

My company chose OnPay because we needed a less time-consuming and more straightforward solution to manage employee benefits and payments. Before OnPay, we had trouble tracking taxes and ensuring accuracy. Payroll automation, tax computation, and benefit tracking became easier with OnPay. It has helped us save a lot of time and minimize errors over the past year. Additionally, the customer service has been excellent in answering queries and providing support.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • Compared to some of its competitors, OnPay offers limited integration with third-party apps, which can hinder seamless data flow for companies relying on multiple software programs.
  • The pricing structure can be expensive for smaller firms that require more services or products beyond the basic payroll package.
  • There are limited options for customizing payroll settings and reporting, which can make it challenging to adapt the system to specific business requirements.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

OnPay sets itself apart from rivals by offering a simple, user-friendly interface that makes payroll processing accessible, even for those with minimal accounting experience. In contrast, some competitors have more complex systems that require in-depth training.

OnPay’s transparent pricing, with no hidden fees, allows businesses to budget for payroll services more easily. Other competitors have more variable pricing structures, which can become complicated and expensive as they scale.

OnPay is designed with small to mid-sized enterprises in mind, offering features like easy setup, streamlined processes, and extensive customer support tailored to their needs. In comparison, some competitors focus on larger businesses and may prioritize different tools over OnPay.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?
  • When choosing a payroll solution, look for one that is easy to use with a flexible design, like OnPay.
  • Ensure there are no hidden fees and that the pricing structure aligns with your organization's budget.
  • To make payroll processes more efficient, prioritize features such as automatic tax calculations and compliance tools.
  • Choose a service provider like OnPay, which offers dedicated customer support when needed.
  • Finally, maximize productivity by selecting a tool that integrates with other apps your organization uses.
How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Over time, OnPay has added features like payroll compliance management and automated tax computation tools, improving its user interface for a better customer experience. It has enhanced integration capabilities, making data sharing with other apps easier.

OnPay has also invested in attentive customer service to offer timely support. Additionally, the pricing strategy has become more flexible and transparent, catering to the financial needs of small and mid-sized enterprises.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Small to medium-sized enterprises needing a reliable payroll solution with features like automated tax computations and compliance monitoring will find OnPay well-suited to their needs.

OnPay provides an effective payroll processing solution for businesses seeking simplicity without the complexity of larger systems, thanks to its clear pricing structure and prompt customer service.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Larger businesses that require sophisticated payroll features, high customization options, or advanced reporting capabilities typically found in more complex systems may find OnPay unsuitable.

Additionally, businesses with specialized payroll needs or those requiring extensive third-party integrations may find OnPay's services limited compared to its competitors.

APS

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APS
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Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4.5 / 5
Product Score
4.4 / 5

Why we picked APS

APS has nearly 3 decades of experience providing payroll and attendance services to U.S. SMBs and also offers core HR for those who prefer a one-stop suite. Our favorite about this vendor, though, is their support. They’re easy to work with, attentive, and have solid experience in service-based industries.

PROS

  • The dedicated account teams were highly praised for fast and helpful customer service.
  • Industry-specific expertise for healthcare, hospitality, churches, and non-profits.
  • Improved user experience with modernized platform design.
  • Covers essential HRIS features, including workforce planning, performance management, AI-based assistance, attendance, and onboarding.
  • HR and payroll features combined at a competitive price.
  • APS is very cost-effective. Although the pricing is custom and depends on your business size, we’ve heard current users speak of its affordability. Jackie R, who is a HR Director for a small-sized company says, “I love that APS offers all aspects of an HRIS system at an affordable price. We are a small business and can't afford the big name payroll vendors, but get everything they offer at APS for a price we can afford as a small business.”
  • Their customer service is remarkable. As testified by multiple users, the customer service team at APS is prompt and there for you every step of the way, right from implementation to anytime you get stuck using the software. They’ll likely resolve your issue within the same day. 
  • APS is very easy to navigate and everything is updated and saved in real-time. Despite its complex features, you would likely not find it confusing. They also have how-to guides that come in very handy.

CONS

  • Undisclosed pricing. No free trial is offered.
  • Doesn’t support global payroll.
  • The current pricing structure doesn’t allow the buying of HR products separately.
  • There is a $250 price minimum.
  • The reporting feature is limited in functionality. Sometimes, there will be missing information that you may require. 
  • Although their customer support is prompt, you can’t directly reach their team via phone. Customer service answers your queries via email and if you wish to talk to someone on the phone, you’ll have to mention it.

APS Review

APS specializes in U.S. payroll for industries like faith-based, healthcare, nonprofits, and education. Importantly, this platform also covers essential HR features for those interested.

HR and payroll system APS’s dashboard

We know we already talked about APS’ customer service in our payroll software buyer guide, but seriously, it’s worth mentioning here again. Unlike Paycor, which has rather weak support, APS customers are assigned a dedicated account team. Our experience echoed what most APS users we interviewed had to say: the support is responsive, with most issues resolved within the same day. Importantly, this high level of support continues well beyond the onboarding phase.

Feature-wise, APS handles payroll (covering all 50 U.S. states), attendance, performance management, workforce planning, benefits, and even employee training. While its HR tools may not be as robust as those offered by top HRIS brands like BambooHR or HiBob, they’re efficient enough for most mid-sized businesses.

During our tests, the AI Assist tool allowed us to quickly generate first drafts for job descriptions, performance reviews, and employee events. It felt convenient and straightforward to access employee attendance, payroll, and benefits all under one single platform. What’s more, extras like recruiting and workforce training are available but only added if we wish to, leaving no room for spending money on things we don’t use.

We’ll be blunt: APS' previous interface is neither visually appealing nor particularly user-friendly. That’s why we were excited to hear the vendor revamp its UI/UX, and it didn’t disappoint. While the new design may not have undergone a flashy transformation, it strikes a perfect balance between usability and familiarity—something we trust long-time customers will appreciate.

APS doesn’t offer a free trial, and they charge a minimum of  $250 per month. This definitely is not the cheapest option available, but if you consider how much this tool covers in both payroll and HR functionalities, we think you’ll agree that it's reasonably affordable enough for most SMBs.

That said, there are two things we don’t like about APS's pricing: One is the absence of a free trial and the lack of pricing transparency. Given many SMB-focused HRIS vendors provide free trials and are upfront about their subscription costs (e.g., OnPay) or at least share their starting rates (e.g., Rippling), it would be great if APS followed suit.

The other is that its HR features can't be purchased separately. While understandable given the positive customer feedback on using HR and payroll together, this makes the vendor less ideal for those who want a separate HRIS that works with a different payroll system.

Lastly, this vendor is hyper-focused on the U.S. so we wouldn’t recommend it for those with international operations.

APS Customers

3,500+ organizations, including Grayson College, Rainbow Sandals, and Wahlburgers.

APS Pricing

APS pricing starts at $5.00 per employee per month plus a $50 base fee per month. There is a $250 minimum per month. and custom pricing is available for larger enterprises.

How has APS Changed Over Time?

Best For

APS is most suitable for U.S.-based small and mid-sized businesses.

APS in action
Reviewer's Rating
9/10

APS was our day-to-day lifeline. It was critical for candidate tracking, credentialing, business development, and back-end operations. These functions were essential to support our growth initiatives. APS helped streamline multiple processes. The platform supported us through the transition and remained reliable throughout each step.

What do you like about this tool?
  • APS allowed us to customize the platform based on our specific needs.
  • We could configure features for designated functions.
  • Having a dedicated super user to support our organization was highly beneficial.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

At the time, we were looking to upgrade our existing platform. APS offered multiple options that allowed us to enhance and customize the platform. It provided our organization with a strategic advantage, improving our speed-to-market delivery. It also supported our production goals. Overall, it significantly contributed to our operational efficiency.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • I wish the sandbox environment could have been pushed to production after final approval.
  • I would have appreciated more training prior to going live.
  • Additional support and post-launch check-ins would have been helpful.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

APS is a strong option, but like any product, its value depends on the features and subscription level you select. It’s a good value-added solution.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Key criteria include cost, user experience, customer support, and adaptability. For me, APS meets nearly all of these requirements.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

There have been consistent enhancements aimed at improving the product.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

APS is good for the staffing industry.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

APS may not be the best solution for certain niche markets.

Paycor

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Paycor
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Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4.2 / 5
Product Score
4 / 5

Why we picked Paycor

Paycor is a robust mid-market HR software for leaders at US-based companies that want their teams to save time with HR transactional tasks.

PROS

  • Paycor web app and mobile version have been easy for employees to use.
  • The employee self-service portal has good functionalities and is easy to navigate.
  • Straightforward payroll processing.
  • Scalable product with multiple plans for businesses with under 50 employees and custom plans for bigger teams.
  • Frequently runs discount programs that cover setup fees.
  • Paycor payroll solution and mobile app are both straightforward to use.
  • Intuitive self-service employee portal.
  • Offers multiple modules for small businesses and custom plans for teams with 50-1000 employees.
  • Unlimited payrolls.
  • Offers discounts frequently. Though not listed on their site, a free trial is available to those who contact the support team directly.
  • On-demand pay is available for all plans.
  • With the acquisition of the people development platform Verb, it has improved its employee learning experience.

CONS

  • Customer support can be slow to respond.
  • Recruiting tool is underdeveloped compared to other similar products.
  • Undisclosed pricing. Free trial is available, but you have to reach out and request.
  • Reporting and analytics capabilities are limited on lower-priced plans.
  • Undisclosed pricing.
  • Customer support is reported to be slow at times.
  • It is not a good fit for teams with 1000+ employees or those requiring advanced customization to meet their unique requirements.
Our reviewer took screenshot of Paycor's HRIS system during the review

Paycor Review

Paycor ticks all the boxes for the features we look for in an HRIS. The employee self-service portal is excellent; it makes tasks like reviewing or signing contracts or choosing benefits straightforward. Admin users are automatically informed about any updates to sensitive employee information.

They didn’t invent the wheel by offering mobile apps, but they are well-built and well-liked. They make it easy to access payroll, time and attendance, and other HR features while on the go.

Though large enterprises can use Paycor, we feel it’s best for SMBs to use it in conjunction with other core HR tools as they grow. Paycor offers multiple plan options for companies with fewer than 50 employees, so whether you only need a payroll solution or a full HR suite, Paycor may have a plan for you.

But our biggest concern about the software is customer reports that support can be quite slow to respond. We’ve also found the reporting capabilities for the lower-tier plans are limited. However, Paycor recently acquired Verb, a behavioral microlearning platform. In addition to bolstering its training and development capabilities, we hope to see improvements across the board in the following months.

Paycor Customers

Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Detroit Zoo, The Cincinnati Bengals, The YMCA.

Paycor Pricing

Our research indicates that Paycor subscriptions range in price from $19 to $27 per employee per month.

How has Paycor Changed Over Time?

Best For

Paycor works best for companies in the U.S. with up to 1,000 employees, specifically those in manufacturing, healthcare, food and beverage, nonprofits, and professional sports organizations.

Paycor in action
Reviewer's Rating
2/10

Our organization used Paycor as our core HRIS, benefits administrator, and payroll processor. We also used Paycor for employee onboarding and offboarding, as well as for document management.

As an admin, I was in the system daily. I was mainly responsible for building and maintaining workflows in the tool and maintaining employee data and security permissions. I also built and ran reports, utilizing the data analytics (Visier) module.

We did not use Paycor for recruiting, scheduling, or talent development.

What do you like about this tool?

There were very few things I liked about Paycor. The Visier-powered analytics platform helped uncover trends and useful insights. Employees appreciated the self-service options available. Having a sandbox environment available for testing was very helpful.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

Including implementation, I used Paycor for almost a year. Our organization was moving away from our PEO to fully control and manage our HRIS and benefits. Our benefits broker had an existing relationship with Paycor, and we were on a tight timeline, so we contracted with Paycor. We implemented the system in less than three months.

What do you dislike about this tool?

The platform, especially the UI, is extremely dated, and the UX is not intuitive. There was a lack of customization within the workflows—functionality that would be expected in an HRIS. The focus of the platform seemed to be on payroll, so other modules felt underdeveloped.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

This is the worst HRIS platform I've used. If in doubt, go with the other option. There is nothing about this platform that would lead me to select it in the future.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Make sure the tool you’re buying is suitable for your organization and its needs. There are many popular tools that may not be a good fit for your company.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Paycor had been working on updating workflows to make them more customizable. Reporting has also been migrated into a more user-friendly template. They have also acquired other platforms and integrated them into their system.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

If an organization is looking to implement quickly and at a basic level be able to pay their employees, administer benefits, and use reporting, Paycor could be an option. Still, there are much better tools available.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Organizations that are forward-thinking, require customized workflows, and want a more agile platform should look for other, better solutions.

BambooHR

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BambooHR
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Popularity Score
4.5 / 5
User Score
4.5 / 5
Product Score
4.4 / 5

Why we picked BambooHR

BambooHR has been one of the go-to HR software for SMBs for years: It comes with stellar customer support, is easy to use, and gives companies some flexibility in purchasing the modules they want.

PROS

  • Flexible packaging means you can pick out one or two packages and have other modules included as add-ons based on your needs.
  • Straightforward platform that’s easy to navigate and customize.
  • All plans/packages have custom pricing that most users think is reasonable.
  • Integrates with some LMSs.
  • Smooth onboarding workflow with many automation features.
  • Has free trials.
  • Flexible packaging and custom pricing is the way they roll. You can pick out one or two packages and pick other modules as add-ons based on your needs. 
  • Very simple and straightforward tool, easy to use.

CONS

  • Payroll functionality is only available for US-based workers.
  • Some popular integrations, such as QuickBooks, are missing from the platform.
  • Customer support is excellent, but it is only accessible during business hours in U.S. time zones
  • Desirable features like time monitoring, performance evaluation, and employee surveys can only be accessed as add-ons.
  • According to some user reports, nothing prevents employees from scheduling vacation in excess of their allotted time
  • Payroll is only available for US-based employees 
  • Customer support is only offered during US business hours.
  • Some modules like time tracking, performance management, and surveys are only available as add-ons.
BambooHR Dashboard Screenshot - one of the best hris software

BambooHR Review

BambooHR’s platform has consistently been among the top choices for HR professionals in the US and beyond for over ten years. We gather this has to do with the fact that BambooHR spans the entire employee lifecycle. Aside from the Core HR functions like ATS, leave management, employee records, and a company calendar, they also have recruiting and performance management, and payroll available as add-ons. That said, the HRIS is offered as a small business package.

On top of their platform, BambooHR also has an app marketplace with integration options for dozens of HR/recruiting tools, as well as an HR glossary. They also host HR events from time to time.

BambooHR Customers

Among the 20,000+ companies that use BambooHR, you’d find names like Quora, Universal Group, Reddit, Asana, Change.org, University of Maryland, and Grammarly.

BambooHR Pricing

  • BambooHR uses the per-employee-per-month pricing model to charge teams with more than 20 employees and a monthly flat rate for ones having 20 employees or less.
  • From our research, the HRIS cost is between $6 and 12 per employee per month plus 5-15% of the annual software cost as their one-time implementation fee.
  • Volume discounts and free trials are available. No annual contract is required.

Pro tip: The team is open to extending the demo upon request or even giving you a free demo of advanced features.

How has BambooHR Changed Over Time?

Best For

BambooHR is best for US-based SMBs looking for a customizable HR product with pricing that reflects their needs. The platform is also quite popular among teams that are partially or even fully remote.

BambooHR in action
Reviewer's Rating
7/10

If I recall correctly, we intended to use BambooHR primarily as an ATS. However, the basic package did not include an ATS, so we added the ATS, Onboarding, and Employee Self-Service modules.

The ATS component was used almost daily to manage job postings and candidate pipelines. That said, the Employee Self-Service and Onboarding modules were underutilized, partly due to the variety of positions we hired for and differing needs across roles.

What do you like about this tool?
  • The ATS system was easy to use and well-suited for a small business, with flexibility to manipulate information as needed.
  • The increased visibility provided by BambooHR greatly improved our candidate pool and reduced time-to-fill metrics.
  • The Employee Self-Service page was intuitive and straightforward to navigate.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

As an HR Business Partner for a smaller company that relied entirely on manual processes, we sought a software solution to support hiring and employee records management. Major pain points included the lack of a proper ATS and an effective system for managing employee records.

At the time, individuals would physically drop off applications or apply through Indeed, limiting our talent reach significantly. Additionally, employee records were maintained as physical files, posing significant challenges for tracking and audits. This tool addressed these issues and helped streamline our processes.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • BambooHR was costly compared to other tools, considering its features and practicality for a small business.
  • A better onboarding and training process for the team could have improved the use of the Employee Self-Service tools.
  • For a company with both tech-savvy and labor employees, the tool could have been more agile to meet diverse needs effectively.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

From a small business perspective, I would rate it a 7 out of 10. It is easy to use and allows for quick adjustments, but the cost is high for what it offers. While its user-friendliness is a plus, it may not be suitable for larger companies with complex requirements.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Cost is a crucial factor to consider. It is essential to evaluate whether employees and HR team members will use all the functionalities of the tool effectively. Assess the types of employees in your company, their technical skills, and their familiarity with workflows or self-service tools.

If you have a team that is technologically adept and values independent workflows, this tool could be a great fit. Additionally, for companies transitioning to more technologically enhanced processes, this tool can be beneficial if the cost aligns with your needs and expected usage.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Based on feedback I’ve heard, the tool has remained consistent with the features and functionality I experienced during my time using it.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

This tool is ideal for smaller to mid-sized companies with independent, technologically proficient employees who value easy-to-use self-service and ATS tools. It also supports organizations looking to modernize their processes.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Larger companies with complex organizational structures may find this tool too basic for their needs. It is less suited for businesses requiring advanced functionalities or extensive customization.

Monday.com

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Monday.com
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Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.3 / 5

Why we picked Monday.com

Monday.com offers a versatile platform that can help HR teams elevate their processes. While it may not be your typical HR software, its customizable templates, helpful automation, built-in integrations, and collaboration features make it a valuable asset for optimizing all sorts of workflows and managing employees effectively.

PROS

  • Monday.com offers a high degree of customization and automation, empowering HR teams to adapt the platform to their unique requirements. 
  • There are over 200 pre-made templates that can be used immediately for various processes, saving you time and effort.
  • There’s a free plan for SMBs and startups that lets you access all existing templates, create up to 3 boards, and have unlimited documents.
  • Free plan available, and affordable, scalable plans for small to midsize businesses
  • Easy to learn and use
  • Customizable dashboard
  • Collaborative document creation with the ability to turn content in docs into tasks in projects with a few clicks
  • Gamified progress tracking with visual celebrations for users
  • Workflow automation for repetitive tasks
  • Built-in communication tools reduce reliance on email
  • Customized forms for in-house or client use that can be easily turned into projects

CONS

  • It can take some time to learn and set up the Monday because it’s not your typical HR software but rather a versatile platform with multiple use cases, including HR.
  • There currently aren’t any features for payroll or benefits administration.
  • Users need to upgrade to the Standard plan to access integrations and automation features, which are key to getting the most out of the platform.
  • 3+ users are required to get on any of the paid plans
  • Limited storage on the Basic plan
  • Could be too complex for simple project management needs
  • No phone customer support
  • Tracking different conversations can be difficult because of all the clutter

Monday.com Review

Though Monday.com isn’t your typical HR software with payroll processing and benefits admin features, their powerful and user-friendly platform can be adapted to various HR scenarios, thanks to its wide range of customizable templates and helpful automation. Whether it's managing the recruitment pipeline, onboarding new employees, conducting performance reviews, or tracking employee development, Monday.com gives you the flexibility to create workflows that fit your organization's unique processes. For those who don’t feel like creating things from scratch, there are several ready-to-use templates covering various aspects of employee management, from employee lifecycle packages and cross-company event planning to employee directories and time-off requests.

Another area where Monday.com differs from traditional HR software (but in a good way) is native project management. The platform's Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and calendar views facilitate seamless collaboration among team members and ensure that everyone is always on the same page, knowing who is responsible for what tasks and where each project stands. The customizable automations further streamline processes by automatically updating timelines, assigning tasks, sending notifications, and more.

We appreciate Monday.com’s emphasis on data visualization and reporting. Its customizable dashboards provide a high-level overview of HR pipelines and tasks, allowing you to quickly identify areas that require attention. You can also generate custom reports and analytics and share them with relevant stakeholders to make collaborative decisions.

If you’re an HR professional looking to streamline workflow management and enhance collaboration, we think  Monday.com is worth checking. While it may not be a one-stop-shop for all HR functions, its flexibility, customization options, and user-friendly interface make it a valuable addition to any HR team's toolkit.

Monday.com Customers

Monday.com’s customer list boasts big names like Lionsgate, Glossier, and Oxy.

Monday.com Pricing

Monday.com's free plan allows up to 2 users and 3 boards, while paid plans start at $9/month.

How has Monday.com Changed Over Time?

Best For

Monday.com HRIS is best for startups and small businesses due to its affordable pricing structure, which includes a free plan.

Monday.com in action
Reviewer's Rating
8/10

The applicant tracking system was used daily to track application statuses. We downloaded daily reports on each position based on their status. The onboarding process through the ATS helped us maintain accuracy in documentation. It also provided clear visibility on task progress and allowed us to assign responsibilities easily. The platform supported effective coordination between hiring managers and HR.

What do you like about this tool?
  • Very user-friendly, simple, and easy to navigate.
  • Improves efficiency and helps manage our time and productivity.
  • Provides customizable views and dashboards that are useful for tracking workflows.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We used Monday.com for recruitment and onboarding tasks in our organization. As a start-up, we wanted a more user-friendly system that could give us day-to-day status updates on each position and task.

The system works well for small teams and automates many transactional tasks, reducing manual workload. It provided a centralized view of hiring progress, which helped streamline collaboration between team members.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • At times, it can be inconsistent with updates.
  • Some advanced features require additional configuration or training.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

The user accessibility and the analytics it provides are better than other ATS tools. It offers greater customization and a more intuitive interface compared to its competitors.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Look for a system that is user-friendly and reduces mundane tasks. It should have strong reporting capabilities and easy data retrieval. A good tool should also help organizations track history and support compliance and audits. Ensure that the platform fits your team size and workflow needs.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Monday has added useful functionality and enhanced its tools to meet dynamic business requirements. As more businesses shift to remote and hybrid working models, Monday.com has helped teams operate efficiently across different locations. Daily project status updates and flexible stage tracking features have made it easier for cross-functional teams to stay aligned.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Organizations of small to medium size can benefit most from Monday.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Organizations with large and complex requirements may not find Monday suitable.

Factorial

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Factorial
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Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4.5 / 5
Product Score
4.2 / 5

Why we picked Factorial

Factorial stands out for its modular, user-friendly HRIS that’s especially well-suited for globally distributed small and medium-sized businesses. We appreciated their growing suite, which now includes recruiting, core HR, performance, finance, and engagement features, all within a consistent interface.

PROS

  • Modular system offers flexibility to add or remove features as needed.
  • Strong internationalization with multi-country onboarding workflows.
  • Growing finance suite supports expense OCR, project billing, and payroll handoff.
  • AI features enhance candidate matching and performance reviews.
  • Custom fields and workflows enable deeper employee data tracking.
  • Flexible pricing scheme
  • Complete HR Suite + ATS
  • Strong SMB focus
  • Good UX/UI and frequently updated design

CONS

  • Payroll is only managed (not processed) so external integration is required.
  • AI usage in recruiting and reviews may not suit all company cultures.
  • Some newer modules, like Treasury, are still in beta.
  • Larger U.S. enterprises may find it lacks full payroll capabilities.
  • Some users have pointed out that the tools are not very customizable.
  • Because it covers such a wide range of functions, we’ve found that modules like payroll and reporting could be further developed.
Our reviewer took screenshot of FactorialHR's HRIS platform during the review

Factorial Review

Factorial has grown significantly in capability since our last demo, evolving from a lightweight HRIS into a modular platform that can support nearly every stage of the employee lifecycle. What stood out to us during our recent walkthrough was the balance between breadth and control. Each user logs into the same straightforward interface, but permissions and access are tightly managed by role, which creates a consistent experience without sacrificing security or flexibility.

The system is organized into functional modules, ranging from recruitment and time tracking to finance and performance management. Unlike some HRIS systems that attempt to cover too much and lose depth, we appreciated that Factorial’s modular architecture allows teams to toggle features on or off as needed. That makes it especially compelling for HR departments with limited headcount or those looking to consolidate multiple point solutions into a single platform.

In testing, we found the platform easy to navigate and pretty customizable. The core HR module offers rich employee profiles where admins can track competencies, certifications, and even add blank sections for ad hoc data, which is something we haven’t seen in many HR tools targeting SMBs. That kind of flexibility is particularly powerful for organizations with additional compliance or credentialing needs.

ChartHop HRIS supports custom employee data custom field

Another impressive update we saw was the expansion of the finance module. Factorial now includes expense management with OCR receipt scanning and multi-currency support, and they have started building out invoicing and project-based time tracking. These are early-stage features, but even now, they set Factorial apart from many SMB-focused HRIS platforms that stop short of finance integrations.

That said, we don’t think it’s the best fit for companies looking for a U.S.-centric payroll processor. Given that the system does not run payroll internally and only manages data preparation, this adds an extra step that many competitors, such as Paylocity and Paycor, have eliminated by offering fully embedded payroll.

Additionally, while Factorial offers a free trial, it is only accessible after completing a sales demo. It also lacks built-in rewards or recognition integrations for U.S. customers. Employees can issue kudos and social posts, but there is no direct tie-in with points systems or gift cards without custom workarounds. This limitation is worth noting for teams that rely heavily on structured employee recognition as part of their HR engagement strategy.

In terms of user access, the role-based permissions work well, and employees only see what is relevant to them. However, we did notice that reporting capabilities for HR data are still fairly light, which is expected from an SMB-centered HR platform. Similarly, although exporting data is simple, advanced analytics and dashboard customization are not on par with enterprise HRIS products.

Factorial Customers

Factorial HRIS is used globally by over 13,000 companies.

Factorial Pricing

Factorial HRIS is available from $8 per user per month.

How has Factorial Changed Over Time?

Best For

Factorial is a great choice for SMBs with global operations or complex workflows. It’s especially suitable for growing teams that want a modular, all-in-one HRIS and light finance suite with strong customization and AI features.

Factorial in action
Reviewer's Rating
6/10

I primarily used Factorial to organize and store employee documents, ensuring that all personnel records were easy to access and well maintained. It also served as our time and attendance system, allowing us to track employee hours and manage time-off requests in a more structured way.

We used it for performance management as well, helping us document employee progress and evaluations. While it covered multiple HR functions, the system wasn’t as robust as some of the larger competitors, which meant we sometimes had to find workarounds to achieve the functionality we needed.

What do you like about this tool?
  • Factorial has a clean and user-friendly interface, making it easy for employees and administrators to navigate.
  • It covers a wide range of HR functions in one platform, which is helpful for smaller companies that need an all-in-one solution.
  • The pricing is reasonable compared to more well-known HRIS systems, making it a good option for businesses with a limited budget.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

At a previous organization, we decided to invest in Factorial HR because we needed an actual HRIS instead of piecing together different tools. At the time, we were storing personnel data in various cloud solutions, benefits information was scattered across different platforms, and there was no centralized way to manage key HR functions.

We wanted a system that could streamline employee data, track time-off requests, and handle performance management in one place. Factorial seemed like an affordable solution that covered multiple HR needs without requiring a large budget or extensive implementation.

I used the platform for a while and found that, while it met basic needs, it had some limitations compared to more established HRIS solutions.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • The customer service experience wasn’t great, as response times were slow and support wasn’t always helpful.
  • The platform, while functional, lacked the depth and flexibility of more established HRIS solutions.
  • Some features, like reporting and customization, felt limited, making it harder to tailor the system to our specific needs.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

Factorial is a smaller platform compared to major HRIS providers, which means it offers a more simplified experience. One unique advantage was its ability to handle international payroll and support multiple currencies, which was useful for our global operations.

While it doesn’t have all the features of larger competitors, it provides a budget-friendly option for businesses that need core HR functionalities without a steep learning curve.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

It is important to assess where your business is currently and where you see it growing in the future. Factorial is a strong choice for small businesses that have little to no HR support and need a tool to centralize employee data and processes. It is suitable for companies looking to improve HR workflows without making a large financial commitment.

Larger organizations or those with complex HR needs may benefit from a more established HRIS that can scale with growth.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Since I last used Factorial, they have improved their payroll functionality, making it more reliable and user friendly. They have also resolved some issues in key modules like time-off tracking and time and attendance, which had previously caused frustrations.

The platform appears to be making steady improvements, though it still has room to grow in terms of advanced HR capabilities.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Factorial is a great fit for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, especially those with little or no dedicated HR staff. It helps keep employee records organized, streamlines time tracking, and provides basic HR functions without requiring extensive training or setup.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Larger organizations or companies with complex HR needs may find Factorial too limited. If your business requires advanced reporting, highly customizable workflows, or a more robust performance management system, a more established HRIS would be a better choice.

Companies with more than 50 employees may outgrow the platform quickly, making it less ideal for long-term scalability.

Lanteria

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Lanteria
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Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4.4 / 5
Product Score
4 / 5

Why we picked Lanteria

Lanteria covers multiple areas of HR: Central repository for employee data, recruiting, performance, compensation, time and absence management, and learning. The system is highly bespoke and is built on Microsoft SharePoint, making it a favorite for 100+ employee organizations.

PROS

  • Good customization capabilities with advanced configuration.
  • Knowledgeable and responsive customer support.
  • Seamless integration with Microsoft suite.
  • Mobile-friendly self-service portal.
  • Advanced reporting and analytics.
  • Good customization capabilities with advanced configuration.
  • Knowledgeable and responsive customer support.
  • Seamless integration with Microsoft suite.
  • Mobile-friendly self-service portal.
  • Advanced reporting and analytics.

CONS

  • No in-app communication feature yet.
  • There’s a learning curve with initial setup and configuration.
  • Payment on an annual basis.
  • No in-app communication feature yet.
  • There’s a learning curve with initial setup and configuration.
  • Payment on an annual basis.
Lanteria-HRIS-software-screenshot

Lanteria Review

Lanteria is not the only vendor that offers a full HR suite, but it’s by far the one and only that is based on Microsoft SharePoint. This enables the HRIS to not only have a deep integration with the Microsoft ecosystem but also inherit the security level and the familiar UI of SharePoint—a huge plus for long-term users of Microsoft products.

The ability to FULLY customize HR process flow, be it onboarding, offboarding, employee suspension, and anything in between, has long been known as Lanteria’s signature. Additionally, you can modify the user interface with your logo and brand, add custom fields to match your employee data sets, and create automation workflows to match your internal HR processes.

We also like the varying user permission levels Lanteria offers. By default, you get HR, local HR, manager, and employee, which are sufficient for many already. If you need further customized roles like payroll or training, you can do so right within your admin account.

Manager self-service is another cool touch of the HR software. This allows managers to have quick access to their direct and employee data, absence requests, performance review feedback, and development plans.

Lanteria’s employee self-service portal is pretty solid, too. Both the web version and mobile apps are user-friendly. Plus, employees can access and update their data, request time off, check approval, and do feedback within a few fill-ins and clicks.

However, as a trade-off of its rich feature set and customization, implementing Lanteria can take some time, typically two to three months, for a standard set-up. Like most mid-market HR software, Lanteria’s pricing is on an annual basis and only available post-demo (but the vendor is willing to provide alternative payment schedules upon request and/or discussion).

Lacking in-app communication is another drawback of this HR solution, though a version with enhanced Microsoft Teams integration is coming by the end of 2024, and unfortunately, support in Spanish is also not available yet.

Lanteria Customers

Lanteria HR has been used by over 300 companies in over 40 countries.

Lanteria Pricing

We received a quote indicating that Lanteria's pricing structure begins at a base rate of $8 per employee per month.

How has Lanteria Changed Over Time?

Best For

Lanteria is best-suited for companies with at least 100 employees (being Microsoft users is a plus) to manage all their HR tasks on one platform.

Lanteria in action
Reviewer's Rating
10/10

We used Lanteria in three ways. Our HR department was divided into three categories: learning, performance, and talent. Each team used Lanteria’s specific functions to match their use cases. Lanteria allowed us to create goals for employees and set them on a career path aligned with those goals. We were also able to develop learning catalogs and plan the training process for new hires and active employees who required continuous learning. Additionally, we used it to source candidates, manage job openings, and allow applicants to apply through the career portal.

What do you like about this tool?
  • User-friendly: The platform’s user experience and design ensure that you don't feel overwhelmed while working.
  • Comprehensive: Lanteria makes managing the entire HR lifecycle simple.
  • Seamless integration: Lanteria allows for a smooth integration process, making it easy to add new features over time.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

I worked at a fashion startup in the HR department. We researched various HR platforms to find one that fit our needs and preferences. Lanteria met and exceeded our expectations for an HR platform. While I was on contract with this startup, we implemented the platform in February 2023, and it is still in use today. Lanteria provides a wide range of resources to meet a company's needs.

What do you dislike about this tool?

While my team and I prefer this platform, we believe Lanteria’s technical support could be improved, given the broad range of features. The integration support, both during and after implementation, needs to be more robust so customers feel supported throughout their experience.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

Lanteria stands out from its competitors because it offers a wide range of features at a reasonable price. I also believe Lanteria is a better option because it can work well for companies of various sizes, team dynamics, and industry sectors.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

People should carefully evaluate any HR platform before selecting one, as these systems handle sensitive information. Before choosing Lanteria, I recommend ensuring that its integration options align with your company’s needs and confirming that you will use all of the services it offers, as the platform provides various features.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Lanteria has evolved to meet its customers’ needs by offering more services, such as learning management, performance tracking, and more.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Lanteria is well-suited for most organizations but is particularly good for companies with 200 or fewer employees.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Lanteria would not be ideal for companies that need to set up the platform quickly. Given the current support system, I recommend implementing it at a slower pace to ensure full understanding of its features.

Remote

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Remote
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Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5

Why we picked Remote

Remote HRIS is one of the few platforms we’ve known that can manage various employment types within a single system. The HRIS consolidates onboarding, time tracking, expense management, and employee data into one hub, while its emerging automation and reporting give HR teams more control and visibility.

PROS

  • Onboarding/offboarding, time and attendance, expense management, and employee profiles included.
  • Global coverage for direct employees, provided you have a legal entity in their country.
  • Automation tools (in beta) with trigger-based workflows and RemoteAI.
  • Detailed reporting: org health, workforce breakdown, and span of control.
  • Employee self-service mobile app improves employee autonomy.
  • Fast and compliant payroll in 170+ countries.
  • Live chat support with local payroll experts.
  • Flexible, localized benefit packages.
  • Flat-rate pricing structure, no deposits or hidden fees.
  • Mobile app streamlines expense reimbursement with autofill from receipt photos.

CONS

  • No third-party time-tracking integrations or bulk time uploads.
  • Stand-alone HRIS does not manage compliance, benefits, or tax withholding for direct employees.
  • $350 fee for involuntary offboarding.
  • Doesn’t have a free trial.
  • Redundant for organizations solely recruiting within the U.S.
  • Help center documentation isn’t easiest to understand.

Remote Review

During our evaluation of Remote HRIS, we found that its greatest strength lies in unifying management for direct employees, EOR hires, and contractors. This can be a huge plus for global companies with their own legal entities, as all employee records and processes will be controlled within a single platform.

Remote HRIS platform screenshot

We found the onboarding and offboarding tools to be efficient and intuitive, with approval flows and role-based permissions that made it easy to control who can manage employee data. There is also an employee self-serve mobile app, which, in our testing, performed well in handling personal details, time-off requests, and expenses without requiring HR intervention.

While still in beta, the automations feature shows real promise. Setting up workflows felt pretty straightforward. Particularly, we could select triggers, such as new hires or agreement updates, and link them to specific actions like sending notifications via Slack or email.

Furthermore, there is a handy AI feature called RemoteAI that allows users to create conditions using natural language prompts. For instance, an automatic alert can be set up for “time off requests longer than 5 days,” which adds a layer of convenience that is not often seen in early-stage workflow tools.

Reporting and analytics are good, too. We could quickly access workforce breakdowns, view organizational structure, and even track the manager's span of control. Additionally, the ability to filter and customize these reports (e.g., by department or tenure) made them more actionable during our tests.

However, it’s a bummer that Remote HRIS doesn’t handle compliance, benefits, or tax withholding for direct employees if used as a stand-alone tool, meaning companies still need to manage these aspects themselves unless you hire people through Remote’s Employer of Record service.

The lack of integrations with third-party time-tracking systems is another clear gap, as it forces companies to either deal with manual work or give up on their time and attendance software to use Remote’s. While this doesn’t overshadow Remote HRIS’s core strengths, it’s worth weighing when comparing this platform with full-fledged competitors.

Cost-wise, Remote’s HRIS is pretty affordable, but the $350 offboarding fee is definitely something to consider for companies with higher turnover rates.

Remote Customers

Fountain, Commercetools, Soundcloud, Oxfam, Gitlab.

Remote Pricing

Starts at $12 per month per employee.

How has Remote Changed Over Time?

Best For

Remote’s HRIS works best for companies managing global teams of direct hires, contractors, and EOR employees.

Remote in action
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Sage People

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Sage People
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Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4.3 / 5
Product Score
4.2 / 5

Why we picked Sage People

Sage People is a scalable and highly configurable cloud HR solution that helps manage People processes for global workforces. The tool features a recruitment module as well automation for essential HR workflows.

PROS

  • Good range of workflows for globally-distributed teams
  • Lots of local expertise from payroll and compliance consultants
  • Good range of workflows for globally-distributed teams
  • Lots of local expertise from payroll and compliance consultants

CONS

  • Not many integrations
  • Some users have found the mobile app to lack core functionalities
  • Not many integrations
  • Some users have found the mobile app to lack core functionalities
Our reviewer took screenshot of Sage People HRIS software during the review

Sage People Review

Sage's HRIS is a customizable core HR suite built on top of Salesforce. Their product covers applicants through alumni and is a great option for companies in the small to medium enterprise range (150 - 5k employees) that have a global presence. They boast a 95% retention rate across their 500 customers, the result of a broad product that also integrates with the rest of Sage's ERP suite.

Sage People Customers

CRU, Lovehoney, Showbrook Bank, Enigma Industrial Services

Sage People Pricing

SagePeople usually charge between $12 and $16 per employee per month.

How has Sage People Changed Over Time?

Best For

SagePeople is best for global and/or distributed teams, especially those that use Salesforce.

Sage People in action
Reviewer's Rating
9/10

Sage is used as the main HRIS for company recordkeeping and daily updates. It also serves as the payroll provider, assisting with regular rate of pay and overtime calculations. We have used it for Workers' Comp billing and valuation as well.

It is extremely helpful in our recruitment needs by keeping everyone on task during the hiring process. It is also a strong onboarding tool that simplifies the process for both new employees and the HR staff.

What do you like about this tool?

I like the management tools. I like the feel and workflow of the product. I also like the overall aesthetics.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We chose Sage People for a client of ours. Our client had 250 employees and limited HR personnel. They needed simple solutions, extensive reporting, and ease of use for weekly payroll and recordkeeping. Sage People provided easy ways to manage the volume of work the company generated in HR, making it possible for just two people to handle.

What do you dislike about this tool?

The first thing I noticed is that it has issues linking to other applications. Bridges were sometimes needed when this should not have been necessary. The system can be clunky at times and hard to maneuver. It would be easier to navigate and resolve issues if many areas were not so unnecessarily complicated.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

Sage is much more comprehensive than most payroll and HRIS systems. You get more value for your investment, including customizations that improve the program's utility.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Consider what type of management tools you want readily available. Identify who will be using the system and for what purposes. If you have unique needs, Sage is a strong option because their integration teams can help customize the program to better align with your business model.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

I remember this program in its early stages, and it has become much more intuitive and robust. Over the years, Sage has incorporated feedback from various companies and industries to evolve into a viable solution that nearly any organization can use.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Sage is well-suited for management-minded users and employers focused on compliance with payroll laws and regulations. It also works well for companies that prioritize accuracy and need access to customizable reporting.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Small companies. The complexity and cost make Sage impractical for organizations with limited HR needs.

UKG

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UKG
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Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4.2 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5

Why we picked UKG

We picked UKG because their platform represents decades of collective experience in HR ops and tech. UKG was the company formed from the merger of two well-established HR titans: Ultimate Software and Kronos Incorporated.

PROS

  • Highly reliable, robust, well-thought-out suite of HR tools and 70 years cumulative experience in people tech
  • Deep knowledge and context related to HCM and workforce management technology.
  • Super robust product, packing years of experience with HCM and Workforce Management technology 
  • Since they offer UKG Pro for HRMS and UKG Ready for workforce management, you could arrive at a combination of products that suits many of your HR needs from the same set of tools.

CONS

  • Lacks a unique selling point or specific focus compared to newer tools, making it less suitable for highly specialized or niche businesses.
  • Relatively pricey, particularly for businesses with limited budgets.
  • Most features are built for standard business operations, so niche industries or one-off needs cannot be accommodated.
  • The platform may be overwhelming for those seeking a limited set of specific use cases
  • Compared to newer tools, UKG Pro and UKG Ready tend to miss a unique selling point or a specific focus on a certain type of business. While they work great for bigger companies in all sorts of industries, very niche operations might have a hard time adapting to the tool. 
  • Similarly, ​​UKG offers many solutions under one umbrella, so it's not the best fit if you're looking for only a handful of specific use cases.
Our reviewer took screenshot of UKG's HRIS software during the review

UKG Review

Specializing in core HR management functions, UKG is a highly renowned and widely adopted HCM suite. Over the years, it has undergone extensive testing and continuous development, resulting in an impressive array of modules that fully cover the standard set of HR tech necessities, such as payroll, benefits management, onboarding, and time-tracking.

This tool is highly configurable, allowing users to customize the platform to their specific administrative needs. This adaptability, coupled with the reliable support from the Ultimate Community, are the characteristics that impressed us most.

Admin users will appreciate the fine-grained control over user access, which enables robust data security by enabling tailored access permissions for different individuals and user groups.

Overall, the UI is visually appealing, but new users may be overwhelmed by option-saturated screens. To their credit, this overabundance of the interface signals a wealth of features and options.

The Ultimate Community feature offers a massive repository of information and insights drawn from the questions and answers of other users. Beyond being a simple record, it also allows users to seek assistance and interact with other current platform users, fostering a sense of collaboration.

This platform is great for most businesses with typical HR ops needs, but it is unable to address the needs of highly specialized teams. This shortcoming applies to edge cases, but lacking this adaptability means they cannot compete with some of the newer, more agile tools in this space.

It follows that the cost of the platform is aligned with their typical customer: the standardized organization operating in a well-known field. Some reports indicate that the starting price for every 5 users is approximately $600 annually, but with no pricing info available online we were unable to confirm.

UKG Customers

Tesla, Marriott, Yamaha, Aramark, Puma, Sony Music, Samsung.

UKG Pricing

Based on our research, UKG Pro licenses start at around $600.00 per year for every 5 users.

How has UKG Changed Over Time?

Best For

UKG is a top HR software solution for companies with 50+  employees in the Americas, EMEA, and Asia/Pacific regions.

UKG in action
Reviewer's Rating
3/10

I personally use the tool every day. The main thing I use the tool for is pulling reports about employee information. I use these reports to provide talent metrics to our executive leadership team. I also use the tool daily to review the org chart. This assists in integrating employees into other programs we use, like Officevibe and Linkedin Learning, which UKG does not directly integrate into. One other workflow we use UKG for is assigning HR tasks. You can create custom tasks, so we use it to keep track of tasks that are not related to UKG, like removing people from other programs when they are offboarded.

What do you like about this tool?

Honestly, I do not like UKG, but these are 3 pros:

  1. The org chart is nice to be able to see who each person reports to (although only HR is able to see it)
  2. The HR checklist tasks are useful to keep track of tasks.
  3. The ability to filter reports before exporting is useful.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

Our organization bought UKG to replace our old HRIS. We previously were with BambooHR but moved to UKG so that we could move payroll internally. We have been using the tool for one year. This tool provides the bare minimum needed for an HRIS as we have the basic version. We have used the tool for one year, but we are already looking for a new HRIS to move to because we have had a very bad experience with both the tool and customer support. I personally use the tool daily to run reports and review the organization chart.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  1. Pulling reports is so complicated. It is not streamlined at all.
  2.  When conducting payroll, we get LOTS of error flags that we have to go through (and by LOTS I mean 75-100)
  3. The org chart is only accessible by the HR dept.
  4. It is just not user-friendly. I often have to hold the hands of our employees to show them how to submit a PTO request, change their personal info, etc.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

This tool is much worse than similar tools in my opinion. The reason we switched was so that we could have an internal payroll solution, but after just 1 year we are already looking for a different tool.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

The first criteria people should consider is whether the tool meets all of their requirements. That is the reason we switched to UKG because our old system did not meet our new requirements. Next, people should consider whether it has add-ons that support their business. We are looking for a system that has a built-in performance management solution, as well as L&D functions.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

No. The customer support has not been helpful to us.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Small companies that want to do internal payroll but do not need all of the bells and whistles (and who do not mind spending a lot of time on payroll and pulling reports). I do not recommend the tool.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Most organizations. Any org that wants additional tools beyond the bare minimum. Any org that is big enough to need an org chart. We are at 250 and it is already an inefficient tool for us.

Kallidus

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Kallidus
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Popularity Score
4.3 / 5
User Score
4.3 / 5
Product Score
4.2 / 5

Why we picked Kallidus

Modern and user-friendly, the Kallidus platform stands out as one of the few HRISs tailored to meet the needs of remote workplaces. Two standout elements are its exceptional onboarding capabilities and efficient workflow automation.

PROS

  • The platform maintains a comprehensive record of all HR process changes, making it invaluable for audits and data compliance needs.
  • It enables talent development through e-learning modules and gamified courses.
  • The platform offers remarkable flexibility which makes it a great fit for small and scaling teams.
  • The platform keeps track of all changes done to HR processes; useful in case of audits and to ensure data compliance.
  • Includes talent-development features through the e-learning module, such as gamification of certain courses.
  • Good bet for small and scaling teams given the flexibility of the platform.
  • The tool also has remote team-focused features process auto-assigning.

CONS

  • Some reports suggest the support team is slow to respond
  • Users occasionally encountered troubles with integrations
  • Integrations are somewhat limited and must be handled by staff that is comfortable working with the API or webhooks
  • Several users have reported that the support team can be slow to respond to requests for assistance.
  • Although it might not be completely on Sapling's hands, other users during are research reported troubles with the integrations to software like ADP.
  • Additionally, the integrations are somewhat limited and you need to work with either an API or webhooks with some of the most trusted HR tools out there.
Our reviewer took screenshot of Sapling's HRIS system during the review

Kallidus Review

Although Kallidus (formerly Sapling) started as an HR onboarding platform, It has quickly grown into a remote-first HRIS with an impressive client list. Its full product keeps garnering zealous users and adding features, currently offering tools like people admin, an intranet, a survey and feedback module, profile templates, and all sorts of integrations.

One of this HRIS’ main strengths is its workflow automation. Their goal is to help People teams improve the employee experience while saving man-hours and bringing remote teams together.

Kallidus Customers

Coupa, Warby Parker, Webflow, Digital Ocean, PagerDuty

Kallidus Pricing

The annual fee for Kallidus starts at $4,000.

How has Kallidus Changed Over Time?

Best For

Kallidus works best for HR teams at mid-sized organizations (50-2000 employees.)

Kallidus in action
Reviewer's Rating
7/10

Sapling is especially important when we bring in a new employee, and it is used regularly in the first 90 days to build the whole onboarding experience. We use it to make sure every important communication and event happens from the point of the offer to the first few days, and that those who are responsible for that are involved. So, offer letters, welcome packages and gifts, welcome emails and outreach calls, training agendas, and team assignments are all handled through Sapling.

Also, all the initial paperwork and signatures are centralized and handled through Sapling, so that part is very smooth for everyone involved. Throughout the introductory period, we use it to be sure surveys are sent at the appropriate intervals (30/60/90 days) to get feedback and ensure the employee feels heard and valued and to address any areas they need help.

We also found that Sapling was very helpful in providing content to build initial connections between co-workers, connecting them on a one-to-one basis, and including new hires in events.

What do you like about this tool?

It was easy to learn and navigate so everyone enjoyed using it.

It is customizable which is particularly helpful in creating individualized onboarding plans.

Information is easy to access, and data is readily available for managers, such as upcoming tasks and events, employee information, and employee feedback.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We chose Sapling to improve our onboarding. We had gotten feedback from staff that onboarding was not well coordinated. We also had more recent hire turnover than we felt was acceptable, and that it was likely connected to onboarding. We had problems establishing not just the critical first few days but also the introductory 90-day experience in which relationships are formed, the tone is set and the groundwork for long-term employment is established. We used it for a year.

What do you dislike about this tool?

It would be nicer to see some data within the platform, rather than having it generated as a report you open outside the system.

The org chart was a bit cumbersome to use.

More resources for employee experience after onboarding available would improve it.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

The guidance Sapling provides to managers regarding onboarding seems unique and much more in-depth than other products. For onboarding, I would choose Sapling over other onboarding products and features, as it is very thorough and instructive regarding what onboarding should be.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

If you don't hire often, the best part about this product may not be worth the investment. However, if you do have a growing or often changing team, Sapling could be the difference between losing a good new hire in the first 3 months or retaining them for years. So, if turnover is a problem, and if your onboarding has no structure, this is something to seriously consider.

Like any tool, it requires that people buy in and use it for it to accomplish what it sets out to accomplish, so you need to prepare your people for change if introducing a new way to handle onboarding via Sapling.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

I believe the product has expanded and now features more performance management options as well.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

This is a very good product for growing companies, startups that have a lot of hiring, and companies that need to address turnover issues.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Companies with little or infrequent hiring or turnover may not benefit.

Namely

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Namely
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Popularity Score
4.7 / 5
User Score
4.1 / 5
Product Score
4.6 / 5

Why we picked Namely

Namely’s comprehensive HR software packs features for onboarding, talent management, time-off tracking, and performance management. On top of that, companies can opt for their managed services for payroll and benefits administration.

PROS

  • The majority of users can navigate Namely without any issues. They find the UI to be intuitive and clean, even though the platform has lots of features.
  • Namely’s employee onboarding module gets a lot of praise from users. It features an easy-to-follow wizard, which helps new hires get on quickly and be clear on what they need to do.
  • Besides the platform’s built-in features for data management, recruiting, onboarding, time off tracking, payroll, and benefits administration, there are also managed payroll and benefits administration services you can opt for to reduce the burden on your internal teams.
  • The majority of users are able to navigate Namely without any issues. They find the UI to be intuitive and clean, despite the fact that the platform has lots of features. 
  • Namely’s employee onboarding module gets a alot of praise from users. It features an easy-to-follow wizard, which helps new hires get on quickly and be clear on what they need to do. 
  • Besides the platform’s built in features for data management, recruiting, onboarding, time off tracking, payroll and benefits administration, there are also managed payroll and benefits administration services you can opt for to reduce the burden on your internal teams. 

CONS

  • Namely primarily operates in the U.S., so if you’re looking for a global payroll and benefits provider, this platform isn’t for you.
  • Though many praise the platform’s ease of use, implementing it takes a long time. Namely’s own team says that an average implementation takes between 6-8 weeks.
  • For a platform of Namely’s size, there currently aren’t any features that focus on employee development such as skill training, career pathing, succession planning, etc.
  • You’ll need to check beforehand if Namely can work with your existing benefits provider if you have one. There have been a few reports (but not few enough to ignore) about Namely’s team convincing customers to change their benefits provider to providers that charged them more.
  • Namely primarily operates in the U.S., which means if you’re looking for a global payroll and benefits provider, this platform isn’t for you.
  • Though many praise the platform’s ease of use, it does take long to implement it. Namely’s own team says that an average implementation takes between 6-8 weeks.
  • For a platform of Namely’s size, there currently aren’t any features that focus on employee development such as skill training, career pathing, succession planning etc. 
  • You’ll need to check beforehand if Namely can work with your existing benefits provider, if you have one. There have been a few reports (but not few enough to ignore) about Namely’s team convincing customers to change their benefits provider to providers that charged them more. 
Our reviewer took screenshot of Namely's HRIS system during the review

Namely Review

Namely has quickly become a top HR software for the mid-market. With built-in modules, Namely facilitates several HR processes, including employee data management, payroll processing, benefits administration, time and attendance tracking, and performance management. This integrated approach increases efficiency and reduces the need for multiple systems.

Besides what’s visible from the employer or admin side, Namely empowers employees to access and update their information, request time off, and view pay stubs through a dedicated employee self-service portal. Another near thing about Namely is its robust reporting and analytics module, giving you the reports you need and insights on the latest market trends.

Namely Customers

Greenhouse, MacStadium, and OneLogin are among Namely’s 1000+ customers.

Namely Pricing

The cost of Namely is typically between $18 and $26 per employee per month.

How has Namely Changed Over Time?

Best For

Namely is best for mid-sized companies in any industry, but mostly in the United States.

Namely in action
Reviewer's Rating
8/10

We used Namely primarily for departmental reporting, allowing each team to access the data they needed without complication. It was also our central platform for posting internal announcements, which helped keep communication streamlined across the organization.

Our non-exempt employees frequently used the timekeeping module, and they appreciated how easy it was to transfer between job roles within the system. From an HR perspective, managing payroll was straightforward, which saved us significant time during each payroll cycle.

What do you like about this tool?

Creating reports in Namely is straightforward, even for users with limited technical experience. The time and labor module is intuitive and easy to demonstrate to employees. The visibility and layout of the homepage make navigating the system fast and user-friendly.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

I worked for a small FinTech company that used Namely. They picked Namely because it was an easy-to-use tool and was perfect for our business structure. We (the HR Team) liked how it was easy to enter new employees and update existing employees' information.

We also had a few nonexempt employees, so we used their timekeeping system, which was also simple. We also used announcements like our social media, so we didn't have to design an Intranet.

What do you dislike about this tool?

The system lacks innovation and hasn’t kept up with some newer HR platforms in terms of features and design. The interface feels a bit outdated, especially compared to more modern alternatives. Customer support was sometimes difficult to reach, which could be frustrating when time-sensitive issues arose.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

Namely is a smaller and more simplified platform compared to other tools like UKG or ADP. It works well for small companies that need a streamlined system without too many bells and whistles. While I prefer UKG or ADP for their broader functionality and scalability, Namely stands out for being approachable and easy to manage for less complex HR operations.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

When evaluating this kind of tool, it's important to consider the size and complexity of your organization. Namely works best for small businesses that don’t require highly advanced features or custom-coded reports. If you're expecting rapid growth or need to manage complex data, you may quickly outgrow it. Simplicity and ease of use should be top considerations if you're leaning toward Namely.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

One noticeable improvement has been quicker service request response times. The company seems to have made an effort to address support speed, which enhances the overall user experience, especially during critical periods.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Namely is ideal for HR teams and general employees in small to mid-sized companies. It suits organizations that need an easy-to-use system without requiring extensive setup or ongoing technical support.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Namely is not well-suited for finance departments or organizations with complex financial and reporting needs. Larger enterprises that require deep integration and advanced functionalities may find it limiting.

Does Your Company Actually Need An HRIS?

While tiny businesses may be able to handle all of their employee information in spreadsheets, an HRIS becomes increasingly essential as your business grows. If you’re still not sure if an HRIS is right for your business, here are some key signs that you should be thinking about implementing one:

  • You Have More than 25 Employees: While 25 employees is not a rigid threshold (a startup with under 20 employees can still benefit from HR tools), it is an excellent place to start thinking about using an HRIS. With more than 25 employees, keeping track of data becomes a chore, and at a certain point, it becomes impractical (and error-prone!) to manually enter and update all employee data.
  • Many of Your Jobs Require Licensing or Certification: If you are in an industry where employees require up-to-date certifications for legal reasons, staying on top of the schedule is critical. An HRIS can streamline the process by setting up automated reminders when certificates are due to expire.
  • You’re Growing Fast: Companies face changing legal requirements as they pass different size thresholds. Keeping up with the legal requirements of a growing company is much easier to do automatically with HR software than by hand in spreadsheets.
  • You Want Your HR Team to Play a More Strategic Role: Having one easily searchable system that stores employee information, runs payroll, and handles benefits saves a lot of time for your HR team. It allows them to focus on more strategic projects for your business, like increasing employee engagement and retention or improving organizational culture.
  • You Manage Hourly Employees: With hourly employees, you often have to track hours and manage changing schedules. This is another process that is made infinitely easier with an HIRS system.
  • You Need Custom Workforce Data Reports: As businesses become increasingly data-driven, accurate and readily available people analytics becomes more and more critical. Many HRIS solutions have features that enable you to hone in on data-driven recruitment and gain better ideas of your company's health.

Pro Tips on HRIS Systems

Key Benefits of HR Software

We like to start with the “why?” behind any piece of software. With the HRIS, many assume that the answer is simple: it’s a must-have because a database that tracks your employee information is necessary.

In fact, buying an HRIS is not the no-brainer choice it’s made out to be. It is a major strategic decision that requires a lot of time, thought, and buy-in, and in some cases, it’s just not the right tool for the job. That said, we’ve seen HRIS systems offer tremendous benefits when they are adopted at the right place and time. Here are the key ones:

Save Time with Automation

By automating recurring tasks like benefits, payroll administration, new employee orientation, time tracking, and attendance management, your HRIS helps make tedious HR processes quick, simple, and less prone to error.

According to Nucleus research, companies that do use HR automation reported 67% faster new hire onboarding and 90% more time savings on admin work.

Improve the Employee Experience

An HRIS doesn’t just benefit your business and bottom line. It’s also a direct asset for your employees. With a user-friendly employee portal, your employees can navigate benefits options easily, review and update personal information, manage requests for time off, and much more.

Employees who feel their employers’s onboarding software is effective are five times more likely to report high levels of engagement

Employee Performance

Beyond simply reviewing conduct and achievements, your HR system can drive employee performance.

Performance reviews, engagement surveys, performance management capabilities, and customizable integrations with other tools can all be used to build culture and turn company values from ideas to action. Statistically, 72% of HR generalists engaging in self-service HRIS reported a lighter workload.

Increase Compliance

If you are careful with the setup and initial data entry, HR software can significantly improve your business’ data accuracy and accessibility.

In addition to helping out in a pinch, data accuracy, and task automation support compliance year-round. Automation results in fewer human errors. Many vendors do a great job of staying on top of changes in laws and regulations, keeping you in the loop, and updating their products accordingly.

Better Organization

If a team’s starting point is pencil and paper, using an HR system will alleviate some data security risks and the hassle of sifting through physical files. For teams who have moved beyond the paper files to a patchwork of spreadsheets and other tools, buying a complete HR suite will help keep everything in the same place.

Stacey Richey (VP of People at Corvus Insurance, 18+ years in HR) shared her personal experience with this problem, and how an HRIS solved it.

Early on, her company used multiple tools for people processes: one tool for payroll, one for employee perks and benefits, one for talent development, one for performance management, etc. Does this sound familiar? She knew it was time for an HRIS. First, she identified the needed features and set her team off with a headstart and a list of non-negotiables. 

The result: they identified the right tool for the right price, and today, they save hours each month by not having to switch from one app to another, build integrations, or transfer info.

Streamline the Hiring Process

Some HR software tools can also act as lightweight applicant tracking systems (ATS), and some have a full-fledged ATS built-in. 

These features allow you to easily collect resumes, review candidate info, and speed up employee onboarding and training, providing new hires with a seamless transition into your company. Custom workflows also help ensure the onboarding process does not overlook key steps or necessary documents.

Business Intelligence

Analyzing data metrics becomes increasingly important as your business grows. By creating custom reports, your HRIS system makes it easy for your HR team to analyze hiring costs, calculate turnover, and employee engagement, and ultimately use data to help inform business decisions.

Workforce Management

The top HRIS comes from best-in-class HR technology companies. Progressive, forward-thinking HR departments can count on an HRIS platform for human capital management.

For example, employee engagement is sometimes built right into an HRIS or HRMS (human resource management software), along with intuitive employee onboarding, easy-to-access payroll and benefits, mobile first-time and attendance, and payroll management. This is done through a cloud-based service that automatically updates as new modules roll out.

Common Pitfalls When Buying and Using HRIS Software

Making mistakes is a great way to learn, but with this complex and expensive software, sometimes it’s best to learn from the missteps of others.

The best way to avoid buying the wrong HR software system is to ask the right questions. Keep this in mind as you start working with vendors – check out our suggested questions below, and take note of these shortcomings that are typical traits of bad HRIS software.

Lack of Employee Self-Service

If your HRIS doesn’t allow employees to update their personal information or choose their own benefits plans, then it’s not saving your human resources team time. The tools that offer the greatest returns always include employee self-service capabilities.

Inability to integrate with other systems: If you want to save time with an HRIS, make sure it integrates with your current tech stack. Manually transferring data from one system to another is the exact opposite of saving time.

Take, for example, the integration of a standalone ATS. Though there are some exceptions, most HRIS platforms don’t include an ATS that is sophisticated for high-volume hiring. Remember this as you shop: chances are good that your ATS and HRIS will be neighbors but not roommates. You can ensure they get along if you think ahead about integrations.

Lack of Data Accuracy

Your HRIS is only as good as the data it stores. A system full of inaccurate data is useless and potentially hazardous, so make sure your HRIS takes measures to ensure accuracy. This applies to data entered manually or via API from another HR software or recruiting solution – be sure that your HRIS takes this step seriously.

Lack of Consideration of the Application’s Limits

The right HRIS for a small business and/or a startup is not the right HRIS for a 1000-employee company. Your company’s current size must be a major factor in your decision, and if your business is growing fast, you’ll want an HR system that can grow with it.

For very large teams, the options are relatively limited compared to what is available for small groups. This owes to the fact that the latest and greatest tech often comes from small, boundary-breaking startups that are too curious (and sometimes distractible) to focus on making incremental improvements to the feature set needed by enterprise-size organizations.

Incorrect or Rushed Implementation

Take your time. There are few things worse than technical debt, one of which is technical debt that results from preventable mistakes.

Do not rush the data transfer process when setting up a new HRIS. If you cut corners, data will likely be entered or transferred incorrectly. Without a doubt, you will meet that data again during a frustrating and preventable moment when you discover you’ve entered the wrong pay rate or manager permissions.

It’s advisable to get a consultant if you can afford it. Someone who “has been there, done that” when transitioning data from one system to another can be advantageous. And, of course, if your new HRIS comes with a ton of vendor support, use it all! Many companies offer tremendous support to their new clients to ensure a smooth implementation of their platform.

Non-user-Friendly Platform

An HRIS is only effective if employees actually use it. A poorly designed platform may generate net-negative productivity and net-positive frustration. Make sure your new system is designed for the humans who will use it: it must be easy on the eyes with good UX in all environments in which it will be used, whether an app, browser, or mobile web.

Insufficient Data Security

It will surprise nobody to read that a data breach on an HRIS is very, very bad. They store scads of sensitive, personal employee information, so even a minor instance of compromised security could cause irreparable damage to your business.

Be cautious and methodical when setting up your system’s security measures – and remember the sometimes blurry difference between your HR pros and your IT pros. And one rule of thumb: be weary of vendors with fewer than 20 employees listed on LinkedIn.

Insufficient Planning

HR teams who have not sufficiently mapped out the process of installing and introducing their HRIS will face tremendous struggles getting their solution off the ground. To prevent this, your team should create a concrete timeline that outlines each implementation phase in great detail.

Communicate with the relevant set of employees/managers at each implementation stage. Ask and expect a lot of questions, and remember: no rushing!

Having led many HRIS implementations, Richey has “been there, done that''. In her experience, she found that one of the biggest mistakes companies make is purchasing a product that works only for where they are today, with little thought of where they may be in the near or distant future.

“Think of all the possible changes your company might experience in the next five years and plan for that.” She shared. “You want a system that scales with the company to ensure you won't switch HRIS for a long time.”

Key Features of an HRIS

A clever way to save money on buying an HRIS is to think about your goals and codify them into an organizer spreadsheet to make notes throughout your vetting process. It’s worth thinking through some of the key HR software features. Here are a few you’ll want to consider.

  • Employee Self-Service Portal: Employee data management can be a lot of work for your HR department. The self-service function of many human resource management systems helps eliminate this challenge by enabling employees to view and edit their information, including benefits selection, time off, and more through a self-service portal.
  • Time and Attendance Management: An HRIS simplifies tracking time off and planned and unplanned absences due to sickness, injury, maternity leave, or unauthorized leave.
  • Onboarding Capability: While onboarding typically involves a lot of paperwork, with an HRIS, employees can complete much of the onboarding process electronically, including open enrollment. Most HRIS platforms even have electronic signature functionality, allowing employees to sign scanned documents that can be stored in the system.
  • Custom Reporting: As HR increasingly relies on data and trends, it’s crucial to have a system that can create reports to help improve business decisions. A powerful people analytics system takes the manual labor out of preparing reports and replaces it with empirical evaluation speed, accuracy, and objectivity.
  • Learning Management: Though a learning management system (LMS) may be baked into your HRIS software, it's much more likely that, like the ATS, you’ll use this tool as a standalone solution. Whether integrated or built-in, the LMS is critical for managing educational materials during employee onboarding and throughout the employee lifecycle.
  • Employee Database: The employee database of an HRIS allows you to store all employee records and information in a centralized location. The data is searchable, making finding details on employee salary and position, performance appraisal histories, disciplinary histories, and training records easier.
  • Recruiting Functions: Many HR solutions allow you to air job postings, conduct interviews, store resumes, and transfer information when a new candidate is hired. While not all HRIS have their applicant tracking system features, they often allow native ATS integration so that you can transfer new-hire data to your system quickly and smoothly.
  • Training and Development Management: Tracking employee training is essential, particularly in an industry where employees require specific certifications or licensing. An HRMS lets you see what training employees need or want and helps you stay current on any required recertifications.
  • Central Storage for Company Documents: As a centralized location for any information your employees might need, your HRIS should be where employees can find HR policies, employee handbooks, emergency evacuation procedures, safety guidelines, and more.
  • Benefits Administration: Your HR software should enable employees to enroll in health insurance, manage their 401(k), and track their benefits information. Many systems also offer payroll software and services, so keep your employee benefits information auto-updated though often, the payroll features cost extra.
  • Compensation management: To reduce the risk of error when handling employee compensation, HRISs often offer payroll and compensation management functions. This allows you to handle many forms of incentive compensation, including salaries, paid time off, overtime pay, and bonus programs automatically.

HRIS System Pricing

Pricing of HR software depends on the breadth of the feature set offered and the size of your organization.

  • Typically, it is charged on a per-employee/per-month basis. You can find an HRIS that will charge you $2/employee/month and solutions that run as high as $30/30/employee/month (plus additional fees for payroll and benefits, as well as extra modules for hiring and onboarding).
  • As with many things in life, you get what you pay for. If you just need to check the box, a cheaper solution makes sense. Suppose you want to use your HRIS to be a tool for increasing employee engagement, retaining employees, and generally driving business value through human capital management. In that case, you’ll have to pay for one of the better solutions.
  • Some vendors will also charge ancillary fees in addition to the recurring SaaS cost. Be aware that these add-ons can add up, and realize that you can often negotiate these fees much more easily than the recurring per employee/per month cost of the cloud-based solution. Setup, consulting, support, and software fees are all fair game for negotiation.

A quick note: We are continually crowdsourcing data on HRIS pricing through a survey. We do this to increase transparency and help HR teams better understand their options. It's anonymous and takes only two minutes; anyone who helps the community by filling it out will get access to the entire data set.

How to Get Buy-In for New HRIS

Any time you manage a significant purchase for your business, internal stakeholders will be watching. In fact, part of the process of buying a new HRIS is stakeholder management. You must justify your choices from start to finish, from vendor selection to HR tech buy-in to implementation.

Generating wholehearted stakeholder buy-in is particularly important because it is crucial to maximizing the solution's value. Identify these key stakeholders early and understand how to maintain their support.

Below is a brief overview of the various important stakeholders and advice for managing each.

Company Leadership

If you want your HRIS to have the best chance for success, you’ll need to get CxO buy-in and continuous support from the top leaders at your company. To accomplish this, present the business case to them and carefully lay out the ROI your new HRIS will drive.

Present your implementation plan and provide them with a detailed timeline. Throughout the life of the HRIS, provide leaders with updates about how the system is meeting the goals laid out for it, and how you plan to stay on track to achieve future goals.

Human Resources

The rest of your HR team is one of the biggest stakeholders involved in the implementation and must not be overlooked. A successful solution will make HR functions much easier, and a failed solution will make them much, much more difficult. It is important to use their help to get this right.

Because they will lead in handling employee questions, issues, and possibly grievances with the system, make sure your People team feels good about the selection and is properly trained to use it. 

Communicate to all human resources team members how a new HRIS will change some employees’ duties, especially with the automation of tasks that we previously performed manually.

Benefits Brokers

Some of the HR professionals we talked to consider it essential to involve benefits brokers in the process. First, ensuring that the HRIS vendors you're considering work with the benefits carriers you currently use are vital. 

If they do not, part of your implementation process will include justifying to your employees why they are being forced to make a difficult change. In some (but not all) cases, a benefits broker can help with this.

Although keeping current benefits unchained may narrow down and simplify your search from the start, brokers can be helpful to help navigate the notoriously tricky ins and outs of benefits and coverage.  Finally, some benefit brokers have an internal HRIS team you can partner with during the RFP (request for proposal) process.

Operations Team

Your operations team will be involved in the budgeting, reporting, and legal compliance of your HRIS. They may also communicate with benefits management providers and external partners affected by your new HRIS. Communicating with your operations team is crucial to their continued support of your HRIS solution.

IT Teams

Your tech teams will play an important role in helping implement and update new software, so involve them in the decision-making process to ensure they are comfortable with the technology and any security implications.

It may also be helpful to open a communication channel between the vendor’s tech people and your IT team, so if they do run into problems, you are already one step closer to a solution. If the system will require a lot of updates, especially if they are not the automatic, cloud-based type, make sure that your tech team is aware and prepared.‍

Employees

Every employee has a stake in the success or failure of your HRIS. A successful, easy-to-use HRIS is a massive benefit to workers.

At the same time, the success of your HRIS is dependent on your employees using it correctly, so be sure to provide the necessary training and communicate the solution clearly and early. You should listen to your employees' feedback at every step of the road and take their complaints and concerns seriously.

Be sure to carefully explain the positive ways an HRIS will impact their day-to-day work and focus specifically on how the system will benefit them now and in the future.

Questions to Ask During Demos with HRIS Companies

The next step is working with vendors and doing demos. For this step, it’s essential to come prepared with questions that address the core needs of your organization from a functional standpoint, as well as the various items internal stakeholders are looking for (security, data migration, self-service portals, etc.).

Here are questions you should have in your back pocket to ensure your company's needs are met by the tool your vendor is selling.

  • How will information be exchanged with carriers (for benefits)?
  • How can we put important data into this system? (API, Excel spreadsheets, documents, other databases, and paper documents)
  • Does it accommodate benefits carriers’ rules?
  • Does it integrate with ATS/payroll system/any other systems you might have that impact workforce management?
  • What built-in security measures does it contain?
  • Does this solution have SSO (single sign-on) capabilities?
  • Are there multiple authorization levels for different types of users?
  • Is there a maximum number of employees it will support?
  • What types of reporting capabilities does it have?
  • Does it include features to help HR communicate with employees, like mass emails or sophisticated message filtering?
  • How much technical training will be required?
  • What kinds of technical support are provided?
  • What recruiting capabilities are built in?
  • Which HR processes will be automated?

Richey points out, “Demoing software can be painful, but it pays to go into the weeds for every single module.” When approaching a demo, Stacey likes to get a feel for what every workflow will feel like for her employees. She believes they must be getting a tool that makes their lives easier, and often, this commitment requires a trial version to test out the software after the demo.

How to Implement an HRIS System

Here are some best practices to help you ensure a successful HRIS implementation.

  • Fully commit: To take full advantage of the services your HR software offers, you must fully understand all of its features and how to use them. Get your data migrated into your new system quickly (but do not rush!) and dedicate time to get used to the new processes.
  • Decide on an implementation team: It’s always wise to have a team that will take full responsibility for the rollout process of the product. This team should be in charge of communicating the new HRIS to staff from different areas of the company so they’re equipped to take full ownership of the implementation process.
  • Concentrate on adoption: To prevent poor adoption, ensure employees are aware of the new technology before you roll it out. It’s also essential to select a user-friendly HRIS and provide the necessary training so all employees, from new hires to executives, feel comfortable using the technology.
  • Seek support from the vendor: It’s unrealistic to rely entirely on the vendor to fix all your problems, but they can certainly be helpful in many cases. Understand in detail the support that will be offered, and get SLAs in place if you can.
  • Be able to adapt: Being adaptable is always important for an HR team in many cases, including when implementing an HRIS. If the roll-out lacks energy or employees are responding negatively to the system, you need to be ready to change your approach to set your HR software up for success.

HR Software FAQs

What is an HRIS?

An HRIS is an employee management platform that allows HR teams to store and manage employee records. They generally include or integrate with standalone tools that offer core HR functions like payroll, performance reviews, and ATS.

What does HRIS stand for?

HRIS stands for Human Resource Information System.

What does HCM stand for?

HCM stands for Human Capital Management.

What does HRMS stand for?

HRMS stands for Human Resource Management System.

What’s the difference between HRIS, HCM, and HRMS?

On the surface level, there isn’t a massive difference between HRIS, HCM, and HRMS. They are all people management systems that help companies optimize their HR processes.

However, there can be some subtle differences between HRIS, HCM, and HRMS.

  • An HRIS is an all-encompassing in-house software for managing people, procedures, and policies.
  • An HCM has all the features of an HRIS but often includes talent management capabilities.
  • An HRMS is an end-to-end system with all of the features of an HRIS and HCM but often includes payroll and time and labor management capabilities.

What are the different types of HR software?

There are 8 types of HR software, each addressing specific aspects of human resource management:

  • HRIS/HRMS/HCM: Manages employee data, self-service portals, absence and PTO management, benefits administration, performance management, and recruitment tracking.
  • ATS: Manages the recruitment process by organizing candidate information, tracking application statuses, and facilitating communication with applicants. 
  • Recruitment Software: Automates job postings across multiple platforms and track applicant responses, often integrating with ATS to build a pool of engaged talent and improve the candidate experience.
  • Onboarding and Offboarding Software: Simplifies the integration of new employees into the organization and ensures smooth exits for departing staff.
  • Learning Management System: Administers and tracks employee training programs, focusing on skills development and compliance training.
  • Payroll Administration Software: Automates payroll calculations, tax compliance, and financial reporting.
  • Performance Management Software: Monitors employee performance, sets objectives, and facilitates regular feedback to support development and organizational growth.
  • Employee Benefits Administration Software: Manages employee benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, ensuring accurate enrollment and compliance with policies.

When should a company use an HR software system?

According to Danielle Jones (CEO of Pinnacle Consulting Services, 10+ years in business and HR), if an organization has at least one employee whose full-time job it is to manage people systems and benefits administration, then it is time to start using an HRIS.

About the Author

Phil Strazzulla
HR Tech Expert, Harvard MBA, Software Enthusiast
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Phil is the founder of SelectSoftware Reviews, a website dedicated to helping HR and Recruiting teams find and buy the right software through in-depth, expert advice. He has bought over $1 million worth of HR and Recruiting tools. Additionally, as of 2023, nearly 3 million HR professionals have relied on his advice to determine which business software they should buy.

Phil studied finance at New York University and started his career working in venture capital before getting his MBA from Harvard Business School. His in-depth understanding of the Saas landscape, especially HR Tech, stems from nearly a decade of researching and working with these tools as a computer programmer, user, and entrepreneur.

Featured in: Entrepreneur Harvard Business School Yahoo HR.com Recruiting Daily Hacking HR Podcast HR ShopTalk Podcast Employer Branding for Talent Acquisition (Udemy Course)

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