Top 10 Best Bamboo HR Alternatives for HR and Payroll in 2023
As digital transformation revolutionizes the HR and payroll landscape, many businesses are in search of alternative software solutions to Bamboo HR that can provide them with agile solutions for their human resources needs.
With dozens of different SaaS tools flooding the market, it can be hard to know which ones will be best suited for your organization's requirements. In this blog post, we look at 10 great alternatives to BambooHR that make managing payroll, onboarding processes and employee relations faster and easier than ever before - helping you gain control over how you manage your people!
So let’s dive right in – here are our top 10 picks for the best Bamboo alternatives that will power up your HR systems in 2023.
1. ClickUp
ClickUp is a powerful tool for HR and Payroll management, designed to simplify the process of building and managing teams. ClickUp stands out with its comprehensive suite that goes beyond HR and payroll. It offers customizable views for tracking employee performance, engagement, and development, which can enhance workforce alignment. In addition, it provides capabilities for time management and benefits information, making it a versatile tool for businesses of various sizes and industries.
Best Features
- Various views, such as table view, form view, calendar view, and workload view
- Offers over 100 ways to automate HR processes
- Dashboards are ideal for tracking project milestones, targets, and HR KPIs, and there are over 50 widget variations that can be created for any HR scenario, such as positions filled, time to hire, and team performance
Current Limitations
- Steep learning curve since the platform is so flexible and customizable
Pricing
- Free Forever – Free
- Unlimited- $7/user/month
- Business- $12/user/month
- Enterprise- Contact for pricing
Get started with ClickUp for free, no credit card required
2. ADP
ADP is an online payroll software that helps automate payroll tasks and ensure employees are paid correctly and promptly. It also provides other features like a recruiting system and employee benefits manager to create a complete system of tools for businesses to thrive.
Best Features
- Fast and easy payroll processing locally and globally
- Employee and manager self-service options available online or through their mobile app
- Access to certified and experienced payroll professionals 24/7
Current Limitations
- Base features may not be enough for larger companies that require more customization or integrations with third party applications
- Customer service can be slow at times which could lead to delays in resolving issues or understanding how certain functions work
Pricing
- Pricing varies
3. Paycheck Flex
Paychex Flex is a comprehensive Gusto alternative that offers an all-in-one solution for HR, payroll, time and attendance, and benefits. The platform is designed to grow with your business, making it a scalable solution. Paychex Flex has received recognition in the HR Tech Awards program for its focus on small and medium-sized businesses. It also provides mobile apps for easy access to payroll, HR, and other features, making it a convenient choice for businesses on the go.
Best Features
- Combines payroll, HR, time and attendance, and benefits into one platform
- Lets employers manage payroll and access employee data and reports from anywhere
Current Limitations
- Platform can be complex to navigate, especially for beginners
- Customer service could be more responsive
Pricing
- Contact for pricing
4. Workday Human Capital Management
Workday Human Capital Management is a comprehensive cloud-based HR and payroll solution that helps businesses of all sizes manage their workforce. It provides an easy-to-use platform with features such as employee onboarding, time tracking, performance management, payroll processing, tax filing, and more. This makes it easier for companies to manage their people in an efficient way while ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations. With its intuitive interface and superior technology, Workday HCM is the ideal choice for organizations looking to streamline their HR processes.
Best Features
- Comprehensive personnel records management
- Automated workflows for onboarding new hires
- Integrated time tracking system
Current Limitations
- Limited analytics capabilities compared to other BambooHR alternatives on this list
- User experience can be improved by adding more customization options
Pricing
- Pricing can range from $40 per employee to as much as $300k for annual subscriptions
5. Darwinbox
Darwinbox is a comprehensive Human Resources (HR) software designed to manage the entire employee lifecycle on one unified platform. This new-age, cloud-based HR tool is aimed at simplifying HR tasks across various stages of an employee's journey within an organization, from recruitment to retirement. Its key features include AI-based CV parsing and stack ranking, an applicant tracking system for recruitment and onboarding, core HR solutions for managing daily employee needs, and integrations that allow seamless connectivity with existing tech ecosystems. The software also includes modules for performance management, leave and attendance tracking, expense management, rewards and recognition, and travel management.
Best Features
- Allows for a holistic review of an employee's performance, gathering feedback from all levels within the organization
- Provides APIs for seamless integration with other systems
- Activity Dashboard provides an overview of all HR activities, offering real-time insights and analytics
Current Limitations
- User interface and major functions can be confusing for first time users
- Issues with manager notifications when leaves are filed
Pricing
- Quote available upon request
6. TriNet Zenefits
TriNet Zenefits is a human resources platform designed to help businesses manage their HR processes, from recruiting and onboarding to payroll and benefits administration. It's an excellent alternative to BambooHR for larger organizations looking for comprehensive HR software with integrated benefits options.
Best Features
- Recruiting management tools
- Onboarding automation
- Payroll processing, including direct deposit options
Current Limitations
- No free plan available like BambooHR offers
- Some features require manual data entry
Pricing
- Essentials: $8/month per employee
- Growth: $16/month per employee
- Zen: $27/month per employee
7. Gusto
Gusto is a cloud-based HR and payroll software designed to help small businesses manage their employee onboarding, time tracking, payroll processing, benefits administration, and tax compliance. It offers an intuitive platform with tools for managing employee information in a secure environment. Gusto’s suite of features include direct deposit payments into multiple bank accounts, automated tax filings and deductions, custom reports based on company size or industry type as well as integrated health insurance options.
Best Features
- Employee onboarding & self-service portal
- Payroll module including unlimited runs & automatic tax deductions
- Direct deposits & sync between time tracking & payroll
Current Limitations
- Not suitable for large businesses or those in need of more advanced features
Pricing
- Simple: $40/month
- Plus: $80/month
- Premium: Exclusive pricing
8. Rippling
Rippling is a versatile HR management system designed to streamline HR operations and IT management. It is the first software that integrates with IT, allowing businesses to onboard new hires in 90 seconds and manage payroll, benefits, workflows, and IT all in one place. A mobile app also allows employees to request time off and manage their profiles while automatically syncing data with the rest of the systems making Rippling an excellent BambooHR alternative for businesses.
Best Features
- Onboard new hires in under 90 seconds
- Manage payroll & employee benefits
- Time tracking & HR compliance features
Current Limitations
- Interface is not as intuitive as other alternatives
- Some teams may require extensive training on how to use its features correctly
Pricing
- Starts at $8/month per user
9. Zoho People
Zoho People is an HR software designed to streamline various Human Resource-related operations and make them more efficient. Its intuitive and user-friendly interface stands out among its competitors. It offers a complete HR solution, including time tracking, leave management, performance appraisal, employee self-service, form customization, and more. This makes it a one-stop solution for all HR needs.
Best Features
- All-in-one HR software with modules supporting every stage of the employee life cycle.
- Provides employees with options for blended learning features to accommodate self-paced, live virtual, or traditional classroom methods
- Native add-on LMS is available to its Essential HR, Professional, or Premium plans for an additional $18 per user annually
Current Limitations
- Reporting module has limited options compared to other HR systems, making it challenging when generating complex reports
- Customization options can be more comprehensive for some features, such as performance appraisal templates
Pricing
- Free plan: for up to 5 users and 250 MB storage
- Essential HR: $1.25 per user, per month
- Professional: $2.00 per user, per month
10. Paylocity
Paylocity is a comprehensive HR and payroll software designed to streamline HR processes and support employee engagement. It offers a range of features that help organizations improve productivity, attract talent, ensure compliance, and more.
Best Features
- organizations can take a data-driven approach to HR and gain insights into their workforce to make informed decisions.
- Software helps reduce time spent on administrative tasks, allowing organizations to focus on more strategic initiatives.
- Provides tools that help foster connection, collaboration, and belonging to create an engaging company culture
Current Limitations
- User interface can be more intuitive and user-friendly
- Users have reported difficulties with getting in touch with customer support
Pricing
- Pricing available upon request
Choosing a Bamboo HR Alternative
Choosing an alternative for Bamboo HR requires careful consideration of your specific needs. Here are some steps to consider when looking for a new tool or software to use:
Set Your Budget: Decide how much you're willing to spend on HR software. Keep in mind that while some alternatives may be cheaper than Gusto, they may not offer all the features you’ll need long-term.
Compare Features: Once you have a shortlist of alternatives, compare their features side-by-side. Consider factors such as ease of use, customer support, and integration with other software you use.
Consider Scalability: Choose a solution that can grow with your business. If you plan to expand your workforce, make sure the software can accommodate more employees without a significant increase in cost.
Read Reviews: Check out reviews from other businesses who have used the software. This can give you insight into the software's strengths and weaknesses, and help you make an informed decision.
Request a Demo: Most HR software companies offer free demos. Take advantage of this to get a feel for how the software works and whether it's a good fit for your business.
Check Their Customer Support: Good customer support is crucial for any software. Make sure the company offers reliable support in case you run into any issues.
Remember, the best alternative for Gusto will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. It's important to take the time to research and evaluate different options before making a decision.
Perform HR and Payroll Tasks with ClickUp
If you're a current Bamboo HR user looking for project management tools and features among others, ClickUp is an all-in-one platform that provides you with the option to create and customize your own workspace according to your tasks and projects. Sign-up for free to learn and discover more!
