HR management software helps with running a company’s people operations and increasing employee engagement and retention levels. We look at the 7 best BambooHR alternatives so you can choose the best HR management tool for your company.
People management covers a range of responsibilities, including processing payroll, maintaining employee records, answering worker queries, and more.
But these tasks are often time-consuming—HR departments spend over 70% of their time completing them. Beyond this, human resources staff need to hire, manage performance, and navigate labor laws, too.
HR software can simplify these processes, saving you time and effort. The best tools also help with engagement and retention, covering the strategic side of HR as well.
BambooHR is a popular HR management tool, but it may not be the right fit for everyone. Below, we explore the 7 best BambooHR alternatives, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.
What Is BambooHR?
BambooHR is a people management software that offers a range of HR tools. It lets managers store and track employee records. It also offers features for time and attendance tracking, performance management, and payroll. Built-in surveys allow managers to gather team feedback from anywhere.
The app also has self-service options for employees. They can access their personal information, review benefits, and provide peer feedback. Employees are able to calculate and request time off directly from the BambooHR app. The app can also be used to send employees training reminders to complete courses.
Finally, BambooHR has an applicant tracking system and other recruitment tools. However, hiring, training, reporting, and other essential features are not available on the “essential”—i.e., basic—plan. Managers and employees can access the app on desktop or mobile devices.
If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.
Our Top Picks
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The best alternative to BambooHR
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Good for global payments
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Good for document management
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Why Are People Moving Away From BambooHR?
BambooHR is a popular people management software, but some customers have faced issues with the app.
While the user experience seems to have received some positive reviews, there have been complaints. One reviewer found that the “user interface is very friendly,” but they shared that it “logs you out every 15-20 mins.” Another user also said it was “user-friendly and looks great” but that “updates would cause havoc on the system.”
There have also been a few mixed reviews about the e-signature functionality. One customer said they use the BambooHR “to hire, onboard, track” but noted a “struggle with the signing portion of the documents.”
Some reviews have questioned BambooHR’s price point and customer support. One user shared that they “love the time off and PTO features,” but that “the cost could be a hindrance.”
Another wrote, “BambooHR works very well and meets my needs, but I would like customer service to improve. When I ask questions, the customer service representatives often take a long time to respond.”
BambooHR has a good overall rating (4.6 on Capterra) and is still used by many small and medium-sized businesses. But there are many alternatives to BambooHR that may be better suited to your business.
The Best BambooHR Alternatives & Competitors for Workforce Management
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Connecteam — The best alternative to BambooHR
Connecteam is the best all-in-one HR management app. It offers powerful features for document management, time tracking, benefits, rewards and recognition, training, and more.
Let’s dive deeper into Connecteam’s key features.
Secure, cloud-based document center saves you time and keeps records organized
With Connecteam, you can store and manage personnel records and HR files in one secure location. This helps reduce errors such as missing or duplicate records. You can also set expiration dates on all documents so they’re regularly reviewed and updated.
The search tool lets you and your workers easily locate documents from anywhere. Workers can upload any required documents directly onto the app, saving you the hassle. They’re also able to collaborate on documents simultaneously.
Connecteam enables you to set custom access permissions on all documents, too. This way, only the appropriate people can view and edit certain documents.
All data is also end-to-end encrypted, and there are no limits on the size or amount of documents you can store.
Time tracking and automated timesheets provide transparency and reduce payroll errors
With Connecteam’s time clock for employees, workers can clock in and out of their shifts with a single touch of their device. You can also track their GPS location in real time while they’re clocked in, ensuring everyone’s where they need to be.
Connecteam will take these accurate time entries and generate automated timesheets. You can easily export these timesheets to use in your preferred payroll software. Connecteam also directly integrates Gusto, QuickBooks Online, Paychex and Xero for payroll.
Transparent timesheets keep workers accountable. They also reduce misunderstandings between employees and managers about the number of hours worked. These conflicts are typically investigated by HR and can be time-consuming.
Administer time off, flexible working, and other benefits with ease
Connecteam lets you create custom time off and attendance policies. Workers can request time off for vacation, personal days, or any other type of leave directly from the app. You can review and approve requests instantly. Approved time off is automatically added to employee schedules.
With Connecteam’s employe scheduling features, you can offer your workers more flexibility. Employees can indicate availability and preferences for shifts or pick from open shifts with or without approval. Connecteam also allows workers to request to swap shifts with coworkers.
Finally, Connecteam’s document center is a great place to store health insurance, 401k benefits, and other policies from one location.
Make better decisions for your employees with surveys and polls
Surveys and polls help you gather feedback from your employees about work-related issues. Create and publish surveys in minutes using templates or customize them with open-ended, yes/no, and multiple-choice questions. There’s also an option to make survey responses anonymous.
Connecteam’s live digital polls feature lets you gather workers’ opinions in real time. Additionally, Connecteam will automatically notify workers when there’s a survey or poll they need to complete. You can also send automated reminders to their devices to encourage timely responses.
Manage hiring and other HR processes efficiently with full-feature task management
With Connecteam, you can create and assign tasks and subtasks for any type of project or process. The app also lets you track progress and sends reminders so your team can stick to deadlines.
Further, you can add notes and attachments to individual tasks. This way, everyone can easily access all the information they need from one place.
Support employee development with online training and the employee timeline
Connecteam lets you create online training courses, with built-in quizzes to make learning fun and engaging. You can create modules for new hires and existing team members. You can also track completion statuses and send reminders to complete courses.
With the employee timeline feature, you can track important worker milestones like promotions, pay raises, tenure, and more. This way, you can ensure workers are on the right path and identify those who are lagging behind.
Boost morale by recognizing and rewarding good work
Connecteam has great features for rewards and recognition. You can recognize your workers’ good work privately using Connecteam’s in-app chat. Or, send a group message or post about the employee’s accomplishment on the company newsfeed.
You can also send personalized recognition badges directly to employees. Use pre-made badges or create your own using colorful graphics, fun recognition headlines, and thank-you notes.
You can also reward workers through digital tokens that can be redeemed as gift cards. Connecteam has an extensive library of vendors to choose from, and you can track which employees receive tokens and how they use them.
Communicate in real time using the in-app chat
You and your team can use Connecteam’s in-app chat to ask questions about policies, make complaints, ask for employment references, and more. You’re able to set up individual and group chats and favorite and mute conversations as needed.
Chat data is stored in Connecteam’s highly secure cloud and users can’t save or export conversations off the app.
Company events, reporting tools, and affordable pricing
HR teams are often tasked with organizing and running company events. Connecteam lets you plan events, invite attendees, track RSVPs, and more—all from the app.
In addition, Connecteam has a built-in reporting feature that lets you view and track data for all the HR processes discussed so far. See reports for labor costs, time spent on projects, PTO and absences, and more.
Connecteam is very affordable. It starts at just $29/month for up to 30 users, and there’s a free-forever Small Business Plan for teams of up to 10.
Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Try Connecteam here!
Key Features
Cloud-based document center
Insightful surveys and polls
Seamless payroll integrations
Easy benefits administration
Training and development features
Custom recognition and rewards
Pros
User-friendly design
Push notifications keep employees in the loop
Mobile app to manage HR processes from anywhere
All-in-one work management solution
Cons
Needs internet or wifi access to work
Pricing
Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users
14-day free trial, no credit card required
Start your free trial -
Rippling — Good for global payments
Rippling is an HR management solution. It has built-in payroll software that supports global payments. It automatically deducts taxes and employee contributions and also generates paystubs.
Further, it offers features such as time tracking, online training, and employee surveys. Plus, HR teams can use the solution to administer benefits such as health insurance and 401k to their workers. However, this is only available on the modular pricing plan, which can be more expensive than other BambooHR competitors.
Key Features
- Time tracking
- Self onboarding
- Health and retirement benefits
- Learning management system
Pros
- Built-in payroll software
- User-friendly onboarding process
Cons
- Expensive compared to some other BambooHR competitors
- No in-app communications tools
Pricing
Starts at $8/user/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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HiBob (bob) — Good for document management
Bob is a BambooHR alternative that offers time and attendance tracking features. It also automates time off requests and approvals. HR managers can use Bob to manage payroll, administer benefits, and store employee documents.
The platform also enables HR teams to manage onboarding, performance, and other core HR processes. Plus, managers can use the reporting feature to view real-time employee data.
Bob doesn’t have some essential tools like built-in communication software. However, it does offer integrations for other missing features like applicant tracking and a company directory.
Key Features
- Document management
- Onboarding tools
- Benefits administration
- Reporting feature
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Offers third-party integrations
Cons
- No in-app chat
- No built-in learning tools
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No
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Namely — Good for managing benefits
Namely is an HR solution that offers tools for time tracking, performance management, and other HR processes. The platform also has a centralized database to store employee files and personnel records.
Additionally, it has an applicant tracking system. Managers can use this for sourcing, recruitment, onboarding, and more.
Namely also provides managed payroll and benefits services. HR managers can consult with benefits brokers to understand different plans. They can also outsource their end-to-end payroll process.
As a BambooHR alternative, though, Namely is at a disadvantage when it comes to communications tools. The platform doesn’t have its own in-app chat.
Key Features
- Managed payroll and benefits
- Self onboarding
- Performance management
- Applicant tracking system
Pros
- Benefits support
- Simple interface
Cons
- No built-in surveys
- No online training tools
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No
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Gusto — Good for payroll
Gusto is a cloud-based HR platform. It offers features to help with payroll processing, compliance management, tax filing, and more. Managers can also use it to make domestic and international contractor payments.
The payroll software deducts workers’ taxes and benefits contributions. It also ensures company taxes are paid in line with federal, state, and local laws. Further, Gusto provides benefits administration and support.
Workers have several self-service tools including onboarding, expenses, and timekeeping. But the platform lacks some key features found in other alternatives to BambooHR. For instance, it has no training hub or work chat.
Key Features
- Managed payroll
- Contractor payments
- Expense management
- Managed benefits
Pros
- Self-service tools for workers
- Mobile app
Cons
- Lacks an in-app chat and company social feed
- No training tools
Pricing
Starts at $40/month + $6/person/month Trial: No Free Plan: No
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Zoho People — Good for case management
Zoho People is a people management software solution. It offers features for time off management, performance reviews, and record-keeping. It also has reporting and communication tools.
The platform has an employee case management system. Employees can raise HR queries through the app. The HR team can work through the queries and add notes and files to the case.
However, case management is only accessible on the Enterprise plan. Payroll integrations and communications tools are only available on the People Plus plan. These may be expensive compared to some other alternatives to BambooHR.
Key Features
- Performance reviews
- HR reporting
- Employee case management
- Time and attendance tracking
Pros
- Facial recognition in time tracker
- Integrates with other Zoho Suite apps
Cons
- Basic plan lacks essential features like payroll
- Can be expensive for businesses with a lower budget
Pricing
Starts at $1.25/user/month Trial: Yes — 30-day Free Plan: Yes
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TriNet Zenefits — Good for hiring and onboarding
Zenefits is an HR solution that supports performance management, payroll, time tracking, and more. It also has a document management system to store and manage employee files and records. Further, managers can compare benefits providers and pick a plan of their choice from the platform.
Zenefits offers an applicant tracking system for sourcing and hiring candidates. Plus, new hires can self-onboard on the app.
Unfortunately, the platform doesn’t have an in-app chat.
Key Features
- Applicant tracking system
- Self onboarding
- Benefits administration
- Time and attendance tracking
Pros
- Benefits guidance
- Third-party integrations
Cons
- No in-app chat
- Survey features are only on the most expensive plan
Pricing
Starts at $8/user/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
Compare the Best BambooHR Alternatives for Workforce Managements
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Start for free
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| Reviews |
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| Pricing |
Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
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Starts at $8/user/month
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Contact vendor for price
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Contact vendor for price
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Starts at $40/month + $6/person/month
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Starts at $1.25/user/month
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Starts at $8/user/month
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| Free Trial |
yes
14-day
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yes
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no
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no
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no
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yes
30-day
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yes
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| Free Plan |
yes
Free Up to 10 users
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no
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no
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no
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no
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yes
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no
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| Use cases |
The best alternative to BambooHR
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Good for global payments
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Good for document management
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Good for managing benefits
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Good for payroll
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Good for case management
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Good for hiring and onboarding
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| Available on |
Conclusion
Good HR management software can take the headache out of manual and time-consuming HR tasks. And while BambooHR is a popular HR management solution, it may not work for everyone.
Some users faced concerns with app updates and auto-logouts. Others found the cost to be a hindrance and wished that customer support was faster. This has pushed some to look into BambooHR competitors and see if they’re a better fit for their business.
Connecteam is the best BambooHR alternative available today. Connecteam makes it easy to store and organize company documents, manage time off and absences, administer benefits, and so much more. It also offers features for training, recognition, events, and performance management.
Connecteam’s paid plans begin at $29 for up to 30 users. There’s also a free-forever plan for small businesses of up to 10 users.
Get started with Connecteam today by signing up for a 14-day free trial.