Great HR tools simplify manual HR tasks such as payroll and record keeping so you can focus on hiring, engaging, and retaining workers. We review the 7 best Zenefits alternatives for workforce management to help you make the right choice for your business.
Studies show that on average, small organizations have one HR manager for about every 30 full-time employees. With so much to do—benefits, payroll, hiring, and more—and so many workers to do it for, HR teams can often feel burned out. This lowers productivity and leaves them with less energy to focus on attracting, engaging, and retaining workers.
Luckily, good HR software simplifies manual and time-consuming people management tasks. It also helps you on the strategy front by offering features for training, performance management, and so on.
Zenefits is a popular HR solution, but it may not be the right fit for everyone. In this article, we review the 7 best Zenefits alternatives so you can choose the best one for your company.
What Is Zenefits?
Zenefits is a human resources management solution with tools for time tracking, attendance management, and payroll administration. It also supports HR managers with their tax filing and reporting.
Additionally, Zenefits offers a document management system. Managers and HR teams can store and manage all important employee files and personnel records from one location. Workers can access these from anywhere when they need to.
Zenefits provides hiring and onboarding tools as well. It has an applicant tracking system to source talent and take them through the recruitment process. New hires can also self-onboard using the app. Finally, Zenefits offers benefits management. HR managers can compare and pick a benefits provider of their choice on the platform.
However, its basic plan doesn’t include features such as performance management and analytics found in some other Zenefits competitors. It doesn’t have a free plan but does offer a free trial. Zenefits is available on desktop and 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 Zenefits alternative
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Good for automating payroll processes
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Good for businesses needing a scalable HR solution
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Why Are People Moving Away From Zenefits?
Zenefits is a popular workforce management tool with a good overall rating (4.2 on Capterra). But some users have reported issues with the platform and are looking for alternatives to Zenefits.
One user reported that Zenefits’ payroll software is “easy to use” but found that “tax filings have been wrong or not completed for multiple states.” Similarly, another reviewer shared that they moved to a different system “due to the payroll and tax issues.”
There have been complaints about the features and functionality as well. One customer stated that “the UI feels newer than some other payroll systems” but found that “the functionality is terrible” and “fraught with errors.” Another reviewer liked that Zenefits “streamlines all your workflows” but noted that “it requires a lot of improvement in providing learning management tools.”
Some reviewers have reported issues with Zenefits’ customer service. One user said that while “Zenefits has been a great tool and is user friendly,” they dislike the “response time on customer support and chat is usually unavailable.”
Many customers have shared positive reviews for Zenefits and it’s still a widely used
HR platform. However, there are some great alternatives to Zenefits that may be a better fit for your company.
The 7 Best Zenefits Alternatives of 2024
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Connecteam — The best Zenefits alternative
Connecteam will take this time data and automatically generate digital timesheets you can use for payroll. The platform directly integrates with sto, QuickBooks Online, Paychex and Xero for seamless processing. Connecteam also makes it easy to save timesheets for later use in whatever payroll software your company uses.
With accurate time data, your timesheets are less likely to have errors. And when your timesheets are error-free, you won’t face any potentially costly payroll mistakes.
Stay organized and compliant with centralized document management
Connecteam has a secure, cloud-based document management center. You can store and manage HR files, personnel records, benefits policies, and so much more in a single, central location. Workers can access or upload their paperwork directly from the app, saving you the hassle.
You can also set expiration dates for files to ensure that they’re always reviewed and up to date with regulations. Plus, Connecteam doesn’t limit the size or amount of files you can store.
Support workers’ growth and development with training and milestone tracking
You can create and assign custom training to new hires and existing workers using Connecteam’s training tools. Built-in quizzes let you test learning and make it more engaging.
Connecteam’s employee timeline feature also lets you track milestones such as a worker’s pay increase, promotion, performance reviews, certifications, and more. You can use this tool to check whether or not your employees are on the right track.
Communicate with workers in real time using the in-app chat
Workers can use Connecteam’s in-app chat to ask you questions about policies, employment references, and so much more. You can set up individual and group chats, favorite and mute conversations, and set custom user permissions so only specific people can access certain conversations.
Chats are archived in Connecteam’s cloud-based platform so workers can go back to them anytime. Users can’t save or export conversations outside of the app, making it extra secure.
Recognition and reward features to keep employees motivated
Connecteam offers tools to recognize employees for their contributions. You can use the built-in work chat to send 1-to-1 messages of appreciation. You can also give public shout-outs and virtual awards such as employee-of-the-month on the social media-style updates feed.
In addition, Connecteam lets you send recognition badges directly to employees. You can use pre-made badges or customize them with personalized messages and colorful graphics.
Further, Connecteam lets you provide employees with digital tokens that they can redeem for gift cards. This is a great way to incentivize workers to keep up their good work.
Manage HR processes efficiently with task management tools
With Connecteam’s free task management software, you can create and assign tasks and subtasks to HR and other team members. It also lets you send reminders to those who haven’t completed their tasks.
Additionally, you can add notes and files to a task so everyone can access everything they need in one place. Plus, they can communicate using Connecteam’s dedicated task-related chat channel. These features can boost efficiency in HR processes like hiring, disciplinary investigations, and more.
Boost engagement levels with surveys, flexible scheduling, events, and much more
Connecteam lets you create and send custom surveys and polls to your workers. This helps you gather feedback and use insights to improve the employee experience. You can also use live polls to gather votes in real time.
With Connecteam’s employee scheduling app, you can easily offer flexibility to your team. You can assign shifts based on workers’ preferences and availability, or let them pick from open shifts with or without manager approval. Connecteam also allows for easy shift swapping and will alert employees of any changes to their shifts.
Furthermore, Connecteam makes it simple to plan and manage company events—a task that often falls to HR, especially in smaller companies. It lets you send invites, gather RSVPs, track attendance, and more.
Connecteam’s reporting tools let you see data for all your HR processes, from time and attendance tracking to training completion. You can also see how workers are engaging with your posts on the newsfeed, giving you oversight of what’s working and what isn’t.
In addition to HR management, Connecteam offers many other tools such as a knowledge center, employee directory, and more.
Pick from several affordable plans or the free Small Business Plan
Connecteam is the workforce management solution that provides the best value for money. Its basic plan starts at just $29 for up to 30 users. Small businesses of up to 10 employees can access Connecteam completely free for life.
Start a free trial today to explore all of Connecteam’s features.
Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Try Connecteam here!
Key Features
Accurate timesheets
Secure, organized document management
Training that can be accessed from anywhere
Drag-and-drop scheduling that supports flexible working
Tailored rewards and recognition features
Customized reporting for HR processes and more
Pros
Simple and user-friendly interface
Proactive customer support
Mobile app lets you manage HR processes on the go
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
No credit card required
Get started for free -
Gusto — Good for automating payroll processes
Gusto is another Zenefits alternative. It’s a cloud-based HR and payroll platform with features to manage employee and contractor payments, both domestic and international. It also deducts taxes and benefits contributions for employees during the payroll process. Plus, it deducts company taxes in line with local, state, and federal regulations. Further, it supports tax filing and produces compliance paperwork on behalf of customers.
Gusto also helps administer employee benefits such as health insurance and 401k. HR managers can discuss plans with an in-house broker and opt-in via the platform.
Employees can use Gusto’s self-service tools for expenses, time management, and onboarding. However, it lacks features such as in-app chat that are found in some other Zenefits competitors.
Learn more about GustoKey Features
- Benefits administration and brokering
- Contractor payments
- Tax filing and compliance reporting
- Time tracking
Pros
- Employee self-service tools
- Simple interface
Cons
- No in-app chat
- No learning management system
Pricing
Starts at $40/month + $6/person/month Trial: No Free Plan: No
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ADP Workforce Now — Good for businesses needing a scalable HR solution
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
ADP Workforce Now is next on our list of alternatives to Zenefits. It’s a workforce management solution that offers features for HR, benefits, payroll, and more. In addition to tax filing and deductions, its payroll tool has built-in error detection and alerts if something looks amiss.
Additionally, ADP Workforce Now has talent management software. This can be used for sourcing and hiring candidates. It also has a training platform for learning and development.
It offers employees self-service tools so they can enroll in training and access paystubs, timesheets, and more. It also offers employee record management and has an updates feature to share one-way news and announcements with the company.
However, ADP Workforce Now only includes HR management. Tools for time tracking and administering benefits such as health insurance have to be purchased as add-ons.
Learn more about ADP Workforce NowKey Features
- Talent management
- Payroll processing
- Employee self-service
- Personnel record management
Pros
- Sends error alerts if payroll numbers look incorrect
- Integrates with accounting software
Cons
- No work chat for two-way or group communication
- Time tracking has to be purchased as an add-on
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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Rippling — Good for signing contracts electronically
Rippling is another Zenefits alternative for a human resource management solution. It offers tools for timekeeping, onboarding and offboarding, surveys, and training.
Further, it has built-in payroll software that makes tax and benefits deductions. Employees can also access their paystubs, and the payroll tool allows for global payments.
HR managers can administer benefits such as health insurance and 401k to their workers with Rippling. However, this option is available only on the modular pricing plan, which is more expensive than some other Zenefits competitors. Additionally, it doesn’t have built-in communication tools.
Learn more about RipplingKey Features
- Time and attendance management
- Surveys
- Health insurance and 401k enrollment
- Training platform
Pros
- Integrated payroll software
- Many third-party integrations
Cons
- Benefits available only on modular pricing plan
- No in-app chat or other communication tools
Pricing
Starts at $8/user/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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Bamboo HR — Good for using onboarding templates
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
BambooHR is a people management software solution with features for employee record management, payroll processing, and time and attendance tracking. It also has training software and tools for performance management. HR managers can use BambooHR’s surveys to collect feedback from team members. They can also send reminders to workers to complete their assigned training courses.
BambooHR provides self-service features for employees. Workers can access and update their personal records, review benefits policies, and provide feedback to their coworkers. Moreover, they can request time off on the app.
BambooHR also has tools for hiring including an applicant tracking system. But these tools and the reporting functionality aren’t available on its “essential,” or basic, price package.
The app can be accessed on desktop and mobile devices.
Learn more about Bamboo HRKey Features
- Applicant tracking system
- Training software
- Employee record-keeping
- Reporting and analytics
Pros
- Integrated payroll software
- Third-party integrations available
Cons
- Benefits available only on modular pricing plan
- No in-app chat or other communication tools
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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Zoho People — Good for employee performance analytics
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Zoho People is a people management app and another Zenefits alternative. Its key features include performance management, time off and attendance tracking, and file management. Plus, it offers features for communication and data reporting.
Zoho People has a built-in employee case management system. Workers can raise HR questions or concerns from their app. HR managers can deal with the case, track progress, close it, and maintain a record of it when completed. They can also add notes and files to the case so all the information is stored in one place.
However, case management tools are only available on the Enterprise plan. Moreover, communication tools and payroll integrations are only in the more expensive People Plus package.
Learn more about Zoho PeopleKey Features
- Performance management
- HR reporting and analytics
- Employee case and query management
- Time and attendance tracking
Pros
- Time tracking tool has built-in facial recognition software
- Integrates with other Zoho Suite software
Cons
- Basic plan doesn’t have essential tools for payroll processing
- The full suite of HR management features can be expensive
Pricing
Starts at $1/user/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
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UKG Ready — Good for UKG mid-to-large-sized businesses
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
UKG Ready, formerly known as Kronos Workforce Ready, is a workforce management platform. It offers tools such as employee scheduling, time and attendance tracking, and time off management. It also has a payroll platform and offers HR service delivery. This includes compliance management, file management, and a knowledge base for workers.
Additionally, UKG Ready provides features for talent management. These support HR managers with hiring, performance management, and gathering feedback from workers. Finally, the solution also offers reporting and analytics tools for its HR processes and has a mobile app that can be accessed on the go.
Learn more about UKG ReadyKey Features
- Talent management
- Payroll processing
- HR service delivery
- Reporting and analytics
Pros
- Employees can view time off balances
- Mobile app that can be accessed from anywhere
Cons
- No transparency with pricing plans
- No free plan or free trial
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No
Compare the Best Zenefits Alternatives
| Topic |
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 $40/month + $6/person/month
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Contact vendor for price
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Starts at $8/user/month
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Contact vendor for price
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Starts at $1/user/month
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Contact vendor for price
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| Free Trial |
yes
14-day
|
no
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yes
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yes
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yes
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yes
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no
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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 Zenefits alternative
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Good for automating payroll processes
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Good for businesses needing a scalable HR solution
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Good for signing contracts electronically
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Good for using onboarding templates
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Good for employee performance analytics
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Good for UKG mid-to-large-sized businesses
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| Available on |
Web, iOS, Android
|
Web, iOS, Android
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Web, iOS, Android
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Web, iOS, Android
|
Summary
Zenefits is a widely used and popular workforce management solution, but some customers have faced issues with its payroll, tax filing, and learning features. Others were dissatisfied with the customer support they received. Moreover, the full suite of HR management tools—including performance management and surveys—is only available on the Zen plan. This is more expensive than many other Zenefits competitors.
Connecteam tops our list of the best alternatives to Zenefits and the best all-in-one employee management platform. It provides powerful tools for payroll, document management, time-off management, and more. It also supports strategic HR roles such as gathering employee feedback, offering flexible working, and recognizing top talent.
Connecteam starts at just $29 per month for up to 30 users. There’s also a free-forever plan that can be used by teams of up to 10 users.
Start your 14-day free trial to see how you can use Connecteam to improve your HR practices.