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HR In Industry

Top 10 Best Employee Leave Software of 2026

Discover top employee leave software to streamline workflows. Compare features & choose the best fit for your team.

Min-ji Park

Min-ji Park

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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Efficient leave management is foundational to modern HR operations, balancing employee well-being with organizational productivity and compliance. With a spectrum of tools available, choosing the right solution—tailored to policy complexity, integration needs, and business size—is key to streamlining processes and minimizing friction. The following rankings highlight the most impactful options, each designed to simplify leave tracking, approvals, and reporting.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: BambooHR - Comprehensive HR platform that streamlines employee leave requests, approvals, accruals, and balance tracking with intuitive self-service tools.
  2. 2#2: Rippling - All-in-one workforce management software automating PTO policies, accrual calculations, approvals, and integrations across HR and payroll.
  3. 3#3: Gusto - User-friendly payroll and HR tool offering unlimited time-off tracking, policy management, and automated accruals for small businesses.
  4. 4#4: HiBob - Modern HR platform providing flexible leave management with custom policies, multi-location support, and employee self-service portals.
  5. 5#5: Zenefits - HR software with robust time-off request handling, accrual tracking, and compliance features integrated into benefits administration.
  6. 6#6: Paycor - HCM solution delivering advanced leave management including FMLA tracking, automated notifications, and reporting for mid-sized businesses.
  7. 7#7: Paylocity - Cloud-based HR and payroll system with customizable PTO policies, mobile approvals, and detailed leave analytics.
  8. 8#8: UKG Pro - Enterprise workforce management tool excelling in complex leave scheduling, compliance, and timekeeping integrations.
  9. 9#9: Workday - Scalable HCM platform with sophisticated absence management, global compliance, and AI-driven forecasting for large organizations.
  10. 10#10: ADP Workforce Now - Established HR solution providing reliable leave tracking, policy enforcement, and payroll-linked absence management.

Tools were selected based on features like accrual accuracy, self-service capabilities, and compliance support, alongside usability, scalability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the diverse demands of small to enterprise-level organizations.

Comparison Table

Managing employee leave efficiently is key to workplace productivity and compliance; our comparison table examines top tools, including BambooHR, Rippling, Gusto, HiBob, Zenefits, and more, to help you find the best fit for your team. This guide outlines features, usability, and differences, ensuring informed choices for seamless leave administration.

1BambooHR logo9.6/10

Comprehensive HR platform that streamlines employee leave requests, approvals, accruals, and balance tracking with intuitive self-service tools.

Features
9.7/10
Ease
9.8/10
Value
9.4/10
2Rippling logo9.2/10

All-in-one workforce management software automating PTO policies, accrual calculations, approvals, and integrations across HR and payroll.

Features
9.5/10
Ease
8.7/10
Value
8.6/10
3Gusto logo8.6/10

User-friendly payroll and HR tool offering unlimited time-off tracking, policy management, and automated accruals for small businesses.

Features
8.4/10
Ease
9.1/10
Value
8.3/10
4HiBob logo8.7/10

Modern HR platform providing flexible leave management with custom policies, multi-location support, and employee self-service portals.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
8.5/10
Value
8.0/10
5Zenefits logo8.1/10

HR software with robust time-off request handling, accrual tracking, and compliance features integrated into benefits administration.

Features
8.4/10
Ease
8.0/10
Value
7.6/10
6Paycor logo8.4/10

HCM solution delivering advanced leave management including FMLA tracking, automated notifications, and reporting for mid-sized businesses.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
8.5/10
Value
8.0/10
7Paylocity logo8.6/10

Cloud-based HR and payroll system with customizable PTO policies, mobile approvals, and detailed leave analytics.

Features
8.9/10
Ease
8.4/10
Value
8.1/10
8UKG Pro logo8.2/10

Enterprise workforce management tool excelling in complex leave scheduling, compliance, and timekeeping integrations.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
7.7/10
9Workday logo8.4/10

Scalable HCM platform with sophisticated absence management, global compliance, and AI-driven forecasting for large organizations.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
7.5/10

Established HR solution providing reliable leave tracking, policy enforcement, and payroll-linked absence management.

Features
8.2/10
Ease
6.9/10
Value
6.8/10
1
BambooHR logo

BambooHR

enterprise

Comprehensive HR platform that streamlines employee leave requests, approvals, accruals, and balance tracking with intuitive self-service tools.

Overall Rating9.6/10
Features
9.7/10
Ease of Use
9.8/10
Value
9.4/10
Standout Feature

Advanced Time Off Manager with interactive calendars, real-time balance tracking, and AI-powered forecasting for leave trends

BambooHR is an all-in-one HR platform with robust employee leave management capabilities, enabling seamless tracking, requesting, approving, and reporting on PTO, sick leave, and other time-off types. It features automated accrual rules, customizable policies, visual calendars, and mobile self-service for employees and managers. The tool integrates with payroll and benefits systems, ensuring compliance and accurate balance calculations across organizations.

Pros

  • Intuitive self-service portals for employees and automated workflows for approvals
  • Customizable accrual schedules and policy rules with visual leave calendars
  • Seamless integrations with payroll, benefits, and other HR tools

Cons

  • Pricing can escalate for larger organizations or advanced add-ons
  • Reporting customization may require additional configuration
  • Initial setup demands some HR expertise for complex policies

Best For

Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an user-friendly, comprehensive HR solution with top-tier leave management.

Pricing

Quote-based pricing starting around $6-12 per employee per month, depending on features and company size.

Visit BambooHRbamboohr.com
2
Rippling logo

Rippling

enterprise

All-in-one workforce management software automating PTO policies, accrual calculations, approvals, and integrations across HR and payroll.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.5/10
Ease of Use
8.7/10
Value
8.6/10
Standout Feature

PolicySync, which automatically configures and enforces location-specific leave policies across global teams

Rippling is an all-in-one HR, payroll, and IT platform with powerful employee leave management features, enabling automated accrual tracking, policy enforcement, request approvals, and compliance with global leave laws. It streamlines PTO, sick leave, and vacation processes through a unified employee database that syncs data across all HR functions. Businesses can customize leave policies per team or location while integrating seamlessly with payroll for accurate pay calculations during absences.

Pros

  • Automated leave accruals and multi-policy support for complex organizations
  • Real-time compliance with federal, state, and local regulations worldwide
  • Seamless integration with payroll, benefits, and IT for unified employee management

Cons

  • Can feel overwhelming for small teams needing only basic leave tracking
  • Pricing scales quickly with add-ons and employee count
  • Initial setup requires configuration for optimal use

Best For

Mid-sized to enterprise companies seeking integrated HR solutions with advanced leave automation.

Pricing

Custom pricing starting at $8 per employee per month for core HR features, with full platform costs averaging $10-20+ per employee/month depending on modules and scale.

Visit Ripplingrippling.com
3
Gusto logo

Gusto

enterprise

User-friendly payroll and HR tool offering unlimited time-off tracking, policy management, and automated accruals for small businesses.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
8.4/10
Ease of Use
9.1/10
Value
8.3/10
Standout Feature

Automatic PTO accrual syncing directly with payroll for precise payments and compliance

Gusto is an all-in-one payroll and HR platform designed primarily for small businesses, with built-in employee leave management features including PTO accrual tracking, leave request approvals, and balance visibility. It automates leave policy enforcement, integrates seamlessly with payroll for accurate paid time off calculations and payouts, and supports compliance with state-specific sick leave laws. While not a standalone leave tool, its HR suite makes it a strong contender for integrated workforce management.

Pros

  • Seamless payroll integration for automatic PTO payouts and accruals
  • Intuitive employee self-service portal and mobile app for requests
  • Built-in compliance tools for US state leave laws

Cons

  • Not specialized for complex global or multi-policy leave scenarios
  • Pricing scales with payroll users, costly for leave-only needs
  • Limited advanced analytics and reporting on leave trends

Best For

Small to mid-sized US businesses seeking integrated payroll, HR, and straightforward leave management.

Pricing

Simple plan starts at $40 base + $6/employee/month; Plus at $80 + $12/employee; Premium custom quoted; leave features included in all tiers.

Visit Gustogusto.com
4
HiBob logo

HiBob

enterprise

Modern HR platform providing flexible leave management with custom policies, multi-location support, and employee self-service portals.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
8.5/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Automated multi-jurisdictional leave compliance with real-time policy updates across 100+ countries

HiBob is a modern HR platform with robust employee leave management features, enabling automated accrual, tracking, and approval of vacation, sick leave, and other time-off types. It supports customizable policies compliant with global regulations, self-service portals for employees, and seamless manager approvals via web or mobile app. The solution integrates leave data with broader HR functions like payroll and performance for a unified employee experience.

Pros

  • Highly customizable leave policies with automated accruals and carryover rules
  • Strong global compliance for multi-country teams
  • Intuitive mobile app for employee self-service and real-time balances

Cons

  • Full HR suite may overwhelm users needing only leave management
  • Quote-based pricing can be steep for small businesses
  • Steeper learning curve for advanced configurations

Best For

Mid-sized to enterprise companies with international teams seeking integrated HR and leave management.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing, typically $8-12 per employee/month for core HR including leave features.

Visit HiBobhibob.com
5
Zenefits logo

Zenefits

enterprise

HR software with robust time-off request handling, accrual tracking, and compliance features integrated into benefits administration.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.4/10
Ease of Use
8.0/10
Value
7.6/10
Standout Feature

Automated compliance with diverse state leave regulations, reducing manual errors in multi-location setups

Zenefits is an all-in-one HR platform that offers comprehensive employee leave management as part of its suite, enabling automated tracking of PTO, sick leave, and other time-off requests. Employees can submit requests via a mobile app or web portal, with managers receiving notifications for quick approvals and real-time balance updates. It integrates seamlessly with payroll and benefits administration to ensure compliance with state-specific leave laws and automate accruals.

Pros

  • Seamless integration with payroll and benefits for holistic HR management
  • Automated accrual tracking and multi-state compliance features
  • User-friendly mobile app for employee self-service

Cons

  • Pricing can be steep for small teams focused only on leave management
  • Occasional reports of integration glitches or slow support response
  • Overkill for companies needing just basic leave tracking without full HR suite

Best For

Small to mid-sized businesses seeking an integrated HR platform with reliable leave management capabilities.

Pricing

Custom pricing tiers starting at around $8 per employee per month, with higher plans for advanced features; free trial available.

Visit Zenefitszenefits.com
6
Paycor logo

Paycor

enterprise

HCM solution delivering advanced leave management including FMLA tracking, automated notifications, and reporting for mid-sized businesses.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
8.5/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Payroll-integrated absence management for precise leave pay calculations and deductions

Paycor is a cloud-based HCM platform with robust employee leave management capabilities, automating PTO accrual, time-off requests, approvals, and balance tracking. It integrates seamlessly with payroll and time & attendance modules to ensure compliance with FMLA, state laws, and company policies. The solution provides real-time dashboards and mobile access for employees and managers alike.

Pros

  • Seamless integration with payroll for automatic pay adjustments
  • Customizable accrual rules and compliance tracking
  • Mobile app for easy request submissions and approvals

Cons

  • Pricing can be high for companies needing only leave management
  • Setup and customization require initial configuration time
  • Overkill for very small businesses without full HCM needs

Best For

Mid-sized businesses seeking integrated HR, payroll, and leave management in one platform.

Pricing

Quote-based pricing; typically starts at $99-$199 per employee/month depending on modules and company size.

Visit Paycorpaycor.com
7
Paylocity logo

Paylocity

enterprise

Cloud-based HR and payroll system with customizable PTO policies, mobile approvals, and detailed leave analytics.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
8.9/10
Ease of Use
8.4/10
Value
8.1/10
Standout Feature

Automated accrual balancing and carryover rules with built-in multi-jurisdictional compliance

Paylocity is a comprehensive HCM platform that includes robust employee leave management as part of its Time & Attendance module, offering automated accrual tracking, request submissions, and approvals. It ensures compliance with FMLA, state-specific laws, and integrates directly with payroll for accurate pay calculations during leaves. The mobile-first self-service portal empowers employees to manage their time off effortlessly while providing managers with real-time visibility and reporting.

Pros

  • Seamless payroll and benefits integration for leave pay accuracy
  • Strong compliance automation for multi-state regulations
  • Intuitive mobile app for employee self-service

Cons

  • Pricing can be steep for small businesses or leave-only use
  • Full suite complexity unnecessary for standalone leave needs
  • Initial setup requires significant configuration

Best For

Mid-to-large enterprises needing integrated HR tools with reliable leave management.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing, typically $15-$30 per employee per month depending on modules and company size.

Visit Paylocitypaylocity.com
8
UKG Pro logo

UKG Pro

enterprise

Enterprise workforce management tool excelling in complex leave scheduling, compliance, and timekeeping integrations.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
7.7/10
Standout Feature

Automated multi-jurisdictional compliance engine that handles diverse leave laws and accruals across 100+ countries

UKG Pro is a comprehensive HCM platform that includes robust employee leave management capabilities, handling accrual tracking, request approvals, balance inquiries, and compliance with regulations like FMLA and global labor laws. It integrates seamlessly with payroll, timekeeping, and scheduling modules for automated leave processing and reporting. Designed for mid-to-large enterprises, it supports complex leave policies across multiple locations and jurisdictions.

Pros

  • Advanced compliance tools for multi-jurisdictional leave policies
  • Seamless integration with payroll and time tracking
  • Detailed reporting and analytics for leave trends

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex interface
  • High implementation costs and time
  • Overkill for small businesses focused solely on leave management

Best For

Large enterprises with complex, global workforces needing integrated HCM and leave management.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $15-25 per employee per month for full HCM suite including leave features.

9
Workday logo

Workday

enterprise

Scalable HCM platform with sophisticated absence management, global compliance, and AI-driven forecasting for large organizations.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
7.5/10
Standout Feature

Advanced policy engine for handling intricate, multi-country leave accruals and automated compliance reporting

Workday provides a robust Absence Management module within its cloud-based HCM suite, allowing organizations to automate employee leave requests, track accruals, balances, and approvals for various leave types like PTO, sick time, and FMLA compliance. It integrates seamlessly with payroll, time tracking, and other HR functions for real-time visibility and reporting. Designed for enterprises, it supports complex global leave policies and self-service portals for employees and managers.

Pros

  • Deep integration with full HCM, payroll, and analytics
  • Highly configurable accrual rules and compliance tools
  • Mobile-first self-service for employees and managers

Cons

  • Prohibitively expensive for SMBs
  • Complex implementation requiring significant customization
  • Steep learning curve for non-enterprise users

Best For

Large enterprises with complex, global leave policies needing tight integration with broader HR systems.

Pricing

Custom enterprise subscription pricing, typically $150-$300+ per employee per year, quoted based on modules and users.

Visit Workdayworkday.com
10
ADP Workforce Now logo

ADP Workforce Now

enterprise

Established HR solution providing reliable leave tracking, policy enforcement, and payroll-linked absence management.

Overall Rating7.6/10
Features
8.2/10
Ease of Use
6.9/10
Value
6.8/10
Standout Feature

AI-driven compliance engine that automatically applies federal, state, and local leave regulations with audit-ready documentation

ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive HCM platform that includes robust employee leave management as part of its suite, automating PTO accrual, leave requests, approvals, and tracking. It ensures compliance with FMLA, state laws, and company policies through configurable rules and real-time reporting. The system offers employee self-service portals for submitting and viewing leave balances, integrating seamlessly with payroll and time-tracking modules for a unified HR experience.

Pros

  • Strong regulatory compliance automation for various leave types
  • Seamless integration with payroll and other ADP HR modules
  • Scalable for mid-to-large organizations with advanced reporting

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex interface
  • High implementation time and costs
  • Overkill for small businesses focused solely on leave management

Best For

Mid-sized to large enterprises needing integrated HCM with reliable leave tracking and compliance.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing; typically $100-$200+ per employee per month depending on modules and company size.

Conclusion

Among the top employee leave tools, BambooHR emerges as the leading choice, praised for its comprehensive leave management and intuitive self-service features. Rippling excels with its seamless integration across HR and payroll, while Gusto stands out for its user-friendly design tailored to small businesses. Each of the top three offers unique strengths, ensuring there’s a solution for diverse needs.

BambooHR logo
Our Top Pick
BambooHR

Explore BambooHR to streamline leave requests, approvals, and tracking—turning leave management into a simple, efficient process for your organization.