Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - Simplifies payroll, benefits administration, and basic HR tasks for small businesses.
- 2#2: BambooHR - Provides comprehensive HR management including onboarding, performance tracking, and employee self-service for small teams.
- 3#3: Rippling - All-in-one platform automating HR, payroll, IT, and finance workflows for growing small businesses.
- 4#4: Zenefits - Offers HR, payroll, and benefits management with compliance tools tailored for small to mid-sized companies.
- 5#5: Justworks - PEO service handling payroll, HR compliance, and benefits to let small businesses focus on growth.
- 6#6: OnPay - Delivers affordable payroll processing with integrated HR tools for small business owners.
- 7#7: Patriot Software - Budget-friendly payroll and HR software with time tracking for very small businesses.
- 8#8: Paychex - Provides payroll, HR outsourcing, and compliance solutions scalable for small businesses.
- 9#9: ADP RUN - Streamlines payroll and essential HR functions with expert support for small business operations.
- 10#10: Zoho People - Cloud-based HR management system with attendance, performance, and recruitment features for small teams.
These tools were chosen based on a rigorous evaluation of key factors, including feature depth, user-friendliness, performance reliability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver tailored solutions for everything from payroll processing to comprehensive HR integration.
Comparison Table
For small businesses navigating HR management, selecting the right software is critical—this table compares top tools like Gusto, BambooHR, Rippling, Zenefits, Justworks, and more to simplify your choice. It breaks down features, pricing, and usability, helping you find the solution that fits your team’s size, budget, and unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto Simplifies payroll, benefits administration, and basic HR tasks for small businesses. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | BambooHR Provides comprehensive HR management including onboarding, performance tracking, and employee self-service for small teams. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Rippling All-in-one platform automating HR, payroll, IT, and finance workflows for growing small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Zenefits Offers HR, payroll, and benefits management with compliance tools tailored for small to mid-sized companies. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Justworks PEO service handling payroll, HR compliance, and benefits to let small businesses focus on growth. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | OnPay Delivers affordable payroll processing with integrated HR tools for small business owners. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 7 | Patriot Software Budget-friendly payroll and HR software with time tracking for very small businesses. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 8 | Paychex Provides payroll, HR outsourcing, and compliance solutions scalable for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | ADP RUN Streamlines payroll and essential HR functions with expert support for small business operations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | Zoho People Cloud-based HR management system with attendance, performance, and recruitment features for small teams. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
Simplifies payroll, benefits administration, and basic HR tasks for small businesses.
Provides comprehensive HR management including onboarding, performance tracking, and employee self-service for small teams.
All-in-one platform automating HR, payroll, IT, and finance workflows for growing small businesses.
Offers HR, payroll, and benefits management with compliance tools tailored for small to mid-sized companies.
PEO service handling payroll, HR compliance, and benefits to let small businesses focus on growth.
Delivers affordable payroll processing with integrated HR tools for small business owners.
Budget-friendly payroll and HR software with time tracking for very small businesses.
Provides payroll, HR outsourcing, and compliance solutions scalable for small businesses.
Streamlines payroll and essential HR functions with expert support for small business operations.
Cloud-based HR management system with attendance, performance, and recruitment features for small teams.
Gusto
specializedSimplifies payroll, benefits administration, and basic HR tasks for small businesses.
Automated, full-service payroll that handles multi-state taxes, filings, and payments in one click, saving hours weekly.
Gusto is a comprehensive all-in-one HR platform tailored for small businesses, streamlining payroll processing, benefits administration, employee onboarding, time tracking, and compliance management. It automates tax filings, direct deposits, and offers health insurance marketplaces integrated directly with payroll. With robust integrations to accounting tools like QuickBooks and a mobile app for employees, Gusto simplifies HR tasks for growing teams.
Pros
- Full-service payroll with automatic tax calculations, filings, and payments
- Integrated employee benefits including health insurance and 401(k) options
- Intuitive interface with excellent mobile app and onboarding wizards
- Top-rated customer support available via phone, chat, and email
Cons
- Higher costs for teams over 50 employees compared to basic payroll tools
- Advanced HR analytics and reporting require premium plans or add-ons
- Limited customization for highly specialized industries
Best For
Small businesses with 1-100 employees seeking an integrated payroll, benefits, and HR solution without needing in-house expertise.
Pricing
Plans start at $40/month + $6/employee (Simple), $80 + $12 (Plus), and custom Premium; additional fees for benefits and contractors.
BambooHR
specializedProvides comprehensive HR management including onboarding, performance tracking, and employee self-service for small teams.
Comprehensive employee self-service portal that reduces HR admin by empowering employees to manage their own data, requests, and documents securely.
BambooHR is a cloud-based HRIS platform tailored for small and medium-sized businesses, centralizing employee data management, onboarding, time tracking, performance reviews, and compliance. It offers an intuitive interface with employee self-service features, allowing staff to handle personal info updates, PTO requests, and document access independently. The software includes robust reporting, applicant tracking, and integrations with payroll and benefits providers to streamline HR operations.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with mobile app for easy access
- Strong employee self-service and onboarding tools
- Customizable reports and real-time analytics
Cons
- Pricing scales per employee and can get costly for growth
- Payroll is an add-on not available in all regions
- Limited advanced AI or enterprise-scale customization
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses (10-250 employees) needing an all-in-one, user-friendly HR solution without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $6-$12 per employee per month (billed annually), with tiers for core HR, full service, and premium features.
Rippling
specializedAll-in-one platform automating HR, payroll, IT, and finance workflows for growing small businesses.
Unified automation that syncs employee data across HR, IT, and Finance for instant provisioning of apps, devices, and benefits.
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management platform that integrates HR, payroll, benefits, IT, and finance functions into a single system, automating the entire employee lifecycle from onboarding to offboarding. It excels in unifying employee data across departments, enabling seamless provisioning of devices, apps, and benefits upon hire. Designed for scalability, it supports global payroll in over 100 countries, making it ideal for growing small businesses seeking efficiency without multiple tools.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform eliminates silos between HR, IT, and finance
- Automated employee provisioning and workflows save significant time
- Robust global payroll and compliance support for international teams
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small teams under 50 employees
- Initial setup and learning curve may overwhelm non-technical users
- Limited transparency in pricing without a custom quote
Best For
Growing small to medium businesses (20-500 employees) needing an integrated HR-IT-finance solution to streamline operations.
Pricing
Starts at $8/user/month for HR + Payroll; scales with add-ons like IT and Finance (custom quotes required, typically $10-20/user/month total).
Zenefits
specializedOffers HR, payroll, and benefits management with compliance tools tailored for small to mid-sized companies.
Automated benefits administration with real-time open enrollment and carrier integrations for effortless employee self-service
Zenefits is a comprehensive cloud-based HR platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering integrated tools for payroll, benefits administration, employee onboarding, time tracking, and compliance management. It automates key HR processes like open enrollment and ACA reporting, allowing businesses to manage the full employee lifecycle efficiently. The platform emphasizes ease of setup and scalability, making it suitable for growing teams.
Pros
- All-in-one platform integrating HR, payroll, and benefits seamlessly
- Strong compliance tools for ACA, state regulations, and payroll taxes
- Intuitive interface with quick onboarding and mobile app support
Cons
- Pricing can become expensive with add-ons for smaller teams
- Customer support response times vary and can be inconsistent
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Small businesses with 10-200 employees seeking an integrated HR and benefits solution without needing extensive customizations.
Pricing
Core HR starts at $8 per employee/month; payroll and benefits add-ons range from $6-10/employee/month, with custom enterprise pricing available.
Justworks
specializedPEO service handling payroll, HR compliance, and benefits to let small businesses focus on growth.
Co-employment PEO model that assumes legal employer responsibilities and unlocks Fortune 500-level benefits for small teams
Justworks is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) platform designed for small businesses, offering an all-in-one solution for payroll processing, employee benefits administration, HR compliance, and tools like onboarding and performance management. By acting as a co-employer, it provides access to affordable, high-quality benefits typically reserved for larger companies. The platform streamlines administrative tasks, reducing the HR burden on business owners while ensuring regulatory compliance across multiple states.
Pros
- Comprehensive PEO services including payroll, benefits, and compliance in one platform
- Access to competitive group health insurance rates through co-employment
- Intuitive dashboard with strong mobile app support for employees and admins
Cons
- Pricing scales per employee, which can become expensive for growing teams
- Fewer advanced custom reporting options compared to dedicated HRIS tools
- Onboarding process may feel rigid for businesses needing high customization
Best For
Small businesses with 10-100 employees looking to outsource complex HR, payroll, and benefits administration without building an in-house team.
Pricing
Starts at $59 per active employee/month for HR + Payroll, $109 for full PEO services; plus $6-$10 per employee per payroll run and 0.5%-1% transaction fees.
OnPay
specializedDelivers affordable payroll processing with integrated HR tools for small business owners.
Assigned dedicated payroll specialist for personalized guidance and error-free processing
OnPay is a payroll-focused platform with integrated HR tools tailored for small businesses, handling payroll processing, tax filings, and benefits administration seamlessly. It includes essential HR features like employee onboarding, time-off requests, performance reviews, and compliance reporting. Designed for simplicity, it offers unlimited payroll runs and robust integrations with accounting and HR systems, making it a solid all-in-one solution for growing teams.
Pros
- Exceptional customer support with dedicated specialists
- Accurate multi-state payroll and automated tax compliance
- Unlimited payroll runs and seamless integrations with 200+ apps
Cons
- Limited advanced HR features like applicant tracking or full performance management
- No free tier or trial period
- Reporting capabilities are basic compared to dedicated HRIS platforms
Best For
Small businesses with 1-50 employees seeking reliable payroll with basic HR tools and hands-on support.
Pricing
$40 base fee per month plus $6 per active employee; includes free setup, implementation, and year-round support.
Patriot Software
specializedBudget-friendly payroll and HR software with time tracking for very small businesses.
100% Payroll Guarantee, where Patriot covers any tax filing penalties if they make an error
Patriot Software provides affordable payroll and HR solutions designed specifically for small businesses, handling everything from payroll processing and tax filings to employee onboarding and time-off tracking. Its HR module includes self-service portals for employees, ACA reporting, and basic performance management tools. With a strong emphasis on compliance and simplicity, it helps small business owners manage HR without needing in-house expertise.
Pros
- Exceptionally affordable pricing with transparent costs
- 100% payroll accuracy guarantee including tax penalty coverage
- User-friendly interface with quick setup and mobile access
Cons
- HR features are basic and lack advanced analytics or recruiting tools
- Limited third-party integrations beyond accounting software
- Customer support response times can vary during tax season
Best For
Small businesses with under 50 employees seeking simple, cost-effective payroll and essential HR functions without complex needs.
Pricing
Payroll starts at $17 base + $4/employee/month (Basic) or $37 + $4/employee (Full Service); HR add-on at $4/employee/month.
Paychex
enterpriseProvides payroll, HR outsourcing, and compliance solutions scalable for small businesses.
Payroll compliance guarantee with expert tax filing and regulatory updates handled by specialists
Paychex offers a comprehensive HR and payroll platform designed for small businesses, handling everything from payroll processing and tax compliance to employee benefits administration, time tracking, and talent management through its Paychex Flex suite. It integrates HR tools like onboarding, performance reviews, and compliance reporting into a unified dashboard, backed by expert support to navigate complex regulations. Ideal for growing small businesses, it scales from basic payroll needs to full HR outsourcing while emphasizing accuracy and risk reduction.
Pros
- Extensive payroll and compliance tools with accuracy guarantees
- All-in-one HR suite including benefits, onboarding, and analytics
- Responsive customer support from HR and payroll specialists
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to DIY-focused competitors
- Steeper learning curve for non-HR users
- Custom quotes obscure transparent cost comparison
Best For
Small businesses with 10-100 employees needing robust, compliance-heavy payroll and HR management without building an in-house team.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $80/month base plus $4-6 per employee, with tiers for added HR features.
ADP RUN
enterpriseStreamlines payroll and essential HR functions with expert support for small business operations.
Guaranteed on-time, accurate payroll tax filing and compliance with ADP's expertise
ADP RUN is a comprehensive cloud-based payroll and HR software solution tailored for small businesses, offering automated payroll processing, tax compliance, and filing. It includes HR tools such as employee onboarding, benefits administration, time and attendance tracking, and performance management. Designed for scalability, it helps small teams manage workforce needs efficiently while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Pros
- Robust payroll accuracy with guaranteed tax compliance and filing
- Extensive integrations via ADP Marketplace including major accounting software
- 24/7 customer support and dedicated implementation specialists
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to competitors, especially for basic plans
- Steep learning curve for non-HR users despite intuitive interface
- Some advanced HR features require pricier Complete plan
Best For
Small businesses with 1-50 employees needing reliable payroll processing and compliance support alongside basic HR functions.
Pricing
Essential plan starts at $79/month + $4/employee; Enhanced at $119/month + $11/employee; Complete at $148/month + $13/employee (billed annually).
Zoho People
specializedCloud-based HR management system with attendance, performance, and recruitment features for small teams.
Customizable forms and workflows via drag-and-drop Canvas builder
Zoho People is a cloud-based HR management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering tools for employee onboarding, attendance tracking, leave management, performance reviews, and recruitment. It integrates seamlessly with the broader Zoho ecosystem, enabling unified workflows across CRM, finance, and other apps. The software emphasizes mobile accessibility and employee self-service, making it suitable for remote and hybrid teams.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a robust free tier for small teams
- Seamless integration with Zoho apps like CRM and Books
- Intuitive mobile app for employee self-service
Cons
- Advanced analytics and reporting lack depth compared to enterprise tools
- Some features require paid add-ons or higher tiers
- Customer support response times can be slow for non-premium users
Best For
Small businesses seeking an cost-effective, integrated HR solution within the Zoho ecosystem.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 users; Standard plan at $1/user/month, Professional at $2.50/user/month (billed annually).
Conclusion
Across the reviewed tools, Gusto rises as the top choice, simplifying payroll, benefits, and basic HR tasks for small businesses. BambooHR follows, offering comprehensive management with onboarding and employee self-service, and Rippling stands third, providing an all-in-one platform that automates HR, IT, and finance workflows—each excelling in distinct areas. Together, they highlight the diversity of options, ensuring every small business can find a solution that fits its unique needs.
Take the first step toward streamlined HR operations: try Gusto today to manage your team with ease and focus on what drives your business forward.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison