Quick Overview
- 1#1: BambooHR - Comprehensive HR platform with intuitive leave request approvals, balance tracking, and reporting features.
- 2#2: Rippling - All-in-one workforce system automating global leave policies, accruals, and compliance across locations.
- 3#3: Vacation Tracker - Specialized PTO tracker supporting unlimited policies with seamless integrations to Slack, Teams, and calendars.
- 4#4: Gusto - Simplifies leave management for small businesses with payroll-integrated accruals and self-service portals.
- 5#5: LeaveBoard - Modern cloud tool for managing employee absences, holidays, and availability with visual calendars.
- 6#6: Time Off.Management - Customizable open-source style leave system with multi-level approvals and multi-company support.
- 7#7: Deputy - Scheduling software with integrated leave requests, shift swaps, and real-time notifications.
- 8#8: Zenefits - HR platform handling time-off alongside benefits and payroll with automated workflows.
- 9#9: Paycor - HR and payroll suite offering compliant leave tracking, forecasting, and mobile approvals.
- 10#10: Homebase - Free tool for hourly teams managing schedules and time-off requests via mobile app.
We carefully evaluated and ranked these tools based on critical factors such as feature robustness, user-friendliness, reliability, and value, ensuring a curated list that meets diverse organizational needs.
Comparison Table
Managing employee time off effectively is essential for organizational efficiency, and leave management system software simplifies this process. This comparison table explores top tools like BambooHR, Rippling, Vacation Tracker, Gusto, LeaveBoard, and additional options, guiding readers to evaluate features, usability, and integration to find the best fit for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BambooHR Comprehensive HR platform with intuitive leave request approvals, balance tracking, and reporting features. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 2 | Rippling All-in-one workforce system automating global leave policies, accruals, and compliance across locations. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Vacation Tracker Specialized PTO tracker supporting unlimited policies with seamless integrations to Slack, Teams, and calendars. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | Gusto Simplifies leave management for small businesses with payroll-integrated accruals and self-service portals. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | LeaveBoard Modern cloud tool for managing employee absences, holidays, and availability with visual calendars. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 6 | Time Off.Management Customizable open-source style leave system with multi-level approvals and multi-company support. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 7 | Deputy Scheduling software with integrated leave requests, shift swaps, and real-time notifications. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Zenefits HR platform handling time-off alongside benefits and payroll with automated workflows. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Paycor HR and payroll suite offering compliant leave tracking, forecasting, and mobile approvals. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Homebase Free tool for hourly teams managing schedules and time-off requests via mobile app. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
Comprehensive HR platform with intuitive leave request approvals, balance tracking, and reporting features.
All-in-one workforce system automating global leave policies, accruals, and compliance across locations.
Specialized PTO tracker supporting unlimited policies with seamless integrations to Slack, Teams, and calendars.
Simplifies leave management for small businesses with payroll-integrated accruals and self-service portals.
Modern cloud tool for managing employee absences, holidays, and availability with visual calendars.
Customizable open-source style leave system with multi-level approvals and multi-company support.
Scheduling software with integrated leave requests, shift swaps, and real-time notifications.
HR platform handling time-off alongside benefits and payroll with automated workflows.
HR and payroll suite offering compliant leave tracking, forecasting, and mobile approvals.
Free tool for hourly teams managing schedules and time-off requests via mobile app.
BambooHR
enterpriseComprehensive HR platform with intuitive leave request approvals, balance tracking, and reporting features.
Dynamic time-off calendar that displays real-time team availability and prevents overbooking with visual forecasting tools
BambooHR is an all-in-one HR platform with robust leave management capabilities, enabling businesses to automate time-off requests, approvals, and accruals for PTO, sick leave, and custom policies. It provides real-time balance tracking, a shared time-off calendar for team visibility, and seamless integration with payroll and other HR functions. The system supports employee self-service via web and mobile, reducing administrative burden while ensuring compliance with basic leave regulations.
Pros
- Intuitive employee self-service portal for quick leave requests and balance checks
- Automated accrual rules and multi-policy support for diverse leave types
- Company-wide time-off calendar with color-coded visibility and forecasting
Cons
- Limited advanced features for complex global compliance and multi-country leaves
- Pricing scales per employee, which can become costly for large enterprises
- Reporting is solid but lacks deep customization without add-ons
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking an user-friendly, integrated HR solution with strong leave management to simplify PTO tracking and approvals.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $6-$12 per employee per month depending on modules and company size.
Rippling
enterpriseAll-in-one workforce system automating global leave policies, accruals, and compliance across locations.
Global compliance engine that auto-updates policies and accruals for multi-location teams
Rippling is a comprehensive workforce management platform with powerful leave management tools that automate PTO accrual, request approvals, tracking, and compliance across multiple states and countries. It integrates seamlessly with payroll, HRIS, and benefits administration to ensure accurate leave balances impact paychecks directly. Employees enjoy a mobile-friendly self-service portal for submitting and viewing requests, while admins access detailed reporting and policy configuration.
Pros
- Automated compliance with ever-changing state and federal leave laws
- Seamless integration with payroll for automatic pay adjustments
- Intuitive self-service portal and mobile app for employees
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small teams not using the full suite
- Overkill for companies needing only basic leave tracking
- Steeper learning curve for advanced custom policy setups
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise companies needing integrated HR, payroll, and compliant leave management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at $8/user/month for core HR (includes leave management); scales with add-ons like payroll.
Vacation Tracker
specializedSpecialized PTO tracker supporting unlimited policies with seamless integrations to Slack, Teams, and calendars.
Chat-first approvals and requests directly in Slack or Teams for instant, frictionless time-off management
Vacation Tracker is a user-friendly leave management system that streamlines vacation requests, approvals, and tracking for teams via seamless integrations with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and calendars. It supports unlimited leave policies, accrual tracking, visual availability calendars, and customizable reports to ensure compliance and team visibility. Ideal for modern, remote-first workplaces, it emphasizes self-service and real-time notifications to reduce administrative overhead.
Pros
- Seamless chat-based requests and approvals in Slack/Teams
- Intuitive visual calendar and self-service portal
- Affordable pricing with strong value for SMBs
Cons
- Limited native integrations beyond chat tools
- No dedicated mobile app
- Advanced accrual rules may require higher tiers
Best For
Small to medium-sized teams relying on Slack or Microsoft Teams for simple, efficient leave management without complex HR needs.
Pricing
Starter at $5/user/month (up to 50 users), Pro at $7/user/month, Enterprise custom; 14-day free trial.
Gusto
enterpriseSimplifies leave management for small businesses with payroll-integrated accruals and self-service portals.
Automatic accrual and payroll integration that deducts leave balances and processes payouts in a single run
Gusto is a comprehensive payroll and HR platform that includes leave management capabilities, allowing businesses to track PTO, sick leave, and other time-off requests seamlessly within its ecosystem. It supports accrual policies, automated notifications, and state-specific compliance for leaves like California's Paid Sick Leave. While not a standalone leave management system, it excels in integrating leave data directly with payroll for accurate processing and reporting.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll for automatic leave pay calculations
- User-friendly interface with employee self-service portals
- Built-in compliance tools for state-specific leave laws
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for complex accrual rules or multi-location policies
- Reporting and analytics are basic compared to dedicated LMS tools
- Best suited for small to mid-sized teams, not enterprises
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one HR solution with straightforward leave tracking integrated into payroll.
Pricing
Plans start at $40/month + $6/employee (Simple), $80/month + $12/employee (Plus), with Premium custom pricing; leave management included in all tiers.
LeaveBoard
specializedModern cloud tool for managing employee absences, holidays, and availability with visual calendars.
Visual team calendar with real-time leave balances and color-coded availability
LeaveBoard is a user-friendly leave management system that simplifies tracking vacations, sick days, and other absences for teams. It provides a visual calendar, automated approval workflows, customizable leave policies, and detailed reporting to help HR maintain compliance and visibility. Integrations with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace ensure seamless adoption in modern work environments.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop calendar
- Strong integrations with communication tools
- Affordable pricing with a generous free tier
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics in basic plans
- No built-in payroll integration
- Mobile app lacks some desktop features
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an easy-to-use, cost-effective solution for absence tracking.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Pro at €2.49/user/month (annual); Enterprise custom.
Time Off.Management
specializedCustomizable open-source style leave system with multi-level approvals and multi-company support.
Interactive team calendar providing real-time, color-coded visibility into all time off and availability.
Time Off.Management is a user-friendly leave management software that simplifies tracking vacations, sick days, and other absences through a shared visual calendar. Employees can submit requests via self-service portals, while managers handle approvals with automated workflows and notifications. It supports multiple leave types, accrual tracking, and integrations with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace, making it ideal for streamlined team coordination.
Pros
- Intuitive visual calendar for at-a-glance availability
- Quick setup with minimal training required
- Generous free plan for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Basic customization for complex leave policies
- Scalability challenges for enterprises over 100 users
Best For
Small to medium-sized teams needing a simple, visual tool for everyday leave tracking without heavy HR complexity.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $3/user/month (Starter) up to $7/user/month (Enterprise).
Deputy
enterpriseScheduling software with integrated leave requests, shift swaps, and real-time notifications.
Automatic schedule adjustments and shift swap suggestions when leave is approved, minimizing staffing gaps.
Deputy is a comprehensive workforce management platform with integrated leave management features tailored for shift-based industries like retail and hospitality. It enables employees to request time off via a user-friendly mobile app, allows managers to approve requests with one tap, and automatically adjusts schedules to account for absences. The system tracks leave accruals, balances, and compliance with local regulations, ensuring smooth operations without manual intervention.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for quick leave requests and approvals
- Seamless integration with scheduling to auto-adjust rosters for absences
- Accrual tracking and compliance tools for various leave types
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for complex leave policies
- Reporting and analytics not as robust as dedicated HR platforms
- Pricing scales up significantly for enterprise-level features
Best For
Shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing integrated scheduling and straightforward leave management.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (billed annually) for basic plans; custom enterprise pricing available.
Zenefits
enterpriseHR platform handling time-off alongside benefits and payroll with automated workflows.
Advanced automated compliance engine for state-specific leave laws and regulations
Zenefits is an all-in-one HR platform with integrated leave management tools that automate PTO accruals, requests, approvals, and tracking for various leave types including vacation, sick time, and compliance leaves like FMLA. It ensures regulatory adherence across U.S. states, integrates seamlessly with payroll and benefits administration, and offers a self-service employee portal via web and mobile app. While not a standalone leave system, its HR suite provides comprehensive visibility into employee time off within broader workforce management.
Pros
- Automated accrual tracking and multi-state compliance for leaves
- Seamless integration with payroll, benefits, and HR workflows
- Employee self-service portal with mobile access for requests and balances
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams, reducing value for small businesses
- Setup and configuration can be complex for non-HR experts
- Limited customization for international leave policies outside the US
Best For
US-based small to mid-sized businesses seeking an integrated HR platform where leave management is part of a broader payroll and compliance solution.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at $10-15 per employee per month for core HR including leave management, with tiers scaling based on features and team size.
Paycor
enterpriseHR and payroll suite offering compliant leave tracking, forecasting, and mobile approvals.
Automated multi-state compliance engine that handles complex leave laws and integrates with payroll for accurate deductions
Paycor is a comprehensive HCM platform with a dedicated Leave Management module that automates tracking, accrual, approval, and reporting for PTO, sick leave, FMLA, and state-specific requirements. It integrates seamlessly with payroll, time tracking, and HR tools to ensure compliance and streamline absence management. Employees benefit from a mobile-friendly self-service portal for submitting and viewing leave requests in real-time.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and full HCM suite
- Strong compliance automation for multi-state leaves and FMLA
- Employee self-service portal with mobile access
Cons
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller teams
- Steeper learning curve due to comprehensive feature set
- Implementation may require professional services
Best For
Mid-sized businesses needing integrated HCM with robust, compliance-focused leave management.
Pricing
Custom pricing, typically $20-35 per employee per month for the full HCM suite including leave management; quotes required.
Homebase
specializedFree tool for hourly teams managing schedules and time-off requests via mobile app.
Automatic scheduling adjustments that block shifts during approved PTO to prevent overstaffing or no-shows
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform designed for small businesses, particularly those with hourly employees, offering integrated leave management alongside scheduling and time tracking. Employees can submit PTO requests via a mobile app, managers approve them with one-click, and the system tracks accruals while preventing scheduling conflicts. It supports basic policy configurations but lacks depth in advanced compliance or multi-policy handling compared to dedicated HRIS tools.
Pros
- Seamless integration with scheduling to avoid shift conflicts during leaves
- Intuitive mobile app for quick requests and approvals
- Free tier available for small teams with basic leave tracking
Cons
- Limited advanced accrual rules and policy customization
- Lacks robust compliance tools like FMLA or state-specific tracking
- Full leave features require paid plans beyond basic free use
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, or service businesses needing simple, scheduling-integrated leave management without complex HR needs.
Pricing
Free for 1 location up to 20 employees (basic features); Essentials starts at $29.95/location/month for unlimited employees and advanced leave tools; higher tiers up to $99.95/month.
Conclusion
The reviewed leave management systems span diverse needs, from small businesses to global teams. BambooHR emerges as the top choice, offering intuitive approvals, robust balance tracking, and comprehensive reporting within a unified HR platform. Rippling, a strong second, automates global policies and compliance, while Vacation Tracker leads with its focus on unlimited PTO and seamless integrations. Each tool excels based on organizational size and priorities, ensuring there’s a solution for nearly every requirement.
Begin simplifying leave management with BambooHR—its intuitive tools can transform how your team requests, approves, and tracks time off.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
