Quick Overview
- 1#1: Rippling - Unified HR, payroll, and IT platform with automated PTO accrual, requests, approvals, and compliance tracking.
- 2#2: BambooHR - Comprehensive HR software featuring customizable PTO policies, balance tracking, and self-service requests.
- 3#3: VacationTracker - Dedicated PTO tracking tool with Slack and Microsoft Teams integrations for easy leave requests and accruals.
- 4#4: Gusto - Payroll and HR platform offering simple PTO accrual rules, unlimited accruals, and automated tracking.
- 5#5: Paycor - HR and payroll solution with advanced time-off management, policy enforcement, and reporting capabilities.
- 6#6: HiBob - Modern HR platform with flexible PTO tracking, global compliance, and employee self-service portals.
- 7#7: ADP - Robust payroll and HR system providing detailed absence management and PTO balance visibility.
- 8#8: UKG Pro - Enterprise workforce management software with sophisticated PTO scheduling and forecasting tools.
- 9#9: Zenefits - HR platform enabling easy PTO requests, approvals, and accrual tracking integrated with benefits.
- 10#10: Time Off Management - Free, open-source tool for tracking employee time off requests, balances, and approvals in small teams.
These tools were selected based on their ability to deliver robust PTO management features, intuitive user experiences, accurate tracking, and strong alignment with diverse organizational sizes and workflows, ensuring they excel in functionality, usability, and value.
Comparison Table
Navigating paid time off tracking software? This comparison table explores tools like Rippling, BambooHR, VacationTracker, Gusto, Paycor, and more, guiding businesses to find the option that aligns with their operational needs. Readers will gain insights into features, integration strengths, and user experiences to make informed choices.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rippling Unified HR, payroll, and IT platform with automated PTO accrual, requests, approvals, and compliance tracking. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | BambooHR Comprehensive HR software featuring customizable PTO policies, balance tracking, and self-service requests. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 3 | VacationTracker Dedicated PTO tracking tool with Slack and Microsoft Teams integrations for easy leave requests and accruals. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Gusto Payroll and HR platform offering simple PTO accrual rules, unlimited accruals, and automated tracking. | other | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | Paycor HR and payroll solution with advanced time-off management, policy enforcement, and reporting capabilities. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | HiBob Modern HR platform with flexible PTO tracking, global compliance, and employee self-service portals. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | ADP Robust payroll and HR system providing detailed absence management and PTO balance visibility. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | UKG Pro Enterprise workforce management software with sophisticated PTO scheduling and forecasting tools. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Zenefits HR platform enabling easy PTO requests, approvals, and accrual tracking integrated with benefits. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | Time Off Management Free, open-source tool for tracking employee time off requests, balances, and approvals in small teams. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 |
Unified HR, payroll, and IT platform with automated PTO accrual, requests, approvals, and compliance tracking.
Comprehensive HR software featuring customizable PTO policies, balance tracking, and self-service requests.
Dedicated PTO tracking tool with Slack and Microsoft Teams integrations for easy leave requests and accruals.
Payroll and HR platform offering simple PTO accrual rules, unlimited accruals, and automated tracking.
HR and payroll solution with advanced time-off management, policy enforcement, and reporting capabilities.
Modern HR platform with flexible PTO tracking, global compliance, and employee self-service portals.
Robust payroll and HR system providing detailed absence management and PTO balance visibility.
Enterprise workforce management software with sophisticated PTO scheduling and forecasting tools.
HR platform enabling easy PTO requests, approvals, and accrual tracking integrated with benefits.
Free, open-source tool for tracking employee time off requests, balances, and approvals in small teams.
Rippling
enterpriseUnified HR, payroll, and IT platform with automated PTO accrual, requests, approvals, and compliance tracking.
Automatic synchronization of PTO balances with payroll for error-free payouts and compliance
Rippling is an all-in-one HR, payroll, and IT platform with robust paid time off (PTO) tracking capabilities, automating accrual calculations, balance management, and request approvals. It supports unlimited customizable PTO policies, including complex rules for carryover, front-loading, and pro-rating, while integrating seamlessly with payroll for accurate payouts. Employees access self-service portals and mobile apps for real-time balance views and submissions, ensuring compliance across global locations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll for automatic PTO payout calculations
- Unlimited customizable policies with advanced accrual rules
- Global compliance support and mobile self-service for employees
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small teams without needing full HR suite
- Advanced configurations may require initial setup time
- Overkill for businesses only needing basic PTO tracking
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise businesses seeking a unified HR platform with sophisticated, scalable PTO management.
Pricing
Starts at $8 per employee/month for core HR (includes PTO tracking); $11+ per employee/month with payroll integration.
BambooHR
enterpriseComprehensive HR software featuring customizable PTO policies, balance tracking, and self-service requests.
Smart accrual engine that automatically adjusts PTO balances based on custom eligibility rules, tenure, and proration
BambooHR is a full-featured HR management platform with integrated Paid Time Off (PTO) tracking, enabling automated accrual policies based on tenure, hours worked, or custom rules. Employees can view balances, submit requests, and track approvals via a self-service portal and mobile app, while managers handle workflows and reporting. It excels in seamless integration with payroll and other HR modules for comprehensive time-off management.
Pros
- Automated accrual with flexible rules and carryover management
- Employee self-service portal and mobile app for easy access
- Robust reporting and forecasting for PTO trends
Cons
- Pricing scales per employee, expensive for PTO-only needs
- Full HR suite may overwhelm small teams focused solely on time-off
- Initial setup requires configuration for complex policies
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking an integrated HR platform with advanced PTO tracking alongside recruiting, onboarding, and performance tools.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$6-12 per employee/month depending on plan tier and features; no free tier.
VacationTracker
specializedDedicated PTO tracking tool with Slack and Microsoft Teams integrations for easy leave requests and accruals.
In-chat time off requests and approvals via Slack and Microsoft Teams integrations
VacationTracker is a cloud-based PTO tracking software designed to streamline employee time off requests, approvals, balance management, and accruals for teams. It integrates seamlessly with Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, and Office 365, enabling quick approvals directly in chat apps and syncing with calendars. The platform offers customizable policies, automated notifications, detailed reporting, and a visual team calendar to prevent overbooking.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with Slack, Teams, and calendars
- Customizable accrual rules and carryover handling
- Intuitive dashboards and automated reporting
Cons
- Primarily web-based with no native mobile app
- Lacks broader HR features beyond PTO
- Advanced customizations may require support
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking simple, integrated PTO management without complex HR needs.
Pricing
Starts at $3 per active user/month (Starter), $5 (Pro), $8 (Enterprise), billed annually with a 14-day free trial.
Gusto
otherPayroll and HR platform offering simple PTO accrual rules, unlimited accruals, and automated tracking.
Direct payroll integration that automates PTO liability calculations and year-end payouts
Gusto is an all-in-one HR and payroll platform for small businesses that includes comprehensive paid time off (PTO) tracking capabilities. It enables customizable accrual policies for vacation, sick leave, and other time types, real-time balance tracking, and streamlined request/approval workflows via web and mobile app. PTO data integrates directly with payroll for automatic payouts and compliance with state regulations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll for automatic PTO accruals and payouts
- Mobile app supports easy time-off requests and manager approvals
- Customizable policies with compliance tools for multiple states
Cons
- Full platform subscription required, even for basic PTO needs
- Overkill and costly for businesses only seeking PTO tracking
- Limited advanced reporting compared to dedicated PTO tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses already using Gusto for payroll and HR who want integrated PTO management without separate systems.
Pricing
Starts at $40 base + $6/employee/month (Simple plan); higher tiers up to $149 base + $12/employee/month; PTO included in all plans.
Paycor
enterpriseHR and payroll solution with advanced time-off management, policy enforcement, and reporting capabilities.
Payroll-integrated PTO processing that automatically adjusts paychecks based on approved leave balances
Paycor is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform that offers robust Paid Time Off (PTO) tracking as part of its integrated HR, payroll, and time management suite. It automates accrual calculations, leave requests, approvals, and balance tracking with support for complex policies like carryover limits and pro-rated accruals. The system ensures compliance with varying state regulations and syncs PTO data directly with payroll for seamless processing.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and HR modules for accurate PTO deductions
- Advanced accrual rules supporting multiple policies, carryover, and compliance
- Mobile app enables employee self-service for requests and balance checks
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for smaller teams
- Limited standalone PTO customization without full HCM adoption
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises seeking an all-in-one HCM solution with integrated PTO management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $99 base fee plus $10-20 per employee/month for full HCM including PTO tracking.
HiBob
enterpriseModern HR platform with flexible PTO tracking, global compliance, and employee self-service portals.
Automated global compliance for time off rules across 50+ countries with localized accruals and holidays
HiBob is a comprehensive HR management platform with a robust paid time off (PTO) tracking module that automates accruals, balances, and requests. Employees can submit time off via self-service portals or mobile app, while managers approve with visibility into team availability and compliance. It supports unlimited customizable policies, pro-rating for new hires, and detailed reporting for forecasting and audits.
Pros
- Highly customizable PTO policies with accrual rules and carryover options
- Seamless integrations with calendars, Slack, and payroll systems
- Intuitive mobile app for employee self-service and manager approvals
Cons
- Overkill and costly if only PTO tracking is needed without full HR suite
- Quote-based pricing lacks transparency for small teams
- Initial setup requires configuration for complex global policies
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise companies needing integrated global HR with advanced PTO management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $8-12 per employee/month for core HR including PTO, minimum 50 employees.
ADP
enterpriseRobust payroll and HR system providing detailed absence management and PTO balance visibility.
Payroll-integrated PTO accruals that automatically sync balances and deductions during processing
ADP is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform that includes robust paid time off (PTO) tracking as part of its time and attendance module. It automates accrual calculations, balance tracking, leave requests, approvals, and compliance reporting for vacation, sick time, and other leave types. The system integrates seamlessly with ADP's payroll and benefits tools, making it suitable for businesses needing end-to-end HR functionality.
Pros
- Advanced accrual rules with multi-tier plans and carryover management
- Seamless integration with payroll and HR systems for automated processing
- Scalable for enterprises with strong compliance and reporting tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring IT support
- High implementation costs and custom pricing
- Overkill for small businesses focused solely on PTO tracking
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises seeking an integrated HCM suite with reliable PTO management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $10-25 per employee per month for HCM bundles including PTO features, plus setup fees.
UKG Pro
enterpriseEnterprise workforce management software with sophisticated PTO scheduling and forecasting tools.
Intelligent leave forecasting and predictive accrual modeling that anticipates balances and compliance risks
UKG Pro is an enterprise-grade human capital management (HCM) platform that provides comprehensive paid time off (PTO) tracking, including automated accrual calculations, balance management, request approvals, and integration with payroll and scheduling. It supports complex leave policies, compliance with global regulations, and real-time visibility into employee balances via mobile and web interfaces. Designed for mid-to-large organizations, it scales to handle high volumes of employees and custom workflows.
Pros
- Advanced accrual engine with support for complex rules like tenure-based, prorated, and carryover policies
- Seamless integration with payroll, timekeeping, and other HCM modules for end-to-end visibility
- Robust reporting, analytics, and mobile app for employee self-service
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring significant implementation time
- High cost, especially for smaller organizations
- Overly feature-rich interface can feel overwhelming for basic PTO needs
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, multi-location workforces needing integrated HCM and PTO management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $15-25 per employee per month for HCM suite including PTO, with additional fees for implementation and add-ons.
Zenefits
enterpriseHR platform enabling easy PTO requests, approvals, and accrual tracking integrated with benefits.
Automatic PTO accrual synchronization with payroll for precise pay calculations and compliance
Zenefits is a comprehensive all-in-one HR platform that includes robust Paid Time Off (PTO) tracking as part of its employee management suite. It enables customizable accrual policies, automated balance calculations, request/approval workflows, and real-time visibility into PTO usage. The tool integrates seamlessly with payroll, benefits administration, and time tracking for streamlined HR operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and other HR modules for automated PTO payouts
- Customizable accrual rules supporting multiple policy types and carryover options
- Mobile app for employee self-service requests and balance checks
Cons
- Overkill and costly for businesses needing only PTO tracking without full HR suite
- Some users report occasional sync issues between PTO and payroll
- Limited advanced reporting for complex multi-location PTO needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking an integrated HR platform with reliable PTO management.
Pricing
Core HR with PTO starts at $10-18 per employee per month (billed annually), with custom quotes and add-ons for advanced features.
Time Off Management
specializedFree, open-source tool for tracking employee time off requests, balances, and approvals in small teams.
Completely free self-hosted deployment with no user or workspace limits
Time Off Management (timeoff.management) is a simple, open-source tool designed for tracking employee time off requests, approvals, and accrual balances. It offers a clean interface for submitting vacation days, sick leave, and other absences, with manager approval workflows and calendar views. Self-hostable for free or available as a cloud-hosted service, it's geared toward small teams avoiding bloated HR software.
Pros
- Free self-hosted version with unlimited users and workspaces
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and minimal learning curve
- Flexible accrual rules including carryover and pro-rated balances
Cons
- Limited integrations with major HRIS or payroll systems
- No dedicated mobile app, relying on web access
- Basic reporting lacks advanced analytics or exports
Best For
Small to medium-sized teams and startups seeking a lightweight, cost-free PTO tracker without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Free self-hosted; Cloud-hosted plans start at $2/user/month (billed annually).
Conclusion
Rippling claims the top spot, offering a unified platform that simplifies PTO accrual, requests, and compliance, making it ideal for varied organizational needs. BambooHR and VacationTracker also shine—BambooHR with customizable policies, and VacationTracker for seamless integrations—providing robust alternatives. The best tool depends on balancing features like scalability, automation, and employee self-service.
Don’t miss out on optimizing your PTO management: start with Rippling today to enjoy automated tracking, streamlined approvals, and all-in-one HR efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison