Quick Overview
- 1#1: Personio - All-in-one HR platform for SMEs handling recruiting, onboarding, payroll, time tracking, and employee management.
- 2#2: SAP SuccessFactors - Comprehensive enterprise HR suite for talent management, payroll, performance, and core HR administration.
- 3#3: Workday - Cloud-based HCM system unifying HR, payroll, financials, and analytics for large organizations.
- 4#4: DATEV Personal Manager - German payroll and personnel accounting software integrated with tax and financial compliance.
- 5#5: ADP Workforce Now - Full-service HR and payroll solution with benefits administration, time tracking, and compliance tools.
- 6#6: Oracle HCM Cloud - Integrated human capital management platform for global workforce planning, talent, and payroll.
- 7#7: UKG Pro - Unified HCM solution combining HR, payroll, scheduling, and workforce management.
- 8#8: Rippling - All-in-one platform automating HR, IT, and payroll for fast-growing companies.
- 9#9: BambooHR - User-friendly HR software for employee data, performance, hiring, and time-off tracking.
- 10#10: Paycom - Single-database HR and payroll system minimizing data entry and ensuring compliance.
Tools were ranked based on feature depth, user experience, operational reliability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver robust, adaptable solutions that meet the varied demands of contemporary workplaces.
Comparison Table
Effective personnel management is vital for organizational success, with personalverwaltung software serving as a key tool. This comparison table examines tools such as Personio, SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, DATEV Personal Manager, and ADP Workforce Now, guiding readers to grasp features, use cases, and distinct strengths.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Personio All-in-one HR platform for SMEs handling recruiting, onboarding, payroll, time tracking, and employee management. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | SAP SuccessFactors Comprehensive enterprise HR suite for talent management, payroll, performance, and core HR administration. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Workday Cloud-based HCM system unifying HR, payroll, financials, and analytics for large organizations. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | DATEV Personal Manager German payroll and personnel accounting software integrated with tax and financial compliance. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | ADP Workforce Now Full-service HR and payroll solution with benefits administration, time tracking, and compliance tools. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Oracle HCM Cloud Integrated human capital management platform for global workforce planning, talent, and payroll. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | UKG Pro Unified HCM solution combining HR, payroll, scheduling, and workforce management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Rippling All-in-one platform automating HR, IT, and payroll for fast-growing companies. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | BambooHR User-friendly HR software for employee data, performance, hiring, and time-off tracking. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Paycom Single-database HR and payroll system minimizing data entry and ensuring compliance. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
All-in-one HR platform for SMEs handling recruiting, onboarding, payroll, time tracking, and employee management.
Comprehensive enterprise HR suite for talent management, payroll, performance, and core HR administration.
Cloud-based HCM system unifying HR, payroll, financials, and analytics for large organizations.
German payroll and personnel accounting software integrated with tax and financial compliance.
Full-service HR and payroll solution with benefits administration, time tracking, and compliance tools.
Integrated human capital management platform for global workforce planning, talent, and payroll.
Unified HCM solution combining HR, payroll, scheduling, and workforce management.
All-in-one platform automating HR, IT, and payroll for fast-growing companies.
User-friendly HR software for employee data, performance, hiring, and time-off tracking.
Single-database HR and payroll system minimizing data entry and ensuring compliance.
Personio
enterpriseAll-in-one HR platform for SMEs handling recruiting, onboarding, payroll, time tracking, and employee management.
Fully integrated payroll and compliance tools optimized for German labor laws, reducing manual errors and administrative burden.
Personio is an all-in-one HR software platform tailored for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), specializing in Personalverwaltung by centralizing employee data, payroll, recruiting, time tracking, and performance management. It automates administrative tasks like onboarding, offboarding, and absence management while ensuring compliance with German and EU regulations. The cloud-based solution provides self-service portals for employees and robust analytics for HR teams, making it a leader in streamlined HR operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one HR suite covering core Personalverwaltung functions like payroll and compliance
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for employee self-service
- Strong integrations and automation for European SMBs
Cons
- Pricing scales with employee count, potentially high for very small teams
- Payroll module limited to specific countries (DACH region)
- Advanced customizations may require additional setup or add-ons
Best For
Growing SMBs in Europe, especially Germany, seeking an integrated HR solution to replace spreadsheets and legacy systems.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at €99/month base fee + €3-€6 per active employee/month, with tiers for Essential, Professional, and Enterprise plans.
SAP SuccessFactors
enterpriseComprehensive enterprise HR suite for talent management, payroll, performance, and core HR administration.
Employee Central Core – a flexible, cloud-native core HR suite with embedded global payroll and AI-infused intelligent services for unified personnel data management.
SAP SuccessFactors is a leading cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) suite designed for comprehensive personnel administration, covering core HR functions like employee data management, payroll, time tracking, and compliance. It integrates advanced modules for recruiting, performance management, learning, and succession planning, enabling end-to-end workforce lifecycle management. Tailored for global enterprises, it leverages AI-powered analytics and seamless integration with SAP ERP systems for real-time insights and scalability.
Pros
- Comprehensive module ecosystem covering all aspects of Personalverwaltung from core HR to talent management
- Robust AI-driven analytics and reporting for data-informed HR decisions
- Excellent scalability and global compliance support for multinational organizations
Cons
- Steep implementation and learning curve due to complexity
- High pricing that may not suit small to mid-sized businesses
- Customization often requires professional services
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, global HR requirements and existing SAP infrastructure seeking an integrated HCM solution.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $8-25 per employee per month depending on modules, with minimum commitments and additional implementation fees.
Workday
enterpriseCloud-based HCM system unifying HR, payroll, financials, and analytics for large organizations.
Skills Cloud, an AI-powered feature that automatically infers and maps employee skills from diverse data sources for better talent mobility and development.
Workday is a cloud-native enterprise HCM platform that streamlines personal administration, including core HR, payroll, recruiting, talent management, and employee analytics. It provides a unified system for managing the full employee lifecycle with real-time data insights and AI-driven capabilities. Ideal for large organizations, it supports global compliance, scalability, and seamless integrations.
Pros
- Comprehensive HCM suite with advanced AI analytics and reporting
- Highly scalable for global enterprises with multi-language and multi-currency support
- Strong mobile accessibility and user-friendly interface for employees
Cons
- High implementation costs and lengthy deployment timelines
- Steep learning curve for administrators and complex configuration
- Premium pricing not ideal for small to mid-sized businesses
Best For
Large enterprises needing a scalable, integrated HCM solution with deep analytics for global workforce management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription, typically $150-250 per employee per year, with minimum commitments and implementation fees.
DATEV Personal Manager
specializedGerman payroll and personnel accounting software integrated with tax and financial compliance.
DATEV-Rechner engine for ultra-precise, legally binding wage tax and social security calculations
DATEV Personal Manager is a robust personnel administration software tailored for German tax advisors, accountants, and businesses, specializing in payroll processing, employee data management, and compliance with complex German labor laws. It offers modules for time tracking, absence management, salary calculations, and automated reporting to authorities like the ELSTER system. As part of the DATEV ecosystem, it ensures seamless data exchange with accounting and tax software, making it ideal for professional service providers.
Pros
- Exceptional compliance with German payroll regulations and direct ELSTER integration
- Deep integration with DATEV accounting suite for end-to-end workflows
- Advanced reporting and analytics for personnel and wage data
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to professional-grade interface
- High pricing suitable mainly for mid-sized firms or advisors
- Limited flexibility for very small businesses or international use
Best For
German tax advisors and medium to large enterprises requiring precise, regulation-compliant personnel management integrated with accounting systems.
Pricing
Subscription-based with custom quotes; typically €50-200+ per month depending on modules, number of employees, and users.
ADP Workforce Now
enterpriseFull-service HR and payroll solution with benefits administration, time tracking, and compliance tools.
Global payroll processing with automated multi-country tax compliance and currency support
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) platform designed for payroll processing, HR administration, benefits management, time and attendance tracking, and talent management. It centralizes employee data, automates compliance reporting, and provides analytics to support the full employee lifecycle from onboarding to offboarding. With robust integrations and mobile access, it scales well for mid-sized to large organizations handling complex workforce needs.
Pros
- Extensive feature set covering payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance in one platform
- Strong scalability and global support for multi-location businesses
- Advanced analytics and reporting for data-driven HR decisions
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- High implementation and customization costs
- Pricing can be opaque and expensive for smaller teams
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises seeking a robust, all-in-one HCM solution with reliable payroll and compliance tools.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $100-$200+ per employee per month depending on modules and company size.
Oracle HCM Cloud
enterpriseIntegrated human capital management platform for global workforce planning, talent, and payroll.
Oracle Redwood UI – a modern, responsive design system that unifies user experience across all HCM modules for improved usability.
Oracle HCM Cloud is a robust, cloud-based human capital management suite that excels in personnel administration (Personalverwaltung), managing employee master data, organizational structures, payroll, benefits, and compliance across global workforces. It integrates core HR functions with talent management, recruiting, and workforce planning, leveraging AI and analytics for data-driven decisions. Ideal for enterprises, it ensures scalability and regulatory adherence in complex environments.
Pros
- Highly scalable for global enterprises with multi-country payroll support
- Deep integration with Oracle ecosystem and third-party apps
- Advanced AI-powered analytics and workforce insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High implementation and customization costs
- Pricing can be opaque without custom quotes
Best For
Large multinational enterprises needing a comprehensive, integrated HCM platform for complex personnel administration and talent management.
Pricing
Subscription-based with custom enterprise pricing; typically $15-25 per employee/month plus implementation fees starting at $100K+.
UKG Pro
enterpriseUnified HCM solution combining HR, payroll, scheduling, and workforce management.
UKG People Fabric, a unified data platform enabling real-time analytics across HR, payroll, and workforce data for predictive insights.
UKG Pro is a comprehensive cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) platform designed for mid-to-large enterprises, handling core Personalverwaltung functions like employee data management, payroll processing, time and attendance tracking, benefits administration, and talent management. It supports global workforces with multi-country payroll and compliance features, integrating HR, finance, and operations seamlessly. The software emphasizes analytics and employee self-service to streamline administrative tasks and improve decision-making.
Pros
- Extensive feature set covering full employee lifecycle and global compliance
- Highly scalable for large organizations with robust integrations
- Advanced analytics and AI-driven insights for HR forecasting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation process
- High cost unsuitable for small businesses
- Customization can require significant IT resources
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with complex, global HR and payroll needs requiring a scalable all-in-one solution.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically $15-30 per employee/month for full HCM suite, with minimums for larger deployments.
Rippling
specializedAll-in-one platform automating HR, IT, and payroll for fast-growing companies.
Automatic IT provisioning that syncs employee status changes to apps, devices, and access permissions
Rippling is a comprehensive all-in-one workforce management platform that unifies HR, payroll, IT, and finance operations into a single system. It automates employee lifecycle processes from onboarding to offboarding, including payroll processing in over 100 countries, benefits administration, and device/app provisioning. Designed for scalability, it ensures compliance and reduces administrative burdens for growing businesses.
Pros
- Seamless integration of HR, payroll, IT, and finance in one platform
- Automated employee lifecycle management with global compliance
- Extensive app ecosystem and API for custom integrations
Cons
- Pricing can be high for small teams or basic needs
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Limited customization options in some reporting features
Best For
Mid-sized companies (50-1000 employees) seeking an integrated HRIS with IT and payroll automation.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $8 per user/month, billed per active employee with add-ons for advanced features like global payroll.
BambooHR
specializedUser-friendly HR software for employee data, performance, hiring, and time-off tracking.
Employee self-service portal that empowers workers to update info, request time off, and access documents independently
BambooHR is a cloud-based HR information system (HRIS) tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering comprehensive tools for employee data management, onboarding, performance reviews, time tracking, and reporting. It centralizes HR workflows with features like applicant tracking, employee self-service portals, and customizable reports to streamline personnel administration. The platform prioritizes user-friendliness, enabling HR teams without technical expertise to manage core Personalverwaltung tasks efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with minimal setup required
- Strong employee self-service and mobile app support
- Robust reporting and analytics for HR insights
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can escalate for larger teams
- Limited advanced compliance tools for multinational enterprises
- Customization options are somewhat restricted compared to enterprise solutions
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an user-friendly, all-in-one HR platform for core personnel management without complex IT needs.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $6-12 per employee per month with a base fee for smaller teams.
Paycom
enterpriseSingle-database HR and payroll system minimizing data entry and ensuring compliance.
Beti® single-database system that provides paycheck previews and eliminates data silos across HR functions
Paycom is a comprehensive cloud-based HR and payroll software suite designed for streamlined personal administration, covering payroll processing, time and attendance, benefits management, talent acquisition, and performance reviews. It uses a single-database architecture to ensure data consistency across all modules, reducing errors and administrative burdens. Ideal for mid-sized to large enterprises, it emphasizes employee self-service and automation to enhance efficiency in HR operations.
Pros
- All-in-one platform integrating payroll, HR, and talent management
- Highly accurate payroll processing with real-time updates
- Robust employee self-service portal accessible via mobile app
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex features
- Higher pricing may not suit small businesses
- Occasional reports of rigid customization options
Best For
Mid-sized to large companies needing a unified solution for HR and payroll administration.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on employee count and modules; typically starts at $5-12 per employee per month.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools provide varied solutions, with Personio leading as the top choice, excelling as an all-in-one HR platform for SMEs. SAP SuccessFactors stands out as a robust enterprise option for talent management, while Workday offers a unified HCM system ideal for larger organizations. Each tool addresses specific needs, ensuring there’s a standout solution for every user.
Explore Personio today to streamline your HR processes and unlock its comprehensive capabilities—your team’s success thrives with the best support available.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
