Quick Overview
- 1#1: BambooHR - Comprehensive HR platform with intuitive PTO request, approval, accrual tracking, and balance management features.
- 2#2: Rippling - Unified workforce platform automating PTO policies, requests, approvals, and integrations with payroll.
- 3#3: Gusto - Payroll and HR software offering simple PTO accrual, request submission, and manager approval workflows for small businesses.
- 4#4: Vacation Tracker - Specialized PTO tool integrating with Slack, Teams, and calendars for seamless vacation requests and tracking.
- 5#5: LeaveBoard - Unlimited PTO and accrual management software with self-service portals for requests and approvals.
- 6#6: TimeOff.Management - Free time-off tracking app enabling easy PTO requests, approvals, and calendar visualizations for teams.
- 7#7: Workday - Enterprise HCM suite providing advanced leave request management, compliance, and global PTO policies.
- 8#8: UKG Pro - Workforce management solution with robust time-off requests, scheduling, and accrual automation.
- 9#9: ADP Workforce Now - HR and payroll platform featuring configurable PTO policies, mobile requests, and automated approvals.
- 10#10: Paylocity - Modern HCM system supporting PTO accruals, employee self-service requests, and manager dashboards.
We evaluated these tools based on core functionality (including request/approval workflows, accrual tracking, and mobile accessibility), ease of use, integration capabilities, and overall value, ensuring alignment with the needs of small businesses to enterprise teams.
Comparison Table
This comparison table simplifies evaluating top PTO request software, featuring tools like BambooHR, Rippling, Gusto, Vacation Tracker, and LeaveBoard, to highlight key differences and strengths. Readers will gain clarity on features, usability, and integration, empowering informed choices for efficient time-off management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BambooHR Comprehensive HR platform with intuitive PTO request, approval, accrual tracking, and balance management features. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Rippling Unified workforce platform automating PTO policies, requests, approvals, and integrations with payroll. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | Gusto Payroll and HR software offering simple PTO accrual, request submission, and manager approval workflows for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Vacation Tracker Specialized PTO tool integrating with Slack, Teams, and calendars for seamless vacation requests and tracking. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 5 | LeaveBoard Unlimited PTO and accrual management software with self-service portals for requests and approvals. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | TimeOff.Management Free time-off tracking app enabling easy PTO requests, approvals, and calendar visualizations for teams. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | Workday Enterprise HCM suite providing advanced leave request management, compliance, and global PTO policies. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | UKG Pro Workforce management solution with robust time-off requests, scheduling, and accrual automation. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | ADP Workforce Now HR and payroll platform featuring configurable PTO policies, mobile requests, and automated approvals. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | Paylocity Modern HCM system supporting PTO accruals, employee self-service requests, and manager dashboards. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.8/10 |
Comprehensive HR platform with intuitive PTO request, approval, accrual tracking, and balance management features.
Unified workforce platform automating PTO policies, requests, approvals, and integrations with payroll.
Payroll and HR software offering simple PTO accrual, request submission, and manager approval workflows for small businesses.
Specialized PTO tool integrating with Slack, Teams, and calendars for seamless vacation requests and tracking.
Unlimited PTO and accrual management software with self-service portals for requests and approvals.
Free time-off tracking app enabling easy PTO requests, approvals, and calendar visualizations for teams.
Enterprise HCM suite providing advanced leave request management, compliance, and global PTO policies.
Workforce management solution with robust time-off requests, scheduling, and accrual automation.
HR and payroll platform featuring configurable PTO policies, mobile requests, and automated approvals.
Modern HCM system supporting PTO accruals, employee self-service requests, and manager dashboards.
BambooHR
enterpriseComprehensive HR platform with intuitive PTO request, approval, accrual tracking, and balance management features.
Customizable accrual policies with carryover rules and automated balance adjustments
BambooHR is a comprehensive cloud-based HR management platform that includes robust PTO request and time-off management features, enabling employees to submit requests via an intuitive self-service portal. It supports customizable accrual policies, automated approval workflows, balance tracking, and shared calendars for team visibility. The software integrates seamlessly with other HR functions like payroll and performance management, making it a one-stop solution for streamlining PTO processes.
Pros
- Intuitive employee self-service portal for quick PTO submissions and approvals
- Advanced accrual rules and automated notifications reduce admin workload
- Seamless integration with full HR suite for holistic employee management
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for very small teams without full HR needs
- Advanced reporting requires some configuration
- Limited customization for highly complex PTO policies compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one HR platform with top-tier PTO management.
Pricing
Custom quote based on employee count; typically starts at $6-$12 per employee per month for core plans including PTO features.
Rippling
enterpriseUnified workforce platform automating PTO policies, requests, approvals, and integrations with payroll.
Automated PTO-to-payroll synchronization that adjusts paychecks and benefits in real-time without manual intervention
Rippling is a comprehensive HR management platform that includes advanced PTO request and tracking capabilities as part of its all-in-one workforce solution. Employees can submit time-off requests via a self-service portal or mobile app, with automated workflows for approvals, accruals, balances, and policy enforcement. It integrates seamlessly with payroll, benefits, and scheduling, ensuring accurate deductions and compliance across multiple locations and countries.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and benefits for automatic PTO deductions
- Customizable accrual rules, carryover, and multi-country compliance
- Mobile app and self-service portal for quick employee requests and manager approvals
Cons
- Higher pricing can be steep for small businesses focused only on PTO
- Initial setup requires configuration for complex policies
- Overkill for companies not needing full HR suite
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise companies seeking an integrated HR platform with robust, automated PTO management.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at ~$8 per employee/month (billed annually), scales with modules and employee count.
Gusto
enterprisePayroll and HR software offering simple PTO accrual, request submission, and manager approval workflows for small businesses.
Direct payroll integration that auto-deducts approved PTO from paychecks without manual intervention
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits platform with built-in PTO request and management capabilities tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. Employees submit time off requests via a user-friendly self-service portal or mobile app, managers approve them with real-time visibility into accruals and balances, and the system automates policy enforcement. It excels in integrating PTO data directly with payroll for accurate pay adjustments, reducing manual errors. While not a standalone PTO tool, it provides reliable tracking for common accrual-based policies.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll for automatic pay adjustments on PTO
- Intuitive mobile app and self-service portal for requests and approvals
- Automated accrual tracking and balance management
Cons
- PTO features are secondary to core payroll/HR functions, lacking deep customization
- Pricing scales with full platform use, potentially overkill for PTO-only needs
- Limited support for complex global or multi-policy PTO scenarios
Best For
Small to medium US-based businesses already using Gusto for payroll and HR that need straightforward, integrated PTO management.
Pricing
Starts at $40 base + $6/person/month (Simple), $80 + $12/person (Plus), custom Premium; PTO included in all plans.
Vacation Tracker
specializedSpecialized PTO tool integrating with Slack, Teams, and calendars for seamless vacation requests and tracking.
Chat-first PTO requests in Slack or Teams, allowing instant submissions and approvals without leaving communication apps
Vacation Tracker is a streamlined PTO management software that enables employees to request time off directly via Slack, Microsoft Teams, email, or web app, with automatic syncing to calendars like Google and Outlook. It supports accrual tracking, customizable leave policies, manager approvals, and detailed reporting on vacation usage. Ideal for modern teams, it minimizes administrative hassle by integrating seamlessly into daily communication tools.
Pros
- Exceptionally simple chat-based PTO requests via Slack/Teams
- Strong calendar integrations and accrual automation
- Affordable pricing with a generous free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited native HRIS integrations compared to enterprise competitors
- Reporting lacks advanced customization for large organizations
- No dedicated mobile app, relying on web/Slack access
Best For
Distributed teams using Slack or Microsoft Teams who prioritize quick, conversational PTO management without complex setups.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Pro at €3/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing.
LeaveBoard
specializedUnlimited PTO and accrual management software with self-service portals for requests and approvals.
Color-coded visual calendars that instantly show team availability, leave balances, and potential conflicts.
LeaveBoard is a cloud-based leave management software focused on simplifying PTO requests, approvals, accruals, and tracking for teams. It supports unlimited leave policies, visual calendars for availability, automated notifications, and reporting dashboards. The platform integrates with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, and Jira, enabling seamless workflows for small to medium-sized businesses.
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing starting at €1/user/month
- Intuitive interface with visual calendars for quick overviews
- Strong integrations with communication and productivity tools
Cons
- Limited advanced HR features beyond core leave management
- Reporting lacks deep customization in lower tiers
- Mobile app is functional but not as feature-rich as desktop
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking cost-effective, straightforward PTO tracking and approval workflows.
Pricing
Starter at €1/user/month, Pro at €2/user/month, Enterprise custom; billed annually with a 14-day free trial.
TimeOff.Management
specializedFree time-off tracking app enabling easy PTO requests, approvals, and calendar visualizations for teams.
Visual team calendar with real-time availability and drag-and-drop scheduling
TimeOff.Management is a user-friendly PTO request and vacation tracking software designed for teams to manage leave requests, approvals, and balances efficiently. It features a shared calendar view, customizable leave types, and accrual policies to ensure accurate tracking. The platform supports self-service employee portals and manager approvals, making it suitable for streamlined time-off coordination.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited users for basic features
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop calendar
- Quick setup and mobile accessibility
Cons
- Limited integrations with major HR tools like BambooHR or Slack
- Advanced reporting and custom accruals locked behind premium tiers
- Scalability challenges for very large enterprises
Best For
Small to medium-sized teams seeking a simple, budget-friendly PTO management solution without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free plan for unlimited users (basic features); Premium plans from $1/active user/month (billed annually).
Workday
enterpriseEnterprise HCM suite providing advanced leave request management, compliance, and global PTO policies.
AI-powered Prism Analytics for predictive PTO forecasting and workforce planning
Workday is a leading enterprise cloud platform for HR and finance, featuring comprehensive time-off management within its HCM suite. It enables employees to submit PTO requests through intuitive self-service portals, supports multi-level approvals, accrual tracking, and carryover rules. The system integrates seamlessly with payroll and benefits for accurate balance management and compliance across global workforces.
Pros
- Robust PTO accrual, balances, and forecasting with AI-driven insights
- Customizable workflows and mobile approvals for global teams
- Deep integration with HR, payroll, and analytics for enterprise-scale accuracy
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation for non-enterprise users
- High cost unsuitable for small businesses
- Overly complex for simple PTO needs
Best For
Large enterprises requiring integrated HCM with advanced, compliant PTO management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote, typically $100-200+ per employee per month.
UKG Pro
enterpriseWorkforce management solution with robust time-off requests, scheduling, and accrual automation.
Intelligent scheduling integration that automatically flags coverage gaps and suggests alternatives during PTO approvals
UKG Pro is an enterprise-grade human capital management (HCM) platform that offers comprehensive PTO request and leave management tools within its broader workforce management suite. Employees can submit PTO requests via a mobile app or web portal, with automated accrual tracking, balance visibility, and manager approval workflows that integrate with scheduling and payroll. It supports complex leave policies, compliance with global regulations, and real-time notifications to streamline the entire PTO process.
Pros
- Deep integration with payroll, scheduling, and HR modules for holistic workforce visibility
- Advanced accrual rules and compliance tools for complex, multi-location policies
- Mobile-first self-service with real-time balances and push notifications
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation for non-enterprise users
- High cost unsuitable for small businesses or simple PTO needs
- Interface can feel bloated due to extensive HCM features
Best For
Large enterprises with complex HR needs requiring integrated PTO management alongside scheduling and compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $15-30 per employee per month depending on modules, company size, and implementation.
ADP Workforce Now
enterpriseHR and payroll platform featuring configurable PTO policies, mobile requests, and automated approvals.
Automated PTO accrual forecasting and integration with global payroll for precise pay adjustments and compliance.
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform that includes robust PTO request and management features, allowing employees to submit time-off requests via a self-service portal, track accruals, and receive manager approvals seamlessly. It integrates PTO data with payroll, scheduling, and benefits administration for accurate processing and compliance. Designed for mid-to-large enterprises, it supports automated accrual rules, balance forecasting, and mobile access for on-the-go requests.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and HR systems for automated PTO processing
- Advanced accrual tracking, forecasting, and policy enforcement
- Mobile app and self-service portal for easy employee requests
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup for non-enterprise users
- High cost with opaque, quote-based pricing
- Overkill for small businesses focused solely on PTO management
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises seeking an all-in-one HCM solution with integrated PTO request capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $10-25 per employee per month depending on modules and company size.
Paylocity
enterpriseModern HCM system supporting PTO accruals, employee self-service requests, and manager dashboards.
Real-time PTO accrual and balance synchronization across payroll and self-service portal
Paylocity is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform that includes PTO request management as part of its employee self-service tools. Employees can submit time-off requests via web portal or mobile app, with automated accrual tracking, policy enforcement, and manager approvals. It integrates seamlessly with payroll and benefits for accurate balance deductions and reporting. Ranked #10, it's robust but more suited to full HR needs than standalone PTO use.
Pros
- Strong integration with payroll and HR for automated PTO processing
- Mobile app enables easy requests and balance checks on-the-go
- Customizable accrual rules and detailed reporting capabilities
Cons
- Not a standalone PTO tool; requires full platform commitment
- Pricing can be high for small teams only needing PTO features
- Initial setup and configuration can be complex for admins
Best For
Mid-sized to large businesses seeking integrated HCM with reliable PTO management.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at around $20-40 per employee per month, depending on modules and company size; no standalone PTO option.
Conclusion
After evaluating the top 10 PTO request tools, BambooHR stands out as the leading choice, offering intuitive management, accrual tracking, and balance oversight within a comprehensive HR platform. Rippling and Gusto follow as strong alternatives—Rippling for its seamless integrations and payroll automation, and Gusto for small businesses seeking simplicity in workflows. Each tool caters to distinct needs, but BambooHR excels in delivering a balanced, user-friendly experience.
Ready to streamline PTO processes? Start with BambooHR, the top-ranked tool, to simplify requests, approvals, and tracking for your team today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison