Quick Overview
- 1#1: BambooHR - Provides intuitive PTO tracking, automated accruals, request approvals, and balance reporting for HR teams.
- 2#2: Rippling - Offers comprehensive PTO management integrated with payroll, compliance, and global policies in one platform.
- 3#3: Gusto - Simplifies PTO requests, accruals, and tracking alongside payroll for small to mid-sized businesses.
- 4#4: Vacation Tracker - Dedicated tool for unlimited PTO policies, multi-location support, and seamless integrations with calendars.
- 5#5: Zenefits - Streamlines time-off requests, approvals, and compliance tracking within a full HR management suite.
- 6#6: Paylocity - Delivers advanced PTO accrual rules, mobile approvals, and analytics for employee leave management.
- 7#7: UKG Pro - Enterprise-grade workforce management with sophisticated PTO forecasting, scheduling, and regulatory compliance.
- 8#8: Workday - Configurable HCM platform for complex PTO policies, self-service requests, and absence analytics.
- 9#9: ADP Workforce Now - Integrated HR solution for managing PTO balances, requests, and reporting across large organizations.
- 10#10: Paycor - HCM tool with PTO accrual automation, approval workflows, and performance-linked time-off features.
We ranked these tools based on feature depth, usability, performance reliability, and value, prioritizing those with robust PTO tracking, automation, and flexibility to suit varied business sizes and structures.
Comparison Table
Effective PTO management is key to supporting teams, and selecting the right software requires careful evaluation. This comparison table explores top tools like BambooHR, Rippling, Gusto, Vacation Tracker, Zenefits, and more, helping readers identify features, pricing, and usability to find the best fit for their organization.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BambooHR Provides intuitive PTO tracking, automated accruals, request approvals, and balance reporting for HR teams. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Rippling Offers comprehensive PTO management integrated with payroll, compliance, and global policies in one platform. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Gusto Simplifies PTO requests, accruals, and tracking alongside payroll for small to mid-sized businesses. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Vacation Tracker Dedicated tool for unlimited PTO policies, multi-location support, and seamless integrations with calendars. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 5 | Zenefits Streamlines time-off requests, approvals, and compliance tracking within a full HR management suite. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Paylocity Delivers advanced PTO accrual rules, mobile approvals, and analytics for employee leave management. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | UKG Pro Enterprise-grade workforce management with sophisticated PTO forecasting, scheduling, and regulatory compliance. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Workday Configurable HCM platform for complex PTO policies, self-service requests, and absence analytics. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 9 | ADP Workforce Now Integrated HR solution for managing PTO balances, requests, and reporting across large organizations. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | Paycor HCM tool with PTO accrual automation, approval workflows, and performance-linked time-off features. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 |
Provides intuitive PTO tracking, automated accruals, request approvals, and balance reporting for HR teams.
Offers comprehensive PTO management integrated with payroll, compliance, and global policies in one platform.
Simplifies PTO requests, accruals, and tracking alongside payroll for small to mid-sized businesses.
Dedicated tool for unlimited PTO policies, multi-location support, and seamless integrations with calendars.
Streamlines time-off requests, approvals, and compliance tracking within a full HR management suite.
Delivers advanced PTO accrual rules, mobile approvals, and analytics for employee leave management.
Enterprise-grade workforce management with sophisticated PTO forecasting, scheduling, and regulatory compliance.
Configurable HCM platform for complex PTO policies, self-service requests, and absence analytics.
Integrated HR solution for managing PTO balances, requests, and reporting across large organizations.
HCM tool with PTO accrual automation, approval workflows, and performance-linked time-off features.
BambooHR
enterpriseProvides intuitive PTO tracking, automated accruals, request approvals, and balance reporting for HR teams.
Advanced automated accrual engine that handles complex rules like carryover, pro-rating, and front-loading with minimal manual intervention
BambooHR is a full-featured HR management platform with robust PTO software capabilities, enabling automated accrual tracking, time-off request approvals, and real-time balance visibility for employees. It supports customizable policies for various leave types, including vacation, sick time, and holidays, with seamless integration into broader HR workflows. The system streamlines PTO administration through self-service portals and mobile access, reducing administrative burden significantly.
Pros
- Highly customizable accrual rules and multiple policy support for diverse PTO needs
- Intuitive employee self-service for requesting, tracking, and viewing PTO balances
- Strong mobile app and integrations with payroll and other HR tools
Cons
- Can be expensive for small teams only needing PTO functionality
- Overkill for organizations seeking a standalone PTO tool without full HR features
- Advanced PTO analytics and reporting require custom configurations
Best For
Mid-sized companies seeking an all-in-one HR platform with exceptional PTO management integrated into employee lifecycle processes.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at about $6-12 per employee per month, billed annually, with tiers based on features and employee count.
Rippling
enterpriseOffers comprehensive PTO management integrated with payroll, compliance, and global policies in one platform.
Automatic PTO deduction from payroll with real-time balance syncing across global teams
Rippling is an all-in-one HR platform with powerful PTO management capabilities, enabling automated accrual tracking, customizable policy setup, and seamless request approvals integrated directly with payroll and benefits. It supports unlimited PTO policies, carryover rules, and compliance reporting for various jurisdictions. Employees access self-service portals and mobile apps for submitting and viewing time off balances in real-time.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll for automatic pay adjustments on PTO
- Highly customizable accrual rules and policy automation
- Robust reporting and global compliance tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for full platform setup
- Pricing can escalate with add-on modules
- Overkill for companies needing only basic PTO tracking
Best For
Mid-to-large businesses wanting integrated HR and PTO management without multiple tools.
Pricing
Starts at $8 per active employee per month for core HR including PTO; scales up to $15+ with full payroll and benefits modules.
Gusto
specializedSimplifies PTO requests, accruals, and tracking alongside payroll for small to mid-sized businesses.
Automatic state-compliant PTO accrual rules that adjust dynamically to local regulations and company policies
Gusto is a comprehensive HR and payroll platform that includes robust PTO management features, enabling automated accrual tracking, request approvals, and balance reporting. It ensures compliance with varying state PTO laws and integrates seamlessly with payroll for accurate payouts upon termination or rollover. While not a standalone PTO tool, its HR suite makes it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one solution for time-off administration.
Pros
- Seamless integration of PTO tracking with payroll and benefits
- Automated accruals compliant with state-specific regulations
- Intuitive employee self-service portal for requests and balances
Cons
- PTO features are bundled within a broader HR suite, not specialized
- Pricing scales with employee count and payroll processing, potentially costly for PTO-only needs
- Limited advanced customization for complex PTO policies compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses that want integrated payroll, HR, and straightforward PTO management without needing a standalone tool.
Pricing
Starts at $40 base + $6 per employee/month (Simple plan); higher tiers like Plus ($80 + $12/emp) add more HR features including enhanced PTO tools; custom Premium available.
Vacation Tracker
specializedDedicated tool for unlimited PTO policies, multi-location support, and seamless integrations with calendars.
Real-time leave requests and approvals directly within Slack or Teams conversations
Vacation Tracker is a user-friendly PTO management software designed to streamline leave requests, approvals, and tracking for teams. It integrates seamlessly with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace, allowing employees to submit time-off requests directly in chat with automated approvals based on customizable policies. The tool provides team calendars, accrual tracking, and basic reporting to maintain visibility into absences and remaining balances.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with Slack, Teams, and Google Workspace
- Quick setup and intuitive chat-based interface
- Customizable leave policies and accrual rules
Cons
- Limited advanced HRIS integrations
- Basic reporting lacks depth for large enterprises
- No dedicated mobile app, relies on web/responsive design
Best For
Small to medium-sized teams using Slack or Microsoft Teams who need a simple, chat-integrated PTO solution without complex setup.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Pro at $3/user/month; Business at $5/user/month (billed annually).
Zenefits
enterpriseStreamlines time-off requests, approvals, and compliance tracking within a full HR management suite.
Automated PTO accrual and direct payroll integration for precise leave pay calculations
Zenefits is an all-in-one HR platform that includes PTO management capabilities, enabling employees to submit time-off requests, managers to approve them, and admins to configure accrual policies and track balances. It supports unlimited PTO types, automated accruals, and integration with payroll for accurate pay calculations. The solution also features a shared calendar view and mobile app for easy access, making it suitable for streamlined leave management within broader HR workflows.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and benefits for automated PTO payouts
- Intuitive mobile app for requests and approvals on the go
- Flexible accrual rules and unlimited time-off policy types
Cons
- Overkill and higher cost for companies needing only PTO tracking
- Limited advanced reporting compared to dedicated PTO tools
- Custom pricing can vary and may feel expensive for small teams
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking an integrated HR platform with reliable PTO management.
Pricing
Custom pricing, typically $8+ per employee per month including PTO as part of core HR features; free tier available for basics.
Paylocity
enterpriseDelivers advanced PTO accrual rules, mobile approvals, and analytics for employee leave management.
Integrated PTO forecasting and budgeting tools that predict future liabilities and accrual trends across the organization
Paylocity is a comprehensive HR and payroll platform that includes robust PTO management tools for tracking accruals, balances, requests, and approvals. Employees can submit time-off requests via a user-friendly web or mobile app, with automated workflows for manager approvals and integration with payroll for seamless pay processing. It supports various accrual policies, carryover rules, and reporting for compliance and forecasting.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and full HR suite for accurate PTO payouts
- Advanced accrual rules, forecasting, and real-time balance tracking
- Mobile app enables easy employee self-service for requests and viewing balances
Cons
- High cost makes it less ideal for small businesses focused only on PTO
- Full platform can feel overwhelming if PTO is the primary need
- Customization often requires vendor support or professional services
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises needing integrated HCM with sophisticated PTO management alongside payroll and benefits.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $10-20 per employee per month depending on modules and company size; no public tiered plans.
UKG Pro
enterpriseEnterprise-grade workforce management with sophisticated PTO forecasting, scheduling, and regulatory compliance.
Advanced configurable accrual engines with predictive forecasting and automatic carryover handling across multiple jurisdictions
UKG Pro is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform that includes robust PTO management tools for tracking accruals, processing requests, and ensuring compliance with leave policies. It offers automated balance calculations, employee self-service portals, and manager approval workflows integrated with payroll and scheduling. Designed for enterprise-scale organizations, it supports complex, multi-location PTO configurations including global compliance features.
Pros
- Highly customizable accrual rules and policy engines for complex PTO needs
- Seamless integration with payroll, scheduling, and other HCM modules
- Strong compliance tools for FMLA, state laws, and international regulations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation for non-enterprise users
- High cost that may not suit small to mid-sized businesses
- Interface can feel overwhelming due to extensive feature set
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, multi-state or global PTO policies and high-volume employee management requirements.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $120-$250 per employee per month depending on modules and scale; requires quote.
Workday
enterpriseConfigurable HCM platform for complex PTO policies, self-service requests, and absence analytics.
AI-driven absence forecasting and predictive analytics for workforce planning
Workday is a comprehensive enterprise cloud platform for HR and finance, with robust PTO and leave management embedded in its Human Capital Management (HCM) suite. It handles complex accrual policies, self-service time-off requests, approvals, and integrations with payroll and benefits. The system supports global compliance for various leave types and provides real-time visibility into balances and forecasts.
Pros
- Seamless integration with full HCM, payroll, and finance modules
- Advanced accrual engines for complex, multi-country policies
- Strong analytics and reporting for PTO trends and forecasting
Cons
- High cost unsuitable for small businesses
- Steep learning curve for configuration and administration
- Overkill for organizations needing only basic PTO tracking
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, global HR needs requiring integrated HCM functionality.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $150-$300 per employee per year, billed annually with minimum user commitments.
ADP Workforce Now
enterpriseIntegrated HR solution for managing PTO balances, requests, and reporting across large organizations.
Seamless payroll integration that automatically calculates and deducts PTO pay during processing
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform that includes robust PTO and leave management capabilities as part of its broader HR suite. It automates accrual tracking, balance management, request approvals, and integrations with payroll for seamless processing. The solution supports complex leave policies, compliance reporting, and employee self-service portals for viewing and requesting time off.
Pros
- Deep integration with payroll and HR modules for automated PTO processing
- Advanced compliance tools for multi-state and federal leave regulations
- Employee self-service mobile app for easy PTO requests and balance checks
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features better suited for enterprises
- High pricing that may not justify value for small businesses focused solely on PTO
- Customization requires IT support or ADP consultants
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises seeking integrated HCM with reliable PTO management.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $100-$200 per employee per month depending on modules and company size.
Paycor
enterpriseHCM tool with PTO accrual automation, approval workflows, and performance-linked time-off features.
Payroll-integrated PTO deductions that automatically adjust paychecks for accurate time-off compensation
Paycor is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform that includes robust PTO management capabilities, allowing for automated accrual tracking, employee self-service requests, and manager approvals. It integrates seamlessly with payroll, time tracking, and other HR functions to ensure accurate pay adjustments and compliance with leave policies. While not a standalone PTO tool, its features support complex accrual rules, carryover balances, and reporting for mid-to-large organizations.
Pros
- Deep integration with payroll and HR modules for seamless PTO processing
- Advanced accrual rules and compliance tools for diverse leave types
- Mobile accessibility for employees to view balances and submit requests
Cons
- Higher pricing makes it less ideal for small businesses or PTO-only needs
- Steeper learning curve due to its enterprise-level interface
- Customization options for PTO policies can feel limited without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise companies needing integrated HCM with reliable PTO tracking alongside payroll and benefits.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $99-$150 per employee per month for core HCM including PTO features.
Conclusion
The top PTO tools offer diverse solutions, with BambooHR leading as the best choice, noted for its intuitive tracking and automated workflows. Rippling stands out for its integrated HR, payroll, and compliance capabilities, while Gusto excels for small to mid-sized businesses with simplified requests. Each tool addresses unique needs, ensuring organizations of all sizes can manage time-off effectively.
Don’t miss out on BambooHR’s intuitive PTO management—experience streamlined tracking, approvals, and reporting to enhance your team’s time-off processes today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison