Quick Overview
- 1#1: BambooHR - Comprehensive HR platform with advanced time-off management including requests, approvals, accruals, and balance tracking.
- 2#2: Rippling - All-in-one workforce management system automating PTO requests, policy enforcement, and integrations across HR tools.
- 3#3: Vacation Tracker - Dedicated vacation tracking app with Slack/Teams integration for seamless requests, approvals, and unlimited accrual policies.
- 4#4: Gusto - Payroll and HR software for small businesses featuring simple PTO request tracking and automated accruals.
- 5#5: Zenefits - HR management platform enabling self-service vacation requests, manager approvals, and compliance reporting.
- 6#6: Workday - Enterprise HCM suite with robust leave management for complex vacation policies, global compliance, and analytics.
- 7#7: UKG Pro - Workforce management solution with configurable time-off requests, scheduling integration, and absence tracking.
- 8#8: Paylocity - HCM platform offering mobile-friendly vacation request workflows, accrual calculators, and reporting dashboards.
- 9#9: Deputy - Employee scheduling tool with built-in leave requests, shift swaps, and approval notifications for teams.
- 10#10: TimeOff.Management - Free, open-source time-off tracker supporting unlimited users, custom policies, and calendar synchronization.
Tools were chosen based on robust features (including accruals, integrations, and compliance), user-friendly design, reliability, and value, ensuring a balanced selection that caters to small businesses, enterprises, and all scales in between.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines top vacation request software options, such as BambooHR, Rippling, Vacation Tracker, Gusto, Zenefits, and others, to guide effective decision-making. Readers will discover key features, usability, and integration capabilities, helping them find the best tool for streamlining time-off management and approval workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BambooHR Comprehensive HR platform with advanced time-off management including requests, approvals, accruals, and balance tracking. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Rippling All-in-one workforce management system automating PTO requests, policy enforcement, and integrations across HR tools. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Vacation Tracker Dedicated vacation tracking app with Slack/Teams integration for seamless requests, approvals, and unlimited accrual policies. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | Gusto Payroll and HR software for small businesses featuring simple PTO request tracking and automated accruals. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Zenefits HR management platform enabling self-service vacation requests, manager approvals, and compliance reporting. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Workday Enterprise HCM suite with robust leave management for complex vacation policies, global compliance, and analytics. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 7 | UKG Pro Workforce management solution with configurable time-off requests, scheduling integration, and absence tracking. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Paylocity HCM platform offering mobile-friendly vacation request workflows, accrual calculators, and reporting dashboards. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Deputy Employee scheduling tool with built-in leave requests, shift swaps, and approval notifications for teams. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | TimeOff.Management Free, open-source time-off tracker supporting unlimited users, custom policies, and calendar synchronization. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
Comprehensive HR platform with advanced time-off management including requests, approvals, accruals, and balance tracking.
All-in-one workforce management system automating PTO requests, policy enforcement, and integrations across HR tools.
Dedicated vacation tracking app with Slack/Teams integration for seamless requests, approvals, and unlimited accrual policies.
Payroll and HR software for small businesses featuring simple PTO request tracking and automated accruals.
HR management platform enabling self-service vacation requests, manager approvals, and compliance reporting.
Enterprise HCM suite with robust leave management for complex vacation policies, global compliance, and analytics.
Workforce management solution with configurable time-off requests, scheduling integration, and absence tracking.
HCM platform offering mobile-friendly vacation request workflows, accrual calculators, and reporting dashboards.
Employee scheduling tool with built-in leave requests, shift swaps, and approval notifications for teams.
Free, open-source time-off tracker supporting unlimited users, custom policies, and calendar synchronization.
BambooHR
enterpriseComprehensive HR platform with advanced time-off management including requests, approvals, accruals, and balance tracking.
Visual team calendar with real-time availability and conflict detection for effortless scheduling.
BambooHR is a comprehensive cloud-based HR platform with robust vacation request management, enabling employees to submit time-off requests easily through a self-service portal or mobile app. Managers can review, approve, or deny requests with automated workflows, notifications, and visibility into team calendars to prevent overbooking. It supports customizable accrual policies, balance tracking, carryover rules, and integration with payroll systems for accurate PTO management.
Pros
- Intuitive self-service portal and mobile app for quick requests and approvals
- Advanced accrual tracking with multiple policy types and automatic adjustments
- Seamless integration with broader HR tools like payroll and performance management
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be higher for larger teams
- Best suited for small to mid-sized businesses; may feel bloated for solo users
- Advanced custom reporting requires configuration or add-ons
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing an integrated HR solution with powerful vacation tracking and approval workflows.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $6-$12 per employee per month depending on company size and features.
Rippling
enterpriseAll-in-one workforce management system automating PTO requests, policy enforcement, and integrations across HR tools.
Real-time PTO balance syncing across payroll, calendars, and global compliance rules
Rippling is an all-in-one HR platform that excels in vacation request management by providing a centralized system for employees to submit, track, and manage PTO requests seamlessly. It features automated approval workflows, real-time accrual tracking, and integration with payroll, calendars, and performance tools for comprehensive visibility. Ideal for scaling businesses, it ensures compliance with global leave policies while minimizing administrative overhead.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll, benefits, and IT for unified employee data
- Mobile app for on-the-go requests and approvals
- Advanced accrual rules, carryover management, and multi-country compliance
Cons
- Overkill and complex for small teams needing only basic vacation tracking
- Custom pricing can be expensive for standalone use
- Full setup requires significant initial configuration
Best For
Growing mid-sized businesses seeking an integrated HR suite with robust vacation management.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $8/user/month for core HR (includes vacation tools); scales with add-ons.
Vacation Tracker
specializedDedicated vacation tracking app with Slack/Teams integration for seamless requests, approvals, and unlimited accrual policies.
Direct Slack and Microsoft Teams bots for requesting and approving vacations without leaving chat apps
Vacation Tracker is a streamlined vacation management software designed to handle employee leave requests, approvals, and PTO tracking efficiently. It offers seamless integrations with Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, and Outlook for real-time notifications and automated workflows. The platform supports unlimited vacation policies, multiple leave types, and provides customizable reports to monitor team absences.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with Slack and Microsoft Teams for instant requests and approvals
- Intuitive mobile app and web interface for easy access
- Generous free plan for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced HRIS and payroll integrations compared to enterprise solutions
- Reporting features lack deep customization
- No built-in time tracking beyond vacations
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an affordable, chat-integrated tool for simple vacation request management.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Pro at $2.50/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing.
Gusto
enterprisePayroll and HR software for small businesses featuring simple PTO request tracking and automated accruals.
Payroll-integrated PTO approvals that automatically deduct time off from paychecks without manual adjustments
Gusto is a comprehensive HR and payroll platform for small businesses that includes vacation request management through its employee self-service portal. Employees can submit PTO requests, view balances, and track accruals, while managers handle approvals with automated notifications and calendar sync. It integrates seamlessly with payroll to adjust pay accurately for time off, making it a solid all-in-one solution rather than a standalone vacation tool.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll for automatic pay adjustments
- Intuitive mobile app for on-the-go requests and approvals
- Automated PTO accrual tracking with customizable policies
Cons
- Pricing scales with full payroll use, less ideal for PTO-only needs
- Limited advanced features like shift swaps or complex multi-policy support
- Primarily tailored for US small businesses, with less flexibility for global teams
Best For
Small to medium US-based businesses already using Gusto for payroll and HR who need reliable, integrated vacation request handling.
Pricing
Starts at $40/month base + $6 per person/month (Simple plan); higher tiers at $80 + $12 (Plus) or custom (Premium), with PTO features included in all.
Zenefits
enterpriseHR management platform enabling self-service vacation requests, manager approvals, and compliance reporting.
Integrated PTO accrual engine that syncs automatically with payroll for precise balance calculations and payouts
Zenefits is an all-in-one HR management platform that includes a dedicated time-off module for handling vacation requests, approvals, and accruals. Employees can submit requests through a user-friendly web or mobile app, with automated workflows notifying managers and updating calendars in real-time. It excels in integration with payroll and benefits, ensuring accurate tracking and compliance for PTO policies.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and full HR suite
- Mobile app for easy request submission and approvals
- Automated accrual tracking and policy enforcement
Cons
- Can be pricey for teams only needing vacation tracking
- Overkill for small businesses without HR needs
- Occasional reports of sync delays with integrations
Best For
Mid-sized companies seeking an integrated HR platform with reliable vacation request management.
Pricing
Core HR and time-off features start free for basics, with paid plans from $8 per employee/month plus add-ons.
Workday
enterpriseEnterprise HCM suite with robust leave management for complex vacation policies, global compliance, and analytics.
AI-powered accrual forecasting and predictive leave analytics
Workday is a comprehensive enterprise HCM platform with robust time-off management for vacation requests, allowing employees to submit, track, and manage absences via a unified interface. It integrates seamlessly with payroll, scheduling, and HR workflows, supporting complex accrual rules, approvals, and compliance across global teams. The system provides real-time visibility into balances and forecasts, making it suitable for large organizations with sophisticated needs.
Pros
- Highly customizable accrual rules and multi-plan support for complex policies
- Deep integration with HR, payroll, and analytics for end-to-end visibility
- Mobile app enables anytime, anywhere request submission and approvals
Cons
- Prohibitively expensive for SMBs with basic vacation needs
- Steep implementation and configuration timeline
- Overkill interface for users seeking simple standalone vacation tracking
Best For
Large enterprises needing integrated HCM with advanced, scalable vacation management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $150-300 per employee per year for full suite (billed annually).
UKG Pro
enterpriseWorkforce management solution with configurable time-off requests, scheduling integration, and absence tracking.
AI-powered absence forecasting that predicts staffing gaps from vacation trends and suggests coverage
UKG Pro is an enterprise-grade human capital management (HCM) platform with robust vacation request and absence management features, allowing employees to submit time-off requests via self-service portals or mobile apps. Managers can approve requests through automated workflows, track balances, and enforce complex accrual rules compliant with global regulations. It integrates seamlessly with scheduling, payroll, and timekeeping for holistic workforce management.
Pros
- Comprehensive accrual management with support for complex policies and compliance
- Seamless integration with payroll, scheduling, and HR modules
- Mobile-first self-service for employees and intuitive approval workflows for managers
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation for full customization
- High cost makes it less ideal for small businesses
- Overkill for organizations needing only basic vacation tracking
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises requiring integrated HCM with advanced vacation and absence management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $15-30 per employee per month for the full suite, with minimums for enterprise contracts.
Paylocity
enterpriseHCM platform offering mobile-friendly vacation request workflows, accrual calculators, and reporting dashboards.
Automated accrual management with real-time balance updates and multi-category PTO tracking integrated directly into payroll
Paylocity is a full-suite HR and payroll platform that offers robust vacation request management as part of its employee self-service tools. Employees can submit time-off requests via a user-friendly web portal or mobile app, with features like automated approvals, accrual tracking, and balance visibility. It integrates tightly with payroll, scheduling, and benefits modules to streamline HR processes and ensure compliance.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration with payroll and HR systems for accurate time-off pay calculations
- Mobile app enables anytime, anywhere request submissions and approvals
- Advanced accrual rules and reporting for multiple PTO types and carryover policies
Cons
- Pricing is premium and geared toward mid-to-large businesses, less ideal for small teams
- Overkill for organizations needing only vacation tracking without full HCM
- Setup and customization require HR expertise and initial training
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise-level companies looking for an integrated HR platform with reliable vacation request handling.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $20-$45 per employee per month with annual contracts and minimum employee thresholds.
Deputy
specializedEmployee scheduling tool with built-in leave requests, shift swaps, and approval notifications for teams.
Schedule impact preview that shows shift gaps instantly upon leave approval
Deputy is a workforce management platform that excels in shift scheduling while offering solid vacation request capabilities, allowing employees to submit leave via a mobile app with automated approval workflows. It tracks accruals, balances, and integrates requests directly into schedules to avoid conflicts. Ideal for industries with variable shifts, it provides managers with visibility into team availability during the approval process.
Pros
- Seamless integration of leave requests with shift scheduling
- User-friendly mobile app for quick submissions and approvals
- Real-time notifications and accrual tracking
Cons
- Vacation tools are secondary to core scheduling focus
- Pricing scales with full platform use, less ideal for leave-only needs
- Advanced reporting for leave analytics is somewhat limited
Best For
Shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing vacation requests tied to dynamic scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (billed annually) for Essentials; higher tiers like Plus ($5.25/user/month) add advanced leave features.
TimeOff.Management
specializedFree, open-source time-off tracker supporting unlimited users, custom policies, and calendar synchronization.
Unlimited free users with full access to leave management tools, eliminating per-user costs
TimeOff.Management is a web-based vacation request software that allows employees to submit time off requests for various leave types like vacation, sick days, and public holidays, while automatically tracking leave balances. Managers can review, approve, or reject requests via a shared calendar view and generate customizable reports on team availability and leave usage. It supports multiple departments and offices, making it suitable for distributed teams without requiring complex setup.
Pros
- Completely free for unlimited users and teams
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop calendar
- Automatic leave balance tracking and notifications
Cons
- Limited integrations with HR or payroll systems
- No native mobile app (web-only)
- Basic customization for advanced reporting needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking a simple, no-cost solution for tracking employee vacation requests and availability.
Pricing
Free forever for all core features with unlimited users; no paid plans required.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top vacation request software reveals a mix of strengths, with BambooHR emerging as the top choice, boasting comprehensive HR tools and seamless time-off management. Rippling and Vacation Tracker also stand out, offering robust automation and user-friendly integrations that cater to different operational needs. Ultimately, the best option depends on specific priorities, but BambooHR leads as the most well-rounded solution.
Don’t let time-off management clutter your workflow—try BambooHR today to transform how your team handles requests, approvals, and tracking with ease.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.