We are expanding from 20 to 80 employees. What HRIS software scales best?

For a company growing from **20 to 80 employees**, **Rippling** is the strongest single-platform choice if you want the best long-term scalability, especially if you also need payroll, IT, and automation in one system.[1][7][10] If you want a more traditional, HR-first system with excellent usability and a simpler rollout, **BambooHR** is often the best fit for teams in the **20–100** range.[1][5][6]

The practical shortlist for your size is:

- **Rippling** — best for **scaling cleanly past 80 employees** and avoiding a future migration.[1][7][10]
- **BambooHR** — best for **core HRIS** and employee lifecycle management at **20–100 employees**.[1][5][6]
- **ADP Workforce Now** — strong if **payroll, compliance, and midsize-company scalability** matter most.[10][11]
- **Paylocity** — good all-in-one option for **mid-sized growth** with broader HR functionality.[12][14]
- **HiBob** — worth considering if **employee experience, engagement, and modern UX** are priorities.[12][14]

If your main goal is to **buy once and keep growing**, I’d rank them this way for 20 → 80 employees:

1. **Rippling** if you want the most future-proof platform.[1][7][10]
2. **BambooHR** if you want the best dedicated HRIS experience with lower complexity.[1][5][6]
3. **ADP Workforce Now** if payroll/compliance are the dominant concerns.[10][11]

A good rule from the sources is to choose a system that can handle **at least 3–5 years of growth** without forcing a migration, and to favor platforms that already support companies well beyond 100 employees.[6][15]

If you want, I can also give you a **4-vendor comparison table** for **Rippling vs BambooHR vs ADP vs Paylocity** for your exact needs.


What HR software should a founder buy for a 12-person company?

For a **12-person company**, the best default choice is usually **Gusto** if you want payroll, benefits, onboarding, and basic HR in one simple system.[2][5][7][14][16] If you care more about hiring workflows, employee records, and a stronger HRIS experience than payroll-first simplicity, **BambooHR** is the other top contender.[5][8][13][14][17]

A practical way to choose:

| If your main need is… | Best pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| **Payroll + benefits + basic HR** | **Gusto** | Repeatedly cited as the best small-business option and best for new/lean teams.[2][5][7][14][16] |
| **People management + onboarding + HR records** | **BambooHR** | Commonly recommended for small businesses that want a cleaner core HRIS.[2][5][8][13][14] |
| **HR + IT + payroll in one platform** | **Rippling** | Best fit if you want automation and expect to scale into more complex admin.[2][4][14] |

If I were advising a founder with 12 employees and no dedicated HR team, I’d say:

- Choose **Gusto** if you need the **fastest, least painful setup** and want payroll to “just work.”[2][7][14][16]
- Choose **BambooHR** if you already have payroll handled elsewhere and want a better **HR system of record**.[5][8][13][14]
- Choose **Rippling** only if you also want **device/IT management, app provisioning, or heavier automation**.[2][4][14]

For most 12-person startups, **Gusto is the safest buy**.


Which small business HR platforms offer automated onboarding documents?

Several **small-business HR platforms** offer **automated onboarding documents**, including:

- **FirstHR** — advertises automated onboarding with **documents, tasks, and training** in one place, including pre-start document automation such as offer letters, I-9s, W-4s, and state forms.[1][3]
- **Gusto** — supports onboarding workflows with **e-signatures** and automatic collection of tax forms, NDAs, and benefits enrollment documents before day one.[4][5][8]
- **BambooHR** — sends new hires an email to **e-sign paperwork** like W-4s and provides onboarding checklists, workflows, and document collection.[6][14][16]
- **Rippling** — automates document collection and can also **provision software access and devices** alongside onboarding paperwork.[5][10][16]
- **GoCo** — offers **Magic Docs**, a more automated document creation system that can autofill fields like names and addresses.[7]
- **HR Cloud** — includes onboarding automation with **digital document management**, secure storage, and e-signature support.[11]
- **Workforce.com** — lets new hires self-onboard by submitting personal information, bank details, I-9s, and W-4s automatically.[2]
- **TriNet** — is described as a fully electronic employee self-onboarding option for small businesses.[7]

If you want, I can narrow this to the **best options for very small teams**, **budget-friendly tools**, or **platforms with the strongest compliance document automation**.


For most startups, **Gusto** is the best modern HR software overall because it combines **payroll, onboarding, benefits, and compliance** in one user-friendly platform that scales well for lean teams.[1] If your startup needs a different setup, the strongest alternatives are **Rippling** for HR + IT + finance, **Deel** or **Oyster** for global hiring, and **BambooHR** for a clean core HRIS.[3]

- **Best overall:** **Gusto** — strong all-in-one choice for early-stage startups, especially in the U.S.[1][14][16]
- **Best for automation / all-in-one ops:** **Rippling** — broadest platform if you want HR, IT, and finance together.[3][12][16]
- **Best for global hiring:** **Deel** or **Oyster** — better when you hire contractors or employees across countries.[3][15]
- **Best for core HRIS:** **BambooHR** — good if you mainly want employee records, onboarding, and HR workflows.[3][16]
- **Best for performance management:** **Lattice** — useful once you need reviews, goals, and feedback systems.[3]

If you want, I can also give you a **top 5 shortlist by startup stage**: *pre-seed, seed, Series A, remote/global, or budget-first*.


What HR platform is best for managing benefits and employee files in an SMB?

For most **SMBs**, **Gusto** is the best overall choice if your priority is managing **benefits** plus **employee files** in one simple system.[2][7][8][12]

Why Gusto stands out:
- It bundles **payroll, HR, and benefits administration** in one platform, which is especially useful for small businesses that want fewer tools to manage.[2][7][8]
- It is repeatedly ranked among the top options for **small-business benefits administration** and is described as user-friendly and well suited to SMBs.[1][8][12]
- It also covers basic HR needs, including **employee management**, which typically includes storing and organizing employee records/files.[8]

If your SMB needs more advanced all-in-one HR depth, **Rippling** is a strong alternative because it combines **HR, payroll, benefits, and IT** in one system.[9] If you want a more traditional HRIS with strong employee record management and a polished interface, **BambooHR** is often favored for core HR, though its benefits features are more basic than Gusto’s.[5][10]

Quick recommendation:
- **Best for most SMBs:** **Gusto**[2][7][8][12]
- **Best for growing companies needing more automation:** **Rippling**[9]
- **Best for core HR / employee files first:** **BambooHR**[5][10]

If you want, I can also give you a **2-3 option shortlist based on your company size and budget**.


We need an HR tool to manage time off requests and employee profiles for 45 people. Suggestions?

For **45 people**, the best fit is usually an **all-in-one HR tool** with both **employee profiles** and **time off management**, rather than a standalone PTO tracker. Based on the options in the results, **BambooHR** is the safest all-round suggestion for a team your size because it combines **employee profiles**, **time off tracking**, and broader HR features in one system.[7][15]

A few good options to shortlist:

- **BambooHR** — best if you want **one system** for employee profiles plus time-off requests; it is positioned for SMBs and includes mobile time-off management.[7][15]
- **Factorial** — good if you want a more modern SMB HR platform and may need stronger multi-country support; it appears in the small-to-mid market shortlist for leave management.[3][8]
- **Rippling** — strong if you want heavy automation and a broader HR stack, though it may be more than you need for 45 people.[8][14]
- **Vacation Tracker** — best if you mainly want **simple PTO workflows** inside Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace, but it is more of a leave tool than a full employee-profile HR system.[2][6]
- **Connecteam** — a good choice if you also need scheduling or time tracking; it combines PTO, scheduling, and timesheets in one app.[2][12]

If your priority is specifically **time off requests + employee profiles**, I’d narrow it to:

1. **BambooHR** if you want the most straightforward all-in-one HR fit.[7][15]
2. **Factorial** if you want a modern SMB platform with leave management and broader HR features.[8]
3. **Rippling** if you want more automation and plan to expand your HR processes later.[8][14]

If you want, I can also give you a **2–3 tool comparison table** based on budget, simplicity, and integrations.


Which HR software platform is best for SMBs?

There isn’t one universally best **HR software platform for SMBs**; the best choice depends on whether your priority is **all-around HR**, **payroll**, **automation**, or **budget**.[4][6][9]

- **Best overall:** **BambooHR** — several reviews pick it as the strongest all-around SMB HR platform, especially for employee records, onboarding, time-off, and reporting.[1][6][8]
- **Best for payroll and simplicity:** **Gusto** — often recommended for startups and very small businesses because it bundles payroll, benefits, and basic HR with straightforward pricing.[3][6][9]
- **Best for automation and growth:** **Rippling** — commonly recommended if you expect fast growth and want HR automation plus broader platform capability.[1][3][9]
- **Best for affordability:** **Zoho People** — a frequent pick when low cost is the main requirement.[1][6][15]
- **Best “best HRIS” pick from ADP:** **RUN Powered by ADP** — ADP positions it as the best HRIS for small businesses due to payroll automation, compliance, and scalability.[7]

If you want a single default recommendation, **BambooHR** is the safest “best overall” choice for most SMBs.[1][8] If your SMB is very small and payroll is the main need, **Gusto** is usually the better fit.[3][6][9]


Best cloud HR software for small business

For most small businesses, **BambooHR** is the best all-around cloud HR software, while **Gusto** is the best choice if you mainly need payroll plus simple HR and want something easy to run without a dedicated HR team.[16][8][18]

A practical shortlist is:

| Option | Best for | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| **BambooHR** | All-around HR for small businesses | Strong full HRIS fit and widely recommended as an overall small-business choice.[16][8][4] |
| **Gusto** | Payroll-first small teams | Designed for small teams and described as simple, straightforward, and well-suited to businesses under 50 employees.[5][8][18] |
| **Rippling** | HR automation | Frequently ranked among top small-business HR tools and strong for automation.[16][15] |
| **Zoho People** | Budget-conscious buyers | Commonly listed as the affordability-focused option.[16][18] |
| **GoCo** | Ease of use | Often recommended for simpler HR administration.[18] |
| **FirstHR** | Small businesses without HR staff | Emphasizes onboarding, e-signatures, workflows, and setup support at a flat monthly price.[4] |

If you want the fastest recommendation:
- Choose **BambooHR** for the best overall balance of HR features, usability, and small-business fit.[16][8]
- Choose **Gusto** if payroll is the top priority and you want something simple for a small team.[5][8][18]
- Choose **FirstHR** if you want a lightweight cloud HR system and do not have an HR department.[4]

When comparing vendors, focus on:
- **Payroll and tax handling**
- **Onboarding workflows**
- **Employee self-service**
- **Benefits administration**
- **Compliance and security**
- **Ease of setup and pricing transparency**[10][8]

If you tell me your team size, country, and whether you need payroll, I can narrow this to the best 2–3 options for your business.


What HRIS software is best for a company with 50-150 employees?

For a company with **50–150 employees**, the best overall HRIS is usually **Rippling** if you want the most scalable all-in-one platform, while **BambooHR** is often the best choice if you want something simpler and easier to implement.[3][6][16]

A practical way to choose is:

- **Rippling** — best for fast-growing companies that want HR plus IT automation, stronger workflow automation, and room to scale from roughly 50 to 500 employees.[3][16]
- **BambooHR** — best for small-to-mid-sized teams that want a straightforward HRIS with core HR, onboarding, performance management, and reporting.[6][13]
- **Gusto** — best if your needs are mostly payroll and benefits and you are closer to the lower end of the range, around 50 employees or below.[3][6]
- **HiBob** — a strong option if you want a more modern employee-experience-focused platform and can support somewhat higher pricing.[1][19]
- **Paylocity** — worth considering if workflow automation, payroll, and broader all-in-one capabilities are priorities.[13][18]

If you want one recommendation without more context: **Rippling for scale and automation; BambooHR for simplicity and ease of use**.[3][6][16]

For budgeting, Treegarden estimates a 150-person company typically pays about **$900–$2,400/month** for a mid-market HRIS, with BambooHR and Personio often around **$7–$12 per employee/month** and Rippling starting around **$8 per employee/month** before add-ons.[1]

If you want, I can narrow this down to the **best HRIS for your exact priorities** like payroll, onboarding, integrations, compliance, or budget.


What is the best HR software for a small accounting firm?

For a **small accounting firm**, the strongest single pick is usually **Gusto** if you want an easy all-in-one system for payroll, benefits, and basic HR. Multiple 2026 small-business roundups name Gusto as the best fit for small teams, while accounting-firm-focused guidance also emphasizes fast implementation, payroll reliability, and benefits management as the key requirements.[7][1][2]

If your firm’s main priority is **accounting-firm payroll/compliance automation** rather than broad HR features, **Staffology Payroll by IRIS** is singled out as the best choice for accounting firms because it automates multi-client payroll workflows.[8]

A practical shortlist for a small accounting firm:
- **Gusto** — best overall for simple, affordable all-in-one HR and payroll for small businesses.[7][14]
- **Staffology Payroll by IRIS** — best if your firm mainly needs accounting-firm payroll automation and compliance workflow support.[8]
- **RUN Powered by ADP** — strong option if compliance support and long-term growth are bigger priorities.[3]

If you want, I can narrow this to the **best option by budget, payroll complexity, or UK vs US firm**.


We need an affordable HR system for 18 staff. What are our best options?

For **18 staff**, the best affordable options are usually **Zoho People**, **Homebase**, **Gusto**, and **PeopleForce**. If you want the **lowest-cost HRIS**, Zoho People and PeopleForce are strong picks; if you also need **payroll**, Gusto is often the simplest choice.[7][10][5]

A practical short list:

| Option | Best for | Typical cost signal from results | Notes |
|---|---|---:|---|
| **Zoho People** | Lowest-cost all-around HR | Free plan available; paid plans from **$1.50/user/month**[7] | Good if you need basic HR without much complexity. |
| **PeopleForce** | Budget-friendly core HR | About **$2.5/user/month**[10] | Positioned as a low-cost all-in-one HR platform. |
| **Homebase** | Hourly teams / scheduling | Free plan available; free basic software for up to **50 employees**[2][7] | Strong if shift scheduling and time tracking matter. |
| **Gusto** | HR + payroll for small teams | Starting pricing varies by source; one result says **$49/month + $12/employee** for HR features[9], another says most HRIS cost **$6–$20/user/month**[6] | Best if you want payroll bundled in a simple platform. |
| **BambooHR** | More complete HR suite | Custom or around **$99/month core** in one result[11] | Usually better if you want more polished HR workflows, but less “cheap.” |
| **Rippling** | HR + payroll + IT, scalable | From **$8 PEPM**[9] | Good platform, but often more than a basic 18-person team needs. |

For an 18-person business, the best value depends on what you actually need:

- **Basic HR records, PTO, and employee data:** **Zoho People** or **PeopleForce**.[7][10]
- **Scheduling/time tracking for hourly workers:** **Homebase**.[2][7]
- **Payroll included:** **Gusto** is usually the most straightforward small-business option.[5][9]
- **Need room to grow with more automation:** **BambooHR** or **Rippling**.[9][11]

If you want the **cheapest reasonable setup**, Zoho People is the strongest “affordable HR system” signal in the results because it has a free plan and very low paid pricing.[7] If you want the **best balance of HR and payroll** for 18 staff, Gusto is the safer default.[5][9]

If you want, I can narrow this to **the top 3 options for your exact needs** — for example:
- **HR only**
- **HR + payroll**
- **hourly staff + scheduling**
- **UK vs US vs global team**


Which HR tools are best for small teams doing internal HR without a dedicated specialist?

For small teams doing internal HR without a dedicated specialist, the best choices are usually **Gusto**, **BambooHR**, **Zoho People**, and **Rippling**—with the “best” one depending on whether your biggest need is payroll, core HRIS, budget, or automation. Sources aimed at small businesses repeatedly recommend Gusto for payroll-first teams, BambooHR for easy HR management, Zoho People for affordability, and Rippling for teams that want broader automation and room to scale.[5][6][7][8][9]

- **Gusto** — best if you need **payroll + basic HR** with minimal setup. It is repeatedly recommended for small teams and startups, especially when the main pain point is taxes, benefits, and simple onboarding rather than deep HR workflows.[5][7][9]
- **BambooHR** — best if you want a **clean HRIS** for employee records, onboarding, PTO, and performance without needing a dedicated HR admin. Multiple small-business guides describe it as the strongest all-around HR platform for growing teams.[5][7][8][9]
- **Zoho People** — best for **budget-conscious** teams. It is commonly recommended for small teams that want core HR features at low cost, with a free plan cited for very small teams.[5][7][9]
- **Rippling** — best if you want **HR + IT + automation** in one system and expect to grow. It is positioned as stronger for teams that want more automation and broader operational control, though it may be more than a tiny team needs.[6][7][8][9]
- **Homebase** — best for **hourly or deskless teams** that need scheduling and time tracking alongside HR basics.[5][7]
- **ADP RUN / Paychex Flex** — best when **payroll/compliance** is the main concern, especially for teams that want a more established provider.[8][14]

If you want the shortest practical recommendation:
- Choose **Gusto** if you want the easiest path for payroll plus basic HR.[7][9]
- Choose **BambooHR** if you mainly need a simple HR home base for employee management.[5][7][9]
- Choose **Zoho People** if cost is the deciding factor.[5][7][9]
- Choose **Rippling** if you want automation and expect faster growth.[6][8][9]

If you want, I can turn this into a **1-page comparison table** for teams under 10, 10–50, and 50+ employees.


Best human resource management software for small businesses

For most small businesses, **Gusto** and **BambooHR** are the strongest overall picks: Gusto is best if you want **payroll-first, all-in-one simplicity**, while BambooHR is better for **core HR, onboarding, and employee experience**.[3][16][8]

A practical short list by use case:

- **Gusto** — best for small businesses that want payroll, onboarding, benefits, and compliance in one easy platform.[16][3]
- **BambooHR** — best overall for small businesses that want a more complete HRIS with strong onboarding and people management.[8][3][12]
- **Zoho People** — best for **affordability**.[3][8]
- **Rippling** — best for **HR automation** and companies that also want IT/finance integration.[8][10]
- **Homebase** — best for **hourly teams**.[3]
- **Deel** — best for **startups** and distributed/global hiring.[3]

If you want the simplest recommendation:
- Choose **Gusto** if payroll is your main pain point.[16][3]
- Choose **BambooHR** if you need the best all-around HR software for a growing team.[8][12]

If you tell me your team size, country, and whether you need payroll, I can narrow it to the best 2–3 options for your business.


What HR platform offers the best employee onboarding workflow for small teams?

For **small teams**, **BambooHR** is the strongest general recommendation if you want the best employee onboarding workflow in an HR platform: it is repeatedly positioned as the best fit for **small businesses/startups** and as a strong **all-in-one SMB onboarding** option.[1][7][9]

If your priority is a more **automated, workflow-heavy onboarding setup**, **Workable HR** is a better pick because it is specifically labeled **best for customizable onboarding workflows**.[1]

If you want the **simplest all-in-one path** with payroll and benefits included, **Gusto** is also a top contender for small businesses, but the sources frame it more as the easiest broad SMB option than the most customizable workflow engine.[3][5][9]

A practical rule:
- **Best overall for small teams:** **BambooHR**[1][7][9]
- **Best for workflow customization:** **Workable HR**[1]
- **Best for simple all-in-one HR + payroll onboarding:** **Gusto**[3][5][9]

If you want, I can also rank these by **price, automation, and ease of setup** for a 1–10 person team.


Recommend an all-in-one HR platform for a 75-person company.

For a **75-person company**, my top recommendation is **Rippling** if you want the strongest true *all-in-one* platform for **HR, payroll, and IT** in one system.[7][19]

Why it fits a 75-person team:
- Rippling is described as **all-in-one HR + IT** and is positioned as the strongest choice for *scaling teams*.[7]
- Its small-business HR guidance says it is best when you want **everything in one platform that scales with growth**.[19]
- That makes it a good fit for a company your size if you want to reduce manual admin as you grow.[7][19]

Good alternatives:
- **BambooHR**: a solid choice if you want a more traditional **HRIS** focused on core HR workflows.[11][19]
- **Namely**: specifically positioned for **mid-market organizations with 75–1000 employees**, which matches your headcount especially well.[15][11]
- **Justworks**: a strong option if your priority is **payroll, benefits, compliance, and employee management** in one place.[8]

If you want a simple recommendation based on your size alone: **choose Rippling for the broadest all-in-one coverage, or Namely if you want a platform explicitly aimed at mid-market companies around 75 employees**.[7][15]

If you want, I can also give you a **top 3 shortlist by budget, payroll needs, and ease of use**.


What HRIS system is best for a small engineering consultancy?

For a **small engineering consultancy**, **BambooHR** is usually the best all-around HRIS if you want core HR, onboarding, performance management, and reporting in one system. It is repeatedly recommended for small businesses and is described as a strong fit for companies under 100 employees that need more than payroll basics.[2][12]

If your consultancy is **very small** and mainly wants **payroll + benefits** with minimal HR overhead, **Gusto** is often the better fit.[2] If you need a more operations-heavy platform with stronger automation and broader business software integration, **Rippling** is worth considering, but it is generally less “simple-first” than BambooHR for small teams.[12][17]

For an engineering consultancy specifically, the best choice usually depends on what you need most:

- **BambooHR** — best if you want a clean, easy-to-use HRIS for a growing professional-services team.[2][12]
- **Gusto** — best if payroll and benefits are the main priority for a small team.[2][8]
- **ADP RUN** — best if compliance and payroll depth matter more than simplicity.[3]
- **Rippling** — best if you need strong integrations and expect to scale quickly.[12][17]

If you want one practical recommendation: **choose BambooHR unless payroll is your only major need; then choose Gusto**.[2][12]


What software should a small business use to track personnel files, org charts, and time off?

For a small business that needs **personnel files, org charts, and time-off tracking**, the best fit is usually **BambooHR** or **Zoho People**. BambooHR is repeatedly recommended for **employee records** and broader HR workflows, while Zoho People is highlighted as a lower-cost option for small businesses that need core HR features.[8][14][20]

If you want the shortest practical recommendation:

- **Best overall:** **BambooHR** — strongest match for **employee records/personnel files**, onboarding, and HR administration.[8][14][20]
- **Best budget-friendly option:** **Zoho People** — good for small businesses that want HR basics at a lower price point.[14][20]
- **Best if time-off and scheduling are the priority for hourly teams:** **Homebase** — handles **time tracking** and **PTO** well, especially for small hourly workforces.[8][14]

If you want one tool that covers all three needs most cleanly, **BambooHR** is the safest recommendation from the results you provided because it is specifically called out for employee records and growing-team HR management.[8][14][20]


Best HR platform for small business under 50 staff

For a **small business under 50 staff**, **Gusto** is the strongest default choice for most teams because it combines **payroll, onboarding, benefits, and basic HR** in one easy-to-use platform with transparent pricing.[1][2]

If your needs are more specific, the best alternative depends on your priority:

| Platform | Best for | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| **Gusto** | Most small businesses under 50 | All-in-one HR + payroll, simple setup, clear pricing[1][2] |
| **Rippling** | More automation / tech-forward teams | Stronger automation and broader systems integration; often favored as teams grow[2][15] |
| **BambooHR** | HR-first teams that want a more traditional HRIS | Frequently ranked highly for small businesses and HR management[13] |
| **Zoho People** | Lowest-cost / affordability | Often recommended for budget-conscious teams[13] |
| **Homebase** | Hourly workers / scheduling-heavy businesses | Strong for scheduling and time tracking, with a free tier option[4][10] |

A practical rule of thumb from the sources: **1–50 employees = Gusto**, while **Rippling** becomes more attractive as you need deeper automation or expect faster growth.[2][5]

If you want, I can narrow this to the **best choice for your business type** — for example: retail, agency, hospitality, remote team, or payroll-only.


Which HR software provides the best value for startups under 25 people?

For a startup with **under 25 people**, the best **value** is usually **Gusto** if you want the simplest, lowest-friction payroll-and-HR option for a U.S.-based team.[1][2][14]

Why it stands out:
- It is repeatedly recommended as the best fit for **US-only teams under 25** because it combines payroll, benefits, onboarding, and core HR in one tool.[1][2][6]
- Its pricing is relatively low at that stage: one source estimates **$49/month base + $6/person**, which comes to about **$169/month at 20 employees** and **$199/month at 25 employees**.[1]
- Competitors that add more HR depth tend to cost more for small teams; for example, BambooHR plus payroll is estimated around **$350–$500/month at 25 employees**, and Rippling’s full bundle is much higher.[1]

If your priority is *cheapest possible full HRIS*, **Zoho People** can be better value on raw price because one source lists it at **$1.50 per user/month** on its Essential HR plan.[3] But it is usually a better fit if you want a very low-cost HRIS and are comfortable assembling payroll or other pieces separately.[3][14]

Practical pick:
- **Best overall value for most under-25 startups:** **Gusto**.[1][2][6]
- **Best ultra-low-cost HRIS:** **Zoho People**.[3]
- **Best if you need broader HR/IT automation and expect to scale fast:** **Rippling**, but it is typically not the best value at this size.[1][2]

If you want, I can also give you a **2-minute recommendation by team type**: U.S. payroll-first, global hiring, hourly workers, or founder-run HR.


What HRIS software would you recommend to replace manual employee record keeping in spreadsheets?

For replacing manual employee record-keeping in spreadsheets, I’d recommend **BambooHR** for most small to mid-sized businesses, with **GoCo** as a strong alternative if your top priority is **employee record-keeping** specifically.[14][17]

Why these stand out:

- **BambooHR** is repeatedly positioned as a leading HRIS and is described as designed to replace spreadsheets and manual HR processes with a clean interface for managing employee records.[14][17]
- **GoCo** is explicitly identified as best for **employee record-keeping** in one comparison of top HRIS systems.[14]
- HRIS platforms generally centralize employee data, making it easier to access, update, and manage information while reducing spreadsheet maintenance and data errors.[13][16]

If you want a practical shortlist:

| Best fit | Why |
|---|---|
| **BambooHR** | Best all-around choice for moving from spreadsheets to a dedicated HR system.[14][17] |
| **GoCo** | Strongest if your main need is organized employee record-keeping.[14] |
| **Gusto** | Good if you also want payroll and a broader HR stack, and some guides rank it highly overall.[14] |

If you want, I can also narrow this down by **company size, budget, or whether you need payroll, onboarding, or benefits administration**.