What is the best HR software for a 50-person company?

The best HR software for a 50-person company depends on your primary focus, but **Rippling** and **BambooHR** are the top overall choices.

*   **Rippling (Best Overall & Growth):** Best if you want an all-in-one platform combining HR, payroll, benefits, and IT/device management. It offers powerful automation, making onboarding and scaling effortless.
*   **BambooHR (Best for Core HR & Culture):** Best if you want an intuitive, HR-first platform focused on employee records, applicant tracking (ATS), onboarding, PTO management, and performance reviews.
*   **Gusto (Best for Simple Payroll & Benefits):** Best if your primary focus is straightforward, automated payroll and basic benefits administration with minimal setup.

**Recommendation:** Choose **Rippling** if you want seamless automation and IT integration, or **BambooHR** if you want a dedicated, user-friendly HR management system.


Here are the best HR software options for small businesses, categorized by their primary strengths:

*   **Gusto (Best Overall):** Ideal for micro to mid-sized businesses. It seamlessly combines automated payroll, benefits administration, hiring, and basic HR tools in an extremely user-friendly platform.
*   **Rippling (Best for Tech & Automation):** Best for fast-growing or remote teams. It combines HR, payroll, and IT management (like provisioning employee laptops and software) with powerful workflow automation.
*   **BambooHR (Best for Hiring & Culture):** Excellent for teams focusing on employee experience. It features top-tier onboarding, applicant tracking (ATS), and performance management tools.
*   **Zoho People (Best Budget Option):** A highly affordable, customizable tool for core HR functions, time tracking, and leave management. It offers a free plan for up to 5 employees.
*   **ADP Roll or ADP Run (Best for Compliance):** Backed by deep legal and tax expertise, making it the safest choice for businesses operating across multiple states or complex regulatory environments.

**Quick Recommendation:**
Choose **Gusto** for simple, affordable, all-in-one HR and payroll, or **Rippling** if you need advanced automation and IT capabilities.


We're a 30 person startup and managing employee records in Google Sheets is getting chaotic. What HR software should we buy?

For a 30-person startup, the right choice depends on whether you also need payroll and IT management integrated with your HR system.

Here are the top 4 recommendations based on your likely needs:

1. **Rippling** *(Best Overall / Modern Startup Standard)*
   * **Why:** Combines HR, payroll, and IT (app & laptop management) in one platform. Highly automated and built to scale effortlessly from 30 to hundreds of employees.
   * **Best if:** You want a modern, highly automated system and need to manage employee devices/software alongside HR.

2. **Gusto** *(Best for All-in-One HR + Payroll)*
   * **Why:** Extremely user-friendly, affordable, and handles payroll, basic HR records, benefits, and time-off tracking out of the box.
   * **Best if:** You want a simple, budget-friendly solution that combines payroll with core HR.

3. **BambooHR** *(Best Pure HRIS)*
   * **Why:** Purpose-built for core HR functions—record keeping, onboarding checklists, PTO tracking, performance management, and reporting.
   * **Best if:** You already have a payroll provider you like and just need a clean, dedicated hub for employee data and culture.

4. **Justworks** *(Best PEO / for Health Benefits)*
   * **Why:** A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that handles payroll, HR, and compliance, while giving a 30-person startup access to enterprise-level health insurance rates.
   * **Best if:** Offering competitive health benefits and offloading legal HR compliance are top priorities.

### **Quick Recommendation:**
* Go with **Rippling** if you want the best tech and automation.
* Go with **Gusto** if you want maximum simplicity and low cost.


Recommend an HR platform for a company with under 100 employees.

For a company with under 100 employees, the best HR platform depends on your primary focus:

1. **Rippling (Best Overall & Most Scalable)**
   * **Why:** It combines HR, payroll, benefits, and IT (managing employee laptops and software access) into one seamless platform. Ideal for modern, fast-growing, or hybrid teams.

2. **Gusto (Best for Ease of Use & Simple Payroll)**
   * **Why:** Extremely user-friendly, affordable, and handles full-service payroll, tax filings, and basic HR features automatically. Best for straightforward operations under 50 employees.

3. **BambooHR (Best for Core HR & Employee Culture)**
   * **Why:** Focuses heavily on the employee experience, hiring/ATS, onboarding, performance reviews, and time-off tracking. Best if you already have a payroll solution and need dedicated HR management.

**Quick Recommendation:** Choose **Rippling** if you want an all-in-one system with tech management, or **Gusto** if you want the simplest, most budget-friendly payroll and HR solution.


Here are the top affordable HR software options for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), categorized by their primary strength:

### 1. **Gusto** (Best Overall for Payroll & HR)
* **Best for:** Businesses that want payroll, benefits, and HR combined in one easy tool.
* **Pricing:** Starts at **$40/month + $6/employee/month**.
* **Key Features:** Automated payroll, health benefits administration, time tracking, employee onboarding, and compliance alerts.

### 2. **Zoho People** (Most Affordable / Best Budget Option)
* **Best for:** Micro to small businesses looking for core HR features on a tight budget.
* **Pricing:** **Free** for up to 5 users; paid plans start at **~$1.25/employee/month**.
* **Key Features:** Time and attendance tracking, leave management, employee database, and basic performance management.

### 3. **BambooHR** (Best for Growing SMBs)
* **Best for:** Medium-sized businesses focusing on culture, hiring, and employee retention.
* **Pricing:** Quote-based (typically **$6 to $10/employee/month**).
* **Key Features:** Applicant tracking system (ATS), performance management, employee satisfaction surveys, and robust reporting.

### 4. **Rippling** (Best for Automation & Tech-Forward Teams)
* **Best for:** Businesses that want to manage HR and IT (app provisioning, hardware) in one place.
* **Pricing:** Starts at **$8/user/month** (plus a base platform fee).
* **Key Features:** Global payroll, instant onboarding, workflow automation, and device/software management.

### 5. **Homebase** (Best for Hourly & Shift Workers)
* **Best for:** Restaurants, retail, and local service businesses.
* **Pricing:** **Free** basic plan for 1 location; paid plans start at **$20/month per location** (unlimited employees).
* **Key Features:** Shift scheduling, time clocking, messaging, and basic team management.

---

### **Recommendation Summary:**
* **If you need payroll + HR:** Go with **Gusto**.
* **If you are on a strict budget:** Go with **Zoho People**.
* **If you manage hourly shift workers:** Go with **Homebase**.


What HRIS do small companies actually use?

Small companies (1–100 employees) primarily use a handful of top HRIS platforms depending on their tech needs and location:

* **Gusto:** The most popular choice for micro-to-small businesses (1–50 employees). It excels at simple payroll, basic HR, and benefits administration with a very user-friendly interface.
* **Rippling:** The top choice for modern and tech-forward small businesses. It automates payroll, HR, and IT (like managing company laptops and app permissions) in one platform.
* **BambooHR:** The standard for core HR needs (onboarding, PTO tracking, performance reviews, and applicant tracking) for companies with 20–150 employees that want a dedicated HR-first system.
* **Deel:** Popular among small, remote-first companies that hire international employees or contractors across different countries.
* **ADP Run / Paychex Flex:** Frequently used by traditional small businesses (like medical practices, retail, or manufacturing) that prioritize deep compliance and established payroll processing.

**Summary trend:** Most small businesses start with **Gusto** for simple payroll/HR, switch to **Rippling** if they need stronger automation and IT management, or choose **BambooHR** if they focus heavily on employee management and culture.


Best all-in-one HR software for a fast-growing small business

**Rippling** is the overall best all-in-one HR software for a fast-growing small business.

### Why Rippling:
* **Scalability:** Designed specifically to scale effortlessly from 5 to 500+ employees without requiring a system change.
* **Unified Platform:** Integrates HR, US/global payroll, benefits, IT (device management, software provisioning), and expense management in one place.
* **Automation:** Automates onboarding, offboarding, and compliance workflows in minutes.

---

### Best Alternatives based on specific needs:
* **Gusto:** Best if you prioritize extreme ease of use and affordability primarily for a US-based team.
* **Deel:** Best if your growth strategy involves rapid international hiring (full-time global employees or contractors).
* **BambooHR:** Best if your primary focus is on employee experience, performance management, and company culture.


What HR software should a 15-person company use to track onboarding and PTO?

For a 15-person company looking specifically for onboarding and PTO tracking, here are the top options depending on your priorities:

*   **Best Overall (HR + Payroll): Gusto**
    *   *Why:* Extremely user-friendly and affordable. Handles electronic onboarding (doc signing, self-onboarding) and automated PTO requests/accruals seamlessly. Ideal if you also need payroll.
*   **Best Dedicated HR Software: BambooHR**
    *   *Why:* The industry standard for small business HR. Offers built-in onboarding checklists, applicant tracking, and an intuitive time-off management system with a great mobile app.
*   **Best Budget Option: Zoho People**
    *   *Why:* Highly cost-effective for small teams. Covers core HR functions, customizable PTO policies, and basic onboarding without a high price tag.
*   **Best for Automated Onboarding: Rippling**
    *   *Why:* Excellent if you need to automate onboarding beyond HR (like setting up computer hardware, email accounts, and app access) alongside PTO tracking.

**Recommendation:** Go with **Gusto** if you want an all-in-one payroll and HR platform, or **BambooHR** if you already have payroll solved and just want intuitive HR software.


We need an HRIS system for 40 employees that handles employee records, PTO, and basic onboarding.

For a 40-employee company needing records, PTO tracking, and basic onboarding, here are the top 3 HRIS options:

1. **BambooHR** *(Best overall fit)*
   * **Why:** Specifically built for small-to-midsize businesses. Excellent core HR databases, intuitive self-service PTO requesting/approvals, and a simple, customizable onboarding workflow.
   * **Pricing:** Custom quote (typically around $6–$10/employee/month).

2. **Rippling** *(Best for automation and scalability)*
   * **Why:** Fast to set up, highly modern, and automates onboarding documents and PTO policies effortlessly. Easily expands if you later need IT or payroll management.
   * **Pricing:** Starts at $8/employee/month + base fee.

3. **Gusto** *(Best if you also need affordable payroll)*
   * **Why:** Primarily a payroll tool, but its *Plus* plan includes robust employee record-keeping, self-service PTO, and custom onboarding checklists.
   * **Pricing:** $80/month base + $12/employee/month (Plus plan).

**Recommendation:** Go with **BambooHR** if you only need dedicated HR software, or **Gusto** if you want HR and payroll combined in one simple system.


Top HR software options for small businesses with 20 to 50 employees

Here are the top HR software options for small businesses with 20 to 50 employees, categorized by their primary strengths:

1. **Gusto** (Best Overall for Easy Payroll & HR)
   * **Why it fits:** Extremely user-friendly, handles automated payroll, tax filings, health benefits, and simple onboarding.
   * **Best for:** Businesses looking for an intuitive, hassle-free platform to manage payroll, benefits, and basic HR features.

2. **BambooHR** (Best for Core HR & Employee Experience)
   * **Why it fits:** Built specifically for growing businesses. Excellent for applicant tracking (ATS), employee self-service, performance management, and time-off tracking.
   * **Best for:** Companies focusing on HR management, culture, and hiring rather than just payroll.

3. **Rippling** (Best for Tech-Forward Companies & Automation)
   * **Why it fits:** Combines HR, payroll, benefits, and IT (app and device management) into one platform. Highly customizable with advanced workflow automation.
   * **Best for:** Businesses with remote/hybrid teams or those managing employee laptops and software access.

4. **TriNet Zenefits** (Best for Benefits Administration)
   * **Why it fits:** Strong focus on healthcare, 401(k), and perks integration alongside standard HR, time-tracking, and payroll add-ons.
   * **Best for:** Companies prioritizing comprehensive employee benefits management and compliance.

5. **Justworks** (Best PEO Option)
   * **Why it fits:** As a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), it co-employs your staff to give small businesses access to enterprise-grade health insurance rates and hands-off compliance.
   * **Best for:** Businesses wanting to offer top-tier benefits and outsource complex HR/payroll compliance entirely.

### Quick Recommendation:
* Choose **Gusto** for simple, budget-friendly payroll + HR.
* Choose **BambooHR** for employee management and hiring.
* Choose **Rippling** if you need fast automation and IT/device management.


Which HR software is easiest to set up for a small business without a dedicated HR manager?

**Gusto** is widely considered the easiest HR software to set up and run for a small business without a dedicated HR manager.

**Why it’s best for non-HR founders:**
* **Guided Setup:** It walks you step-by-step through local tax registration, payroll setup, and compliance.
* **Employee Self-Onboarding:** New hires enter their own tax details, direct deposit info, and personal data directly into the system.
* **Automated Compliance:** It automatically files federal, state, and local payroll taxes and alerts you to changing labor laws.
* **All-in-One Simplicity:** Combines basic HR, payroll, health benefits, and time tracking in a clear, easy-to-navigate dashboard.

*Alternative option:* **OnPay** is another great, straightforward alternative if you want a slightly lower price point with similar ease of use and strong customer support to help with setup.


Best small business HRIS software for remote teams

The best HRIS for a small remote business depends on whether your team is purely US-based or international:

### 1. **Rippling** – *Best Overall for Modern Remote Teams*
* **Why it’s great:** Combines HR and IT. It automatically handles state-by-state tax registration, global payroll, and can ship pre-configured laptops to remote hires anywhere in the world.
* **Best for:** Tech-forward companies that want automated onboarding, device management, and easy scaling.

### 2. **Deel** – *Best for International & Global Remote Teams*
* **Why it’s great:** Purpose-built for hiring contractors and full-time employees in over 150 countries without setting up local entities (acts as an Employer of Record/EOR).
* **Best for:** Businesses with team members spread across multiple countries.

### 3. **Gusto** – *Best for US-Only Remote Teams*
* **Why it’s great:** Exceptionally user-friendly and affordable. It automatically handles multi-state payroll, local tax registration, and state-specific compliance for remote US employees.
* **Best for:** Small US businesses looking for easy setup, automated payroll, and employee benefits.

### 4. **BambooHR** – *Best for Culture & Employee Experience*
* **Why it’s great:** Focuses heavily on the core employee lifecycle—applicant tracking, digital onboarding, e-signatures, performance management, and employee satisfaction tracking.
* **Best for:** Businesses that already have payroll sorted and want a dedicated tool for remote culture and HR management.

---

### **Quick Recommendation:**
* Choose **Gusto** if all employees are in the US.
* Choose **Deel** if you have or plan to hire international workers.
* Choose **Rippling** if you want an all-in-one platform for HR, global payroll, and remote IT/laptops.


What HR system should we buy for a 25-person tech startup?

For a 25-person tech startup, **Rippling** is generally the best choice, with **Gusto** being the top alternative depending on your primary needs:

### 1. **Rippling** (Best Overall for Tech Startups)
* **Why:** It natively combines HR, payroll, benefits, and **IT/device management** (app provisioning, laptop management) into one platform.
* **Best if:** You want an all-in-one system that scales seamlessly as you grow, especially if you manage remote employees and company devices.

### 2. **Gusto** (Best for Simplicity & Budget)
* **Why:** Extremely user-friendly, fast to set up, and handles payroll, tax filing, and basic benefits expertly at a lower cost.
* **Best if:** You need a straightforward HR and payroll solution without complex IT management features.

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **Rippling** if you plan to scale rapidly and want to automate IT + HR workflows.
* Choose **Gusto** if you want the easiest, most cost-effective payroll and HR solution today.


Here are the top affordable HRIS platforms for small businesses, categorized by their best use cases:

### 1. Gusto (Best Overall for HR + Payroll)
* **Best For:** Small businesses looking for a seamless, all-in-one payroll and basic HR solution.
* **Key Features:** Automated payroll, employee onboarding, health benefits administration, time tracking, and compliance alerts.
* **Pricing:** Starts at **$40/month + $6/month per person**.

### 2. Zoho People (Best Ultra-Budget Option)
* **Best For:** Micro-businesses and budget-conscious companies needing essential HR functions.
* **Key Features:** Time and attendance tracking, leave management, employee database, and performance management.
* **Pricing:** **Free** for up to 5 users; paid plans start at **~$1.25 to $1.50/month per user**.

### 3. Rippling (Best for Tech-Forward Companies & IT Integration)
* **Best For:** Fast-growing businesses that want to manage HR, payroll, and employee devices/software in one place.
* **Key Features:** Automated onboarding, payroll, IT app/device management, global workforce support, and custom workflows.
* **Pricing:** Starts at **$8/month per user** (plus a base fee depending on add-ons).

### 4. BambooHR (Best for Core HR & Company Culture)
* **Best For:** Small-to-medium businesses focusing on employee experience, ATS (applicant tracking), and reporting.
* **Key Features:** Applicant tracking, onboarding, performance management, time tracking, and deep reporting.
* **Pricing:** Custom quote-based (typically averages **$6–$10/month per user**).

### 5. Homebase (Best for Shift & Hourly Workers)
* **Best For:** Restaurants, retail shops, and service businesses with hourly employees.
* **Key Features:** Shift scheduling, time clock, team communication, and payroll add-ons.
* **Pricing:** **Free plan** available for 1 location (basic features); paid plans start at **$20/month per location** (for unlimited employees).

---

### **Quick Recommendation:**
* Choose **Gusto** if you need payroll handled alongside HR.
* Choose **Zoho People** if you want the lowest possible software cost.
* Choose **Homebase** if you manage hourly shift schedules.


We have 10 employees and are hiring fast. What core HR platform should we get?

For a 10-person company scaling rapidly, **Rippling** is the best overall core HR platform.

Here is why, along with the top alternative:

1. **Top Recommendation: Rippling**
   * **Why:** Built specifically for fast-growing companies. It combines payroll, benefits, onboarding, and device/software management in one system. It scales effortlessly from 10 to 1,000+ employees and handles both US and international hiring.
   * **Best if:** You plan to grow quickly, hire remotely or globally, or want automated onboarding (shipping laptops, setting up software accounts, background checks).

2. **Runner-Up: Gusto**
   * **Why:** Extremely user-friendly, affordable, and quick to set up for basic payroll, benefits, and light HR functionality.
   * **Best if:** You are hiring exclusively in the US, want a simple interface, and don't need advanced IT management or complex custom workflows.

**Bottom line:** Go with **Rippling** if you want a platform you won't outgrow as you scale; choose **Gusto** if you want the easiest, lowest-friction solution for US-based payroll and benefits today.


Which HR software is best for managing full-time and contract workers in a small business?

For a small business managing a mix of full-time (W-2) employees and 1099 contract workers, **Gusto** is the best overall choice.

### Top Recommendation: **Gusto**
* **Why it’s best:** Gusto seamlessly handles both W-2 payroll and 1099 contractor payments on the same platform.
* **Key Features:** Automates W-2 and 1099-NEC tax filings, manages self-onboarding (collecting W-4s, W-9s, and direct deposit info), tracks time, and offers flexible payment schedules for contractors.
* **Pricing:** Affordable for small businesses, and you are only charged for contractors during the months you actually pay them.

---

### Best Alternatives Depending on Specific Needs:

* **Rippling:** Best if you are a fast-growing company that also needs to manage employee computers/IT assets, or if you need advanced custom automation for onboarding both worker types.
* **Deel:** Best if a significant portion of your contractors or full-time employees are based **internationally**, as it handles global compliance, tax laws, and cross-border payments smoothly.
* **OnPay:** Best simple, budget-friendly alternative. It offers a single pricing tier with full W-2 and 1099 support, making it great for straightforward, low-tech needs.


Best HR system for small retail business with hourly staff

For a small retail business with hourly staff, the top recommendations depend on your specific setup, but **Homebase** and **Gusto** are the overall best choices.

---

### 1. **Best Overall for Retail & Hourly Teams: Homebase**
Designed specifically for local businesses with hourly workers.
* **Key Features:** Built-in drag-and-drop scheduling, shift swapping, auto-scheduling based on availability, GPS time-clock app, automated tips/overtime calculations, messaging, and basic onboarding/HR document management.
* **Payroll:** Offers built-in payroll or syncs seamlessly with QuickBooks, Gusto, and Square.
* **Pricing:** Generous **free plan** for 1 location; paid plans start at $20/month per location (unlimited employees).

---

### 2. **Best for All-in-One HR, Benefits, & Payroll: Gusto**
The industry standard for small business payroll and HR, with strong built-in time tracking.
* **Key Features:** Full-service automated payroll, direct deposit, employee self-onboarding (W-4s, I-9s), health benefits administration, HR compliance help, time tracking, and simple employee scheduling.
* **Best If:** You want a robust, top-tier HR and payroll system and don't need highly complex scheduling features.
* **Pricing:** Starts around $40/month + $6/employee/month.

---

### 3. **Best If You Already Use Square POS: Square Payroll & Team Management**
If you use Square for your point-of-sale, its built-in team management features are seamless.
* **Key Features:** Clock-in directly at the POS register, automatic sync between hours worked and sales data, simple scheduling, and built-in payroll.
* **Pricing:** Free basic team management; Payroll is $35/month + $6/employee/month.

---

### Quick Recommendation:
* Choose **Homebase** if your biggest pain points are **scheduling shifts, managing time cards, and communication** with hourly staff.
* Choose **Gusto** if your biggest pain points are **payroll, HR compliance, tax filings, and employee benefits**. *(Note: Homebase and Gusto integrate perfectly together if you want the best of both).*


We're moving off spreadsheets for HR. What software do you recommend for 60 staff?

For a 60-person company moving off spreadsheets, the top HR software recommendations based on your primary focus are:

1. **BambooHR (Best Overall HRIS):** Ideal for growing small-to-midsize businesses. Excellent for core HR, employee self-service, PTO tracking, onboarding, and performance management. Extremely user-friendly.
2. **Rippling (Best for HR + IT Automation):** Great if you want to automate HR workflows alongside device management and software provisioning. Highly scalable with powerful payroll and benefits integration.
3. **Gusto (Best for Integrated Payroll & Basic HR):** If payroll and basic benefits administration are your primary drivers, Gusto is affordable, easy to set up, and handles all compliance smoothly.
4. **GoCo (Best for Flexibility):** Excellent if you have specific custom workflows and want to digitize your existing paper/spreadsheet processes without completely changing how you operate.

**Recommendation:** Go with **BambooHR** for standard HR needs or **Rippling** if you also want to streamline payroll and IT management.


Best HR platform for a 30-person boutique agency

**Gusto** is the best overall HR platform for a 30-person boutique agency.

### Why Gusto fits best:
* **All-in-One:** Handles payroll, health/401(k) benefits, automated tax filings, state registerations, and onboarding in one place.
* **Agency-Friendly UX:** Clean, intuitive design for both admins and employees.
* **Integrations:** Syncs seamlessly with agency tools like Slack, QuickBooks, Xero, and time-tracking apps (e.g., Harvest).
* **Cost-Effective:** Simple pricing with no complex setup required for a team of 30.

---

### Key Alternatives based on specific needs:

* **Choose [Rippling](https://www.rippling.com/) if:** You need to automate IT/device management (shipping laptops, managing Google Workspace/Slack permissions) alongside payroll and HR.
* **Choose [Justworks](https://www.justworks.com/) (PEO) if:** You want access to enterprise-grade health insurance rates and want a partner to take on co-employment legal compliance.
* **Choose [BambooHR](https://www.bamboohr.com/) if:** Your main priority is company culture, formal performance reviews, and custom HR reporting rather than just payroll.


Which HR software has the best employee self-service portal for small business?

For small businesses, **Gusto** is widely considered to have the best employee self-service portal overall, while **BambooHR** is the top choice for pure HR management.

Here is how to choose between the best options:

*   **Best Overall (Payroll & Benefits focus): Gusto**
    *   **Why:** Extremely intuitive web and mobile interface (Gusto Wallet). Employees can easily access pay stubs, tax forms (W-2s), manage benefits, request time off, and track hours.
    *   **Bonus:** Employees keep lifetime access to their account and tax documents even after leaving your company.
*   **Best for Core HR & Culture: BambooHR**
    *   **Why:** Offers the highest-rated dedicated HR mobile app for employees. Excellent for modern onboarding, PTO requests, company directories, performance check-ins, and employee satisfaction surveys.
*   **Best for Fast-Growing or Tech-Forward Teams: Rippling**
    *   **Why:** Features an ultra-modern portal that handles HR, payroll, benefits, and IT (assigning work computers and app access) seamlessly in one place.


What is the simplest HR software for a business with 15 employees?

**Gusto** is widely considered the simplest and best HR software for a business with 15 employees.

**Why it works best for small teams:**
* **All-in-One:** It combines payroll, automated tax filings, health benefits, time tracking, and employee onboarding in one dashboard.
* **Ease of Use:** Extremely intuitive UI that requires zero HR experience to set up and manage.
* **Employee Self-Service:** New hires can complete their own tax forms and direct deposit setup.

**Alternative options:**
* **OnPay:** Slightly cheaper with a straightforward, simple feature set for payroll and basic HR.
* **BambooHR:** Best if you already have payroll solved and only need dedicated HR features like performance tracking and hiring workflows.


Top rated HR systems for growing small businesses in 2024

Here are the top-rated HR systems for growing small businesses in 2024, categorized by their primary strengths:

### 1. **BambooHR** – *Best Overall for Core HR & Culture*
* **Why it’s great for growing businesses:** Designed specifically for SMBs transitioning out of spreadsheets. It excels at applicant tracking (ATS), employee onboarding, performance management, and reporting.
* **Key Features:** Easy-to-use interface, automated onboarding workflows, performance management, employee satisfaction tracking (eNPS).

### 2. **Rippling** – *Best for Fast-Growing & Tech-Forward Companies*
* **Why it’s great for growing businesses:** It unifies HR, payroll, and IT into one system. As your team grows, you can automatically manage employee devices, app access (like Slack/Google), and global payroll in seconds.
* **Key Features:** Highly customizable workflow automations, integrated IT/device management, global hiring capabilities.

### 3. **Gusto** – *Best for Payroll & Basic HR (Micro to Small Businesses)*
* **Why it’s great for growing businesses:** Extremely user-friendly and affordable. It starts as a simple payroll solution and seamlessly scales up to include health benefits, 401(k)s, HR compliance support, and time tracking.
* **Key Features:** Full-service automated payroll, state tax registration, built-in benefits administration, expert HR support add-on.

### 4. **Deel** – *Best for Growing Remote & Global Teams*
* **Why it’s great for growing businesses:** If your growth strategy involves hiring contractors or full-time employees across different states or countries, Deel handles localized compliance, contracts, global payroll, and Employer of Record (EOR) services.
* **Key Features:** Global compliance, multi-currency payroll, EOR and contractor management, localized benefits.

### 5. **Paylocity** – *Best for Scaling into Mid-Market*
* **Why it’s great for growing businesses:** Ideal for small businesses expecting rapid head-count growth that need deeper analytics, talent management, and employee engagement tools than standard SMB software provides.
* **Key Features:** Advanced workforce management, custom reporting, social engagement tools (Community), robust learning management system (LMS).

---

### **Quick Recommendation:**
* **Choose Gusto** if you have under 25 employees and want simple, automated payroll + benefits.
* **Choose BambooHR** if your focus is on company culture, recruiting, and core HR data.
* **Choose Rippling** if you want to automate both HR and IT tasks as you scale rapidly.
* **Choose Deel** if you are hiring internationally.


What HR platform should a non-profit with 35 employees buy?

For a 35-employee non-profit, **Gusto** is the best overall choice. It is budget-friendly, highly intuitive, and offers a **15% discount for non-profits**.

Here are the top three options based on your specific priorities:

1. **Best Overall & Value: Gusto**
   * **Why:** Full-service automated payroll, health benefits administration, onboarding, time-tracking, and simple compliance tools in one easy platform.
   * **Best for:** Small teams that want an easy, affordable, all-in-one payroll and HR solution without needing dedicated HR staff.

2. **Best for Tech/IT & Scaling: Rippling**
   * **Why:** Highly customisable, excellent automation, and combines HR with IT management (app/laptop deployment for new hires).
   * **Best for:** Non-profits with hybrid/remote teams, contractors, or heavier tech/security needs.

3. **Best for Core HR & Culture: BambooHR**
   * **Why:** Outstanding employee self-service, performance management, applicant tracking, and a strong non-profit discount (up to 15–20%).
   * **Best for:** Non-profits focusing heavily on organizational culture, recruiting, and talent retention (note: payroll is an add-on or requires an integration).

**Recommendation:** Start with **Gusto** for the best balance of cost, ease of use, and functionality for a 35-person team.


Best HR and onboarding software for small companies

Here are the best HR and onboarding software options for small companies, categorized by primary business needs:

### 1. **Gusto** (Best Overall for Very Small Businesses)
* **Best for:** Businesses with 1–50 employees needing an easy, affordable combination of payroll, benefits, and HR.
* **Key Onboarding Features:** Automated offer letters, digital document signing, self-onboarding profiles for employees, and software setup integrations.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $40/month base + $6/month per person.

### 2. **BambooHR** (Best Dedicated HR Platform)
* **Best for:** Growing small-to-midsize businesses (15–200 employees) looking for robust HR management and culture-building tools.
* **Key Onboarding Features:** Customizable pre-boarding emails, automated task assignments for managers, e-signatures, and built-in Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
* **Pricing:** Quote-based (typically starts around $6–$8 per employee/month).

### 3. **Rippling** (Best for Tech & IT Automation)
* **Best for:** Tech startups and companies needing to manage both HR and employee devices/software apps in one place.
* **Key Onboarding Features:** 90-second onboarding that handles background checks, device shipping, app provisioning (Slack, Google, etc.), and payroll setup simultaneously.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $8/month per user (base fee varies).

### 4. **Deel** (Best for Remote & Global Teams)
* **Best for:** Small companies hiring international employees or contractors.
* **Key Onboarding Features:** Localization of employment contracts, localized compliance, international equipment setup, and visa support.
* **Pricing:** Free for basic HR tools; global contractor/employee management starts at $49/$599 per month.

### 5. **TriNet Zenefits** (Best for Benefits Management)
* **Best for:** Small businesses focused on providing comprehensive benefits and simple self-service HR.
* **Key Onboarding Features:** Paperless onboarding, automated benefits enrollment during hires, and flow-through to payroll.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $8/month per employee (plus optional payroll add-on).

---

### **Quick Recommendation:**
* Choose **Gusto** if you want the easiest all-in-one payroll and HR platform.
* Choose **BambooHR** if you already have payroll solved and want superior HR and onboarding workflows.
* Choose **Rippling** if you need to manage company laptops and software access alongside HR.


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

For scaling from 20 to 80+ employees, **Rippling** is the best overall HRIS.

Here is how the top options compare for your growth stage:

### 1. **Rippling** *(Best Overall for Scalability)*
* **Why it scales best:** It unifies HR, payroll, and IT (device management, app provisioning) in one platform. It handles multi-state and international employees effortlessly and easily scales from 10 to 1,000+ employees without needing to switch systems later.
* **Best for:** Fast-growing companies, tech-forward teams, or distributed/remote workforces.

### 2. **BambooHR** *(Best for HR-First & Culture)*
* **Why it scales best:** Excellent applicant tracking (ATS), onboarding, performance management, and employee satisfaction tools that help formalize HR processes as you grow past 50 employees.
* **Best for:** Traditional office/hybrid setups that prioritize HR workflows and culture over IT automation.

### 3. **Paylocity** *(Best for Mid-Market HR & Complex Benefits)*
* **Why it scales best:** Built specifically for mid-sized growing companies (50–500 employees). Offers advanced analytics, custom reporting, and robust talent management.
* **Best for:** Companies with complex payroll, custom compliance needs, or heavy benefits administration.

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **Rippling** if you want seamless automation, IT integration, and global/multi-state scale.
* Choose **BambooHR** if you want a user-friendly, HR-centric platform focused on employee experience.


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

For a 12-person company, you need a simple, affordable platform that handles payroll, benefits, and basic compliance without unnecessary complexity.

Here are the top recommendations based on your setup:

1. **Gusto** *(Best overall for US-based teams)*
   * **Why:** It is extremely user-friendly, affordable, and automates payroll, tax filings, state registrations, and employee benefits. It requires almost no setup time.

2. **Rippling** *(Best for tech startups, fast scaling, or heavy IT needs)*
   * **Why:** Ideal if you plan to grow quickly, need to manage employee devices/software access alongside HR, or plan to hire internationally soon.

3. **Deel** *(Best for international teams)*
   * **Why:** The go-to option if your 12 team members are contractors or employees spread across multiple countries.

**Bottom Line:** Buy **Gusto** if your team is purely in the US and you want the easiest option. Choose **Rippling** if you are a tech startup or plan to scale rapidly.


Which small business HR platforms offer automated onboarding documents?

Here are the top small business HR platforms that offer automated onboarding documents (including tax forms, offer letters, handbooks, and e-signatures):

*   **Gusto:** Automatically generates, sends, and collects signed W-4s, I-9s, direct deposit forms, and custom offer letters or employee handbooks.
*   **Rippling:** Highly automated; triggers personalized onboarding document packets, policy sign-offs, and state-specific tax forms based on the employee's role and location.
*   **BambooHR:** Features automated onboarding workflows that automatically send offer letters, pre-boarding packets, custom policy documents, and electronic signatures.
*   **Zenefits (TriNet):** Offers automated self-onboarding where new hires independently complete tax forms, background checks, and offer letters before their first day.
*   **OnPay:** Provides customizable onboarding checklists and automated document sending/signing tailored for small businesses on a budget.
*   **Justworks:** As a PEO, it automates standard hiring paperwork, state compliance documents, and benefits enrollment for small teams.


The best modern HR software for a startup depends on your team's size, location, and specific needs. Here are the top recommendations categorized by best use case:

### 1. Best Overall & Most Scalable: **Rippling**
* **Why it’s best:** Unifies HR, IT, and Finance in one platform. You can hire, onboard, pay, and provision laptops/app access in minutes.
* **Best for:** Fast-growing tech startups that want an all-in-one, highly automated system.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $8/user/month (base fee varies).

### 2. Best for Early-Stage US Startups: **Gusto**
* **Why it’s best:** Extremely user-friendly, affordable, and handles full-service payroll, tax filings, and basic health benefits seamlessly.
* **Best for:** US-based startups with under 50 employees looking for simple payroll and basic HR.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $40/month + $6/user/month.

### 3. Best for Global & Remote Teams: **Deel**
* **Why it’s best:** Makes hiring international full-time employees (via Employer of Record / EOR) and contractors compliant in 150+ countries.
* **Best for:** Remote-first startups hiring talent globally.
* **Pricing:** Free HRIS features; Contractor management starts at $49/mo; EOR starts at $599/mo.

### 4. Best PEO for Big-Company Benefits: **Justworks**
* **Why it’s best:** As a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), it pools small startups together to give you access to enterprise-grade health insurance and benefits at lower rates.
* **Best for:** Small US startups that need top-tier benefits to compete for talent with big tech companies.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $59/user/month.

### 5. Best for People & Culture (20+ Employees): **BambooHR**
* **Why it’s best:** Excellent for core HR, performance management, employee satisfaction surveys, and applicant tracking (ATS).
* **Best for:** Post-seed startups focusing on company culture, retention, and formal HR processes.
* **Pricing:** Custom quote based on headcount.

---

### **Summary Verdict:**
* Choose **Gusto** if you are a US-only team under 10 people wanting simplicity.
* Choose **Deel** if you are hiring globally from day one.
* Choose **Rippling** if you plan to scale rapidly and want to automate both HR and IT.


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

For small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), **Gusto** and **Rippling** are the top-rated platforms, depending on your business size and technological needs:

1. **Gusto** (Best overall for small SMBs, 1–100 employees)
   * **Strengths:** Exceptionally easy to use, seamless built-in benefits administration (health, 401(k), HSA/FSA), automated payroll, and straightforward digital employee file management with e-signatures.

2. **Rippling** (Best for tech-forward or growing SMBs, 10–500+ employees)
   * **Strengths:** Highly customizable and powerful automation. Excellent for managing complex benefits, global employee files, device management, and third-party app access from a single platform.

3. **BambooHR** (Best for mid-sized SMBs prioritizing record-keeping)
   * **Strengths:** Best-in-class core HR features for centralized employee files, document storage, and reporting, though benefits administration usually requires third-party add-ons.

**Bottom line:** Choose **Gusto** if you want an easy, all-in-one setup for basic-to-standard HR and benefits, or **Rippling** if you need advanced automation and scalability.


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

For a 45-person team, here are the top HR tools tailored to your needs (time off management and employee profiles):

1. **BambooHR** *(Best Overall)*
   * **Why:** The industry standard for small-to-midsize businesses. It features an intuitive self-service portal, easy time-off tracking/approvals, and robust employee profile directories.
   * **Best for:** A dedicated, polished HR system designed specifically for companies of your size.

2. **Rippling** *(Best for Automation & Tech Integration)*
   * **Why:** Extremely fast and modern. Handles time off and employee records effortlessly, with powerful automation for onboarding/offboarding and syncing with tools like Slack and Google Workspace.
   * **Best for:** Tech-forward teams that want seamless software integrations.

3. **Gusto** *(Best if You Need Built-in Payroll)*
   * **Why:** Primarily a payroll provider, but its higher-tier plans include modern HR features like employee profiles, PTO requests, and time tracking built right in.
   * **Best for:** Managing payroll and HR under one roof on a budget.

4. **Zoho People** *(Best Budget-Friendly Option)*
   * **Why:** Offers a very affordable free/low-cost tier that covers basic employee database management, leave tracking, and custom HR workflows.
   * **Best for:** Keeping software costs low while getting exactly the features you requested.

**Recommendation:** Go with **BambooHR** for a traditional HR experience or **Rippling** if you want fast automation and modern software integrations. Both offer free demos.


Which HR software platform is best for SMBs?

There is no single best platform for every SMB, but **Rippling** and **Gusto** are widely considered the top choices depending on your business size and needs:

* **Rippling (Best Overall / Scaling SMBs):** Best for tech-forward or fast-growing businesses. It seamlessly integrates HR, automated payroll, benefits, and IT/device management in one system.
* **Gusto (Best for Very Small Businesses):** Best for companies with 1–50 employees looking for an intuitive, easy-to-use platform focused primarily on payroll, taxes, and basic benefits administration.
* **BambooHR (Best for Core HR & Culture):** Ideal for growing companies (20–500 employees) that prioritize employee onboarding, performance management, and HR reporting over complex payroll.
* **Deel (Best for Global/Remote Teams):** Best if you hire international contractors or full-time employees across different countries.

**Recommendation:** Choose **Gusto** if you want simplicity and straightforward payroll; choose **Rippling** if you need automation, scalability, and device/software management.


Best cloud HR software for small business

Here are the best cloud HR software options for small businesses, categorized by top use cases:

*   **Best Overall & Payroll-Focused:** **Gusto**
    *   *Why:* Extremely user-friendly, automates payroll, handles tax filings, and offers solid HR features like benefits administration, onboarding, and time tracking.
*   **Best All-in-One HR:** **BambooHR**
    *   *Why:* Excellent for managing the entire employee lifecycle. Includes applicant tracking (ATS), onboarding, performance management, and employee satisfaction tools.
*   **Best for Scaling & Tech/IT Needs:** **Rippling**
    *   *Why:* Unifies HR and IT. It lets you manage employee payroll/benefits while simultaneously setting up work laptops, app permissions, and security tools.
*   **Best on a Budget:** **Zoho People**
    *   *Why:* Offers a flexible, low-cost (and free tier for up to 5 users) solution for core HR functions like time tracking, leave management, and employee databases.
*   **Best for Benefits & Compliance:** **TriNet Zenefits**
    *   *Why:* Strong emphasis on health insurance, benefits administration, compliance assistance, and integrated payroll.

**Quick Recommendation:** Go with **Gusto** if you primary need is seamless payroll with HR support, or **BambooHR** if you want comprehensive HR management without needing built-in payroll.


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

For a company with 50–150 employees, the best HRIS depends on your primary focus (automation, culture, or payroll). Here are the top choices for this company size:

### 1. **Rippling** *(Best Overall & Most Scalable)*
* **Why it’s great:** Combines HR, IT (device/app management), and Finance in one platform. It has powerful workflow automation and scales seamlessly as you grow past 150 employees.
* **Best for:** Fast-growing companies, tech-forward teams, or businesses with remote/global employees.

### 2. **BambooHR** *(Best for Ease of Use & Core HR)*
* **Why it’s great:** Extremely user-friendly with strong core HR features, applicant tracking (ATS), onboarding, and performance management. Employees and admins love the intuitive interface.
* **Best for:** Companies wanting an easy-to-use system focused primarily on HR, talent management, and culture.

### 3. **HiBob (Bob)** *(Best for Modern Culture & Global/Hybrid Teams)*
* **Why it’s great:** Focuses heavily on employee engagement, culture, performance management, and modern organizational structures. Handles international teams well.
* **Best for:** Mid-sized scale-ups with hybrid/remote teams that prioritize company culture and employee retention.

### 4. **Paylocity** *(Best for Complex Payroll & Benefits)*
* **Why it’s great:** Offers deep payroll, time-tracking, and benefits administration capabilities alongside standard HR features.
* **Best for:** U.S.-based companies with complex hourly payroll, multiple state tax filings, or heavy compliance needs.

---

### **Quick Recommendation:**
* Choose **Rippling** if you want automated workflows and integrated IT/HR management.
* Choose **BambooHR** if you want a simple, human-centric platform that requires minimal training.
* Choose **HiBob** if you have a global/hybrid workforce focused on engagement and culture.


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

**Gusto** is generally considered the best HR and payroll software for a small accounting firm.

### Why Gusto is the Top Pick:
* **Seamless Accounting Integrations:** Automatically syncs payroll data with QuickBooks Online, Xero, and FreshBooks.
* **Partner Program:** Offers specific discounts, rewards, and dedicated support tools tailored for accountants and CPA firms.
* **Full-Service Payroll & Taxes:** Automates local, state, and federal payroll tax filings across all 50 states.
* **Core HR Tools:** Handles onboarding, time tracking, PTO management, health benefits, and 401(k) plans in an intuitive interface.

### Top Alternatives:
* **Rippling:** Best if you want to automate IT (managing employee laptops, security, and software access) alongside HR and payroll.
* **BambooHR:** Best if you already have a preferred payroll provider and need stronger emphasis on hiring, employee engagement, and performance management.


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

Here are the best affordable HR systems tailored for a team of 18 staff, depending on your primary needs:

### 1. Best Overall (If you need HR + Payroll): **Gusto**
* **Why it fits:** Extremely user-friendly, handles payroll, basic HR, employee onboarding, benefits, and time-off tracking in one platform.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $40/month base fee + $6/user/month (approx. **$148/month total** for 18 staff).

### 2. Best Budget Option (HR Only): **Zoho People**
* **Why it fits:** Great for tracking employee records, time-off requests, performance management, and onboarding without paying for payroll functionality.
* **Pricing:** Starts around $1.25 to $3/user/month (approx. **$23 – $54/month total** for 18 staff).

### 3. Best Free/Freemium Option: **Freshteam (by Freshworks)**
* **Why it fits:** Offers a free tier for basic HR operations (employee directory, organizational charts, and basic time-off tracking). Paid tiers add applicant tracking and onboarding.
* **Pricing:** **Free tier available** (for up to 50 employees). Paid plans start around $1.20/user/month + $19 base fee.

### 4. Best for Shift & Hourly Workers: **Homebase**
* **Why it fits:** Ideal if your 18 employees need shift scheduling, time clocks, messaging, and PTO management.
* **Pricing:** Free basic tier for 1 location. Paid plans charge a **flat rate per location** (starts at $20–$30/month for the whole location, not per user).

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **Gusto** if you want an all-in-one platform that handles payroll automatically.
* Choose **Zoho People** if you already have payroll solved and just need cheap, robust HR software.


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

For small teams without a dedicated HR specialist, the best tools are all-in-one platforms that automate payroll, compliance, and onboarding with minimal setup.

Here are the top recommendations based on specific needs:

### 1. Best Overall for Small Businesses: **Gusto**
* **Why it fits:** Extremely user-friendly and designed specifically for non-HR managers.
* **Key Features:** Automated payroll, tax filing, health benefits administration, simple onboarding checklists, and basic compliance alerts.

### 2. Best for Automated IT + HR: **Rippling**
* **Why it fits:** Ideal for tech-forward teams who want to automate employee setup end-to-end.
* **Key Features:** One-click onboarding, payroll, time tracking, and automated device/app management (e.g., automatically assigning Google Workspace or Slack accounts).

### 3. Best for Full Compliance & Big-Company Benefits: **Justworks (PEO)**
* **Why it fits:** Acts as a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), taking on legal employment risks so non-HR founders don't have to worry about compliance mistakes.
* **Key Features:** Access to affordable large-group benefits, automated payroll, state tax registration, and 24/7 expert support.

### 4. Best for International or Remote Teams: **Deel**
* **Why it fits:** Simplifies hiring, paying, and staying compliant with international contractors and employees without needing local legal expertise.
* **Key Features:** Automated localized contracts, cross-border payroll, and global tax compliance.

---

### Quick Recommendation:
* Choose **Gusto** if you operate in the US, have under 50 employees, and want the easiest, most affordable option.
* Choose **Rippling** if you manage a lot of software tools and laptops for remote/hybrid employees.
* Choose **Justworks** if you want access to enterprise-grade health insurance and maximum legal protection.


Best human resource management software for small businesses

Here are the top HR software options for small businesses, categorized by their primary strength:

### 1. **Gusto** – *Best Overall for Small Businesses*
* **Why it’s great:** Combines full-service payroll, benefits administration, and basic HR tools in an extremely easy-to-use interface. Automatically handles federal, state, and local payroll taxes.
* **Best for:** Businesses with 1 to 100 employees looking for an all-in-one payroll and HR platform.

### 2. **BambooHR** – *Best for Core HR & Onboarding*
* **Why it’s great:** Exceptional for hiring, onboarding, employee data management, and performance tracking. Has a great mobile app and strong reporting tools. (Note: Payroll is an add-on).
* **Best for:** Businesses focusing on employee culture, performance, and streamlined hiring processes.

### 3. **Rippling** – *Best for Tech-Forward & Fast-Growing Businesses*
* **Why it’s great:** Automates HR, payroll, benefits, and IT (like provisioning laptops and app access for new hires) in one place. Highly scalable.
* **Best for:** Growing startups and companies with remote or tech-heavy teams.

### 4. **Zoho People** – *Best Budget Option*
* **Why it’s great:** Offers a free plan for up to 5 employees and extremely affordable paid tiers. Handles time tracking, attendance, leave management, and basic HR workflows.
* **Best for:** Micro-businesses and budget-conscious teams that already handle payroll separately.

### 5. **Deel** – *Best for Global & Remote Teams*
* **Why it’s great:** Simplifies hiring, paying, and managing international employees and contractors while ensuring local legal compliance.
* **Best for:** Small businesses with distributed or international workforces.

---

### **Quick Recommendation:**
* Choose **Gusto** if your priority is **payroll + basic HR**.
* Choose **BambooHR** if your priority is **hiring, onboarding, and company culture**.
* Choose **Rippling** if you want to **automate both HR and IT/software access**.


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

**Gusto** is widely considered the best HR platform for small teams due to its intuitive, paperless onboarding workflow and all-in-one affordability.

### Why Gusto stands out for small teams:
* **Self-Onboarding:** New hires complete their own profiles, tax forms (W-4/I-9), and direct deposit setup before their first day.
* **Automated Paperwork:** Automatically sends customizable offer letters, handbook acknowledgments, and e-signature documents.
* **Built-in Payroll Integration:** Seamlessly transitions new hires directly into your payroll and benefits system.
* **Custom Checklists:** Allows you to create tailored onboarding task lists for both managers and employees.

### Top Alternatives:
* **Rippling:** Best if you have a remote or tech-heavy team and need to manage IT device deployment and software provisioning alongside HR onboarding.
* **BambooHR:** Best if you are a rapidly growing team that wants a stronger focus on employee experience, culture, and formal performance management.


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

The best overall all-in-one HR platform for a 75-person company is **Rippling**.

### Why Rippling:
* **True All-in-One:** Unifies HR, payroll, benefits administration, and IT (device and app management) in a single system.
* **Automation:** Automates onboarding, offboarding, and state tax registrations seamlessly.
* **Scalability:** Built to handle companies from 10 to 1,000+ employees, so you won't outgrow it soon.

---

### Key Alternatives:
* **BambooHR:** Best if your priority is company culture, employee engagement, and ATS, rather than IT management. *(Note: Payroll is an add-on).*
* **Gusto (Premium Plan):** Best if you want an extremely user-friendly, payroll-first platform with basic HR tools, though it starts to reach its limits as you scale past 100 employees.


What HRIS system is best for a small engineering consultancy?

For a small engineering consultancy, the best HRIS options depend on your primary priorities:

1. **Rippling (Best Overall):** Ideal for engineering firms because it integrates HR, payroll, and **IT management**. It automates provisioning laptops, setting up software permissions (GitHub, Slack, CAD tools), and managing global contractors alongside full-time employees.
2. **Gusto (Best for Budget & Simple Payroll):** Best for small US-based teams (under 50 employees) looking for an affordable, highly intuitive platform to manage payroll, basic HR, health benefits, and simple time tracking.
3. **BambooHR (Best for Core HR & Performance):** Great if your focus is on culture, performance reviews, applicant tracking, and employee records, though you will need to pair it with a separate payroll processor.

**Recommendation:** Go with **Rippling** if you manage remote/contractor engineers and want to automate IT and app permissions. Go with **Gusto** if you just need reliable, low-cost payroll and basic HR.


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

For a small business needing to track personnel files, org charts, and time off, an **All-in-One HR platform** is the best solution.

Here are the top recommendations:

1. **BambooHR** (Best Overall for Core HR)
   * **Why it fits:** Specifically designed for small-to-medium businesses. It excels at digital employee record-keeping, generates automatic interactive org charts, and features an intuitive time-off request and approval system.

2. **Gusto** (Best if You Need HR + Payroll)
   * **Why it fits:** Extremely user-friendly and affordable. It handles full payroll alongside secure document storage, PTO/time-off tracking, and simple employee directory/org chart features.

3. **Rippling** (Best for Growing & Tech-Savvy Teams)
   * **Why it fits:** Highly customizable and automated. It offers robust personnel file management, dynamic org charts, and flexible time-off policies, while easily integrating with IT and payroll tools.

4. **Zoho People** (Best Budget-Friendly Option)
   * **Why it fits:** Offers a free tier for up to 5 employees and very inexpensive paid plans. It covers all basic HR needs, including document management, leave tracking, and org charts.

**Summary Recommendation:**
* Choose **BambooHR** if you want a pure, polished HR management platform.
* Choose **Gusto** if you want to handle payroll and HR together in one simple system.


Best HR platform for small business under 50 staff

The best HR platforms for a small business under 50 employees depend on your specific primary need:

### 1. Best Overall: **Gusto**
* **Why:** Designed specifically for small businesses. It seamlessly handles payroll, tax filing, health benefits, time tracking, and basic HR compliance in an intuitive interface.
* **Best for:** Businesses looking for an all-in-one, easy-to-use payroll and HR system.

### 2. Best for Tech & Automation: **Rippling**
* **Why:** Combines HR, payroll, and IT management (app provisioning and hardware management). Extremely powerful automation for onboarding and offboarding.
* **Best for:** Fast-growing startups or tech-leaning companies that need to manage software licenses and devices alongside HR.

### 3. Best for Core HR & Culture: **BambooHR**
* **Why:** Focuses heavily on the employee experience, applicant tracking (ATS), performance management, and PTO tracking, rather than just payroll.
* **Best for:** Businesses that already have payroll solved (or prefer an integration) and want to focus on employee engagement and record-keeping.

### 4. Best PEO for Better Benefits: **Justworks**
* **Why:** As a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), Justworks pools small businesses together to offer enterprise-grade health insurance and benefits at lower rates, while handling payroll and compliance.
* **Best for:** Small teams that want to compete with larger companies on health benefits and outsourced risk management.

---

### **Summary Recommendation:**
* Choose **Gusto** if you want the simplest, most cost-effective payroll + HR tool.
* Choose **Rippling** if you also need to manage employee laptops and software access.


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

For US-based startups with under 25 employees, **Gusto** offers the best overall value.

### Why Gusto wins for <25 employees:
* **Cost-Effective:** Starts at **$40/month + $6/employee/month** (Simple plan), with no hidden fees or minimum commitments.
* **All-in-One Essentials:** Includes full-service automated payroll, tax filings, employee onboarding, time tracking, and benefits administration (health, 401k).
* **Ease of Use:** Extremely intuitive for both founders with no HR background and employees setting up self-service portals.

---

### Key Alternatives Based on Specific Needs:

* **Rippling** (*Best for tech startups*): Slightly more expensive, but ideal if you need to manage company laptops, software licenses, and IT security alongside HR.
* **Deel** (*Best for global teams*): The best value if your team consists heavily of international contractors or overseas full-time employees.
* **Zoho People** (*Best budget option*): Free for up to 5 users, then starts around $1.25/user/month for core HR features (does not include native US payroll).


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

Here are the top HRIS recommendations for replacing manual spreadsheets, tailored to different business sizes and needs:

1. **BambooHR (Best Overall for SMBs)**
   * **Why it fits:** Designed specifically to transition teams off spreadsheets. It has an exceptionally user-friendly interface for core HR (employee records, time-off tracking, onboarding, and document management).
   * **Best for:** Small to mid-sized businesses (20–500 employees) looking for an easy-to-use, core HR platform.

2. **Gusto (Best for Very Small Businesses with Payroll Needs)**
   * **Why it fits:** Combines simple HR record-keeping with automated payroll, benefits administration, and basic onboarding tools in one affordable package.
   * **Best for:** Businesses with 1–50 employees needing an all-in-one HR and payroll solution.

3. **Rippling (Best for Fast-Growing Companies & IT Integration)**
   * **Why it fits:** Highly automated and modern. It syncs employee data across HR, payroll, and IT (app permissions, computer management) in seconds.
   * **Best for:** Tech-forward or rapidly scaling companies that want heavy automation.

4. **Zoho People (Best Budget Option)**
   * **Why it fits:** Extremely flexible and cost-effective with a generous free tier for tiny teams and cheap paid tiers. Offers custom forms and workflows to replicate complex spreadsheet processes.
   * **Best for:** Cost-conscious businesses or those needing custom HR data fields.

### Quick Recommendation:
* Go with **BambooHR** if you want the smoothest transition strictly for HR records and employee self-service.
* Go with **Gusto** if you also need to handle payroll effortlessly under the same roof.


What is the best HR software for a 50-person company?

For a **50-person company**, the best default choice is usually **Rippling** if you want one platform that can handle **HR plus IT and automation** well.[2][3] If you want the simplest HR-focused system, **BambooHR** is the strongest alternative; if payroll is your top priority, **Gusto** is often the better fit.[2][3][14]

A practical way to choose:

- **Rippling** — best overall for a 50-person company that expects to grow and wants strong automation, HR/IT unification, and scalability.[2][3]
- **BambooHR** — best if you want an easy-to-use HRIS with a strong employee experience and less complexity.[2][14]
- **Gusto** — best if your main need is **payroll-first** HR software with benefits and basic HR for a smaller team.[2][3][20]

If you want a single recommendation without more context, I’d pick **Rippling** for a 50-person company.[2][3] If your company is very HR-light and prioritizes simplicity over automation, pick **BambooHR** instead.[2][14]


The **best HR software for a small business depends on your main need**: **Gusto** is a strong pick for payroll-first teams, **BambooHR** is often the best all-around HRIS, and **Zoho People** is usually the most budget-friendly option.[3][5][14]

A practical short list is:

- **BambooHR** — best overall for small businesses that want a user-friendly HR system with hiring, onboarding, and performance tools.[3][5]
- **Gusto** — best if you want **simple payroll, tax filing, and benefits** in one place.[3][10][13]
- **Zoho People** — best for **affordability** and basic HR needs.[5][14]
- **Rippling** — best if you want **HR automation** and broader workforce management.[5][13]
- **RUN Powered by ADP** — best for businesses that want a more established payroll-and-HR package.[9][13]
- **Homebase** — best for **hourly or shift-based teams** with scheduling and time tracking.[3][14]

If you want the simplest recommendation:
- Choose **Gusto** if payroll is your priority.
- Choose **BambooHR** if you want the best overall HR platform.
- Choose **Zoho People** if keeping costs low matters most.[3][5][10][14]

If you want, I can also give you a **top 5 comparison table by price, features, and best use case**.


We're a 30 person startup and managing employee records in Google Sheets is getting chaotic. What HR software should we buy?

For a **30-person startup**, the safest default choice is **BambooHR** if your main pain is organizing employee records, onboarding, time off, and general HR workflows in one clean system.[3][6][10]

If you also need **payroll and benefits** tightly bundled with HR, **Gusto** is usually the better starting point for smaller U.S. teams and is commonly recommended for startups up to about 30 employees.[1][3][4][6][14]

A practical shortlist for your size is:

- **BambooHR** — best if you want a real **HRIS** to replace spreadsheets for employee records and people operations.[3][6][10]
- **Gusto** — best if you want **HR + payroll + benefits** in one simple system, especially for a U.S.-only team.[1][3][4][14]
- **Rippling** — best if you expect faster growth, need stronger automation, or want HR plus IT/admin workflows in one platform.[1][3][5][6][10]

My recommendation:
- Choose **BambooHR + Gusto** if you want the cleanest setup for a 30-person team and can tolerate two tools.[6]
- Choose **Rippling** if your headcount changes fast or you want a more unified ops stack.[1][3][5][6]

If you want, I can also give you a **2-minute decision matrix** for **BambooHR vs Gusto vs Rippling** based on whether you run payroll in-house, have remote employees, or expect to hire internationally.


Recommend an HR platform for a company with under 100 employees.

For a company with **under 100 employees**, I’d recommend **Rippling** if you want the best balance of HR, payroll, benefits, and automation as you grow.[4][13]

If you want the simplest choice, **Gusto** is the better fit for very small teams or companies that mainly need payroll plus basic HR features.[4][13][15]

A practical way to choose:

| Platform | Best fit | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| **Rippling** | **20–100 employees** | Strong automation and broader HR functionality without feeling enterprise-heavy.[4] |
| **Gusto** | **1–20 employees** | Straightforward payroll, tax guidance, and basic HR tools with lower complexity.[4][15] |
| **BambooHR** | All-around HR platform | Frequently recommended as a top general-purpose HR system for small businesses.[6][7][13] |
| **Zoho People** | Budget-conscious teams | Often highlighted for affordability and flexible pricing.[6][7][13] |

If you tell me your priorities—**payroll**, **onboarding**, **benefits**, **time tracking**, or **budget**—I can narrow it to one best option.


If you want **affordable HR software for an SMB**, the strongest budget options in the results are **Zoho People**, **Homebase**, **Gusto**, and **HRLocker/Taskfino** depending on whether you need basic HR, scheduling, payroll, or an all-in-one system.[2][4][6]

- **Zoho People** — best pure **affordability**: free plan for up to 5 users, and paid plans from **$1.50/user/month** with no minimum user count.[2]
- **Homebase** — best for **hourly teams**: free plan available, with paid plans starting around **$30/location/month**.[2][4]
- **Gusto** — best for **payroll + HR**: starts at **$49/month** in one source, while another source lists HR features from **$80/month + $12/employee**; the difference likely reflects plan level and feature set.[1][2][12]
- **HRLocker** — low-cost HR/admin option: starts at **$6/employee/month** and has a free period for small teams.[4]
- **Taskfino** — lowest flat starting price in the results: **$16.69/month**, but it appears to be an all-in-one office management tool rather than a dedicated HRIS.[6]

A practical rule of thumb from the sources is that small-business HR software often lands around **$1.50/user/month to about $50+ per month for entry-level tools**, while fuller HRIS suites can be much higher depending on payroll, compliance, and add-ons.[2][15]

If you tell me your team size and whether you need **payroll, time tracking, onboarding, or just employee records**, I can narrow this to the best 3 options for your budget.


What HRIS do small companies actually use?

Small companies most often use **BambooHR**, **Gusto**, **Rippling**, **Paycor**, and **TriNet Zenefits/Trinet HR Platform**. Across recent small-business HRIS roundups, **BambooHR** is the most commonly described “default” choice for core HR, while **Gusto** is the go-to when payroll is the main need.[2][3][6][8][10][12]

What shows up repeatedly:

- **BambooHR**: praised for simplicity and employee management; often framed as the safest all-around SMB pick.[2][3][6][8][12]
- **Gusto**: widely used by very small companies that want payroll plus basic HR in one system.[2][3][6][10][12]
- **Rippling**: common for growth-oriented or more tech-forward companies that want HR, IT, and payroll automation.[2][3][6][8][10]
- **Paycor**: appears as a stronger all-in-one option for SMBs that want broader HR/payroll functionality.[2][3][12]
- **TriNet Zenefits / TriNet HR Platform**: often mentioned as user-friendly core HR for small businesses.[2][3][10]
- **HiBob** and **Paylocity**: show up more often once companies are a bit larger or care more about onboarding, engagement, or deeper workflow features.[1][4][5][8]

If you mean “what do small companies *actually* buy in practice,” the pattern is:

- **Under ~50 employees**: usually **Gusto** or **BambooHR**.[6][12]
- **Growing SMBs**: often **Rippling** or **Paycor**.[2][3][6][8]
- **Need a simple PEO-style setup**: **TriNet/Justworks** frequently come up.[2][5][10]

The biggest practical split is:
- **Payroll-first**: Gusto.[3][6][10][12]
- **Core HR / employee records**: BambooHR.[3][6][8][12]
- **Automation / integrations / scaling**: Rippling.[2][6][8][10]

If you want, I can also give you a **“best HRIS by company size” cheat sheet** or a **shortlist by budget**.


Best all-in-one HR software for a fast-growing small business

For a **fast-growing small business**, **Rippling** is the strongest all-in-one choice if you want HR, payroll, and IT in one platform that can scale with headcount. It is specifically recommended for growing businesses that need automation without enterprise-level complexity, and it starts at **$8 per employee per month**.[2]

If you want the best alternatives by use case, the main contenders are:

- **BambooHR** — best if you want a very intuitive all-in-one HR platform with strong onboarding, hiring, payroll, time tracking, and benefits administration in one dashboard.[5][11]
- **Gusto** — best if payroll and benefits are your top priority and you want a simple, user-friendly all-in-one system for a lean team.[8][14]
- **ADP** — best if you want a broader HRIS option and are comfortable with a more established provider.[7]
- **Zoho People** — best if affordability is the main constraint.[11]

For a fast-growing small business, the practical decision is usually:

- Choose **Rippling** if you expect rapid hiring and want automation plus room to grow.[2]
- Choose **BambooHR** if your priority is a polished HR experience and onboarding.[5][11]
- Choose **Gusto** if you need the simplest all-in-one payroll-first setup.[8][14]

If you want, I can also narrow this down to the **best choice for your team size, budget, and must-have features**.


What HR software should a 15-person company use to track onboarding and PTO?

For a **15-person company**, the strongest fit is usually **BambooHR** if you want one tool to handle **onboarding + PTO/time-off tracking** in a simple SMB-friendly HR system.[4][15] If your priority is paying employees through the same platform, **Gusto** is the other common small-business choice, but BambooHR is more explicitly positioned as an HRIS with onboarding and time tracking.[4][15]

A practical short list:

- **BambooHR** — best all-around choice for small teams that want **onboarding, employee records, and PTO tracking** in one place.[4][15]
- **Gusto** — best if you also want **payroll integration** alongside onboarding basics.[3][4]
- **CharlieHR** — a good option for very small teams that want **ease of use and affordability**, with compliance/processes in one place.[19]
- **HiBob** — better if you care more about **culture, engagement, and a more modern interface** than lowest cost.[9][15]

If you want the simplest recommendation: **choose BambooHR** for a 15-person company unless payroll-first integration is your top priority, in which case **Gusto** is worth a look.[4][15]


We need an HRIS system for 40 employees that handles employee records, PTO, and basic onboarding.

For a **40-employee** company that needs **employee records, PTO, and basic onboarding**, the strongest fit is usually **BambooHR** or **Gusto**, with BambooHR better if you want a more complete HRIS and Gusto better if payroll is also a priority.[3][7][13]

- **BambooHR**: Best for small-to-midsize teams needing core HR features like employee records, time-off tracking, onboarding, and basic reporting, and it is frequently recommended for companies in the **25–100+ employee** range.[3][8]
- **Gusto**: Best for smaller teams that want an intuitive system with **payroll, onboarding, and HR basics** in one platform; it is especially strong for U.S. small businesses and is often positioned as an all-in-one option.[7][13]
- **GoCo**: Often a good fit if your main priority is **employee record-keeping** and straightforward HR administration.[16]
- **Paylocity**: Worth considering if you want more automation and a broader all-in-one platform, though it may be more than you need for a 40-person team.[12][14]

If you want the **simplest recommendation** for your exact needs:
- Choose **BambooHR** if you want the best balance of **records + PTO + onboarding** without extra payroll complexity.[3][8]
- Choose **Gusto** if you also want **payroll** and prefer a very easy setup.[7][13]

If helpful, I can also give you a **shortlist of 3 options with pros/cons and likely pricing range for 40 employees**.


Top HR software options for small businesses with 20 to 50 employees

For a small business with **20 to 50 employees**, the strongest all-around options are usually **Gusto** and **BambooHR**; **Rippling** is the best fit if you want deeper automation or HR + IT in one system.[1][2][10][15]

**Best options by use case:**

- **Gusto** — best for **payroll, benefits, and onboarding** in one simple platform, and frequently recommended for businesses under 50 employees.[2][10][11][15]
- **BambooHR** — best for **growing teams** that want stronger employee lifecycle tools, hiring, PTO, and culture/performance features.[1][6][7][10][15]
- **Rippling** — best for **automation** and for companies that want **HR, payroll, and IT** connected in one system.[1][3][10][15]
- **Zoho People** — best for **budget-conscious teams** that want lower-cost HR software.[1][6][11]
- **RUN Powered by ADP** — best if you mainly want a **trusted payroll-first** solution for a small business.[1][5][15]
- **Paycor** — best for **growing businesses** that want a more advanced HR/payroll platform.[1][4]
- **Homebase** — best if your team is **hourly, deskless, or shift-based**, especially if scheduling matters a lot.[10][11]

**If you want the simplest recommendation:**
- Choose **Gusto** if you want the easiest all-in-one setup for payroll and HR.[2][10][11]
- Choose **BambooHR** if hiring, onboarding, and employee management matter most.[6][7][10]
- Choose **Rippling** if you want automation and expect to add more systems as you grow.[1][3][15]

For most companies in the **20–50 employee** range, **Gusto** is the most practical starting point, while **BambooHR** is often the better choice if you are already feeling the need for more structured HR processes.[2][10][12]


Which HR software is easiest to set up for a small business without a dedicated HR manager?

For a small business **without a dedicated HR manager**, **Gusto** is the strongest default choice if you want the easiest overall setup for payroll, onboarding, and basic HR in one place.[8][5][14]

If your priority is *ease of use* more than payroll depth, **GoCo** is also a strong contender because it is specifically described as easy to use and a good fit for businesses without HR expertise.[9][3]

A practical short list:

- **Gusto** — best all-around for small businesses under 50 employees; repeatedly described as simple, transparent, and minimal-setup for payroll, benefits, and onboarding.[8][5][14]
- **GoCo** — best if you want a very user-friendly HR platform and strong onboarding/benefits support.[3][9]
- **BambooHR** — good if you need a more comprehensive HR system, but it is usually positioned more as an all-around HR tool than the simplest starter option.[3][9]

For most small businesses, the easiest setup path is **Gusto first**, with **GoCo** as the main alternative if you care most about intuitive HR workflows and support rather than payroll-centric simplicity.[8][9]


Best small business HRIS software for remote teams

For most **small remote teams**, the best HRIS is usually **Gusto** if payroll is a top priority, **BambooHR** if you want the best overall user experience for core HR, and **Rippling** if you also need device management or broader IT controls.[2][12][15]

- **Gusto**: Best for small remote teams that need **payroll + basic HRIS** in one tool, especially U.S.-based teams and those with multi-state payroll needs.[2][12][15]
- **BambooHR**: Best for small businesses that want a **user-friendly HRIS** with stronger core HR functionality and better fit for general remote team management.[14][15][16]
- **Rippling**: Best when your remote team needs **HRIS plus IT/device management**, or when you expect more operational complexity as you scale.[2][12]
- **Factorial**: Best **budget** option for very small remote teams, especially if you are in Europe or Latin America and want a lower-cost HRIS with solid basics.[1]
- **Remote**: Best if your team is truly **international** and you need support for global expansion rather than just standard HRIS features.[12][13]

If you want the simplest recommendation:
- Choose **Gusto** for a small U.S. remote team focused on payroll and ease of use.[2][12]
- Choose **BambooHR** for the best all-around HRIS experience for a small remote team.[14][15][16]
- Choose **Rippling** if you need both HR and device/IT management in one platform.[2][12]

A practical rule of thumb from the sources is that small businesses often prioritize **affordability, ease of use, quick implementation, and self-service access**, which matters more for remote teams than for office-based ones.[10][11]


What HR system should we buy for a 25-person tech startup?

For a **25-person tech startup**, the best default choice is usually **Rippling** if you want **HR + IT device/app provisioning + payroll** in one system, especially if the team is growing quickly and you want automation. If you want something simpler and usually cheaper, **Gusto** is the best fit for a US-based startup that mainly needs **payroll, onboarding, benefits, and basic HR**.[5][6][4]

A practical way to choose:

- **Choose Rippling** if your startup is tech-heavy, your headcount is changing fast, and you want one system for employees, payroll, and IT workflows.[5][6]
- **Choose Gusto** if you are US-only, under 25–30 employees, and want the easiest payroll-first setup with HR features attached.[1][5][6][7]
- **Choose BambooHR** if you want a cleaner **core HRIS** for employee records, PTO, and performance management, and you are okay using a separate payroll tool.[2][5][7]

For a 25-person startup, the cost ballpark from one current market roundup is about **$199/month for Gusto Simple**, **$350–$500/month for BambooHR Core plus payroll**, and **$1,500–$1,900/month for Rippling’s full HR + payroll bundle**.[1] That makes **Gusto** the value pick, **BambooHR** the HRIS pick, and **Rippling** the automation-heavy pick.[1][5][6]

If you want a single recommendation without more context: **buy Gusto if you are US-only and want the easiest path; buy Rippling if you expect fast growth and want deeper automation; buy BambooHR if HR management is the main problem, not IT.**[1][5][6][7]

If you want, I can turn this into a **3-vendor shortlist** with a simple comparison matrix for your exact situation.


Here are **affordable HRIS platforms for small businesses** that commonly show up as low-cost options in 2026:

| Platform | Typical starting price | Best for |
|---|---:|---|
| **Zoho People** | Free for up to 5 employees; paid plans often start around **$1.25–$5/user/month** | Very small teams that want the lowest entry cost[1][5][8][12][13] |
| **Freshteam** | About **$3/user/month** | Small businesses focused on hiring, onboarding, and basic HR[7] |
| **Deel HR** | From about **$5/employee/month** | Small teams with global or remote workers[3][7] |
| **Folks HR** | From about **$6/employee/month** | Canadian SMBs needing modular HR tools[3] |
| **Gusto** | About **$49/month + $6/employee/month** | SMBs that want payroll plus HR in one place[3][9][13] |
| **OnPay** | About **$49/month + $4–$6/employee/month** | Small businesses wanting payroll-first HRIS pricing[9][14] |
| **BambooHR** | Often around **$10/employee/month** or custom pricing | Businesses that want an easy-to-use core HR platform[9][13] |
| **Justworks** | About **$9/employee/month + base fee** | Teams that want PEO-style HR, benefits, and compliance support[3][4] |

A few practical takeaways:

- **Cheapest entry point:** Zoho People is the clearest low-cost option because it offers a **free tier** for very small teams[1][5][8][12].
- **Best value for payroll + HR:** Gusto and OnPay are frequently cited as affordable choices when payroll matters as much as HR[3][4][9][14].
- **Best for global hiring:** Deel is a strong budget option for distributed teams and international contractors/employees[3][7].
- **Best for simple HR workflows:** Freshteam and BambooHR are commonly recommended for core HR, onboarding, and employee records[7][9][13].

If you want, I can narrow this down to the **best affordable HRIS by business size**:
- 1–5 employees
- 6–20 employees
- 20–50 employees
- payroll-only vs full HRIS


We have 10 employees and are hiring fast. What core HR platform should we get?

For a team of **10 employees that’s hiring fast**, the best default choice is usually **BambooHR** if you want a simple core HR platform for employee records, onboarding, and growth without extra complexity.[6][12][20]

If **payroll is your top need**, choose **Gusto** instead, since it’s repeatedly recommended for startups and very small teams and is positioned as the best fit when you want payroll-first HR for early-stage companies.[4][6][8][20]

If you expect to add headcount quickly and want **one system that can scale farther**, **Rippling** is the strongest “buy once, grow into it” option because it combines HR, payroll, and IT automation in one platform.[4][12][20]

A practical way to decide:

- **BambooHR**: best if you want the cleanest core HRIS and fast adoption for a small team.[6][12][20]
- **Gusto**: best if you need payroll and basic HR with minimal setup.[4][6][8][20]
- **Rippling**: best if you want broader automation and expect more operational complexity as you scale.[4][12][20]

If you want one simple recommendation: **BambooHR for core HR, Gusto for payroll-first, Rippling for max scalability**.[6][8][12][20]


Which HR software is best for managing full-time and contract workers in a small business?

For a **small business** managing both **full-time and contract workers**, **Rippling** is the strongest all-around choice because it is rated as the best HR software overall and is designed to handle HR, payroll, and workforce management in one platform.[3][8]

If your main priority is **simplicity and affordability**, **BambooHR** is the better fit for classic small-business HR needs, and it is specifically called out as the best human resource software for small businesses.[8] If you also need a payroll-centric, easy-to-use option for a very small team, **Gusto** is frequently recommended as the best choice for small businesses under 50 employees.[19]

A practical way to choose:
- **Choose Rippling** if you want the best chance of managing both employee types in one system, especially if you expect your needs to grow.[3][8]
- **Choose BambooHR** if you want a small-business-friendly HRIS focused on core employee management.[8]
- **Choose Gusto** if payroll, benefits, and simple HR are the priority for a very small team.[19]

If you want, I can also give you a **short comparison of Rippling vs. BambooHR vs. Gusto** specifically for mixed full-time and contractor teams.


Best HR system for small retail business with hourly staff

For a **small retail business with hourly staff**, the best fit is usually **Homebase** for scheduling and time tracking, paired with **Square Payroll** or **Gusto** for payroll, because this combination is repeatedly recommended for retail teams that need shift scheduling, time clocks, and payroll in one practical stack.[1][8]

If you want a **single system** instead of two tools, **Rippling** is a strong option when you need HR, payroll, scheduling, and labor data unified, especially for retailers with multiple locations or more complex operations.[10]

A practical way to choose:

- **Best for simplest hourly-staff setup:** **Homebase**[1][8]
- **Best if you already use Square POS:** **Square Payroll** with **Square POS** integration for sales-based labor reporting[1]
- **Best all-in-one platform:** **Rippling**[10]
- **Best if you want quick, low-cost HR basics for a very small team:** **Kenjo, Factorial, or Papershift** are described as good fits for smaller retailers without a dedicated HR department.[5]

What matters most for retail:
- **Scheduling and time clock**
- **Variable-hour payroll**
- **Mobile access for frontline employees**
- **Multi-location support if you have more than one store**[10][18]

If you want, I can narrow this to the **best option for your store size, payroll provider, and POS**.


We're moving off spreadsheets for HR. What software do you recommend for 60 staff?

For **60 staff**, the safest default recommendation is **BambooHR** if you want a straightforward HR system for a small business, and **Gusto** if you also want payroll and benefits in the same tool.[3][12][15]

If you want a more “all-in-one” platform that can grow with you, **Rippling** is often ranked as the strongest overall option because it unifies HR, IT, and payroll.[3][11] For a 60-person team, that matters most if you want to reduce admin work and avoid stitching together multiple systems.[11]

A practical shortlist for your size:

- **BambooHR** — best fit for a small HR team that mainly needs employee records, onboarding, time off, and core HR workflows.[3]
- **Gusto** — best if payroll is a priority and you want simple HR plus benefits in one place.[3][15]
- **Rippling** — best if you want one system for HR plus payroll and IT, especially if your team is scaling quickly.[3][11]
- **ADP Workforce Now** — stronger if you want a more traditional midsize-company platform and broader HR/payroll depth.[3]

If you want the most sensible choice without overbuying, I’d start with **BambooHR** for HR-only needs, or **Gusto** if payroll is part of the decision.[3][15] If you expect rapid growth or want fewer separate tools, look hardest at **Rippling**.[11][12]

If you want, I can turn this into a **3-option comparison for your budget, payroll setup, and country/region**.


Best HR platform for a 30-person boutique agency

For a **30-person boutique agency**, the strongest default choice is **BambooHR** if you want a fuller HR system for a growing team, while **Gusto** is the better pick if your priority is **simple payroll + benefits + basic HR**.[6][11][12]

How to choose:

- **Pick BambooHR** if you need onboarding, performance management, reporting, and a more complete HRIS for a 25–100 person company.[6][11]
- **Pick Gusto** if you mainly want easy payroll, benefits, and straightforward HR with simple pricing for a small team under 50.[6][12]
- **Pick Rippling** if your agency wants a more automated all-in-one platform and expects faster scaling, but it is usually more than a tiny team strictly needs.[3][11][12]

For a **boutique agency of 30**, I’d usually recommend **BambooHR** as the best balance of depth and fit.[6][11] If your HR needs are light and you care most about saving time on payroll/admin, choose **Gusto** instead.[3][6][12]

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


Which HR software has the best employee self-service portal for small business?

For **small businesses**, the strongest overall choices for an employee self-service portal are **Gusto** and **BambooHR**; multiple recent roundups name Gusto as the best pick for very small teams, while BambooHR is often the top choice for a more traditional HR self-service experience.[3][4][8]

If you want the shortest answer:

- **Best overall for most small businesses:** **Gusto** — Capterra says it was selected as the best employee self-service portal among SMB HR apps, based on more than 4,000 reviews and a 4.6/5 overall rating.[4]
- **Best if you want a polished, traditional HR portal:** **BambooHR** — recent reviews highlight its intuitive self-service, strong onboarding, and mobile-friendly employee experience.[2][3][8]
- **Best if you want payroll + HR self-service in one simple package:** **Gusto** — it is repeatedly described as the best fit for small teams that want payroll, benefits, and self-service without enterprise complexity.[3][5]

ADP’s **RUN Powered by ADP** is also positioned as a strong small-business HRIS with employee self-service, but the sources you provided emphasize it more as a broader HRIS choice than the single best self-service portal specifically.[1]

If you want, I can also give you a **side-by-side comparison of Gusto vs. BambooHR vs. ADP RUN** for self-service features, pricing style, and ease of use.


What is the simplest HR software for a business with 15 employees?

For a business with **15 employees**, the simplest HR software is usually **Gusto** if you want the easiest all-in-one setup with payroll, onboarding, and basic HR in one place.[2][3][4][13][16]

If your priority is *absolute simplicity for core HR only*, **Homebase** or **Zoho People** can also fit, but they are better known for narrower use cases: Homebase is strongest for scheduling/time tracking, and Zoho People has a very low-cost/free option with basic employee records for small teams.[8][16]

A practical shortlist for 15 employees would be:

- **Gusto** — best overall for small teams that want a straightforward HR + payroll system.[2][3][13][16]
- **Homebase** — best if you mainly need scheduling, time tracking, and light HR.[4][8][16]
- **Zoho People** — best if you want the lowest-cost entry point and can live with basic HR features.[8][16]

If you want one recommendation, choose **Gusto** unless you specifically *do not need payroll* or you want a free/basic plan first.[2][3][13][16]


Top rated HR systems for growing small businesses in 2024

For **growing small businesses**, the most consistently top-rated HR systems across recent buyer guides are **BambooHR**, **Rippling**, **Gusto**, and **Paycor**.[1][2][13][17] If you want the shortest answer: **BambooHR** is the safest “best overall” pick, while **Rippling** is strongest for automation and scaling, **Gusto** is best for payroll-first teams, and **Paycor** is repeatedly positioned for growing businesses.[1][6][13][17]

| System | Best for | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| **BambooHR** | All-around HR for small businesses | Frequently ranked best overall or best for small businesses; praised for ease of use and onboarding.[1][13][5] |
| **Rippling** | Fast-growing teams needing automation | Strong for HR automation and unified HR/IT/payroll workflows.[1][6][17] |
| **Gusto** | Startups and payroll-focused SMBs | Commonly recommended for payroll, benefits, and simple setup.[1][8][15][17] |
| **Paycor** | Growing businesses | Specifically labeled “best for growing businesses” in one major comparison.[1][2] |
| **Zoho People** | Budget-conscious SMBs | Often highlighted for affordability and lower-cost plans.[1][8] |
| **RUN Powered by ADP** | Payroll reliability | Commonly rated highly for small-business payroll and HR.[1][17] |
| **TriNet** | Compliance/PEO support | Good fit if you want outsourced HR and benefits support.[2][17] |

If you’re choosing based on growth stage:

- **1–20 employees:** **Gusto** or **BambooHR** are usually the easiest starting points.[1][8][15]
- **20–100 employees:** **Rippling** or **Paycor** are stronger if you expect more workflows, approvals, and automation.[1][6][13]
- **100+ employees:** **BambooHR** and **Rippling** remain common picks, but at this point you may also compare broader HRIS platforms like **HiBob** or **ADP** depending on complexity.[2][10][17]

A practical ranking for a growing small business would be:

1. **BambooHR** — best overall balance of usability and core HR features.[1][13]
2. **Rippling** — best if you want automation and room to scale.[1][6][17]
3. **Gusto** — best if payroll and benefits are the main need.[1][8][15][17]
4. **Paycor** — strong fit for growing businesses with expanding HR needs.[1][2]
5. **Zoho People** — best lower-cost option.[1][8]

If you want, I can also narrow this to the **best HR system for your employee count, budget, and whether you need payroll, recruiting, or performance management**.


What HR platform should a non-profit with 35 employees buy?

For a **non-profit with 35 employees**, the best default buy is **OnPay** if you want nonprofit-friendly payroll and HR at the simplest fit for an organization under 50 people.[1] If you want a broader HR platform with stronger benefits brokerage and easier integrations, **Gusto** is the main alternative.[1]

A practical shortlist for your size looks like this:

- **OnPay** — best overall fit for many nonprofits under 50 employees; the cited comparison highlights nonprofit handling, native grant allocation support, and a discounted nonprofit rate.[1]
- **Gusto** — best if you want cleaner general HR/payroll plus stronger benefits support and integrations with accounting systems commonly used by nonprofits.[1]
- **BambooHR** — a solid small-nonprofit choice if your priority is core HR rather than nonprofit-specific payroll features.[3]
- **Paylocity** or **Paycor** — better if you expect to grow or need more advanced payroll allocation and reporting.[1][3]
- **Checkwriters** — worth considering if labor distribution and compliance support are especially important.[4]

If you want one recommendation without more context: **buy OnPay**.[1]

If you tell me whether you need **payroll included**, **benefits administration**, **time tracking/scheduling**, or **grant/labor allocation**, I can narrow it to the best single platform for your exact needs.


Best HR and onboarding software for small companies

For most small companies, **Gusto** is the safest all-in-one pick if you want payroll, onboarding, benefits, and compliance in one easy system.[4][14] If your main need is a stronger **HRIS** for hiring and onboarding, **BambooHR** is the most common overall recommendation.[3][14]

A practical shortlist by use case:

| Best for | Software | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| **All-in-one HR + payroll** | **Gusto** | Transparent pricing, easy setup, onboarding, benefits, payroll, and compliance in one platform.[4] |
| **Best overall HR software** | **BambooHR** | Frequently rated best overall for small businesses and strong for core HR and onboarding.[3][14] |
| **Automation / workflows** | **Rippling** | Best when you want HR automation and broader HR-IT-finance integration.[3][14] |
| **Affordability** | **Zoho People** | Commonly recommended as the budget-friendly option.[3][13] |
| **Startups new to HR software** | **Gusto** | Best fit for teams that want a simple, guided rollout.[3][4] |

If you are choosing mainly for **onboarding**, the strongest signal in the results is that **Gusto** performs especially well in onboarding rankings and pairs onboarding with payroll and benefits.[4] If you care more about a dedicated HR system with stronger employee records and hiring workflows, **BambooHR** is the better fit.[3][14]

What to prioritize when comparing tools:
- **Simple pricing**
- **Easy setup**
- **Good support**
- **Payroll and compliance**
- **Integrations with your existing tools**
- **Room to grow as headcount increases**[2][12][17]

If you want, I can also give you:
- a **top 5 ranked list**
- a **payroll-only vs onboarding-only recommendation**
- a **comparison table for Gusto vs BambooHR vs Rippling**