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

For a 50-person company, the best HR software depends on your primary focus:

1. **Rippling (Best Overall & Best for Tech/Remote Teams):** Ideal if you want an all-in-one platform that handles HR, payroll, benefits, and IT (device and app management). It offers powerful automation and scales well as you grow.
2. **BambooHR (Best for Core HR & Culture):** Excellent if you focus on employee experience, performance management, onboarding, and culture. It includes basic payroll features (via add-ons or integrations) and has an intuitive interface for employees.
3. **Gusto (Best for Payroll-First Simplicity):** Ideal if your main priority is easy, reliable payroll and straightforward benefits administration with light HR features. It is user-friendly and cost-effective.

**Recommendation:**
* Choose **Rippling** if you have remote employees, manage company laptops/software, or plan to grow rapidly.
* Choose **BambooHR** if you want to focus heavily on performance, employee retention, and HR management.


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

*   **Best Overall:** **Gusto**
    * *Why:* Extremely user-friendly, excellent for automated payroll, simple benefits administration, employee onboarding, and compliance. Ideal for businesses with 1 to 100 employees.
*   **Best for Scaling & IT Integration:** **Rippling**
    * *Why:* Unifies HR, payroll, and IT (device management, software provisioning). Highly customizable and automates complex workflows as your business grows.
*   **Best for Core HR & Employee Experience:** **BambooHR**
    * *Why:* Excellent for applicant tracking (ATS), performance management, and tracking employee satisfaction. Ideal for businesses shifting focus from just payroll to company culture.
*   **Best for Global / Remote Teams:** **Deel**
    * *Why:* Handles international payroll, local tax compliance, and legal contracts for remote employees and contractors across 150+ countries.
*   **Best on a Budget:** **Zoho People**
    * *Why:* Offers a free tier for up to 5 users and low per-employee pricing for time tracking, leave management, and basic HR database needs.

**Quick Recommendation:**
If you want an easy, all-in-one payroll and HR system, start with **Gusto**. If you need to manage company devices/software alongside HR, go with **Rippling**.


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 transitioning off Google Sheets, here are the three best HR software options based on your priority:

### 1. **Gusto** (Best overall for simplicity & budget)
* **Why it fits:** Extremely user-friendly, affordable, and combines core HR, employee self-onboarding, and automated US payroll in one platform.
* **Best if:** You want a simple, all-in-one tool for a US-based team and don't want a complex setup.

### 2. **Rippling** (Best for fast growth & tech startups)
* **Why it fits:** Highly automated and modern. Handles HR, payroll, benefits, *and* IT (device management, app provisioning) in a single system.
* **Best if:** You plan to scale quickly, have remote workers, or want to automate tech setup (laptops, Google Workspace, Slack) alongside HR.

### 3. **BambooHR** (Best pure HRIS)
* **Why it fits:** Built specifically for managing employee databases, time-off requests, performance reviews, and onboarding workflows.
* **Best if:** You already have a payroll provider you like and just need a dedicated HR platform to organize employee records and culture.

---

### Recommendation
* Choose **Gusto** if you want the easiest, most cost-effective fix for HR + Payroll.
* Choose **Rippling** if you are a tech-forward company growing rapidly and want to automate IT alongside HR.


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

For a company with under 100 employees, the top recommendation is **Gusto**, but the best choice depends on your primary need:

* **Best Overall (Payroll + HR + Benefits):** **Gusto**
  * *Why:* Extremely user-friendly, automates payroll and tax filings, manages health benefits, and offers solid onboarding tools. Ideal for 1–100 employees looking for an all-in-one, easy-to-use solution.

* **Best for Tech Companies & Scaling Fast:** **Rippling**
  * *Why:* Automates both HR and IT (app provisioning, hardware management). Best if you have remote teams or plan to grow well past 100 employees quickly.

* **Best for Core HR & Performance Management:** **BambooHR**
  * *Why:* Great for companies (20–100 employees) prioritizing employee engagement, performance reviews, applicant tracking (ATS), and company culture over just payroll.


Here are the top affordable HR software options for SMBs, categorized by their best use case:

1. **Gusto** (*Best Overall for Payroll & HR*)
   * **Key Features:** Full-service payroll, employee onboarding, benefits administration, and time tracking.
   * **Pricing:** Starts at $40/month + $6/person/month.

2. **Zoho People** (*Best Budget Choice*)
   * **Key Features:** Time tracking, attendance, employee database, performance management, and onboarding.
   * **Pricing:** Free for up to 5 users; paid plans start at **$1.25/user/month**.

3. **Homebase** (*Best for Hourly & Shift Workers*)
   * **Key Features:** Employee scheduling, time clocks, messaging, hiring, and basic HR compliance.
   * **Pricing:** Free basic plan; paid plans start at **$20/month per location** (unlimited employees).

4. **BambooHR** (*Best All-in-One Core HR*)
   * **Key Features:** Applicant tracking system (ATS), onboarding, performance tracking, and employee self-service.
   * **Pricing:** Custom quote (typically ranges from $6–$10/user/month).

5. **Rippling** (*Best for Tech-Forward Companies*)
   * **Key Features:** Combines HR, payroll, benefits, and IT/device management in a single platform.
   * **Pricing:** Starts at **$8/user/month** (modular pricing allows you to pay only for what you need).


What HRIS do small companies actually use?

Small companies (1–100 employees) primarily rely on a few market leaders, depending on their tech stack, budget, and global reach:

* **Gusto:** The most popular choice for micro-to-small businesses (1–50 employees). It is known for its simple user interface, automated payroll, basic HR benefits, and affordable pricing.
* **Rippling:** The top choice for modern, fast-growing, and tech-focused startups. It seamlessly integrates HR with IT management (managing employee laptops, apps, and software permissions).
* **BambooHR:** Ideal for companies (typically 20–100+ employees) focused on culture and core HR functionality, such as applicant tracking (ATS), employee records, performance reviews, and PTO management.
* **Justworks:** A widely used **PEO** (Professional Employer Organization) for small teams that want to outsource compliance and gain access to enterprise-grade healthcare benefits at lower rates.
* **ADP Run / Paychex Flex:** The default for traditional, brick-and-mortar small businesses that prefer established, legacy payroll and HR providers.
* **Deel:** The standard for small companies hiring international contractors or full-time remote employees across multiple countries.


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

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

### Why Rippling is #1 for fast-growing teams:
* **All-in-One Platform:** Unifies HR, payroll, benefits, and IT (device and app management) in one place.
* **Scalability & Automation:** Automates onboarding/offboarding in minutes (including shipping laptops and assigning software permissions) and easily scales from 5 to 1,000+ employees.
* **Global Ready:** Supports both local and international employees/contractors seamlessly.

---

### Top Alternatives Depending on Your Specific Need:

* **Gusto:** **Best for simplicity and smaller budgets.** Outstanding for US-based payroll, benefits administration, and basic HR with an extremely user-friendly interface.
* **BambooHR:** **Best for company culture and recruiting.** Excellent for applicant tracking (ATS), onboarding, performance management, and employee engagement.
* **Deel:** **Best for rapid international expansion.** The top choice if your growth relies heavily on hiring remote employees or contractors across multiple countries.


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, the best options depend on whether you also need payroll:

### 1. **Gusto** *(Best Overall / All-in-One)*
* **Best for:** Companies that want payroll, onboarding, and PTO in one simple platform.
* **Key Features:** Self-serve employee onboarding, digital document signing, custom onboarding checklists, and automated PTO policy management.
* **Why it fits:** Extremely user-friendly, affordable for small teams, and handles payroll automatically alongside PTO.

### 2. **BambooHR** *(Best Dedicated HR Platform)*
* **Best for:** Companies that already have a payroll system and strictly want an easy HR platform.
* **Key Features:** Outstanding onboarding workflows, automated PTO requests and approvals, team calendars, and a mobile app for employees.
* **Why it fits:** Built specifically for small-to-medium businesses with clean, intuitive interfaces that require zero training.

### 3. **Rippling** *(Best for Tech-Forward Teams)*
* **Best for:** Fast-growing or tech-focused teams needing heavy automation.
* **Key Features:** 90-second onboarding, automatic app provisioning (Slack, Google Workspace, etc.), and custom PTO rules that sync directly with Slack and Google Calendar.
* **Why it fits:** Highly customizable and automates the manual work of setting up new hires.

### 4. **Zoho People** *(Best Budget Option)*
* **Best for:** Teams on a strict budget that only need core HR software.
* **Key Features:** Simple PTO tracking, basic onboarding workflows, and time-off approval paths.
* **Why it fits:** Very low per-user pricing while still covering the essential onboarding and leave-management features.

---

### **Summary Recommendation:**
* Choose **Gusto** if you want an all-in-one system that includes payroll.
* Choose **BambooHR** if you only need HR, PTO, and onboarding.


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

Here are the top HRIS recommendations for a 40-employee company needing records, PTO tracking, and basic onboarding:

1. **BambooHR** *(Best Overall)*
   * **Why:** The industry standard for small-to-midsize businesses. It excels at core employee databases, simple PTO request/approval workflows, and clean, automated onboarding checklists.

2. **Gusto** *(Best if you also need Payroll)*
   * **Why:** Extremely user-friendly and cost-effective. The "Plus" plan offers easy self-onboarding for new hires, simple PTO policies, digital document signing, and built-in payroll.

3. **Rippling** *(Best for Tech & Automation)*
   * **Why:** Highly scalable with powerful automation. It easily handles PTO and HR records while letting you automate onboarding (including sending offer letters and ordering employee computers in one click).

4. **Zoho People** *(Best Budget Option)*
   * **Why:** A lower-cost alternative that covers all the core basics: central employee directory, custom PTO policies, and simple onboarding workflows.

**Recommendation:** If you **don't** need payroll built-in, start with a demo of **BambooHR**. If you **do** want payroll integrated, go with **Gusto**.


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

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

1. **Gusto** (*Best Overall for Payroll & HR*)
   * **Why it fits:** Extremely user-friendly, handles automated payroll, employee self-boarding, health benefits administration, and basic HR compliance.
   * **Best for:** Businesses looking for an easy, cost-effective, all-in-one solution.

2. **BambooHR** (*Best for Core HR & Talent Management*)
   * **Why it fits:** Excellent built-in Applicant Tracking System (ATS), smooth onboarding workflows, performance management, and employee satisfaction tracking.
   * **Best for:** Companies focused on culture, hiring, and structured employee performance.

3. **Rippling** (*Best for Modern Tech & IT Integration*)
   * **Why it fits:** Automates HR, payroll, benefits, and IT (like provisioning laptops and app access for new hires) in one unified platform.
   * **Best for:** Tech-forward companies or businesses with remote/hybrid teams using many software tools.

4. **Justworks** (*Best PEO Option*)
   * **Why it fits:** Operates as a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), giving businesses of 20–50 people access to enterprise-grade, low-cost health benefits and full legal/payroll compliance.
   * **Best for:** Companies that want to outsource benefits administration and legal compliance risks.

5. **Deel** (*Best for Remote or Global Teams*)
   * **Why it fits:** Simplifies payroll, benefits, and compliance for teams split across different states or international borders.
   * **Best for:** Distributed teams or businesses hiring international contractors/employees.

### How to Choose:
* Choose **Gusto** for simplicity and low cost.
* Choose **BambooHR** for strong HR processes and recruiting.
* Choose **Rippling** for automated IT and app management.
* Choose **Justworks** for cheaper, enterprise-level health insurance.


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

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

### Why Gusto fits best:
* **Guided Setup:** It uses a step-by-step wizard that walks non-HR professionals through onboarding, payroll, and benefits setup in under an hour.
* **Automation:** It automatically handles payroll taxes, filings, and compliance forms (like W-2s and 1099s).
* **Employee Self-Service:** Employees set up their own direct deposit, tax withholdings, and profiles, removing administrative burden from the business owner.

### Alternative Option:
* **OnPay:** Slightly cheaper than Gusto with a similarly straightforward setup and excellent customer support that offers free help setting up your account.


Best small business HRIS software for remote teams

Here are the top HRIS software options for small businesses with remote teams, categorized by your primary needs:

### 1. **Rippling** *(Best Overall)*
* **Why it’s great for remote teams:** It unifies HR, payroll, and IT. You can manage global payroll, benefits, and automatically ship/manage laptops and software access for remote hires in one platform.
* **Best for:** Growing remote companies that need strong automation and device management.

### 2. **Deel** *(Best for International Teams)*
* **Why it’s great for remote teams:** Specializes in hiring contractors and full-time employees in over 150 countries without setting up local entities (via built-in Employer of Record services).
* **Best for:** Businesses hiring talent globally and managing cross-border compliance.

### 3. **Gusto** *(Best for US-Based Remote Teams)*
* **Why it’s great for remote teams:** Handles multi-state payroll, state tax registrations, and benefits seamlessly. It offers automated onboarding checklists and employee self-service tools.
* **Best for:** Small US-based businesses with employees spread across different states on a budget.

### 4. **BambooHR** *(Best for Core HR & Culture)*
* **Why it’s great for remote teams:** Focuses heavily on employee experience, remote onboarding, applicant tracking (ATS), and performance management.
* **Best for:** Small-to-midsize businesses prioritizing HR workflows, employee engagement, and performance over complex international payroll.

---

### **Quick Recommendation:**
* Choose **Rippling** if you have tech-heavy remote operations and need IT management.
* Choose **Deel** if you hire outside your home country.
* Choose **Gusto** if your team is remote but entirely based in the US.


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

For a 25-person tech startup, **Rippling** is the overall best choice, with a few alternatives depending on your specific needs:

### 1. Top Pick Overall: **Rippling**
* **Why:** Built specifically for tech startups. It combines HR, payroll, benefits, and IT (e.g., provisioning laptops, Slack, and Google Workspace accounts automatically upon hire).
* **Best for:** Fast-growing teams, modern tech stacks, and companies that want single-click onboarding/offboarding for both HR and software permissions.

---

### Key Alternatives Based on Your Priorities:

* **Best for Simplicity & Budget (US-Only): [Gusto](https://gusto.com)**
  * **Why:** Extremely user-friendly, quick to set up, and affordable. Excellent for basic payroll, US benefits, and simple time-off tracking.
  * **Best for:** Teams with a strict budget and straightforward US payroll needs.

* **Best for Global Remote Teams: [Deel](https://www.deel.com)**
  * **Why:** Simplifies hiring, paying, and managing international contractors and full-time employees (via Employer of Record) across 150+ countries with local compliance.
  * **Best for:** Startups with team members scattered globally.

* **Best PEO (for cheaper health insurance rates): [Justworks](https://www.justworks.com)**
  * **Why:** As a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), Justworks pools your 25 employees with thousands of others to give you access to enterprise-grade, cheaper health benefits while handling compliance/payroll.
  * **Best for:** US teams prioritizing high-quality, cost-effective health benefits without HR hassle.

### Summary Recommendation
* Choose **Rippling** if you plan to scale fast and want integrated IT/HR automation.
* Choose **Gusto** if you want the cheapest, simplest option for a US-based team.
* Choose **Deel** if a significant portion of your 25 people are international.


affordable HRIS platforms for small business

Here are the most affordable and top-rated HRIS platforms for small businesses:

1. **Zoho People** *(Best for Tight Budgets)*
   * **Pricing:** Free for up to 5 users; paid plans start at **~$1.25/user/month**.
   * **Best for:** Core HR, leave tracking, time/attendance, and basic employee management at the lowest cost.

2. **Gusto** *(Best for Combined Payroll & HR)*
   * **Pricing:** Starts at **$40/month base + $6/user/month**.
   * **Best for:** Micro to small businesses needing seamless automated payroll, basic onboarding, and benefits management in one place.

3. **Rippling** *(Best for Automation & Scalability)*
   * **Pricing:** Starts at **$8/user/month** (base fee applies based on modules).
   * **Best for:** Tech-forward companies looking for a modular setup where you only pay for the features you need (HR, IT, payroll).

4. **BambooHR** *(Best All-In-One HR Experience)*
   * **Pricing:** Custom quote (typically **$6–$10/user/month**).
   * **Best for:** Growing small businesses that want advanced applicant tracking (ATS), employee engagement, and performance management.

5. **Bambee** *(Best for HR Compliance Support)*
   * **Pricing:** Starts around **$99/month** (scales with company size).
   * **Best for:** Businesses without a dedicated HR team that need a dedicated, real-life HR manager to draft policies and handle compliance.

### Quick Recommendation:
* Choose **Zoho People** if price is your top priority.
* Choose **Gusto** if you need payroll and HR merged together.
* Choose **Rippling** if you plan to scale rapidly and want to automate employee setup.


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

For a 10-person company hiring fast, **Rippling** is the best overall choice, followed closely by **Gusto** and **BambooHR** depending on your priorities.

### Top Recommendation: **Rippling**
* **Why it fits:** It is built specifically for fast-scaling companies. In addition to payroll, benefits, and HR, it automates IT management (shipping laptops, provisioning app access like Slack/Google Workspace), which makes onboarding new hires seamless.
* **Best for:** Fast growth, remote/hybrid teams, and automating administrative overhead.

---

### Alternative Options

* **Gusto:** Best for simplicity and budget. Extremely easy to set up for basic payroll, benefits, and onboarding.
  * *Choose this if:* You want the most user-friendly, low-cost platform to get up and running today without complex IT workflows.
* **BambooHR:** Best for HR-first management and hiring. Strong applicant tracking system (ATS), culture tools, and performance management.
  * *Choose this if:* Your primary focus is talent acquisition, employee experience, and HR analytics rather than an all-in-one tech ecosystem.

### Verdict
Go with **Rippling** if you plan to scale rapidly (to 30–100+ employees) and want HR + IT automated in one place. Go with **Gusto** if you need something simple, fast, and affordable right now.


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

For most small businesses, **Gusto** is the best overall HR software for managing both full-time (W-2) employees and independent contractors (1099).

### Top Recommendations:

1. **Gusto (Best Overall for Small Businesses)**
   * **Why:** It seamlessly handles both W-2 payroll and 1099 contractor payments in one platform.
   * **Key Features:** Automated payroll and tax filings, custom contractor onboarding, direct deposit, self-service employee/contractor portals, and automated 1099-NEC creation/filing at year-end.
   * **Best For:** U.S.-based small businesses wanting a user-friendly, affordable, all-in-one HR and payroll system.

2. **Rippling (Best for Tech-Forward or Growing Businesses)**
   * **Why:** Highly customizable and powerful automation for both HR and IT (managing employee devices/apps).
   * **Key Features:** Fast onboarding for full-time and contract workers, robust custom reporting, and easy transition of contractors to full-time employees.
   * **Best For:** Businesses that plan to scale quickly or need integrated IT/device management alongside HR.

3. **Deel (Best for International Contract Workers)**
   * **Why:** Specialized in global hiring, compliance, and multi-currency payments.
   * **Key Features:** Localization of tax forms and contracts across 150+ countries, compliance protection against contractor misclassification.
   * **Best For:** Small businesses hiring contractors or full-time workers overseas.

### Summary Verdict
Go with **Gusto** if your workforce is primarily U.S.-based and you want an easy, cost-effective solution. Choose **Rippling** if you need advanced automation/IT management, or **Deel** if you hire contractors globally.


Best HR system for small retail business with hourly staff

For a small retail business with hourly staff, **Homebase** is generally the best overall option. It is specifically designed for local hourly teams and offers a free basic tier.

Here are the top options depending on your specific priority:

### 1. **Best Overall for Retail: Homebase**
* **Why it’s great:** Combines scheduling, GPS time-clocking, team messaging, and automated shift swaps into one easy mobile app. It also offers built-in payroll or integrates seamlessly with Square, Clover, and Toast POS systems.
* **Best for:** Businesses using a POS system that want an easy, affordable, purpose-built hourly employee management tool.

### 2. **Best for All-in-One Operations: Connecteam**
* **Why it’s great:** Designed specifically for deskless/hourly workers. Includes scheduling, time tracking (with geofencing), onboarding, internal chat, task management, and digital checklists for store opening/closing procedures.
* **Best for:** Managers who want to handle store tasks, training, and employee scheduling/time-tracking in one app.

### 3. **Best for Full HR & Payroll: Gusto** (paired with Homebase or Deputy)
* **Why it’s great:** Industry gold-standard for small business payroll, benefits, hiring, and compliance. While it has basic built-in time-tracking, it integrates directly with specialized retail scheduling tools like Homebase or When I Work.
* **Best for:** Businesses prioritizing comprehensive payroll, benefits administration, and formal legal HR support.

### 4. **Best for Complex Scheduling & Compliance: Deputy**
* **Why it’s great:** Exceptional scheduling tool that automatically prevents overtime, enforces mandatory meal/rest breaks, and handles complex labor laws (like predictive scheduling rules).
* **Best for:** Stores with multi-location staff or strict state labor law requirements.

---

### Quick Recommendation:
* Choose **Homebase** if you want an easy, low-cost solution tailored specifically to retail shift work.
* Choose **Connecteam** if you want store management tools (checklists, store updates) alongside HR and time tracking.


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

For a company of 60 employees transitioning off spreadsheets, here are the top three recommendations based on your potential primary needs:

1. **BambooHR (Best Overall)**
   * **Why:** The industry gold standard for SMBs moving away from manual tracking. It has an intuitive interface, excellent core HR features (PTO tracking, employee database, onboarding), and good reporting.
   * **Best if:** You want a dedicated, user-friendly HR system focused purely on people management.

2. **Rippling (Best for Automation & All-in-One)**
   * **Why:** Combines HR, payroll, and IT (device and app management) in one modern platform. Extremely powerful workflow automation.
   * **Best if:** You want to automate onboarding/offboarding completely and manage employee computers/software alongside HR.

3. **Gusto (Best for Simple HR + Payroll)**
   * **Why:** Very easy to set up, affordable, and handles payroll, benefits administration, and basic HR features seamlessly.
   * **Best if:** Payroll is your primary pain point and you want an all-in-one budget-friendly solution.

**Quick Recommendation:** If you already have a working payroll system you like, go with **BambooHR**. If you want to consolidate HR, payroll, and IT into one tool, go with **Rippling**.


Best HR platform for a 30-person boutique agency

For a 30-person boutique agency, the best platform depends on your main priority:

1. **BambooHR (Best Overall HR & Culture)**
   * **Why it fits:** Built specifically for SMBs. Excellent for onboarding, time-off tracking, applicant tracking, and performance reviews with a modern, user-friendly interface.
   * **Best if:** You prioritize employee experience, agency culture, and core HR functions over complex payroll.

2. **Gusto (Best for All-in-One HR + Payroll)**
   * **Why it fits:** Extremely easy to use and cost-effective. Seamlessly handles payroll, benefits administration, simple onboarding, and basic time tracking in one place.
   * **Best if:** You want a straightforward, budget-friendly solution that combines payroll and basic HR.

3. **Rippling (Best for Tech & IT Management)**
   * **Why it fits:** Automates HR, payroll, and IT. It can automatically provision laptop setups, assign software licenses (Slack, Google Workspace, Figma), and handle payroll/contractors globally.
   * **Best if:** Your agency uses a heavy tech stack or relies on remote/global freelancers and employees.

**Final Recommendation:** Go with **BambooHR** if you want the best core HR and talent management features, or **Gusto** if you need an easy, affordable, all-in-one payroll and HR solution.


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

For small businesses, **Gusto** and **BambooHR** offer the best employee self-service (ESS) portals, depending on your primary focus:

* **Best Overall & Payroll-Focused: Gusto**
  * **Why:** Gusto is ideal for businesses with 1–50 employees. Its ESS portal (and companion app, *Gusto Wallet*) is extremely intuitive, allowing employees to easily view paystubs, access tax forms (W-2/1099), request PTO, track time, and manage benefits without needing training.

* **Best for Core HR & Company Culture: BambooHR**
  * **Why:** Ideal for growing small businesses (20–150 employees) that prioritize HR over basic payroll. It has a top-rated mobile ESS app for requesting time off, viewing the company directory, signing documents, and completing onboarding checklists.

**Summary Recommendation:**
* Choose **Gusto** if you want an easy, affordable all-in-one payroll and HR platform.
* Choose **BambooHR** if you already have payroll solved and want a dedicated, polished HR experience for your team.


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

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

### Why Gusto is best for this size:
* **All-in-One:** Handles payroll, automated tax filings, basic HR (employee onboarding, document storage), and employee benefits in one place.
* **User-Friendly:** Has an extremely intuitive interface that requires zero training for both administrators and employees.
* **Affordable:** Simple monthly pricing (starts at $40 base + $6/person) with no long-term contracts.

---

### Alternative options depending on your specific needs:
* **For shift/hourly work (restaurants, retail):** **Homebase** (best for time tracking, scheduling, and simple payroll).
* **If you already have payroll and only need HR tracking:** **BambooHR** (simple directory, time-off requests, and performance tracking).


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 main strengths:

1. **Rippling** – *Best Overall for Scaling*
   * **Key Features:** Combines HR, payroll, and IT management (software/hardware deployment) into one platform. Offers exceptional automation and scales seamlessly from 5 to 500+ employees.

2. **Gusto** – *Best for Payroll & Simplicity*
   * **Key Features:** Extremely intuitive and user-friendly. Handles automated payroll, tax filings, health benefits, and basic HR compliance. Ideal for early-stage and steady-growth SMBs.

3. **BambooHR** – *Best for Core HR & Culture*
   * **Key Features:** Excellent applicant tracking (ATS), onboarding, performance management, and employee self-service. Best for companies focusing heavily on people management and workplace culture.

4. **Justworks** – *Best PEO Option*
   * **Key Features:** As a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), it pools small businesses together to give them access to enterprise-grade health insurance, benefits, and automated payroll/compliance at affordable rates.

5. **Deel** – *Best for International & Remote Teams*
   * **Key Features:** Built specifically for companies hiring global contractors or full-time international employees via Employer of Record (EOR) services, ensuring local tax and legal compliance.


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

For a 35-employee non-profit, the best HR platform depends on whether your primary focus is payroll simplicity, culture/HR management, or IT automation:

1. **Gusto (Best Overall & Value)**
   * **Why:** It is an affordable, all-in-one platform handling payroll, benefits administration, time tracking, and onboarding. It is extremely user-friendly and ideal if you don't have a dedicated, full-time HR manager.

2. **BambooHR (Best for Core HR & Culture)**
   * **Why:** Excellent for employee records, performance management, applicant tracking, and culture building. They offer a **15% discount for non-profits**.
   * *Note:* You will need to use their add-on payroll or integrate it with an existing payroll system.

3. **Rippling (Best for IT & Remote Work)**
   * **Why:** Best if your 35 employees are spread across multiple states/countries, or if you also need to manage employee laptops, app provisioning (Google Workspace, Slack, etc.), and compliance automatically.

### Recommendation:
* Choose **Gusto** if you want an easy, cost-effective, all-in-one payroll and HR system.
* Choose **BambooHR** if you already have a payroll system you like and want a dedicated HRIS with a non-profit discount.


Best HR and onboarding software for small companies

Here are the top HR and onboarding software options for small companies, categorized by their main strengths:

### 1. Gusto
* **Best For:** Small businesses looking for an easy, all-in-one Payroll + HR platform.
* **Why it’s great:** Simplifies payroll, benefits, and basic onboarding (e-signatures, offer letters, custom welcome emails, and self-onboarding for new hires).
* **Ideal Size:** 1–50 employees.

### 2. BambooHR
* **Best For:** Small-to-medium businesses wanting a dedicated, intuitive HR system.
* **Why it’s great:** Industry-leading onboarding workflows, pre-built templates, new hire checklists, and robust employee record management.
* **Ideal Size:** 10–100+ employees.

### 3. Rippling
* **Best For:** Tech-forward companies and startups needing fast, automated onboarding.
* **Why it’s great:** Automatically handles HR, benefits, payroll, and IT (deploys laptops, sets up app access like Slack/Google) in under 90 seconds.
* **Ideal Size:** 2–100+ employees.

### 4. GoCo
* **Best For:** Custom onboarding workflows and digital paperwork.
* **Why it’s great:** Highly customizable, allows you to turn any existing document into a fillable digital form, and automates complex onboarding tasks.
* **Ideal Size:** 5–100 employees.

### 5. Deel
* **Best For:** Companies hiring remote workers or international contractors.
* **Why it’s great:** Streamlines international compliance, local contracts, global payroll, and automated onboarding across 150+ countries.
* **Ideal Size:** Any size with remote/global teams.

---

### Quick Recommendation Summary
* Go with **Gusto** if you need simple payroll + basic HR.
* Go with **BambooHR** if you want the best dedicated HR and employee experience.
* Go with **Rippling** if you want to automate both HR and IT software/hardware provisioning.


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

For scaling from 20 to 80 employees, **Rippling** is the overall best choice, followed closely by **BambooHR** and **Paylocity**.

Here is how the top options compare for your specific growth phase:

### 1. Rippling (Best Overall for Scaling)
* **Why it scales best:** Unifies HR, payroll, and IT (app management and device deployment). As you quadruple your workforce, automated onboarding and IT provisioning save massive amounts of administrative time.
* **Sweet spot:** 10 to 1,000+ employees (you won't outgrow it).

### 2. BambooHR (Best for HR-First Culture & Ease of Use)
* **Why it scales best:** Excellent user interface, hiring/ATS, onboarding workflows, and performance management. It handles the transition from 20 to 80 employees smoothly without feeling overly complex.
* **Sweet spot:** 20 to 500 employees.

### 3. Paylocity (Best for Complex Payroll & HR Operations)
* **Why it scales best:** Stronger than basic platforms on custom reporting, workforce management, and compliance as your HR needs become more formal.
* **Sweet spot:** 50 to 1,000+ employees.

---

### Recommendation Summary:
* Choose **Rippling** if you want maximum automation, remote hiring capabilities, and integrated IT provisioning.
* Choose **BambooHR** if you want an easy-to-use, HR-centric platform focused on employee experience and performance.
* Choose **Personio** if you are based in Europe.


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

For a 12-person company, the best HR software depends slightly on your business model, but **Gusto** is the best overall choice for most small teams.

### 1. Top Pick (Best Overall): **Gusto**
* **Why:** Extremely user-friendly, affordable, and handles full-service payroll, health benefits administration, automated tax filing, PTO tracking, and simple onboarding.
* **Best for:** US-based teams looking for a hassle-free, all-in-one solution.

### 2. Best for Tech Startups: **Rippling**
* **Why:** Combines HR and payroll with IT management (app access, computer deployment/security).
* **Best for:** Fast-growing tech companies or teams that need to manage company laptops and software permissions alongside HR.

### 3. Best for International/Remote Teams: **Deel** or **Remote**
* **Why:** Simplifies hiring, paying, and managing international contractors and full-time employees (Employer of Record) in multiple countries compliant with local labor laws.
* **Best for:** Companies with employees distributed globally.

**Recommendation:** Go with **Gusto** unless you have heavy IT automation needs (choose **Rippling**) or hire internationally (choose **Deel**).


Which small business HR platforms offer automated onboarding documents?

Several popular small business HR platforms offer automated onboarding documents (such as digital offer letters, auto-filled W-4/I-9 forms, handbooks, and e-signatures):

1. **Gusto** – Automatically sends self-onboarding invites, offer letters, state/federal tax forms (W-4, I-9), direct deposit setups, and customized employee handbooks for e-signature.
2. **Rippling** – Features powerful workflow automation that generates and sends role- or location-specific offer letters, NDAs, agreements, and tax documents automatically.
3. **BambooHR** – Offers pre-boarding and onboarding packages with customizable document templates, automated task assignments, and built-in e-signatures.
4. **TriNet Zenefits** – Automates standard compliance paperwork, company policies, and tax forms for new hires to complete digitally prior to their start date.
5. **Justworks** – Streamlines employee self-enrollment, automatically routing standard HR paperwork, direct deposit forms, and handbook acknowledgments.
6. **Deel** – Best for small businesses with remote or international teams, automatically generating localized employment contracts and compliance paperwork.


Here are the best modern HR software options for startups, categorized by primary need:

*   **Best Overall / All-in-One:** **Rippling**
    *   *Why:* Combines HR, payroll, benefits, and IT (device management, app provisioning) into one automated platform. Highly scalable and ideal for tech-forward startups.
*   **Best for Early-Stage & Small Teams:** **Gusto**
    *   *Why:* Extremely user-friendly, affordable, and handles automated payroll, basic benefits, and compliance with minimal setup. Best for US-based teams under 50 people.
*   **Best for Global & Remote Teams:** **Deel**
    *   *Why:* The top solution for hiring, onboarding, paying, and managing international contractors and full-time employees (via EOR) in 150+ countries.
*   **Best PEO (for Access to Enterprise Benefits):** **Justworks**
    *   *Why:* Acts as a Co-Employer to give small startups access to large-group health insurance rates, 401(k) plans, and automated compliance.
*   **Best Core HRIS for Culture & Onboarding:** **BambooHR**
    *   *Why:* Focuses heavily on employee experience, performance management, applicant tracking, and culture building as you scale past 25–50 employees.

**Quick Recommendation:**
* Choose **Gusto** if you are a small US team wanting simplicity.
* Choose **Rippling** if you want to automate IT + HR and plan to scale fast.
* Choose **Deel** if you hire globally.


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

For most small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), **Rippling** is currently the best overall platform for managing benefits and employee files.

Here is a quick breakdown based on specific business needs:

* **Best Overall & Growing SMBs: Rippling**
  Offers superior document management (custom templates, e-signatures, automated filing) and seamless benefits administration. It easily scales as your company grows and integrates HR with IT and payroll.
* **Best for Small SMBs (<50 employees) & Ease of Use: Gusto**
  Extremely user-friendly and affordable. It handles basic employee file storage, e-signatures, and built-in benefits administration out of the box with virtually no setup learning curve.
* **Best for Core HR Records & File Organization: BambooHR**
  Ideal if your primary focus is centralizing employee records, tracking custom fields, and managing company policies alongside standard benefits administration.

**Recommendation:** Go with **Gusto** if you have under 20 employees and want simple setup; go with **Rippling** if you have 20–500 employees or need advanced file automation and custom workflows.


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

Here are the top HR tools for a 45-person team, tailored for tracking time off and managing employee profiles:

### Top Recommendations

1. **BambooHR** *(Best Overall HR Platform)*
   * **Why:** The industry standard for small-to-midsize businesses. Excellent employee self-service portal, custom time-off policies, approval workflows, and clean profile management.
   * **Best for:** A dedicated, polished HR solution with room to grow into performance management and recruiting.

2. **Gusto** *(Best if you also need Payroll)*
   * **Why:** If you want HR and payroll in one place, Gusto is hard to beat. It automatically syncs time-off requests directly into payroll calculations and offers intuitive employee profiles.
   * **Best for:** Teams looking to combine payroll, benefits, and core HR into one system.

3. **Rippling** *(Best for Tech-Forward Teams)*
   * **Why:** Extremely fast, modern interface with powerful automation. Easily handles complex PTO rules, custom fields in profiles, and integrates deeply with tools like Slack and Google Workspace.
   * **Best for:** Modern teams that want automated workflows and integrated IT/app management alongside HR.

4. **Zoho People** *(Best Budget-Friendly Option)*
   * **Why:** Highly affordable, flexible, and feature-rich for basic HR needs, including time-off management, employee databases, and customizable forms.
   * **Best for:** Cost-conscious companies looking for a functional, lightweight tool.

---

### Quick Recommendation:
* **Go with Gusto** if you want payroll + HR combined.
* **Go with BambooHR** if you already have payroll covered and just want clean, straightforward HR software.


Which HR software platform is best for SMBs?

There is no single best option for every business, as it depends on your specific needs and team size, but **Rippling** is widely considered the best overall HR platform for growing SMBs due to its scalability and unified HR, IT, and finance features.

Here are the top recommendations based on common business needs:

*   **Best Overall / All-in-One:** **Rippling** – Excellent for automation, onboarding, and managing payroll, IT devices, and app access in one place.
*   **Best for Small Businesses & Payroll:** **Gusto** – The most user-friendly choice for small teams (under 50 employees) needing easy payroll, benefits, and basic HR tools.
*   **Best for Core HR & Employee Culture:** **BambooHR** – Ideal for mid-sized SMBs focusing on hiring, employee engagement, and performance management.
*   **Best for International/Remote Teams:** **Deel** – The top choice if you hire global employees and contractors and need international compliance and payroll handling.


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 Integration: Gusto**
    *   *Why:* Extremely user-friendly with automated payroll, tax filing, basic HR tools, and benefits administration.
    *   *Best for:* Very small to mid-sized businesses wanting an easy, all-in-one payroll and HR system.

*   **Best for Core HR & Growth: BambooHR**
    *   *Why:* Excellent for managing employee data, onboarding, performance reviews, applicant tracking, and company culture.
    *   *Best for:* Growing businesses that already have a payroll solution or want a dedicated, polished HR platform.

*   **Best for Automation & Tech Integration: Rippling**
    *   *Why:* Unifies HR, payroll, and IT. It can automatically set up new hires' software apps and devices alongside traditional HR tasks.
    *   *Best for:* Tech-forward companies, remote teams, and businesses with complex software stacks.

*   **Best Budget Option: Zoho People**
    *   *Why:* Highly affordable with robust features like time tracking, leave management, and employee databases. Offers a free plan for up to 5 users.
    *   *Best for:* Cost-conscious businesses looking for essential HR functionality.

*   **Best for All-in-One Benefits & Compliance: TriNet Zenefits**
    *   *Why:* Strong focus on benefits administration, PTO tracking, org charts, and compliance management with optional add-on payroll.
    *   *Best for:* Small businesses prioritizing simple benefits enrollment and HR management.

**Quick Recommendation:** Go with **Gusto** if your priority is easy payroll with built-in HR, or **BambooHR** if you need robust people-management and hiring tools.


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

For a company with 50–150 employees, the best HRIS platforms depend on your primary focus:

1. **Rippling (Best Overall & Most Scalable):**
   * **Why:** Combines HR, payroll, benefits, and IT management (app provisioning and device tracking) into one platform. It offers high automation and handles complex workflows easily.

2. **BambooHR (Best for Core HR & Culture):**
   * **Why:** Highly user-friendly and designed specifically for this employee range. It excels at core HR tasks like onboarding, performance management, applicant tracking, and employee engagement surveys.

3. **Paylocity (Best for Advanced Payroll & Workforce Management):**
   * **Why:** Stronger than pure SMB software on complex payroll, time-tracking, and benefits administration, making it ideal if you have a non-desk or hourly workforce.

4. **Deel (Best for Remote/Global Teams):**
   * **Why:** The top choice if your 50–150 employees or contractors are spread across multiple countries, handling international payroll and compliance seamlessly.

**Summary:** Choose **Rippling** if you want automation and IT integration, or **BambooHR** if you want an easy-to-use, HR-focused platform.


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

The best overall HR software for a small accounting firm is **Gusto**.

### Why Gusto is the Top Choice:
* **Deep Accounting Integrations:** Syncs seamlessly with QuickBooks Online, Xero, and FreshBooks for easy ledger mapping.
* **All-in-One Functionality:** Combines payroll, employee onboarding, benefits administration, compliance alerts, and time tracking in one platform.
* **Accounting Partner Program:** Gusto offers a dedicated program for accounting firms, making it easy to manage both your internal team and client payrolls if you offer payroll services.

---

### Top Alternatives Depending on Your Needs:
* **Rippling:** Best if you have remote employees and need combined HR and IT management (e.g., sending out pre-configured laptops and managing software permissions).
* **BambooHR:** Best if you prioritize employee onboarding, culture, performance management, and applicant tracking over built-in payroll.


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

For a team of 18 staff, the best affordable HR systems depend on whether you also need payroll or shift scheduling. Here are the top budget-friendly options:

### 1. **Zoho People** (Best Low-Cost Core HR)
* **Pricing:** ~$1.50 to $4.50 per user/month.
* **Why it fits:** Extremely affordable for standard HR needs like employee databases, leave tracking, performance reviews, and time tracking.
* **Best if:** You want pure HR software on a tight budget.

### 2. **Gusto** (Best for HR + Payroll Combined)
* **Pricing:** Starts at $40/month base + $6/user/month (totaling ~$148/month for 18 people).
* **Why it fits:** Handles full payroll, automated tax filings, direct deposit, benefits administration, onboarding checklists, and time-off tracking in one simple platform.
* **Best if:** You want HR and payroll integrated in the US.

### 3. **Freshteam by Freshworks** (Best for HR + Hiring)
* **Pricing:** Starts around $1.20 per user/month + $19/month base fee (Free tier exists for up to 50 employees, but has limited features).
* **Why it fits:** Covers basic employee management, time-off management, document storage, and built-in applicant tracking if you plan to hire more staff.
* **Best if:** You need basic HR plus applicant/recruiting management.

### 4. **Homebase** (Best for Hourly & Shift-Based Staff)
* **Pricing:** Free tier available for 1 location; paid plans range from $20 to $80/month **flat rate per location** (not per user).
* **Why it fits:** Excellent for scheduling, time clocks, messaging, and simple HR compliance for hourly teams.
* **Best if:** Your 18 employees work shifts or hourly schedules.

---

### Recommendation Summary:
* **Need Payroll + HR?** Go with **Gusto**.
* **Need basic HR on the lowest budget?** Go with **Zoho People**.
* **Have hourly shift workers?** Go with **Homebase**.


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 benefits with minimal setup.

Here are the top recommendations based on your specific needs:

### 1. Best Overall: **Gusto**
* **Why it’s great:** Exceptionally user-friendly and designed specifically for non-HR professionals.
* **Key Features:** Automated payroll, tax filings, health benefits administration, simple onboarding checklists, and time tracking.
* **Best for:** US-based small businesses wanting an easy, set-it-and-forget-it solution.

### 2. Best for Remote/Tech-Forward Teams: **Rippling**
* **Why it’s great:** Automates both HR and IT workflows (like shipping laptops and setting up app permissions for new hires).
* **Key Features:** Global payroll, automated onboarding/offboarding, device management, and app access control.
* **Best for:** Fast-growing teams, tech startups, or companies with remote/global employees.

### 3. Best for Offloading Legal Risk: **Justworks** (PEO)
* **Why it’s great:** Operates as a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), meaning they share legal responsibility for compliance and give small teams access to enterprise-grade health insurance rates.
* **Key Features:** Payroll, high-quality benefits access, HR compliance support, and 24/7 support.
* **Best for:** Teams that want to completely outsource HR compliance and legal liability.

### 4. Best for Core HR & Employee Records: **BambooHR**
* **Why it’s great:** Focuses heavily on the employee experience, culture, and record-keeping rather than just payroll.
* **Key Features:** Applicant tracking system (ATS), employee database, performance management, and PTO tracking.
* **Best for:** Teams of 15+ people looking to organize employee data and hiring processes.

---

### Simple Hiring Tool (If needed separately)
* **Breezy HR:** A simple, drag-and-drop applicant tracking system (ATS) with a generous free plan, ideal for managers doing their own recruiting.

### Summary Recommendation:
* Start with **Gusto** if you just need effortless payroll, basic benefits, and automated compliance.
* Choose **Rippling** if you manage employee laptops and software access alongside HR.


Best human resource management software for small businesses

Here are the top human resource management (HRM) software options for small businesses, categorized by their primary strengths:

### 1. **BambooHR** – *Best Overall HR Software*
* **Best for:** Small to mid-sized businesses looking for a complete, easy-to-use HR platform.
* **Key Features:** Applicant tracking system (ATS), employee onboarding, performance management, time tracking, and detailed reporting.
* **Why choose it:** High user satisfaction, intuitive design, and strong employee self-service features.

### 2. **Gusto** – *Best for All-in-One Payroll & Basic HR*
* **Best for:** Very small businesses (1–50 employees) prioritizing automated payroll.
* **Key Features:** Full-service payroll, health benefits administration, worker's comp, automated tax filing, and basic HR templates.
* **Why choose it:** Extremely user-friendly, affordable, and handles complex payroll regulations automatically.

### 3. **Rippling** – *Best for Tech-Forward & Fast-Growing Teams*
* **Best for:** Businesses that want to combine HR, payroll, and IT (app/device management) in one system.
* **Key Features:** Global payroll, automated onboarding, custom workflows, and automatic provisioning of employee tech/software.
* **Why choose it:** Highly scalable with industry-leading automation features.

### 4. **Deel** – *Best for Global & Remote Teams*
* **Best for:** Small businesses hiring international employees or contractors.
* **Key Features:** Global payroll in 150+ countries, Employer of Record (EOR) services, local legal compliance, and visa support.
* **Why choose it:** Eliminates the complexity of hiring and paying international talent legally.

### 5. **Zoho People** – *Best Budget Option*
* **Best for:** Micro-businesses or companies already using the Zoho software ecosystem.
* **Key Features:** Leave/time tracking, performance appraisals, basic HR databases, and custom forms.
* **Why choose it:** Very low starting cost (includes a free plan for up to 5 employees).

---

### **Quick Recommendation Summary:**
* Go with **Gusto** if you just need effortless payroll with basic HR.
* Go with **BambooHR** if you want specialized HR tools (hiring, onboarding, performance reviews).
* Go with **Rippling** if you manage remote tech workers and need IT/device management.


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

**Gusto** is widely considered the best HR platform for small team employee onboarding.

### Why Gusto is best for small teams:
* **Fully Paperless Setup:** Automatically handles digital offer letters, I-9/W-4 forms, e-signatures, and direct deposit setup.
* **Self-Service Portal:** New hires can complete all paperwork on their own devices before their first day.
* **Built-in Compliance:** Automatically files state tax registration and new-hire reporting.
* **Affordable & Simple:** User-friendly interface with pricing tailored specifically to small businesses.

***

**Top Alternative:**
* **Rippling:** Best if you are a tech-focused team that also needs to automate IT onboarding (automatically ordering laptops and setting up app accounts like Slack, Google Workspace, and Zoom).


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

For a 75-person company, **Rippling** is the top overall recommendation.

### **Top Choice: Rippling**
* **Why it fits:** It is the best true "all-in-one" platform for companies in the 50–500 employee range.
* **Key Strengths:** Unifies Payroll, Benefits Administration, HR, and IT (device and app management) into one system. It automates onboarding/offboarding exceptionally well and handles both US and international workers seamlessly as you scale.

---

### **Top Alternatives (depending on your priority):**

1. **Gusto**
   * **Best for:** Simplicity and US-based teams.
   * **Why consider:** It is extremely user-friendly with great payroll, benefits, and compliance features, though it lacks integrated IT/device management.

2. **BambooHR**
   * **Best for:** Culture and talent management.
   * **Why consider:** Strongest focus on applicant tracking, employee engagement, performance reviews, and core HR data, though you may need add-ons or integrations for payroll/IT.


What HRIS system is best for a small engineering consultancy?

For a small engineering consultancy, **Rippling** is generally the best HRIS system.

Here is why, along with top alternatives based on your specific priorities:

### 1. **Rippling** (Best Overall for Engineering Firms)
* **Why it fits:** Engineering consultancies rely heavily on software tools and hardware. Rippling seamlessly combines HR with IT management, allowing you to automatically provision laptops, security settings, and app access (like Jira, GitHub, or AutoCAD) during employee onboarding.
* **Key Features:** Combined HR/IT management, global payroll, robust contractor management, and automated workflows.

### 2. **BambooHR** (Best for HR-First Simplicity)
* **Why it fits:** If you don't need IT provisioning and want an easy-to-use platform focused on company culture, hiring, and employee management.
* **Key Features:** Excellent applicant tracking system (ATS), easy PTO tracking, performance management, and a clean employee portal.

### 3. **Gusto** (Best for Micro-Teams on a Budget)
* **Why it fits:** Ideal if you have under 15 employees and want a cost-effective, straightforward solution focused primarily on payroll and basic compliance.
* **Key Features:** Simple payroll, basic health benefits administration, and easy contractor payments.

---

**Recommendation:** Go with **Rippling** if you need to manage tech setup/contractors alongside HR, or **BambooHR** if you want an intuitive, HR-focused system with strong performance tracking.


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

For a small business looking to manage personnel files, org charts, and time off, the best software options depend on your specific priorities:

*   **BambooHR (Best Overall HR):** Built specifically for small-to-midsize businesses. It excels at digital employee records, automatically updated interactive org charts, and customizable PTO/time-off tracking with employee self-service.
*   **Gusto (Best HR + Payroll Combo):** Ideal if you want your payroll and HR in one platform. It manages personnel files, generates org charts, and tracks PTO alongside automated payroll.
*   **Zoho People (Best Budget Option):** Highly affordable (with a free tier for up to 5 employees) while still providing robust employee databases, org charts, and leave management systems.
*   **Rippling (Best for Tech & Fast Growth):** A modern platform that handles personnel records, automated org charts, and time-off requests, while also allowing you to manage company devices and software access.

**Recommendation:**
Choose **BambooHR** if you strictly want a dedicated HR system, or **Gusto** if you want to combine HR tools with payroll.


Best HR platform for small business under 50 staff

For a small business under 50 employees, the best HR platforms depend on your primary need:

### 1. **Best Overall: Gusto**
* **Why:** Extremely user-friendly, affordable, and combines automated payroll, health benefits, onboarding, and basic HR tools in one place.
* **Best for:** US-based small businesses looking for an all-in-one, hassle-free solution.

### 2. **Best for Tech & Fast-Growing Teams: Rippling**
* **Why:** Unmatched automation and capabilities. Handles HR, payroll, device management (IT), and app access in a single platform.
* **Best for:** Tech startups or businesses needing strong IT/app management alongside HR.

### 3. **Best for HR Culture & Performance: BambooHR**
* **Why:** Industry leader for employee engagement, performance management, applicant tracking (ATS), and culture building.
* **Best for:** Companies focusing heavily on HR processes and employee experience (though payroll often requires integrations).

### 4. **Best PEO (Full Hands-Off HR & Benefits): Justworks**
* **Why:** As a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), it pools your employees to give you access to enterprise-level health insurance rates and handles compliance/tax filings for you.
* **Best for:** Businesses that want high-quality corporate benefits and total compliance coverage.

### 5. **Best for Global/Remote Teams: Deel**
* **Why:** Simplifies hiring, payroll, and compliance for international employees and contractors across 150+ countries.
* **Best for:** Businesses with staff spread across multiple countries.

---

**Summary Recommendation:**
* Go with **Gusto** if you want the easiest, most cost-effective all-in-one payroll + HR platform.
* Go with **Rippling** if you want powerful automation and IT capabilities.


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

For most startups with under 25 employees, **Gusto** provides the best overall value.

### Why Gusto wins for micro-teams:
* **All-in-One Essentials:** Combines full-service payroll, health benefits administration, worker's comp, and basic HR features (onboarding checklists, document storage, time tracking) in one platform.
* **Pricing:** Starts at a low base fee ($40/month + $6/person), making it extremely cost-effective for small headcount.
* **Ease of Use:** Self-serve employee onboarding requires virtually no admin training or setup overhead.

---

### Best Alternatives based on specific needs:
* **Rippling:** Best if you are a tech startup needing combined HR and IT management (app provisioning, hardware management, device security).
* **Deel:** Best if your 25 employees/contractors are distributed globally across multiple countries.
* **BambooHR:** Best if you need advanced performance management and ATS (applicant tracking) right away, though it is more expensive and requires a separate payroll add-on.


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

For a business transitioning away from spreadsheets, the best HRIS options depend on your team size and additional needs:

1. **BambooHR (Best Overall Choice):** Built specifically for small-to-medium businesses moving off spreadsheets. It offers an intuitive employee database, document management, time-off tracking, and an easy-to-use employee self-service portal.
2. **Gusto (Best for HR + Payroll):** Ideal if you want an all-in-one platform that seamlessly combines employee record-keeping with automated payroll and benefits administration.
3. **Rippling (Best for Automation & Tech Integration):** Excellent if you want powerful automation, custom reporting, and integrated IT/device management alongside HR records.
4. **Zoho People (Best Budget Option):** A cost-effective, highly customizable alternative that offers basic HR database features at a lower price point.

**Recommendation:** Start with **BambooHR** for pure HR management and user simplicity, or **Gusto** if you also need a integrated payroll solution.


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

For a **50-person company**, the best all-around choice is usually **Rippling** if you want the strongest automation and a platform that can handle HR plus IT as you grow.[2][3] If you want the simplest, most employee-friendly HRIS for core HR tasks, **BambooHR** is the better fit.[2][14]

A practical way to choose:
- **Rippling** — best overall for 50–500 employees, especially if you want HR, IT, and finance in one system and expect more scaling.[2][3]
- **BambooHR** — best if your priority is ease of use, onboarding, and core HRIS simplicity.[2][14]
- **Gusto** — best if payroll is the main need and you are still fairly lightweight on HR complexity.[3][11]

For a 50-person company specifically, the source set consistently places you at the border between “small business” and “mid-market,” where **Rippling** is often the strongest default and **BambooHR** is the strongest simplicity-first alternative.[2][3][14]

If you want, I can also narrow this down by your priorities, like **payroll**, **benefits**, **ATS/recruiting**, **performance reviews**, or **budget**.


The **best HR software for a small business** depends on your main need, but the most common top picks are **BambooHR** for all-around HR, **Gusto** for payroll-first teams, and **Zoho People** for budget-conscious buyers.[3][5][15]

If you want the shortest answer:
- **Best overall:** **BambooHR** — widely recommended for small businesses because it balances hiring, onboarding, performance, and usability.[3][5][13]
- **Best for payroll:** **Gusto** — a strong choice if payroll and tax filing are your top priorities.[3][8][13]
- **Best for affordability:** **Zoho People** — often highlighted for lower-cost small business HR needs.[3][5][15]
- **Best for ease of use:** **GoCo** — often recommended when simplicity and support matter most.[3]
- **Best for hourly/shift teams:** **Homebase** or similar workforce tools with scheduling/time tracking.[3][15]

A practical way to choose:
- If you need a **full HR system**, start with **BambooHR**.[3][5]
- If you need **payroll + benefits + simple setup**, start with **Gusto**.[3][8][13]
- If you need **basic HR at a lower price**, start with **Zoho People**.[3][5][15]
- If your business is **hourly or shift-based**, prioritize **Homebase**-style scheduling and time tracking.[3][15]

For small businesses, reviewers consistently say there is **no single best option for everyone**; the right choice depends on whether your priority is payroll, onboarding, affordability, or scheduling.[2][20]

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 most common “buy this” answer is **BambooHR** if your main pain is chaotic employee records, onboarding, time off, and core HR admin; it’s repeatedly recommended as the best fit for **10–50 person** teams that need a real HRIS but don’t have a specialist HR ops function yet.[2][4][9][17]

If you also want **payroll and benefits** in the same system, **Gusto** is the better default for a US startup of your size, especially if payroll is a major part of the problem.[2][4][5][13]

A practical short list for a 30-person team is:

- **BambooHR**: best if you want a clean system for employee records, onboarding, PTO, and HR workflows.[2][4][9][17]
- **Gusto**: best if you need payroll + benefits + basic HR in one place and want something simple to run.[2][4][5][13]
- **Rippling**: best if you’re growing fast and want HR plus IT/provisioning automation, or expect more operational complexity soon.[1][2][4][8][9]
- **Justworks**: worth considering if you want a more turnkey PEO-style setup for payroll, benefits, and compliance with less admin burden.[4]

The simplest recommendation is:

- Choose **BambooHR** if your biggest issue is *employee records chaos*.
- Choose **Gusto** if your biggest issue is *payroll and HR all mixed together*.
- Choose **Rippling** if you expect *rapid growth, more automation needs, or IT onboarding/offboarding* soon.[2][4][8][9]

If you want, I can turn this into a **3-option buyer’s comparison** for your exact situation and budget.


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 automation, payroll, and scalability as you grow.[4][13]

If you want the simplest or lowest-friction option, **Gusto** is the better choice for smaller teams and startups, especially if payroll and basic HR are the main needs.[4][16]

A practical way to choose:

- **Rippling** — best if you expect growth and want automation across HR, payroll, devices, and app access.[4][13]
- **Gusto** — best if you want easy payroll, tax filing, benefits, and straightforward HR for a small team.[4][16]
- **BambooHR** — best if your priority is an all-around HR platform focused on employee records, onboarding, and performance management.[6][7][13]
- **Zoho People** — best if budget is the main constraint.[6][7][13]

If you want one default recommendation for most companies under 100 employees, **Rippling** is the strongest all-around pick, while **Gusto** is the safest choice for simplicity and value.[4][13]


For an **affordable HR software** option for an SMB, the strongest low-cost picks in the results are **Zoho People**, **Homebase**, **Gusto**, and **Bitrix24**, depending on whether you want the lowest sticker price, a free plan, or all-in-one payroll and HR.[2][4][1]

- **Zoho People**: Best pure affordability if you want low per-user pricing; one result says it starts at **$1.50 per user/month** and includes a **free plan for up to 5 users**.[2]
- **Homebase**: Best for hourly teams; it offers a **free plan** and paid plans starting at **$30/month**.[2][4]
- **Gusto**: Best if you want payroll plus HR in one place; one result lists pricing **from $49/month**, while another shows HR features starting at **$80/month + $12/employee**.[2][12]
- **Bitrix24**: Best if you want a broader free option; one result lists a **free plan** and paid plans starting at **$49/organization/month**.[4]
- **Zoho People, again**: Multiple sources consistently describe it as one of the most budget-friendly SMB HR platforms.[2][10][11]

If your priority is **lowest cost**, start with **Zoho People**.[2]
If your priority is **free scheduling/time tracking**, consider **Homebase**.[2][4]
If you need **payroll + HR**, **Gusto** is a common SMB choice, though it is usually more expensive than basic HR-only tools.[1][2][12]

A practical way to choose:
- **Tiny team / tight budget**: Zoho People or Bitrix24.[2][4]
- **Hourly workforce**: Homebase.[2][4]
- **Payroll-focused SMB**: Gusto.[1][2][12]
- **India SMBs**: greytHR, sumHR, or Zoho People appear among the lower-cost options in the India-specific results.[8]

If you want, I can turn this into a **ranked shortlist by team size and budget**.


What HRIS do small companies actually use?

Small companies most often use **BambooHR**, **Gusto**, **Rippling**, **Paycor**, and **TriNet/Zenefits**; those show up repeatedly in small-business HRIS roundups and practitioner discussions.[1][2][3][6][10][12][18]

The pattern is usually:
- **BambooHR** for straightforward core HR and employee records, especially when teams want something simple and user-friendly.[1][3][6][12][18]
- **Gusto** when payroll and benefits are the main need, especially for very small teams and startups.[2][3][6][10][12][13]
- **Rippling** for companies that want HR plus more automation, IT, and tighter integrations as they grow.[2][3][5][6][8]
- **Paycor** for SMBs that want an all-in-one platform with room to scale.[2][3][5][12]
- **TriNet / Zenefits** for companies that want core HR with a relatively easy setup, sometimes paired with PEO-style support.[2][3][7][10]

If you mean “what do they *actually* buy in the wild,” the strongest consensus from these results is that **BambooHR is the default core-HR choice**, while **Gusto is the default payroll-first choice** for small U.S. businesses.[3][6][8][10][12]


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

For a **fast-growing small business**, the strongest all-in-one HR pick is **Rippling** if you want the broadest platform for **HR + payroll + IT** that can scale as headcount grows.[1][13] If your priority is simpler **payroll, benefits, onboarding, and basic HR** for a smaller team, **Gusto** is the most commonly recommended choice.[11][15]

What stands out most from the results:

- **Rippling** is positioned as best for growing businesses because it unifies HR, payroll, and IT, and is specifically described as a fit for **20–100 employees** where automation becomes more valuable.[1]
- **Gusto** is repeatedly described as the best small-business option for ease of use and all-in-one payroll plus HR, especially for teams under **50 employees**.[11][15]
- **BambooHR** is another top contender if you care more about **onboarding, culture, and performance management** than payroll depth.[7][13]

A practical rule of thumb:

| If you want… | Best fit |
|---|---|
| The most scalable all-in-one platform | **Rippling** |
| The simplest all-in-one payroll-first setup | **Gusto** |
| Strong onboarding and people management | **BambooHR** |

If you want one default recommendation for a **fast-growing** small business, I’d choose **Rippling**.[1][13]


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

For a **15-person company**, the best fit is usually an **HRIS** that combines **onboarding** and **PTO tracking** in one place rather than a standalone onboarding tool.[1][4][15]

Good options to consider are:

- **Gusto** — strong for very small teams that want payroll plus onboarding and basic HR in one system.[1][12][15]
- **BambooHR** — a common all-in-one choice for small businesses with onboarding, PTO, and HR records.[7][12]
- **Homebase** — listed as a fit for 1–15 employees and can handle basic HR needs for small teams.[1]
- **ADP RUN** — good if you want payroll integrated with onboarding and PTO/compliance features.[6][15]
- **Collage** — a budget-friendly option that includes **time off tracking** and onboarding features.[9]

If you want the simplest recommendation: **Gusto** is usually the best default for a 15-person company, while **BambooHR** is better if you want a more dedicated HR platform with stronger HR workflows.[1][7][12][15]

If you want, I can narrow this down to the **best choice by budget**, **best for remote teams**, or **best if you do not need payroll**.


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

For a company of **40 employees** that needs **employee records, PTO, and basic onboarding**, an HRIS with core “system of record” features is the right fit; several 2026 reviews specifically call out **BambooHR** as a strong match for organizations in the 25–500 employee range because it includes employee records, time-off tracking, onboarding, and basic reporting.[1][12]

A practical shortlist for your needs would be:

- **BambooHR** — best fit if you want a simple, well-known HRIS focused on core HR workflows like records, PTO, and onboarding.[1][12]
- **Deel HR** — a good option if you want core HRIS features and may also need support for distributed or contractor-heavy teams; one 2026 comparison notes its core HRIS is free for up to 200 employees and includes records, PTO, and org charts.[9]
- **Gusto** — worth considering if payroll is likely to become important, since its HRIS is positioned as an all-in-one small business platform that also covers HR data, payroll, benefits, and compliance.[8][10]
- **Paycor** — a stronger option if you expect to expand into payroll, time tracking, and reporting beyond the basics.[11]

For your stated requirements, the key must-haves are exactly what HRIS platforms are expected to handle: **employee database/records, onboarding workflows, and time-off or leave management**.[2][3][6][7]

If you want the simplest recommendation: **BambooHR** is the most direct match for a 40-person team needing records, PTO, and onboarding without extra enterprise complexity.[1][12]

If you want, I can also narrow this to **budget-friendly options**, **best no-payroll options**, or a **3-vendor comparison** for your team size.


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

For a small business with **20–50 employees**, the strongest overall HR software choices are **Gusto**, **BambooHR**, **Rippling**, **Zoho People**, and **RUN Powered by ADP**.[1][2][10][15]

- **Gusto** — best overall for small businesses under 50 employees, especially if you want **payroll, benefits, and basic HR in one place** with simple pricing.[1][10][12]
- **BambooHR** — best if you care most about **employee lifecycle management, hiring, onboarding, and culture/performance tools**.[2][6][12][15]
- **Rippling** — best for teams that want **HR plus IT automation** and a more modern, highly rated platform.[2][3][10][15]
- **Zoho People** — best for **budget-conscious** teams that want affordable HR software with modular customization.[2][6][12]
- **RUN Powered by ADP** — best if you want a **well-known payroll provider** with solid small-business HR support.[2][15]

If you want a quick shortlist by need:

- **Simplest all-in-one**: Gusto.[1][10][12]
- **Best for growth and hiring**: BambooHR.[6][10][12]
- **Best for automation**: Rippling.[2][3][15]
- **Best low-cost option**: Zoho People.[2][12]
- **Best payroll-first option**: RUN Powered by ADP.[2][15]

For most companies in the **20–50 employee** range, the best starting point is **Gusto** if payroll and benefits are the priority, or **BambooHR** if hiring and employee management matter more.[1][10][12][15]


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 easiest setup choice most often recommended because it combines payroll, benefits, onboarding, and basic HR in one place with *minimal setup* and transparent pricing.[6][9][15]

If your priority is specifically **ease of use** over payroll depth, **GoCo** is also a strong option because it is repeatedly described as built for small businesses without HR expertise and as a user-friendly HR platform.[4][10]

A practical way to choose:
- **Gusto**: best if you want the simplest all-in-one start, especially for payroll and onboarding.[6][9][15]
- **GoCo**: best if you want an especially easy HR interface and guided support.[4][10]
- **BambooHR**: best if you want a more feature-rich system that is still relatively easy to use, but it is less focused on quick, low-complexity setup than Gusto.[4][8]

If you want one recommendation: **Gusto**.


Best small business HRIS software for remote teams

For most **small remote teams**, the best overall choices are **Gusto** for U.S.-based teams that want payroll plus basic HRIS, and **BambooHR** for teams that want a more complete, easy-to-use HR platform.[3][11][15][17][18]

If your team is fully remote or spread across countries, **Rippling** and **Remote** are stronger options because they are better suited to multi-location or international operations.[11][12][18]

A practical short list:

| Software | Best for | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| **Gusto** | Small U.S. teams | Strong payroll + simple HRIS; commonly recommended for new/small businesses and remote teams.[3][7][11][12][16] |
| **BambooHR** | Small businesses wanting usability | Frequently rated as the easiest to use and a strong all-around small-business HRIS.[15][16][17][18] |
| **Rippling** | Remote teams needing HR + IT | Good fit when you also need device management and broader automation.[3][11][14] |
| **Factorial** | Very small teams on a tight budget | Low-cost option, especially for small remote teams in Europe or Latin America.[1] |
| **Remote** | Global teams | Better for international hiring and expansion.[11][18] |

If you want the simplest recommendation:
- Choose **Gusto** if payroll is the priority and your team is mainly in the U.S.[3][7][11]
- Choose **BambooHR** if you want the best balance of ease of use and HR functionality for a small business.[15][16][17][18]
- Choose **Rippling** if you need HRIS plus IT/device management for a distributed team.[3][11]
- Choose **Factorial** if budget matters most and you are a very small team.[1]

If you tell me your team size, countries/states, and whether payroll is included, I can narrow this to the single best fit.


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 a tech-forward system that can handle **HR, payroll, and IT provisioning** as you grow.[4][8][9] If you want the simplest and most cost-effective option for a US-only team, **Gusto** is the strongest fit.[1][3][8]

A practical way to choose is:

- **Choose Gusto** if you are **US-only**, want **easy payroll + benefits**, and do not need much HR complexity yet.[1][3][8]
- **Choose BambooHR** if you want a cleaner **core HRIS** for employee records, onboarding, and time off, and are fine pairing it with a separate payroll tool.[4][7][8]
- **Choose Rippling** if you expect fast scaling, want **automation**, or need **HR + IT + payroll** in one platform.[4][8][9]

For a 25-person startup specifically, the pricing in the results suggests:
- **Gusto Simple** at about **$199/month** for 25 employees, or **Gusto Plus** at about **$380/month**.[1]
- **BambooHR + payroll** at roughly **$350 to $500/month**.[1][7]
- **Rippling** often lands much higher, around **$1,500 to $1,900/month** for a fuller bundle, which may be overkill at this size.[1]

My recommendation:
- If you are a **lean US startup with one ops or people owner**: **Gusto**
- If you are a **tech startup with IT-heavy onboarding and frequent tool access changes**: **Rippling**
- If you mainly want a **solid HR record system** and will keep payroll separate: **BambooHR**[4][8]

If you want, I can turn this into a **3-vendor shortlist** with a simple decision matrix for your exact setup, like **US-only vs global, payroll included vs separate, and whether you need IT device/app access management**.


affordable HRIS platforms for small business

If you want **affordable HRIS platforms for a small business**, the strongest low-cost options in the results are **Zoho People**, **Freshteam**, **TalentHR**, **Rippling**, **Deel**, and **Justworks**—with several starting around **$1.25–$10 per user/employee per month**, and some offering free tiers or free trials.[2][4][7][9][11]

- **Zoho People** — best for the lowest cost; one source says it has a **free plan for up to 5 employees** and paid plans starting at **$1.25/user/month**.[2][11]
- **TalentHR** — very budget-friendly; reported at **$2/user/month** with a **free plan for up to 10 users**.[9]
- **Freshteam** — good if hiring/onboarding matters; one source lists a **free plan** and paid plans starting at **$3/user/month**.[7]
- **Deel HR** — useful for global or remote teams; pricing starts at about **$5/employee/month** in one comparison.[4][7]
- **Justworks** — better if you want payroll/benefits bundled in; pricing is reported around **$9/employee/month + a $50/month base fee**.[4]
- **Gusto** — popular for payroll + HR; small-business pricing is commonly around **$49/month + $6/person/month**, though one guide says costs vary by plan and team size.[3][8][17]

A practical way to choose:
- Pick **Zoho People** or **TalentHR** if **price is the main constraint**.[2][9][11]
- Pick **Freshteam** if you need **recruiting and onboarding** on a tight budget.[7]
- Pick **Gusto** if you want **payroll plus HR** in one system.[3][8][17]
- Pick **Justworks** if you want **PEO-style HR, benefits, and compliance support**.[3][4]
- Pick **Deel** if you have **international contractors or employees**.[4][7]

If you want, I can narrow this to the **best 3 options for your team size and budget**.


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

For **10 employees and fast hiring**, the best default choice is **Gusto** if you want the simplest payroll-first core HR platform, or **BambooHR** if you want a stronger all-around HRIS for hiring and employee records.[4][6][8][20]

If you expect the company to scale quickly and want to avoid replatforming later, **Rippling** is the best “grow into it” option because it unifies **HR, payroll, and IT** and is designed to scale with more automation.[4][10][18][20]

A practical way to choose:

- **Gusto**: best if your immediate pain is **payroll, onboarding, and compliance** with minimal setup.[4][6][8]
- **BambooHR**: best if you want a **clean, easy core HR system** for employee records, onboarding, and hiring workflows.[6][12][20]
- **Rippling**: best if you want **one platform** that can handle HR plus IT and automation as headcount grows.[4][10][18][20]

For a 10-person team, my recommendation is:

- Choose **Gusto** if you need the fastest, simplest setup.
- Choose **BambooHR** if hiring is the main priority and you want a more dedicated HRIS.
- Choose **Rippling** if you are confident you’ll scale quickly and want the most future-proof platform.[6][8][18][20]

If you want, I can give you a **2-minute decision tree** based on whether you already have payroll, use contractors, or plan to hire internationally.


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

For a small business managing both **full-time employees and contractors**, **Rippling** is the strongest all-around choice because it is explicitly built to handle HR for both workers and also supports contractor management well.[4][7] If your priority is simpler, lower-cost small-business HR for primarily employees, **Gusto** is often the top pick, but it is less specialized for contractor-heavy or more complex workforce setups.[3][6][8]

A practical shortlist is:

- **Rippling**: best if you want **one system** for full-time staff, contractors, HR automation, and possibly IT/device management too.[4][5][7]
- **Deel**: best if contractors are **international** or you hire remotely across countries, since it specializes in global payroll and contractor management.[4][6][8]
- **Gusto**: best if you want a **simple, affordable, all-in-one** HR/payroll tool for a small team, especially under 50 employees.[3][6][8]
- **BambooHR**: best for **employee experience and people management**, but it is not the top contractor-focused option in these guides.[5][7][9]

If you want the single best answer for a small business with both full-time and contract workers, choose **Rippling**; choose **Deel** instead if contractor management—especially international contractor management—is the main need.[4][7][8]


Best HR system for small retail business with hourly staff

For a **small retail business with hourly staff**, the best fit is usually **Homebase** if you mainly need **scheduling, time tracking, and shift-based workforce management**; if you also want **payroll integrated with retail POS data**, **Square Payroll** is a strong add-on, especially for businesses using Square POS.[1][6][12]

A practical way to choose is:

- **Homebase** — best for **hourly teams** and retail scheduling/time clocks; it is specifically highlighted as a top option for hourly small businesses.[6]
- **7Shifts** — good if your retail operation needs a scheduling-first tool for multiple hourly workers; it is also recommended in retail-focused comparisons for independent stores.[1]
- **Square Payroll** — best if you already use **Square POS**, because it integrates natively and can help with sales-based labor reporting.[1]
- **Gusto** — a solid payroll/HR option for small businesses if you want a broader HR stack rather than a retail-specific scheduling tool.[1][18]
- **Rippling** — better if you want **one system** for HR, payroll, scheduling, and labor data across locations, but it is usually more than a very small retailer needs.[12]

If you want the shortest recommendation: **Homebase + Square Payroll** is the most straightforward stack for many small retail stores with hourly staff.[1][6]


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

For a company of **60 staff**, I’d shortlist **BambooHR**, **Rippling**, and **Gusto** first, with **ADP Workforce Now** if you want something more payroll-heavy and scalable. Industry buyer guides consistently place BambooHR as the best fit for small businesses, Rippling as the best overall, Gusto as a strong option for new/small businesses, and ADP Workforce Now for midsized companies.[2][1]

A practical way to choose:

- **BambooHR** — best if you want an easy-to-use HRIS for core HR tasks like employee records, onboarding, PTO, and reviews.[2]
- **Rippling** — best if you want HR plus IT/device/app management and expect to add more automation as you grow.[2][7]
- **Gusto** — best if payroll is the main pain point and you want a simpler all-in-one setup for a smaller team.[2][18]
- **ADP Workforce Now** — best if you want a more established midsize-company platform with stronger payroll and compliance depth.[2]

If you are replacing spreadsheets for a 60-person team, the usual sweet spot is **BambooHR or Rippling** because they cover the core HR admin needs without feeling too enterprise-heavy.[2][1] If payroll is currently the biggest headache, **Gusto** is the simplest starting point; if you expect faster growth or want more automation, **Rippling** is the stronger long-term bet.[2][7][18]

What I’d recommend in practice:

- Choose **BambooHR** if you want the cleanest HR-only experience.
- Choose **Rippling** if you want the most flexible platform.
- Choose **Gusto** if payroll simplicity matters most.
- Choose **ADP Workforce Now** if compliance and a more traditional HR/payroll stack matter most.

If you want, I can narrow this to the **best 2 options** for your setup based on whether you need **payroll, recruiting, performance reviews, or integrations**.


Best HR platform for a 30-person boutique agency

For a **30-person boutique agency**, the best overall HR platform is usually **BambooHR**: it’s consistently positioned as a strong fit for companies around **25–100+ employees** that need more than payroll basics, including onboarding, performance management, and reporting.[6] If your agency wants the simplest all-in-one payroll-first option, **Gusto** is the better fit for very small teams and is repeatedly recommended for businesses under **50 employees**.[4][6][11]

A practical way to choose:

- **Choose BambooHR** if you want stronger core HR workflows, cleaner employee records, onboarding, performance reviews, and light reporting for a growing service business.[6]
- **Choose Gusto** if payroll, benefits, and basic HR are the priority and you want straightforward pricing and ease of use.[4][6][11]
- **Choose Rippling** if your agency also wants to manage IT devices, app access, and more automation in one system; it’s described as strongest for scaling teams.[4][10]

For a **30-person boutique agency**, my default recommendation is **BambooHR** unless payroll simplicity is your only goal, in which case **Gusto** is more cost- and setup-friendly.[6][11]


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

For **small businesses**, the best employee self-service portal is most often **Gusto** or **BambooHR**, depending on what you mean by “best.” Gusto is the strongest pick for very small teams because it’s repeatedly rated highly for SMB self-service and simplicity, while BambooHR is often the best overall traditional HR portal for a clean, easy-to-use employee experience.[4][3][8]

- **Gusto**: best for small businesses that want payroll, benefits, and HR self-service in one simple platform; Capterra says it was selected as the best employee self-service portal among SMB HR apps based on 4,000+ reviews and a 4.6/5 rating.[4][3]
- **BambooHR**: best if you want a more classic HR self-service portal with strong onboarding and a polished employee experience; multiple roundups call it a top choice for SMBs and note features like mobile-first self-service and AI support.[2][3][8]
- **ADP RUN Powered by ADP**: a strong option if compliance and long-term growth matter most; ADP says its RUN solution is the best HRIS for small businesses in its own evaluation.[1]

If you want the **single safest recommendation** for most small businesses, I’d choose **Gusto** for simplicity and value.[4][3] If your priority is a **more complete, traditional HR portal**, choose **BambooHR**.[2][8]


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

For a **15-employee business**, the simplest all-around choice is usually **Gusto** because it’s repeatedly described as a straightforward, all-in-one HR and payroll option for small teams, with minimal setup and transparent pricing.[1][10][16]

If you want the **simplest free** option and can live with basic HR features, **Zoho People** is the most generous free plan in the results, but it only covers up to **5 employees** on the free tier, so it would not cover your full team.[1][7]

A practical short list for 15 employees would be:

- **Gusto** — best fit if you want the easiest full HR + payroll setup.[1][10][16]
- **Homebase** — good if your needs are mainly scheduling and time tracking, especially for hourly teams.[1][7][16]
- **Zoho People** — cheapest entry point, but the free tier is too small for 15 employees.[1][7]

If you want, I can narrow this down to the **single best choice based on your exact needs**: payroll, PTO, onboarding, time tracking, or budget.


Top rated HR systems for growing small businesses in 2024

For **growing small businesses in 2024**, the most consistently top-rated HR systems across the results are **BambooHR**, **Rippling**, **Gusto**, and **Paycor**.[1][3][15] If you want the safest all-around short list, **BambooHR** is the most common “best overall” pick, while **Rippling** is strongest for automation and scaling, **Gusto** is best for simple payroll-first setups, and **Paycor** is frequently positioned as the better fit for growing businesses.[1][13][15]

| HR system | Best for | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| **BambooHR** | Overall small-business HR | Repeatedly ranked best overall or best for small businesses; praised for ease of use and simplified workflows.[1][13][15] |
| **Rippling** | HR automation and scaling | Strong for unified HR, payroll, and IT; often recommended when headcount is growing quickly.[1][14][15] |
| **Gusto** | Startups and payroll-heavy needs | Commonly recommended for smaller teams that want payroll, benefits, and basic HR in one place.[1][4][6] |
| **Paycor** | Growing businesses | Frequently singled out as a strong fit for companies beyond the very small-startup stage.[1][3][15] |
| **Zoho People** | Affordability | Lower-cost option with per-user pricing and basic HR coverage.[1][6] |

If you want a practical recommendation based on company stage:
- **1–20 employees:** **Gusto** or **BambooHR**.[4][14]
- **20–100 employees:** **Rippling** or **Paycor**.[14][15]
- **Need lowest cost:** **Zoho People**.[1][6]
- **Want the easiest all-around HR experience:** **BambooHR**.[13][15]

One note on the 2024 framing: several results are from later rankings, but they still align on the same core leaders—especially **BambooHR**, **Rippling**, **Gusto**, and **Paycor**.[1][3][13][15]


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

For a **non-profit with 35 employees**, the best default pick is **OnPay** if payroll and nonprofit-friendly setup matter most, or **Gusto** if you want a broader, easier all-in-one HR/payroll system with stronger benefits support.[1][2]

What makes those the best fit for your size:

- **OnPay** is repeatedly recommended for nonprofits under 50 employees and is described as having nonprofit-specific payroll handling, grant allocation support, and a discounted nonprofit rate.[1]
- **Gusto** is also recommended for smaller nonprofits and is noted for clean handling of nonprofit basics, broader benefits brokerage, and integrations with common accounting tools.[1]
- For a nonprofit around **35 employees**, sources aimed at nonprofit HR selection generally place this size in the *small-to-lower-mid market* where simplicity, payroll, compliance, and affordability matter more than enterprise HCM features.[1][4][7]

If you want a practical shortlist:

- **Best overall for most small nonprofits:** **OnPay**[1]
- **Best if benefits and a polished all-in-one experience matter more:** **Gusto**[1][5]
- **Best if you need more robust HR workflows and can pay more:** **BambooHR** or **Paycor**[4][5]
- **Best if you have complex payroll allocation / grant reporting needs:** **Paylocity** or **Paycor**[1][4][9]

If you want one recommendation without more context, I’d buy **OnPay** for a 35-person nonprofit, unless you specifically need richer benefits administration, in which case choose **Gusto**.[1]


Best HR and onboarding software for small companies

For most **small companies**, the best overall choices are **BambooHR** for an all-in-one HR platform and onboarding, **Gusto** for payroll-first teams, and **Rippling** for automation-heavy workflows.[2][7][13]

A practical way to choose is:

- **BambooHR** — best overall for small businesses needing core HR, employee records, and strong onboarding.[2][7][13]
- **Gusto** — best if your priority is payroll, benefits, and a simple setup for a small team.[2][12][13]
- **Rippling** — best if you want deeper automation and HR workflows that scale as you grow.[2][7][13]
- **Paycor** — good for growing businesses that want more configurable HR/payroll features.[2][13]
- **Zoho People** — best budget-friendly option among the commonly recommended tools.[2]
- **ADP RUN / ADP HRIS** — solid for growing small businesses, especially if you want a more established provider.[4][13]

If you care specifically about **onboarding**, the strongest recurring recommendation in the results is **BambooHR**, with reviewers describing it as especially strong for onboarding, performance management, and employee records.[7][10][13]

What to prioritize when buying:
- **Easy setup**
- **Simple pricing**
- **Good support**
- **Payroll and compliance**
- **Integrations**
- **Scalability as you grow**[3][12][18]

If you want, I can turn this into a **3-option shortlist based on your budget, number of employees, and whether you need payroll too**.


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

For a company growing from **20 to 80 employees**, **BambooHR** is the safest overall bet if you want an HRIS that is built for growing companies and can cover core HR well beyond the point where very small-business tools start to strain.[2][20]

If you want the strongest **all-in-one scalability** and expect to keep adding complexity, **Rippling** is the other top contender because it is positioned as an all-in-one, automation-heavy platform for growing teams and is repeatedly recommended for midsize companies needing HR, payroll, benefits, and broader integrations.[17][1]

A practical way to choose:

| Platform | Best fit for | Why it scales well |
|---|---|---|
| **BambooHR** | 25–100+ employees | Strong fit for growing companies that need onboarding, performance management, reporting, and a simpler HR stack.[2][20] |
| **Rippling** | Companies that want one platform for HR + payroll + benefits + IT | Strong automation and unified employee record make it a good “grow into it” option.[17][1] |
| **Paychex Flex** | SMBs that want a scalable path without replatforming soon | Marketed as supporting businesses from a handful of employees to several hundred.[13] |
| **ADP Workforce Now** | More complex payroll/compliance needs | Better if you expect multi-state, multi-entity, or heavier compliance requirements.[13][5] |

If you want the shortest recommendation: **choose BambooHR for best balance of ease and scalability at 80 employees; choose Rippling if you want a more powerful, automation-first platform that can absorb future complexity.**[2][17]

If you want, I can also narrow this to the best choice for your situation based on whether you need **payroll, benefits, time tracking, or international hiring**.