Best HR Management Software Shortlist
Here’s the shortlist of the best HR management software that I taste-tested for this article:
- 2. monday.com — Build flexible & customized HR workflows with detailed task management + automations
- 3. Zoho People — Comprehensive all-in-one HRMS software, well-suited for shift-based, remote and mobile workforces
- 4. Personio — Flexible HR tool for managing employee data, including automated workflow tools to increase productivity.
- 5. Workday — Enterprise-level HCM software with advanced skill assessment capabilities to support talent development
- 6. Namely — HR management software with modern features for performance management, employee recognition and engagement
- 7. SAP SuccessFactors — Enterprise-level HR management software suite focused on human experience management.
- 8. bob — Modern human resources software with extensive tools for deepening company culture and employee engagement
- 9. Vault ERP — Scalable HR management software with add-ons for budgeting, operations, asset management, client management, and more
- 10. UKG Pro — Advanced HCM software with talent management tools and AI-backed employee feedback sentiment analysis
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
If you've never used human resources (HR) management software before, don't worry—I have. In fact, I used a system I wasn't too keen on for nine long years...
It wasn't all bad though. All those years of strife gave me an eternal spring of troublesome scenarios to draw from. Now that I'm reviewing software for a living, those scenarios are a useful silver lining. (And don't worry, the HR system I used is not in this list!)
HR management software is a broad term for a wide range of HR software systems. They're an essential backbone to every HR team's tech stack, as common as an apple in your grocery basket. But we all know, there are a wide variety of apples to choose from, and some taste better than others.
In this article, I'll walk you through the top-ranking apples—I mean, HR management software—on the market today. I'll highlight the standout features in each platform, to help you find the variety you like the best.
Comparison Criteria
Wondering what I look for when selecting the best HR management systems for this list? Here’s a summary of my evaluation criteria for comparing apples to apples:
- User Interface (UI): I look for systems with clean, colourful, and visually appealing user interfaces that will ensure a positive experience when staff at all levels use the software.
- Usability: I chose systems that are simple and straightforward to use, which don’t require extensive training to be able to complete tasks independently.
- Integrations: I always keep an eye out for systems with lots of software integrations as they will have a big impact on improving the overall productivity level of your HR team. The more integrations, the better!
- Value for $: While I always prefer HR software with transparent pricing models, sometimes those details are only available upon request due to the modular nature of many systems (i.e., you’ll only pay for the modules you actually want).
HR Management Software: Key Features
Every apple is different, and the same is true for HR management software too. Yet, no matter which way you slice them, they have some common features too.
Here’s a short summary of the main features you can expect to find within the best HR software solutions:
- A central employee database: HR management systems act as a single source of employee-related information that link data from rich employee profiles across all modules automatically.
- Time off & attendance tracking: Tools for tracking your employee’s work hours, as well as their vacation dates and other absence requests.
- Linked benefits administration: A process for linking employee benefit options and costs directly with your core employee and payroll data to cut down on manual or double data entry.
- Payroll functions: Integrated payroll capability that automatically pulls data from other key modules, like time tracking and benefits administration modules.
- Performance management tools: System-wide features that support continuous performance-based feedback, including check-ins, 360-degree feedback and goal setting features.
- Learning & development features: A built-in system for hosting internal training modules for your staff, to help them grow and develop their skills over time.
- Training & compliance tracking: A way to ensure your staff are always up-to-speed on any job-specific training or certifications, including automated tools that track expiry dates.
- Recruiting & onboarding tools: A suite of tools that help HR teams post jobs, track and screen candidates, and turn applicants into new employees with links to onboarding processes.
- Self-service: The ability for employees to update their own personal information independently without relying heavily on HR staff, often achieved through robust mobile apps.
- Reports and analytics: The best HR software should have metrics and analytics baked right into the system, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to dig deeper into your workforce metrics.
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Overviews Of The 10 Best HR Management Software
Here’s a brief description of each HR management software to showcase each tool’s best use case, some noteworthy features, and screenshots to give you a snapshot of the user interface.
Deel
HR management software for worldwide compliance, payroll, and HR in 150+ countries
Deel is a cloud-based HR management software that offers solutions for human resources, payroll, and compliance. With Deel, you can easily manage your entire HR operations from one place.
Deel offers many features to help streamline your HR processes. You can use it to track employee leave time and keep accurate records of attendance and performance reviews. It allows you to automate onboarding, offer employee benefits packages, manage training programs and more. With its intuitive interface and easy-to-use dashboard, Deel is ideal for companies of any size or sector who want to ensure efficient HR operations.
In addition to its powerful features, Deel also provides robust security measures so that all data remains secure at all times.
Features include global payroll, automations, contractor payments, invoice generation, payslips, taxes, accounting software integration, and compliance.
Integrations include Ashby, BambooHR, Expensify, Greenhouse, Hibob, Netsuite, Okta, OneLogin, Quickbooks, SCIM, Xero, Workday, and Workable. They also have an API, where you can connect Deel to tools beyond their pre-built integrations to automate and sync data across your HR tech stack.
Deel offers flat rate pricing details upon request, as well as a free demo.
monday.com
Build flexible & customized HR workflows with detailed task management + automations
Monday.com is a project and task management software with ample HR management features, including HR process templates to get you up and running quickly. Monday is super easy to use and offers both iOS and Android mobile apps.
Monday.com's work management software can be customized for recruitment pipelines, onboarding processes, employee wellbeing projects, and development & learning initiatives. You can use drag-and-drop visualizations (timelines, calendars, Kanban boards, Gantt charts) to plot out core HR tasks and important deadlines.
Monday.com key features include project management, task scheduling/tracking, resource management, scheduling, budgeting, API, calendar management, Gantt charts, file sharing, time management, email integration, third party plugins, and notifications.
Integrations include project management apps like Slack, Google Drive, Gmail, Google Calendar, Jira, GitHub, Trello, Dropbox, Typeform and many more, accessible through a paid plan with Zapier.
monday has a freemium plan for up to 2 users. Paid plans costs from $8/user/month and come with a 14-day free trial.
Zoho People
Comprehensive all-in-one HRMS software, well-suited for shift-based, remote and mobile workforces
Zoho People is a cloud-based human resources management system (HRMS) that aims to simplify HR operations and the employee experience. Their HRMS software covers all the core HR functions you’d expect, including employee data management, recruitment and onboarding, integrated payroll and expense management features, time-off requests, and system-wide HR analytics.
Their employee database software is used in over 45 countries, and scales easily as your organization grows. Even at their lowest pricing level, Zoho People users will benefit from workflow management tools, module-based reports, and “Zia” - their AI bot which answers employee questions across the entire system.
Zoho People works well for businesses with hourly, shift-based, field-based, or remote workforces due to the depth of their attendance tracking, shift-scheduling, and mobile check-in features. Their platform includes geo-fencing capabilities that allow organizations to mark geographic locations (such as field offices or work sites) using GPS points. This improves the accuracy of recorded work hours since it ensures that employees can only check-in for work when they arrive in the work area, and not before. Zoho’s People Kiosk is also a sophisticated version of a traditional punch-clock that uses AI-based facial recognition to track in and out times for remote workers.
Zoho People has native software integrations with a handful of popular software applications, with more accessible through a paid Zapier plan too. They also have a whole suite of custom Zoho apps that work seamlessly with Zoho People as well. In addition, they have a full-feature mobile app for Android and iOS devices as well.
Pricing for Zoho People starts at $1.25/user/month. You can also request a free demo or a 30-day free trial through their website.
Personio
Flexible HR tool for managing employee data, including automated workflow tools to increase productivity.
Personio’s HR management system offers solutions for workforce management, people data, recruiting, performance management and training, and preliminary payroll. Their recruiting features include the ability to post vacancies to 600 job boards with just a few clicks, plus tools for candidate sourcing and applicant tracking that also link up with onboarding processes.
Their software is well-known for their people workflow automations (PWA) that speed up typical people processes by automating tasks and linking systems together. This includes approval workflows, automated reminders for key tasks, and more.
Personio integrates with 130+ popular software applications available through their Personio Marketplace, including candidate sourcing and applicant tracking systems, and performance and employee engagement systems. They also have an Android and iOS mobile app for absence requests, time tracking, and accessing the company directory & employee profiles.
Pricing for Personio starts at $2.88/employee/month. You can also request a free demo or a 14-day free trial through their website.
Workday
Enterprise-level HCM software with advanced skill assessment capabilities to support talent development
Workday is a human capital management (HCM) system with a broad suite of features. Their wide range of software solutions work seamlessly together, making them well-suited for large or enterprise-level organizations who have a lot of sophisticated workforce and data management needs. Workday’s HCM includes classic modules for managing employee data, time tracking, a paid time-off tracker, administering employee benefits, and payroll processing, including global payroll and pay-on-demand capabilities.
Their talent development suite is also more advanced than many systems, and includes tools for learning & development, performance management, and a skills cloud of 55,000+ skills that uses machine learning to run skill gap analyses and identify opportunities for internal mobility. Other advanced features include customizable process flows with configurable conditional logic settings, and workforce planning and analysis tools that help with strategic growth and succession planning, including “what if” scenarios and flexible organizational charting tools.
Workday also offers advanced reporting and analytics features including data dashboards, scorecards and retention analysis tools. In addition, their compensation management module includes metrics for analyzing diversity and pay equity, and tracks other helpful financial details such as employee rewards & bonuses and executive compensation plans.
Workday comes with 600+ pre-built software integrations with commonly used tools. On the off chance that your programs of choice aren’t already in their list, additional software integrations are available through their custom API. They also have a full-feature mobile app that syncs data in real-time, making it easy to access information from anywhere.
Pricing details for Workday HCM are only available upon request. You can also request a free demo through their website.
Namely
HR management software with modern features for performance management, employee recognition and engagement
Namely’s HR solution covers the full employee lifecycle from recruiting to retiring. Their simple onboarding process walks new hires through typical HR administrative requirements, which feed into their system’s rich employee profiles. New staff details are automatically delivered to E-Verify to maintain compliance, and employees can use e-signatures to sign off on key forms as they work their way through their orientation paperwork.
Namely also includes integrated payroll and time-tracking modules, with data automatically synced to avoid any need for dual data entry. In addition to their regular payroll processing—which includes garnishment administration, configurable general ledger (GL) exports, and automatic tax calculations—Namely also supports unlimited payroll runs, including off cycle (in-between) payroll runs for unexpected situations. Employee benefits costs are also automatically synced with payroll too, which is a huge time saver for HR team members who’ve been tasked with transferring the data from one system to another.
In addition to their classic employee management features, Namely also includes modern talent management capabilities within their HR system. These include goal alignment and tracking features, continuous feedback mechanisms, and customizable performance review cycles including 360 degree feedback from managers, peers, and employees themselves (self reviews). Namely also tracks employee milestones and promotes employee recognition through public announcements and shout-outs (called @Appreciations).
Users will appreciate Namely’s robust, out-of-the-box analytics and data dashboards that can be used as is, or customized to your business needs, plus tools to create an unlimited number of custom and ad hoc reports. All the classic report templates you can think of are already loaded, including reports for turnover analytics, burnout analysis and DEI tracking.
Namely includes integrations with 65 common HR software solutions, including many applicant tracking systems, single sign-on programs, learning & development platforms, and employee recognition & engagement solutions. They also have an open API that supports additional custom integrations, as well as a mobile app for viewing pay stubs, submitting time off requests, and managing your employee profile.
Pricing details for Namely are only available upon request. You can also request a free demo through their website.
SAP SuccessFactors
Enterprise-level HR management software suite focused on human experience management.
SAP SuccessFactors is a human capital management (HCM) software system focused on strategic solutions that help employees reach their full potential, while improving the employee experience. Their platform takes HR processes one step further with their ultimate focus on human experience management (HXM). Their software suite—recently renamed SAP SuccessFactors HXM Suite—is used by more than 218 million people in more than 200 countries around the world.
Their HCM/HXM solution covers four key areas: employee experience management, core HR including integrated payroll processing, talent management, and workforce planning, including HR analytics.
SAP SuccessFactors integrates natively with the whole suite of SAP software applications, and has an API to support additional custom integrations as well. They also have a mobile app for Android and iOS mobile devices to promote employee self-service access.
Pricing details for SAP SuccessFactors are only available upon request. You can also request a free demo through their website.
bob
Modern human resources software with extensive tools for deepening company culture and employee engagement
Bob (sometimes referred to as “HiBob”) is a human resources information system (HRIS) known for its fun, engaging and social media-like user interface. The depth of the software’s culture building and engagement tools make it a good choice for organizations with distributed or hybrid teams. Bob’s culture building tools including internal clubs of like-minded peers, rich employee profiles where staff can express their gender identity, preferred pronoun, neurodiversity, ethnicity, languages, and hobbies, and system-wide features that make DEI&B (diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging) top of mind for management staff. In addition, Bob also includes an extensive library of employee survey templates to measure different types of employee engagement, including anonymous feedback.
Their onboarding process starts new hires off on the right foot, with automated pre-boarding and onboarding flows, shout-outs/welcome messages, and personalized onboarding checklists. From there, employees will appreciate being able to track their time off requests and weekly timesheets right from the same system, with added functions to support remote or hybrid workforces. Bob also acts as a document repository for corporate documents, making it easier to share information among your workforce, with the ability to digitally sign-off on documents whenever needed too.
Bob’s advanced compensation management module tracks base pay, bonuses, equity plans, employee tenure, and employee performance in one place for easy annual salary reviews, including values in multiple currencies - another bonus for distributed workforces. On top of that, their comprehensive performance management module includes other modern elements like 360 degree feedback, regular 1:1 check-ins, actionable goals, and agile performance review cycles. To tie it all together, their system-wide HR analytics include KPI dashboards, proactive insights & trends, attrition indicators, and custom reports.
Bob integrates with 40+ commonly used HR software systems, including applicant tracking systems, e-learning platforms, payroll providers, productivity tools and more. They also have a full-feature mobile app for Android and iOS mobile devices.
Pricing details for Bob are only available upon request. You can also request a free demo or a free trial through their website.
Vault ERP
Scalable HR management software with add-ons for budgeting, operations, asset management, client management, and more
Vault ERP is the perfect HR management software for businesses of all sizes. It helps streamline processes by automating manual paperwork and providing a centralized, secure platform to manage your company’s data. The cloud-based solution makes it easy to access employee information, run reports and automate workflow in one place.
Vault ERP offers employee self-service modules such as onboarding, time tracking, and payroll processing so that you can quickly onboard new hires and ensure compliance with rules and regulations. It also integrates with third-party applications like performance management systems, allowing you to quickly assess an employee’s performance from any device. Vault ERP also provides real-time analytics to help you make quick decisions about staff changes or adjustments needed in the workplace.
Vault ERP is hugely scalable as an HR management software. This is because you can mix and match your subscription to include other workforce software modules like budgeting, operations, asset management, client management, and more. Most companies need more than just an HR department to function and Vault ERP can accommodate with additional solutions for project management, invoicing, and skill building.
Features include Gantt charts, resource management, project management, attendance tracking, calendar management, customer management, employee database, external integrations, notifications, task scheduling/tracking, timesheets, time management, collaboration support, batch permissions & access, dashboards, data visualization, scheduling, workflow management, budgeting, expense tracking, forecasting, payroll, supplier management, and vacation & absence calendar.
Integrations include Unfuddle, Microsoft Azure, Jira, GitHub, Basecamp, Google Apps, Logmill, Wufoo, Trello, Microsoft Active Directory, NodeBB, and Tempo.
Vault ERP costs from $450/month and offers a free demo.
UKG Pro
Advanced HCM software with talent management tools and AI-backed employee feedback sentiment analysis
UKG Pro is a modern HCM (human capital management) and workforce management platform designed for medium-sized businesses all the way up to enterprise-level organizations. Their core offerings include integrated payroll processing with compliance and tax filing support, and strong workforce management features like time & attendance tracking, intelligent employee scheduling, workforce compliance monitoring, and real-time people analytics.
They also have several helpful employee self-service functions, including a document manager for corporate policies and automated workflows to streamline common people-based HR processes. On top of that, employees will appreciate their “UKG Wallet” app that allows them to access their earned wages in advance of their next official pay day.
There are several features that make UKG Pro stand out from other platforms, including their sophisticated “Employee Voice” feature that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to collect, measure and analyze employee feedback by using machine learning and natural language processing to determine employee engagement levels. To dig deeper into your people analytics, UKG Pro includes an extensive library of pre-built reports (or you can build your own) with helpful visualization tools like bubble charts, heat maps, scatter graphs and more.
Other advanced talent management features worth mentioning are their collaborative performance reviews, goal setting abilities, predictive performance analytics, and succession planning tools. They also have an integrated learning management system (LMS) that functions as a branded training academy with automatic tracking, plus knowledge sharing, skill development, and social collaboration features to make learning initiatives more engaging.
UKG Pro has 80+ native software integrations with common HR software solutions. They also have an Android and iOS mobile app for clocking in/out, and accessing HR and benefits data, pay statements, individual goals, the company directory, and more.
Pricing details for UKG Pro are only available upon request. You can also request a free demo through their website.
Need Expert Help Selecting The Right Human Resources (HR) Software?
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The 10 Best HR Management Software Summary
Tool | Free Option | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Deel HR management software for worldwide compliance, payroll, and HR in 150+ countries | Free demo available | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Visit Website |
2 | monday.com Build flexible & customized HR workflows with detailed task management + automations | 14-day free trial + free plan available | From $8/user/month (billed annually, min 3 seats) | Visit Website |
3 | Zoho People Comprehensive all-in-one HRMS software, well-suited for shift-based, remote and mobile workforces | 30-day free trial | From $1.50/user/month | Visit Website |
4 | Personio Flexible HR tool for managing employee data, including automated workflow tools to increase productivity. | 14-day free trial | From $2.88/employee/month | Visit Website |
5 | Workday Enterprise-level HCM software with advanced skill assessment capabilities to support talent development | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
6 | Namely HR management software with modern features for performance management, employee recognition and engagement | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
7 | SAP SuccessFactors Enterprise-level HR management software suite focused on human experience management. | Free trial + free demo available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
8 | bob Modern human resources software with extensive tools for deepening company culture and employee engagement | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
9 | Vault ERP Scalable HR management software with add-ons for budgeting, operations, asset management, client management, and more | Free demo available | From $450/month | Visit Website |
10 | UKG Pro Advanced HCM software with talent management tools and AI-backed employee feedback sentiment analysis | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
Other Options
Here are a few more options that didn’t make the cut for the best HR software list:
- Rippling
Technologically savvy HR management software with a wide range of tools to support distributed organizations
- BambooHR
User-friendly HR solution for small and medium businesses with excellent employee self-service and mobile access abilities
- IntelliHR
Sophisticated HR software solution with advanced analytics capabilities and time-saving compliance management features
- Factorial
Complete HR solution with affordable entry-level price perfect for SMBs
- Kallidus Sapling
Best for its free forever learning hub
- Sage HR
Adaptable HRMS software with unlimited applicant pipelines and an expense management app
- Cezanne HR
Broad HR system with advanced performance management features, well-suited for multinational organizations
- Rise
Comprehensive all-in-one HRIS platform for Canadian organizations.
- Freshteam
Human resource management software well-suited for small business - available as a 21-day free trial.
- Oracle HCM Cloud
Enterprise-level human capital management system including a digital assistant that helps with employee self-service.
Are There Different Types of HR Management Software?
Yes, you bet there are! There are lots of sub-types of HR management software to choose from. The most common types include:
- HRIS = human resource information system
- HCM = human capital management [system]
- HRMS = human resource management system
You may be wondering, what’s the difference between these systems? Basically, they are synonyms for different levels of HR software that help to streamline common HR tasks. Not surprisingly, as you go higher up in price, you’ll gain more comprehensive features.

Typically, an HRIS will cover the core HR functions at the lowest cost, making it a great choice for a small business or startup operation. Another thing to consider when purchasing software is how scalable it is. Many tool providers offer the ability to add more modules over time, which is a budget-friendly way to hold off on paying for fancier features until you actually need them.
HCM software is also a very popular choice, as it often incorporates payroll along with core HR features. Having payroll data within your HR management system is a big time saver for HR professionals, and I say this based on personal experience. It’s no surprise then, that the HCM software market is big and getting bigger, with an expected value of $33 billion anticipated by 2024!
Other Resources
I hope this summary of the top-ranking HR management systems helped you get one step closer to finding the software solution you’ve been searching for.
Since HR management systems cover a lot of ground, you may also want to consider some more niche software systems, if you’re only looking to upgrade one element of your HR process.
Here are some other suggestions for HR management software with a more specific focus:
- Performance Management Software for Continuous Feedback
- Learning Management Systems for Small Businesses
- Safety Management Software to Keep Your Staff Safe and Sound
- Hot Desk Booking Software for Managing Hybrid Work Arrangements
- Intranet Software Solutions to Connect Teams
- HR Case Management Software to Manage Issues & Risks
You may also want to pop over to our Crozdesk website, where you can dive deeper into 300+ software categories and compare your top choices side-by-side.
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