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There are seemingly countless HR management software solutions available, so figuring out which is best for you is tough. You want to centralize employee data, and simplify processes like recruitment, onboarding, payroll, performance management, and benefits administration—but now need to figure out which tool is the best fit. In this post, I make things simple, leveraging my experience as an HR expert and using dozens of different HR management tools to bring you this shortlist of the best HR management software overall.

What is HR Management Software?

HR management software is a digital solution designed to handle various human resource functions within an organization. It centralizes employee data management, streamlines processes such as recruitment, onboarding, payroll, performance evaluations, and benefits administration.

The purpose of HR management tools is to facilitate the efficient handling of HR tasks, reducing manual workload and improving data organization. It aids in compliance with labor laws and provides analytical tools for informed decision-making.

Best HR Management Software Reviews

Here are my detailed summaries of the best HR management software that made it into my top 10 list, including notes on why I picked them. Each review offers a detailed look at the key features, integrations, and ideal use cases of each system to help you find the best software for your needs.

Best 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
Rating: 4.8/5

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.

Why I picked Deel: 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 globally. Their platform HR platform is currently available in 150+ countries.

Deel Standout Features and Integrations:

Features include global payroll, automations, contractor payments, invoice generation, payslips, taxes, accounting software integration, and compliance.

In addition to its powerful features, Deel also provides robust security measures so that all data remains secure at all times.

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.

Best for customizable onboarding workflows

  • Free trial available
  • From $49/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.6/5

Workable HR is a comprehensive HR management software with an HRIS designed to help organizations onboard new employees and manage information.

Why I picked Workable HR: Its HRIS allows for the organization of employee information with customizable profile templates and centralized storage for company documents. This feature is particularly beneficial for maintaining accurate and up-to-date employee records. Workable also automates org chart updates and facilitates time-off tracking and approvals, which simplifies administrative tasks and ensures compliance with company policies.

I also like Workable has an onboarding portal, allowing new hires to fill out information and upload essential documents in one place. HR teams can also customize onboarding workflows based on roles, ensuring that new employees only receive the most relevant information and only have to complete the necessary steps for their role.

Workable HR Standout Features and Integrations:

Key features include e-signature collection, an employee directory, and a recruiting suite that includes internal job boards, referral tracking, employee surveys, an analytics dashboard, customizable workflows, and automated email templates.

Integrations include Slack, LinkedIn, Indeed, Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, BambooHR, Zapier, Namely, ADP, Greenhouse, Checkr, Sapling, Hibob, and DocuSign.

Best HR management software with integrated IT functions

  • Free demo available
  • From $8/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.8/5

Rippling is a cloud-based HR management system that acts as a single source of truth for employee data with numerous automations to reduce manual work.

Why I picked Rippling: Its HR management software is available in three distinct bundles: Workforce Platform, HR Cloud, and IT Cloud. All three products operate seamlessly or can be purchased independently, depending on your business needs. Due to their sophisticated IT and global features, their software is well-suited to support distributed workforces.

Rippling Standout Features and Integrations:

Their Workforce Platform offers strong workflow automations and process improvement tools for workforce management, including tools for onboarding & offboarding and document approvals using e-signatures.

Their HR Cloud includes a suite of flexible modules for core HR tasks, including full-service payroll software with time-tracking and benefits administration data automatically synced to payroll to improve productivity and payroll accuracy. They even offer professional employer organization (PEO) services for organizations interested in hiring international talent, including international benefit plans, compliance tracking, and global payroll processing.

Still within their HR Cloud, their talent management and recruitment module features one-click job postings to multiple job boards, an applicant tracking system to organize candidates, and automatic interview scheduling through calendar integrations. To round that all out, their HR Cloud also includes a flexible learning management system (LMS) with 1,000+ pre-built courses and tools to build your own, plus automations to assign, remind and track course completion.

Last but not least, their IT Cloud offering really sets them apart from other traditional HRIS platforms. Within it, they offer advanced device & inventory management features to track, update, lock and wipe devices, manage security threats, and organize software (including purchasing apps and hardware) for new employees. In addition, they have app & identity management tools for password management, software lifecycle management, provisioning & de-provisioning of software licenses, multi-factor authentication, and single sign-on services too.

Integrations are available with 500+ third-party software systems through their App Shop. If needed, you can also set up custom integrations through their API too.

They do have two mobile apps as well: “Rippling - Time Clock” for clocking in/out, and “Rippling - Simplify HR & IT” for viewing pay stubs, managing time-off, accessing the employee directory, and managing passwords and apps.

Best for small and mid-sized businesses

  • Free demo available
  • From $5/employee/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.8/5

GoCo is an all-in-one HR platform designed to consolidate HR, payroll, benefits, time tracking, compliance, and reporting for small and mid-sized businesses.

Why I picked GoCo: I like that the platform offers everything you need in one place, which is ideal for small and mid-sized businesses. It has an intuitive employee onboarding process, which automates the entire experience from document management to task assignments. The software also offers robust benefits administration, simplifying enrollment and compliance with ACA regulations, and has a payroll system that manages everything from taxes to deductions, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

GoCo also excels in compliance management with live HR expert support and a comprehensive suite of tools to keep businesses updated on the latest HR regulations. Furthermore, GoCo offers advanced reporting and insights that provide real-time data on HR metrics, facilitating informed decision-making. 

GoCo Standout Features and Integrations:

Key features include performance reviews, employee surveys, time-off tracking, document management, workflow automation, org charts, e-signatures, policy acknowledgments, audit logs, PTO accruals, employee directory, offer letters, onboarding checklists, task management, automated reminders, and compensation tracking.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Gusto, ADP, BambooHR, Namely, Zenefits, Workday, Rippling, Paychex, TriNet, Justworks, Greenhouse, Lever, JazzHR, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and over 100 other apps.

User-friendly HR solution for small and medium businesses with excellent employee self-service and mobile access abilities

  • 7-day free trial
  • From $6.19/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

BambooHR’s HR management software was designed to act as a single source of employee data for small businesses or medium-sized organizations, with data synced across all system modules to eliminate the need for double data entry. Their software solution offers two service levels - Essentials and Advantage - with many additional features available as add-ons, including payroll services, time-tracking, and performance management.

BambooHR is well-known for their easy and intuitive employee self-service features, which include time-off requests, and accessing the company directory, org chart or company calendar (including via mobile app). These types of features are really helpful as they reduce employee’s reliance on HR professionals, saving HR teams time. They also have a solid set of built-in reporting and analytics tools to support workforce planning and strategic data-driven decision-making too.

Some of the features that make BambooHR stand out are their in-depth tools to measure employee satisfaction, including a combination of eNPS and employee well-being surveys, plus anonymous and open-ended feedback, intelligent keyword tagging, and sentiment analysis tools.

Their software also excels in the area of hiring and onboarding, with customizable offer letter templates that automatically pulls relevant candidate and position details from their built-in applicant tracking system (ATS) to speed up the process (plus e-signature capabilities to improve the candidate experience too). This is followed by their personalized new hire packages (including pre-boarding) that are built off of time-saving templates for different job types, departments or locations.

BambooHR integrates with 60+ commonly used HR software systems, with additional integrations available through their API. They also have an employee-facing Android and iOS mobile app that covers time-off requests, team calendar access, staff directory, company announcements, e-signing documents, and goal updates, plus a separate app for mobile recruiting that works in tandem with their ATS.

Pricing details for BambooHR are only available upon request. You can also request a free demo or a free trial through their website.

Best for integrated HR and payroll management

  • 30-day free trial
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.1/5

Paycor is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform that provides businesses with integrated solutions for HR and payroll management.

Why I picked Paycor: Paycor stands out for its ability to automate key HR functions, offer insights into workforce management, and simplify compliance, positioning it as a top choice for businesses seeking an integrated approach to managing their human resources and payroll needs.

What makes Paycor different is its focus on automating routine tasks and mitigating compliance risks, which can significantly improve organizational efficiency. I believe Paycor is best suited for integrated HR and payroll management due to its unified platform that simplifies processes, minimizes errors, and delivers real-time data for informed decision-making.

Paycor Standout Features and Integrations:

Key features include payroll automation that handles calculations, tax filings, and employee access to financial documents; HR software for managing employee records and compliance; and time & attendance tracking for accurate payroll.

Integrations are available with numerous apps through the Paycor Marketplace. Key systems to note include 15Five, HireTech, Lattice, Emburse Certify, Deputy, OnShoft, When I Work, Zillion, Points North, FMLA, Tapcheck, Instant Pay, Sterling, Wageworks, Ignite, and other digital workforce tools.

Best for organizing employee records

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Paylocity is a cloud-based HR and payroll software designed to help businesses automate their HR processes and improve employee engagement.

Why I picked Paylocity: With Paylocity, you can organize your employee records, track performance reviews, and manage compliance requirements in one place. The system lets you automate tasks like updating employee files and tracking changes over time, reducing manual work. It also includes features for tracking certifications, managing employee feedback, and setting goals that can be monitored over time.

You can also use Paylocity to recruit new employees, manage their onboarding process, and track their progress once they're hired. The software allows you to create customized onboarding workflows, helping new hires get started faster. Paylocity also has built-in tools for managing employee promotions, tracking performance, and even setting up employee recognition programs.

Paylocity Standout Features and Integrations:

Key features include payroll, benefits administration, and time and attendance tracking for more accurate payments. It also offers an employee self-service portal to help alleviate the administrative burden of handling employee information, pay stubs, and time-off requests.

Integrations include ClearStar, Microsoft Dynamics 365, 7shifts, AirMason, APA Benefits, Azure, Atlassian, Asana, Box, ClearCompany, Dropbox, Freshdesk, Google Workspace, Greenhouse, HubSpot, Slack, Salesforce, Trakstar, and Zoho People.

Best HR management systems for global benefits management

  • Free demo available
  • From $25/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Remofirst is a comprehensive HR platform that offers global employment services and solutions for global payroll, compliance, and managing remote talent.

Why I picked Remofirst: As an HR management software, Remofirst offers an extensive suite of features tailored to enhance HR operations. One of the most significant features is its Employer of Record (EOR) service, which allows businesses to hire and manage employees in various countries without needing to establish local entities. This service handles everything from onboarding to payroll processing, ensuring compliance with local labor laws and tax regulations. 

Remofirst Standout Features and Integrations:

Features include a comprehensive suite of additional HR management tools, such as RemoHealth for global benefits management, and visa and work permit services. RemoHealth allows businesses to offer competitive health insurance and other benefits to their international employees, while the visa and work permit services help in securing the necessary documentation for international hires.

These features, combined with the platform's user-friendly interface and 24/7 customer support, make Remofirst an ideal solution for businesses looking to effectively manage their global HR operations.

Integrations include Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, BambooHR, Greenhouse, Workable, Lever, Gusto, QuickBooks, Xero, Zapier, HubSpot, Salesforce, Asana, Trello, Jira, PayPal, Stripe, and TransferWise.

Best for advanced analytics and time-saving compliance management features

  • Free demo available
  • From $4.50-$11.70/employee/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.8/5

intelliHR is a people management and analytics platform with best-practice tools to help organizations align and manage their people and culture strategy within their broader business strategy.

Why I picked intelliHR: Their HR platform truly excels in terms of their deep suite of metrics that cover insights across team sentiment, attrition, performance, employee satisfaction & well-being, and more. Their analytics are also easy to digest since they’re displayed in visual and interactive dashboards with charts, graphs and even word clouds to help managers and leadership spot data trends easily.

Employee engagement tools are also well-incorporated into their software, including company-wide well-being check-ins, engagement and pulse surveys, and eNPS surveys and analytics. In addition, intelliHR includes dedicated tools to address employee turnover and attrition rates, including survival analysis metrics, exit interview and turnover analysis tools, and an offboarding workflow that collects feedback while leaving employees with a professional last impression.

intelliHR Standout Features and Integrations:

Features include customizable workflows that you can automate for your unique business processes, or for traditional workflows like employee onboarding & offboarding, and policy sign-offs. They also have a well-rounded set of culture-based performance appraisal tools, including 1:1 check-in templates, 360-degree feedback, cascadable goals & OKRs (objectives and key results), and performance analytics.

Their software is well-suited for organizations in compliance-heavy industries thanks to their time-saving compliance management tools and related analytics. Their system can track job-specific training requirements and certification expiry dates, as well as company policy and procedure sign-offs, and other training records to ensure you’re always audit-ready, with the option to run a compliance report on short notice.

Integrations are available with 40+ popular HR software systems, including many applicant tracking systems, learning & training platforms, payroll systems, and communication tools. If your HR tech isn’t already in their list, additional integrations can be configured through their public API. The only drawback to speak of is that there currently is no mobile app.

Best for automated workflow tools to increase productivity

  • 14-day free trial
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

Personio’s HR management system offers solutions for workforce management, people data, recruiting, performance management and training, and preliminary payroll.

Why I picked Personio: 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 Standout Features and Integrations:

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. They also have an Android and iOS mobile app for absence requests, time tracking, and accessing the company directory & employee profiles.

Integrations are available with 130+ popular software applications available through their Personio Marketplace, including candidate sourcing and applicant tracking systems, and performance and employee engagement systems.

Best HR Management Software: Pricing Comparison Chart

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top HR management software selections to help you find the best software for your budget and business needs.

Tool Best For Trial Info Price
1
Deel

The dashboard gives you a clear overview of pending tasks and team updates.

Best 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 Website
2
Workable HR

Workable's onboarding portal provides a centralized place for new hires to fill out relevant information, complete onboarding tasks, and upload documents.

Best for customizable onboarding workflows

Free trial available

From $49/month (billed annually) Website
3
Rippling

Rippling offers a streamlined user experience with all features accessible from their main dashboard.

Best HR management software with integrated IT functions

Free demo available

From $8/user/month (billed annually) Website
4
GoCo

Among GoCo's features is its compliance management suite, which includes the ability to get live, expert advice.

Best for small and mid-sized businesses

Free demo available

From $5/employee/month Website
5
BambooHR

BambooHR empowers your workforce to manage their own employee data and personal requests from anywhere through their employee self service features or their employee-facing mobile app.

User-friendly HR solution for small and medium businesses with excellent employee self-service and mobile access abilities

7-day free trial

From $6.19/user/month (billed annually) Website
6
Paycor

Paycor offers onboarding solutions to facilitate new hire integration, recruiting software with applicant tracking, and learning management for employee development.

Best for integrated HR and payroll management

30-day free trial

Pricing upon request Website
7
Paylocity

Paylocity offers a self-service portal for employees to manage their personal data, view pay stubs, and request time off.

Best for organizing employee records

Free demo available

Pricing upon request Website
8
RemoFirst

Remofirst offers a visual dashboard to view all HR-related activities and metrics in one place.

Best HR management systems for global benefits management

Free demo available

From $25/user/month Website
9
IntelliHR

intelliHR presents their people analytics in visually appealing dashboards that help users easily spot data trends.

Best for advanced analytics and time-saving compliance management features

Free demo available

From $4.50-$11.70/employee/month Website
10
Personio

Personio simplifies workforce management with automated approval workflows for common processes like managing staff absences.

Best for automated workflow tools to increase productivity

14-day free trial

Pricing upon request Website

Other HR Management Software

Below is a list of additional HR management software that didn’t make it into my top 10 list, but are still worth checking out:

  1. Factorial

    Complete HR solution with affordable entry-level price perfect for SMBs

  2. Kallidus Sapling

    HR software with an integrated learning management system

  3. Sage HR

    Adaptable HRMS software with unlimited applicant pipelines and an expense management app

  4. Namely

    For performance management, employee recognition and engagement

  5. SAP SuccessFactors

    Enterprise-level HR management software suite focused on human experience management.

  6. bob

    Modern human resources software with extensive tools for deepening company culture and employee engagement

  7. Vault ERP

    Scalable HR management software with add-ons for budgeting, operations, asset management, client management, and more

  8. UKG Pro

    Advanced HCM software with talent management tools and AI-backed employee feedback sentiment analysis

  9. Lattice

    For customizable performance reviews

  10. monday.com

    Build flexible & customized HR workflows with detailed task management + automations

If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:

Selection Criteria for HR Management Software

Strategic workforce management should ensure that HR software is chosen to meet both current and future workforce needs. Here’s a summary of my evaluation criteria for what I look for when selecting the best HR management systems for this list:

  • 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 Price: 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). 

Features of HR Management Software

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.
  • Employee 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. 

Before we delve into the specifics of each HR management software, you may find it beneficial to read our complete guide on HR software, which provides a holistic view of what to consider.

Are There Different Types of HR Management Software? 

Yes, you bet there are! There are lists of HR software types to choose from. The most common types of HR software 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.

different levels of hr software infographic

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:

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. 

I also recommend subscribing to our free People Managing People newsletter. By joining us for our weekly update, you’ll gain access to our latest content covering all sorts of useful HR-related topics, podcasts, tools, and more. 

Kim Behnke
By Kim Behnke

Kim Behnke is an HR Tool Expert & Writer for People Managing People. She draws on her 9 years of human resources experience and her keen eye for systematic processes to support her analyses of the top HR tools on the market. She is passionate about maximizing efficiencies and streamlining workflows to ensure internal systems run smoothly. Kim's HR experience includes recruitment, onboarding, performance management, training and development, policy development and enforcement, and HR analytics. She also has degrees in psychology, writing, publishing, and technical communication, and recently completed a Certified Digital HR Specialist program through the Academy to Innovate HR. When away from her desk, she can usually be found outside tending to her ever-expanding garden.