Looking for some new human resources software? We’re here to help! To save you time, we’ve compiled a list of the 60 best HR software systems that cover core HR functions.
While the HR management software space is very broad, the best HR software in this list falls into these main categories:
- HRIS = human resources information system
- HRMS = human resource management system
- HCM = human capital management [system]
Other popular subcategories include:
- Applicant tracking or recruiting software
- Compensation management software
- Employee engagement software
- Employee recognition software
- Learning management software
- Talent management software
- Workforce management software
It may seem like an endless supply of options to choose from, but don’t fret! This list will simplify your research process and get you one step closer to finding the perfect HR software for you.
Table of Contents
Here are the main sections we’ll cover in this summary of the best HR software:
- Acronyms
- The Best HR Software List
- HR Software Criteria
- Best HR Software: Key Features
- Tips For Selecting The Best HR Software
- Additional Software Summaries
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Acronyms
- ATS = applicant tracking system
- CRM = candidate relationship management (or customer relationship management)
- eNPS = employer net promoter score
- HCM = human capital management
- HR = human resources
- HRIS = human resources information system
- HRMS = human resource management system
- KPI = key performance indicator
- L&D = learning and development
- LMS = learning management system
- OKR = objectives and key results
- PEO = professional employer organization
- PTO = paid time-off
- SaaS = software-as-a-service
- SMBs = small and medium businesses
- TMS = talent management system
The Best HR Software List
Here’s my summary table of the 60 best HR software tools I selected:
| Software | USP | Free Option | Price | Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
TalentLyft  | Full stack recruiting software with an integrated ATS and talent CRM, plus tools for candidate sourcing and recruitment marketing. | 14-day free trial + free demo | From $124.17/month for 10 active jobs | Check out TalentLyft |
Rippling  | Workforce management platform built to manage critical HR and IT functions — including payroll, benefits, time & attendance, LMS, TMS, PEO services, and app, device & inventory management — all within one system. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out Rippling |
Oracle HCM Cloud  | Comprehensive HR management suite with tools for recruiting, onboarding, benefits, absences, performance management, payroll management, and HR analytics. | Not Available | Pricing upon request | Check out Oracle HCM Cloud |
FactoHR  | Modern and mobile-friendly HCM software for hybrid workforces, including tools to boost productivity, set OKRs and track KPIs. | Free trial available | Pricing upon request | Check out FactoHR |
GoCo  | Flexible employee management software for core HR functions, benefits, payroll, PTO tracking and compliance, with automated workflows. | Free demo available | From $5/employee/month | Check out GoCo |
peopleHum  | AI-driven HR system that supports hiring, managing, learning, performance, OKRs, and employee engagement, including analytics and a helpful AI-powered chatbot. | Free trial + free demo | From $2/employee/month | Check out peopleHum |
Workday  | Trusted HCM platform for medium-sized and large companies, with tools to automate the full hire-to-retire employee lifecycle process. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out Workday |
Odoo Employees  | Modular HR solution for recruiting, employee performance, leave management, expenses, and employee engagement, with a long list of additional HR apps and integrations to choose from too. | 15-day free trial | From $24/user/month | Check out Odoo Employees |
Staff Squared  | HR software solution for absence management, onboarding, employee data management, eNPS, document management, and HR reporting, including access to premium HR templates. | 14-day free trial | From £2.50/employee/month | Check out Staff Squared |
Oorwin  | AI-powered talent intelligence platform including an ATS, CRM and HRMS functions - designed for organizations in the US, UK, India or Singapore. | Free trial available | Pricing upon request | Check out Oorwin |
Amber  | Sophisticated employee engagement chatbot that incorporates AI, machine learning, predictive people analytics and continuous culture evaluation to pinpoint employees who are a flight risk. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out Amber |
BambooHR  | Popular HR software for small business owners, including helpful employee self service features and tools to measure employee satisfaction. | Free trial + free demo | Pricing upon request | Check out BambooHR |
Zimyo  | Full-featured HRMS software with modules for employee engagement, recruitment and onboarding, core HR tasks, payroll management, employee performance management, time and attendance, and benefits administration. | Free trial + free demo | From $2/employee/month | Check out Zimyo |
Eddy  | All-in-one HRIS system with tools to manage people, payroll and hiring processes - well-suited for deskless workers. | Free demo available | From $8/employee/month plus a $49 base fee/month | Check out Eddy |
Zoho People  | Cloud-based HR operations platform with tools for onboarding, employee management, timesheets, payroll management, expenses, HR analytics, case management, employee development, and deep time & attendance tracking features. | 30-day free trial + free demo | From $1.25/employee/month | Check out Zoho People |
Calamari  | Innovative people management tool with HR apps focused on leave management, PTO, and attendance tracking, including clock-in and clock-out capabilities. | 14-day free trial | From $1.70/employee/month | Check out Calamari |
Compport  | Flexible AI-powered compensation management software designed to support HR leaders through improved engagement, employee surveys, pay-based analytics, and reduced employee turnover. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out Compport |
Sage HR  | SaaS-based HR management software with core HR functionalities, as well as a full-feature mobile HR app to encourage employee self service. | 30-day free trial | From $7/employee/month | Check out Sage HR |
SutiHR  | AI-powered HRMS software for workforce management, with modules for core HR, talent management, time tracking, and additional HR apps and integrations. | Free trial available | From $4/employee/month | Check out SutiHR |
OnBlick  | SaaS-based immigration and HR compliance software specifically designed to support US-based companies with onboarding and employee management. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out OnBlick |
BrightHR  | Cloud-based human resources software suite for tracking attendance, managing staff holidays, rota planning, and tracking overtime, including unlimited document storage. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out BrightHR |
Paycor  | HCM software with integrated modules for payroll software, HR data management, talent management, workforce management, employee experience and benefits administration. | Free demo available | From $99/month, plus $5/employee/month | Check out Paycor |
Zenefits  | Full-featured HRIS platform with comprehensive options for benefits administration and group insurance management. | 14-day free trial + free demo | From $8/employee/month | Check out Zenefits |
OrangeHRM  | Cloud-based HRMS software for people management, culture, compensation and talent management - including a free option available under an open source license. | 30-day free trial + free demo | Pricing upon request | Check out OrangeHRM |
PeoplesHR  | Enterprise-level HCM software with unified modules for workforce management, payroll & expenses, talent acquisition, talent management and people analytics. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out PeoplesHR |
Darwinbox  | Enterprise-level HCM software with unified modules for workforce management, payroll & expenses, talent acquisition, talent management and people analytics. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out Darwinbox |
Manatal  | Award-winning ATS and recruitment solution including deep candidate sourcing tools and AI-powered candidate recommendations. | 14-day free trial + free demo | From $15/user/month | Check out Manatal |
Tap My Back  | Adaptive HCM solution with modern workforce management features like skill development tools, succession planning features, DEI tracking, and a compliance management module. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out Tap My Back |
Cornerstone OnDemand  | Adaptive HCM solution with modern workforce management features like skill development tools, succession planning features, DEI tracking, and a compliance management module. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out Cornerstone OnDemand |
TriNet  | Comprehensive PEO service provider for SMBs, including strategic HR, risk mitigation, payroll services, benefits, and integrated technology solutions. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out TriNet |
ADP Vantage HCM  | Sophisticated HCM software for talent management, employee benefits, payroll services, time & attendance and more, including ADP’s DataCloud tool for advanced workforce analysis. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out ADP Vantage HCM |
Tremendous  | Forward-thinking bulk payment platform that enables companies to distribute digital rewards and incentives globally, strengthening employee recognition and engagement. | Free demo available | Free to use + 3% fee for credit card purchases | Check out Tremendous |
Sage People  | Flexible HR solution that supports workflow automations and analytics - specifically designed for mid-sized global businesses. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out Sage People |
Namely  | Popular all-in-one HR solution for employee onboarding, employee self-service, talent acquisition and management, payroll and time tracking, benefits administration, compliance and HR analytics. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out Namely |
Personio  | Well-rounded suite of HR tools including applicant tracking, digital employee files, a training management module, performance management tools, approval processes, tasks & reminders, and reports & analytics. | 14-day free trial + free demo | Price: €2.88/employee/month | Check out Personio |
HROne  | Enterprise-level HCM software with 10 core HR modules designed to increase productivity, create connection, facilitate collaboration, and support decision-making. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out HROne |
Xoxoday  | Creative rewards, incentives, benefits and payouts platform that helps HR teams motivate learners, drive employee referrals, build loyalty and boost employee engagement. | Free trial + free demo + Freemium plan | From $299/month | Check out Xoxoday |
SAP SuccessFactors  | Industry-leading HCM software focused on employee experience and talent management, well-suited for enterprise-level organizations. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out SAP SuccessFactors |
Bonfyre  | Dedicated employee engagement platform focused on mobile-first, two-way communication, feedback, recognition, corporate events and engagement analytics. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out Bonfyre |
WebHR  | All-in-one, modular, core HR solution with affordable add-ons for employee performance management, payroll, and recruitment tools including an applicant tracking. System. | Free demo + freemium plan for up to 5 employees | From $2/employee/month | Check out WebHR |
HealthStream  | Cloud-based talent management and learning management system specifically designed for the healthcare sector. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out HealthStream |
LeaveBoard  | Leave management system that incorporates absences, PTO requests, and employee self-service within a core employee database. | Free trial + freemium plan for up to 9 employees | From $1.35/employee/month | Check out LeaveBoard |
Dayforce HCM  | HCM software that supports continuous payroll, talent intelligence and workforce management. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out Dayforce HCM |
iSmartRecruit  | Sophisticated recruitment marketing platform including an ATS, a recruiting CRM, AI-generated automations and team collaboration features. | 14-day free trial + free demo | From $30/user/month | Check out iSmartRecruit |
Keka HR  | Human resources management software that helps teams scale their core HR processes like hiring and employee onboarding, payroll and expense tracking, employee performance and culture, and people analytics. | Free trial available | From $500/month + $5/employee/month | Check out Keka HR |
ClearCompany  | Full-feature talent management system that helps HR teams track recruiting, onboard new hires, align team goals, engage top talent, manage performance, and plan effectively. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out ClearCompany |
ProProfs Training Maker  | Dynamic online training and LMS software with tools to develop multimedia courses, assessments and quizzes, including compliance tracking and automatic reminders. | 15-day free trial + free demo | From $1/employee/month | Check out ProProfs Training Maker |
SyncHR  | Advanced HCM software with cutting edge features like “time machine” data snapshot technology, position-based architecture, interactive org charts and other workforce planning and operational reporting capabilities. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out SyncHR |
Vantage Circle  | Cloud-based employee recognition and engagement software for automating employee rewards and other types of corporate gifting. | Free demo available | From $4/user/month | Check out Vantage Circle |
Workzoom  | All-in-one people management software with tools for recruiting, onboarding, leave management, payroll, employee benefits, learning and development, and performance management. | Free demo available | From $4/employee/month | Check out Workzoom |
bob  | Modern HRIS software with a social media-inspired interface that maximizes the employee experience and deepens company culture. | Free trial + free demo | Pricing upon request | Check out bob |
EMP Trust HR  | Dedicated HR software for recruiting, applicant tracking and employee onboarding, including background checks, and compliance and e-verification processes. | Free trial + free demo | Pricing upon request | Check out EMP Trust HR |
PeopleFluent  | Flexible employee development software with modules for talent mobility, performance, compensation, succession planning, org charts, and L&D. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out PeopleFluent |
Paylocity  | Thoughtful HCM platform designed to automate manual processes, with modules for payroll, workforce management, core HR employee data, talent management, benefits administration, and employee experience. | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Check out Paylocity |
ActivTrak  | Modern workforce analytics platform that classifies user activity data and populates it into insightful, real-time workforce reports. | 14-day free trial + freemium plan | From $9/user/month | Check out ActivTrak |
Jibble  | Advanced time tracking software including a time clock app, timesheets, GPS tracking, billable time tools, a work hours calculator, facial recognition, and attendance and PTO tracking. | Free demo + free forever account | Free forever plan for unlimited users | Check out Jibble |
Zoho Recruit  | Talent acquisition solution including combined ATS and CRM modules, plus scalable hiring tools to source, attract, and engage top candidates. | 15-day free trial + free demo + freemium plan | From $25/user/month | Check out Zoho Recruit |
SimplyHired HRIS  | Free HR software for small businesses, with HR tools for employee onboarding, team attendance tracking, document storage including e-signing capabilities, and a benefits enrollment tracker. | Free demo + free forever account | Free forever plan | Check out SimplyHired HRIS |
Recruitee  | Collaborative hiring software for HR teams with tools to boost candidate sourcing, automate hiring, and evaluate candidates effectively. | 18-day free trial + free demo | From $185/month | Check out Recruitee |
Cezanne HR  | Cloud HR software designed for global, multi-lingual organizations, with a deep set of features to support the full employee lifecycle. | Not Available | Pricing upon request | Check out Cezanne HR |
*All prices listed above are in USD unless otherwise noted.
HR Software Criteria
Wondering what I look for when selecting the best HR software for this list? Here’s a summary of my selection criteria:
- User Interface (UI): I seek out systems with visually attractive, clean, and colourful interfaces that makes using the software enjoyable.
- Usability: I prioritize tools that incorporate most or all of the core HR key features noted in the section below.
- Pricing details: To help you navigate through the stack, I’ve included pricing details as well as information on free trials or freemium plans, so you can find an HR software solution that works for your budget and business needs. All of these systems are cloud-based, which means they are priced using a SaaS subscription model.
Best HR Software: Key Features
Here’s a summary of the main features you can expect to find in this list of the best HR software:
- Core HR data management features: A single source of employee data management that populates all software modules automatically.
- Payroll functions: Integrated, tax-compliant payroll management software that removes the need for manual calculations.
- Time off, attendance and leave management: Tracking when your employees start and stop work, as well as their vacation and other leave requests.
- Benefits administration: A way to link your health benefit offerings to your core employee and payroll data.
- Performance management: Tools to facilitate performance reviews and track employee performance and development over time.
- Talent management & employee engagement functions: Features to reward, engage, motivate and incentivize staff for top performance, including tools to measure eNPS, employee satisfaction, and employee sentiment trends.
- Recruiting & candidate sourcing tools: Digital tools to source and screen candidates, including features like an applicant tracking system (ATS) or a candidate relationship management (CRM) module.
- Onboarding tools: Automated process tools that make it easy to transform hired candidates into new employees, including tools for employee verification and background checks.
- Training & learning management features: A process for tracking employee qualifications and certification expiry dates, and hosting in-house training presentations through a learning management system (LMS).
- Advanced workforce management features: These include features like HR compliance tracking, succession planning tools, and platforms that prioritize upward mobility and skill development initiatives.
- HR analytics & reporting tools: The ability to run meaningful reports on your system data, including report templates that populate data automatically, in real-time, as data flows into the system.
- Employee self-service: The ability for employees to update their own personal information and access other details independently without relying heavily on HR staff.
Tips For Selecting The Best HR Software
With so many options to choose from, it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed. To help you along in your buyer’s journey, here are some other resources that’ll point you in the right direction:
- How to Make a Business Case for HR Software
- How to Choose HR Software in 5 Easy Steps
- HR Software: What it Costs and How to Decide What’s Best for your Company
- Types of HR Software: Key Features and Benefits
Need expert help selecting the right Human Resources (HR) Software?
People Managing People has joined forces with the software comparison platform Crozdesk.com to assist you in finding the best tool for your needs. Crozdesk’s Human Resources (HR) Software advisors can create a personalized shortlist of software solutions with unbiased recommendations to help you identify the solutions that best suit your business’s needs. Through our partnership you get free access to their bespoke software selection advice, removing both time and hassle from the research process.
It only takes a minute to submit your requirements and they will give you a quick call at no cost or commitment. Based on your needs you’ll receive customized software shortlists listing the best-fitting solutions from their team of software advisors (via phone or email). They can even connect you with your selected vendor choices along with community negotiated discounts. To get started, please complete the form below:
Additional Software Summaries
Looking for a specific subset of HR software? We’ve got you covered there too. Here are some links to our most popular HR software subcategories, including key feature summaries and screenshots:
Core HR Software Systems:
- Best Cloud HR Software Systems for HR Teams
- Best Employee Management Systems for 2022
- Best Free HR Software for SMBs on a Budget
- Best HCM Software Vendors of 2022
- Best HRIS Systems of 2022
- Best HRIS for Small Businesses to Manage HR Processes
- Best HRMS for Human Resource Management
- Best HRMS for Small Businesses
- Best HR Software for Small Business
- Best Workforce Management Software
Specialty HR Software Systems:
- Best Applicant Tracking Systems for Small Businesses to Recruit Better
- Best Candidate Sourcing Software to Help You Find the Best Talent
- Best Employee Compensation Management Software
- Best Employee Engagement Software for 2022
- Best Employee Experience Tools to Improve Engagement & Performance
- Best Employee Recognition Platforms to Celebrate Top Talent
- Best HR Analytics Software for Actionable Workforce Data
- Best Learning Management Systems (LMS) for Employee Training
- Best Learning Management Systems (LMS) for Small Businesses
- Best Performance Management Tools Every HR Pro Should Know
- Best Succession Planning Software to Develop Future Leaders
- Best Talent Management Systems for HR
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.
What Do You Think About This List?
If you made it this far, I hope this list helped you along in your journey to find the best HR software for your organization. If there are other tools you’d love to see included, please let us know in the comments.
Lastly, be sure to subscribe to our People Managing People newsletter covering the latest trends in HR leadership too.
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