10 Best PeopleGuru Alternatives Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 16 tools reviewed.
Get free help from our HR software advisors to find your match.
Peopleguru is a well-known human capital management system designed for mid-sized organizations.
It helps companies manage the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to payroll, time tracking, benefits, and performance management.
While it's certainly a worthwhile solution, it's far from the only option out there, so it’s worth shopping around to make sure you get the best product for your needs.
Drawing on my personal experience as a former HR specialist, I'll walk you through my recommendations for the best PeopleGuru alternatives to simplify your HR functions.
What Is PeopleGuru?
At its core, PeopleGuru is an HR and payroll software designed to efficiently manage employee information and payroll processes.
It’s marketed as an all-in-one HCM platform, often used by companies that want to streamline HR and payroll without needing separate systems for each function.
Features like employee self-service, payroll processing, and compliance management support your team’s daily HR operations.
Overall, PeopleGuru helps you simplify HR tasks and manage your workforce more effectively.
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing HR management software since 2019. During that time, we’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different HR management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews.
As HR experts ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions.
Learn how we stay transparent & check out our software review methodology.
Best PeopleGuru Alternatives Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top PeopleGuru alternative selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for simplifying HR tasks for SMBs | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
2 | Best for comprehensive workforce management | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
3 | Best for data-driven HR insights | Free demo + free plan available | From $8/user/month | Website | |
4 | Best for industry-specific HR solutions | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
5 | Best for small to medium-sized businesses | Free demo and 7-day trial available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
6 | Best for user-friendly HR experience | Free trial + free demo available | From $500/month | Website | |
7 | Best for payroll process automation | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
8 | Best for integrated HR, IT, and finance | Free demo available | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
9 | Best for user-friendly mobile access | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
10 | Best for global workforce management | Free demo available | From $20/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
-
HiThrive
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Guru
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Absorb LMS
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6
Best PeopleGuru Alternatives Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best PeopleGuru alternatives that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Goco is a cloud-based HR and benefits administration platform for small to medium-sized businesses. It's used by HR teams to manage onboarding, benefits, and compliance.
Why it's a good PeopleGuru alternative: Goco simplifies HR tasks with easy-to-use tools for managing employee records and benefits. Its digital onboarding and document management reduce paperwork and save time.
Goco also offers compliance management tools to ensure your business meets legal requirements. Its focus on simplicity and efficiency makes it an excellent choice for streamlining HR processes in smaller teams.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated onboarding, digital document management, and benefits administration. You can track employee time and attendance efficiently. The platform also provides tools for performance reviews and feedback collection.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Gusto, Slack, Zapier, BambooHR, Google Workspace, Xero, Microsoft 365, ADP, and Namely.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated document handling
- Good compliance management
- Efficient onboarding tools
Cons:
- Basic reporting capabilities
- Limited advanced features
UKG is a workforce management and human capital management software solution for organizations of all sizes. It's primarily used by HR professionals seeking to manage payroll, talent, and timekeeping effectively.
Why it's a good PeopleGuru alternative: UKG offers extensive workforce management capabilities, including advanced scheduling and timekeeping features. You can use its talent management tools to enhance employee engagement and productivity. The software also provides comprehensive payroll solutions and compliance management to ensure accuracy and adherence to regulations.
With its focus on holistic workforce management, UKG is ideal for businesses seeking a unified HR solution.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced scheduling, timekeeping, and payroll processing. You can manage employee engagement through performance management and feedback tools. The platform also offers analytics and reporting to help you make data-driven HR decisions.
Integrations include SAP, Oracle, Workday, ADP, Ceridian, Kronos, QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, and NetSuite.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced scheduling capabilities
- Strong compliance support
- Extensive workforce management features
Cons:
- May require training
- Complex implementation process
ChartHop is a people analytics and workforce planning platform for HR professionals and business leaders. It helps visualize organizational data and manage workforce planning effectively.
Why it's a good PeopleGuru alternative: ChartHop provides advanced data visualization tools that offer deep insights into your organization's structure and performance. You can use its workforce-planning features to make strategic decisions and optimize team performance.
With its focus on data-driven insights, ChartHop helps your team identify trends and address challenges proactively. The platform's ability to integrate data from multiple sources makes it a powerful tool for comprehensive HR analysis.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable dashboards, automated reporting, and scenario planning. You can visualize organizational changes with ease and track performance metrics effectively. The platform also offers tools for managing compensation and headcount planning.
Integrations include Slack, Workday, BambooHR, ADP, Gusto, Namely, Rippling, Greenhouse, Lever, and UKG.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable dashboards
- Effective workforce planning
- Strong data visualization capabilities
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users
- May require data integration skills
APS is a cloud-based HR and payroll software designed to streamline processes for various industries, such as healthcare, education, and hospitality. It's mainly used by HR professionals who need efficient payroll processing and core HR management.
Why it's a good PeopleGuru alternative: APS offers tailored solutions that cater to specific industry needs and attendance tracking, recruiting, and ACA compliance help you manage workforce planning efficiently.
The platform's focus on industry-specific solutions ensures it meets the unique demands of your sector. This makes APS a great choice if you're looking for customizable HR solutions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include core HR management, attendance tracking, and recruiting. You can manage performance with tools that track employee progress. The software's benefits administration helps you handle employee benefits smoothly.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Sage, Xero, NetSuite, Kronos, ADP, Ceridian, Paychex, Paylocity, and Workday.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Smooth onboarding process
- Dedicated customer support
- Industry-specific customization
Cons:
- Can be costly for small teams
- Limited mobile app features
BambooHR is a cloud-based HR software that simplifies HR tasks for small—to medium-sized businesses. It's widely used by HR professionals who need tools for managing employee data, performance, and recruitment.
Why it's a good PeopleGuru alternative: BambooHR provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies employee record-keeping and performance management. Its applicant tracking and onboarding make hiring a breeze.
The platform also offers reporting tools that help you analyze HR data and make informed decisions. BambooHR's focus on ease of use and efficiency makes it an appealing option for smaller teams.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable workflows, employee self-service, and time-off management. You can manage employee records with ease and track performance metrics effectively. The software also provides tools for conducting employee surveys to gauge satisfaction and engagement.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Slack, Gusto, ADP, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zapier, Okta, and LinkedIn.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable workflows
- Strong performance tracking
- Easy to use interface
Cons:
- Basic reporting capabilities
- Limited advanced features
Keka is an HR and payroll software designed to simplify HR processes for businesses of all sizes. It's mainly used by HR professionals and managers who need efficient payroll, attendance, and performance management tools.
Why it's a good PeopleGuru alternative: Keka offers an intuitive interface that makes managing HR tasks straightforward. Its automated payroll, attendance tracking, and performance reviews help streamline your operations.
Keka also provides insightful analytics to support data-driven decisions. With its focus on ease of use, it is ideal for teams looking for a straightforward HR solution.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable workflows, employee self-service, and leave management. You can automate HR tasks to reduce manual work and improve efficiency. The software also offers tools for conducting employee surveys to gauge satisfaction and engagement.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Slack, Gusto, Tally, Zoho, FreshBooks, Sage, Microsoft Dynamics, and SAP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable workflows
- Automated payroll processing
- Easy to use interface
Cons:
- Not ideal for very large enterprises
- May need initial setup time
Paycom is a comprehensive HR and payroll software solution for businesses of all sizes, offering key functionalities like payroll management, talent acquisition, and HR management. It's widely used by HR professionals across various industries, including education, healthcare, and retail.
Why it's a good PeopleGuru alternative: Paycom offers unique features like Beti®, enabling employees to manage their own payroll, which significantly reduces administrative workload. Tools such as applicant tracking and onboarding help streamline HR processes.
The platform emphasizes automation and security, providing a seamless experience for managing HR tasks. Additionally, the mobile app enhances user convenience, making Paycom a versatile option for efficient payroll management.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include applicant tracking, onboarding, and performance management. You can manage benefits administration and compliance support efficiently. The platform provides real-time ROI tracking through Direct Data Exchange®.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, ADP, SAP, Workday, Oracle, BambooHR, Ceridian, Gusto, and TriNet.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time ROI tracking
- Automated time-off management
- Employee self-service payroll
Cons:
- Complex customization options
- Initial setup cost
Rippling is a unified platform that combines HR, IT, and finance management for businesses of all sizes. It's mainly used by HR professionals and IT managers who need to streamline employee management processes.
Why it's a good PeopleGuru alternative: Rippling offers a unique integration of HR, IT, and finance, allowing you to manage employee devices, apps, and payroll in one place. It enables you to automate onboarding and offboarding processes, ensuring efficient employee transitions.
The platform's ability to manage both HR and IT tasks makes it a versatile solution for your team. With its extensive automation capabilities, Rippling helps you save time and reduce manual work.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include device management, app provisioning, and automated payroll. You can track time and attendance with ease, ensuring accurate payroll processing. The platform also offers customizable workflows to suit your specific business needs.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zoom, Salesforce, Xero, GitHub, Dropbox, and Okta.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good for growing businesses
- Customizable workflows
- Automation of onboarding processes
Cons:
- Complex setup for some users
- May require technical skills
Paylocity is a cloud-based HR and payroll software designed for businesses seeking to manage their workforce efficiently. It's commonly used by HR professionals and managers who need payroll, benefits administration, and talent management tools.
Why it's a good PeopleGuru alternative: Paylocity offers a user-friendly mobile app allowing employees to access payroll, benefits, and time-off requests. The platform's self-service features empower your team to manage their own HR tasks, reducing administrative burdens.
With tools for performance management and workforce analytics, you can make data-driven decisions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include performance management, workforce analytics, and benefits administration. You can manage time and attendance with ease, ensuring accurate payroll processing. Paylocity's mobile capabilities make it a convenient choice for teams needing flexibility.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, ADP, SAP, Oracle, Workday, BambooHR, Gusto, TriNet, and Kronos.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good customer support
- Self-service capabilities
- Easy mobile access
Cons:
- May need customization
- Initial learning curve
Multiplier is a global employment platform designed for businesses looking to manage international teams efficiently. It's primarily used by HR professionals and companies that hire remote employees across different countries.
Why it's a good PeopleGuru alternative: Multiplier offers features like global payroll, compliance management, and employee benefits, which are ideal for managing a diverse workforce. You can easily handle payroll in multiple currencies, ensuring compliance with local labor laws.
With its focus on global workforce management, Multiplier helps you expand your team internationally without the usual headaches. This makes it a valuable alternative if you're looking to grow your business beyond borders.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include global payroll processing, compliance management, and employee benefits administration. Organizations can easily manage employment contracts and taxes across different countries, and the platform provides localized benefits packages to attract and retain top talent.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, BambooHR, Zoho People, FreshBooks, ADP, Gusto, Paylocity, TriNet, and Workday.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Efficient global payroll processing
- Localized benefits options
- Supports multiple currencies
Cons:
- May have a learning curve
- Limited customization options
Other PeopleGuru Alternatives
Here are some additional PeopleGuru alternatives that didn’t make it onto my shortlist but are still worth checking out:
- Paycor
For employee development focus
- Cornerstone OnDemand
For talent management solutions
- Patriot Software
For small business payroll
- Criterion
For mid-market HR solutions
- Dayforce
For real-time payroll processing
- Netchex
For comprehensive employee benefits
PeopleGuru Alternatives Selection Criteria
When selecting the best PeopleGuru alternatives in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points related to HR and payroll software products, like compliance with labor laws and efficient payroll processing. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Manage payroll processing
- Track time and attendance
- Handle employee benefits
- Ensure compliance with regulations
- Manage employee records
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- AI-driven analytics
- Mobile app accessibility
- Customizable dashboards
- Integration with IT systems
- Automated compliance alerts
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation
- Quick learning curve
- Availability of tutorials
- Responsive design
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Onboarding templates
- Webinars and live demos
- Chatbot assistance
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Live chat options
- Email response time
- Knowledge base access
- Dedicated account manager
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Pricing transparency
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible pricing plans
- Discounts for annual billing
- Cost-benefit analysis
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction rating
- Feedback on key features
- Comments on ease of use
- Support quality feedback
- Value for money perception
Why Look For A PeopleGuru Alternative?
While PeopleGuru is a good choice of HR and payroll software, there are a number of reasons why some users seek out alternative solutions.
You might be looking for a PeopleGuru alternative for the following reasons:
1. Limited customization or integrations
If your company uses other specialized tools (like Salesforce, Slack, or niche accounting platforms), PeopleGuru might not integrate as smoothly as larger platforms like Workday or ADP. Custom workflows or highly specific compliance needs may be harder to configure.
2. User interface (UI) and user experience (UX)
Some users report the UI feels dated or less intuitive compared to more modern tools (like Gusto, BambooHR, or Rippling). For example, employee self-service features might not be as sleek or mobile-friendly.
3. Scalability concerns
It’s often best suited for mid-sized organizations. If you're growing fast or planning international expansion, you might need more robust global capabilities.
4. Customer support responsiveness
Depending on your plan, some users have mentioned mixed experiences with support—slower response times or less hands-on onboarding help than expected.
5. Lack of depth in some modules
It offers a wide suite of features, but they may not all be as deep or advanced. For example:
- Performance management might lack advanced goal tracking or feedback features.
- Recruiting might not compete with standalone applicant tracking systems like Greenhouse or Lever.
PeopleGuru Key Features
Here are some of the key features of PeopleGuru to help you contrast and compare what alternative solutions offer:
- Employee self-service: Allows your team to access and update their own information, reducing administrative work.
- Scheduling: Helps you efficiently manage employee shifts and schedules.
- Payroll: Streamlines payroll processing to ensure accurate and timely payments.
- Talent acquisition: Supports your recruitment efforts with tools for managing job postings and applications.
- Onboarding: Simplifies the onboarding process for new hires with automated workflows.
- Benefits administration: Manages employee benefits and ensures compliance with regulations.
- Compliance: Keeps your team aligned with legal requirements and industry standards.
- Reporting and analytics: Provides insights into HR data to help you make informed decisions.
- Digital transformation goals: Focuses on going paperless and enhancing employee engagement through technology.
What's Next?
To remain up to date on all the latest in people management, subscribe to our newsletter for leaders and managers. You'll receive insights and offerings tailored to leaders and HR professionals straight to your inbox.