The best HR software for small business

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Small businesses usually need payroll first, then HR records, onboarding and time off. Some tools do both; others specialize.

The full list

1

Best payroll + HR for small teams

Gusto

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.5 · Best for uS small businesses running their first payroll

From $49/mo + $6 per person.

Category
HR & payroll
Free plan
No
Paid from
$49/mo
2

Best core HR

BambooHR

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.4 · Best for small and mid-size companies that want a friendly core HR system

Employee records, onboarding and time off; $250/mo flat for up to 25 people.

Category
HR & payroll
Free plan
No
Paid from
$10/mo
Billed yearly
$10/mo
From $10 /user/moVisit BambooHR Full review
3

Best all-in-one

Rippling

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.4 · Best for fast-growing companies that want HR, IT and finance on one platform

HR, payroll and IT in one platform (quote).

Category
HR & payroll
Free plan
No
4

Best for compliance support

ADP RUN

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.2 · Best for businesses that want a big, established payroll provider with phone support

Large provider with deep expertise (quote).

Category
HR & payroll
Free plan
No

Compared at a glance

ToolOur ratingCategoryFree planPaid fromYear 1 (cheapest paid)
Gusto 4.5/5HR & payrollNo$49/mo$588
BambooHR 4.4/5HR & payrollNo$10/mo$120
Rippling 4.4/5HR & payrollNo - -
ADP RUN 4.2/5HR & payrollNo - -

Checked Oct 10, 2026. Details change: confirm on the provider’s site.

Estimate costs with the payroll cost calculator. Compare BambooHR vs Rippling.

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