BambooHR vs Rippling: Complete 2026 Comparison
Compare a beloved SMB HR platform with a rapidly growing unified HR, IT, and finance solution. Find the best platform for payroll, onboarding, device management, and workforce automation.
Platform Comparison at a Glance
We've evaluated both platforms across key criteria including features, pricing, usability, and target market. Here's a quick overview to help you make an informed decision:
| Platform | Rating | Pricing | Countries | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Easy-to-use all-in-one HRIS with employee records, onboarding, ATS, PTO tracking, and performance management | 8.9/10 (2800 reviews) | $$ Custom pricing; estimated $6-$12/employee/month with Core and Pro tiers | Available globally, primarily US, UK, Canada, and Australia | Small to mid-market (25-1500 employees) |
Unified platform for HR, IT, and finance with powerful automation, device management, and 600+ integrations | 9.1/10 (1200 reviews) | $$$ Starts at $8/user/month; modular pricing — costs increase with each added module | Global payroll in 50+ countries, contractors in 185+ | Mid-market to enterprise (50-5000+ employees) |
Detailed Platform Analysis
In-depth review of each platform's features, pricing, strengths, and limitations to help you choose the right solution for your global employment needs.
BambooHR
Key Features
- •Intuitive employee database with self-service portal
- •Built-in ATS and recruiting workflows
- •Performance management with reviews and goals
- •Automated onboarding and offboarding
- •Time-off tracking and PTO management
- •Employee satisfaction surveys and eNPS
Limitations
- •US-only payroll (add-on cost)
- •No IT or device management features
- •Limited automation compared to Rippling
- •Fewer integrations than Rippling (125+ vs 600+)
Best For:
Small to mid-size companies that want a straightforward, people-focused HRIS that's easy to set up and manage without IT complexity.
Rippling
Key Features
- •Unified HR, IT, and finance on one platform
- •Automated device management and app provisioning
- •Global payroll in 50+ countries
- •Powerful workflow automation engine
- •600+ native app integrations
- •Comprehensive benefits administration
Limitations
- •Modular pricing can become expensive quickly
- •More complex to configure than BambooHR
- •No built-in ATS (recruiting is a separate module)
- •Can be over-engineered for very small teams
Best For:
Growing mid-market to enterprise companies that need unified HR and IT management with global payroll, automation, and extensive integrations.
Comprehensive Feature Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of key features to help you understand what each platform offers for your HR, IT, and workforce management needs.
HR & People Management
IT, Payroll & Automation
| Feature Category | BambooHR | Rippling |
|---|---|---|
HRIS Core Features | Excellent People-focused HRIS Intuitive employee records, self-service, and lifecycle management | Excellent Unified workforce platform HR, IT, and finance combined with powerful automation |
Payroll & Global Reach | Good US payroll add-on Capable US payroll but no international support | Excellent Global payroll leader Native payroll in 50+ countries with tax compliance |
IT Management | Limited No IT features Purely an HR platform with no device or app management | Excellent Full IT management Device provisioning, app management, and security policies |
Ease of Use | Excellent Industry-leading UX Consistently rated for simplicity — minimal training needed | Good Powerful but complex More configuration required; steeper learning curve |
Pricing Transparency | Good Custom but predictable Clear Core and Pro tiers, though sales contact required | Good Modular pricing Starts low but costs escalate with added modules |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about choosing between BambooHR and Rippling for your HR and workforce management needs.
Which is easier to set up?
BambooHR is significantly easier to set up. Most companies are up and running within a week with minimal configuration. Rippling's modular architecture offers more power but requires more setup time and decisions about which modules to enable.
Does BambooHR have IT management features?
No. BambooHR is purely an HRIS platform. If you need device management, app provisioning, or IT automation, Rippling is the only option between the two. Many BambooHR customers use separate IT tools like Jamf or Mosyle.
Which is better for international companies?
Rippling is far better for international companies. It offers native payroll in 50+ countries and EOR services. BambooHR's payroll is US-only, so international companies would need to pair it with a separate global payroll provider.
Which has better performance management?
BambooHR includes built-in performance reviews, goal tracking, and eNPS surveys in its Pro tier. Rippling does not have native performance management — you'd need to integrate a separate tool. For performance management, BambooHR wins.
Which is more cost-effective?
For basic HRIS needs, BambooHR is typically more affordable. Rippling starts at $8/user/month but costs increase significantly as you add modules (payroll, benefits, IT, etc.). A fully-loaded Rippling setup can cost 2-3x more than BambooHR.
Which should I choose?
Choose BambooHR if you're a small to mid-size US-based company that wants an easy, all-in-one HRIS with recruiting and performance management. Choose Rippling if you need global payroll, IT device management, powerful automation, or plan to scale rapidly internationally.