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11 Best HRIS Software for 2025 for Every Business Size

Evaluating your options for HRIS systems? We tested the best HRIS software for small, mid-market, & enterprise businesses so you can make the right choice for your HR team.

Global HR

Marcelle van Niekerk

June 27, 2025

12 mins

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Marcelle van Niekerk

Content Manager

Last Updated

June 27, 2025

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Best HRIS Software

Key Takeaways

In 2025, the HR landscape is changing rapidly due to technological advancements in AI and shifting work dynamics. To keep up, you need tools that help your team act fast, make informed decisions quickly and automate manual processes – it’s no wonder the global HR software market is expected to surpass USD 54.6 billion. However, selecting the right Human Resource Information System (HRIS) among so many available options can be difficult.

We’ve tested and assessed reviews for the best HRIS and payroll software and tools on the market today, for businesses of all sizes, so you can make the right choice for your HR team’s needs.

TL;DR: Top HRIS Platforms and Complementary Tools

Here’s a quick overview of top HRIS platforms and complementary tools tailored for different business sizes and needs:

  • Playroll: Best for HRIS integrations.
  • Rippling: Best for HRIS automation.
  • BambooHR: Best for ease of use.
  • Uzio: Best build-your-own HRIS.
  • Gusto: Best for benefits administration.
  • Zoho People: Most affordable HRIS.
  • Paycor: Best for integrated HRIS and payroll.
  • Workday: Comprehensive HRIS for mid-market and enterprise businesses.
  • Personio: Best for workforce planning.
  • HiBob: Best for employee engagement.
  • TriNet: Best outsourced HR solutions (PEO).


Best HRIS Software for Small Businesses

Small businesses with less than 50 employees benefit from cost-effective, user-friendly HRIS solutions focused on simplifying core HR functions like payroll, onboarding, and benefits, to free up valuable time to grow your business.

1. Playroll: HRIS Integrations For Global Teams

Playroll is an all-in-one HR, EOR, payroll and compliance platform designed for companies hiring globally. It lets you hire, pay and manage employees and contractors in 180+ regions., and offer localized benefits country.

An all-in-one HR, payroll and compliance platform with HR integrations
Playroll offers a comprehensive HR, payroll and compliance platform with HR integrations

It offers HR integrations with platforms like BambooHR and HiBob, and offers an easy-to-use API for quick connections. Playroll makes sure your HRIS and the platform sync effortlessly, keeping employee details updated from onboarding to managing payroll, and making sure you stay compliant with local laws. This integration helps you make the most of your current tools, reduces complexity, and cuts down on repetitive data entry.

Standout Features and Integrations

  • Global payroll management
  • HR compliance tools with real-time updates
  • Integration with leading HRIS platforms 
  • Multi-currency support
  • Localized benefits administration
  • Payroll processing for global teams

Pros

  • Simplifies global payroll processes
  • Keeps you updated on compliance with local laws
  • Seamless integration with HRIS platforms
  • User-friendly interface, easy to adopt
  • Reduces administrative workload

Cons

  • More limited HR management features

Pricing Plans: From $2.07 per employee, per month for payroll management, with different pricing levels for additional products as needed.

“The most helpful part of using Playroll is how it simplifies managing payroll and HR tasks from one platform. I have a clear view of all my payrolls, employment documents, and submitted data, which makes it easy to stay organized. Submitting leave requests directly through the platform is also convenient, as it keeps everything centralized. Another big plus is the dedicated, personal support.”

  • Verified G2 User

2. BambooHR: Best for Ease of Use

BambooHR offers a user-friendly interface with core HR functionalities like onboarding, benefits administration, time‑off tracking, and performance management. It’s often used by small businesses prioritizing simplicity. However, it can fall short for companies needing more advanced reporting, analytics, or customization.

Standout Features and Integrations

  • Employee self-service portal
  • Time-off tracking and approval
  • Onboarding tools with centralized digital paper trails
  • Solid integration with HR tools

Pros

  • Intuitive navigation
  • Can help improve employee experience
  • Streamlines HR processes

Cons

  • Limited payroll and benefits administration capabilities, only available to U.S. customers
  • May require additional integrations
  • Limited capability to customize workflows to your needs

Pricing Plans: Customized based on employee count and features. 

“What I like best about BambooHR is how intuitive and user-friendly it is. However, the performance review and goal-setting features are somewhat limited compared to dedicated performance management platforms.”

  • Verified G2 User

3. Uzio: Best Build-Your-Own HRIS

Uzio allows small businesses to customize their HRIS, offering flexibility and scalability at an affordable price. However, its payroll features are relatively basic and PTO, time tracking, or benefits administration comes at an extra cost.

Standout Features and Integrations

  • Customizable HRIS modules
  • AI agents included
  • Payroll and benefits management
  • Tax administration

Pros

  • Cost-effective for small businesses
  • Scalable to your needs
  • User-friendly with easy navigation

Cons

  • Customization may require setup
  • Limited advanced analytics
  • Slow customer service reported

Pricing Plans: Starting from $30 p/month base price and $13 p/month per employee. Pricing increases with additional modules.

“We really enjoyed the HR features to begin our venture into HR assistance. We did not like how little help we received on the platform.”

  • Verified G2 User

4. Gusto: Best for U.S. Benefits Administration

Gusto offers an integrated solution for payroll, benefits, and compliance to small businesses based in the U.S. Companies with complex HR needs or those operating internationally may need to consider additional tools or platforms to supplement Gusto's offerings.

Standout Features and Integrations

  • Payroll with automatic tax filing
  • Benefits management
  • Recruitment and onboarding tools
  • Employee self-service portal
  • Integration with accounting software like Xero

Pros

  • Automates payroll, compliance and benefits
  • Ensures compliance with U.S. labor laws
  • User-friendly platform

Cons

  • Limited advanced HRIS features
  • They don’t specialize in global reach and support
  • Time-tracking and performance management features are limited

Pricing Plans: Starts at $59 per month plus $8 per employee. Additional features cost more.

“The interface is clean and easy to navigate, even for those who aren’t familiar with payroll systems. Pricing can be on the higher side compared to some other providers, especially as your team grows.”

  • Verified G2 User

5. Zoho People: Most Affordable HRIS

Zoho People is an online HR system built for small and medium businesses to manage their HR tasks – it forms part of a broader Zoho suite of products that includes Sales, Analytics, Software services and more. Zoho People includes tools like employee self-service, tracking leave and attendance, handling performance reviews, and automating HR processes. On the downside, though it works well with other Zoho products, it doesn't connect as easily with tools from outside the Zoho ecosystem.

Standout Features and Integrations

  • Employee lifecycle management
  • Payroll and benefits administration
  • Employee self-service portal
  • Time-tracking tools

Pros

  • Cost-effective for small teams
  • User-friendly interface
  • Customizable to your needs

Cons

  • Limited advanced features
  • Lacks advanced reporting capabilities
  • May require additional integrations
  • Reports of poor customer service

Pricing Plans: Starting from $1 per user per month for basic functionality, price adds up for more modules.

“The ability to centralize all employee information, from personal details to work-related documents, in one secure location significantly simplifies HR processes. Customizing reports beyond the available templates is somewhat limited.”

  • Verified G2 User


Best HRIS Systems for Mid-Market Businesses

Mid-market businesses (50–1,000 employees) need scalable HRIS solutions that help you plan and manage a growing workforce – and integrate HR and payroll in one place.

6. Workday: Comprehensive HRIS for Mid-Market and Enterprise Businesses

Workday is HRIS built for mid-market scalability, combining unified HR, payroll, benefits, and workforce data. It also offers embedded analytics and automated workflows to streamline time tracking, recruitment and compliance. The trade-offs include higher cost, more involved implementation and upkeep, and extra training required for your team. 

Standout Features and Integrations

  • Advanced scheduling and analytics
  • Integrated HR, payroll, and time tracking
  • Real-time reporting
  • Mobile access
  • Integrations with current business systems

Pros

  • Scalable for growth
  • Comprehensive functionalities
  • Can automate workflows

Cons

  • User interface can feel unintuitive
  • Costs can be too high for smaller organizations
  • Implementation may require extra resources

Pricing Plans: Custom based on employee count and features. 

“Workday HCM offers a centralized platform that streamlines core HR processes. What stands out most is its real-time reporting and analytics capabilities. But its user interface can feel unintuitive. Some tasks require navigating through multiple menus, which can be time-consuming and confusing.”

  • Verified User, G2

7. Paycor: Best for Integrated HRIS and Payroll

Paycor, a subsidiary of Paychex, helps businesses manage HR tasks like payroll, hiring, onboarding, attendance, benefits, and performance tracking and offers automation and compliance tools. However, some users have reported slow customer support, which can delay solving issues.

Standout Features and Integrations

  • Payroll with tax filing and compliance
  • Benefits administration
  • Time and attendance tracking, and scheduling tools
  • AI-powered applicant tracking system
  • Goal tracking and pulse surveys

Pros

  • A wide range of available products
  • Configurable models for your needs
  • AI-powered recruiting

Cons

  • Non-transparent pricing
  • Complex and lengthy implementation
  • Poor customer service reported

Pricing Plans: Custom based on employee count and features. 

“I really love that all payroll and HR functions are integrated within a single platform. Customer service is an area that could use improvement. Response times are often slow and it typically requires consistent follow up to get a case fully resolved.”

  • Verified G2 User

8. Rippling: Best for HRIS Automation

Rippling is a HRIS and workforce management system that consolidates HR functions, payroll, benefits and IT processes in one platform, making it beneficial for small businesses with limited HR resources that need an all-in-one tool. That said, the platform's features may be overkill for small businesses with basic HR needs, and they’ve received some negative reviews on slow service and high fees.

Standout Features and Integrations

  • Set up automated HR workflows
  • Compliance monitoring features
  • Advanced reporting
  • Integration with many apps, including Slack and QuickBooks

Pros

  • Automates repetitive HR tasks
  • Integrates your payroll, HR and IT functions
  • Scalable for growth

Cons

  • Pricing may be higher for small businesses
  • Implementation timelines for their software is long 
  • Extensive training may be needed 

Pricing Plans: Custom based on requirements. 

“Rippling’s biggest strength is how it centralizes multiple HR and IT functions into one intuitive platform. However, some modules feel less polished than others. Additionally, the support response time can vary – there’s also a bit of a learning curve for newer users.”

  • Mid-Market User, G2

9. Personio: Best for Workforce Planning

Personio is a complete HR software designed for mid-sized businesses in Europe. It provides a wide range of features to simplify HR tasks. It has received positive reviews for an easy-to-use interface and strong integration options. However, a key limitation is that its payroll processing is only available in Germany and the UK.

Standout Features and Integrations

  • Workflow automations
  • Recruitment and workforce planning
  • Documents and e-signature management
  • GDPR-compliant security

Pros

  • User-friendly interface
  • Easy to implement
  • Extensive integrations

Cons

  • Focused on European market
  • Can be too expensive for smaller businesses
  • Mobile app functionality is limited
  • Reports of rapid and confusing product changes

Pricing Plans: Custom based on employee count and features. 

“The platform is intuitive and easy to navigate, which makes everyday HR straightforward. Some areas – like performance review templates, email notifications, or time-off categories – can feel rigid and could benefit from more flexibility to match organisational needs.”

  • Verified G2 User


Best HRIS Software for Enterprise Businesses

Enterprise businesses (1,000+ employees) typically require HRIS systems with more advanced global capabilities, in-depth HR analytics, and employee engagement tools.

10. HiBob: Best for Employee Engagement

HiBob is a cloud-based HR system that helps improve the employee experience in large companies by bringing HR tasks like performance management, onboarding, and analytics into one platform. However, some users mention that HiBob's customization options may not be as flexible as those of other systems, which could be a concern for companies with more complex HR processes.

Standout Features and Integrations

  • Core HR, onboarding and workforce planning
  • Employee engagement tools
  • Integration with HR tools
  • Mobile access
  • Customizable workflows

Pros

  • Helps improve employee experience
  • Scalable to your needs
  • User-friendly and intuitive
  • Strong integrations with other software like ATS systems

Cons

  • Advanced reporting can be limited
  • Reports of features being confusing to use
  • Higher pricing for smaller businesses

Pricing Plans: Custom based on employee count and features. 

“What I like most about HiBob is how easy it is to use and how much it handles. At our company, we use it for everything from time off and reviews to payroll, benefits, and org charts. Reporting can be a bit limited for deeper insights, and I often export data to dig in further. Some features, like the review system, can be confusing.”

  • Verified G2 User

11. TriNet: Best Outsourced HR Solutions

TriNet is a company that provides businesses with outsourced HR services, such as payroll, employee benefits, compliance support, and risk management. However, some businesses may find TriNet's standard HR solutions to be less flexible, as the platform is made to serve many different types of companies and might not perfectly match the specific needs of every business.

Standout Features and Integrations

  • Full-service HR, payroll, and benefits
  • Compliance support and risk mitigation
  • Employee self-service portal
  • Integration with HR tools

Pros

  • Intuitive platform
  • Reduces administrative burden
  • Helps to ensure compliance
  • Access to HR experts

Cons

  • Higher pricing for smaller businesses
  • Limited customization
  • Reports of issues taking a while to resolve
  • Reports of unexpected pricing increases

Pricing Plans: Custom based on employee count and services. 

“I find TriNet to be an incredibly easy-to-use payroll and HR service – everything is straightforward and self-explanatory. I don’t like how it takes multiple processing days to resolve issues once they’re submitted.”

  • Verified G2 User


Common Types of HRIS Solutions

  • Core HRIS: These systems serve as the foundational layer of HR management, centralizing essential employee data such as personal information, job history, and benefits. They often include features like employee profiles, company org charts, PTO tracking, and document storage.

Examples include Workday, BambooHR and Zenefits

  • Talent Management: TMS platforms focus on attracting, developing, and retaining talent. They typically have modules for recruiting, performance management, learning and development, and compensation management.

Examples include Oracle Taleo, SAP SuccessFactors and Cornerstone OnDemand

  • Workforce Management: These systems are designed to optimize the scheduling, time tracking, and attendance of employees, particularly in industries with hourly or shift-based workforces.

Examples include Kronos (UKG), Workforce and Deputy

  • Payroll Systems: Specialized payroll systems manage the calculation and distribution of employee wages, tax deductions, and compliance with labor laws.

Examples include Gusto, Paycor and Paychex Flex

  • Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): ATS platforms streamline the recruitment process by automating job postings, resume parsing, candidate screening, and interview scheduling.

Examples include Greenhouse, Lever and Bullhorn

  • Employee Self-Service Portals: These portals let employees manage their own HR-related tasks, such as updating personal information, requesting time off, and accessing pay stubs.

Examples include Playroll, Zenefits, BambooHR and Rippling 

  • Learning Management Systems (LMS): LMS platforms facilitate the delivery, tracking, and management of employee training and development programs.

Examples include Docebo and TalentLMS

  • Analytics and Reporting Tools: These tools provide HR professionals with insights into workforce data, to make better, data-driven decisions.

Examples include Playroll and Visier


How to Choose the Best HRIS System

There’s a wide array of HRIS systems available, and many share the same features. Use this checklist to narrow down your options for your needs:

  • Business Size: Is your business small (<50 employees), mid-market (50–1,000), or enterprise-level (>1,000 employees)? The HRIS you choose should fit both your current budget and requirements, but also be scalable if you anticipate significant growth down the line. A small company might not need all the advanced features that larger businesses require, but it’s important to plan ahead.
  • Industry Needs: Different industries have specific needs that may require specialized HRIS features. For example, healthcare, tech, and retail all have unique workforce management requirements. Do your research to find systems that cater to your industry’s needs. For instance, Kronos specializes in workforce management tools specifically for healthcare, making it a great fit for that sector.
  • Key Requirements: HRIS systems vary in terms of their focus, such as payroll management, compliance tracking, employee engagement, or data analytics. Before making a choice, check reviews and look for systems with the best capabilities in the areas most important to your business. Make sure the HRIS can meet your company’s immediate and long-term HR needs.
  • Scalability: Will the HRIS be able to grow with your business? If you have big plans for growth, you’ll need an HRIS with enough flexibility and advanced features to meet those future demands. Consider both the short-term and long-term scalability of any system you’re considering.
  • Integration: Does the HRIS seamlessly integrate with your existing tools and tech stack, such as your CRM, accounting software, or time-tracking system? Having tools that work well together reduces the need for manual input and saves time across your operations. Check integration options thoroughly before making your final decision.
  • User Experience: Is the system intuitive and easy for your team to use? Some HRIS platforms offer a comprehensive suite of features but can feel clunky and require significant training for your staff. Consider what’s most important – having an all-in-one system with many features or a more streamlined solution that’s easy to navigate.
  • Support and Compliance: Does the HRIS offer solid customer support and ensure regulatory compliance? This is especially important for systems that handle sensitive data, as well as businesses operating in multiple regions with varying compliance and labor laws. Robust support and up-to-date compliance features will help you avoid legal issues down the line.


How Playroll Complements HRIS Solutions

Playroll seamlessly integrates with HRIS platforms like BambooHR and HiBob to streamline your HR processes. Whether you're managing employee data, leave requests, or global payroll, Playroll makes it effortless with our customizable API and bi-directional data flow.

Here’s how Playroll complements your existing HRIS:

  • Seamless Data Syncing: Effortlessly sync employee data, leave requests, and payroll across systems for a unified experience.

  • Global Payroll Management: Consolidate payroll across multiple countries with ease, keeping your team in compliance no matter where they’re located.

  • Compliance and Security: Playroll adheres to GDPR and SOC 2 standards, ensuring your employee data is protected and compliant globally.

  • Scalability: From a single market to global operations, Playroll’s solutions grow with your business, no matter the complexity.

For businesses already using a HRIS like BambooHR or HiBob, Playroll is the perfect partner to streamline onboarding, payroll, and compliance – ensuring that all global HR operations are efficient, compliant, and easy to manage.

Ready to enhance your HRIS with Playroll? Learn how we can customize integrations to fit your needs – book a chat with our team here.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marcelle van Niekerk

Marcelle is a skilled Content Manager at Playroll, a leading global HR platform. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for trends, Marcelle specializes in crafting insightful content about remote work, global employment, and the evolving dynamics of the modern workforce.

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