- Best overall: Rippling
- Best for multinational companies: ADP Vantage HCM
- Best for midsize businesses: Paycor
- Best for employees: BambooHR
- Best for recruiting and hiring: Workday HCM
- Most user-friendly software: Bob
There are lots of ways to solve your pay and personnel needs. But if you want top-level power, then human capital management (HCM) software is the way to go. Nearly every administrative need can be solved with titles like ADP or Workday.
Since these powerhouses typically cost a pretty penny, you’ll want a tried-and-true option. So we narrowed the field to give our recommendations for the best HCM software.
Best HCM software comparison
Before diving into the detailed reviews, let’s compare the key features of the best HCM software on the market. While most titles solve the basics, not all include the bells and whistles your business may need. Here’s a quick side-by-side breakdown of our top picks:
Compare the best human capital management (HCM) software
| Starting price | International payroll | Beginner-friendly | Suitable for large operations | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rippling | $8.00/employee/mo. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Visit Rippling |
| ADP Vantage HCM | Custom | Yes | No | Yes | Visit ADP |
| Paycor | Custom | Through third-party integrations | No | Somewhat | Visit Paycor |
| BambooHR | Custom | Through third-party integrations | Yes | No | Visit BambooHR |
| Workday HCM | Custom | Through third-party integrations | No | Yes | Visit Workday |
| Bob | Custom | Through third-party integrations | Yes | No | Visit Bob |
Rippling: Best overall
Rippling emerges as the best overall HCM software for 2024. That’s because it’s comprehensive yet highly customizable to meet your specific needs at any stage of growth. The platform boasts an ecosystem of payroll, benefits management, HR, information technology (IT) tools and more within a single platform.
What sets Rippling apart is its superbly user-friendly interface, so you don’t need an extensive technical background. This ease is ideal for large workforces since you won’t need to spend excess time and money on training your HR team.
To save you plenty of time, Rippling can automate the most cumbersome HR tasks. For example, businesses can onboard new hires in 90 seconds and manage everything from payroll to apps all from a unified interface. This efficiency, coupled with its robust set of features, makes the title a standout choice for businesses looking for comprehensive and flexible HCM solutions.
Also Read: HCM Requirements Building ChecklistÂ
Pricing
- Starts at $8 per employee per month but requires a sales consultation for finalized pricing.
Features
- Automated payroll and tax compliance.
- Comprehensive benefits management.
- Advanced HR and IT system integration.
- Customizable workflows and reports.
Pros
- Streamlines HR and IT processes.
- User-friendly interface.
- Highly customizable to business needs.
- Excellent customer support.
Cons
- Pricing can be higher than competitors for small businesses.
- Some features require additional subscriptions.
For more information, read the full Rippling review.
ADP Vantage HCM: Best for multinational companies
ADP Vantage HCM specializes in serving multinational companies that employ over 1,000 staffers globally. The household name delivers comprehensive payroll, HR, talent and benefits services tailored to the needs of international corporations. Smaller entities are welcome to start with a simpler subscription package and grow over time.
The platform tailors solutions to each country — for example, each country’s pay and personnel laws are carefully integrated. Minimum wages, maximum daily work hours and paycheck frequencies are all factored in for a smooth operation. So, you can sleep well without worrying about legal issues abroad.
Pricing
- Custom pricing based on company size and selected modules.
Features
- Global payroll and compliance.
- Talent management suite.
- Robust analytics and reporting tools.
- Mobile access for employees and managers.
Pros
- Strong global capabilities.
- Comprehensive HR solutions.
- Scalable to any organization size.
- Excellent support and resources for compliance.
Cons
- Can be complex to implement.
- Higher cost for smaller businesses.
For more information, read the full ADP review.
Paycor: Best for midsize businesses
Paycor provides a versatile HCM solution tailored for midsize businesses that are still growing. Its beginner-friendly platform sports classic features like payroll, benefits management, timekeeping and recruiting.
But the title stands out for its emphasis on education, engagement and ease of use. There are plenty of helpful training resources such as webinars and step-by-step guides. And to keep things personable, Paycor sports staff surveys, career planners and visually stunning self-service tools.
And if you’re short on time, you can automate plenty. For example, the title uses artificial intelligence to search for job seekers online. It can then send messages encouraging people to apply for open roles, among other hands-off tasks. Time-saving perks like this are thoughtful touches for midsize entities seeking growth but still lacking the workforce needed to rapidly expand.
Pricing
- Custom pricing based on business needs and the number of employees.
Features
- Integrated payroll and tax services.
- Customizable HR and onboarding solutions.
- Detailed analytics and reporting.
- Mobile app for on-the-go management.
Pros
- User-friendly interface.
- Excellent customer service.
- Flexible and scalable solutions.
- Strong focus on midsize businesses.
Cons
- Some advanced features require additional fees.
- Limited global capabilities compared to competitors.
For more information, read the full Paycor review.
BambooHR: Best for employees
BambooHR shines as the best HCM software for the employee experience. Its attractive, user-centric interface makes it a breeze to work with. And it sports an abundance of staff morale-boosting perks, as well as anonymous surveys and detailed analytics to help unearth problems early on.
One marquee tool is the Total Rewards. This visual teaching tool breaks down what employees earn in both pay and benefits and what they can do to make the most of current offerings. Educational resources are simple to understand, and there are tutorials for more complicated topics, like equity. As a result, staffers are more likely to realize their full compensation package. This understanding can help reduce turnover and answer the most commonly asked questions without overloading administrative staff.
Unlike ADP and Paycor, BambooHR is less advanced. So, while it is fun to use, it won’t power your business internationally. As a result, you should look elsewhere if you have very ambitious growth plans.
Pricing
- Core: Custom pricing.
- Pro: Custom pricing, with the larger addition of performance management.
Features
- Easy-to-use self-service portal.
- Time tracking and PTO management.
- Performance and goal tracking.
- Applicant tracking system (ATS).
Pros
- Exceptional user experience for employees.
- Strong focus on HR essentials.
- Effective onboarding and performance management tools.
- Helpful customer support.
Cons
- Users report some issues and limitations with time tracking and payroll.
- Limited analytics.
For more information, read the full BambooHR review.
Workday HCM: Best for recruiting and hiring
Workday HCM is prized for its ability to painlessly convert applicants into new hires. This specialization makes it a top choice for companies prioritizing growth.
The platform’s recruiting and hiring functions are designed to streamline and automate the talent acquisition process. Workday Recruiting, the title’s talent acquisition module, showcases a comprehensive suite of tools to manage job advertisements, application management, candidate interaction, salary administration and in-depth reporting. This broad solution enables businesses to not only attract but also efficiently manage and onboard new talent​​.
The platform stands out for its ability to simplify the hiring process through deep learning technology. Workday Recruiting uses artificial intelligence to automate candidate outreach and parts of the interview process. And the Workday Skills Cloud tool analyzes candidates and employees to help predict a person’s success with certain duties. As a result, hiring professionals have an extra source of intelligence to make smarter hiring decisions.
Pricing
- Custom pricing based on your business’s specific needs.
Features
- Advanced talent acquisition tools.
- Comprehensive financial and HR management.
- Scalable and flexible architecture.
- Extensive analytics and reporting capabilities.
Pros
- Powerful recruiting and hiring tools.
- Integrates seamlessly with other business functions.
- User-friendly interface.
- Strong emphasis on analytics and insights.
Cons
- Requires job applicants to register for an account.
- Steep learning curve.
For more information, read the full Workday review.
Bob: Most user-friendly software
Bob stands out as the most approachable and easy-to-use HCM software. Indeed, it boasts a beautiful, modern interface and a focus on enhancing company culture and employee engagement.
Also known as “HiBob,” the title resembles social media sites like LinkedIn or Facebook. Employees are encouraged to create profiles with photos and other professional information. People can easily point and click to complete tasks and learn about other staffers. This familiarity promotes widespread adoption and engagement among employees at all levels within an organization.
But the platform still commands respect for its power. The title offers innovative features like performance management, customizable workflows and comprehensive HR capabilities. Plus, lots of third-party integrations are on tap. As a result, you can create a centralized solution for all of your needs.
Pricing
- Custom pricing based on unique company needs.
Features
- Culture and engagement tools.
- Customizable HR workflows.
- Comprehensive benefits administration.
- Robust analytics and reporting.
Pros
- Highly intuitive and user-friendly interface.
- Strong focus on employee engagement and company culture.
- Flexible and customizable to fit business needs.
- Excellent onboarding experience.
Cons
- May require additional training for full feature utilization.
- Limited global payroll capabilities.
Key features of human capital management software
Payroll management
Payroll management is a critical feature of HCM software. It involves automating the process of calculating wages, withholding taxes and ensuring compliance with labor laws, among other elements. This feature not only saves time but also reduces the risk of errors, making it essential for businesses of all sizes. The best HCM software offers comprehensive payroll solutions that integrate with other HR functions. This medley of administrative solutions makes it simple to keep staff paid and well-managed.
Benefits administration
Benefits administration tools allow businesses to efficiently oversee employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans and other perks. This element simplifies the enrollment process, tracks eligibility and ensures compliance with relevant regulations. For companies looking to attract and retain top talent, having a robust benefits administration module in their HCM software is a must.
Compliance features
Staying compliant with local, state and federal regulations is a constant challenge for businesses. It’s even more complex for entities operating in multiple countries. HCM software with built-in compliance features helps companies navigate the complex landscape of HR laws and regulations, even overseas. These tools are invaluable for minimizing legal risks and ensuring businesses stay on the right side of the law.
User experience
A superior user experience is crucial for ensuring that employees and HR professionals can navigate the HCM software efficiently. The best HCM platforms offer intuitive interfaces, mobile accessibility and customizable dashboards, making it easier for users to find the information they need and complete tasks quickly. An engaging user experience improves overall satisfaction and productivity, making it a key consideration when choosing HCM software.
Analytics and reporting
Advanced analytics and reporting capabilities enable businesses to make data-driven decisions regarding their workforce. By analyzing trends and metrics, companies can identify areas for improvement, track the effectiveness of HR initiatives, and forecast future needs. HCM software with powerful analytics tools provides valuable insights that can help businesses optimize their human capital strategies.
How do I choose the best HCM software for my business?
Selecting the best HCM software for your business involves considering your company’s specific needs, including the size of your workforce, industry-specific requirements and budget. Finding the right accounting software is crucial for managing your business finances effectively. Here are the key points to consider:
- Growth-friendly: Pick software that can scale with your business. It should support more transactions and users as your company grows.
- Easy to use: Look for software with a simple, intuitive interface. It should be easy to use and accessible from different devices, including mobile phones.
- Works with other tools: Choose software that can integrate with the other tools you use, like CRMs and accounting systems. This helps streamline your operations.
- Secure and compliant: Make sure the software follows legal standards and keeps your data safe with strong security measures.
- Support and community: Good customer support and an active user community can be very helpful for troubleshooting and tips.
- Affordable: Consider your budget. Many software options offer a free trial to test before buying.
- Recommendations: Look at reviews and ask for recommendations from other business owners, especially in your industry.
Methodology
We carefully analyzed each option’s ease of use, functionality and overall value and power for growing mid- to large businesses. We also reviewed customer feedback, explored technical documentation, studied user interfaces and determined each title’s learning curve. Further, we reviewed other software contenders and compared them to our top picks above to filter out less noteworthy options.
