Gusto
Best all-in-one Rippling alternative for payroll & HR
Overview
Gusto offers a modern, intuitive solution for small businesses that need more than just payroll. It combines payroll, benefits administration, and basic HR tools into one seamless platform. Unlike Rippling, which can get expensive as you add modules, Gusto includes key features upfront—making it a cost-effective, all-in-one alternative for companies that want simplicity, transparency, and excellent customer support.
Key Features
Full-service payroll with automatic tax filing in all 50 states
Employee self-onboarding, e-signatures, and new hire reporting
Health benefits and 401(k) administration integration
Time tracking, PTO management, and workforce cost reports
Customizable onboarding checklists and offer letters
Employee surveys and engagement tools
Built-in compliance support for labor laws and tax changes
Easy-to-use interface with U.S.-based support
Contractor payments and multi-state payroll
Integrates with accounting and time-tracking apps
Pros and Cons
Pros
Transparent, bundled pricing
Easy to set up and use
Excellent support and resources
Great for growing teams
Strong compliance tools
Cons
Limited international capabilities
Fewer advanced automation tools
Benefits not available in all states
Not ideal for enterprise-scale HR
Pricing
Simple: $49/month + $6/person/month
Plus: $80/month + $12/person/month
Contractors-only plans start at: $35/mo plus $6/month per person.
Free trials and custom quotes available for growing businesses.
Transform your payroll processes with Gusto, a platform that’s already the choice of over 500,000 businesses.
Remote
Best alternative to Rippling for global payroll & compliance
Overview
Remote is purpose-built for international payroll, hiring, and HR compliance—making it the top Rippling alternative for global teams. Unlike Rippling, which adds global features through third-party integrations, Remote owns its infrastructure in many countries, reducing risk and improving accuracy. If you're hiring across borders, Remote offers unmatched compliance coverage and employee experience.
Key Features
Employer of Record (EOR) services in 80+ countries
Global contractor and full-time employee payments
Automated international payroll with local tax compliance
IP and data protection tailored to each region
Country-specific benefits packages
Localized employment contracts
Self-service employee onboarding portal
Expense reimbursements and time-off tracking
GDPR and SOC 2 compliance
Pros and Cons
Pros
Best-in-class global compliance
Transparent international hiring process
Reliable contractor payment infrastructure
Fast onboarding across countries
Strong IP and legal protections
Cons
Higher cost than U.S.-only tools
Limited U.S. HR features
Complex pricing structure
Not ideal for domestic-only teams
Pricing
Remote starts at $599/month per employee for EOR services.
Contractor management plans start at $29/month per contractor.
Custom quotes available for larger global teams.
ADP Run
Best Rippling alternative for quickly growing businesses
Overview
ADP Run offers robust payroll and HR tools for growing businesses that need flexibility and scalability. As your company expands, ADP’s suite of add-ons and enterprise-level tools make it easy to layer on more features. Unlike Rippling, which requires a more technical setup, ADP Run offers guided onboarding and hands-on support for businesses scaling quickly.
Key Features
Full-service payroll with automated tax filings
Hiring and background check integrations
State and federal compliance alerts
Employee benefits, 401(k), and workers' comp services
Time and attendance tracking
Mobile payroll and self-service app
HR advisory services and learning tools
Robust analytics and benchmarking reports
Scalability to transition to ADP Workforce Now
Pros and Cons
Pros
Built for rapid growth
Strong compliance and reporting
Optional add-ons for every stage
Trusted brand with nationwide support
Seamless upgrades to enterprise tools
Cons
Pricing can add up quickly
Dated user interface in some areas
Requires more training than newer tools
Limited transparency on pricing
Pricing
ADP Run offers custom quotes based on team size and services.
Pricing is not publicly listed, but small business plans typically start around $59/month plus per-employee fees.
Justworks
Best alternative to Rippling’s PEO
Overview
Justworks is a modern professional employer organization (PEO) that simplifies payroll, benefits, and compliance for small businesses. If you’re currently using Rippling’s PEO and need a more affordable or streamlined alternative, Justworks is one of the best options on the market. It handles co-employment, tax filings, benefits administration, and compliance across all 50 states. With flat-rate pricing, excellent customer service, and a clean user interface, it’s a strong contender for startups and small teams looking for simplicity and scale.
Key Features
Full-service payroll with automated tax filing
Access to enterprise-level benefits at group rates
Automated onboarding, PTO tracking, and timekeeping
HR compliance support and training resources
24/7 customer support via phone, chat, and email
Workers’ comp and unemployment insurance coverage
Secure document storage and e-signatures
Built-in org chart, company directory, and reports
Option to switch off PEO while keeping platform access
Pros and Cons
Pros
Flat, transparent pricing
Excellent benefits at competitive
Easy to scale and exit the PEO
Highly rated support team
Cons
Must join PEO for full features
Limited customization options
Fewer integrations than Rippling
Not ideal for global teams
Pricing
Justworks PEO starts at $59/month per employee (Basic plan) and $99/month per employee (Plus plan).
Both plans include payroll, benefits access, and compliance support.
No free trial or plan, but volume discounts are available.
BambooHR
Best Rippling alternative for automated workflows
Overview
BambooHR is an HR platform focused on streamlining employee data, onboarding, and performance management. While Rippling offers more IT and finance tools, BambooHR stands out for its intuitive interface, excellent automation workflows, and people-first features. It’s ideal for small to midsize businesses that want a clean, centralized HRIS without getting bogged down by complexity. Their add-on payroll product, native performance tools, and strong mobile experience make it a practical choice for growing teams.
Key Features
Centralized employee records and role-based permissions
Custom workflows for onboarding and task management
Built-in e-signatures and document management
Native performance reviews and goal tracking
Employee self-service and mobile app access
Optional payroll with time tracking and benefits admin
ATS (applicant tracking) included in base plan
Reporting and dashboard customization
Integration with over 70 HR tools
Pros and Cons
Pros
Intuitive and modern UI
Excellent onboarding and automation
Strong performance management tools
Scalable for midsize teams
Cons
Payroll is an add-on (U.S. only)
Limited international support
No built-in compliance alerts
Pricing not listed publicly
Pricing
BambooHR offers custom pricing based on team size and modules selected.
Core HR plans typically start around $6–$8 per employee per month.
Payroll, benefits, and time tracking are add-ons.
No free trial, but a free demo is available.
Homebase
Best Rippling alternative for shift-based businesses
Overview
Homebase is purpose-built for businesses that rely on hourly teams, like restaurants, retailers, and service providers. Unlike Rippling, which is better suited for salaried, desk-based workers, Homebase offers powerful shift scheduling, time tracking, and team communication tools. Its payroll add-on seamlessly syncs with hours worked and tips reported, making it a strong choice for small teams that want to minimize admin and stay compliant with local labor laws.
Key Features
Drag-and-drop shift scheduling and templates
Real-time time tracking with geofencing
Automated payroll with tax filing
Labor cost controls and wage compliance alerts
Tip reporting and break compliance
Built-in team messaging and announcements
Mobile app for scheduling, clock-in, and time-off
Hiring tools and job posting features
Free plan for basic scheduling and time tracking
Pros and Cons
Pros
Great for restaurants and retail
Free version available
Clean mobile-first design
Payroll integrates with time tracking
Cons
Payroll is an add-on
Not ideal for salaried teams
Fewer HR tools than Rippling
Reporting is somewhat limited
Pricing
Homebase has a free plan for one location and basic scheduling.
Paid plans start at $24.95/month per location.
Payroll is an optional add-on at $39/month + $6 per employee.
Free trial available.
TriNet HR
Best Value Rippling HR Alternative
Overview
TriNet HR is a standalone HRIS designed for small and midsize businesses that want core HR functionality without the high price tag. Formerly known as Zenefits, it now offers a modular system for HR, time tracking, and payroll. It’s ideal for businesses looking to manage employee data efficiently while keeping costs low. While not as powerful or customizable as Rippling, TriNet HR includes generous features in its base plan, making it one of the most cost-effective options for growing businesses that need essential HR infrastructure without bells and whistles.
Key Features
Affordable base plan starts at $8/employee
Employee self-onboarding with offer letters and background checks
Time tracking, PTO, and scheduling tools included
Native communication tools and mobile app
Analytics dashboard with advanced reporting in higher tiers
Payroll add-on with automated tax filing
Retention tools and employee surveys in top-tier plan
Pros and Cons
Pros
Very affordable base plan
Base plan includes time tracking and onboarding
Transparent pricing
Optional payroll and HR add-ons
Cons
Payroll not included in base plans
5-employee minimum on all plans
Limited third-party integrations
Customer support can be difficult to reach
Pricing
TriNet HR pricing starts at $8 per employee/month with annual billing.
Month-to-month pricing starts at $10/employee.
Payroll is a $6/employee/month add-on for lower tiers but included in the top-tier “Zen” plan (industry-restricted).
Benefits, recruiting, and advisory services are extra and only discounted if you use TriNet’s broker.
Free Trial: No
Free Plan: No
Workday
Best Rippling Alternative for Reporting & Analytics
Overview
Workday is a powerful HCM solution designed for midsize to large businesses prioritizing workforce insights and performance management. It uses AI and real-time analytics to optimize staffing, boost productivity, and support employee development. Workday includes payroll, benefits, scheduling, and mobile access, with standout capabilities in data-driven hiring, compensation planning, and team engagement. While it doesn’t match Rippling’s payroll depth or affordability, its advanced analytics and employee-centric design make it a strong choice for data-savvy HR teams.
Key Features
AI-powered reporting and workforce optimization
Integrated HR, benefits, and limited payroll
Mobile app with self-service tools
Native team communication features
Shift swapping and scheduling management
Employee development and growth insights
Custom dashboards and flexible workflows
Pros and Cons
Pros
Best-in-class reporting and analytics
Robust employee engagement tools
AI insights for hiring and compensation
Strong development and retention support
Cons
Payroll limited and not core to platform
Global payroll only in 5 countries
No transparent pricing
Pricing
Workday doesn’t publish pricing, but customer-reported rates suggest ~$99 per user/month. Pricing varies significantly based on features and organization size, so expect to request a custom quote.
Free Trial: No
Free Plan: No
Compare All
| Pricing | Free Trial | Free Plan | Best Use Case | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | Small businesses wanting a simpler, more affordable Rippling alternative for payroll + HR | ||
 | $29/mo contractors; $599/mo EOR | (30 days) | (contractors) | Teams prioritizing global payroll and international compliance |
 | Custom pricing | (select plans) | Quickly growing businesses needing scalable payroll and compliance | |
 | $59–$99/employee/mo | (on request) | SMBs replacing Rippling’s PEO with a simpler co-employment model | |
 | Custom pricing | (7 days) | Teams focused on clean HR workflows and employee management | |
 | Free; paid plans $24.95+/location | Shift-based businesses needing scheduling + basic HR | ||
 | $8–$27/employee/mo | Not listed | Budget-conscious teams wanting a lower-cost Rippling alternative | |
 | Custom enterprise pricing | Midsize–enterprise orgs needing advanced analytics and reportin |
| Pricing | Free Trial | |
|---|---|---|
| Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | |
| $29/mo contractors; $599/mo EOR | (30 days) |
| Custom pricing | (select plans) |
| $59–$99/employee/mo | (on request) |
| Custom pricing | (7 days) |
| Free; paid plans $24.95+/location | |
| $8–$27/employee/mo | Not listed |
| Custom enterprise pricing |
FAQ
Who are Rippling’s top competitors?
Rippling’s main competitors include Gusto, ADP Run, BambooHR, Remote, Justworks, TriNet, and Workday. Each offers payroll and HR tools, but features, pricing, and ideal business sizes vary — so the best choice depends on your specific needs.
Is Gusto better than Rippling?
Gusto is often better for small businesses that want intuitive software and transparent pricing. Rippling is more customizable and modular, but it can be overkill for simpler needs. Gusto’s all-in-one platform simplifies payroll, benefits, and hiring without extra complexity.
Is Rippling better than BambooHR?
Rippling offers deeper automation and more modular control, while BambooHR excels at user-friendly HR workflows. BambooHR may be a better fit for businesses focused on core HR functions, while Rippling suits teams needing customizable workflows and integrated IT support.
Is Rippling worth it?
Rippling is worth it for businesses needing advanced automation, customizable workflows, or device management alongside HR tools. But for smaller teams or those on a budget, more streamlined and affordable options like Gusto or Justworks may offer better value.
Which is better, ADP or Rippling?
ADP is better for larger or rapidly growing companies that need enterprise-level features and compliance support. Rippling is better for midsize teams looking for automation, ease of use, and integration across HR and IT functions.
