BambooHR
AI-powered HR platform for employee data, performance, and engagement at growing companies
From $108/mo
What is BambooHR?
BambooHR launched in 2008 with a clear mission: give small and medium businesses the HR software that had only been accessible to large enterprises. Before BambooHR, companies under 1,000 employees typically managed HR in spreadsheets or outdated legacy systems. BambooHR changed that with a clean, intuitive HRIS that any HR professional — or office manager filling the HR role — could operate effectively without specialized training.
The platform has evolved well beyond basic employee records. BambooHR now covers the full employee lifecycle: applicant tracking, onboarding, time tracking, performance management, employee satisfaction surveys (eNPS), and offboarding. The AI features help surface insights from this data — the Workload Analysis tool uses AI to analyze workforce productivity patterns, while the employee satisfaction analytics identify engagement trends and predict attrition risk before it becomes a retention crisis.
BambooHR does not publish pricing publicly — you need to request a demo — which generally signals pricing above entry-level HR tools. Competitors like Rippling and Gusto offer stronger payroll integration at comparable price points. But for companies that prioritize HR data management, performance reviews, and employee engagement over payroll sophistication, BambooHR's depth in those areas is hard to match in the SMB segment. The mobile app is particularly strong, with high adoption rates among employees for time-off requests and self-service HR tasks.
Key Features
- Centralized employee records with custom fields
- AI Workload Analysis for productivity pattern insights
- Employee satisfaction and eNPS surveys with trend analysis
- Applicant Tracking System (ATS) with pipeline management
- Onboarding workflows and new hire portal
- Performance management with goal tracking and 360 reviews
- Time tracking and PTO management
- Benefits administration
- Employee self-service mobile app
- Reporting and HR analytics dashboard
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best-in-class employee experience among SMB HRIS platforms
- Performance management and engagement surveys are well-integrated
- Applicant tracking system is included without extra cost
- Strong mobile app with high employee adoption
Cons
- Pricing not public — requires demo and sales process
- Payroll is an add-on for US customers, not built-in natively
- Less strong for companies with complex global workforce needs
- Some advanced analytics require higher-tier plans
Pricing
Model: Subscription
| Plan | Price | Key Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ~$108/mo (25 employees) | Employee records, PTO, onboarding, basic reporting |
| Pro | Custom | Performance management, custom workflows, advanced reporting, eNPS |
| Payroll add-on | $3-6/employee/mo | Full-service US payroll integrated with HR data |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does BambooHR include payroll?
- BambooHR offers payroll as an add-on for US customers, not as a core feature of the base platform. The payroll add-on handles automated payroll runs, tax filings, and direct deposit, and integrates with BambooHR's employee data. Companies that prioritize payroll as the primary need may find Gusto or Rippling a better fit.
- How much does BambooHR cost?
- BambooHR does not publicly publish pricing. Estimates for a 25-employee company run approximately $108/mo for the Core plan. Pricing scales with employee count, and the Pro plan with performance management features is priced higher. Request a demo for a tailored quote.
- Does BambooHR have an affiliate program?
- BambooHR has a partner and referral program for HR consultants, accountants, and technology partners. Check their website for a publisher or affiliate program if available.
- How does BambooHR compare to Rippling?
- BambooHR excels at HR information management, employee experience, and performance management. Rippling is stronger for companies that need deep IT provisioning alongside HR — automatically setting up software access, devices, and payroll together when onboarding new employees. BambooHR wins on HR depth; Rippling wins on full employee lifecycle automation including IT.
- Is BambooHR good for remote teams?
- Yes. BambooHR handles multi-state HR compliance, has a strong mobile app that remote employees use daily for time-off requests and HR tasks, and supports the documentation and digital onboarding workflows that remote-first companies depend on.