BambooHR Review 2024: Pricing, Pros And Cons (2024)

We at the MarketWatch Guides team found that BambooHR is highly favored by SMBs because of its comprehensive features designed to meet a wide range of HR needs. The cloud-based interface streamlines HR-related tasks such as employee information management, payroll and benefits. BambooHR’s fee structure is budget-friendly for smaller companies, offering robust HR solutions at a very affordable price.

Pros of Using BambooHR

• User-friendly interface
• Comprehensive HR features
• Customizable integrations

Cons of Using BambooHR

• Limited global payroll capabilities
• Customer support limitations
• Pricing transparency

BambooHR is a sophisticated, cloud-based Human Resource Information System (HRIS), ideal for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). BambooHR is used by more than 30,000 customers across 50 industries, providing support for their distinct HR demands. BambooHR effortlessly streamlines significant human resources tasks, including employee information management, hiring and onboarding, time tracking, performance management, reporting and analytics and more.

The platform helps organizations efficiently leverage virtually all HR-related activities and is a tremendous benefit for organizations that don’t have a large HR staff. The tools and capabilities BambooHR offers that are essential for HR management include:

HR and Data Reporting

• Centralization of HR data
• Secure management of employee records
• Automation HR processes through workflows and approvals
• Data-driven insights with reporting and analytics
• Mobile app for HR data access

Hiring and Onboarding

• Comprehensive tools for the hiring process
• Applicant Tracking System (ATS) for managing recruitment
• Mobile app for on-the-go hiring activities
• Streamlined new-hire and onboarding process
• Efficient offboarding and digital document management featuring electronic signatures

Payroll, Time, Benefits

• Integrated payroll and benefits management
• Time tracking for employee hours
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and leave management
• Automated payroll processing
• Comprehensive benefits program administration

Employee Experience Performance

• Tools for enhancing employee satisfaction and performance
• Feedback and performance review tools
• Well-being surveys for employee assessment
• Goal setting and tracking for employee development

BambooHR offers two plans: Essentials and Advantage. The Essentials plan provides basic HR tools, while the Advantage plan includes all basic tools plus additional features like onboarding, applicant tracking and more. Pricing is determined based on the number of staff a company employs.

The Essentials plan begins at a flat fee of $108 per month, which covers up to 20 employees. Each employee above 20 costs an additional $5.40 per month. The Advantage plan begins at $180 per month for 1-20 employees. For each employee above 20, an additional $9 fee per month is required. An initial set-up fee of $249 is charged upon implementation of a new account for either the Essentials or Advantage plan.

To further illustrate how to calculate the fees associated with using BambooHR, a company with 10 employees choosing the Essentials plan can expect to pay a $108 monthly fee. A company with 25 employees can expect to pay the $108 monthly fee plus the per-employee fee of $5.40 each month, bringing the monthly total to $135. Keep in mind, each plan requires the $249 set-up fee, charged only during the first month.

BambooHR requires no annual contract. Customers pay month-to-month and can cancel at any time, and the per-employee price decreases as the number of employees increases.

BambooHR also offers a free trial for seven days.

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Essentials Plan

The Essentials plan provides the basic HR tools some SMBs require when beginning their employee-related functions. This plan includes features such as employee records, benefits tracking, document storage and standard reporting. These are just some of the components BambooHR provides in the Essentials plan. It’s important to note that companies can choose add-ons to their Essential plan if they would like to expand the tool’s capabilities without moving to the Advantage plan. The Essentials plan begins at approximately $5.25 per employee per month.

Advantage Plan

The Advantage plan includes almost everything an SMB would need from an HR perspective. This plan enables companies to automate most tasks included in employee management throughout a staff member’s career. The Advantage plan includes everything in the Essentials plan, plus additional capabilities such as employee onboarding and offboarding, an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), eSignatures, employee training tracking and more. The cost for the Advantage plan begins at around $8.75 per employee per month.

BambooHR Add-ons

The initial package, including the main BambooHR services, starts at $59 per month. BambooHR also offers add-ons–additional features not included in the two main plans. These add-ons require an additional fee. For example, the payroll add-on is $75 per month for up to ten employees. For each additional employee, the fee is $4.25. The performance management system add-on is also $4.25 per month for each employee, while tracking features are priced at $3.00 per employee per month.

The specific pricing for the benefits administration add-on is not available online. Other add-ons include features such as full-service tax filing, employee access, timesheets and others that are not included in either of the standard subscription packages. For more detailed information regarding pricing and add-ons, contact BambooHR directly.

BambooHR Free Trial

BambooHR offers prospective customers a seven-day free trial to test their software before purchasing. This option allows companies to explore capabilities such as applicant tracking, employee onboarding and offboarding, tracking PTO and more. Additionally, BambooHR offers a 14-day free trial for its Time Tracking add-on feature. This allows newcomers who have never used time tracking software to get a feel for the capability or provides those using another time tracking solution to give BambooHR a try.

BambooHR offers numerous useful features for SMBs to enhance their HR processes. This software particularly excels in data analytics, key HR functionality, user interface and the comprehensive suite; it is an all-in-one HR solution that integrates the important aspects of HR management. However, it has notable drawbacks too–unclear pricing, global payroll integration requirements, poor customer support and security concerns, among other cons. In the following sections, these pros and cons, or the strengths and weaknesses of this HRIS are discussed in detail:

Pros/Strengths of BambooHR

• User Interface: The platform is very easy for individuals who are using the HR software for the first time or are jargon-averse. It is mobile-friendly; various HR functions can be done conveniently via the mobile apps. Users can manage the HR tasks on the go.

• Comprehensive HR functions: It offers a one-stop shop for SMBs. The packages are all-encompassing; they cater to most of the HR needs. With Onboarding, Offboarding, payroll and time-keeping features, employee life-cycle management becomes easier than ever.

• Data and Analytics: The users can make informed decisions utilizing the reporting capabilities of the software for various HR aspects.

• Self-Service Tools: Employees are given appropriate access to manage their own HR-related tasks. These customizable permissions enhance security and efficiency. Access to sensitive unauthorized information is limited; employees are granted access only to the tasks necessary for their job functions, such as updating their personal information and applying for a leave.

Cons and Weaknesses of BambooHR

• Pricing: BambooHR is not transparent about its pricing details. The specific pricing details are unavailable on their website; those interested must complete an online form and request pricing. This makes it difficult and challenging for businesses to understand and accurately assess the cost implications.

• Customer Support: Customer support, especially for the essential plan subscribers, is reportedly very limited and includes only email support. Dedicated account managers and premium support options are not available.

• Data Security: The platform is integrated with TRAXPayroll, which operates separately. This data security vulnerability has led to a data security breach in the past. This underscores the need to improve upon data protection measures.

• Not Contractor-Friendly: BambooHR doesn’t have the tools required for managing and paying contractors. This does not go well with SMBs that often rely on contract and freelance workers.

• Multi-Department Roles: BambooHR doesn’t include any feature for managing access and permissions for employees with roles in multiple departments.

Global Employee Management: BambooHR is designed primarily for the U.S. workforce, so it caters to the labor laws and tax regulations for workers only in the U.S. This is a significant limitation for employees in multiple countries. Furthermore, it lacks multilingual support and has time-zone management issues too.

BambooHR cloud features enable businesses to smoothly handle all their HR duties from start to finish–all in the cloud. From the moment a new team member is onboarded to their final departure, Bamboo HR’s features help businesses easily and efficiently navigate each step of a person’s employment journey. Following are highlights of the main cloud features offered with BambooHR.

Applicant Tracking

BambooHR’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS) enables hiring managers to find the right talent fast. A company’s hiring team can post jobs on the go and begin reviewing the results as soon as prospects submit their applications. ATS keeps all the applicant information organized during the hiring process. This enables the hiring manager to focus on finding the right talent for the job. The software ensures timely and appropriate communication with the applicants so they feel acknowledged and remain informed. BambooHR offers customizable letter templates for different positions and job types when sending offer letters to various applicants.

The primary feature of ATS is its integration with job boards such as Glassdoor. When a job is posted using BambooHR, it automatically appears on integrated job boards, making it easier to reach a wide range of applicants, saving time and resources.

Time Tracking

Gone are the days of punch cards, timesheets and manually calculating everyone’s hours. BambooHR makes employee time and attendance tracking easier than ever. With the time clock software, the employees clock in and out right on the BambooHR home screen or on their phones. They can also easily edit their hours. Thanks to automatic reminders, managers can approve timesheets with just one click and on time. With the project tracking feature, employees log hours in specific categories. This helps create reports to analyze resource distribution, billable and non-billable hours and more. There is no need to collect the data from multiple sources; the Payroll Hours Report handles it all–general, overtime and PTO hours.

Benefits Administration

BambooHR allows customers to handle employee benefits in an organization more easily and efficiently than ever before, making enrollment quick and easy with its streamlined, automated system. With this system, customers can forget the hassle of paperwork and scribbled signatures since the software streamlines everything, minimizing typos and mix-ups that cause administrative problems. With this tool, HR can monitor enrollment action live, ensuring they know who is still in the approval queue and who has already gotten their green light.

With BambooHR’s deep-dive data reports, customers can retrieve solid intel on approved benefits and shifts in sign-ups. This feature not only ensures companies are always informed, but it also ensures employees are well taken care of and mitigates errors.

Onboarding and Offboarding Features

BambooHR takes the employee onboarding process to a whole new level, streamlining the process as soon as someone says “yes” to a job offer. From the second a new team member joins the company to ongoing training and help, BambooHR’s method makes sure their initiation into the company culture is as smooth as possible.

In terms of offboarding, BambooHR tailors its process to suit the unique circ*mstances of each employee’s departure, ensuring adherence to legal standards and HR best practices. By skillfully handling the offboarding process, BambooHR not only enables businesses to avoid potential pitfalls tied to staff exits but also ensures the company’s brand is protected.

Payroll

BambooHR is a Swiss army knife for payroll management; it’s streamlined and packed with all the features customers need to keep the operation running smoothly. One component of the payroll function is the ability to analyze payroll data for more informed decisions. With this system, customers can reduce the challenges associated with payroll tax filings. Through straightforward pay stubs and a well-oiled payroll machine, BambooHR not only eases the burden for managers but also ensures that workers are paid without delay.

BambooHR’s payroll system also syncs with time tracking and benefits handling, making sure the numbers add up. Recent updates have focused on improving automation and the user experience, borrowing and enhancing features from TRAXPayroll. BambooHR’s streamlined payroll process makes running payroll easy and accurate. BambooHR streamlines payroll into three simple steps so employees get paid correctly and on time, every time.

Tax Filing

BambooHR ensures every tax submission is spot-on and timely. This system keeps up with changing tax rules and handles deductions, so mistakes are eliminated. BambooHR caters to both federal and state tax regulations, adapting to various jurisdictions. The platform’s easy-to-use design lets customers swiftly plug in employee details, syncing smoothly with the pay system for hassle-free tax crunching. The software not only produces the tax forms needed, but it also makes sure organizations are compliant when filing. Plus, it furnishes in-depth reports to help with financial preparation related to audits.

Analytics and Reporting

With BambooHR’s analytics, companies can dig into their workforce data and make smarter decisions. Customers can tailor-make charts that let them view staff changes, recruitment progress, and performance metrics in real-time. With BambooHR’s intuitive layout, crafting visual reports becomes effortless, simplifying the data digestion process for managers across the board. Customers can determine future HR needs and make smarter staffing decisions with BambooHR’s sharp analytical tools.

Mobile App and Accessibility

With the BambooHR app, customers have HR management at their fingertips regardless of location. The handy app provides access to the platform via iOS or Android and offers a friendly interface. Additionally, customers can personalize the app’s settings, making it easy and enjoyable to use. BambooHR’s mobile extension allows customers to use HR features on the go, making it a critical tool in today’s fast-paced work environment.

Customization Options

BambooHR lets customers tweak and fine-tune features to align perfectly with their unique business needs. Customers can tailor their own workflows and manage approvals in a way that perfectly suits their HR department’s operation. Customers can also easily sync and swap data between platforms to help keep their business running smoothly. BambooHR also has the flexibility to tailor its solution for virtually any type of SMB across various industries.

BambooHR offers a multi-pronged approach when providing excellent customer service. The company has a solid database filled with articles, user guides and frequently asked questions–all configured to assist customers in swiftly troubleshooting issues on their own. The email support option for more direct assistance is highly responsive, often providing answers within one business day. BambooHR enhances the user experience by offering helpful webinars and training sessions–a must-have for newbies and seasoned users who want to make the most of the platform. Additionally, webinars and training sessions help users obtain tailored solutions specific to their needs.

BambooHR prioritizes safety concerning data privacy, incorporating stringent procedures around account creation, personal employee information and data storage. Incorporating and following GDPR and HIPAA policies ensures BambooHR follows EU and U.S. regulatory requirements. By doing so, customers can rely on BambooHR as a reliable extension of their own organization.

In addition, BambooHR practices Defense in Depth and Zero Trust. Defense in Depth allows BambooHR to incorporate multiple layers of security controls, providing numerous lines of defense designed to protect customers’ information. BambooHR’s Zero Trust approach, also known as perimeterless security, is a framework that ensures anyone, inside or outside the network, attempting to gain access must be verified.

These measures are designed to keep customer data safe and provide peace of mind to businesses in an age of increased cyber attacks.

BambooHR vs. Sage HR

BambooHR and Sage HR cater to different business sizes and needs. BambooHR is preferred by small to medium-sized businesses for its user-friendly interface and focus on core HR processes like hiring and employee management. But Sage HR is for any business size, packing a punch with comprehensive leave management and performance tracking features while offering more wiggle room for customization. BambooHR, with its affordable per-staff cost model, is a top pick for small businesses, but larger firms find value in Sage HR’s adaptable pricing schemes. Regarding user experience, BambooHR is known for its simplicity and ease of use, whereas Sage HR, with its comprehensive features, may require a bit more time to learn.

BambooHR vs. Paycor

BambooHR and Paycor offer distinct features tailored to different business needs. BambooHR is best for the main HR tools; it’s flexible, caters to SMBs, nails down vital HR tasks such as hiring and onboarding staff, all while sporting a user-friendly interface. However, it requires integrations for global payroll and doesn’t suit companies hoping to outsource their HR departments. Paycor, targeting SMBs as well, excels in unified payroll, time management and customization but has a less transparent pricing structure and lacks some key integrations. While BambooHR shines with its easy-to-use interface, Paycor offers more comprehensive payroll services.

BambooHR vs. UKG Pro

BambooHR and UKG Pro cater to different HR management needs. BambooHR is known for its easy-to-use interface and standout features like helping new hires get started and letting employees manage their own details. It does not have a built-in option to handle payroll, but this can be easily resolved by connecting the available add-on. UKG Pro offers features like payroll handling, benefits coordination and talent management for businesses seeking a one-stop-shop for their HR needs. UKG Pro lacks clear pricing, and limited scalability can prove to be quite a hurdle.

BambooHR, with its user-friendly interface and comprehensive suite of HR tools, is highly regarded in the HR software market, especially for SMBs. BambooHR stands out with its superior HR features, making everything from recruitment to exit easier. The bonus is that customers can handle their HR activities from their computer or mobile device. BambooHR may not be the best fit for larger businesses due to its limitations with some global payroll capabilities and the absence of 24/7 live support. The ideal customer for BambooHR is the small to medium-sized business seeking an intuitive, all-in-one HR solution that emphasizes employee management and data-driven HR processes without the need for extensive customization or complex payroll requirements.

BambooHR stands out as the best choice for SMBs seeking a user-friendly and comprehensive HR solution. It particularly excels at hiring, onboarding and employee management. While it offers a streamlined experience and essential HR tools, larger organizations or those requiring advanced global payroll capabilities might find it less suitable due to its integration requirements and support limitations.

Choosing human resources (HR) software for your organization is an important decision. To help you with it, we at the MarketWatch Guides team have researched and reviewed 50 leading HR software companies, including Paycor, ADP, Workday, Gusto, ZipRecruiter and Clockify. These providers help with some or all of the following HR disciplines:

• Payroll
• Time tracking and workforce management
• Recruiting and job posting

We conducted a survey in 2024 of 200 professionals who were currently using HR software or had used HR software within the past year. We analyzed the results of this survey to determine the following rating criteria:

• Features (25%)
• Value and Pricing (25%)
• User Experience (20%)
• Customer Support (15%)
• Reputation and Reviews (15%)

Visit the full HR methodology page for more details on our rating system.