BambooHR vs ELMO Software

Paylocity

Rippling

Connecteam

One unified platform for HR, Finance, and IT. Connect people, processes, and data. Automate tasks and drive business growth. 

Rippling is a cloud-based workforce management system that helps businesses manage operations across HR, finance, and IT.

An all-in-one employee app that's both powerful, affordable and easy to use, especially for the mobile workforce.

With tools like BambooHR®, you can gather valuable insights, foster open communication, and create a culture where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.

Communication Management

Pulse Surveys

Goal Management

Performance Management

Employee Recognition

360 Degree Feedback

Negative Feedback Management

Reviews for BambooHR come from a wide variety of industries, including computer software (13% of reviewers), information technology and services (8%), and marketing and advertising (5%). The most frequent use case for BambooHR cited by reviewers is human resources (70% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Reviewers indicate BambooHR offers useful features at a fair price, and some users say the flat pricing allows for predictable budgeting. However, some reviewers find the pricing confusing or expensive, especially for smaller businesses, and report escalating costs.

Value for money

The BambooHR integrations most frequently cited by reviewers are: Indeed for Employers (a job board product rated 4.6 out of 5 for its integration with BambooHR), Google Calendar (a scheduling product, 4.8), and TRAXPayroll Solutions (a payroll product, 4.4).

Integrations

BambooHR is a human resources tool with key features that include candidate tracking, HR management, employee database, onboarding, vacation and leave tracking, time off management, and more.

BambooHR

Web-based

iPhone

Windows

iPad

Android

Chromebook

Core

Elite

Owner

The mobile app is also a standout; our team actually uses it to request PTO and check the org chart, which keeps everyone connected in a hybrid environment, allowing us to better manage our small business.  

Client Administrator

Limited mobile app functionality, rigid customization especially in performance management, and costs that rise with add-ons like time tracking and benefits.

Senior Director of IT

There is not anything that I dislike about BambooHR however, one thing our organisation still needs to do, is to make more use of BambooHR by integrating it with other systems such as our IT service desk system and creating more automations for new hires and leavers, which we are working on currently.

Sales Compensation Analyst

Features like "Celebrations" (birthdays/anniversaries) and the company announcements feed helped build a sense of community that is hard to replicate in clunkier enterprise tools.

Assistant Manager

BambooHR provides a strong foundation: employee database, time-off/leave tracking, onboarding/off-boarding workflows,

The reporting engine, while great for standard metrics like turnover and headcount, can feel a bit rigid if you need highly customized, cross-tabular data.

Systems Administrator

Well thought out and developed product that allows for integrations that fully automate the entire lifecycle process for a company's employees.

Marketing Executive

BambooHR features a useful 'history' feature logging previous time off. And allows access to basic details of other company members with a file and document system.

Sr. Director, Talent Management

In the reporting functionality, there is an option to filter for whether the person is a Supervisor (i.e. has direct reports).   But this option doesn't carry over to Onboarding, so unless you build a task by Job Title and maintain that task, you have to manually add the task when the person being hired is going to be a Supervisor.

Assisttant Manager

Employee record add quick, PTO request two taps, org chart auto build, onboarding packet send fast, report export easy, save admin hours.

Also, while the integrations are good, some advanced automation triggers (like specific notifications for custom fields) are more limited than I’d like.

Community Manager

We use the system to track mileage and topics for 1:1s with our supervisors (among other things).

CDCA

Allows me to easily track all my timesheets, pay stubs and request time off.

QA Lead

It is clean and straightforward BambooHR is for the basics—finding employee info, org details, and important documents is quick and not buried under too many menus.

HR director

I really like how this manages employees hours, time off requests, their information and the option to also manage payroll.

Data Analyst

It's good to have at a glance information on your time management broken down by different categories (sick leave, paid leave, unpaid leave), but also seeing the organisation calendar, see who's out in the current day/next day.

HR consultant

BambooHR may lack advanced features needed by larger enterprises, such as deep customization or complex reporting.

Field Operations Manager

bamboohr is user-friendly, and the job posting and payroll have gone smoothly. Whenever any questions come up, customer service is very useful, which makes daily work easier.

HR Manager

The employees would say they liked that it showed a live countdown to the minute of how many hours/seconds they have worked (while still clocked in).

I wish the program would sync with our accounting software or create a simpler report for each payroll run that we could just import into our system.

Operations and Finance Coordinator

There wasn't a lot of automation within the platform, especially once our company began to get larger we needed a platform that would be able to handle certain things for us while offering more services than purely HR management.

Call center marketing employee

It simplifies human resource management tasks such as onboarding, employee records management, performance tracking, and time-off requests.

Risk Analyst

It does not fully integrate every HRIS system in one place. While it has document tracking, time-off requests and org charts, it does not provide a place for performance reviews or provide information about total rewards and compensation.

Executive Director

The ability to quick implement a robust human resource information system, providing structure and stability to organizations who otherwise may not have the resources to create similar systems on their own.

Website Manager

I can access salary info, employee reviews and goals, time off requests, training, company directory, important company links, etc.

slower support response times, occasional system glitches (especially when running large volumes or advanced usage)

Director of Contractor Compliance

The support of an actual CS rep for our account. Once we got through the implementation (you don't know what you don't know and can't ask questions until you use the product for a while), our rep was gone, hard to get responses and left with frustration when there were questions.

Manager

We just started using this software for hiring and onboarding people for our company and now we are completelt replying on this software to expedite the hiring process and till today it has given us very good results , so satisfied with this software till now.

General Manager

It allowed for time and expense tracking, benefits administration and employee unboard and oerformance review and tracking.

Director, Financial Planning and Analysis

The approval processes allow you to comment back and forth with other approvers and clearly shows where it is in the approval flow.

Computer Network Technician

Other features i liked about this app is  the performance monitoring and the transparency of my own career history, upcoming holidays and many more.

It provides a suite of capabilities that allow companies manage employees.

Sales and Marketing

That's when DDF decided to move things to Bamboo HR, I like that we can clock in on our phone, it saves us the trip to the building where the punch-in/punch-out machine is located and then to our designated sales booth/kiosk.

HR Director

As an HR Director for a global firm, I can easily access employee data, including salary history, annual evaluation documents, and vacations.

SDE Intern

You can see bio and learn more about any employee in your organization and it is a simple HR tool for not so large companies.

The attendance tracking and overall value of money spent on bamboo HR definitely has me referring them to all of my colleagues.

It's handy for payroll and lets us stay organized as a smaller field services business.

Sometimes, I wish there was more that catered specifically to a small business, and the candidate process did take a little extra time to learn.

Enterprise Development Representative

My organization didn't like it as an enterprise solution for our rapidly growing company in the physical security space.

VP Finance

It is effective and user-friendly HR software and users appreciate its clean and intuitive interface, which makes it easy to manage employee records, time-off requests, and performance reviews.  

Human Resources Manager

I wish BambooHR would have a feature that wouldn't allow employees to request any PTO while they are in the 90-day waiting period.

Marketing Manager

I wish our team can make the changes on their end and have an admin approve the changes - our current process is, the team member needs to reach out to the admin for any changes - then the admin will have to make the changes for them.

manager

There was a limit to integrating custom fields and tables into on-board filters such as on-board, training, presentations, and benefits.

Chief Clinic Manager

A robust HR platform that simplifies HR tasks, though it could benefit from more customization and smoother integrations for a more seamless experience.

Assistant Controller

They have nice features that competitors like ADP don't have currently like linking the PTO requests to google calendar. If you have a smaller headcount with an easy payroll, this is the route to go.

Data Entry Specialist

Humana resource and also multiple projects employee data management and its tools on project data access control this software is the best and to create reports and collaboration is fantastic.

Personal Assistant

I like the onboarding portions which are very intuitive,plus we can always see and know when someone is out of the office,new hire needs,new hire welcomes, announcement throughout the company for anything and everything!!There are so many great things we utilize BambooHR for it is superb!

Lab Operations Associate

My company uses Bamboo HR to store all sorts of HR related content, manage goals, and retain documents.

Executive Assistant

As the HR Head Assistant, I love being able to find all the information I need to issue reports for both my team and the Legal & Compliance as well as the Investor Relations Team.

Chief People Officer

The combination of a user-friendly interface, robust features, and strong support makes it a game-changer for any company looking to elevate their HR operations.

Employee Management

Payroll

HR Management

Users report BambooHR’s HR management capabilities centralize employee data, automate administrative tasks, and support compliance through e-signatures and document storage. Reviewers indicate the self-service portal empowers employees to access and update information, reducing HR’s workload. They find the customizable dashboard, benefits management, and performance tracking helpful. Some users say the interface changes have reduced at-a-glance visibility for key info, and others mention analytics could be more robust, but overall, BambooHR simplifies HR processes significantly. Of the 122 BambooHR users who gave detailed accounts of their use of HR Management, 95% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Hiring and Recruitment

Calendar and Time Tracking

Data Management

Reporting

Time Off Requests

Small Business

Onboarding

Users report BambooHR’s onboarding capabilities make bringing new hires onboard seamless and organized. Reviewers indicate BambooHR enables digital completion of forms, customizable onboarding tasks, and automated reminders, reducing manual work and ensuring consistency. They find the process easy for both HR and new employees, with positive feedback on document storage and mobile access. Some users wish for a more visually appealing onboarding portal and easier permission management, but overall, BambooHR’s onboarding simplifies and accelerates new hire integration. Of the 78 BambooHR users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Onboarding, 92% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Frequent glitches and delays

Head of Human Capital 

You online support is limited to USA timezone, when i log an issue, its take 3 days to be resolved because no one is online and only reply when its 22h my time.

65% of reviewers feel negative about BambooHR’s bugs and issues. Users report encountering glitches, system slowdowns, and occasional crashes that disrupt workflow. Reviewers indicate that resolving technical problems can be time-consuming, especially for those outside US time zones, due to limited support hours. Some users mention frustration with recurring minor errors, delays in customer support responses, and the need for manual workarounds when bugs affect critical HR functions like PTO calculations or data updates.

High and escalating costs

Programs Manager

BambooHR's pricing can be a deterrent for some businesses, especially as features are added with higher tiers.

Director, Human Resources

The ability to have a robust system is possible but is not practical or cost effective with BambooHR.

44% of reviewers feel negative about BambooHR’s pricing. Users think the software is expensive, especially for small businesses or organizations with many employees, due to its per-user pricing model. Reviewers indicate that recent pricing structure changes and add-on fees for advanced features have increased costs, sometimes making the platform less feasible. Some users report that the lack of transparent pricing and the need to pay extra for certain modules or storage can impact the overall value and return on investment.

Limited payroll integration and flexibility

Finance

Since it can't handle global/international payroll - it is very manual to update the payroll the system and bamboo one at a time.

46% of reviewers feel negative about BambooHR’s payroll capabilities. Users say the payroll system lacks robust integration with third-party platforms, leading to manual data entry and reconciliation. Reviewers indicate difficulties with handling complex pay structures, tracking terminations, and syncing time-off data. Some users find the payroll features insufficient for international operations or specific compliance needs, and mention that the lack of automation and limited customization options can make payroll processing more cumbersome and error-prone.

Clean and navigable interface

Office Administrator

The user interface is intuitive and they have a plethora of support materials (as long as you are okay with figuring certain things out for yourself).

Founder & CEO

It has an intuitive user interface and a wealth of features that have made it easy for me to manage my HR needs.

95% of reviewers feel positive about BambooHR’s user interface. Users report that the interface is visually appealing, modern, and logically organized, making it easy to locate features and complete tasks. Reviewers appreciate the intuitive design, which supports quick adoption and reduces the need for extensive training. They say the clear menus, responsive layout, and helpful tutorials contribute to a smooth user experience. Some reviewers mention that the interface’s simplicity and aesthetics improve daily workflow and make HR management more enjoyable.

Comprehensive HR process automation

BambooHR has everything I need to manage the day-to-day HR activities and the tools to monitor and develop employee growth and goals.

Administrator

BambooHR is a popular human resources management software that offers a range of features designed to streamline HR processes and improve employee management.

96% of reviewers feel positive about BambooHR’s HR management capabilities. Reviewers indicate the platform centralizes HR functions, streamlining processes like onboarding, document management, and time tracking. Users appreciate the customizable workflows and integration options, which help reduce manual work and improve data accuracy. They find the reporting and analytics features valuable for gaining workforce insights and making informed decisions. Some users say the software enhances collaboration and communication within HR teams, supporting efficient employee management and compliance with organizational policies.

Intuitive and streamlined experience

96% of reviewers feel positive about BambooHR’s ease of use. Users think the platform is intuitive and straightforward, making HR tasks less time-consuming and more accessible for both HR professionals and general staff. Reviewers appreciate how the software reduces the learning curve, allowing quick adaptation even for those unfamiliar with HR tools. They say the clear layout and helpful tutorials simplify onboarding and daily operations. Some reviewers find that the intuitive design minimizes errors and confusion, enabling them to complete tasks efficiently and focus on more strategic HR responsibilities.

Centralized employee oversight

92% of reviewers feel positive about BambooHR’s employee management features. Reviewers appreciate having a single platform to manage employee profiles, track time off, handle onboarding, and oversee performance. Users say the system automates routine tasks, provides secure document storage, and offers useful reminders for evaluations and compliance. They find that employees benefit from self-service options for accessing benefits and personal information. Some users report that the centralized database and customizable permissions streamline communication and support organizational growth.

Mid-size Business

Reviewers indicate that BambooHR offers a range of useful features at a price point that is generally seen as fair, especially for small and medium-sized businesses seeking enterprise-level HR tools without the high costs of larger competitors. Some users say the flat pricing for a certain number of users allows for predictable budgeting and room for growth. Reviewers appreciate the flexibility to pick and choose modules, and some mention that the software saves them money on HR processes and job postings, contributing to a positive return on investment. Some users report that BambooHR’s pricing is competitive compared to other HRIS vendors, and they value the system’s ability to scale with their organization.

However, some reviewers find the pricing structure confusing or expensive, particularly for smaller businesses or non-profits with limited budgets. Users think the pay-per-employee model can lead to escalating costs as their workforce grows, and some feel that additional features or storage require costly add-ons. Some reviewers feel recent price increases and changes to subscription tiers have made the product less accessible or cost-effective. Users report wishing for more transparent pricing, longer free trials, and more adaptable plans based on company size and feature usage. Some say that not all included features justify the price, especially if not fully utilized.

ELMO Learning Management assists HR teams with managing organisational learning and development initiatives. With access to an extensive range of online courses in which organisations can create, customise and repurpose eLearning courses to meet business objectives.

Reporting/Analytics

Learner Portal

Learning Management

Learning Paths/Tracks

Mobile Learning

Tests/Assessments

Blended Learning

Progress Tracking

Asynchronous Learning

Built-in LMS

Certification & Licensing

SCORM Compliance

ELMO Software

Payroll Specialist and HR Generalist

As we currently use SWAG for staff to log on and off, as well as complete leave requests, i would really like them to be able to use something more compatible to link in with Elmo.

People and Culture Coordinator

It would work well for corporate offices but without an app is tricky for organisations that do not have laptops or computer access for every team member. When the automation is able to be configured to your exact needs it works REALLY well.

HR Officer

We started with HR core and extended it to recruitment, onboarding, and other modules.

Learning and Capability Manager

ELMO provides us with all the essentials to create a great learning & capability development culture.

We realised that some data not transferable from ELMO HR Core to ELMO Payroll

Data architect

The real-time data insights provided are second to none, allowing for actionable decisions to improve workforce engagement and productivity.

Sales Rep

E  there prehaps should be some more flexibility with selecting  working job roles and   also  market sectors to choose from  or enter our specific  application in job and  market approach  .  

Administration Assistant

Lost most of my hair setting it up, lost more trying to change how departments wanted it to run, and more when trying to sort out their software bugs for them.

E  ,  we sell engineering steels to the general fabrication market  also the heavy  structural steel industry here in New Zealand.

Senior Accountant

Features that are critical are least developed such as reports from which to compile a general ladger payroll journal for uploading to an accounting system; termination transactions get included in the pay period of termination reports rather then being able to produce an 'extra' pay period; the conversion from existing to new system was as bad as it could possibly get in terms of communication with ELMO, manual data entry when uploading files fails and inconsistency with leave entitlements computation - ELMO expresses annual leave in days and long service leave in weeks - what happened to hours ??

Human Resources Generalist

The employee data part is not as aesthetically pleasing as the rest of the screen display.

Head of People and Culture 

There is no option to save pdf's or other documents (emails) in employee's profile , believe it or not, so we have to compile employee files separately which defeats the purpose for the system .

BambooHR vs ELMO Software Comparison (2026)

BambooHR

ELMO Software

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives