BambooHR Review 2025: Pricing, Features, Pros & Cons, Ratings & More

BambooHR is a comprehensive HR management software designed to simplify human resource tasks and streamline HR processes. With its user-friendly platform, BambooHR helps businesses manage critical HR functions such as employee data tracking, time-off management, performance reviews, and onboarding. This powerful tool is particularly popular among small to medium-sized businesses for its ease of use and robust features.

Our BambooHR review reveals that the software goes beyond essential HR functions by offering advanced capabilities like applicant tracking, payroll integration, and reporting tools. These features provide HR teams valuable insights into workforce metrics, aiding in better decision-making. BambooHR’s intuitive design ensures seamless navigation for HR teams and employees, enhancing engagement and productivity. It also supports a cloud-based system, allowing users to access HR information securely from anywhere.

What’s New in BambooHR?

This BambooHR review will explore the latest updates that enhance the software's functionality and user experience. BambooHR is constantly evolving to support HR teams better and streamline workflow and business process management. From new user interface changes to advanced tools like the AI-powered assistant, BambooHR continues to add value for its users. The most recent features focus on improving access management, enhancing payroll capabilities, and adding better shift tracking.

• Adjust Deduction Start and End Dates During a Payroll Run: Released on November 26, 2024, this update makes payroll deduction management more flexible. HR administrators can start or end deductions early, reactivate recent deductions, or pull deductions from the current year into payroll runs. The new "Upcoming Changes to Deductions" table provides clear visibility and quick actions to start or end deductions with a single click, simplifying payroll processing.
• Better Access Level Assignment: On November 21, 2024, BambooHR introduced improvements for user access management. Now, admins can assign and adjust user access directly from the Settings or employee profile, with three options: preview, manage/edit, and send a password reset email. These tools make it easier to control who sees what and manage permissions efficiently. This update ensures that managing employee access is more streamlined and clear-cut.
• Mobile Shift Differentials: With the November 18, 2024 update, BambooHR added the ability to view shift differentials on employee timesheets via the mobile app. This enhancement allows HR teams to easily track and manage shift-based pay adjustments, ensuring accurate compensation for hourly employees working at different times or days.
• Different Company Contributions for Employee and Dependent Cost (Age-Banded Medical Plans): The update released on November 11, 2024, supports more granular cost management for age-banded medical plans. Administrators can now designate different company contributions for employee versus dependent coverage. This change improves the rate calculator's flexibility, allowing for precise and automated cost assessments tailored to various needs.
• New User Interface: The October 23, 2024 update brought a fresh, modern look to the BambooHR platform. While maintaining its core functionality, the user interface was redesigned for a more cohesive experience. The navigation bar was moved to the left side of the screen to align with industry trends, ensuring that HR teams have an intuitive and updated workspace.
• Ask BambooHR - AI Assistant: Also released on October 23, 2024, the AI-powered Ask BambooHR chat tool helps reduce HR workload by providing employees with reliable answers to common questions. Drawing from data like HRIS records, company policies, and more, Ask BambooHR ensures that employees receive accurate information, improving response times and allowing HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives. Available on desktop, mobile, and soon through Slack, this tool offers 24/7 assistance, even outside office hours.

How Can You Integrate BambooHR With Other Essential Business Tools?

BambooHR provides robust integration capabilities that enable organizations to connect HR functions with other specialized business systems. Its API and configurable data fields allow for seamless data synchronization with software used in project and financial management. For example, companies operating within the construction sector can enhance their workflow by linking BambooHR with construction estimating software, thereby aligning employee management with project budgeting and scheduling. This integration facilitates holistic visibility across departments and streamlines processes without redundant data entry.

In this BambooHR review, we’ll break down the pricing structure for this popular HR software. BambooHR pricing is flexible and tailored to the size of your business. Companies with fewer than 25 employees are charged a flat monthly rate, while those with more than 25 pay on a per-employee, per-month basis. There’s no annual contract requirement, and volume discounts are automatically applied as your employee count grows. BambooHR also offers a free demo to help you explore its features before committing. Here are the quote-based BambooHR pricing plans:

Core Plan

The Core Plan covers essential HR management features, including:

• HR Data & Reporting
• Hiring & Onboarding
• Time Off & Benefits Tracking
• Employee Experience
• Integrations Marketplace

Pro Plan

The Pro Plan includes everything in the Core Plan plus advanced features like:

• Performance Management
• Employee Community

Add-On Solutions

Enhance your system with optional capabilities such as:

• Payroll
• Benefits Administration
• Time Tracking

• Intuitive Design: The user-friendly dashboard and navigation make it simple to manage HR tasks.
• Streamlined Onboarding: Automated onboarding processes, including digital documents and e-signatures, save time.
• Time Tracking and PTO Management: Automates tracking of working hours, timecards, and leave requests.
• Cross-Platform Login: Seamless access from any operating system, ensuring convenience.
• Feature-Rich Payroll: Offers features like Google Calendar integration for PTO requests.
• Cost-Effective: Ideal for small to mid-sized businesses looking for affordable HR solutions.

• Limited Customization: Reporting tools and payroll settings lack flexibility for complex requirements.
• Navigation Challenges: Some functions are buried within menus, making them harder to find.
• Integration Issues: Third-party integrations could be improved for smoother operations.
• Support Limitations: Customer support can be slow, often requiring cases to be escalated for resolution.
• Regional Focus: BambooHR's features are heavily tailored to US-based businesses, which may not suit global teams.

BambooHR offers many features to simplify HR tasks, save time, and improve the employee experience. This BambooHR review will explore the core features that set this software apart and why businesses rely on it. From powerful data management tools to seamless payroll and onboarding, BambooHR features cater to businesses of all sizes. Here’s an overview of its standout capabilities.

• HR Data & Reporting: BambooHR makes managing employee data and generating reports effortlessly. HR professionals can safely store and access sensitive information with a secure database. Its 49 built-in reports allow organizations to quickly uncover insights and make strategic decisions. The mobile app adds convenience, enabling on-the-go access to records and analytics. As noted in BambooHR reviews, these tools save significant time and reduce manual effort.
• Hiring & Onboarding: Finding and onboarding the right talent is seamless with BambooHR’s integrated applicant tracking system (ATS) tools. From posting jobs to managing applications, it speeds up the hiring process. The onboarding tools set new employees up for success with digital forms and e-signatures. Additionally, BambooHR simplifies offboarding, ensuring smooth transitions.
• Payroll, Time, & Benefits: BambooHR is a single platform that integrates payroll, time tracking, and benefits management. This integration eliminates double data entry and streamlines approvals. Employees can clock in, request time off, and review benefits all in one place. Payroll processing is accurate and stress-free, a highlight of our BambooHR review.
• Employee Experience & Performance: BambooHR fosters engagement with tools like eNPS surveys and employee wellbeing check-ins. Performance management features help align goals and recognize achievements, boosting morale. Total Rewards statements build trust by showing employees the full value of their compensation. With its Employee Community feature, BambooHR enhances internal communication and collaboration.
• Integrations: BambooHR integrations support over 125 platforms, including Slack, Microsoft, and Google, making connecting with other tools your business uses easy. This flexibility ensures smooth workflows across platforms, a key benefit highlighted in our BambooHR review.

BambooHR offers numerous advantages that streamline HR tasks and improve employee experiences. By addressing HR challenges and providing powerful tools, BambooHR helps businesses focus on what matters most—their people. Below are the key benefits businesses can expect when using this platform.

Simplifies HR Processes

BambooHR automates time-consuming HR tasks like payroll processing, benefits management, and time tracking. Its user-friendly interface ensures HR professionals and employees can navigate the system quickly. Workflows and approval systems significantly reduce manual errors and delays, making HR management stress-free. Our BambooHR review emphasizes that this efficiency is a standout feature for businesses of all sizes.

Enhances Employee Engagement

Through tools like eNPS surveys, performance management, and wellbeing check-ins, BambooHR empowers organizations to listen to employee feedback. Features such as Total Rewards and the Employee Community foster a sense of appreciation and connectivity, boosting overall morale and retention rates. This BambooHR review highlights how these tools create a more engaged and motivated workforce.

Speeds Up Hiring and Onboarding

BambooHR's ATS and digital onboarding tools speed up and improve the hiring and onboarding process. Customizable workflows ensure new hires feel welcome and prepared, and tools like electronic signatures and mobile app access make the process seamless for HR teams and employees.

Centralizes Employee Data

BambooHR provides a secure, centralized database for storing and managing employee records. This central hub ensures easy access to critical information, minimizes paperwork, and improves data accuracy. Built-in data analytics tools allow companies to leverage their data to make informed decisions.

Increases Accessibility with Mobile Tools

The BambooHR mobile app allows employees and HR managers to stay connected and productive on the go. Whether checking schedules, approving time-off requests, or accessing key documents, the mobile app makes HR functions more accessible than ever, enhancing productivity and convenience.

Supports Global Workforces

Although BambooHR is U.S.-focused, its customizable features make it suitable for international teams. The ability to set up region-specific holidays, benefits, and payroll options ensures that global organizations can adapt the platform to meet their needs effectively.

Selecting the right HR software is crucial for optimizing workforce management and addressing unique business needs. While BambooHR offers a user-friendly platform for small to medium-sized businesses, companies should assess solutions based on their specific requirements. Below are some key factors to consider:

Scalability and Flexibility

Your HR software should grow with your business. Scalable platforms like BambooHR accommodate expanding employee bases and evolving functionality requirements. However, larger organizations or those with global operations may need more advanced compliance features and extensive customization options.

Integration Capabilities

Seamless integration with existing tools such as payroll systems, time trackers, and performance management tools is critical. Solutions like BambooHR provide robust integration options, but it’s essential to ensure compatibility with your unique technology stack for streamlined workflows.

Usability and Support

A platform that prioritizes ease of use and offers comprehensive support, such as BambooHR’s intuitive design and responsive customer service, is essential for HR teams with varying technical expertise.

Specialized Features

Depending on your business’s priorities, consider features such as global workforce management, employee engagement tools, or advanced analytics. 

This BambooHR review has demonstrated how the platform caters to diverse industries, making it a versatile HR solution for many business types. Below is a breakdown of the most common industries that benefit from BambooHR and a note on who might find it less suitable.

• Construction: Construction companies use BambooHR to manage a mix of full-time, part-time, and contract employees. Its time tracking, benefits administration, and mobile access ensure HR processes are streamlined even for field workers.
• Education: Schools and universities rely on BambooHR for efficient hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluations. Its employee satisfaction tools help academic institutions address faculty and staff engagement.
• Finance: Financial institutions use BambooHR’s secure database and automated reporting features to comply with regulations and manage sensitive employee data effectively.
• Healthcare: BambooHR simplifies workforce management for healthcare providers by tracking certifications, licenses, and shifts while ensuring compliance with labor laws.
• Nonprofit: Nonprofit organizations appreciate BambooHR’s affordability and tools like volunteer management and performance tracking. Its flexibility ensures resources are maximized.
• Technology: Tech companies leverage BambooHR for its integrations with other software, ability to manage remote teams, and focus on employee engagement and retention.

Smaller businesses with fewer than ten employees or startups that need highly customizable, non-US-centric solutions might find BambooHR less ideal. Additionally, companies requiring extensive payroll customization for international employees may need supplementary tools for comprehensive coverage.