BambooHR Review - Features, Pricing & Deals

Last Updated
Apr 10, 2025

BambooHR is a cloud-based human resource management platform that helps small to mid-sized businesses handle their HR tasks more efficiently. The software brings together essential HR functions like employee data management, hiring, onboarding, and time-off tracking in one central location.

The platform offers straightforward tools for managing the entire employee lifecycle. HR teams can post jobs, track applicants, and streamline the hiring process. Once employees are on board, the system helps with document management, time-off requests, and performance reviews. Managers and employees alike can access their information through a user-friendly self-service portal.

While pricing isn't publicly available and varies based on company size and needed features, BambooHR provides both basic and advanced plan options. The basic package includes core HR functions, while the advanced tier adds features like hiring tools and performance management. Companies with fewer than 20 employees can opt for a flat monthly rate, while larger organizations pay per employee.

The software shows particular strength in its reporting capabilities and employee data management, though some users note its payroll features could be more robust. The platform maintains high security standards with data encryption and customizable access controls to keep sensitive information safe.

Who is BambooHR for?

BambooHR serves as an ideal solution for growing businesses that need to streamline their HR processes without a large administrative team. It helps small to mid-sized companies save time on routine HR tasks while providing a professional experience for both managers and employees.

  • HR Managers in small companies who handle multiple responsibilities and need a centralized system to manage employee data, time off, and hiring processes
  • Business owners who want to graduate from spreadsheets to a proper HR system without needing technical expertise
  • Hiring managers who need a straightforward applicant tracking system that integrates with their existing employee management tools
  • Office administrators who manage HR functions alongside other duties and need intuitive, time-saving tools
  • Department leaders who want self-service access to team information and performance management tools
  • Non-profit organizations looking for affordable HR solutions with their special 15% discount

BambooHR is particularly valuable for service businesses, technology startups, healthcare practices, educational institutions, and professional services firms with 20 to 500 employees.

Online Reviews (Last 6 Months Summarised)

BambooHR gets mixed reviews from users who appreciate its intuitive interface and comprehensive HR features. Most people find the software easy to navigate, with strong tools for employee data management and time-off tracking. Customers often praise the responsive support team as a significant plus.

However, the platform isn't perfect. Some users criticize its limited customization options and potentially high costs for smaller businesses. The payroll system's restriction to US-based workers can be a dealbreaker for international companies. While generally well-regarded, BambooHR might not be a one-size-fits-all solution for every organization's HR needs.

Features

  • Employee Data Management: Centralize and customize employee information with a comprehensive database that allows secure, role-based access to personal, professional, and organizational details.
  • Applicant Tracking System: Streamline recruitment by posting jobs across multiple platforms, tracking candidates, scheduling interviews, and managing communication seamlessly.
  • Time-Off Management: Automate leave tracking, approval processes, and attendance records to simplify workforce scheduling and time-off requests.
  • Performance Management: Enable goal setting, 360-degree feedback, and self-assessments to support employee growth and comprehensive performance evaluations.
  • Onboarding Tools: Simplify new hire integration with automated paperwork and a smooth, structured onboarding experience that helps employees get started quickly.
  • Employee Self-Service: Empower employees to manage personal details, track benefits, and submit time-off requests independently.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Generate over 49 standard reports and create custom insights with flexible filtering to track HR metrics effectively.
  • Benefits Administration: Manage employee benefits enrollment, tracking, and updates through an integrated, user-friendly platform.
  • Payroll Integration: Add robust payroll capabilities with automatic tax calculations, direct deposit, and multi-rate tracking for employees.
  • Advanced Security Features: Protect sensitive data with encryption, multi-factor authentication, and customizable access permissions.
  • AI-Powered Insights: Leverage artificial intelligence to analyze employee feedback and enhance the overall employee experience through smart survey tools.

Pricing

  • Per-employee pricing for companies with over 20 employees, requiring a direct quote from BambooHR for exact costs.
  • Flat monthly rate available for businesses with 20 employees or fewer, with pricing details only obtainable through direct contact.
  • Volume discounts automatically applied as employee count increases, offering reduced per-employee rates for larger organizations.
  • Non-profit organizations receive an additional 15% discount on their subscription.
  • Add-on features like payroll, time tracking, and benefits administration available at extra cost, requiring individual quotes.
  • Flexible month-to-month contracts with no annual commitment, allowing cancellation at any time.
  • Payment methods include credit cards, ACH, wire transfers, and checks for annual prepayments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of businesses is BambooHR best suited for?

BambooHR works best for small to mid-sized businesses with 20 to 500 employees. Very small companies might find it expensive for their needs, while huge enterprises might need more specialized features. It's perfect if you're growing fast and need to move beyond spreadsheets but don't want something overly complex. Many companies in tech, healthcare, nonprofits, and professional services love using BambooHR.

Does BambooHR have a mobile app?

Yes! BambooHR offers mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices. The app lets employees view company directories, request time off, access their personal info, and view company announcements while on the go. Managers can approve time-off requests and access employee data when they're away from their desks. The mobile app doesn't have all the features of the desktop version, but it covers the most common day-to-day needs.

How easy is BambooHR to implement?

Most companies can get BambooHR up and running within a few weeks. The setup process includes importing employee data, configuring your settings, and training your team. BambooHR provides implementation specialists who guide you through the process step by step. Users often say the interface is intuitive and easy to learn. The biggest time investment is typically cleaning up and organizing your existing HR data before importing it into the system.

Can BambooHR handle international employees?

BambooHR can store and manage data for international employees with customizable fields for country-specific information. The platform supports multiple currencies and can track international holidays and time-off policies. However, the payroll feature only works for US-based employees. If you need international payroll processing, you'll need to use another system or a third-party integration. The platform is available in English, with limited support for other languages.

What integrations does BambooHR offer?

BambooHR connects with many popular business tools. You'll find integrations with payroll systems like ADP and Paylocity, applicant tracking systems like JazzHR, performance management tools like 15Five, and time tracking apps like TSheets. It also works with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, Slack, and many benefits administration platforms. If you need a custom connection, BambooHR offers an API that lets developers build their own integrations. Most users find the existing integrations cover their basic needs, though some wish for more advanced options.

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