Being an HR professional in the startup world is not easy.

You’re competing with the big guys to recruit the best talent, and you need to build a smooth onboarding process for new employees. You also need to manage payroll, stay compliant, keep your employees happy, maintain a healthy work environment, and do a zillion other things, all with limited support and infrastructure and (usually) a tight budget.

You have my sympathies. But even better, you have my research skills at your disposal!

My team and I went all in and curated a list of the best HR software solutions tailored for startups. We weren’t swayed by fancy features; instead, we zeroed in on finding simple, effective, high-performance HR software and HR tools that tackled real challenges for small businesses and startups.

We Tested the Best HR Software for Startups

Why Startups Need HR Software

Startups rely on HR software to optimize operations, effectively manage top talent, and cultivate a culture of growth, innovation, and high productivity.

Because startups tend to scale quickly and pivot quickly too, the best HR software is one that helps them manage HR functions with minimal human effort and maximum efficiency.

With the right HR software, startups can automate mundane tasks, improve employee involvement, and leverage data for informed decision-making.

Here are some additional reasons why startups need a comprehensive HR software solution:

Managing human resources: Startups usually function with minimal resources, such as a lean HR team or just one HR specialist. HR software simplifies routine tasks such as payroll, benefits management, and regulatory compliance, allowing the team to concentrate on crucial areas like employee experience and retention
Scalability: Scalability is key as startups expand. HR software can adapt seamlessly to the company’s growth, handling everything from increasing employee numbers to evolving compliance requirements without requiring major upgrades
Data-driven decisions: An HR platform comes equipped with tools that analyze different workforce metrics, such as turnover rates, hiring effectiveness, and employee productivity. These insights empower startups to make well-informed decisions that align with their goals. Often, startups need to report this data to investors and shareholders
Compliance: Complying with labor laws and regulations can feel overwhelming, especially for new businesses without legal expertise. HR software helps maintain regulatory compliance, minimizing the chances of facing expensive fines and legal issues
AI and automation: AI in HR software automates repetitive tasks like resume screening, scheduling interviews, and onboarding. This saves time and enhances accuracy and efficiency, allowing HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives and employee engagement

What Should You Look for in HR Software?

Whether it’s advanced applicant tracking systems or all-encompassing employee management tools, selecting the right HR software can transform your team’s operations.

Here are some key features to look for:

User-friendliness: The software must be user-friendly and intuitive so that HR professionals can use it efficiently without the need for extensive training
Integration capabilities: The software should be able to integrate with various other systems, such as payroll services, performance management tools, and ERP software, to ensure smooth operations
Customizability: Startups come in all shapes and sizes, each with unique requirements based on their industry, scale, and business approach. The ideal HR software should offer customization options to meet these needs effectively
Comprehensive HR software features: Explore software options that offer a wide array of HR functions, such as workforce management, payroll, recruitment, performance management, and compliance tracking
Cost-effectiveness: Startups with limited budgets should prioritize cost-effectiveness when selecting software. Opt for a product with a flexible pricing structure or one that provides essential features at a reasonable cost
Support and training: Reliable customer support and training materials are vital when integrating new software. Make sure the HR software provider offers sufficient assistance to address any problems and guidance on maximizing its potential
AI-powered efficiency: Look for HR software that incorporates AI and automation features, such as automated resume screening, predictive analytics for hiring, and chatbots for employee inquiries

The 10 Best HR Software to Use in 2024

Take your pick from the best HR software for startups listed below.

1. ClickUp (Best for HR project management)

ClickUp HR Dashboard — Manage HR projects, onboarding, employee performance, engagement, and development seamlessly with ClickUp

ClickUp’s HR Management Platform is packed with tools and features tailored for HR teams. With seamless integration to over 1,000 top business applications and hundreds of customizable HR functions, ClickUp simplifies people management and planning greatly. It boosts operational efficiency, driving accelerated business growth.

You can use it to monitor employee performance, engagement, and growth through ClickUp Views which facilitates workforce alignment. You can also go ahead and create a centralized repository for employee information, building confidential communication channels between managers and team members.

Attracting and retaining top talent is made easier with a well-organized system for managing candidates, applications, and outreach efforts. Boost efficiency with editable templates, custom statuses, and automated processes that guide candidates through the recruitment pipeline.

You can also enhance training procedures by creating an employee handbook and implementing trackable tasks, goals, and documents with training and onboarding activities. ClickUp also offers employee feedback tools so you check the pulse of your employees.

ClickUp's HR Knowledge Base Template is designed to help you document and track the policies, procedures, and processes of your HR department. — ClickUp’s HR Knowledge Base Template is designed to help you document and track the policies, procedures, and processes of your HR department.

The ClickUp HR Knowledge Base Template is a single source of truth for consolidating important HR documents, policies, and procedures. It empowers HR teams to create a comprehensive hub of knowledge that’s easily accessible to all employees.

From streamlining onboarding processes to addressing common queries, this template ensures consistency and transparency throughout the organization.

Download This Template

ClickUp's Employee Directory Template is designed to help you keep track of your employees and their progress. — ClickUp’s Employee Directory Template is designed to help you keep track of your employees and their progress.

The Employee Directory Template by ClickUp is a comprehensive tool designed to help organizations manage and organize employee information in a centralized location. We especially liked its structured framework for storing and accessing essential details about each team member, including their name, job title, contact information, and other relevant details.

It is also particularly useful for improving employee communication by providing quick access to contact information.

Download This Template

ClickUp best features

Streamline your HR operations with ClickUp Automations to initiate task generation, delegate tasks, add comments, update task progress, and much more
Keep tabs on HR goals, project milestones, targets, and KPIs with a user-friendly tracking system
Use ClickUp’s Whiteboard for collaboration along with ClickUp’s dynamic and user-friendly HR templates and forms
Enjoy round-the-clock support with 24/7 customer service and access to other helpful resources for a seamless user experience

ClickUp limitations

Adjusting to ClickUp’s rich feature list may present a learning curve for some users
Lacks some of the more specific add-on features that other tools provide

ClickUp pricing

• Free forever

• Unlimited: $7/user per month

• Business: $12/user per month

• Enterprise: Custom pricing

• ClickUp Brain: Add to any paid plan for $7 per Workspace member per month

ClickUp ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.7/5 (9,000+ reviews)

• Capterra: 4.7/5 (4,000+ reviews)

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2. Gusto (Best for small businesses)

Gusto is an HR software for small and mid-sized teams that seamlessly manages onboarding, employee engagement, payroll management, and performance reviews.

We found the platform intuitive to use and appreciated that it offers valuable insights and robust time and attendance tracking, enabling a smooth, self-service experience for employers and employees.

It streamlines the hiring process with efficient job postings, customizable offer letter templates, and automated feedback requests, ensuring that new employees are seamlessly integrated into the team.

Gusto best features

Get free unlimited payroll runs, automate direct deposit payments, deductions, tax filings, and international contractor payments
Configure onboarding checklists, e-signage, document storage, and customized offer letter templates for smooth employee onboarding
Customize benefit packages with additional options for vision, dentistry, retirement, HSAs, FSAs, workers’ compensation, and commuter benefits

Gusto limitations

Limited reporting and analytics features
Native time tracking and workforce pricing are only accessible on the Plus plan and above
Lacks internal communication functions
No comprehensive calendar and task management functionalities

Gusto pricing

Simple: $40/month
Plus: $80/month
Premium: Custom pricing

Gusto ratings and reviews

G2: 4.5/5 (2000+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.6/5 (3000+ reviews)

3. Rippling (Best for integrated IT management functions)

Rippling is a cloud-based platform for managing global human resources and automating workforce operations, from hiring to termination. This HR software adapts to employee locations by customizing fields, documents, and currencies to support remote workers.

With Rippling, you can enroll your employees in health benefits, extend job offers, run background checks, handle new employee paperwork, process payroll, and more at every stage of the employee lifecycle.

Rippling best features

Use centralized hubs for data gathering to store and access employee information
Disable accounts, passwords, user permissions, and device ownership for former employees automatically when they leave
Simplify hiring processes by automating background checks, recruitment paperwork, and offer letter generation
Automate payroll computations, deductions, and tax filings in line with local payroll compliance rules and regulations

Rippling limitations

Rippling’s background check service comes at a high cost
Customization and multiple views are restricted to administrators only, leaving most employees without access
Lacks advanced tools for benchmarking and predictive analytics for future workforce planning

Rippling pricing

Core: Starts at $7/month per user
Pro: Custom pricing
Unlimited: Custom pricing
Enterprise: Custom pricing

Rippling ratings and reviews

G2: 4.8/5 (2000+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.9/5 (3000+ reviews)

4. Deel (Best HR software for global teams)

Deel is an HRIS system for enterprises of all sizes. It features an easy-to-use interface and customized HR tasks, including payroll management, benefits administration, attendance, etc.

This HRIS system provides a centralized location for storing employee information, allowing quick and easy access from anywhere. If you’re managing a global workforce, Deel is a good choice to help you with customized integrations and automation.

Deel best features

View all employee benefits, compensation, and expenses in a single dashboard
Offer employee pension programs, health insurance, or stipends depending on where they reside
Provide visa sponsorship, immigration assistance, specialized benefit packages, and global equity management to your distributed staff

Deel limitations

Lack of flexibility regarding compliance standards
Limited reporting capabilities, with a lack of detailed breakdowns of earnings and taxes
Can be an expensive option for small teams

Deel pricing

Deel HR: Free
Deel Engage: $20/month per employee

Deel ratings and reviews

G2: 4.8/5 (3000+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.7/5 (500+ reviews)

5. Culture Amp (Best for employee engagement)

Culture Amp is a people and culture platform that empowers businesses to proactively improve employee engagement, retention, and performance.

With its intuitive, all-in-one interface, this platform caters to organizations of varying sizes and industries. It facilitates employee engagement, cultivating high-performing teams, recognizing achievements, and promoting employee development.

We felt Culture Amp stands out for its action-oriented 360° feedback mechanism. This allows HR managers, team leads, and employees to unlock their full potential and drive continuous growth and improvement.

Culture Amp best features

Prepare for meetings effectively using helpful performance review prompts to guide your discussions
Keep track of your goals easily with progress trackers that provide detailed visibility into your progress
Gain valuable insights from surveys through easy-to-understand heatmaps and reports, helping you make informed decisions for your organization

Culture Amp limitations

Poor integration with Google Calendar and lacks the functionality to send performance review reminders
Limited customization options
Performance reviews and self-assessments involve a complex submission and sharing process
Managing self-reflection, peer feedback, and manager reviews can be cumbersome due to the separate sections

Culture Amp pricing

Engage: Custom pricing
Perform: Custom pricing
Develop: Custom pricing

Culture AMP ratings and reviews

G2: 4.5/5 (1000+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.7/5 (100+ reviews)

6. Deputy (Best for employee communication)

Deputy is a workforce management solution that streamlines administrative tasks such as scheduling, timesheet management, and communication. It supports one-click payroll integration, easy schedule preparation, and real-time governance of employee leave, time, and attendance.

This HR software for startups enables real-time attendance monitoring, allowing HR managers to accurately monitor shifts, lateness, and staff coverage. Deputy is compatible with over 300 POS and payroll systems, and our team felt it was especially useful for organizations that employ hourly workers.

Deputy best features

Streamline task management through a user-friendly interface designed for efficiency
Simplify the complexities of shift scheduling and timesheet management for smoother operations
Access valuable insights on wage expenditures to effectively manage labor margins and optimize resources
Enjoy seamless integration with a variety of cloud-based systems and payroll software

Deputy limitations

Performance issues and slower responsiveness can hinder smooth workflow efficiency
Limitations on applying for ‘unavailable’ dates after a roster has been drafted or published
Issues with handling leave requests; users cannot revoke their leave once accepted
Options for task reporting functionalities are limited

Deputy pricing

Scheduling: $4.50/month per user
Time & Attendance: $4.50/month per user
Premium: $6/month per user
Enterprise: Custom pricing

Deputy ratings and reviews

G2: 4.6/5 (200+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.6/5 (700+ reviews)

7. TriNet HR Platform (Best for managing employee payroll)

TriNet HR Platform (formerly Zenefits) is cloud-based SaaS human resources software that helps small and midsized businesses manage their employees and maintain compliance.

Integrated partner apps, advice services, and HR and payroll from TriNet HR Platform’s People Platform are perfect for tasks related to HR administration. The platform reduces paperwork and complexity and allows businesses to focus on launching, running, and expanding their businesses.

TriNet HR Platform best features

Achieve a paperless HR environment and reduce the team’s expenses
Integrate data with mobile devices for managing offer letters and other HR processes with ease
Use its extensive features for onboarding/offboarding, compliance, timekeeping, insurance, and custom reporting
Experience reliable time-off requests and approval processes

TriNet HR Platform limitations

Difficulty declaring unavailability once shifts are drafted
Does not allow for simple rescheduling or leave reversals without managerial intervention
Inaccuracies and delayed response times with tax-related queries
Inflexible scheduling options
Difficulties with the I-9 verification process

TriNet HR Platform pricing

Essentials: $8/month per user
Growth: $20/month per user
Zen: $33/month per user

TriNet HR Platform ratings and reviews

G2: 3.9/5 (400+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.2/5 (800+ reviews)

8. BambooHR (Best for employee self-service)

BambooHR is designed for small and medium-sized organizations. It focuses on employee retention and offers simple solutions for managing employee benefits, gathering feedback, and creating performance goals.

This employee management software is well-known for its user-friendly interface, ready-to-use workflows and reports, and pre-built analysis for insights into turnover and time off. As an HR platform, we believe it is suitable for both tech-savvy and tech-averse organizations.

BambooHR best features

Use pre-built workflows to implement HR processes quickly
Automate well-being surveys to track growth, retention, and employee satisfaction
Keep track of new hires with built-in onboarding packets, including electronic signing
Use multiple features for employees to track their performance through assessments, feedback, goals, and training

BambooHR limitations

Limited metrics in its reporting feature
Lacks a built-in scheduling feature
No modules for employee training or scheduling

BambooHR pricing

Custom pricing

BambooHR ratings and reviews

G2: 4.4/5 (2000+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.6/5 (2000+ reviews)

9. Omni HR (Best for employee onboarding)

Omni HR is a comprehensive HR software for startups. It streamlines all aspects of the employee experience, from hiring to managing time off and everything in between.

Its user-friendly design offers a range of features such as onboarding, e-signatures, employee database management, attendance, performance tracking, document organization, payroll processing, self-service tools for employees, and customizable reporting options.

Omni HR best features

Experience intuitive and customizable interfaces to suit your specific data management needs
Take advantage of free modules like assets and inventory
Experience effective onboarding automation for timely document management and task tracking

Omni HR limitations

Limited features in the payroll and expense module
Lacks scalability for enterprise needs, self-serve capabilities, and global data compliance

Omni HR pricing

Standard: $3/month per user
Enterprise: Custom pricing

Omni HR ratings and reviews

G2: Not enough reviews
Capterra: Not enough reviews

10. GoHire (Best for talent acquisition and recruitment)

GoHire provides startups and small and mid-sized businesses with a comprehensive talent acquisition solution. It aims to revolutionize traditional hiring methods by allowing businesses to concentrate on attracting top-tier candidates, and we’re inclined to believe it does!

This HR platform enhances and simplifies the recruitment journey. It offers seamless integration with websites, social media, and job boards for easy setup and talent scouting.

Through its user-friendly interface, users can effectively manage job listings, applicant tracking, and interview scheduling.

GoHire best features

Tailor candidate management features such as evaluation templates and candidate funnels to your specific needs
Experience automated workflows, in-app emailing, and quick chat responses for better communication
Get access to customizable reports and analytics

GoHire limitations

Job postings require human verification before they go live, leading to a slowed-down recruitment cycle
Unresponsive customer support, especially when dealing with technical issues or bugs
The dashboard and layout can be complex to navigate
Limited pre-built options

GoHire pricing

Starter: $89/month
Growth: $150/month
Pro: $290/month

GoHire ratings and reviews

G2: Not enough reviews
Capterra: 4.5/5 (100+ reviews)

Your Team Deserves the Best HR Software

Running a startup is hard. So give your team the HR software they deserve—one that effortlessly combines different functions to enhance workflows, streamline operations, reduce administrative burdens, and boost productivity.

For startups aiming to maximize efficiency and drive growth, ClickUp is the ultimate solution to helo you run a tight HR ship. ClickUp goes beyond simplifying HR processes. It equips your team with a single platform for human resource planning (HRP), teamwork, and task organization, guaranteeing increased employee engagement and efficiency company-wide.

With a wide range of functionalities, such as customizable features for onboarding, goal-setting, talent development, process standardization, employee requests, and performance review templates, ClickUp is a one-stop solution and the best HR software for startups.

Everything you need to stay organized and get work done.

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