This guide organizes vendor-published information and decision questions. No retained direct-use evidence record is attached, so it does not claim direct product use. Confirm current features, prices, terms and availability in the linked vendor sources.
Start with the workflow
A useful shortlist begins with requirements that can be checked. Write down the current process, the failure that needs to be removed and the evidence needed before a purchase.
Coverage
Confirm worker types, states or jurisdictions, tax services and which filings remain the employer's responsibility.
Payroll controls
Review approvals, corrections, off-cycle payments, audit history and funding deadlines.
People records
Map onboarding, documents, benefits, leave, role access and termination workflow.
Support and exit
Check escalation routes, year-end records, historical exports and migration assistance.
Products in the comparison set
Products appear alphabetically. Inclusion is a starting point for source review, not a preferred-placement signal. Open each vendor source and record the details that matter to the workflow.
BambooHR
Inspect current vendor information for HR records, payroll availability, implementation, integrations and export.
Open vendor sourceGusto
Inspect current vendor information for payroll coverage, worker setup, benefits, filing scope and support.
Open vendor sourceOnPay
Inspect current vendor information for payroll coverage, fees, worker types, filing scope and integrations.
Open vendor sourceRippling
Inspect current vendor information for payroll, identity, HR modules, administration and implementation.
Open vendor sourceBuild a source-backed decision record
Keep the result readable enough that another person can understand why a product stayed on the shortlist and which points still need confirmation.
| Record | Question | Evidence to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Business job | What must improve, and what cannot break? | Current workflow, required outcome and unacceptable failure. |
| Vendor facts | What does the vendor currently publish? | Official URL, access date, plan name, documented limit and relevant terms. |
| Workflow fit | How does the product map to the real process? | Required roles, integrations, data fields, approvals and exception path. |
| Commercial terms | What changes total cost or commitment? | Current fees, add-ons, billing term, cancellation route and data export. |
| Open questions | Which material points remain uncertain? | Vendor answer, contract language or a documented direct-use record. |
Questions readers usually ask
Does this guide report direct product use?
No retained direct-use record is attached. The page is therefore limited to editorial organization of published sources and purchase questions.
Why is there no single numerical verdict?
Team size, workflow, required integrations, risk tolerance and commercial terms can change the decision. The evidence behind those factors is more useful than a compressed number.
How should current prices be handled?
Use the vendor's pricing and legal pages at the point of decision. Save the URL, plan name and access date because commercial terms can change.
What should happen before adoption?
Confirm data ownership, security needs, support scope, cancellation and export. For material uncertainty, obtain a written vendor answer or create a documented direct-use record.
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Editorial methodology
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