The best overall pick is Workday, ideal for large enterprises needing advanced analytics and global compliance. For mid-market businesses, BambooHR offers intuitive design and excellent support. Small businesses should consider Gusto for its simple payroll and benefits integration at an affordable entry price.
RANKENTRYSCORETRENDFROM
1WorkdayPowers payroll and HR for over 10,000 companies across 190+ countries with continuous updates.95.0NEWCustom 2BambooHRServes over 27,000 customers globally with particular strength in customer service and implementation support.92.7NEW£59/month 3GustoProcesses payroll for over 1 million employees and offers integrated benefits administration at entry-level prices.90.3NEW£39/month per employee 4SAP SuccessFactorsUsed by over 9,000 enterprises globally and part of the SAP cloud ecosystem for seamless integration.88.0NEWCustom 5ADP Workforce NowProcesses payroll for over 29 million workers globally, making it one of the largest payroll processors.85.7NEWCustom 6RipplingAutomates 200+ employee lifecycle processes and offers unique IT asset management integration.83.3NEW£50/month per employee 7ZenefitsServes over 10,000 customers and has transitioned to a new product architecture for improved functionality.81.0NEWCustom 8Paychex FlexPaychex processes payroll for over 700,000 US businesses and has been operating since 1971.78.7NEWCustom 9UKG ProCombines the strengths of Kronos and Ultimate Software following their 2020 merger.76.3NEWCustom 10NamelyServes mid-market companies across North America with particular strength in design and employee engagement.74.0NEWCustom The ranking, in detail
01
Enterprise-grade cloud HCM for global organisations
Workday is a comprehensive cloud-based human capital management platform serving enterprises worldwide. It combines HCM, payroll, financials, and analytics in a single system with strong multinational capabilities and real-time reporting.
From CustomBest for Large enterprises with complex payroll and global workforce management needs
95.0
02
Intuitive, human-focused HRM for growing businesses
BambooHR is a cloud HR platform designed specifically for small-to-mid-sized businesses. It emphasises user experience and simplicity whilst providing core HR functionality including employee records, time tracking, and performance management.
From £59/monthBest for Small to medium-sized businesses wanting straightforward, user-friendly HR software
92.7
03
Simple payroll, HR, and benefits for small businesses
Gusto is a cloud-based payroll and HR platform tailored for small businesses and startups. It integrates payroll processing, employee benefits, and HR administration in an accessible, mobile-friendly interface.
From £39/month per employeeBest for Small businesses and startups prioritising payroll simplicity and compliance
90.3
04
Enterprise talent management and HR suite
SAP SuccessFactors is a cloud-based HCM platform serving large and midmarket enterprises. It covers talent management, payroll, learning, and workforce analytics with strong integration capabilities into broader SAP systems.
From CustomBest for Large enterprises seeking integrated HCM with broader ERP ecosystem compatibility
88.0
05
Comprehensive cloud HCM platform for mid-market enterprises
ADP Workforce Now is a cloud-based human capital management solution providing integrated payroll, HR, benefits, and workforce analytics. It serves mid-market and enterprise organisations across multiple industries and geographies.
From CustomBest for Mid-market to enterprise businesses needing integrated payroll and HR with local compliance
85.7
06
Modern HR, IT, and payroll platform for growing companies
Rippling is a cloud-based HR and IT management platform combining HR, payroll, benefits, and IT asset management in a single dashboard. It emphasises automation and integration across employee lifecycle management.
From £50/month per employeeBest for Tech-forward growing companies needing integrated HR and IT management
83.3
07
HR platform with integrated benefits and payroll
Zenefits is a cloud-based HR and payroll solution targeting small and medium-sized businesses. It integrates HR administration, payroll processing, employee benefits, and compliance tools in an approachable interface.
From CustomBest for Small to medium-sized businesses seeking integrated HR, benefits, and payroll
81.0
08
Integrated payroll and HR management for businesses of all sizes
Paychex Flex is a cloud-based payroll and HR platform serving small-to-mid-market businesses. It combines payroll processing, HR administration, benefits management, and time tracking in one platform.
From CustomBest for Small to mid-market businesses prioritising payroll accuracy and integrated HR management
78.7
09
Comprehensive workforce management and HCM
UKG Pro (Ultimate Kronos Group) is a cloud-based HR, payroll, and workforce management solution. It combines HCM, payroll, benefits, and time and attendance in a unified platform designed for mid-market and enterprise organisations.
From CustomBest for Mid-market to enterprise organisations needing integrated workforce management and payroll
76.3
10
HR, payroll, and benefits platform with strong design
Namely is a cloud-based HR, payroll, and benefits platform designed for mid-market companies. It emphasises a modern, design-focused experience whilst providing comprehensive HR and payroll functionality.
From CustomBest for Mid-market businesses valuing user experience and modern interface design
74.0
Frequently asked questions
Which HR system is best for a startup or very small business?
Gusto is the strongest choice for startups, offering transparent per-employee pricing from £39/month, integrated payroll, tax filing, and benefits administration without complex setup. BambooHR is also excellent for small teams prioritising ease of use over advanced payroll processing.
What should enterprises prioritise when choosing an HR system?
Large enterprises should focus on Workday or SAP SuccessFactors for global compliance support, advanced analytics, and scalability. Consider implementation timelines, total cost of ownership, and integration with existing ERP systems before committing.
How much does a typical HR system cost and what is included?
Pricing varies significantly: small business platforms like Gusto start from £39/month per employee with payroll and benefits included; mid-market solutions typically charge custom pricing based on headcount and features; enterprise platforms like Workday require custom quotes. Most include payroll, HR records, and basic reporting as standard.