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BambooHR vs Zoho People: Choosing the Right HR Software for Your Business

Choosing the right Human Resource Management Software can significantly impact your organization's efficiency and employee experience. In this detailed comparison of BambooHR vs Zoho People, we explore how each platform stacks up in terms of features, usability, pricing, and scalability.

BambooHR is well-known for its intuitive interface and strong performance in employee data management, applicant tracking, and onboarding. It is ideal for small to mid-sized companies looking for an easy-to-use solution that centralizes HR operations. BambooHR also offers performance management and advanced reporting tools, but it may come at a higher cost compared to its competitors.


Zoho People, on the other hand, stands out with its affordability and integration within the Zoho ecosystem. It offers robust customization, time tracking, and leave management features, making it highly scalable for growing businesses. It’s a strong option for companies looking for flexibility and cost-effective automation.


When choosing between the two, consider your business size, budget, integration needs, and specific HR processes. BambooHR is better for companies focused on simplicity and core HR features, while Zoho People provides more customizability and value for money.


Want a detailed breakdown? Scroll down for side-by-side feature comparisons, pricing plans, pros and cons, and use-case recommendations to help you make an informed decision.

About BambooHR

BambooHR is a U.S.-based, cloud-native HR software launched in 2008. It offers an intuitive experience for managing employee data, time-off, hiring, benefits, performance, and payroll, especially suited to small and mid-sized businesses in the U.S. with simple HR needs. 

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💰 Pricing

  • Quote-based tiers (Essentials, Advantage)
  • Starts at ~$4–5/employee/month (annually billed)
  • Add-ons: payroll, performance, tracking

🎯 Best For

  • SMBs in the U.S. with HR compliance needs
  • Quick onboarding & self-service HR teams
  • Non-technical teams wanting ease of use

✨ Core Features

  • ✔ Employee database, onboarding, time-off tracking, attendance
  • ✔ Performance reviews, document management, applicant tracking
  • ✔ Benefits (U.S. focused), HR workflows, analytics & reporting
  • ✔ Integrates with 130+ apps: Slack, Workable, BambooHR Marketplace

✅ Pros

  • Easy setup; mastered in hours
  • Modern, clean UI for all users
  • Excellent support (live chat <1 min)

❌ Cons

  • Basic automation & customization tools
  • Limited expense/benefits options vs Zoho People

⚙️ Specifications

  • Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
  • Support: Email, phone, chat, help docs
  • Integrations: 130+ apps (Slack, Workable, etc.)

🔁 Alternatives

Compare with Gusto, Zoho People, Workday, PeopleHR, ADP, and SAP SuccessFactors.

About Zoho People

Zoho People is a global HR platform from Zoho Corporation, headquartered in Chennai. It offers core HR plus advanced features—like automation, performance management, expense processing, and AI-driven workflows, integrated with the broader Zoho ecosystem. Suitable for global teams and Indian businesses. 

💸 Pricing

  • Free for up to 5 users
  • Paid plans from $4.16/user/month (annual billing)

🎯 Best Suited For

  • Global businesses with teams in India, UAE, etc.
  • Companies needing deep HR automation
  • Teams using or integrating with Zoho Suite

✨ Key Features

  • ✔ Time tracking, attendance, leave, shift scheduling
  • ✔ Appraisals, 360° feedback, customizable review cycles
  • ✔ Expense, travel, onboarding, offboarding, HR case handling
  • ✔ AI Assistant “Zia,” document & learning management
  • ✔ Integrates with Zoho Payroll, Recruit, and other apps

✅ Pros

  • All-in-one HR suite, included in base plan
  • Custom workflows & strong automation
  • Powerful AI assistant (Zia)

❌ Cons

  • Steep learning curve for admins
  • Occasional interface overload
  • Setup may take a few days

⚙️ Specifications

  • Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
  • Support: Email, chat, webinars
  • Languages: Global multi-language support
  • Security: Role-based access, APIs, SLA-ready

🔁 Alternatives

Consider BambooHR, HiBob, Keka, ADP, SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, and PeopleWorks for comparison.

📊 Side‑by‑Side Comparison

Category BambooHR Zoho People
Target Audience U.S.-based SMBs wanting simplicity SMEs globally needing automation & full HR depth
Entry Pricing Contact vendor (~$4–5/user/month) $4.16/user/month; free up to 5 users
User Interface & Ease Highly intuitive; learning in hours Functional but complex; setup takes days
Automation & AI Basic workflows; no AI Zia AI automates leave, queries, approvals
Features Core HR, benefits, performance (U.S.) Core HR, attendance, expense, onboarding, etc.
Expense & Benefits Moderate capabilities Advanced expense & benefits built-in
Customization & Workflows Limited high-level configuration Deep customization with automation & APIs
Mobile UX & Admin Tools Streamlined mobile experience Full-featured mobile; setup takes effort
Integrations 130+ via BambooHR Marketplace Native Zoho apps + APIs + Zapier
Support Live chat; very responsive Email, chat, webinars; sometimes slower

At Fgrade, we advise:

✅ Choose BambooHR if you’re a U.S.-based SMB looking for quick setup, excellent support, and clean usability without heavy technical needs.

✅ Choose Zoho People if your organization values automation, deep customization, global compliance, and you're comfortable with longer onboarding and exploration.

Looking to scale up?

Let Fgrade will guide you for adoption or migration strategy today

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