Top 11AI made for AI

Alternatives to Rippling

Rippling ranks #1 on the Top 11 The 11 Best HR Software for Small Business (2026). Below: the higher-ranked alternatives we’d steer you to instead, by use case.

Verified . No paid placement — see methodology.

  1. #1Gusto

    9.3 / 9.4

    The easiest-to-use platform for all-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR, perfect for business owners without HR staff.

    Best for: Overall ease of use · Pricing: $$ ($46 to $150+/mo) · gusto.com

  2. #1Gusto

    9.2 / 9.4

    The easiest-to-use, payroll-centric HRIS for businesses under 100 employees.

    Best for: Payroll-first, all-in-one HR for startups · Pricing: $$ ($8 to $15 PEPM + base fee) · gusto.com

  3. #1UKG Pro Workforce Management

    9.3 / 9.4

    The top choice for enterprise AI forecasting and complex scheduling.

    Best for: Enterprise-grade forecasting and compliance. · Pricing: $$$$ ($15+ PEPM) · www.ukg.com

  4. #1Timetastic

    9.3 / 9.4

    The best dedicated leave management tool for its pure simplicity and visual clarity.

    Best for: Simple, focused leave management · Pricing: $ ($1 to $3/user/mo) · www.timetastic.co.uk

  5. #2BambooHR

    9.1 / 9.4

    Top choice for integrating leave management into a full, easy-to-use HRIS.

    Best for: Best all-in-one HRIS for SMBs · Pricing: $$$ (Custom Quote) · www.bamboohr.com

  6. #3LeaveBoard

    8.9 / 9.4

    A powerful, dedicated tool with an excellent free plan for startups.

    Best for: Best free tier for small teams · Pricing: $ ($0 to $2/user/mo) · leaveboard.com

  7. #4Calamari

    8.7 / 9.4

    Excellent for global teams with its multi-language support and G-Suite integration.

    Best for: Best for international teams · Pricing: $$ ($2 to $7/user/mo) · calamari.io

  8. #5Vacation Tracker

    8.4 / 9.4

    Manages all leave requests and approvals directly within Slack or MS Teams.

    Best for: Best for chat-based workflows · Pricing: $ ($1 to $3/user/mo) · vacationtracker.io

  9. #6Gusto

    8.2 / 9.4

    Top option for flawless integration between PTO tracking and US payroll.

    Best for: Best for integrated payroll · Pricing: $$ ($40/mo base + $6/user) · gusto.com

  10. #7Zoho People

    8 / 9.4

    Unmatched customization for complex leave policies and approval workflows.

    Best for: Most customizable option · Pricing: $ ($1 to $6/user/mo) · www.zoho.com/people/

See the full ranked list: The 11 Best HR Software for Small Business (2026). Or compare any two: side-by-side.