5 Best Zoho Alternatives & Competitors for HR Needs

HR tools saw a huge growth in 2023, and this trend will likely continue as more companies need them.

Zoho People is an HR software popular for its quality features. While it might tick some boxes as a solid solution, its feature set, user-friendliness or pricing might not align perfectly with everyone’s requirements.

So, if you’re looking for Zoho alternatives for HR, this guide is for you. We'll look at five other options and dissect their functionalities, pricing models and user ratings to help you make the smartest choice for your HR needs.

What is Zoho People?

Zoho People is a part of Zoho's big package of business applications (including customer relationship management, sales, marketing, finance, email etc.) focused on HR. 

It helps businesses manage talent of all sizes with tools that can grow as the company does. 

Key features

• Database management: Centralize employee records for efficient data collection and secure storage.
• HR management: Provide tools for HR staff and employees to stay efficient and productive, even on the go.
• Onboarding: Start a structured onboarding process with customizable workflows and checklists.
• Attendance and leave tracking: Easily monitor time and handle shift schedules.
• Performance evaluation: Customize appraisal cycles and use evaluation modules like KRA and Goals.
• Corporate learning management system (LMS): Create and manage training programs to help employees master new skills.
• Case management: Smooth mechanism for employees to contact HR and resolve issues promptly.
• Employee engagement: Foster collaboration and teamwork with self-service options and collaboration tools.
• Document management: Manage and share HR documents securely in a central location.
• Integrations: Connect with Microsoft Office, Docusign, Adobe Sign, Zapier and more. 

User rating

• Capterra: 4.4
• G2: 4.4

Users like Zoho People for its ability to automate tasks and organize time-off requests. However, some reported compatibility issues and setting-up difficulties. 

Pricing

• Free plan: No charge for up to 5 users, limited to basic HR functions
• Essential HR plan: €1.50 per user per month
• Professional plan: €2.50 per user per month
• Premium plan: €3.50 per user per month
• Enterprise plan: €5 per user per month
• People Plus plan: €10 per user per month

Zoho alternatives & competitors: Top 5 HR project management tools

PeopleForce

PeopleForce makes managing HR much easier. It covers everything from hiring new employees to tracking their performance. You’ll have all your employee information in one place.

Its clear interface contributes to a consistently positive employee experience.

PeopleForce offers six different products you can pick and choose from, so you only pay for what your company needs—no less, no more.

Key features

• HR processes automation: Store all employee data, automate onboarding workflows and leave management to save time.
• Recruitment: Manage all candidate data and create custom job funnels.
• Performance: Conduct 360-degree reviews, track OKRs, have recurring one-on-ones and monitor main KPIs automatically.
• Surveys: Create and automate employee surveys for engagement and sentiment analysis and measure eNPS.
• Case management: A self-service platform for submitting work-related issues and communicating with managers directly.
• Time and attendance: Time and attendance system with easy clock-in/out.
• Integrations: Connect with job portals and communication tools like Zoom and Slack and create custom integrations via Zapier.

User rating

• Capterra: 4.6
• G2: 4.8

People like PeopleForce because it is super easy to use, works in many languages and offers a lot for the price. Most users find it very user-friendly, while a few say it might take some time to learn.

Pricing

• Standard: $2/mo per employee
• Professional: $2.4/mo per employee

Note: The onboarding process is free of charge, allowing you to start hassle-free. 

See also: PeopleForce vs alternatives

BambooHR

BambooHR is a cloud-based HRIS that offers features to manage core HR tasks such as tracking employee time off, managing the onboarding process, conducting performance reviews and handling applicant tracking.

It offers customizable features within its interface and creates positive employee experiences.

Key features

• Employee self-service (ESS): Employees can review their info, time off and pay stubs.
• HR analytics & reporting: Keep all HR info in one place, make reports and use data to make decisions.
• Payroll, time & benefits management: Manage pay, time and benefits easily.
• Employee experience & performance: Track team productivity and satisfaction with performance reviews and eNPS.
• Mobile access: Access everything from phones with apps for iOS and Android.
• Hiring and onboarding: Find, evaluate, hire and onboard top talent.
• Integrations: Connect with lots of other software—over 125 options.

User rating

• Capterra: 4.6
• G2: 4.4

People like BambooHR because it's easy to use and automates tasks, but they also want clearer notes privacy and more onboarding options.

Pricing

Large companies pay per employee each month, while small businesses with 25 or fewer employees have a fixed monthly rate. You need to complete a form to get more details about pricing plans.

See also: BambooHR alternatives

HiBob

HiBob helps with HR task management, from onboarding new hires to managing daily workflows. 

This HR project management software is designed to be easy to use for everyone. Employees can update their information quickly, and HR can easily track important changes within the company, like new hires, departures and announcements. 

Key features

• Core HR: View all people and company info and automate HR workflows.
• Onboarding: Make the best first impression by providing a positive and streamlined experience for your new hires with Bob's checklists, shoutouts, personalization and preboarding flows.
• Time and attendance: Allow employees to easily clock in and out, track time and analyze attendance metrics.
• Compensation management: Create fair compensation bands that comply with local regulations.
• Payroll Hub: Use a centralized dashboard to view and update all payroll data, including benefits.
• Hiring: Automate applicant tracking and improve candidate experience.

User rating

• Capterra: 4.6
• G2: 4.5

Users find HiBob user-friendly, flexible and responsive to customer requests. However, some express concerns about pricing variability and occasional system glitches.

Pricing

• Tailoring pricing to suit each customer's needs

See also: HiBob competitors and alternatives

Personio

Personio is an HR project management platform for small and medium-sized businesses. It helps with HR workflow, recruitment, onboarding, timekeeping, payroll, team collaboration and performance evaluation. 

With its numerous integrations and detailed reporting, Personio provides great efficiency and functionality.

Key features

• HR management: Centralize all your HR processes in one tool which streamlines tasks such as recruitment, onboarding, payroll, performance management and compensation management.
• Recruitment: Quickly find great talent by posting ads on 600 job boards, screening applicants and managing contracts effortlessly.
• Surveys: Cultivate an inspiring culture and retain employees by focusing on career development, feedback and employee satisfaction.
• Analytics and reporting tools: Identify opportunities for improvement with comprehensive analytics and save time with automated reporting.
• Support: Provide quick employee support with AI-powered assistance and access growth resources from HR experts in Personio’s Voyager Community.
• Integrations: Connect with Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace & Google Calendar and more to streamline operations.

User rating

• Capterra: 4.3
• G2: 4.3

People generally love how easy it is to use Personio and the great support they get from the team, but some complain about unexpected price hikes and some confusing details regarding booking vacation days.

Pricing

There are two available plans—Core and Core Pro. For both plans, you’ll get the price on request. The only difference between those two is that Pro offers unlimited legal entities, documents and workflows.

See also: The best Personio competitors

Factorial

It helps with managing time off, finding new talent, paying employees and evaluating performance. By blending different HR features, it simplifies work for the entire HR team. Plus, it offers a mobile app so employees can easily view pay stubs, request time off and stay updated on company news.

Key features

• HR reports and analytics: Generate customized reports and an organizational chart to make informed decisions about your workforce.
• Holidays and absences management: Easily manage employee holidays and absences with customized options and a team calendar.
• Time tracking & shift management: Record hours worked, improve productivity and reduce absenteeism with features like employee time tracking and geolocation.
• Documents manager: Manage all company and employee documentation in one place, including payslips, contracts and digital signatures.
• Payroll summary: Automate payroll recording and incident tracking with the ability to download information in Excel format.
• Employee portal: Provide employees with a personalized space to manage their personal information, documents, holidays and more.
• Organizational chart: Assign managers, visualize company structure and customize reporting hierarchies.
• HR mobile app: Stay up-to-date with company activity from anywhere, with features like clock in/out, leave requests, and event updates.
• Applicant tracking system (ATS): Manage selection processes, create customizable job portals and centralize candidate information.
• Employee engagement: Keep employees engaged and informed with features like events, releases and internal communications updates.
• Integrations: Connect with tools like Outlook, Zapier, Join, Gmail and Primavera.

User rating

• Capterra: 4.5
• G2: 4.5

In general, Factorial's user base loves the user-friendly interface of its dashboard and finds its features beneficial. Some users have noted that customer service responsiveness can sometimes be lacking, and there have been sporadic reports of glitches in the mobile app.

Pricing

Zoho People alternatives & competitors: Comparison table

Conclusion

We compared the best alternatives to Zoho and provided you with 5 great options for companies of all sizes. Each of these Zoho alternatives has its qualities worth considering.

However, if you need a modern HR project management tool that has it all, PeopleForce might be the perfect choice.

PeopleForce will significantly help all HR leaders—from hiring new staff to managing payroll, tracking employee hours and increasing productivity and happiness.

Request a free demo to see how PeopleForce can transform your workflow in the most positive way.