Top 15 HR Software for Startups for 2024

You will find many types of HR software available today, each showcasing its own sets of features and benefits. Most enterprise-level companies use a stack of these platforms to cover every HR function. These include standalone products for recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and offboarding. Obviously, this approach costs a ton.

For startups in the development phase, this may not be practical. They may only need a fraction of the capabilities that all-out software stacks possess. Moreover, smaller startups would be prudent to use an adopt-and-drop software strategy. Meaning, they only subscribe to a type of HR software solution for a limited time and drop it after reaching maturity.

With this in mind, this current list of HR software for startups comprises different HR solutions.  They range from general HR management and applicant tracking systems to specialized performance management tools. In this way, you can determine which software solution fits your needs to drive growth.

The nature of work is changing. Workers are having more say. Also, more flexible work setups like gigs and remote work have quickly become the norm. Moreover, because of the pandemic and other economic forces, workers are finding more opportunities and flexibility outside their industries. In fact, in November 2021, the United States recorded the largest quit rate of 4.53 million. This is an 8.9% increase from the last month leaving the US with 10.56 million unfilled jobs.

For HR teams, this indicates that the job market is becoming more competitive and employee-centric. Hunting for the right talent has become cutthroat competition. HR managers are not only going up against direct competitors but also companies in other industries. Moreover, with the rise of online job marketplaces, HR managers are also left to contend with platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Guru. In fact, in 2021, recruiting independent contractors was considered by 74% of businesses as their biggest challenge.

Furthermore, it seems that this will worsen. According to recent HR software statistics, Gen Zers had the biggest share in freelance participation at 50%, followed by Millennials at 44%. Younger generations are more inclined to work setups that offer more flexibility. This and the rise of unique expertise might just be two of the biggest reasons why experts predict that the number of freelance workers will reach 90.1 million by 2028. This makes it tougher for traditional businesses.

Considering these, it is high time for HR teams to look at software tools to help them become more competitive. The following list is a good place to start.

Best 15 HR Software for Startups for 2025

1. monday.com

For startups, monday.com is one of the best choices for an HR software solution. The platform is highly flexible and can be customized according to your business needs. Because of this, it can easily be scaled relative to business growth. In fact, it might just be the most easily-configurable solution out on the market today—which makes it easily one of the best software solutions across all software categories.

Key monday.com features are housed in an easy-to-understand and customizable interface. They include task management, status reports, workflow creation, automation, collaboration tools, and highly-visual data reports. Moreover, these features, when rightly set up, can provide users with an end-to-end HR solution, covering recruitment and onboarding to employee training and retirement.

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Furthermore, the capability of monday.com as an HR software can be extended through its various integrations with third-party tools. It even integrates with freelancer marketplace platforms like Upwork. Other useful integrations include those with Zendesk, LinkedIn, and Harvest. The product has also its mobile counterpart for Android and iOS devices. Lastly, premium plans start at $24 per month.

2. Hibob

Hibob is perhaps one of the go-to HR software for startups. Its system, called bob HR, is an easy-to-use standalone HR suite. Key features include a people directory, org chart, goals setting, time management, and reports. Like other top HR applications, it also has a great analytics module, including a survey feature to help users get the pulse of their employees.

And, speaking of which, it also has a unique anonymous reporting feature that can empower and engage employees to honestly speak up without stigma involved. Moreover, it also has robust team management and collaboration tools, including shoutouts, clubs, clubs view, and customizable workflows.

Hibob

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The platform is also available on mobile. Hibob has native bob HR applications for both Android and iOS devices. Furthermore, it also integrates with third-party applications. Thus, users won’t have to switch windows and manually sync records. Hibob integrations include those with Sage, TravelPerk, and Maxell Health. Lastly, the product is only available via a quote-based plan.

3. Manatal

Manatal is one of the best HR software for startup businesses, which they can use for recruitment. The product uses top-of-the-line machine learning and AI technology to connect HR personnel with applicants. Moreover, its features are also comprehensive enough to cover other HR processes like onboarding.

Key features include AI-based candidate scoring, automated social media enrichment, automated candidate recommendations, holistic candidate profiles, and in-app training and interactive onboarding. Furthermore, aside from these automation tools and a powerful candidate search engine, the platform also provides compliance tools. These include those for CCPA and GDPR, among others.

Also, Manatal has collaboration features as well like a team planner module and a messaging system. While the solution does not have a native mobile app, it provides a progressive mobile app experience. In this way, your team can access Manatal tools even when they are away from their desktops.

Like other good HR software, Manatal works well with third-party platforms, including Glassdoor, JobsDB, and 20 social media channels. In this way, users can leverage third-party databases and increase visibility to stay competitive. Premium plans start at $15 per month.

4. OnPay

OnPay is a popular HR software tool that’s used to manage payroll. Designed specifically for SMEs, it helps users streamline payroll processes while also providing automation tools for tax filing. Moreover, the platform also has features for managing benefits and compensation insurance for pay-as-you-go employees.

Key modules include full-service payroll, unlimited pay runs, payment processing, employee portal, automated tax filings, automated tax payments, and time-off tracking. Furthermore, the platform offers multi-state payroll capabilities complete with different types of employment with integrated health benefits management for 50 states.

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The product is also mobile-friendly. So, users can keep tabs on their payroll status and processes even when they are on the go. The product has a free trial so you can check out its features first-hand without commitment. Also, the software provider is known for providing expert support through phone, email, and chat for free.

OnPay also integrates seamlessly with other applications, including Zenefits, Humanity, and Xero among others. Pricing starts at $40 with your first month free.

5. Greenhouse

Greenhouse is a popular HR software for startups that provides robust applicant tracking features and services. It allows HR teams to streamline their hiring processes and create an engaging employee experience. It is known for its rich team management features that make workflows hassle-free.

Its main features include job boards, interview kits, candidate scorecards, inclusion nudges, onboarding tasks, focus attributes, and a report builder. These tools are housed in an intuitive user interface with high out-of-the-box functionality. Meaning, users can easily set up the program and engage in useful work in just a matter of minutes.

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Also, Greenhouse is also prized for its tools that help users achieve inclusion and diversity in the workplace. This is not something other HR tools possess. There is a nifty name pronunciation feature that allows users to record and send how their name should be pronounced. Moreover, they are allowed to indicate their preferred pronouns.

Furthermore, the product integrates with over 360 third-party solutions, including BambooHR, Expensify, and PayScale. Lastly, it is deployed according to your needs. It is only available via quote-based plans.

6. Sage HR

Sage HR is another popular cloud-based HR management solution. It is a highly-scalable program that can help startups streamline their HR processes for growth. It offers six modules, including those for recruitment management, performance management, timesheets management, shift scheduling management, leaves management, and expenses management.

Its main HR features include an employee database, a workflow builder, HR analytics, scheduled reports, and onboarding and offboarding solutions. Moreover, you can access these features through Sage HR’s native mobile applications for Android and iOS users.

Furthermore, the product is known for its robust performance management features. Tools for 1-on-1 meetings, surveys, goal setting, and quick feedback mechanisms help HR teams administer relevant services according to employee needs and expectations.

The platform integrates with Sage HRMS for easy payroll processing. Moreover, it also has integrations for Slack and G Suite. Also, thanks to its API, it can work seamlessly with any custom-built program. Lastly, pricing starts at $16 per employee per month.

7. SoGoSurvey

SoGoSurvey is a survey software popular among HR teams for the improvement of employee experience. It allows users to take the pulse of the organization through easy-to-use employee survey tools. The product is known for its intuitive survey builder module with advanced skip logic. Also, it is prized for its highly-visual reports that are perfect for discovering patterns, generating insights, and creating presentations.

Key features include unlimited survey creation, survey templates, custom messages, anonymous surveys, a quiz creator with automatic scoring, trend analysis, scheduled delivery, and text analysis. Surveys can also be brand customized. Users can control themes, colors, fonts, and even personalized email invitations. With this degree of flexibility, the product is also popularly used for onboarding. So, it is not just your ordinary survey software.

Moreover, the product integrates with many third-party solutions. These include Asana, Gmail, and Google Analytics. Also, it is available via native applications for on iOS and Android devices. The software provider offers a free plan and a free trial period. Paid plans start at $299 per year. However, its specialized Employee Experience plan is only available via a custom quote.

8. Freshteam

Freshteam is an HR software specifically designed for growing businesses. It is an HR software specializing in applicant tracking and recruitment CRM. It helps users find good job candidates and streamlines processes from job posting to employee onboarding.

Key features include collaborative hiring, applicant tracking, recruitment CRM, employment referrals, employees directory, contextual conversations, and org charts. Also, Freshteam is known for its intuitive and powerful talent pool search engine. This allows users to find candidates and employees through competencies and other parameters.

Other HR features include time-off management, employee onboarding, and employee databases. The product integrates well with the Freshworks family of applications. Also, it works great with third-party platforms, including Zoom, ZipRecruiter, and Skype Interviews.

Freshteam is also available through its native mobile applications for both Android and iOS devices. There is a free plan available, which is highly useful for startups with a limited budget. Paid plans start at $1 per employee per month on top of the $59 monthly platform fee.

9. Rippling

Rippling is a unique business solution that rolls HR and IT management into one. The platform allows users not only to manage processes like payroll and benefits but also the applications and devices that they use. This is very useful to tech startups for easy onboarding and productivity management.

Also, the software is priced for its automation tools for onboarding. With just a simple click, it automatically sets up a new hire’s payroll and benefits in 90 seconds, including their access to work computers and applications like Office 365 and Slack. Furthermore, you can access the platform via its mobile applications for both Android and iOS devices.

Other key features include custom alerts, task management, workflow automation, electronic management, and a unified employee database. Moreover, Rippling integrates well with over 500 third-party applications, including Zendesk, Canva, Greenhouse, DocuSign, and Shopify. Lastly, the software is available via a quote-based plan, which starts at $8 per user per month.

10. When I Work

When I Work is a go-to HR software tool for employee scheduling. It helps users manage tasks using employee availability data. The platform streamlines employee schedules by aligning them to company needs. Also, When I Work provides employee-facing features that allow them to engage with the HR team easily when it comes to leaves, time-off requests, and other concerns.

Other HR features include those for managing payrolls, applicant tracking, labor budgeting, clock-in restrictions, and overtime alerts. Moreover, When I Work is also known for its easy-to-use collaboration tools, including 1-on-1 and group messaging functions. Also, these features are fitted in an easy-to-use interface and are accessible via its mobile app.

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Maybe, the best thing about it for startups is that it is free for businesses with only 75 employees or less. You only pay $2 per employee when you go over. Lastly, the platform integrates with other applications, including Activehours, ZenPayroll, and QuickBooks Online.

11. Reviewsnap

Reviewsnap is another go-to HR software for startups to help them manage employee performance. The software integrates performance reviews with compensation tracking and other employee engagement tools. Key features include unlimited surveys, goal management, journaling, automated performance and self-reviews, and even automated development goals.

Moreover, the platform provides complete administrative control with support for unlimited pay grades. It also offers compensation recommendations based on performance reviews and budgets. Furthermore, it provides online access to learning management systems.

Reviewsnap

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While Reviewsnap doesn’t have native mobile applications, it is mobile-ready. So, you can access it through mobile devices with ease. Moreover, it integrates seamlessly with ADP products for other HR needs. Lastly, Reviewsnap is only available via quote-based pricing.

12. WorkBright

WorkBright is an HR software tool for onboarding. It provides users with a central hub for consolidating all new hire and employee data for easy hiring and onboarding. Key features include online forms, photo upload, document management, I-9 completion, and electronic signature capability.

Moreover, the platform has an integrated applicant tracking system for easy hiring workflow management. It helps users connect the right jobs with the right people on popular job boards. The platform is also known for its high out-of-the-box usability.

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WorkBright is also known for its bank-grade security, allowing users to rest assured that their database records are private and secure. Users can also take advantage of these centralized data via creating custom reports to extract key actionable insights to optimize their operations.

The solution integrates well with third-party HR and payroll systems. Lastly, paid plans start at $158 per month, supporting unlimited administrator accounts.

13. eSkill

eSkill is another HR software tool for applicant tracking. It is a scalable and highly-customizable solution for pre-employment assessments and video interviews. Key features include subject-based tests, standard tests, job-based tests, and simulations. It also has voice and video interviewing capabilities to add a human touch to the application process.

eSkill

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Moreover, it also has other useful assessment features, including those for behavior, training needs, and skills gaps. Also, eSkill provides users with test validation services such as hosting and management. So, users won’t need to check every test or assessment. The system does it all for them.

Furthermore, eSkill integrates with other applications, including other HR and applicant tracking systems like Workday, iCIMS, and Jobvite. Lastly, pricing starts at $850 per year.

14. Sage People

Sage People is an HRIS software designed for multinational operations. This is a great HR software tool for startups that cross national borders. It is an end-to-end HR solution, providing features useful in hiring, onboarding, talent management, and offboarding.

Its main modules include a talent finder, digital signature, candidate portals, onboarding, time management, performance management, talent management, and attendance management. Other notable features include worldwide job advertising, HR workflows, benefits organization, employee profiles, and direct-to-mobile information dissemination.

Sage People is also known for its ease of use. Moreover, it is best used with other Sage applications. However, it also works well with various third-party applications, thanks to its REST API. The product is also prized for its robust reporting and analytics features that provide users with actionable insights.

Furthermore, these features are available on Sage People mobile applications for Android and iOS devices. Lastly, Sage People is only available via a quote-based plan.

15. FactoHR

FactoHR is a comprehensive HR software solution designed to streamline and enhance human resources management. It offers a wide range of features, including automated payroll processing, leave management, and performance appraisals. By addressing the core aspects of HR operations, FactoHR is particularly appealing for businesses seeking a holistic solution to manage their workforce efficiently.

Moreover, FactoHR simplifies the complex process of payroll management. It automates salary calculations, deductions, and tax compliance, ensuring accurate and timely salary disbursements. This feature is instrumental in reducing payroll-related errors, making it an essential tool for payroll processing. It also offers robust reporting capabilities, allowing HR professionals to generate a variety of reports for data-driven decision-making and facilitating regulatory compliance.

FactoHR has a free trial for users to explore its capabilities. It also offers a variety of subscription plans that accommodate a range of budgets and needs, allowing organizations to select the plan that best suits their specific needs.

What is the best HR software for startups?

Considering its highly-configurable interface and features, monday.com is the best HR software for startups in our book. Firstly, it is general enough to fit various HR processes in one platform. You can use it as a performance management system, application tracking software, and onboarding management tool all at once.

Secondly, it is highly scalable, thanks to its integrations. It is fitted with many automation options with integrated software tools. This makes it a great central hub for everything HR and even anything business.

Moreover, monday.com is priced reasonably. At only $24 per month, a three-person HR team can get access to useful features, including its robust analytics tools. Moreover, just like many top applications across software categories, monday.com has an easy-to-use interface. It comes with high out-of-the-box usability and can be personalized according to needs and preferences. So, you can easily configure it to match current and future HR trends.

Key Insights

• Customization and Integration: The best HR software for startups, such as monday.com, offers highly customizable HR workflow management systems and integrates seamlessly with third-party solutions and online job marketplaces.
• Adopt-and-Drop Strategy: Startups can benefit from an adopt-and-drop strategy, where they subscribe to specific HR software solutions temporarily, using only the features they need at their current growth phase.
• HR Software Variety: The market offers various HR software, from general HR management systems to specialized tools for recruitment, performance management, and onboarding.
• monday.com Features: Key features of monday.com include task management, status reports, workflow creation, automation, collaboration tools, and advanced analytics, making it a comprehensive HR solution.
• Changing Work Environment: The rise of remote work, gig economy, and high quit rates signify a more competitive and employee-centric job market, necessitating efficient HR software to attract and retain talent.
• Freelance Workforce: The increasing number of freelance workers, especially among Gen Z and Millennials, highlights the need for flexible HR solutions to manage this diverse workforce.

FAQ

1. What makes monday.com the best HR software for startups? monday.com is highly flexible and customizable, allowing startups to scale their HR processes as they grow. It integrates well with third-party tools and offers comprehensive features such as task management, workflow automation, and advanced analytics, making it a versatile and efficient HR solution.
2. Why is an adopt-and-drop strategy beneficial for startups? An adopt-and-drop strategy allows startups to subscribe to specific HR software features they need at their current growth phase and drop them when they reach maturity. This approach is cost-effective and ensures that startups use only the necessary tools without overcommitting to expensive, all-encompassing software stacks.
3. How does the changing work environment impact HR software needs? The rise of remote work, gig economy, and high quit rates have made the job market more competitive and employee-centric. HR software needs to be efficient in attracting and retaining talent, managing flexible work arrangements, and integrating with online job marketplaces to stay ahead in this dynamic environment.
4. What features should startups look for in HR software? Startups should look for HR software that offers customization, scalability, and integration with third-party tools. Key features to consider include task management, workflow automation, collaboration tools, performance management, recruitment tracking, and advanced analytics.
5. Why is the freelance workforce important for HR software? With a growing number of freelance workers, particularly among younger generations, HR software must be capable of managing this diverse and flexible workforce. Features like project management, time tracking, and seamless integration with freelance marketplaces are crucial for efficiently handling freelance talent.

By Louie Andre

B2B & SaaS market analyst and senior writer for FinancesOnline. He is most interested in project management solutions, believing all businesses are a work in progress. From pitch deck to exit strategy, he is no stranger to project business hiccups and essentials. He has been involved in a few internet startups including a digital route planner for a triple A affiliate. His advice to vendors and users alike? "Think of benefits, not features."