HiBob, Rippling, and Gusto rank among the most widely used platforms in the HR software market. While each solution supports core HR functions, they differ in flexibility, scalability, and user experience, especially for mid-sized and global companies.

This guide breaks down the features, pricing, and benefits of all three platforms to help HR teams choose the best software to streamline processes and support business growth.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect HiBob’s views. Prospective users are encouraged to conduct their own research to make the best decision for their organization.

Rippling vs. Gusto vs. HiBob: A quick overview

Rippling, Gusto, and HiBob all support key HR workflows like recruitment, onboarding, payroll, and performance management—but each platform takes a different approach.

HiBob sets itself apart with a modern, people-first platform that goes beyond admin tasks. Teams use Bob to enhance engagement, boost productivity, and support retention, making it ideal for small and mid-sized global companies focused on building strong cultures and exceptional employee experiences.

Gusto offers best-in-class payroll and benefits capabilities, making it a strong foundation for HR teams managing compliance, tax filing, and employee compensation. Its intuitive interface and automation tools streamline core processes, and it works especially well when paired with broader HR platforms like Bob to support growing or globally distributed teams.

Rippling combines HR with IT and finance functions. It includes capabilities like device and identity management, which may appeal to businesses looking to centralize administrative systems. However, Rippling treats HR as one module in a system designed primarily for IT and finance, which limits its flexibility for people-focused teams. 

HR software comparison chart featuring Rippling, Gusto, and HiBob details key features and pricing. alt1:HR software comparison chart Rippling Gusto HiBob features pricing focus, HR software comparison chart pricing features Rippling Gusto HiBob

Gusto vs. Rippling vs. HiBob: In-depth comparison

Here’s a complete comparison of Rippling, Gusto, and HiBob to help you choose the software that best aligns with your business needs. 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect HiBob’s views. Prospective users are encouraged to conduct their own research to make the best decision for their organization.

HiBob

HiBob logo featuring bold red speech bubble and stylized text, combining professional and approachable design elements., HiBob, logo

HR leaders from small startups to multi-national enterprises use HiBob’s HR software, Bob, to drive business success. With Bob as their central hub, organizations seamlessly manage their entire workforce, from the C-suite to frontline teams, driving alignment, productivity, and growth. Bob’s depth of core HR functionally gives teams everything needed to operate efficiently.

Bob integrates seamlessly with tools like accounting, collaboration, and compliance software to keep workflows efficient and connected. Leaders use Bob to foster collaboration and engagement through a social media-like feed where team members share interests, celebrate milestones, and build a cohesive company culture.

Verified reviewers praise Bob’s user-friendly automation and customization, which handle the heavy lifting of daily tasks. This allows them to focus on what matters most—the people at the heart of their organization.

Features

  • Core HR: Streamline core HR processes, get paperwork done digitally, and keep all team members’ information in a single repository 
  • Onboarding: Leverage automated onboarding workflows to provide a great onboarding experience for new team members
  • Time and Attendance: Give your people an easy way to log their hours, and easily track time and attendance
  • Compensation: Use a flexible, intuitive global compensation management platform to establish company-wide pay transparency 
  • Workforce Planning: Build a single view of your current and planned positions and give managers access to request new positions 
  • Payroll Hub: Increase payroll data accuracy and efficiency using a centralized dashboard that automatically updates payroll data in real time 
  • Hiring: Manage the enticing hiring process from one place and build a strong candidate pipeline
  • UK Payroll: Simplify payroll processing for UK team members and stay compliant with legal requirements
  • Learning: Keep learning in the flow of work for your people and align with team members’ lifecycle events
  • Time Off: Streamline time off tracking, requests, and approvals 
  • Surveys: Uncover sentiment and measure employee satisfaction using anonymous surveys 
  • Performance: Empower your people to grow, develop, and succeed through 360-degree performance reviews and seamless review cycles
  • People Analytics: Make data-driven decisions using real-time cross-platform data and measure important metrics such as growth, retention, and headcount 
  • Your Voice: Provide a safe space for team members to voice out their opinions and anonymously report issues 
A colorful HR dashboard interface on a laptop screen showing employee statistics, salary details in USD and GBP, feedback messages, and profile photos. Elements include a “Kudos” card, a “Clock In” button, a growth counter showing 632 people, emoji reactions, and signature and success confirmation widgets.

Pros 

  • Offers a social media-like homepage that’s fun to use 
  • Has a quick response time and 24/7 support from the HiBob team 
  • Automates workflows for HR teams and improves their efficiency 
  • Improves workforce data access and integrity 
  • Provides a sandbox environment for HR teams to test scenarios before implementation 

Cons 

Pricing: HiBob pricing plans are crafted personally for HR leaders to match their needs. Their flexible options let you get precisely what your HR team requires, from implementation to integrations. 

Contact the HiBob team for a custom plan

Rippling

RIPPLING logo with stylized ripples and bold lettering, representing modern HR and payroll solutions, Stylized design emphasizes innovation in business services.

Rippling offers human capital management (HCM), IT, finance, and payroll capabilities. Its HCM solution helps organizations manage the employee lifecycle, from onboarding and performance to benefits administration and compliance.

Rippling’s IT management tools integrate with HR workflows to enhance security and streamline operations. Features such as automated provisioning, single sign-on (SSO), and role-based access controls support secure onboarding, offboarding, and device management.

Additional features include time and attendance tracking, payroll processing, expense and spend management, and workforce planning. 

job dashboard displaying candidate applications and interview status for a sales manager position, modern interface with recruitment statistics and candidate feedback

Features

  • Workforce management: Streamline HR operations with tools for time, attendance, scheduling, and reporting 
  • IT: Manage and secure tech assets with IAM and device and application management 
  • Finance: Centralized payroll processing, expense management, vendor payments, and more
  • Spend: Issue corporate cards, pay bills, and manage company spending

Pros 

  • “Payroll has been a breeze to set up and run. I enjoy the simplicity and automation.” – verified review
  • “I love its sleek, automated approach on both payroll and HR Management.” – verified review
  • “One of the standout aspects has been their exceptional customer support— we love the chat feature!” – verified review

Cons 

  • “Maybe the login flow could be easier at first. I got myself in trouble when trying to sign in using SSO.” verified review 
  • “If I have to pick one thing, it’s that only admins have access to live chat for support, so if an employee has any questions he/she would have to direct those questions to them.” – verified review
  • “One thing I dislike about Rippling is that it can sometimes be a bit tricky to figure out all the features, especially if you’re new to the platform.” – verified review

Pricing: Pricing is not available on the Rippling website, but Rippling offers custom pricing for each platform and module. 

(This article includes platform features and pricing platforms that reflect the information available on the Rippling website as of the publication date.)

<<Compare Bob vs. Rippling – See which fits your business best>>

Gusto

gusto logo on black background, showcasing clean design and modern branding, stylish typography emphasizing the word 'gusto'

Gusto’s payroll software calculates and syncs work hours, holidays, and paid time off (PTO) so businesses can automate their payroll processes. The platform provides support for filing taxes, maintaining compliance, and identifying tax credits that organizations qualify for. 

Gusto’s employee benefits feature lets organizations offer their teams health and financial benefits such as health insurance transfers, medical, dental, and vision administration, smart paycheck management, and automatic short-term savings. 

The platforms also include other HR tools such as onboarding, talent management, and time tracking. It also pairs seamlessly with broader HR platforms like Bob to deliver a comprehensive, scalable people operations experience.

Screenshot of a Gusto payroll dashboard showing regular biweekly payroll details for Jan 1–15, 2024. The table lists employee names, total pay, pay rates, hours, overtime, bonuses, and reimbursements. Summary metrics at the top show total hours (218.00), gross pay ($42,632.65), and number of employees (7)

Features

  • Automated payroll processing: Automatically file payroll taxes and pay global teams
  • Employee benefits: Offer affordable financial and health benefits
  • Hiring and onboarding: Recruit, hire, and onboard team members
  • Time tracking and time off requests: Plan and manage time, share schedules, and sync hours to payroll
  • Insights and reporting tool: Make business decisions based on smart data

Pros 

  • “So far, my favorite thing about Gusto is the reliability.” – verified review
  • “One of the biggest things I appreciate about using Gusto is how clean and easy it is to navigate past payroll runs.” – verified review
  • “Easy to manage at work via computer or on the go via my phone.” – verified review

Cons 

  • “I wish there were more direct or personal support contacts—it can feel a bit impersonal at times.” – verified review
  • “One of the main drawbacks of Gusto is that it can become expensive as your team grows or your HR needs become more complex.” – verified review
  • “While Gusto covers the essentials very well, the reporting features could be more customizable.” – verified review

Pricing 

  • Simple: $49/month 
  • Plus: $80/month 
  • Premium: $180/month 

(This article includes platform features and pricing platforms that reflect the information available on the Gusto website as of the publication date.)

Rippling vs. Gusto vs. HiBob: Which is the best HR software for your business?

The right HR platform helps you simplify everyday operations, engage your team, and build a culture where people feel connected and empowered to do their best work.

Rippling focuses on combining HR with IT and finance infrastructure. Companies use it to manage workflows like device provisioning, access control, and payroll administration in one system. However, Rippling leans toward IT and operations. It offers limited engagement features and customization across HR modules, making it less suitable for organizations that prioritize culture, flexibility, and team experience.

Gusto focuses on payroll, benefits administration, and tax compliance. Its simple design and affordability make it a practical option for business owners or HR teams with straightforward needs, especially those managing teams in the United States. Gusto also integrates seamlessly with platforms like Bob to support growing teams.

Bob stands out as a modern, all-in-one HR solution designed to connect, develop, and support your people—wherever they are. From onboarding and training to performance and culture, Bob helps you humanize HR, improve alignment across teams, and scale with confidence. With flexible workflows, global capabilities, and a strong focus on employee engagement, Bob offers the infrastructure growing companies need to thrive.

Visit HiBob to learn more. 

Discover the power of a modern HR software and learn firsthand how Bob can optimize your HR processes.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect HiBob’s views. Prospective users are encouraged to conduct their own research to make the best decision for their organization.


Madeline Hogan

From Madeline Hogan

Madeline Hogan is a content writer specializing in human resources solutions and strategies. If she's not finishing up her latest article, you can find her baking a new dessert recipe, reading, or hiking with her husband and puppy.