10 best cloud HR software platforms in 2025

The goal of Cloud HR software is to make your job easier. The right platform will connect to your existing tools, update automatically, and give you back time to focus on what really matters—supporting your people. 

We reviewed the leading cloud HR software options to find the best options out there.  This guide breaks down what each platform offers, who they work best for, and what to watch out for so you can choose the right fit for your organization. HiBob stands out with its ability to sync your data across 100+ tools in real time, and grow with your company.

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

Quick guide: 10 best cloud-based HR software options

1. HiBob: The best overall cloud-based HR management software
2. Workday: Enterprise platform for companies with thousands of people
3. Gusto: Affordable option for small teams getting started with HR
4. Personio: Built for European companies that need GDPR compliance
5. Rippling: Brings HR and IT together in one system
6. UKG: Designed for companies with hourly and shift workers
7. SAP SuccessFactors: Handles multi-country operations for large companies
8. ADP: Offers payroll processing for compliance-focused companies
9. Namely: Combines HR basics with social recognition features
10. BambooHR: Easy-to-use platform for straightforward HR needs

How we chose the best cloud HR software

Finding the right cloud-based HR software is about more than looking at basic features. You want a system that fits your unique needs, whether that’s working with your existing tools, letting your team work from anywhere, or keeping your data secure. We evaluated each platform based on what matters when your HR system lives in the cloud:

• Mobile accessibility: Can your teams access the whole system on the go?
• Automatic updates and maintenance: Will you wake up to new features, or have to deal with scheduled maintenance windows?
• Scalability and performance: What happens when you go from 50 to 500 or even 5,000 people—does the system still work well?
• Integrations: Does it connect with the tools you’re already using?
• Cloud infrastructure: Does it use recognized providers with proper certifications?
• Data protection and compliance: What security measures protect your sensitive data?
• Global accessibility: Can teams access the platform reliably from any location?

The top 10 cloud HR platforms

1. HiBob: Best overall cloud-based HR management software

HiBob lets you run 360-degree performance reviews, manage compensation cycles, and track people’s engagement, all from the same system. It helps you manage your people’s complete journey with everything from onboarding workflows to culture tools that help remote teams stay connected.

HiBob connects with over 100 different tools, and your people’s data moves between them automatically. For example, when someone updates their address, it’ll automatically sync to payroll, and new hires will move from your ATS (applicant tracking system) straight into onboarding. These connections mean you can spend your time on strategic work instead of manually transfering information.

The analytics and reporting features give you insights that help you make better decisions. You can track turnover trends, identify flight risks, measure engagement, and spot compensation gaps, all with real-time data that updates as changes happen. Your managers get dashboards that make it easier for them to support their teams, and your people get self-service options in an intuitive interface they’ll love using.

You won’t need to worry about system upgrades or performance issues as you grow—HiBob works smoothly whether you have 50 or 5,000 people. When it’s time for annual reviews or benefits enrollment, everyone can log in at the same time without slowdowns. 

HiBob’s key features

• Mobile-native apps for iOS and Android gives you complete HR management from anywhere
• Automatic updates deliver new features without IT involvement or downtime
• Enterprise security with ISO 27001, SOC2 certifications, and 24/7 monitoring 
• AWS cloud infrastructure with high uptime and exceptional data protection
• Open system with 100+ pre-built integrations to your entire tech stack
• Real-time data syncing keeps all information up to date
• Scalable architecture supports growth from 50 to thousands of people
• Multi-language support and localization for global teams

HiBob pros and cons

Pros:

• “The high degree of customization in HiBob is very impressive” – verified review
• “I love that HiBob is customisable to our business needs and integrates with many different systems” – verified review
• “It’s easy to find documents and upload people onto the system” – verified review
• “The ability to get granular data via the Directory makes it super easy” – verified review
• “It’s very user-friendly and has a great look and feel” – verified review
• “Whatever data I need for employees, I can easily put in a report and download” – verified review

Cons:

• “The engagement surveys are a little bit clunky” – verified review
• “Some things are just not as easy to do, i.e. integrations with Jira” – verified review

2. Workday: Designed for enterprises with thousands of people

If you’re managing thousands of people across different countries, Workday gives you everything in one place—HR, finance, and operations. You’ll get AI-powered analytics that can predict who might leave and help you plan ahead. 

The Power of One architecture means updates roll out to everyone at once. When it’s time for annual reviews or compensation planning, the platform can handle your entire company logging in simultaneously without slowing down.

Workday requires three to four months for implementation, even with consultant support. If you have fewer than 1,000 people, you might feel like you’re swimming in features built for much bigger companies. 

Workday key features

• Built on AWS cloud infrastructure designed for enterprise scale
• Free mobile apps across iOS, Android, and iPad platforms
• Power of One architecture with automatic updates for all users
• Handles heavy usage when your whole company logs in at once

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the Workday website as of the publication date.)

Workday pros and cons

Pros:

• “Its clean interface, easy navigation, and real-time access to HR and payroll data make everyday tasks quick and efficient” – verified review
• “It’s all on cloud that helps in having the latest data and features available every time you log in” – verified review
• “We used to have 4-5 different systems for HCM but now all these got consolidated into a single system” – verified review

Cons:

• “One potential drawback of Workday HCM can be the complexity of implementation and configuration, which may require significant time and resources” – verified review
• “Not the fastest or nicest looking platform.” – verified review
• “Workday is a complex tool, and I went through a steep learning curve to navigate the platform.” – verified review

(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2.)

<<Compare HiBob vs. Workday – See which fits your business best>>

3. Gusto: Affordable option for small teams getting started with HR

If you’re a small company, Gusto gets you up and running fast—you can process your first payroll in just days. Tax filing happens automatically, compliance updates roll out on their own, and your team can check pay stubs or request time off right from their phones. If you’re using QuickBooks or Xero, everything syncs up without you lifting a finger.

The interface feels familiar from day one, so you won’t have to spend too much time training everyone. Your documents stay safe in the cloud with automatic backups, meaning you’ll always have those important tax forms when you need them. Pricing stays reasonable for small teams too.

Gusto key features

• Hosted on secure cloud servers with data backup in multiple locations
• Mobile apps enabling payroll and benefits management anywhere
• Automatic compliance updates keep you current with regulations
• Security certifications and round-the-clock monitoring

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

Gusto pros and cons

Pros:

• “The program stores all pay stubs and tax documents, so those important documents are always easy to access” – verified review
• “Staff can easily log on, fill out information, and access paystubs and tax documents” – verified review
• “Gusto has been so easy to use—from the initial setup to running payroll—it is a breeze” – verified review

Cons:

• “Sometimes the loading times can be annoying, especially if I have to open Gusto multiple times a day” – verified review
• “I’ve noticed that some of the reporting tools are a bit limited or not as customizable as I’d like.” – verified review
• “The settings are not intuitive, there are constantly adjustments to the accounts, syncing issues, and limited options for tracking purposes” – verified review

(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2.)

4. Personio: Built for European companies that need GDPR compliance

Personio makes European compliance simple—your data stays on EU servers with GDPR protection built right in. You can manage teams across Germany, France, and Spain without stressing about different labor laws because the platform handles them automatically. From recruiting to performance reviews, you get everything you need with automated workflows that save you time on approvals.

You’ll be up and running in 4-5 weeks, and the system handles European vacation policies perfectly, calculating everyone’s entitlements based on their local rules. The interface is straightforward, so your team won’t struggle to find what they need.

If you’ve got people outside Europe though, things get tricky—multi-currency payroll doesn’t work as smoothly. Your team will need to be at their computers for most tasks since the mobile app is pretty limited. 

Personio key features

• Data stored on secure EU servers with privacy certification
• Mobile apps for managing time off and documents on the go
• Regular updates that include workflow automation features
• Handles companies from 10 to 5,000 people without slowing down

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the Personio website as of the publication date.)

Personio pros and cons

Pros:

• “The best aspect of Personio is its ease of use and implementation” – verified review
• “They have a very friendly SSO integration” – verified review
• “It can act as a database for maintaining all employee information” – verified review

Cons:

• “Its pricing can be a bit steep for smaller businesses or startups” – verified review
• “At renewal they decided to sneak in a new model where they changed the contract to commit us to many more seats than we ever needed” – verified review
• “The mobile app could benefit from additional functionality to match the desktop version” – verified review

(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2.)

<<Compare HiBob vs. Personio – See which fits your business best>>

5. Rippling: Brings HR and IT together in one system

Rippling sets up new hires in 90 seconds flat—payroll, benefits, computer access, everything. You update information once and it flows everywhere automatically through 600+ integrations with tools you already use. The workflow builder lets you create custom automations, like ordering laptops when you send offer letters or adjusting software licenses when someone gets promoted.

You’ll be up and running in just 2-4 weeks, way faster than traditional systems. The platform runs on AWS with multiple backup zones, so you don’t have to worry about downtime or losing data.

Here’s the thing though—all those features can feel overwhelming at first. Your admin team will face a learning curve with all the configuration options. Extra modules cost more, but if you’re tired of juggling multiple systems, the time savings might be worth it. 

Rippling key features

• Built on cloud infrastructure that grows with your company
• Native mobile apps covering HR, IT, and Finance functions
• Data updates everywhere automatically when you change it once
• 600+ connections to other business tools you already use

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

Rippling pros and cons

Pros:

• “Having an all-in one platform to manage employees and many admin sides of the business is huge” – verified review
• “It integrates well with so many apps that we use so almost all our HR systems are in sync” – verified review
• “It is user friendly for all our employees and supports our growing business” – verified review

Cons:

• “The platform is cluttered and disjointed. I either experience multiple notification about features and issues irrelevant to my organization or having to dig through confusing sub menus and help articles to find a clear answer to a question” – verified review
• “Many of the issues we’ve experienced have been caused by a poor sales experience that promised functionality that either doesn’t exactly exist as presented, or only exists in higher tiers” – verified review
• “While support has improved, there’s still room for better follow-through on commitments.” – verified review

(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2.)

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

6. UKG: Designed for companies with hourly and shift workers

If you’re managing hourly workers, UKG gets the details right with sophisticated time tracking, smart scheduling, and automatic overtime calculations. Your managers see labor costs in real time and can make better staffing decisions. When someone calls in sick, the system finds qualified replacements based on who has the right skills.

Your frontline workers can do everything from their phones, including clocking in with geofencing, checking schedules, and swapping shifts with coworkers. The platform handles multiple locations with different pay rates and rules, perfect if you’re running retail stores or healthcare facilities.

You’ll need to plan for 4-6 months for implementation, and since UKG focuses on workforce management, you’ll need other tools for things like performance reviews or training programs. Also keep in mind that if you need help, customer service can take a while to get back to you.

UKG key features

• Runs on Google Cloud infrastructure designed for businesses of all sizes
• Mobile apps with fingerprint and face recognition for secure login
• Automatic software updates keep features current
• Real-time data syncing between mobile and desktop

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the UKG website as of the publication date.)

UKG pros and cons

Pros:

• “UKG makes it easy to find all your work needs in one place” – verified review
• “Work Force Ready allows us to hire electronically from start to finish” – verified review
• “Using UKG workforce central significantly decreases questions about time off remaining and accepted time off” – verified review

Cons:

• “The implementation team was more worried about “checking boxes” than actually completing the tasks” – verified review
• “Their customer service is very slow and it takes days to get issues resolved.” – verified review
• “Learning and training are a bit more difficult to navigate” – verified review

(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2.)

<<Compare HiBob vs. UKG – See which fits your business best>>

7. SAP SuccessFactors: Handles multi-country operations for large companies

Running a global company? SAP SuccessFactors handles 200+ countries, multiple languages, and all those different compliance rules. You can manage complex structures like matrix reporting where people have multiple bosses. Plus, you get serious talent management tools, including succession planning and career development.

Updates come quarterly through a testing environment, so you can try changes before they go live. SAP’s been around forever, so you know it can handle thousands of employees without breaking a sweat.

That said, you’ll need at least 3-5 months and certified consultants to get it running. The interface can feel dated, which means your team may need extra training to get comfortable, and when you need custom reports, you’ll often have to call IT for help. 

SAP SuccessFactors key features

• Cloud infrastructure built to handle enterprise-scale operations
• Native mobile apps with full functionality
• Updates twice a year with testing environment to preview changes
• Available in multiple regions for fast access worldwide

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the SAP SuccessFactors website as of the publication date.)

SAP SuccessFactors pros and cons

Pros:

• “The best thing would obviously be the integration of so many different things in a single suite” – verified review
• “SAP HCM offers self-service for employees to manage their information” – verified review
• “We can easily create reports in core HR” – verified review

Cons:

• “Maintenance cost is high and integration is complex.” – verified review
• “Some parts of the interface feel a bit outdated and not very intuitive.” – verified review
• “Standard reporting tools can be less flexible than other HCM systems, often requiring IT support for custom reports.” – verified review

(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2.)

<<Compare HiBob vs. SAP SuccessFactors – See which fits your business best>>

8. ADP: Offers payroll processing for compliance-focused companies

ADP takes the stress out of payroll compliance, handling all the multi-state tax complexities for you. The platform runs on multiple cloud providers for extra reliability and scales automatically as you grow. You even get benchmarks to see how your metrics compare to similar companies.

Other advantages: Benefits and time tracking flow right into payroll, so you’re not entering data twice. The mobile app is a convenient way for your people to check pay stubs and request time off. 

The downside is that you may find yourself constantly jumping between different modules to get things done. Creating the reports you need can be challenging, and mistakes can slip through without the system catching them.

ADP key features

• Runs across multiple cloud providers for reliability and redundancy
• Mobile app with 4.7-star rating
• Scales automatically as your company grows without performance issues
• Industry benchmarks so you can compare your HR metrics against other companies

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the ADP website as of the publication date.)

ADP pros and cons

Pros:

• “Everything I need is at the tip of my fingers” – verified review
• “ADP Workforce now has streamlined our payroll and human resource functions” – verified review
• “Having access and ability to link my bank account for direct deposit is pretty awesome” – verified review

Cons:

• “The system is not intuitive and requires navigating multiple disconnected areas to complete even basic tasks.” – verified review
• “it’s difficult to create customized reports, and it’s easy to make manual errors that the system won’t catch.” – verified review
• “There are too many customer service reps who are unqualified and not knowledgeable about the service we need help with” – verified review

(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2.)

9. Namely: Combines HR basics with social recognition features

Namely makes it fun for your team to recognize each other—there’s a social newsfeed where people can celebrate wins publicly. You and your managers can handle most tasks from your phones, whether it’s approving time off or checking pay info. The modern interface feels natural, so even folks who aren’t tech-savvy can navigate easily.

You’ll be set up in 6-8 weeks with all your basic HR needs covered. The platform grows smoothly from 50 to 1,000 people, with regular updates happening automatically in the cloud. 

All that can make Namely a good option for smaller teams with basic needs, but keep in mind that you can’t customize forms for performance reviews, and the reporting is pretty rigid. 

Namely key features

• All your HR data stored securely in one central place
• Mobile app with full HR self-service capabilities
• Grows smoothly from 50 to 1,000 people
• Regular updates that connect easily with your other tools

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the Namely website as of the publication date.)

Namely pros and cons

Pros:

• “This platform is user friendly for non-HR staff” – verified review
• “The platform is easy to navigate, which is a time saver when bringing on new staff” – verified review
• “Namely allows easy access to employee information, which can easily be updated by the employee” – verified review

Cons:

• “It lacks flexibility to create our own forms, particularly for performance management. The reporting option is too limited” – verified review
• “Reporting is difficult. Most times I have to run a report in HRIS and in Payroll to get what I want.” – verified review
• “The payroll side does NOT flow well” – verified review

(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2.)

10. BambooHR: Easy-to-use platform for straightforward HR needs

BambooHR keeps it simple—if you’ve got under 350 people and want basic HR features, it could be your answer. The interface is so intuitive, you’ll barely need to train anyone. You get 150+ integrations with other tools, plus enterprise-grade security with all the right certifications.

Setup takes 6-12 weeks, and your data stays safe on AWS servers with Zero Trust security and proper encryption.

The simplicity that makes BambooHR easy to use also limits what you can do with complex HR situations. You need a pretty standard setup for it to work well—heavy customization isn’t really an option. 

BambooHR key features

• Secure cloud hosting with advanced security protocols
• Mobile apps for iOS and Android with time tracking capabilities
• Automatic updates that scale with your company size
• 150+ pre-built connections to popular business tools

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the BambooHR website as of the publication date.)

BambooHR pros and cons

Pros:

• “I love that everything is located in one place” – verified review
• “Reports are easy to access and customize” – verified review
• “BambooHR is intuitive from set up to implementation” – verified review

Cons:

• “While the simplicity of Bamboo is beneficial for navigation, it’s also a negative because it limits the ability to handle complex HR situations” – verified review
• “It doesn’t integrate with many of our other systems which makes reporting, tracking, and other HR components difficult.” – verified review
• “Your company set up needs to be fairly cookie cutter to get the most efficiencies out of BambooHR” – verified review

(Pros and cons are compiled from reviews found on G2.)

<<Compare HiBob vs. BambooHR – See which fits your business best>>

Comparison summary: The best cloud HR software

1. HiBob

• Best for: Growing companies (50-5,000 employees)
• Setup time: 6-8 weeks
• Mobile access: Full HR features on mobile
• Ease of use: Familiar social media-style interface
• Geographic reach: Works globally

2. Workday

• Best for: Large enterprises (1,000+ employees)
• Setup time: 3-4 months minimum
• Mobile access: Free mobile apps
• Ease of use: Requires dedicated training
• Geographic reach: Best for multi-national operations

3. Gusto

• Best for: Small teams (under 50 employees)
• Setup time: Days
• Mobile access: Basic features on mobile
• Ease of use: Simple and straightforward
• Geographic reach: US only

4. Personio

• Best for: European companies (10-2,000 employees)
• Setup time: 4-5 weeks
• Mobile access: Limited mobile features
• Ease of use: Straightforward for HR basics
• Geographic reach: EU countries only

5. Rippling

• Best for: Companies wanting unified HR/IT (50-1,000 employees)
• Setup time: 2-4 weeks
• Mobile access: Full features on mobile
• Ease of use: Takes time to learn all modules
• Geographic reach: US and select countries

6. UKG

• Best for: Companies with hourly workers
• Setup time: 4-6 months
• Mobile access: Multiple apps for different functions
• Ease of use: Built for shift managers
• Geographic reach: Works globally

7. SAP SuccessFactors

• Best for: Complex enterprises (5,000+ employees)
• Setup time: 3-5 months minimum
• Mobile access: Full mobile apps
• Ease of use: Requires dedicated team to manage
• Geographic reach: 200+ countries

8. ADP

• Best for: Companies prioritizing payroll compliance
• Setup time: 3 months
• Mobile access: Highly-rated app (4.7 stars)
• Ease of use: Traditional interface, needs training
• Geographic reach: 140+ countries

9. Namely

• Best for: Mid-market companies (50-500 employees)
• Setup time: 6-8 weeks
• Mobile access: Self-service features
• Ease of use: Modern interface with social features
• Geographic reach: US only

10. BambooHR

• Best for: Simple HR needs (under 350 employees)
• Setup time: 6-12 weeks
• Mobile access: Basic features on mobile
• Ease of use: Very simple to learn
• Geographic reach: 100+ countries

What makes cloud-based HR software different from traditional systems?

Cloud-based HR software gives your team the freedom to work from anywhere. Instead of relying on software installed on people’s devices, your HR system lives online. You can access everything through a web browser or mobile app: you can approve time off from home, check pay stubs while traveling, or run reports from your favorite coffee shop. Your remote and hybrid teams can work just as effectively as in-office teams.

Most cloud-based HR platforms come with automatic updates, so you never have to pause work for system maintenance. When new features and security patches roll out in the background, you can log in to find new features ready to use without you needing to do anything. When you hire someone new, they can just log in and get started right away.

With the right HR software, your data gets the kind of protection only enterprises used to be able to afford. The best security includes round-the-clock monitoring, automatic backups, and disaster recovery systems as part of your subscription, with all your data compliance requirements taken care of. 

How can cloud HR software improve your remote workforce management?

Managing remote teams is simpler when your HR platform lives in the cloud. People can request time off, update their contact details, and check their payment information no matter where they’re working, without needing internal VPN connections. You can approve requests, check who’s available, and run reports from anywhere. 

Cloud HR software means everyone gets the same up-to-date information. When someone changes their address or banking details, you can see it immediately.

A good cloud HR system will play nicely with the tools your team already uses. When someone books time off, your software should be able to automatically update your calendars, and even let managers know with notifications to Slack or Teams. If you link it to your project management software, managers will be able to see who’s available before assigning tasks. These integrations mean you spend less time on manual updates and more time on strategic work.

Why HiBob is the best cloud HR software solution

HiBob is the best HR solution for modern teams. People can easily update their own information, managers can get answers without having to ask HR, and your data will stay consistent across all your tools. The platform feels familiar from day one, and its  mobile-native design means your team can access everything on the go. 

You’ll be up and running in six to eight weeks, while other platforms can take months to get going. Once you’re set up, your entire HR tech stack connects in one place. Automatic updates happen in the background, and the cloud infrastructure scales as you grow—no slowdowns and no system overhauls needed.

You get hours back each week to focus on what matters: developing your people, improving your company culture, and making strategic decisions based on real-time analytics that update as changes happen.

Get started with HiBob’s cloud HR platform →

FAQs about cloud HR software

What is cloud HR software?

Cloud HR software runs online instead of on your office computers, so you can manage personal data, run payroll, and track time off from any device with internet access. Platforms like HiBob live on secure remote servers that handle all the technical aspects of the work—updates, backups, security—while you focus on your HR work. This means your team can work from anywhere, and you’ll never lose data when someone’s laptop crashes.

What is cloud computing in HRM?

Cloud computing in HRM means your HR services run online instead of on company computers. Your managers can approve time off from their phones, workers can update their information from home, and everything stays in sync automatically.

This approach gives smaller companies access to powerful features that used to require huge IT budgets, like AI-powered analytics and automated workflows. HiBob and other cloud platforms handle all the technical details, so you get enterprise-level tools at a fraction of the traditional cost.

What are the five types of HRIS systems?

The five main types of HRIS systems are: operational systems to handle your daily HR tasks, tactical systems to help with planning and resource decisions, strategic systems that support long-term workforce development, specialized systems to focus on specific needs like recruiting, and comprehensive systems that do all of the above.

Modern platforms like HiBob offer modular solutions—you can start with basic HR records and add performance management or analytics as you grow. This flexibility means you get what you need now without being locked into features you won’t use for years.

What is a cloud-based HR system?

A cloud-based HR system is software that manages your people operations through the internet instead of living on your company’s computers. You pay a monthly subscription and the provider handles everything technical—servers, security, updates, backups.

HiBob’s cloud-based system includes personal records, performance management, time tracking, and analytics all in one secure place. This setup means your team always has access to the same real-time data, whether they’re working from home, the office, or traveling between locations.

Is my data safe in cloud HR software?

Yes, your data is likely safer in the cloud than on your office servers. Leading providers like HiBob maintain ISO 27001 and SOC2 certifications, employ 24/7 security teams, and automatically back up your data across multiple secure locations. They protect your information in ways most companies can’t afford to do themselves—think bank-level encryption, instant disaster recovery, and ongoing threat monitoring. 

How long does it take to migrate from on-premise HR software to the cloud?

Migration times depend on your company size and the platform you choose. HiBob gets most teams up and running in six to eight weeks, while simple tools like Gusto take just days. Enterprise platforms like Workday need at least three to four months.

The key is choosing a platform that matches your timeline and support needs. If you need to be operational quickly, pick something designed for fast deployment. If you have more time and need advanced features, the longer implementation might be worth it.