7 Best Rippling Competitors & Alternatives for 2025

TL;DR: Top Rippling Alternatives at a Glance

1. Playroll

2. Deel

3. Paycom

4. Isolved

5. Paylocity

6. Paychex

7. Workday HCM

‍

What is Rippling?

Rippling is a unified workforce platform that combines HR, IT, and finance tools into one system. It's designed to help companies onboard employees, manage payroll, track benefits, provision devices, and more – all from a single dashboard.

Targeting small to midsize businesses, Rippling stands out for its modular design and automation features, which let companies build a customized tech stack. Popular features include:

• Global payroll
• Benefits administration
• Employee onboarding
• App and device management
• Time and attendance tracking

‍

Why Look for a Rippling Alternative?

While Rippling is a strong contender for managing HR, payroll, and IT operations, there are several reasons why users might start seeking alternatives. Let’s explore the common pain points that businesses encounter with Rippling, offering a balanced perspective on the challenges and highlighting areas where alternatives might excel. Companies typically start looking for Rippling alternatives when they outgrow the platform’s capabilities or run into operational friction. Common reasons include:

‍

1. Missing or Limited Features

One of the most frequent complaints from Rippling users is that certain functionalities are either missing or underdeveloped. For example, while Rippling provides core HR services like payroll and employee benefits, some companies report that these features don’t go deep enough for their needs.

Users on G2 and Capterra have mentioned that the lack of specialized global payroll services, especially in countries with complex labor laws, can be a significant hurdle. For example, if you’re running a global operation and need a platform that offers in-depth compliance across multiple countries, Rippling might not meet those needs. This limitation can leave gaps in managing employees in non-U.S. regions, leading companies to seek more tailored solutions.

‍

2. Pricing Concerns

Rippling’s pricing structure is often a point of frustration for users. Many users report that pricing isn’t entirely transparent, and businesses are unsure of what they’ll pay once all the modules and features are factored in. As businesses scale, these costs can increase dramatically – particularly when adding employees or integrating additional services. This unpredictability makes it difficult for organizations to budget effectively.

‍

3. Poor Interface Design and User Experience

Several users have noted that Rippling's interface can be overwhelming, particularly for smaller businesses or those unfamiliar with enterprise-level HR tools. The platform's design, while functional, has been critiqued for being "clunky" and difficult to navigate, especially for non-technical users. This can result in longer training times, more employee frustration, and slower adoption.

User Feedback

 G2 reviews highlight that many users struggle with Rippling's interface, saying it’s not user-friendly and requires a significant learning curve. Even with in-depth tutorials, new users often find themselves lost in a sea of options and settings.

‍

5. Learning Curve and Support Challenges

Many users report that Rippling's learning curve can be steep, especially for teams that aren’t HR or tech experts. The platform's wide range of features and integrations can feel overwhelming, and while Rippling offers support resources, users still report delays in getting the help they need. These support delays can lead to longer onboarding processes and increased frustration.

Notably, Rippling does not offer direct points of contact to employees, only a general help center. For additional support, employees have to contact Rippling via a middleman at their companies. This can cause significant delays in the time it takes for issues to be resolved.

User Feedback

 On G2, multiple users have shared frustrations about customer support, claiming that responses are slow, and that when they do receive help, it’s not always comprehensive enough to resolve their issues.

‍

The 7 Best Rippling Alternatives to Streamline Global Workforce Management

Do you find Rippling’s suite too broad, or perhaps not deep enough for your specific global HR needs? We’ve rounded up the top Rippling alternatives that excel in compliance, payroll, and international workforce support.

Ready to explore? Let’s break down their strengths, weaknesses, and pricing details.

1. Playroll

‍

Best for: Fully compliant international hiring and payroll without setting up entities.

Playroll is a comprehensive global employment platform that helps companies hire, onboard, and pay international employees quickly and compliantly. Compared to legacy solutions, Playroll is especially flexible in meeting the unique needs of businesses of all sizes. The platform is user-friendly, featuring an intuitive interface that streamlines complex tasks like payroll across borders. Playroll also provides comprehensive customer support, with dedicated assistance for both employers and employees, to ensure prompt and effective responses to all inquiries.

It’s purpose-built for businesses scaling internationally and looking for a trusted long-term partner to handle the legal heavy lifting.

💡 Compare Playroll vs Rippling here!

‍

Key Features of Playroll

• Compliant global hiring and payroll across 180+ countries, with a robust network of owned entities.
• Payroll management to consolidate multi-vendor payroll data across borders.
• Dedicated support for employers and employees.
• Compliant contracts that protect your IP and ensure compliance with local labor laws.
• Localized benefits with automated compliance and comprehensive options for extra perks.
• End-to-end visa management and employee relocation services.
• Manage global teams, payroll, and compliance in one place.

‍

Pricing Plans

Pricing starts from $399/month per employee, with no hidden fees or surprise costs.

Scaling your team? Book a demo to get a tailored quote for your needs.

‍

What Users Think

Playroll focuses on our problems and how to solve them, instead of forcing a textbook approach on us. The support team is very professional, cheerful and always on the ball. They are way faster than their competitors – we have an answer in a matter of hours instead of days.

Peter Verhaert, HR Manager, Exalate

Read Case Study

‍

2. Deel

‍

‍

Best for: Companies seeking an established brand with broad global reach.

Deel is a major player in the EOR and global payroll space. It supports hiring in 150+ countries and is known for its sleek platform and VC backing.

That said, Deel has received negative reviews of hidden fees and steep pricing. Recent legal issues have also raised concerns about Deel's compliance and customer focus. In March 2025, Deel was sued by Rippling for alleged corporate espionage. Deel is accused of stealing confidential information, including sales leads and pricing proposals. These allegations could undermine trust in Deel's practices, especially regarding data security and compliance, which are critical for businesses handling sensitive HR and payroll information.

‍

Key Features of Deel

• Entity coverage in 100+ countries
• Employee and contractor payments in all supported regions
• Compliance management and IP protection
  
• Integrations with HR systems and accounting tools
  ‍
  

Pricing Plans

EOR services from $599/month per employee, while contractor plans start from $49/month. Custom enterprise pricing is also available.

‍

What Users Think

"I have quick access to my contracts and multiple options for withdrawing money. The fees are too high. It would be nice to have lower barriers."

- Verified G2 User

‍

3. Paycom

‍

Best for: Comprehensive HR and payroll management for mid-sized to large businesses.

Paycom is a provider of cloud-based HR and payroll software designed to help businesses manage their workforce efficiently. It’s tailored for organizations seeking a robust solution that integrates HR, payroll, talent management, and timekeeping in one platform. Paycom is known for its user-friendly interface and a comprehensive suite of features, which make it an appealing alternative to Rippling for businesses in the U.S.

On the downside, Paycom’s focus on U.S.-based operations may make it less attractive to companies with international teams or those seeking a global HR solution. Additionally, while it offers self-service tools for employees, it can be confusing to navigate without additional training and onboarding.

‍

Key Features of Paycom

• Centralize employee data, compensation, and performance management.
• Automate payroll, tax filing, benefits, and direct deposit.
• Track recruiting, performance, and employee development.
• Manage time tracking, PTO, and overtime with real-time data via the mobile app.
  ‍
  

Pricing Plans

Paycom offers customized pricing based on the size of the company and the specific modules selected. While the platform is known to be cost-effective for small to medium businesses, the pricing is not disclosed upfront.

There may also be setup fees and additional charges for implementation or customer support.
‍

What Users Think

“Paycom is a great tool for streamlining payroll and HR processes, but it’s a bit expensive for small companies. The platform is easy to use once set up, and the support is solid, though it can be slow at times.”
- G2 Reviewer

‍

4. iSolved

‍

‍

Best for: SMBs looking for a user-friendly HR platform with payroll capabilities.

iSolved is a cloud-based HR software solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering a comprehensive toolset focused on payroll, human resources, and talent management. It provides an intuitive interface that rivals larger platforms like Rippling. The platform integrates payroll, benefits, scheduling, and compliance. On the downside, however, iSolved may not offer the same level of scalability and advanced features as larger enterprise systems, which could be a limitation as a business grows.

‍

Key Features of iSolved

• Payroll processing that includes tax filing, direct deposit, and compliance tracking.
  
• Manage employee records, benefits, and performance evaluations.
  
• Built-in time-tracking tools, including scheduling and PTO management.
  
• Tools to stay compliant with local, state, and federal laws, particularly in the U.S.
  ‍
  

Pricing Plans

Pricing for iSolved is customized based on business size and the features selected. iSolved is typically more affordable than larger enterprise solutions, but specific pricing details are not disclosed publicly.
‍

What Users Think

"There are many capabilities for things to do like scheduling, time keeping, etc. Platform is not user friendly and is very confusing. Support team is unhelpful and not very quick at getting back to you."

- G2 Reviewer

‍

5. Paychex

‍

Best for: Businesses looking for flexible HR and payroll services in the U.S.

Paychex offers a mix of payroll, HR, and retirement services. It caters to companies of all sizes and offers both software-only and full-service options. However, its international capabilities are limited and often require third-party partnerships, which may be a drawback for companies with global operations.

‍

Key Features of Paychex

• Payroll processing and tax compliance
• HR support and employee benefits
• Time tracking and attendance
• Hiring and onboarding tools
• Mobile app for employers and employees
  ‍
  

Pricing Plans

Paychex Flex Essentials: ~$39/month + $5/user

Custom plans are available for mid-size and enterprise, but add-ons can drive up costs quickly.
‍

What Users Think

“Solid for domestic payroll but can get expensive with add-ons. Global support is limited.”

- Capterra Reviewer

‍

6. Paylocity

‍

‍

Best for: U.S. mid-market businesses needing robust payroll and Human Capital Management (HCM).

Paylocity is a cloud-based HR and payroll solution that serves mid-sized businesses, providing a range of features designed to streamline administrative tasks. It offers more flexibility and configurability than alternatives like Gusto or BambooHR. That said, it lacks international payroll capabilities, making it less suitable for businesses with global operations or employees located outside the United States. This limits its scalability for multinational companies that need to handle payroll in multiple countries with varying tax laws and currency exchanges.

‍

Key Features of Paylocity

• Payroll processing and tax filing
• Time and attendance tracking
• Learning and development modules
• Workforce analytics
• Employee engagement tools
  ‍
  

Pricing Plans

Custom pricing based on company size and modules selected. It has no public pricing, but it's typically mid-tier compared to competitors.
‍

What Users Think

“Good balance between cost and functionality, though the UI could be more modern.”

- G2 Reviewer

‍

7. Workday HCM

‍

Best for: Large enterprises needing an all-in-one HCM system.

Workday HCM is an enterprise-grade solution for human capital management, performance tracking, and financials. It’s highly configurable and scalable, but its complexity and cost can be prohibitive for smaller teams. As a result, smaller organizations may find it challenging to fully leverage its extensive capabilities without significant investment in time and resources.

‍

Key Features of Workday HCM

• Global HCM with workforce planning
• Talent acquisition and onboarding
• Payroll and time tracking
• Advanced analytics and dashboards
• Finance and workforce integration
  ‍
  

Pricing Plans

Follows a enterprise pricing model, customizable per organization. Implementation fees can be significant – Workday is typically a good fit for companies with 1,000+ employees.
‍

What Users Think

“Powerful once it’s set up, but onboarding took months and required a dedicated team.”
- G2 Reviewer

‍

‍

How Easy Is It to Switch from Rippling to Playroll?

Switching to Playroll is designed to be frictionless.

Our team of experts provides dedicated onboarding support, a customized migration plan tailored to your needs, and vetted contract templates to get your team set up compliantly. You also get hands-on help to migrate payroll data and employee records securely, with direct support for employees to answer any questions they might have.

‍

🚀 Ready to Make the Switch?

Switching from your current EOR to Playroll is easier than you think. Get dedicated support to onboard your team without delays.

Learn More

‍

Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Rippling Alternative

Before switching to a Rippling alternative, it’s important to ask the following questions:

Top Questions To Ask When Assessing EOR Services

‍

Why Choose Playroll Over Rippling for Your Global Expansion

Rippling is a solid all-in-one platform for U.S.-based operations, but global expansion requires more than just broad features – you need reliable support and solutions that adapt to complex international needs. That’s where Playroll stands out. It offers dedicated support, user-friendly tools that don't disrupt your operations, and deep compliance expertise to help you stay ahead of shifting employment laws and challenges.

Unlike Rippling, which lacks direct employee support and can be difficult to navigate, Playroll makes things easier with a clear interface and hands-on service. Its pricing is straightforward, starting at $399 per month, while Rippling’s plans often come with hidden fees and unclear costs. If scaling globally is your goal, Playroll gives you what Rippling doesn’t: control, support, and peace of mind across every market.

Book a chat with our team to find out how we can help you scale your global team more effectively.