Rippling vs BambooHR: Which ATS Platform Performs Better?

Rippling vs BambooHR is a common comparison for growing companies looking to manage both HR tasks and hiring from a single platform. These two all-in-one HR solutions come equipped with applicant tracking features designed to simplify the way teams attract, evaluate, and onboard talent.

As businesses scale, relying on multiple disconnected tools can create gaps in communication and slow down hiring. That’s why platforms like Rippling and BambooHR stand out—they bring HR operations and recruiting workflows together, making the entire process more efficient.

This side-by-side comparison breaks down their hiring features, pricing models, strengths, and ideal use cases so you can confidently choose the platform that aligns with your hiring needs and long-term goals.

What This Blog Covers

This blog breaks down everything you need to know to decide between Rippling and BambooHR for your hiring needs. Here’s what you’ll learn:

• A quick overview of each platform and what makes them stand out
• Side-by-side comparison of hiring and ATS features
• Detailed pricing breakdowns, including add-ons and trial options
• User experience and setup complexity
• Pros and cons of each tool
• Best use case recommendations based on team size and goals
• Final verdict to help you choose the right platform
• FAQs to answer common buyer questions

Whether you’re an HR leader, operations manager, or startup founder, this guide is designed to help you make a confident decision.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Rippling	BambooHR
Platform Focus	All-in-one HR, IT, Finance	People-first HR management
ATS Type	Modular, add-on	Built-in
Job Posting	Multi-platform enabled	Integrates with job boards
Automation	Advanced workflows	Standard processes
Onboarding	Integrated with IT & payroll	Included in HR suite
Pricing	From $8/user + $40 base	Starts ~$108/month (20 users)
Best For	Tech-driven, growing teams	SMBs seeking ease of use

Product Overviews: Rippling vs BambooHR at a Glance

Before diving into features, it helps to understand the foundation on which each platform is built. While both Rippling and BambooHR offer applicant tracking capabilities, their core focus and approach to HR management vary.

Rippling

Rippling offers a unified platform that connects HR, IT, and finance functions, making it more than just an HR solution. Its hiring module is part of a larger ecosystem, allowing teams to manage job postings, automate workflows, and connect hiring with payroll, onboarding, and even device setup. The flexibility of its modular structure helps teams scale without juggling multiple systems.

Used By:
Mid-sized companies and growing startups that want to manage HR, hiring, and IT from a single dashboard.

Best Known For:

• Modular system that connects hiring with onboarding and payroll
• Custom workflows and automation capabilities
• Centralized employee data management
• Integration with IT tools for access provisioning
• Deep reporting and analytics for HR and hiring

BambooHR

BambooHR is designed with simplicity in mind, offering a people-focused HR platform that includes an intuitive applicant tracking system. It helps small to mid-sized teams manage the entire employee lifecycle—starting with recruitment. The hiring tool includes everything from job postings to offer letters, all within a clean, user-friendly interface that HR teams love.

Used By:
SMBs and people ops teams seeking an easy-to-use HR platform with built-in hiring tools.

Best Known For:

• Built-in ATS with structured hiring pipelines
• Simple interface and fast learning curve
• Centralized HR data with recruiting tools
• Mobile access for hiring on the go
• Strong candidate experience features like e-signatures and custom emails

Rippling vs BambooHR: Feature Comparison

When choosing between Rippling and BambooHR, it’s important to look beyond surface-level capabilities and focus on how each platform handles the key functions that matter to hiring teams. Below is a breakdown of five essential features that play a big role in streamlining recruitment operations:

Feature	Rippling	BambooHR
Job Posting	Multi-channel job board integration	Includes paid ad support (e.g., Indeed)
Interview Scheduling	Calendar sync with Google & Outlook	Calendar sync + automated reminders
Applicant Tracking	Custom pipelines with tags & notes	Simplified status tracking and notes
Automation	Advanced workflows for hiring stages	Basic workflow support
Reporting	Custom dashboards with hiring insights	Reports on candidates and timelines

Job Posting

• Rippling offers built-in multi-channel job posting, allowing recruiters to publish openings to several popular job boards in just a few clicks. This helps expand reach and ensures roles get in front of the right talent faster. You can also manage postings and performance from a single dashboard, which makes it easier to track which sources are working best.

• BambooHR, while not as expansive in distribution options, provides a simple way to post jobs and push listings to boards like Indeed or ZipRecruiter through native integrations. It supports paid job ads and includes features to manage those listings directly within the system—making it a great fit for teams looking for a more guided setup.

Interview Scheduling

• Rippling integrates with popular calendar tools such as Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook, enabling the seamless scheduling of interviews with candidates. You can sync availability, reduce manual coordination, and avoid conflicts—especially helpful when multiple team members are involved.

• BambooHR takes it a step further by offering not just calendar sync but also automatic reminders for both interviewers and candidates. This keeps communication smooth and reduces the chances of missed meetings or last-minute confusion.

Applicant Tracking

• In Rippling, teams can build custom hiring pipelines with defined stages, assign reviewers, and automate actions as candidates move through the funnel. You can tag candidates, add notes, and manage applications with ease—all while keeping hiring stages consistent across roles and departments.

• BambooHR keeps the applicant tracking system simple and intuitive. You get a visual overview of all candidates in the pipeline, their current status, and any team feedback. It’s well-suited for teams that prefer a clean, easy-to-navigate workflow without too many moving parts.

Automation

• Rippling supports automated workflows for nearly every part of the hiring journey—like moving candidates based on conditions, sending automated updates to teams, and even triggering onboarding tasks the moment someone accepts an offer. It’s ideal for companies handling multiple open roles or with larger recruiting teams that benefit from hands-free efficiency.

• BambooHR offers standard automation, primarily around candidate status changes and communication templates. It works well for small teams with less complex hiring processes but lacks the level of customization that Rippling provides.

Reporting & Insights

• Rippling delivers strong analytics and reporting tools for hiring. You can access reports on candidate pipeline health, time-to-fill, sourcing channels, and hiring team productivity—all of which help improve hiring strategy over time. These reports can also be customized to fit your internal KPIs or compliance needs.

• BambooHR provides reporting capabilities that are more HR-centric but still useful for tracking core recruiting metrics. You can generate custom reports on applicants, open roles, and overall hiring timelines. It’s built for teams that need clear data without heavy customization.

User Experience & Ease of Use

Choosing the right hiring software isn’t just about features—it’s also about how easy the platform is to use day-to-day. Both Rippling and BambooHR are known for their clean interfaces, but they offer very different user experiences based on how your team works.

Rippling

Rippling is designed for flexibility and control. Its interface feels modern and is built for users who want to customize workflows, manage multiple modules, and connect hiring with broader HR and IT tasks. The learning curve can be slightly higher, especially if you’re using multiple modules like payroll or app provisioning, but once set up, the experience is smooth and efficient. It’s a platform that works well for companies that want one system to manage it all.

Highlights:

• Modular dashboard with customizable workflows
• Seamless transitions between hiring, onboarding, and payroll
• Best suited for users comfortable with tech-driven systems

BambooHR

BambooHR is built for simplicity. Its interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate—even for users who aren’t tech-savvy. The ATS module follows the same design principles, making it easy to post jobs, review candidates, and move them through stages without much setup. It’s a great fit for HR teams that want a ready-to-use solution with minimal training required.

Highlights:

• Minimal setup and fast onboarding
• Clear visual pipelines for tracking candidates
• Designed for smaller teams with straightforward hiring needs

Pricing Comparison: Rippling vs BambooHR

While both Rippling and BambooHR offer hiring tools as part of a broader HR platform, their pricing structures are quite different—and both can vary based on your team size, selected modules, and level of customization.

Aspect	Rippling	BambooHR
Pricing Model	$8/user/month + base fee	Custom quote based on team size
ATS Inclusion	Paid add-on module	Included in premium plans
Free Trial	Free trial for core features	Live demo available

Rippling Pricing

Rippling follows a modular pricing model, which means you pay for what you use.

• Modular pricing structure
• Starts at $8 per user/month + $40 base platform fee
• ATS is a paid add-on (pricing not listed publicly)
• Ideal for teams that want flexibility in choosing features
• Free trial available for core modules

BambooHR Pricing

BambooHR uses a custom pricing model, meaning you’ll need to request a quote based on your organization’s headcount and selected features.

• Custom pricing based on employee count and features
• Two main plans: Essentials and Advantage
• ATS is included only in the Advantage plan
• Estimated cost: ~$108/month (Essentials) or ~$180/month (Advantage) for 20 users
• Demo available; no standard free trial

Pros & Cons: Rippling vs BambooHR

Choosing between Rippling and BambooHR often comes down to what your team values most—advanced functionality or ease of use. Here’s a quick overview of what each platform does well and where it may fall short for certain teams.

Platform	Pros	Cons
JazzHR	– Budget-friendly, modular pricing – Easy to use for small HR teams – Fast job board publishing	– Fewer integrations than some ATS tools – Basic automation in lower-tier plans
Breezy HR	– Visual interface, built-in communication – AI-powered scheduling, SMS, and reminders – Great collaboration tools	– Higher price point for core features – May feel complex for solo HR operators

Rippling

Pros

• Powerful workflow automation: Rippling allows users to automate complex tasks across hiring, onboarding, and IT processes.
• Unified platform: Combines HR, payroll, benefits, and device management in one system, making it efficient for cross-functional teams.
• Customizable modules: Teams can add only the features they need, from applicant tracking to finance and app provisioning.

Cons

• Can feel complex for smaller teams: If you’re only looking for a simple hiring tool, Rippling’s depth might feel more extensive than necessary.
• Initial setup takes time: Teams unfamiliar with modular systems may require extra time to configure everything to fit their workflow.

BambooHR

Pros

• User-friendly interface: The platform is easy to navigate and doesn’t require much training, which makes it great for HR teams of all experience levels.
• Focused on HR fundamentals: From employee records to time-off tracking and recruitment, BambooHR keeps essential features front and center.
• Great candidate experience: Built-in templates and communication tools help streamline applicant touchpoints.

Cons

• Limited automation: While it handles standard processes well, it lacks the advanced workflow automation that Rippling offers.
• Not built for high-volume hiring: If you’re managing a large number of candidates or complex pipelines, the platform may feel limited.

Rippling vs BambooHR: Use Case Scenarios

Both Rippling and BambooHR bring unique strengths to the table, and choosing the right one depends on your team’s goals, hiring volume, and existing systems. Here’s a closer look at which platform works best in different situations:

Choose Rippling if…

• You need automation at scale: Rippling is ideal for companies looking to streamline repetitive tasks, such as moving candidates through hiring stages, sending offer letters, or triggering onboarding workflows—all without manual effort.
• Your team already uses Rippling for HR or IT: If you’re managing payroll, benefits, app provisioning, or device access through Rippling, adding the ATS module creates a seamless experience across the entire employee lifecycle.
• Your hiring process is interconnected with IT or operations: Teams that need new hires to be provisioned with accounts or devices automatically will benefit from Rippling’s integration with IT management.
• You’re managing multiple departments or business units: Its modular structure makes it easier to scale hiring processes based on department needs without forcing a one-size-fits-all workflow.

Choose BambooHR if…

• You’re an HR-led team with limited tech overhead: BambooHR works well for HR departments that want an intuitive system they can manage without heavy admin support.
• Ease of use is a top priority: The interface is built for simplicity, allowing users to post jobs, review applicants, and move candidates through hiring stages with minimal training.
• Your hiring volume is steady but not high: For small to mid-sized teams hiring a few roles at a time, BambooHR provides all the essentials without overwhelming users.
• You want recruiting to connect naturally with other HR functions. Since the ATS is part of BambooHR’s HR suite, it integrates smoothly with features like onboarding, employee records, and time-off tracking.

Final Verdict: Which Performs Better?

Rippling and BambooHR both offer strong hiring capabilities, but they cater to different priorities. If your team is looking for automation, customization, and seamless integration with IT or payroll, Rippling is the more powerful choice. On the other hand, if you value simplicity, faster onboarding, and a clean user experience, BambooHR fits better—especially for small to mid-sized HR teams.

Here’s a breakdown to help match each tool to your company’s structure and hiring style:

Recommendation by User Type

• Startups & Tech-Enabled Teams:
  Rippling is a great fit for teams already using Rippling for HR or IT functions or those who want everything—from hiring to onboarding and device setup—handled in one place.
• HR-Led SMBs:
  BambooHR is ideal for HR teams that prefer an easy-to-use interface with fewer technical steps. If your recruiting volume is moderate and you want hiring built into your core HR system, this platform works well.
• Scaling Companies Hiring Across Departments:
  Rippling is more suited to growing businesses that need automation, reporting, and flexibility across multiple teams or business units.
• Companies Hiring Occasionally or for Part-Time Roles:
  BambooHR offers enough structure to handle light hiring needs without overwhelming the team with features they won’t use.

Conclusion

Rippling and BambooHR are both reliable options for managing hiring within an all-in-one HR platform, but they serve different needs. Rippling is best suited for teams that prioritize automation, scalability, and integration with IT systems. In contrast, BambooHR works well for HR-led teams looking for a simple, user-friendly solution to manage hiring alongside core HR functions.

Your decision should depend on your team’s size, hiring volume, and need for flexibility. If you’re scaling fast and need advanced workflows, go with Rippling. For ease of use and straightforward recruiting, BambooHR is a practical and efficient choice.

Frequently Asked Questions