BambooHR vs Culture Amp: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between BambooHR and Culture Amp comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
BambooHR
HR software for small businesses
Best for you if:
- • You need ats features specifically
- • BambooHR is an HR software platform for small and medium businesses
- • It handles employee records, time-off tracking, onboarding, and performance management
Culture Amp
Employee experience and engagement platform
Best for you if:
- • You need employee engagement features specifically
- • Culture Amp is an employee experience platform for engagement surveys and performance management
- • It provides research-backed surveys, analytics, and tools to build high-performing teams
| At a Glance |  Culture Amp | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | ATS | Employee Engagement |
Rating | 84/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | BambooHR | Culture Amp |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | ATSEmployee Engagement | Employee EngagementPerformance Management |
Understanding the Differences
Both BambooHR and Culture Amp solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.BambooHR positions itself as "hr software for small businesses" while Culture Ampfocuses on "employee experience and engagement platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose BambooHR
BambooHR makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Culture Amp
Culture Amp is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Culture Amp
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Culture Amp is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Culture Amp
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. BambooHR is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: BambooHR
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with BambooHR—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated BambooHR higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Culture Amp more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What BambooHR Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Culture Amp If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with BambooHR (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. BambooHR scores higher in our analysis, but Culture Amp might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BambooHR or Culture Amp better?
Based on our analysis, BambooHR scores higher with 84/100. BambooHR ispaid while Culture Amp is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from BambooHR to Culture Amp easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do BambooHR and Culture Amp offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. BambooHR is paid with potential trial.Culture Amp is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.