Lever vs BambooHR: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Lever and BambooHR 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:
Lever
Talent acquisition suite
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • Lever is an applicant tracking system with built-in CRM for recruiting
- • It combines sourcing, nurturing, and hiring in one collaborative platform
BambooHR
HR software for small businesses
Best for you if:
- • BambooHR is an HR software platform for small and medium businesses
- • It handles employee records, time-off tracking, onboarding, and performance management
| At a Glance |  Lever | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | ATS | ATS |
Rating | 85/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Lever | BambooHR |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | ATSCRM | ATSEmployee Engagement |
Understanding the Differences
Both Lever and BambooHR solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Lever positions itself as "talent acquisition suite" while BambooHRfocuses on "hr software for small businesses". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Lever
Lever makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 85/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose BambooHR
BambooHR 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: BambooHR
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Lever handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Lever
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Lever is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Lever
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Lever—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 Lever higher (85/100). But the community has upvoted BambooHR more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Lever Does Better
- Higher overall score (85/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider BambooHR 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 Lever (85/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Lever scores higher in our analysis, but BambooHR 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 Lever or BambooHR better?
Based on our analysis, Lever scores higher with 85/100. Lever ispaid while BambooHR 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 Lever to BambooHR 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 Lever and BambooHR offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Lever is paid with potential trial.BambooHR is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.