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BambooHR Pricing 2026

Plans, hidden costs, and cheaper alternatives compared

Reviews onG2Capterra
2 plans tracked·Updated May 2026

Is BambooHR worth the price?

75/10

BambooHR's pricing is fair for small to medium businesses, especially with the Advantage tier at $8.75/employee/month offering a comprehensive HRIS.

The Essentials tier at $5.25/employee/month provides a solid foundation for basic HR needs. It's best for growing companies looking for a scalable HR solution.

Pricing Plans

7-day Free Trial

Essentials

$5.25/employee/month

Core HR

  • Employee records
  • Time-off tracking
  • Reporting
  • Mobile app
Most Popular

Advantage

$8.75/employee/month

Full HRIS

  • All Essentials
  • Onboarding
  • Performance
  • eNPS

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

Base fee not specified, could increase total cost

Payroll is an additional add-on cost

Potential for implementation service fees

Integrations with other systems might incur costs

Which Plan Do You Need?

Growing SMBs needing HRIS

Companies prioritizing employee experience

Businesses scaling HR operations

How BambooHR Compares to Competitors

Compared to Gusto, which offers a Simple plan starting at $40/month + $6/person, BambooHR's per-employee pricing can be more cost-effective for smaller teams, especially if payroll is not immediately needed. However, Gusto bundles payroll, which BambooHR offers as an add-on, making direct comparisons complex depending on feature needs. Rippling, another competitor, often starts at higher price points, positioning BambooHR as a more accessible option for core HR.

BambooHR Pricing FAQ

How much does BambooHR cost?

BambooHR starts at $5.25/month on the Essentials plan. It offers 2 paid tiers ranging from $5.25/month up to $8.75/month.

Does BambooHR have a free plan?

BambooHR does not offer a permanent free plan. However, a free trial is available for 7 days.

Does BambooHR offer a free trial?

Yes, BambooHR offers a free trial lasting 7 days. No credit card is typically required to start the trial, though this may vary.

What is the cheapest BambooHR paid plan?

The cheapest paid plan for BambooHR is "Essentials" at $5.25/month. Key features include: Employee records, Time-off tracking, Reporting.

Is there a cheaper alternative to BambooHR?

Yes. Popular alternatives to BambooHR include Gusto, Rippling, Workable, Paychex. Compare them side-by-side on Toolradar.

Cheaper alternatives to BambooHR

Direct competitors with similar features. Many offer lower per-seat pricing or simpler tier structure.