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Best Core HR Software for Startups in 2025

Written by Steph Leung

Product & Operations Lead

Edited by Paddy Stobbs

Co-Founder & CEO

Updated onApr 28, 2025

Choosing the right Core HR software (also known as an HRIS – Human Resources Information System) isn’t easy. With so many tools promising to simplify hiring, payroll, and employee management, it’s all too easy to end up with something that adds more complexity instead.

We’ve done the research so you don’t have to. This guide breaks down the best HR tools for startups - whether you need a simple database or a full HR suite.

Best HR Information systems for different use cases

For essential functionality:

Humaans product logo

Humaans

Stackfix Rating:

8.1 / 10

Humaans is one of the best HR platforms for startups that want a strong, flexible foundation for their HR operations. Unlike bulky all-in-one suites, Humaans focuses on delivering best-in-class core HR functionality — storing employee information, managing time off, automating workflows — while seamlessly integrating with payroll, benefits, and other specialist tools.

One of Humaans’s biggest strengths is its modular approach. Instead of locking you into a rigid system, it gives you the flexibility to build your own HR tech stack, picking the best-in-class tools that fit your needs. Add to that its intuitive user experience, powerful data management features, and excellent DE&I reporting, and you get a platform that’s both lightweight and highly capable.

That said, Humaans isn’t the most feature-packed suite out of the box. If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution with built-in payroll, benefits, or engagement surveys, you’ll need to lean on integrations — which can add to costs. Some advanced features like custom fields and automated workflows are also locked behind higher-tier plans.

But if you want a fast, flexible, and beautifully designed HR platform built for modern teams, Humaans is a strong choice.

Jump to product

For all-in-one HR, IT and finance:

Rippling HR Cloud product logo

Rippling HR Cloud

Stackfix Rating:

6.9 / 10

Rippling is one of the most powerful, all-in-one platforms for businesses that want to consolidate HR, IT, and finance into a single system. Unlike traditional HR software, Rippling goes beyond just employee records and payroll—it also manages IT asset provisioning, device security, and even corporate expenses.

One of Rippling’s biggest strengths is its rich functionality and deep automation capabilities. Whether it’s automating HR workflows, generating advanced reports, or managing global payroll, Rippling enables businesses to create highly customizable, data-driven processes that scale as they grow. It’s particularly powerful for mid-sized and large companies that need advanced analytics, complex approval chains, and deep integrations across business functions.

Rippling also boasts best-in-class reporting, allowing teams to combine HR, IT, and finance data for deeper insights. For example, you can track employee performance against project deliverables, link payroll data to expense trends, or monitor IT security compliance for offboarding employees—all within one platform. Its rapid product iteration also means new features are frequently rolled out, making it one of the most future-proof HR systems on the market.

That said, Rippling comes with a learning curve. Its automation and reporting tools are incredibly powerful, but they require time and effort to master. Additionally, its pricing model is opaque, with modules charged separately and a minimum 12-month contract—which makes it more expensive than many alternatives. Customer support experiences can also be inconsistent, with some users reporting frustration when navigating their chatbot-driven help system.

But if you’re looking for a highly sophisticated, deeply integrated HR, IT, and finance solution that can automate complex workflows and provide unparalleled data insights, Rippling is one of the most powerful platforms available.

Jump to product

For global hiring and payroll:

Deel product logo

Deel

Stackfix Rating:

7.3 / 10

Deel is one of the best HR platforms for companies hiring and managing teams across multiple countries. While its free HRIS for up to 200 employees is an attractive entry point, Deel’s real strength lies in its best-in-class global payroll, compliance, and hiring capabilities.

Unlike traditional HR platforms, Deel makes it incredibly easy to hire, pay, and manage employees in 150+ countries—without needing to set up local entities. Its Employer of Record (EoR) services, built-in compliance checks, and global payroll solutions take care of tax filings, labor law requirements, and visa sponsorship, making it an ideal choice for distributed teams.

One of Deel’s standout features is its powerful automation capabilities, allowing HR teams to create complex workflows with conditional logic, trigger automated emails, and seamlessly handle onboarding tasks across global teams. Add to that customizable leave policies, Slack integrations, and a global perks marketplace, and Deel becomes a compelling option for companies that need a truly international HR solution.

That said, Deel’s HRIS is fairly limited in scope—offering only basic core HR features like employee record-keeping, time-off tracking, and workflow automation. More advanced HR functionalities, such as performance management and engagement surveys, require add-ons like Deel Engage ($20 per user/month), while global payroll starts at $29 per employee/month. Additionally, Deel’s integration options are limited, and customer support can be inconsistent, which could be frustrating for teams needing hands-on assistance.

But if you’re a fast-growing, global startup looking for a seamless way to hire and pay employees anywhere in the world, Deel is a high quality option.

Jump to product

For US payroll:

Gusto product logo

Gusto

Stackfix Rating:

6.0 / 10

If you’re a US-based company looking for a simple, cost-effective way to manage payroll and benefits, Gusto is one of the best options available. Unlike more complex HR platforms, Gusto focuses on automating payroll, handling compliance, and integrating benefits administration—all at a budget-friendly price.

One of Gusto’s biggest strengths is its payroll automation. It can run payroll in the background, automatically calculate and file federal, state, and local taxes, and even handle 401(k) contributions, medical insurance, and reimbursements—all in one place. This makes it a strong choice for small and mid-sized businesses that want to eliminate manual payroll tasks.

Gusto also delivers great value for money. With pricing starting at $6 per employee/month (+$40 base fee), it’s one of the most affordable payroll solutions on the market—especially considering that some HR platforms charge extra just for payroll functionality. Plus, its integration ecosystem is extensive, with nearly 200 pre-built integrations covering ATS, accounting, and HR tools.

That said, Gusto is designed specifically for US-based companies. It requires a US federal EIN, business address, and bank account, and its time tracking, payroll, and benefits features only work for US employees. While Gusto has partnered with Remote for international hiring, this is currently limited to Canada.

Additionally, Gusto’s usability outside of payroll is limited. If you’re looking for a full HR platform with strong analytics, customizable workflows, and deep reporting, Gusto might not be the best fit. Its performance management and engagement survey tools are quite basic, and its reporting functionality lacks depth compared to competitors.

But if you need a straightforward, automated payroll solution with excellent compliance and benefits management in the US, Gusto is a fantastic choice.

Jump to product

For UK payroll:

Zelt product logo

Zelt

Stackfix Rating:

7.3 / 10

If you’re a UK-based startup or small business looking for an affordable, all-in-one HR and payroll solution, Zelt is a fantastic choice. It includes built-in UK payroll processing, automatic tax filings with HMRC, and pension management—all without the need for an accountant or third-party payroll software.

One of Zelt’s biggest strengths is its user-friendly design and intuitive experience. Despite its rich functionality, it remains simple and easy to use, with clean UI, fast performance, and natural workflows for onboarding, time-off management, and performance tracking. Most employees can get fully up to speed in just 1-2 hours.

Zelt also offers exceptional breadth of functionality for its price. In addition to payroll, it enables businesses to manage employee benefits, track performance (OKRs), and even handle device procurement and security—allowing HR teams to buy, ship, and configure employee hardware with remote management tools.

That said, Zelt is primarily designed for UK businesses. While it calculates salaries and taxes for global employees, it does not file international payroll taxes automatically—meaning companies with a large global workforce may need manual tax filings in other countries. Additionally, workflow automation and integrations are quite basic, lacking advanced triggers, custom workflows, and deeper third-party connectivity.

Some users have also reported occasional glitches, such as incorrect emails being sent or payslips being released before finalization—issues that could impact the employee experience.

But if you’re a UK-based company looking for a cost-effective, easy-to-use HR and payroll platform with built-in tax filings, Zelt is an excellent choice.

Jump to product

SL

Meet your expert: Steph Leung

Stackfix Product & Operations Lead

After building HR tech and spending countless hours on vendor selection in my previous roles, I discovered how painful it is to find the right business software. Now at Stackfix, I've dedicated over 800 hours to testing and reviewing software solutions so others don't have to go through the same struggle. I have a particular love for beautiful, opinionated products that do one thing exceptionally well and just work.

Humaans logo

Humaans

Rippling HR Cloud logo

Rippling HR Cloud

Deel logo

Deel

Gusto logo

Gusto

Zelt logo

Zelt

Our rating
Functionality
7

Functionality

7/10

<p>By design, Humaans focuses on offering high-quality, core HR functionality, including storing employee information, managing time-off, tracking hours worked and workflow automation. It has recently added performance management, but still lacks other functionality such as surveys, payroll and software &amp; device management.</p>
10

Functionality

10/10

<p>Rippling offers unmatched functionality compared to other HRIS platforms we tested. You can manage almost any employee-related tasks within one platform. Besides core HRIS features such as storing employee information, managing time off and employee engagement, Rippling also comes with a native recruiting module, payroll, app and device management, advanced automation and more.</p>
8

Functionality

8/10

<p>While Deel's free HRIS only offers standard but high-quality HRIS functionality (e.g. store employee info, manage time-off, workflow automation), you can layer on very rich functionality via native add-ons.</p><p>Deel's ecosystem also includes global HR functionality that allows you to hire, manage and pay global employees, as well as an engagement module for performance management, learning &amp; development etc.</p><p>The only functionality missing is software management and a native applicant tracking system.</p>
8

Functionality

8/10

<p>Gusto offers most functionality that US-based SMBs will need. Besides core HR features (store employee info, manage time-of), Gusto offers excellent US payroll and benefits functionality, performance management, time tracking, a native ATS for recruiting employees and more.</p><p>However, note that some of these features are quite limited in depth.</p>
8

Functionality

8/10

<p>Zelt offers most functionality that most SMBs will need. Besides core HR features (store employee info, manage timeoff), Zelt also allows you to run performance reviews, send surveys, run payroll, manage employees' software and hardware and more.</p><p>Only features missing are workflow automation (e.g. automate emails and calendar invites) and any recruiting/ applicant tracking functionality.</p>
Ease of Use
10

Ease of Use

10/10

<p>Humaans is highly intuitive and easy to use. Key workflows such as adding new hires, requesting time-off and automating workflows are very straightforward.</p><p>An average startup employee should require less than 30 minutes, independently, to use the product proficiently.</p>
6

Ease of Use

6/10

<p>With Rippling's rich functionality comes a complexity that requires time and effort to master.&nbsp;It will require a few days for an average SMB to master key modules of the product. Beyond the initial learning curve, key workflows on Rippling are generally quite intuitive.</p>
7

Ease of Use

7/10

<p>While key workflows on Deel are generally user-friendly, we did find some UX imperfections. For example, Deel's time-off module doesn't have an out-of-office calendar nor an easy way to check everyone's leave balance. Compared to other HRIS, figuring out how to set up the system was also a more involved process.</p>
5

Ease of Use

5/10

<p>We found some key workflows on Gusto to be less user-friendly compared to competitors. E.g. there's no way to view who's taken time off at a glance, nor is there a quick way to only add a specific group of employees to a performance review via filters.</p><p>There's also a learning curve for the rich payroll-related functionality in the platform.</p>
8

Ease of Use

8/10

<p>Despite its very rich functionality, Zelt remains easy to use. Key workflows such as adding new hires, requesting time-off all feel very intuitive. An average startup employee should require around 1-2 hours and minimal guidance to proficiently use all key functionalities of the product.&nbsp;</p>
Look and feel
10

Look and feel

10/10

<p>Humaans is one of the most visually stunning B2B platforms we've come across. Its uncluttered and modern user interface is a breath of fresh air. It also shines with blazingly fast page loads.</p>
6

Look and feel

6/10

<p>We find Rippling's interface sleek and modern, with fast page load times.</p>
7

Look and feel

7/10

<p>Deel has a simple and visually acceptable layout with quick page loads.</p>
5

Look and feel

5/10

<p>We find Gusto's interface colourful and visually acceptable. However, it suffers from slow page load times (3+ seconds), especially when generating reports.</p>
8

Look and feel

8/10

<p>Zelt has a clean, uncluttered UI, whose abundance of white space makes it visually appealing. It also has lightning fast page load times.</p>
Customisability
7

Customisability

7/10

<p>You can customise most things on Humaans, from data fields, reports, leave policies, workflow templates and more.</p><p>However, it still lacks the deeper customisability offered by more mature HRIS (e.g. Rippling, Deel), such as creating more complex approval chains and customising the layout of the platform.</p>
9

Customisability

9/10

<p>Rippling is one of the most customisable HRIS we have come across. You are able to customise data fields, employee groups, set up complex approval chains and even highly customised workflows based on things as granular as an employee's response to a survey question or days after onboarding.</p>
8

Customisability

8/10

<p>Deel's free HRIS highly customisable. You can create custom data fields, leave policies and reports. You can also create highly customisable automation workflows (e.g. for onboarding) with conditional and branching logic.</p>
5

Customisability

5/10

<p>While Gusto offers excellent customisability when it comes to payroll-related functionality, we find that it lacks basic customisability options for other modules.</p><p>For example, you're not allowed to adjust Gusto's pre-built surveys, adjust the interview pipeline for its ATS module, or set up workflows beyond onboarding and offboarding employees.</p>
7

Customisability

7/10

<p>You can customise most things on Zelt, from data fields, reports, leave policies, workflow templates, the platform's layout and more.</p><p>However, it lacks the deeper customisability offered by more mature HRIS (e.g. Rippling, Deel), such as creating workflows with conditional logic, and setting survey questions as optional.</p>
Ease of Setup
6

Ease of Setup

6/10

<p>Humaans does not offer a free trial and purchasing requires talking to sales. It takes &lt;10mins to complete basic setup (entering company information and adding employees). Fully customizing and setting up the platform can be done within 1-2 business days. Customization and setup is simple enough to not require an expert and more complicated processes can be done with help from the help center.</p>
3

Ease of Setup

3/10

<p>Rippling does not offer a free trial and requires speaking to sales before making a purchase. Fully customizing and setting up the platform takes &gt;1week and will likely require assistance from an expert.</p>
8

Ease of Setup

8/10

<p>Despite Deel not having a free trial, the core HR functionality is free. However, to gain access to Deel's core HR you have to talk to sales first. It takes &lt;10min to complete the basic setup (entering company information, adding employees). Fully customizing and setting up the platform can be done in 1-2 business days. Customization and setup is simple enough that you don't need an expert to assist and more complicated processes can be done with help from the help center.</p>
4

Ease of Setup

4/10

<p>Gusto doesn't offer a free trial and requires talking to sales before making a purchase. It takes 10-30 mins to complete basic setup (entering company information and adding employees). Fully customizing and setting up the platform takes less than a week and is simple enough to do without assistance from an expert; more complicated processes can be done with help from the help center.</p>
7

Ease of Setup

7/10

<p>Zelt does not offer a free trial. Purchasing requires you to talk to sales. It takes &lt;10 minutes to compete basic setup (entering company information, adding employees). Fully customizing and setting up the platform takes 1-2 business days.</p>
Customer Support
9

Customer Support

9/10

<p><span style="color: rgb(9, 9, 11);">Humaans offers excellent in-app support and live chat with human agents. Our testers usually get a response within an hour, and have found the team to be friendly and open to feedback.</span></p>
4

Customer Support

4/10

<p>We've found Rippling’s customer support to be poor.</p><p>Navigating their AI chatbot just to reach a human agent is a frustrating experience. On top of that, their account managers often come across as overly sales-focused, making it feel like their main goal is to upsell rather than assist. This sentiment is echoed by many customers we’ve spoken to. Rippling doesn’t allow you to self-demo the product before committing to their minimum 1-year contract, which feels both overly aggressive and unhelpful.</p>
6

Customer Support

6/10

<p>Deel offers 24/7 in-app live chat support with agents. However, when tested, we found Deel's AI chatbot unhelpful and frustrating. <span style="color: rgb(9, 9, 11);">Perhaps because their HRIS is rather new, we were unable to find relevant articles on their knowledge base on some of our enquiries. </span>Agents we were eventually able to connect with were also not the most helpful, providing contradictory answers.</p>
8

Customer Support

8/10

<p><span style="color: rgb(9, 9, 11);">Gusto offers in-app support during US business hours with live human agents. From our experience, Gusto's support team have consistently offered fast and effective support for solving complex problems.</span></p>
7

Customer Support

7/10

<p>Zelt offers support via email, with live chat available on the highest tier. When tested, Zelt's support team is quick to respond (&lt; 2 hours), friendly and helpful.</p>
Integratability
6

Integratability

6/10

<p>Humaans supports 40+ pre built integrations with most relevant 3rd party products in relevant categories, such as ATS, performance management, finance, benefits and more. It also has an API for custom integrations.</p>
10

Integratability

10/10

<p>Rippling offers one the richest integrations ecosystem out of all HRIS's with over 500 integrations with HR, finance and IT products. It also has an API for your custom integrations.</p>
5

Integratability

5/10

<p>Deel only offers a few integrations with third-party tools in Applicant Tracking, Accounting and HR categories. It is lacking integrations with HR-relevant product categories e.g. performance management and engagement. However, it does offer an API for custom integrations.</p>
9

Integratability

9/10

<p><span style="color: rgb(9, 9, 11);">Gusto has almost 200 pre-built integrations with most relevant products across most categories, such as ATS, payroll and accounting. It also offers an API for custom integrations.</span></p>
3

Integratability

3/10

<p>Zelt only supports a handful of integrations with the most relevant third-party software, such as Slack, Google Calendar, Xero for accounting, and Workable for ATS. It also lacks an API for custom integrations.</p>
Ease of Migration
8

Ease of Migration

8/10

<p><span style="color: rgb(9, 9, 11);">Exports of key data are available via self-serve, and most other data are available via self-serve or their API. </span></p>
8

Ease of Migration

8/10

<p>Rippling allows users to export key data data via self-serve. Export of most other data are also available via API or on request.</p>
8

Ease of Migration

8/10

<p><span style="color: rgb(9, 9, 11);">Deel allows users to export key data data via self-serve. Export of most other data are also available via API or on request.</span></p>
8

Ease of Migration

8/10

<p><span style="color: rgb(9, 9, 11);">Gusto allows users to export key data data via self-serve. Export of most other data are also available via API or on request. </span></p>
7

Ease of Migration

7/10

<p>You can export key data via the web application, but Zelt currently lacks a customer-accessible API.</p>

Best for essential functionality

Humaans product logo
Humaans

Stackfix Rating:

8.1 / 10

Visit website

Updated onApr 28, 2025

Humaans is one of the best HR platforms for startups that want a strong, flexible foundation for their HR operations. Unlike bulky all-in-one suites, Humaans focuses on delivering best-in-class core HR functionality — storing employee information, managing time off, automating workflows — while seamlessly integrating with payroll, benefits, and other specialist tools.

One of Humaans’s biggest strengths is its modular approach. Instead of locking you into a rigid system, it gives you the flexibility to build your own HR tech stack, picking the best-in-class tools that fit your needs. Add to that its intuitive user experience, powerful data management features, and excellent DE&I reporting, and you get a platform that’s both lightweight and highly capable.

That said, Humaans isn’t the most feature-packed suite out of the box. If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution with built-in payroll, benefits, or engagement surveys, you’ll need to lean on integrations — which can add to costs. Some advanced features like custom fields and automated workflows are also locked behind higher-tier plans.

But if you want a fast, flexible, and beautifully designed HR platform built for modern teams, Humaans is a strong choice.

Want to know more? Get a full breakdown of Humaans's features and pricing.

Pros

  • Excellent customer support

  • Excellent DE&I (diversity, equity and inclusion) reporting

  • Excellent data management functionality

  • Delightful User Experience

  • Robust Time Management Features

  • Effective Workflow Automation

Cons

  • Not as feature-rich as some all-in-one HR platforms

  • Gates key functionality behind more expensive tier

Best for all-in-one HR, IT and finance

Rippling HR Cloud product logo
Rippling HR Cloud

Stackfix Rating:

6.9 / 10

Visit website

Starting at

$10

Calculate your price
Updated onApr 28, 2025

Rippling is one of the most powerful, all-in-one platforms for businesses that want to consolidate HR, IT, and finance into a single system. Unlike traditional HR software, Rippling goes beyond just employee records and payroll—it also manages IT asset provisioning, device security, and even corporate expenses.

One of Rippling’s biggest strengths is its rich functionality and deep automation capabilities. Whether it’s automating HR workflows, generating advanced reports, or managing global payroll, Rippling enables businesses to create highly customizable, data-driven processes that scale as they grow. It’s particularly powerful for mid-sized and large companies that need advanced analytics, complex approval chains, and deep integrations across business functions.

Rippling also boasts best-in-class reporting, allowing teams to combine HR, IT, and finance data for deeper insights. For example, you can track employee performance against project deliverables, link payroll data to expense trends, or monitor IT security compliance for offboarding employees—all within one platform. Its rapid product iteration also means new features are frequently rolled out, making it one of the most future-proof HR systems on the market.

That said, Rippling comes with a learning curve. Its automation and reporting tools are incredibly powerful, but they require time and effort to master. Additionally, its pricing model is opaque, with modules charged separately and a minimum 12-month contract—which makes it more expensive than many alternatives. Customer support experiences can also be inconsistent, with some users reporting frustration when navigating their chatbot-driven help system.

But if you’re looking for a highly sophisticated, deeply integrated HR, IT, and finance solution that can automate complex workflows and provide unparalleled data insights, Rippling is one of the most powerful platforms available.

Want to know more? Get a full breakdown of Rippling HR Cloud's features and pricing.

Pros

  • Highly customisable

  • Best-in-class automation functionality

  • Fast pace of product iteration

  • Richest functionality out of all HRIS’s

  • Best-in-class reporting functionality

Cons

  • Lacks some advanced settings

  • Steep learning curve

  • Expensive, and forces an annual contract

  • Inconsistent customer support

Best for global hiring and payroll

Deel product logo
Deel

Stackfix Rating:

7.3 / 10

Visit website

Updated onApr 28, 2025

Deel is one of the best HR platforms for companies hiring and managing teams across multiple countries. While its free HRIS for up to 200 employees is an attractive entry point, Deel’s real strength lies in its best-in-class global payroll, compliance, and hiring capabilities.

Unlike traditional HR platforms, Deel makes it incredibly easy to hire, pay, and manage employees in 150+ countries—without needing to set up local entities. Its Employer of Record (EoR) services, built-in compliance checks, and global payroll solutions take care of tax filings, labor law requirements, and visa sponsorship, making it an ideal choice for distributed teams.

One of Deel’s standout features is its powerful automation capabilities, allowing HR teams to create complex workflows with conditional logic, trigger automated emails, and seamlessly handle onboarding tasks across global teams. Add to that customizable leave policies, Slack integrations, and a global perks marketplace, and Deel becomes a compelling option for companies that need a truly international HR solution.

That said, Deel’s HRIS is fairly limited in scope—offering only basic core HR features like employee record-keeping, time-off tracking, and workflow automation. More advanced HR functionalities, such as performance management and engagement surveys, require add-ons like Deel Engage ($20 per user/month), while global payroll starts at $29 per employee/month. Additionally, Deel’s integration options are limited, and customer support can be inconsistent, which could be frustrating for teams needing hands-on assistance.

But if you’re a fast-growing, global startup looking for a seamless way to hire and pay employees anywhere in the world, Deel is a high quality option.

Want to know more? Get a full breakdown of Deel's features and pricing.

Pros

  • Highly customisable

  • Free "Perks" functionality

  • Best-in-class compliance functionality

  • Excellent automation functionality

  • Best-in-class global HR Features

  • Seamless Slack integration

  • Deel's HRIS is free (up to 200 people)

Cons

  • Free HRIS only offers core HR functionality

  • Poor Integration Capabilities

  • Unreliable Customer Support

  • Subpar Time-Off Management

  • Limited Performance Review Functionality

Best for US payroll

Gusto product logo
Gusto

Stackfix Rating:

6.0 / 10

Visit website

Starting at

$40

Calculate your price
Updated onApr 28, 2025

If you’re a US-based company looking for a simple, cost-effective way to manage payroll and benefits, Gusto is one of the best options available. Unlike more complex HR platforms, Gusto focuses on automating payroll, handling compliance, and integrating benefits administration—all at a budget-friendly price.

One of Gusto’s biggest strengths is its payroll automation. It can run payroll in the background, automatically calculate and file federal, state, and local taxes, and even handle 401(k) contributions, medical insurance, and reimbursements—all in one place. This makes it a strong choice for small and mid-sized businesses that want to eliminate manual payroll tasks.

Gusto also delivers great value for money. With pricing starting at $6 per employee/month (+$40 base fee), it’s one of the most affordable payroll solutions on the market—especially considering that some HR platforms charge extra just for payroll functionality. Plus, its integration ecosystem is extensive, with nearly 200 pre-built integrations covering ATS, accounting, and HR tools.

That said, Gusto is designed specifically for US-based companies. It requires a US federal EIN, business address, and bank account, and its time tracking, payroll, and benefits features only work for US employees. While Gusto has partnered with Remote for international hiring, this is currently limited to Canada.

Additionally, Gusto’s usability outside of payroll is limited. If you’re looking for a full HR platform with strong analytics, customizable workflows, and deep reporting, Gusto might not be the best fit. Its performance management and engagement survey tools are quite basic, and its reporting functionality lacks depth compared to competitors.

But if you need a straightforward, automated payroll solution with excellent compliance and benefits management in the US, Gusto is a fantastic choice.

Want to know more? Get a full breakdown of Gusto's features and pricing.

Pros

  • Good value for money

  • Excellent US payroll and benefits functionality

  • Extensive Integration Capabilities

  • Reliable US-Based Customer Support

Cons

  • Limited customization

  • Some User Experience Painpoints

  • Limited usability without payroll

  • Only suitable for US-based companies

  • Weak reporting functionality

Best for UK payroll

Zelt product logo
Zelt

Stackfix Rating:

7.3 / 10

Visit website

Updated onApr 28, 2025

If you’re a UK-based startup or small business looking for an affordable, all-in-one HR and payroll solution, Zelt is a fantastic choice. It includes built-in UK payroll processing, automatic tax filings with HMRC, and pension management—all without the need for an accountant or third-party payroll software.

One of Zelt’s biggest strengths is its user-friendly design and intuitive experience. Despite its rich functionality, it remains simple and easy to use, with clean UI, fast performance, and natural workflows for onboarding, time-off management, and performance tracking. Most employees can get fully up to speed in just 1-2 hours.

Zelt also offers exceptional breadth of functionality for its price. In addition to payroll, it enables businesses to manage employee benefits, track performance (OKRs), and even handle device procurement and security—allowing HR teams to buy, ship, and configure employee hardware with remote management tools.

That said, Zelt is primarily designed for UK businesses. While it calculates salaries and taxes for global employees, it does not file international payroll taxes automatically—meaning companies with a large global workforce may need manual tax filings in other countries. Additionally, workflow automation and integrations are quite basic, lacking advanced triggers, custom workflows, and deeper third-party connectivity.

Some users have also reported occasional glitches, such as incorrect emails being sent or payslips being released before finalization—issues that could impact the employee experience.

But if you’re a UK-based company looking for a cost-effective, easy-to-use HR and payroll platform with built-in tax filings, Zelt is an excellent choice.

Want to know more? Get a full breakdown of Zelt's features and pricing.

Pros

  • Easy to use

  • Exceptional breadth of functionality

  • Attractive look & feel 

  • Excellent device management

Cons

  • Occasional glitches

  • UK-centric

  • Limited workflow automation

  • Integration gaps

How we test products

With Core HR software at the heart of people operations, we focus on identifying the best solutions for small and midsize businesses. Our evaluation process reflects real-world usage, prioritizing functionality, ease of use, and overall value. Here’s how we do it:

Functionality

Core HR software should simplify and centralize HR operations. We start by identifying key use cases—employee record management, payroll, benefits administration, compliance tracking, and reporting—then test how well each platform supports these needs. Tools that provide essential features without unnecessary complexity score highest.

User Experience & Onboarding

HR teams need software that is intuitive and easy to implement. We test each platform’s interface by navigating core features without prior training and track onboarding time—from account setup to adding the first employees. Platforms that require extensive setup or technical expertise lose points.

Compliance & Security

HR software must help businesses stay compliant with labor laws, tax regulations, and data protection standards. We assess built-in compliance tools, payroll tax support, and security measures such as encryption and role-based access control. Platforms with weak compliance support or limited security features score lower.

Integrations & Compatibility

Core HR software should integrate seamlessly with payroll systems, benefits providers, and workforce management tools. We test how well each product connects with essential HR systems and assess whether native integrations or third-party connectors are required.

Pricing & Value

We compare pricing across competitors, analyzing what each plan includes and whether critical features are locked behind paywalls. Hidden costs—such as per-employee fees, add-ons for compliance tools, or premium support charges—are factored into our assessment. Platforms that offer strong core functionality at a fair price score highest.

Stackfix’s Fit Score

All of these factors contribute to Stackfix’s Fit Score, a proprietary ranking system that measures how well each Core HR tool aligns with a buyer’s needs. It combines two key elements:

  • Requirements Met – How many buyer requirements the software fulfills
  • Stackfix Rating – Our expert assessment of the software’s overall quality, usability, and value

The result? A clear, data-driven recommendation that helps businesses choose the right Core HR software—without hours of trial and error.

FAQs

What is Core HR Software?

Put simply, Core HR Software (or HRIS - HR Information Software) is a platform that helps businesses manage, track, and streamline HR processes efficiently. It acts as a central hub where teams can handle employee records, payroll, benefits, and compliance—ensuring smooth operations and a great employee experience. The key features of HR information software usually include:

  • Employee Database & Records: A structured system to store and manage employee details, job histories, contracts, and compliance documents.
  • Payroll & Benefits Management: Tools to automate payroll processing, tax calculations, and benefits administration, reducing manual work and errors.
  • Time & Attendance Tracking: Features like clock-in/out systems, leave management, and scheduling to keep track of working hours and absences.
  • Onboarding & Performance Management: Automated workflows for new hire onboarding, performance reviews, goal tracking, and employee feedback.
  • Compliance & Reporting: Built-in compliance checks for labor laws, tax regulations, and GDPR, along with reporting tools for workforce insights.

What should I consider when buying Core HR software?

Choosing the right Core HR software can make or break your people operations—so it’s essential to find one that fits your company’s needs, integrates with your existing tools, and aligns with your budget. Here are the key factors to consider before making your decision.

  1. Your HR Needs. Start by assessing your current and future HR requirements. Do you need a simple employee database, or are you looking for a full-suite HR platform with payroll and benefits? Are you hiring rapidly and need strong recruiting features? Identifying your priorities will help you choose the right tool.
  2. Ease of Use. HR software should make HR processes smoother, not more complicated. Look for an intuitive interface that HR teams, managers, and employees can use without extensive training. Overly complex systems can lead to errors, inefficiencies, and frustrated employees. That’s why Stackfix rates every HR platform on ease of use—click into each product above to see how they compare.
  3. Integration with Your Tech Stack. Your HR platform needs to work seamlessly with your payroll provider, accounting software, and collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams. If you’re using an applicant tracking system (ATS) or performance management tools, check if the software offers native integrations or requires third-party connectors.
  4. Scalability & Flexibility. As your business grows, your HR needs will evolve. Ensure that the software can handle a growing workforce, new locations, and additional compliance requirements. Look for flexible configurations, such as custom approval workflows, multi-country payroll, and role-based access controls. Check the vendor’s product roadmap to see if they regularly release useful updates.
  5. Pricing & Hidden Costs. HR software pricing can vary widely, often based on per-employee fees, feature add-ons, or premium support. Check pricing tiers carefully—what seems affordable now may become expensive as you scale. Watch out for extra costs for payroll processing, integrations, or advanced analytics.
  6. Customer Support from the Vendor. HR software is critical for compliance and payroll, so reliable customer support is essential. If something breaks or you need help with setup, will the vendor be there? Look at response times, support availability (24/7 or business hours?), and self-serve resources like knowledge bases or community forums. Stackfix rates each platform on support quality—click into each product to see how they compare.


What are the common mistakes to avoid when buying Core HR software?

Avoiding common pitfalls when choosing Core HR software can save you time, compliance risks, and operational headaches. Here are some of the biggest mistakes startups make—and how to avoid them.

  1. Choosing based on features, not usability. Some platforms offer advanced features but have a steep learning curve. Make sure you’re picking a tool that fits your team’s workflow, not just one with a long feature list.
  2. Ignoring automation. Many startups still manage HR tasks manually when automation could significantly reduce workload. Look for tools that automate payroll, benefits enrollment, onboarding, and compliance tracking.
  3. Overlooking self-service options. Employees should be able to access payslips, request leave, and update their details without needing HR intervention. A lack of self-service features can increase administrative overhead.
  4. Not planning for scaling. Startups often choose software based on current needs, without considering future growth. Will the platform support more employees, new offices, or evolving compliance requirements?
  5. Underestimating integration depth. A platform might claim to integrate with your payroll provider, but does it sync real-time data properly? Always test integrations before committing to a tool.


How much does Core HR Software typically cost?

A few providers offer limited functionality at the lower end of the pricing spectrum, though these typically restrict advanced features like performance management and engagement surveys.

For enterprise plans and above, you can expect to speak to sales for a bespoke price. These custom quotes typically factor in integration needs, compliance requirements, and advanced analytics capabilities. To skip the demo calls, be sure to check out our pricing calculator.

Compare other Human Resource Information Systems

View our comparisons of other HRIS