Zoho People vs BambooHR: Which One Offers More Value in 2025?

Businesses are increasingly relying on Human Resource Management Systems (HRMS) to streamline HR operations, ensure compliance, improve employee experience, and boost productivity. Among the most popular HRMS solutions globally are Zoho People and BambooHR. Both platforms offer robust features tailored to small and medium-sized businesses, but which one provides more value in 2025? This comparison will help HR professionals and business owners make an informed decision.

✅ Overview of Zoho People

Zoho People is a cloud-based HR software developed by Zoho Corporation, part of a broader suite of business apps. It is known for its affordability, flexibility, and deep integration with other Zoho apps and third-party tools.

Key Features:

• Employee database and self-service portal
• Leave and attendance management
• Time tracking and project timesheets
• Performance management system
• Workflow automation
• Custom forms and fields
• Integration with Zoho CRM, G Suite, Slack, and more

✅ Overview of BambooHR

BambooHR is a dedicated HR software designed primarily for small to mid-sized businesses. It focuses on intuitive design, streamlined onboarding, and advanced people analytics.

Key Features:

• Centralized employee records
• Time-off tracking
• Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
• Onboarding and offboarding workflows
• Performance management
• eSignature and document storage
• Reporting and analytics

🔍 Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Feature	Zoho People	BambooHR
Core HR Functions	Comprehensive and highly customizable	User-friendly and well-organized
Recruitment Tools	Basic recruitment add-ons	Built-in ATS with excellent UX
Onboarding	Workflow-based, flexible onboarding	Intuitive, automated onboarding tools
Performance Management	Custom review cycles, 360° feedback	Goal setting, peer feedback, reviews
Time Tracking	Robust with project-based tracking	Available as an add-on
Mobile App	Android & iOS; well-rated	Clean, responsive app experience
Integrations	Zoho ecosystem, G Suite, Zapier, more	QuickBooks, Slack, Google, MS Teams
Customization	High—custom fields, forms, workflows	Moderate—focused on simplicity
Pricing (2025)	Starts at ₹60/user/month	Starts at $6–$8/user/month
Free Trial	30 days	7 days

💰 Pricing and Affordability

Zoho People continues to lead in terms of affordability. With pricing starting around ₹60 per user/month (Essential HR plan), it is highly cost-effective, especially for Indian businesses or startups with tight budgets. Zoho also offers multiple pricing tiers, including a free plan for up to 5 users, making it ideal for very small teams.

BambooHR, on the other hand, does not publicly list exact pricing. It typically starts at $6–$8/user/month, with costs increasing based on modules like ATS or Time Tracking. For Indian companies, currency conversion makes BambooHR significantly more expensive.

🌍 User Experience and Interface

BambooHR is known for its clean and modern UI. It’s easy to navigate and beginner-friendly, especially for HR teams with limited technical skills. It places a strong focus on employee engagement with features like self-assessments and quick feedback.

Zoho People offers a highly customizable interface, but the sheer number of options may be overwhelming for first-time users. However, once configured, it offers excellent workflow automation and personalization that BambooHR lacks.

🌟 Integration Ecosystem

Zoho People integrates naturally within the Zoho ecosystem, which is a huge plus for companies already using tools like Zoho CRM, Zoho Books, or Zoho Projects. Additionally, it supports third-party integrations through Zapier, Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace.

BambooHR offers integrations with various third-party applications such as QuickBooks, Slack, and Xero, and also supports open API access. However, it lacks the deeply embedded suite-style integration that Zoho offers within its ecosystem.

✅ Pros and Cons

Zoho People

Pros:

• Affordable and scalable
• Deep customization and workflow automation
• Strong time tracking and attendance tools
• Part of Zoho’s broader business suite

Cons:

• Learning curve for new users
• ATS is not built-in

BambooHR

Pros:

• Excellent user interface and ease of use
• Built-in ATS and onboarding workflows
• Great support and user community

Cons:

• Expensive, especially outside the US
• Fewer customization options
• Some features (like time tracking) are add-ons

🏆 Verdict: Which Offers More Value in 2025?

In 2025, the choice between Zoho People and BambooHR largely depends on your business needs and budget.

• If you are a startup, small business, or growing company in India (or on a budget): Zoho People offers more value. Its affordability, customization, and strong features in time tracking and leave management make it an ideal HRMS platform.
• If your priority is ease of use, built-in recruitment, and polished UI: BambooHR may be worth the higher price, especially for businesses focused on talent acquisition and employee experience.

Final Thought:
Zoho People provides greater overall value for money, especially in cost-sensitive markets like India, whereas BambooHR shines in user-friendliness and built-in recruitment capabilities. Businesses must weigh their feature priorities and budget constraints to make the right choice in 2025.