Best CRM for HR
Forbes Advisor evaluated HR software and named the 10 best HR software of 2025, rating solutions by features, value, support, integrations and user reviews. This directory highlights the top picks across categories (e.g., Best for Midsize/Large, Best for Analytics) with pricing ranges and notable pros/cons drawn from the report.
Ideal Customer Profile
Small to large businesses seeking integrated HR and payroll with analytics, automation and compliance.
Common Pain Points
- •High cost and complexity for small businesses
- •Need for global payroll and multi-country compliance
- •Integration with existing systems and vendor lock-in
- •Managing HR data across modules and ensuring data security
Top CRM Picks
5 expert-vetted recommendations
Ranked recommendations based on feature depth, pricing transparency, and adoption within the industry.
Perfect For
Midsize and large businesses (enterprise HR/HCM)
⚡ Key Features
- AI-assisted applicant screening (Joule)
- Global payroll processing in 50 countries
- Employee Central with self-service
- Over 100 local versions of Employee Central
- Work Zone collaboration and employee self-service
Pros
- ✓Employee Central supports global compliance in 100+ countries
- ✓Payroll localization covers 48 jurisdictions
- ✓Work Zone personalizes interactions between employees and managers
Cons
- ✗More features and complexity than most small businesses need
- ✗Implementation requires a certified SAP partner
- ✗Recruiting, onboarding and compensation sold separately
"AI copilot Joule automates common HR tasks and SAP SuccessFactors offers extensive localization, but the system can be complex and costly for smaller firms."
Perfect For
Midsize to large enterprises seeking analytics-driven HR
⚡ Key Features
- UKG Ready and UKG Pro platforms
- Hundreds of customizable reports
- People Insights AI for workforce sentiment
- UKG Marketplace with 350+ integrations
- 24/7 support and rapid response
Pros
- ✓UKG Ready/Pro offer hundreds of reports and extensive customization
- ✓People Insights AI improves workforce insight and engagement
- ✓Extensive support options 24/7
Cons
- ✗Integrations can be complex; some reviews cite interface issues
- ✗Some features and tools are add-ons or sold separately
"Strong reporting and AI-driven insights make UKG powerful for large organizations, but users note interface and pricing complexity."
Perfect For
Small businesses seeking affordable HR software with basic-to-mid capabilities
⚡ Key Features
- Free plan for up to 5 employees
- Essential HR with onboarding and basic workflows
- Time and attendance tracking in higher plans
- Zoho Payroll add-on sold separately
- GDPR compliance and data security
Pros
- ✓Prices start at $1.50 per user per month
- ✓Zoho People Plus adds recruiting, expense management, and more
- ✓Free plan available for small teams
Cons
- ✗Payroll add-on sold separately
- ✗High-end plans include payroll but exclude some features like times or compensation
- ✗UI/UX concerns and mobile app reliability issues
"Cost-effective and flexible for small teams; some users report UI and app reliability concerns."
Perfect For
Small to mid-sized businesses needing automated HR/payroll workflows
⚡ Key Features
- Automated HR/payroll/workflow triggers from data or apps
- 600+ third-party integrations
- Onboarding/offboarding automation
- Mobile app for times, pay, benefits
- SOC 1/2/3, ISO 27001/27018
Pros
- ✓Powerful automation and integrations across HR/payroll
- ✓Controlled data access for workflow customization
- ✓Compliance coverage (insurance, PEO, EOR)
Cons
- ✗Fewer reporting options than competitors
- ✗Learning curve for users
- ✗Pricing/features of core HR may be unclear
"Impressive automation and integration across HR/payroll; pricing and UI can be opaque and learning curve exists."
Perfect For
Small to midsize businesses needing compliance-focused payroll and HR
⚡ Key Features
- HR Compliance Dashboard
- Self-service payroll and time tracking
- ACA and tax compliance features
- Extensive reporting and analytics
- 401k and benefits administration integration
Pros
- ✓HR Compliance Dashboard centralizes regulatory compliance
- ✓Payroll tax services offered by tax experts
- ✓Employee self-service portal with time clocks
Cons
- ✗Does not support contractor payments
- ✗Customer support speed varies; some reviews cite slow responses
- ✗Interface and usability concerns
"Strong compliance focus and payroll capabilities; some customer service and UX concerns."
Buying Guide
Step-by-step guide to finding your perfect CRM
Strategic considerations to shortlist the right CRM platform for your workflow, tech stack, and growth roadmap.
- 1
Consider business size and growth trajectory when selecting HR software.
- 2
Evaluate pricing models (per-user vs per-employee vs add-ons) and required modules (payroll, benefits, time tracking).
FAQ
Common questions answered
Quick answers to common questions digital teams raise when evaluating CRM platforms.
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