BambooHR vs OnPay
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
BambooHR
BambooHR is an HR software platform focused on employee data management, onboarding, and performance tracking. It is widely used by small to mid-size companies for its intuitive interface and strong reporting tools. BambooHR excels at centralizing employee records and streamlining HR workflows.
OnPay
OnPay is a full-service payroll and HR platform designed for small and mid-size businesses. It offers unlimited payroll runs, automatic tax filing, and built-in HR tools at an affordable flat rate. OnPay is consistently rated as one of the best value payroll solutions for small businesses and supports a wide range of industries including restaurants, farms, and nonprofits.
Pros
- ✓Clean, intuitive interface that HR teams love
- ✓Excellent onboarding tools with e-signatures and task management
- ✓Strong analytics and customizable reporting
- ✓Good mobile app for employees and managers
Cons
- ✗Payroll is a US-only add-on that costs extra
- ✗Limited functionality for international teams
- ✗Performance management module is basic compared to dedicated tools
Pros
- ✓Excellent value — flat monthly pricing with no per-run fees
- ✓Supports multiple pay schedules and unlimited payroll runs
- ✓Strong industry-specific features for restaurants, farms, and nonprofits
- ✓US-based customer support included on all plans
Cons
- ✗US-only — no international payroll support
- ✗Mobile app is less polished than competitors
- ✗Limited advanced HR features compared to full HRIS platforms
BambooHR vs OnPay: Side by Side
| Factor | BambooHR | OnPay |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $6/employee/mo | $40/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Small to mid-size US businesses focused on HR | Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees |
| Our Pick | — | — |
BambooHR Features
- ✓Employee records
- ✓PTO tracking
- ✓onboarding
- ✓performance reviews
- ✓reporting
OnPay Features
- ✓Unlimited payroll runs
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓HR tools
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓PTO management
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose BambooHR if small to mid-size us businesses focused on hr. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Best For
Small to mid-size US businesses focused on HR
Best For
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Also Consider
If neither BambooHR nor OnPay is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between BambooHR and OnPay?
BambooHR is best for small to mid-size us businesses focused on hr. OnPay is best for small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Which is better, BambooHR or OnPay?
Choose BambooHR if small to mid-size us businesses focused on hr. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
How much does BambooHR cost?
BambooHR starts at $6/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does OnPay cost?
OnPay starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use BambooHR?
Small to mid-size US businesses focused on HR
Who should use OnPay?
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees