OnPay vs BambooHR
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
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.
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
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
OnPay vs BambooHR: Side by Side
| Factor | OnPay | BambooHR |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $40/mo + $6/person | $6/employee/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees | Small to mid-size US businesses focused on HR |
| Our Pick | — | — |
OnPay Features
- ✓Unlimited payroll runs
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓HR tools
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓PTO management
- ✓integrations
BambooHR Features
- ✓Employee records
- ✓PTO tracking
- ✓onboarding
- ✓performance reviews
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Choose BambooHR if small to mid-size us businesses focused on hr.
Best For
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Best For
Small to mid-size US businesses focused on HR
Also Consider
If neither OnPay nor BambooHR is the right fit, Multiplier is worth evaluating.
Multiplier
Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget
From $40/contractor/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between OnPay and BambooHR?
OnPay is best for small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. BambooHR is best for small to mid-size us businesses focused on hr.
Which is better, OnPay or BambooHR?
Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees. Choose BambooHR if small to mid-size us businesses focused on hr.
How much does OnPay cost?
OnPay starts at $40/mo + $6/person. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does BambooHR cost?
BambooHR starts at $6/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use OnPay?
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Who should use BambooHR?
Small to mid-size US businesses focused on HR