Rippling vs Microsoft Project
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Rippling
Rippling is a unified workforce platform that combines HR, IT, and finance in a single system. It can provision employee devices, manage app access, run payroll, and handle benefits — all from one dashboard. Rippling is especially powerful for fast-growing companies that need automation across departments.
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project is the long-standing enterprise project management standard offering advanced scheduling, resource management, and portfolio tracking. Deep integration with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
Pros
- ✓Truly all-in-one platform covering HR, IT, and finance
- ✓Powerful workflow automation reduces manual admin work
- ✓Excellent for remote and distributed teams
- ✓Deep integration library with 500+ apps
Cons
- ✗Complex setup process that requires dedicated implementation time
- ✗Can be overwhelming for small teams that only need basic HR
- ✗Pricing is modular and can add up quickly
Pros
- ✓Industry standard for complex project scheduling
- ✓Powerful Gantt and resource management
- ✓Deep Microsoft 365 integration
- ✓Strong portfolio management
- ✓Trusted by enterprises globally
Cons
- ✗Steep learning curve
- ✗Expensive licensing
- ✗Feels dated compared to modern tools
- ✗Overkill for simple projects
- ✗Limited real-time collaboration
Rippling vs Microsoft Project: Side by Side
| Factor | Rippling | Microsoft Project |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Mid-size companies needing HR and IT together | Enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and Microsoft 365 integration |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Rippling Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓device management
- ✓app provisioning
- ✓benefits
- ✓compliance
- ✓reporting
Microsoft Project Features
- ✓Project scheduling
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓resource management
- ✓task tracking
- ✓portfolio management
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Rippling if mid-size companies needing hr and it together. Choose Microsoft Project if enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and microsoft 365 integration.
Best For
Mid-size companies needing HR and IT together
Best For
Enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and Microsoft 365 integration
Also Consider
If neither Rippling nor Microsoft Project 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 Rippling and Microsoft Project?
Rippling is best for mid-size companies needing hr and it together. Microsoft Project is best for enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and microsoft 365 integration.
Which is better, Rippling or Microsoft Project?
Choose Rippling if mid-size companies needing hr and it together. Choose Microsoft Project if enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and microsoft 365 integration.
How much does Rippling cost?
Rippling starts at $8/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Microsoft Project cost?
Visit Microsoft Project website for current pricing.
Who should use Rippling?
Mid-size companies needing HR and IT together
Who should use Microsoft Project?
Enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and Microsoft 365 integration