The best onboarding software in 2024: Buyer's guide

GoCo modernizes onboarding with a digital-first approach, replacing paper-based processes with interactive experiences. Ideal for creating a positive first impression, it allows personalized onboarding journeys aligned with company culture. With intuitive design, users navigate paperwork, policies, and benefits seamlessly, aided by automation for tasks like emails and scheduling. Pre-boarding tools engage hires early, while benefits administration is efficient. Although more domestic-focused than Deel, GoCo offers robust features but with less reporting depth. For broader HR needs, Rippling is recommended, and for ATS or advanced learning, integrations with Greenhouse or 360Learning are viable options.

Top-tier onboarding software optimizes the integration and retention of new hires, streamlining paperwork, communication, training, and progress tracking. These HR solutions often sync with payroll apps, maintain compliance, and customize the onboarding journey. Our review aids in selecting the ideal onboarding software, tailored to your HR requirements, for enhanced efficiency and automation. Deel is renowned for its expertise in onboarding international employees and contractors, offering a cloud-based solution that simplifies compliance with global labor laws. Its robust features encompass contract creation, payroll management, tax compliance, and secure document handling.

One of Deel's standout features is its customizable onboarding workflows, enabling HR teams to tailor the process for each hire, regardless of their location. Moreover, its secure communication channels and document management ensure efficient completion of paperwork. Given its focus on international data, Deel boasts strong security measures. It caters to diverse payroll needs, tax regulations, and benefits across 150+ countries. The platform also supports secure payment options, handling transactions in over 100 currencies via ACH transfers.

BambooHR offers a user-friendly and affordable solution specifically designed for the HR needs of startups. This cloud-based platform simplifies onboarding tasks and streamlines HR processes for growing companies, including small and medium businesses (SMBs) and startups. Its user-friendly interface and customizable onboarding checklists ensure that HR teams can set up new employees for success without overwhelming them with paperwork or processes. The platform also offers mobile access, allowing new hires to complete their onboarding tasks from anywhere, at any time.

Another key feature of BambooHR is its integrated applicant tracking system (ATS), which simplifies the recruitment process and seamlessly transitions candidates into the onboarding phase. This additional feature is particularly beneficial for startups that need to scale their workforce rapidly. Note, however, that this built-in ATS is not as sophisticated as dedicated applicant tracking systems with features for in-depth candidate management.

Trakstar empowers HR teams with integrated learning paths for robust onboarding programs. This platform combines learning management, task tracking, and progress monitoring, ideal for companies prioritizing employee development and retention. HR can create detailed onboarding schedules with training modules, checklists, and milestones, ensuring new hires are prepared for success. Clear deadlines and progress tracking, including assessments and feedback, facilitate continuous improvement.

Data-driven insights from Trakstar aid in identifying high-potential employees and shaping future leadership plans. While Trakstar excels in learning integration, it may require additional HR solutions for a comprehensive onboarding experience, unlike competitors like GoCo. GoCo offers pre-boarding tools and benefits administration within a user-friendly interface, catering to diverse onboarding needs. Trakstar's strength lies in integrated learning paths, which may not be a priority for all companies focused on other aspects like paperwork streamlining or task automation.

Rippling is a game-changer in onboarding, focusing on single sign-on (SSO) and automated tool provisioning to streamline access to essential applications and tools for new hires instantly. HR teams leverage Rippling's automation for tasks like creating employee records, setting up payroll, benefits, and work tools within minutes. The SSO feature enhances security and user experience by granting access with a single set of credentials. Its automation extends to administrative tasks like benefits enrollment and legal compliance, ideal for optimizing HR workflows. Rippling's intuitive interface and customizable dashboards make it suitable for startups and fast-growing companies.

The platform's deep integration with third-party applications supports ongoing employee management beyond onboarding, creating a cohesive technology ecosystem. However, GoCo excels in gamified onboarding and progress tracking for heightened employee engagement during onboarding. For smaller businesses, Rippling's pricing complexity may be less cost-effective compared to BambooHR, which offers a simpler pricing structure and core HR functionalities like payroll and benefits administration without additional integrations.