Rippling and Justworks have emerged as prominent players in the HR software industry, each offering unique approaches to help businesses streamline their human resources operations. As companies increasingly seek efficient ways to manage their workforce, choosing the right HR platform has become crucial for growth and operational excellence.
Rippling is a versatile workforce management platform that seamlessly integrates HR, IT, and finance functions. Its innovative approach to employee lifecycle management and its ability to automate complex workflows across departments make it an intriguing option for businesses looking to modernize their operations.
Justworks, positioned as a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), focuses on simplifying HR, benefits, and compliance for small—to medium-sized businesses. By leveraging collective bargaining power, Justworks aims to provide smaller companies with access to benefits and HR services typically reserved for larger corporations.
The main difference between Rippling and Justworks lies in their fundamental HR management approach and target market focus. Rippling is a comprehensive workforce platform offering a highly customizable and scalable solution that integrates HR, IT, and finance functions. Justworks, on the other hand, functions primarily as a PEO. It focuses on providing small—to medium-sized businesses with access to enterprise-level benefits and HR services through a co-employment model.
This core difference influences many aspects of each platform, from their feature sets and pricing models to their scalability and target users. Rippling’s flexibility and breadth suit businesses with evolving needs and complex structures. At the same time, Justworks offers a more straightforward solution for smaller businesses looking to outsource their HR functions and access better benefits packages.
Rippling
Justworks
Overview of Rippling and Justworks
Rippling and Justworks represent two distinct approaches to HR management, each with its own strengths and target audience.
Rippling is a comprehensive workforce management platform that goes beyond traditional HR software. Founded in 2016, It has quickly made a name for itself by offering an innovative solution that unifies HR, IT, and finance operations. Its approach is centered on employee data as a central hub from which all other business processes can be automated and managed.
Key aspects of Rippling include:
- A unified employee database that powers all functions
- Automated employee onboarding and offboarding across departments
- Global payroll capabilities supporting 185+ countries
- Robust IT management features, including device and app provisioning
- Customizable workflows and integrations
Established in 2012, Justworks is a professional employer organization (PEO) that takes a different approach. It focuses on providing small—to medium-sized businesses with access to big-company benefits and HR tools through a co-employment model. Justworks aims to simplify HR processes, ensure compliance, and offer competitive benefits packages that smaller companies might not otherwise be able to access.
Key aspects of Justworks include:
- Full-service payroll processing and tax filing
- Access to enterprise-level health insurance and benefits
- Compliance support across all 50 U.S. states
- HR consulting services
- User-friendly platform designed for non-HR professionals
Overview of Rippling: Best For Businesses Seeking Unified Workforce Management
Rippling is best suited for businesses looking for a highly integrated approach to workforce management. Its strengths lie in its ability to automate complex processes across HR, IT, and finance departments, making it particularly valuable for:
- Fast-growing companies with evolving HR and IT needs
- Businesses with a distributed or global workforce
- Organizations looking to streamline operations across multiple departments
- Companies seeking deep customization and integration capabilities
Key features:
- Global payroll and Employer of Record (EOR) services
- IT asset and application management
- Custom workflow creation
- Extensive third-party integrations (180+)
- Advanced reporting and analytics
Rippling’s unified approach to workforce management sets it apart. It allows businesses to manage everything from payroll and benefits to device provisioning and app licenses from a single platform.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Countries covered | 185+ |
Pricing model | Modular, starting at $8 per user/month |
Headquarters | San Francisco, USA |
Founded | 2016 |
Funding | $700 million |
Overview of Justworks: Best For Small to Medium-Sized Businesses Seeking PEO Services
Justworks is ideally suited for small to medium-sized businesses looking for comprehensive HR support through a PEO model. Its strengths lie in:
- Providing access to enterprise-level benefits
- Ensuring compliance across all 50 U.S. states
- Offering personalized HR support
- Simplifying payroll and tax management for smaller companies
Key features:
- Full-service payroll processing
- Access to competitive health insurance plans
- Compliance support and guidance
- 24/7 customer support
- User-friendly interface designed for small business owners
Justworks’ PEO model makes it an excellent choice for companies looking to outsource their HR functions and gain access to better benefits packages without the administrative burden.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Coverage | 50 U.S. states |
Pricing model | Per-employee pricing, starting at $59/employee/month |
Headquarters | New York City, USA |
Founded | 2012 |
Funding | $224 million |
Rippling vs Justworks At a Glance
This summary section aims to quickly show how Rippling and Justworks compare on the most important features and information like pricing. Below is a comprehensive table comparing key aspects of both platforms:
Feature | Rippling | Justworks |
---|---|---|
Best For | Businesses seeking unified workforce management | Small to medium-sized businesses seeking PEO services |
Global Coverage | 185+ countries | U.S. only (50 states) |
Pricing Model | Modular, pay for what you need | Per-employee pricing |
Base Pricing | Starts at $8 per user/month | Starts at $59 per employee/month |
Key Integrations | 180+ integrations | 30+ integrations |
User Interface | Modern, customizable dashboard | Intuitive, designed for small business owners |
Mobile App | Full-featured mobile app | Limited functionality mobile app |
Payroll Processing | Global payroll capabilities | U.S. payroll with full tax management |
Benefits Administration | Flexible benefits administration | Access to enterprise-level benefits |
IT Management | Comprehensive IT asset and app management | Not available |
Customer Support | Email and chat support, phone support as add-on | 24/7 customer support |
Compliance Support | Global compliance features | Focused on U.S. federal and state compliance |
Customization | Highly customizable workflows and reports | Limited customization options |
Target Company Size | Small to large enterprises | Small to medium-sized businesses |
Key Features of Rippling
Rippling offers 10 key features that set it apart.
These key features include:
- Unified Platform: Integrates HR, IT, and Finance functions in one system, allowing seamless management of employee data, payroll, and company resources.
- Global Payroll Solution: Handles payroll processing in 185+ countries, supporting multiple currencies and tax regulations.
- Employer of Record (EOR) Services: Enables companies to hire internationally without setting up local entities, managing compliance and local regulations.
- Comprehensive HR Management: Streamlines onboarding, benefits administration, time tracking, and employee lifecycle events.
- IT and Device Management: Allows centralized control over company devices, software licenses, and security protocols.
- Benefits Administration: Offers locally aligned benefits packages with multiple tiers in most markets.
- Compliance Management: Continuously flags potential compliance risks and handles local tax filings and regulatory requirements.
- Reporting and Analytics: Provides centralized, granular reporting for workforce data to support informed decision-making.
- App Integrations: Easily integrates with a wide range of third-party applications, enhancing workflow efficiency.
- Fast Onboarding: Enables quick employee onboarding, often within minutes, streamlining the hiring process.
Key Features of Justworks
Professional Employer Organization (PEO) Services
Justworks’ core offering is its PEO service, which allows small to medium-sized businesses to outsource many of their HR functions. As a PEO, Justworks becomes a co-employer, taking on much of the administrative and compliance burden associated with employment.
This service is particularly valuable for small businesses that want to offer competitive benefits packages but lack the resources or negotiating power to do so independently. Through Justworks, these companies can access enterprise-level health insurance plans, 401(k) options, and other benefits typically reserved for larger organizations.
Payroll Processing and Tax Management
Justworks offers robust payroll processing capabilities, handling everything from regular payroll runs to off-cycle payments and bonuses. The platform automatically calculates, files, and pays all required payroll taxes, reducing the risk of compliance issues.
What sets Justworks apart is its ability to manage payroll across all 50 U.S. states, making it an excellent choice for companies with distributed workforces. The platform also handles wage garnishments, state unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation payments.
Compliance Support and HR Consulting
One of Justworks’ key strengths is its focus on compliance. The platform helps businesses comply with federal, state, and local employment laws. This includes handling required filings, providing necessary employee notices, and offering guidance on HR best practices.
Justworks also provides access to HR professionals who can offer personalized advice on complex HR issues. This can be particularly valuable for small businesses that don’t have dedicated HR staff or lack experience in certain HR areas.
Benefits Administration
Justworks simplifies the process of offering and managing employee benefits. Businesses can provide various benefits through its platform, including health insurance, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and 401(k) plans.
The platform handles open enrollment periods, allows employees to make changes due to qualifying life events, and manages all the associated paperwork. This comprehensive benefits administration feature can save businesses significant time and reduce the likelihood of errors.
User-Friendly Interface and Employee Self-Service
Justworks prides itself on its intuitive, easy-to-use interface. The platform is designed to be accessible to business owners and employees who may not have extensive HR experience.
The employee self-service portal allows staff to access their pay stubs, update their personal information, view and manage their benefits, and submit time off requests. This self-service functionality can significantly reduce the administrative burden on HR staff or business owners.
Rippling vs Justworks: Simulated Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: Rapid International Scaling – Rippling Wins
A tech startup plans to expand from 50 US-based employees to 200 employees across 10 countries in the next year.
Rippling: With its global payroll and EOR services covering 185+ countries, Rippling is well-equipped to handle rapid international expansion. Its unified platform can seamlessly manage hiring, onboarding, payroll, and IT provisioning across multiple countries.
Justworks: While excellent for US-based operations, Justworks doesn’t offer international payroll or hiring services. The company would need to find additional solutions for its global expansion.
In this scenario, Rippling’s global capabilities make it the clear winner for international scaling.
Scenario 2: Small Business Seeking Comprehensive Benefits – Justworks Excels
A small marketing agency with 30 employees wants to offer competitive benefits to attract and retain talent.
Rippling: While Rippling offers benefits administration, it doesn’t provide the same level of access to enterprise-level benefits that a PEO can offer.
Justworks: As a PEO, Justworks can provide small agencies with access to high-quality, affordable benefits packages typically available only to larger companies. Its HR support and compliance guidance are also valuable for small businesses without dedicated HR staff.
In this scenario, Justworks’ PEO model is the better choice for a small business prioritizing comprehensive benefits.
Scenario 3: Company with Complex IT and HR Needs – Rippling Edges Out
A mid-sized tech company with 150 employees must streamline its HR processes and manage various software licenses and devices.
Rippling: Its unified platform can handle both HR and IT management needs. Automated workflows can streamline onboarding, including provisioning software licenses and devices. The company can manage employee data, payroll, and IT assets in one system.
Justworks: While it can effectively manage HR and payroll needs, Justworks doesn’t offer IT management features. The company would need separate solutions for managing software licenses and devices.
In this scenario, Rippling’s combined HR and IT management capabilities give it an edge for companies with complex, interconnected needs.
When to Consider Other EOR Providers
While Rippling and Justworks are strong contenders, other EOR providers might be more suitable in certain situations:
Specialized Industry Needs: Papaya Global
For businesses in highly regulated industries with unique compliance requirements, Papaya Global offers specialized global workforce management solutions.
Freelancer-Focused Platform: Deel
If your company primarily works with international contractors and freelancers, Deel’s platform is specifically designed to handle these types of engagements efficiently.
Europe-Centric Expansion: Remote
For companies focusing on European expansion, Remote offers in-depth knowledge of European labor laws and market-specific benefits administration.
Budget-Friendly Option for Startups: Remofirst
Startups and small businesses looking for a more affordable EOR solution might consider Remofirst. This company offers competitive pricing for basic global employment services. Its straightforward pricing model starts at $199 per monthly employee for EOR services.
Comprehensive Benefits and Compliance: Oyster HR
Organizations that require advanced benefits administration and robust compliance support across multiple countries might find Oyster HR’s solutions more suitable. They offer a user-friendly platform that strongly focuses on global benefits and compliance.
Alternative | Best For | Key Strength |
---|---|---|
Papaya Global | Regulated industries | Industry-specific compliance solutions |
Deel | Freelancer management | Tailored for contractor payments and compliance |
Remote | European expansion | Expertise in European labor laws and benefits |
Remofirst | Bootstrapped Startups | Competitive pricing for basic EOR services |
Oyster HR | Benefits and Compliance | Advanced benefits and robust compliance |
Who I Recommend Rippling To
I recommend Rippling for:
- Fast-growing companies: Rippling’s scalable platform and comprehensive feature set make it ideal for businesses experiencing rapid growth and frequent changes in their workforce management needs.
- Tech-savvy organizations: Businesses that value cutting-edge technology and automation will appreciate Rippling’s advanced features and integrations.
- Companies with a global workforce: Organizations hiring and managing employees across multiple countries will find Rippling’s global payroll and EOR services invaluable.
- Businesses seeking unified HR, IT, and finance management: Rippling’s integrated approach will benefit companies looking to streamline operations across these departments.
- Mid-sized to large businesses: While Rippling can serve smaller companies, its extensive features are particularly beneficial for mid-sized to large organizations with complex HR, IT, and finance needs.
Rippling is particularly well-suited for organizations that require a powerful, all-in-one solution for managing their workforce globally. Its ability to handle complex HR, IT, and finance needs makes it an excellent choice for businesses that want to consolidate their operations onto a single, sophisticated platform.
Who I Recommend Justworks To
I recommend Justworks for:
- Small to medium-sized businesses: Justworks is ideal for companies with 2 to 200 employees looking for comprehensive HR support without needing a full in-house HR department.
- Startups and growing companies: Businesses that want to offer competitive benefits packages but lack the resources or negotiating power to do so independently will benefit from Justworks’ PEO model.
- U.S.-based companies: Organizations primarily operating within the United States will find Justworks’ compliance support across all 50 states particularly valuable.
- Companies prioritizing ease of use: Businesses looking for a user-friendly HR platform that doesn’t require extensive training will appreciate Justworks’ intuitive interface.
- Organizations seeking HR consulting: Justworks’ HR support services will benefit companies that need access to HR experts for guidance on complex issues.
Justworks is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses in the U.S. that want to outsource their HR functions and gain access to better benefits packages. Its PEO model and focus on compliance make it an excellent choice for companies looking to simplify their HR operations while ensuring they stay within legal boundaries.
My Final Thoughts on Rippling vs Justworks
Rippling and Justworks offer robust HR management solutions, catering to different business needs and sizes.
Rippling excels as a comprehensive, highly customizable platform that unifies HR, IT, and finance functions. Its global capabilities, extensive integrations, and powerful automation features make it an excellent choice for growing businesses with complex needs, particularly those with international operations or sophisticated IT requirements.
Justworks is a user-friendly PEO solution tailored for small to medium-sized US-based businesses. Its focus on providing access to enterprise-level benefits, ensuring compliance across states, and offering personalized HR support makes it an attractive option for companies looking to outsource their HR functions and gain access to better benefits packages.
The best choice between Rippling and Justworks ultimately depends on your organization’s size, complexity, and specific requirements. Choose Rippling if you need a scalable, customizable solution for complex HR and IT needs across global operations. Opt for Justworks if you’re a smaller US-based business looking for a straightforward PEO solution with access to big-company benefits and compliance support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Rippling handle international payroll?
Yes, Rippling offers global payroll services in 185+ countries, making it suitable for businesses with international employees.
Does Justworks operate outside the United States?
No, Justworks primarily focuses on US-based businesses and doesn’t currently offer international services.
Which platform is better for a small startup?
Justworks may be the better choice for a small US-based startup that prioritizes access to benefits and simple HR management. Rippling might be more suitable for a startup anticipating rapid growth or international expansion.
Can Rippling manage both HR and IT assets?
Yes, one of Rippling’s unique features is its ability to manage both HR functions and IT assets (like computers and software licenses) from a single platform.
Does Justworks offer IT management features?
No, Justworks focuses primarily on HR, payroll, and benefits administration. It does not offer IT management features.
Which platform offers better compliance support?
Both offer strong compliance support but in different areas. Justworks excels in US federal and state compliance, while Rippling offers broader global compliance features.