Rippling Review: Pros, Cons and Comparisons

If you’re reading this, you’re probably considering Rippling for your global workforce management.

But you’re also probably uncertain about:

1. Whether its extensive features justify the cost and complexity.
2. How well it handles international hiring and payroll across multiple countries.
3. If it’s too overwhelming for your basic HR needs.
4. Whether there are better alternatives for your specific situation.
5. How to navigate its modular pricing structure.

If that sounds familiar, this comprehensive review will answer every one of your questions.

It’s a 10-minute read that could save you months of headaches and thousands in misspent funds.

The key to deciding might be understanding Rippling’s Employer of Record (EOR) service and how it compares to competitors.

Here’s what you’ll learn – table of contents:

1. Who should use Rippling, and when should we consider alternatives?
2. Rippling explained – what it is and how it integrates HR, IT, and Finance.
3. Key features and benefits of using Rippling (some might surprise you).
4. The ins and outs of Rippling’s pricing structure.
5. How Rippling’s EOR service simplifies global hiring (this is a game-changer).
6. User experiences – from ease of use to common complaints.
7. Rippling vs. the competition – how it stacks up against Deel, Remote, and others.

What is Rippling?

Rippling is a comprehensive HR and global payroll software that simplifies hiring, paying, and managing employees. It offers a variety of cloud-based services that allow businesses to streamline their employee management processes. With Rippling’s Employer of Record (EOR) service, organizations can hire international talent without setting up legal entities in other countries.

Rippling also features an intuitive app that makes managing HR tasks very convenient.

What are the Key Features of Rippling?

What are the Benefits of Using Rippling?

Working with Rippling

Rippling provides robust support and seamless integrations that can enhance HR and payroll management.

Customer and Technical Support

Rippling offers customer service through live chat, email, and phone. When I had a query, reaching out via live chat was quick and efficient. The representatives were knowledgeable and provided clear solutions.

They also have extensive documentation available. This made troubleshooting on my own much more manageable. Whether configuring payroll software or addressing HR-related issues, the support was consistent and reliable.

Integrations and Extensibility

Integrating Rippling with other apps is straightforward. It supports many third-party apps, including various productivity tools and payroll software.

Rippling’s features extend across HR, allowing team management and payroll processing to flow smoothly. This extensibility simplifies complex processes by centralizing various functions into one platform.

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Rippling Pricing

Rippling offers a variety of pricing plans tailored to meet the needs of different businesses, whether small or large. The cost structures and benefits it provides can make it a cost-effective solution for managing business operations efficiently. However, I think the platform could benefit from being more upfront about the costs organizations can incur with its services.

Rippling’s pricing is designed to be flexible, allowing businesses to choose plans that best fit their needs. All users start by paying for its Unity platform, which is offered at $8 per employee per month. Then, there’s customizable pricing based on the number of employees you sign up for, additional features you require, and the apps you want to connect to the platform.

Small businesses can benefit from basic plans with essential features, while large enterprises can opt for more comprehensive packages. This flexibility ensures that you only pay for what you need. Additionally, each plan can be customized, adding or removing features as required.

Many services offer a free trial period, allowing businesses to try them before fully committing. This allows businesses to see firsthand the value and efficiency Rippling brings to business operations.

User Data Security and Compliance

User data security is crucial and should always be taken seriously when selecting payroll providers. Protecting personal and corporate information is a top priority.

Compliance with regulations such as GDPR in the EU ensures that Rippling handles data responsibly. Following these guidelines helps keep user data safe and private.

Rippling implements strong data security measures, including encryption, firewalls, and regular security audits, which reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Rippling maintains detailed documentation to track all data handling practices. This ensures transparency and accountability. Users have a right to know how their information is used and stored.

User privacy is always respected. Rippling only collects the needed data and gives users control over their information. User consent is obtained before collecting or using their data.

To break it down:

• Encryption: Protects data during transmission and storage

• Firewalls: Block unauthorized access

• Security Audits: Regular checks to find and fix vulnerabilities

Meeting compliance requirements and securing user data are essential steps in building trust. It’s important to show users that their information is in safe hands.

Rippling Competitor Comparison

Choosing the right HR and payroll platform is critical for your business. Let’s look at how Rippling compares to some of its competitors: Deel, Remote, Remofirst, Multiplier, and Oyster HR.

Rippling offers comprehensive HR and payroll services. Deel excels in global reach and fast onboarding. Remote offers competitive pricing for contractors, making it a good option for small businesses. Remofirst provides various HR features, and Multiplier has strong global payroll capabilities.

Each platform has strengths for businesses looking for specific attributes like security, cost-effectiveness, or extensive benefits.

You can read more in our article: Best Employer of Record Services

Recommendations for Rippling Usage

Rippling offers a comprehensive platform integrating HR, IT, and finance management, with a strong focus on automation and efficiency. Its suitability depends on a company’s size, technological needs, and desire for integrated systems. Let’s explore who benefits most from Rippling and when other solutions might be more fitting.

Who do I recommend using Rippling to?

Rippling is particularly advantageous for tech-savvy companies, businesses seeking to streamline operations across departments, and organizations prioritizing automation. Rippling provides significant benefits for:

• Tech-Forward Companies: Rippling’s advanced IT management features, including device and application management, make it an excellent choice for businesses that prioritize technology in their operations. Its ability to automate software provisioning and deprovisioning is especially valuable for companies with a dynamic workforce.
• Fast-Growing Businesses: The platform’s scalability and comprehensive feature set support rapid growth. As companies expand, Rippling can accommodate increasing complexity in HR, payroll, and IT needs without requiring multiple system changes.
• Organizations Valuing Operational Efficiency: Rippling’s strong suit is its ability to integrate various operational aspects – from employee onboarding to payroll processing and benefits administration. This integration reduces manual work and minimizes errors, making it ideal for businesses focused on operational streamlining.

When to consider Rippling alternatives?

You might want to explore alternatives to Rippling if you need specialized global employment features, industry-specific solutions, or are a smaller business with simpler needs. Consider alternatives to Rippling in these scenarios:

• Oyster HR: For companies fully committed to remote work and seeking a platform specifically designed for managing globally distributed teams.
• Deel: If your primary focus is on managing international contractors and freelancers, especially in the tech and creative sectors.
• Remote: For businesses requiring extensive global coverage and support for hiring employees in a wide range of countries.
• Gusto: If you’re a small US-based business primarily needing straightforward payroll and basic HR features without the complexity of Rippling’s full suite.
• Remofirst: For startups or small businesses looking for a more cost-effective solution for essential global employment features.
• Papaya Global: If your organization requires more advanced global workforce analytics and payroll capabilities across multiple countries.

These alternatives might better serve businesses with needs that diverge from Rippling’s core strengths, particularly those requiring specialized global employment solutions or simpler, more focused HR and payroll tools. However, they may lack the comprehensive integration of HR, IT, and finance that Rippling offers. Below, we’ve compared Rippling to other providers to show how it measures up to the competition.

• Deel vs Rippling
• Remote vs Ripping
• Rippling vs Multiplier
• Rippling vs Remofirst
• Rippling vs Oyster HR

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rippling offers a robust, all-in-one platform that integrates HR, payroll, IT, and finance management, making it an excellent choice for tech-savvy companies and fast-growing businesses looking to streamline operations. Its automation capabilities, extensive customization, and seamless integration across departments provide significant value, particularly for organizations prioritizing efficiency.

However, its complexity, premium pricing, and lack of transparency in costs may not be suitable for smaller businesses or those with simpler HR needs. For companies seeking specialized global employment features or more cost-effective alternatives, platforms like Deel, Remote, or Oyster HR may be better suited. Overall, Rippling stands out for its comprehensive feature set but may be overwhelming or unnecessarily costly for businesses with less complex requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions