Top 10 isolved Alternatives for 2025

isolved: A Brief Overview

isolved is a comprehensive, cloud-based HR and payroll platform primarily geared towards mid-sized to large businesses. It aims to streamline HR processes, from onboarding and talent management to payroll processing and benefits administration. Key features include automated workflows, employee self-service portals, robust reporting capabilities, and integrations with various third-party applications. isolved emphasizes compliance and strives to keep businesses up-to-date with ever-changing regulations. While known for its breadth of functionality, isolved can sometimes be perceived as complex and expensive for smaller organizations or those with simpler HR needs. Its user interface, while powerful, might require a steeper learning curve compared to some more intuitive alternatives.

Why Consider isolved Alternatives?

isolved is a powerful platform, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Several factors might lead you to explore alternatives. Perhaps you're a smaller business feeling overwhelmed by isolved's features and associated costs. Maybe you're experiencing limitations in specific functionalities, such as a lack of customization options or a user interface that's not intuitive for your team. Scalability concerns can also arise - isolved's pricing structure may become prohibitive as your company grows. Furthermore, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with customer support responsiveness or limitations in integrations with other business systems. Finally, the constantly evolving landscape of HR and payroll technology means new, innovative solutions are emerging regularly, offering enhanced features and a better overall user experience. This checklist helps you evaluate if another platform better aligns with your current and future business needs.

1. BambooHR

BambooHR consistently ranks among the leading HRIS platforms, and for good reason. It's a robust system known for its user-friendliness and comprehensive feature set. While it's not a direct payroll replacement like isolved, it excels at core HR functions, making it an excellent foundation for managing your workforce.

What BambooHR Does Well:

• Core HR Management: BambooHR shines in areas like employee onboarding, performance management, applicant tracking (ATS), and employee directory management. It offers a centralized hub for all employee information.
• Performance Management: Includes tools for goal setting, performance reviews, and 360 feedback, fostering employee growth.
• Reporting & Analytics: Provides customizable reports to track key HR metrics and identify trends.
• Integrations: Integrates with a wide range of third-party applications, allowing you to connect it with your existing payroll, accounting, and benefits systems.
• User-Friendly Interface: Known for its intuitive design, making it easy for employees and managers to navigate.

Where it Might Fall Short (Compared to isolved):

• Payroll Limitations: BambooHR doesn't offer built-in payroll processing. You'll need to integrate it with a third-party payroll provider.
• Complex Compliance: While it aids in compliance, particularly with required forms and documentation, it might not handle the full breadth of specialized compliance needs as robustly as isolved.

Pricing: BambooHR's pricing isn't publicly available and is quote-based, varying depending on the features and number of employees. Expect to see a per-employee, per-month fee.

Ideal For: Growing businesses (50-2000+ employees) needing a central HRIS platform and willing to integrate with a separate payroll solution.

2. Paylocity

Paylocity is a strong contender for businesses seeking a comprehensive HR and payroll solution, particularly those with a focus on employee engagement. It's known for its robust self-service portal, which empowers employees to manage their information, benefits, and pay stubs, reducing the administrative burden on HR.

Key Features:

• Payroll Processing: Handles federal, state, and local payroll taxes with accuracy.
• HR Management: Includes talent management, performance management, and applicant tracking.
• Benefits Administration: Streamlines benefits enrollment and management.
• Time & Attendance: Offers flexible time tracking options.
• Employee Engagement: Features a robust engagement platform with surveys, recognition programs, and communication tools.
• Reporting & Analytics: Provides detailed reports on payroll, HR, and benefits data.

Pros:

• User-Friendly Interface: Generally praised for its intuitive design.
• Strong Employee Self-Service: Empowers employees to manage their information.
• Excellent Customer Support: Known for responsive and helpful support.
• Robust Engagement Tools: Helps foster a positive employee experience.

Cons:

• Pricing Can Be Higher: Typically more expensive than some alternatives, especially for smaller businesses.
• Implementation Complexity: Can be a more involved implementation process.
• Limited Customization: Offers less customization compared to some platforms.

Pricing: Paylocity doesn't publicly display its pricing. Expect it to be customized based on the number of employees and modules needed. You'll need to contact them for a custom quote.

3. Rippling

Rippling stands out as a comprehensive platform often praised for its automation capabilities and unified approach to HR, IT, and Finance. It's designed to handle everything from onboarding new employees to managing device access and automating payroll. What sets Rippling apart is its ability to integrate these functions seamlessly, reducing manual processes and improving efficiency across departments.

Key Features:

• Automated Onboarding & Offboarding: Rippling automates the entire employee lifecycle, provisioning access to apps, adjusting permissions, and deprovisioning accounts upon departure.
• Device Management: Offers robust mobile device management (MDM) capabilities, allowing IT to control and secure company devices.
• Payroll & Benefits: Integrates payroll processing and benefits administration.
• Directory Sync: Automatically syncs employee data across various systems.
• App Integrations: Connects with a vast array of business applications, further automating workflows.

Pros:

• Powerful Automation: Significantly reduces manual tasks and errors.
• Unified Platform: Eliminates data silos and provides a centralized view of employee information.
• Strong IT Management: Excellent for businesses with complex IT needs.
• User-Friendly Interface: Generally considered intuitive and easy to navigate.

Cons:

• Higher Cost: Rippling is typically more expensive than many alternatives, especially for smaller businesses.
• Complexity: The sheer number of features can be overwhelming for some users.
• Limited Payroll Customization: Payroll customization options are less extensive compared to some dedicated payroll providers.

Pricing: Rippling's pricing is complex and varies based on modules and employee count. Contact them directly for a custom quote. Expect a starting point in the hundreds of dollars per user per month.

4. ADP Workforce Now

ADP Workforce Now is a robust, cloud-based HR and payroll solution, frequently cited as a direct competitor to isolved. It's particularly appealing to mid-sized and larger businesses, though smaller companies can also find value depending on their specific needs.

What it does well: ADP has a long-standing reputation and a vast array of features. Beyond core payroll and HR functions, it offers talent management, benefits administration, time and attendance tracking, and robust reporting capabilities. Their strength lies in their scalability; ADP can adapt to businesses experiencing rapid growth. They also provide extensive support and training resources.

Potential drawbacks: ADP's complexity can be a barrier to entry. The interface isn't always the most intuitive, and the implementation process can be lengthy and potentially costly. Pricing is often on the higher end, and some users find customization options limited compared to more specialized alternatives. Contracts can also be less flexible.

Key Features:

• Payroll Processing (including global payroll)
• HR Management (onboarding, performance management, succession planning)
• Benefits Administration
• Time & Attendance
• Talent Acquisition
• Reporting & Analytics

Pros: Highly scalable, comprehensive feature set, strong reputation, extensive support.

Cons: Can be complex to use, higher price point, potentially lengthy implementation, less customization flexibility.

Pricing: ADP's pricing is customized based on business size and needs and is not publicly available. You'll need to contact them for a quote. Expect a significant investment, especially for full-featured plans.

5. Workday HCM

Workday HCM is a robust, cloud-based platform often considered a premium option for larger enterprises. It goes far beyond basic HR and payroll, offering a comprehensive suite of tools including talent management, learning and development, compensation planning, and workforce analytics. Its strength lies in its unified system, designed to connect all aspects of the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to retirement.

Key Features:

• Talent Management: Recruiting, onboarding, performance management, succession planning, career development.
• Payroll: Global payroll processing with compliance features.
• Benefits Administration: Streamlined enrollment and management of employee benefits.
• Workforce Analytics: Powerful reporting and analytics to gain insights into workforce trends.
• Learning Management System (LMS): Integrated platform for online training and development.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Suite: Offers a vast range of HR and talent management capabilities.
• Unified Platform: Eliminates data silos and provides a single source of truth.
• Scalable: Suitable for rapidly growing businesses.
• Advanced Analytics: Provides deep insights into workforce performance.
• Strong Compliance Features: Helps ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.

Cons:

• High Cost: Significantly more expensive than many isolved alternatives.
• Implementation Complexity: Can be challenging and time-consuming to implement.
• Steep Learning Curve: Requires extensive training for users to master its functionalities.
• Best Suited for Large Enterprises: Not ideal for small or medium-sized businesses with limited resources.

Pricing:

Workday's pricing model is complex and typically involves a subscription fee based on the number of employees and modules selected. You'll need to contact Workday directly for a custom quote, but expect to pay upwards of $300+ per employee annually, with implementation costs adding significantly to the total investment.

6. Ceridian Dayforce

Ceridian Dayforce stands out as a comprehensive HCM platform, often favored by larger organizations due to its robust feature set and scalability. It's more than just an isolved alternative; it's a full-fledged solution encompassing payroll, HR, talent management, workforce management, and benefits administration-all within a single, unified platform.

Key Features:

• Unified HCM: A single system for all HR and payroll processes, eliminating data silos and streamlining workflows.
• Talent Management: Includes recruiting, onboarding, performance management, learning and development, and succession planning.
• Workforce Management: Offers time and attendance tracking, scheduling, and absence management.
• Benefits Administration: Manages employee benefits enrollment and administration.
• Payroll Processing: Automates payroll calculations, tax filings, and payments.
• Reporting and Analytics: Provides robust reporting and analytics capabilities to track key HR metrics.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Functionality: Offers a vast array of features to manage all aspects of the employee lifecycle.
• Unified Platform: Eliminates the need for multiple systems and integrations.
• Scalability: Can accommodate the needs of growing organizations.
• Modern User Interface: Generally considered user-friendly and intuitive.

Cons:

• High Cost: One of the more expensive isolved alternatives, typically suited for mid-to-large businesses.
• Complex Implementation: Implementation can be lengthy and require significant resources.
• Limited Customization: While configurable, the degree of customization is less than some other options.

Pricing:

Pricing isn't publicly available and is quote-based, depending on the size of your organization and the modules selected. Expect a higher investment compared to smaller-scale HR software solutions. Contact Ceridian directly for a custom quote.

7. Gusto

Gusto has consistently earned a reputation as a user-friendly and modern alternative to isolved, particularly appealing to smaller and mid-sized businesses. It's known for its sleek interface and straightforward setup, making it easier for teams to get up and running quickly.

What Gusto Does: Gusto goes beyond basic payroll. It handles payroll processing, benefits administration (including health insurance, retirement plans, and more), time tracking, onboarding, and even offers some talent acquisition features. They also provide excellent support for independent contractors.

Key Features:

• Payroll Processing: Comprehensive payroll management with tax filings and direct deposit.
• Benefits Administration: Easy management of health insurance, retirement plans (like 401(k)), and other employee benefits.
• Time Tracking: Built-in time tracking capabilities for accurate payroll calculation.
• Onboarding: Streamlined onboarding experience for new hires.
• Contractor Payments: Simple and reliable payments for independent contractors.
• HR Resources: Access to HR resources and compliance tools.
• Integrations: Integrates with popular accounting software (like QuickBooks and Xero) and other business tools.

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Extremely intuitive and user-friendly interface.
• Excellent Support: Known for responsive and helpful customer support.
• Modern Design: Clean and visually appealing platform.
• Contractor Focus: Strong features for managing independent contractors.
• Good for Small Businesses: Scalable to fit the needs of growing companies.

Cons:

• Limited Advanced HR Features: May lack some advanced HR capabilities found in more robust platforms.
• Pricing Can Increase: Costs can rise significantly as your employee count grows.
• Fewer Integrations than Some Competitors: While integrations are available, the selection isn't as extensive as some other platforms.

Pricing: Gusto's pricing is tiered based on the number of employees and features needed. Their Simple plan starts at $49/month + $6/employee/month. More comprehensive plans with additional features like performance management and stock options are available at higher price points. It's best to check their website for current pricing details as they can change.

8. Namely

Namely is a rapidly growing HR and talent management platform designed specifically for mid-sized and growing companies. It differentiates itself with a strong focus on talent management features alongside core HR functions. Think of it as a solution that aims to bridge the gap between basic HR administration and a more strategic approach to employee development.

What Namely Does Well:

• Comprehensive Talent Management: Namely isn't just about payroll and benefits. It excels in performance management, goal setting, succession planning, and learning & development-all integrated within a single platform.
• Customization: They offer a high degree of customization, allowing you to tailor the system to match your specific business processes and branding.
• User-Friendly Interface: Despite its robust feature set, Namely boasts a relatively intuitive user interface.
• Scalability: Designed to grow with your business, Namely can handle the complexities of larger organizations.

Where Namely Might Fall Short:

• Cost: Namely is positioned as a premium solution, so it's generally more expensive than some of the other alternatives on this list. This makes it less appealing to smaller businesses on a tight budget.
• Implementation Complexity: Due to its extensive feature set and customization options, implementation can be more involved and may require dedicated resources.
• Payroll Limitations: While they offer payroll processing, it's often handled through a third-party integration, which can sometimes add complexity.

Pricing: Pricing is customized based on the specific modules and number of employees. You'll need to contact Namely directly for a personalized quote. Expect to see costs starting in the range of $6-$15+ per employee per month.

Who is Namely Best For? Mid-sized companies (100+ employees) seeking a unified platform that combines HR, payroll, and robust talent management capabilities, and are willing to invest in a premium solution.

9. UKG Pro

UKG Pro (formerly Kronos Workforce Ready) is a robust, cloud-based platform designed for mid-sized to large organizations, particularly those with complex scheduling and timekeeping needs. It's a significant player in the HR and workforce management space, offering a comprehensive suite of features that go beyond isolved's core offerings.

What UKG Pro Offers:

• Time & Attendance: Advanced scheduling, real-time labor insights, and automated timekeeping.
• HR Management: Core HR functionalities including employee records, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning.
• Payroll: Integrated payroll processing (though often integrated with a third-party payroll provider).
• Talent Management: Recruiting, onboarding, learning and development, and performance management tools.
• Workforce Analytics: Data-driven insights to optimize workforce planning and improve productivity.
• Mobile Capabilities: A user-friendly mobile app for employees and managers.

Pros:

• Extensive Feature Set: Covers a wide range of workforce management needs.
• Scalability: Handles large organizations and complex operational requirements.
• Strong Analytics: Provides valuable data for informed decision-making.
• Mobile-First Design: Improves employee engagement and accessibility.

Cons:

• Higher Cost: Generally more expensive than isolved, particularly for smaller businesses.
• Complexity: Can be overwhelming to implement and manage due to its extensive features.
• Integration Required: Payroll is frequently handled through a third-party integration, adding to implementation complexity.
• Steeper Learning Curve: Requires more training for both employees and administrators.

Pricing:

UKG Pro pricing isn't publicly available and is customized based on company size, modules selected, and contract length. Expect a higher price point compared to isolved, typically starting in the thousands of dollars per month. Contact UKG directly for a personalized quote.

10. Oracle HCM Cloud

Oracle HCM Cloud is a comprehensive Human Capital Management (HCM) suite designed primarily for large enterprises. While it offers a vast array of features - from core HR and talent management to workforce planning and analytics - it's significantly more complex and costly than isolved. This makes it less suitable for smaller to mid-sized businesses.

Key Features & Strengths:

• Comprehensive Functionality: Oracle HCM covers nearly every aspect of the employee lifecycle, integrating with other Oracle products.
• Advanced Analytics: Powerful reporting and analytics tools help drive data-driven decisions.
• Global Capabilities: Strong support for multinational organizations with localized HR processes.
• Workforce Planning: Robust tools for forecasting and aligning workforce needs with business goals.

Potential Drawbacks:

• High Cost: Implementation and ongoing maintenance costs are substantial.
• Complex Implementation: Requires significant internal resources and potentially external consultants for setup and customization.
• Steeper Learning Curve: The sheer breadth of features can be overwhelming for users.
• Not Ideal for Small Businesses: The scale and complexity make it less suitable for smaller organizations.

Best For: Large, global enterprises with complex HR needs and a substantial budget for implementation and ongoing support.

11. ChecklistGuro: The BPM Approach to HR & Payroll

While isolved excels in its traditional HRIS model, ChecklistGuro offers a refreshingly different approach. We're a Business Process Management (BPM) platform that's been increasingly adopted by companies looking for complete process control and extreme flexibility. Think of it as a digital canvas where you define exactly how your HR, payroll, onboarding, performance reviews, and other critical processes operate. Rather than being confined to a pre-defined system, you build the workflow.

Why consider ChecklistGuro instead of isolved?

• Unmatched Customization: Isolved offers customizations, but ChecklistGuro lets you build processes from the ground up, integrating with virtually any system via our robust API.
• Process Visibility & Control: Our visual process mapping and tracking features give you an unparalleled view of exactly where tasks are and who's responsible, eliminating bottlenecks and improving efficiency.
• Automation Powerhouse: While isolved offers automation, ChecklistGuro's BPM engine allows for significantly more complex and dynamic automation sequences across multiple departments and systems.
• Cost-Effective Scalability: Our pricing model is often more advantageous for companies with highly complex or evolving needs, as you only pay for what you use.

Who is ChecklistGuro a good fit for? Companies experiencing rapid growth, facing unique compliance requirements, or who want granular control over their HR and payroll processes. We're perfect for organizations that prioritize adaptability and process optimization above all else.

Choosing the Right Alternative: Key Considerations

Before diving into the alternatives, it's crucial to define your business's specific needs. Don't just chase features; consider how those features will genuinely improve your workflows. Here's a breakdown of key factors to evaluate:

• Company Size & Employee Count: Some solutions are better suited for small businesses (under 50 employees), while others are designed for larger enterprises. Ensure the alternative can scale with your growth.
• Industry-Specific Needs: Certain industries (like construction or healthcare) have unique compliance requirements. Prioritize alternatives that cater to these.
• Budget: Pricing varies significantly. Factor in not just the subscription cost but also potential implementation fees, training costs, and ongoing support.
• Integration Capabilities: How well does the alternative integrate with your existing systems (accounting software, time tracking tools, etc.)? Seamless integration is vital for efficiency.
• Ease of Use: A complex system will lead to frustration and adoption challenges. Look for a user-friendly interface.
• Support & Training: Reliable support and comprehensive training resources are essential, especially during onboarding.
• Reporting & Analytics: Robust reporting features are critical for tracking key HR and payroll metrics and making data-driven decisions.
• Compliance: Does the software help you stay compliant with labor laws, tax regulations, and other legal requirements?

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect HR & Payroll Solution

Ultimately, the perfect HR and payroll solution isn't one-size-fits-all. Your ideal choice will depend on your business's specific needs, budget, and future growth plans. We hope this comparison of isolved alternatives has provided you with a clear roadmap for your search.

Remember to prioritize features that are crucial for your operations, consider the long-term scalability of the platform, and don't underestimate the importance of user-friendliness. Request demos, take advantage of free trials, and involve key stakeholders in the decision-making process.

Choosing the right HR and payroll software is an investment in your employees and your business's success. By carefully evaluating these alternatives and understanding your own requirements, you can find a solution that streamlines your processes, improves employee satisfaction, and frees you up to focus on what matters most: growing your business.

Resources & Links

• Paycom - A comprehensive HR and payroll solution.
• Workday - Known for its cloud-based HCM and financial management software.
• UKG (formerly ADP Workforce Now) - A leading provider of HR, payroll, and talent management solutions.
• SAP SuccessFactors - Part of the SAP suite, offering a broad range of HR capabilities.
• Oracle HCM Cloud - Oracle's human capital management solution in the cloud.
• Ceridian Dayforce - A cloud-based platform with HCM, payroll, benefits, and workforce management.
• BambooHR - Popular among small and medium-sized businesses for its ease of use.
• Riley Resources - Focused on payroll and HR solutions, particularly for non-profits and government entities.
• Paylocity - Offers payroll, HR, and talent management solutions.
• Zenefits - A platform focused on benefits administration and HR management.