Rippling vs BambooHR in 2026
Side-by-side ledger (100 employees, default modules)
| Line | Rippling | BambooHR |
|---|---|---|
| Provenance | quote-only | quote-only |
| Mid PEPM | $14.00 | $10.00 |
| Monthly base fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Year 1 effective PEPM | $27.00 | $23.00 |
| Year 1 subscription | $32,400 | $27,600 |
| Implementation (midpoint) | $7,750 | $2,250 |
| Year 1 total | $40,150 | $29,850 |
| 3-year TCO | $117,081 | $95,383 |
| 3-year PEPM equivalent | $32.52 | $26.50 |
| Source | [1] | [2] |
Math: $27.00 x 100 x 12 = $32,400 (Rippling), $23.00 x 100 x 12 = $27,600 (BambooHR).
Decision aid
Pick Rippling when IT/Device is a binding decision factor (laptop provisioning, SSO/SCIM at scale, app management). The IT module justifies the higher all-in PEPM.
Pick BambooHR when the buyer wants a stable Pro tier with bundled Performance and Time Tracking integration, and a calmer renewal cadence (BambooHR is less aggressive on multi-module up-sell at renewal).
PEPM comparison at 100 employees
Rippling Core + Payroll + ATS + Performance lands ~$17 PEPM mid-band. BambooHR Pro + Payroll + Time Tracking lands ~$19 PEPM. Within 12% on subscription; implementation gap widens or narrows the total.
Which has lower 3-year TCO including uplift?
BambooHR typically wins on 3-year TCO at 100 employees on default modules by 5-10%. Rippling wins above 250 employees when IT/Device justifies the platform spend.
Module scope differences
Rippling owns IT/Device natively; BambooHR does not. BambooHR owns ATS natively (no upcharge); Rippling charges $3-$4 PEPM for Recruiting. Performance is bundled in BambooHR Pro; Rippling charges $3 PEPM.
Easier to migrate from Gusto?
BambooHR has more mature Gusto export importers. Rippling migration leans on a sales-engineer-led parallel-payroll period. Either is doable in 6-10 weeks.
When pick BambooHR specifically?
When the buyer is a culture-led People team under 200 employees and IT/Device is not in scope. BambooHR's polished employee UX and stable pricing close more deals in that segment.