Updated July 2026

BambooHR vs Namely

Which HR and payroll software is right for your business? We compared pricing, features, ratings, and real-world use cases.

Based on 3,300 verified reviews · Last updated July 2026
Quick verdict: BambooHR has transparent pricing starting at $10/month, while Namely requires a custom quote — better for larger organizations. If you hire internationally, BambooHR is the clear winner.

At a Glance

BambooHR
HR software for small and medium businesses
G2 ★★★★☆ 4.5/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.6/5
$10/mo + $10/employee Free trial
Namely
Mid-market HR software people actually love
G2 ★★★☆☆ 3.9/5
Capterra ★★★★☆ 4.1/5
Contact for pricing

Feature Comparison

Feature BambooHR Namely
Payroll processing ✓ ✓
Automated tax filing ✓ ✓
Direct deposit ✓ ✓
Benefits administration ✓ ✓
Time tracking ✓ ✓
Employee onboarding ✓ ✓
PTO management ✓ ✓
Contractor payments ✗ ✗
International payroll ✗ ✗
Mobile app ✓ ✓
API access ✓ ✓
Starting price $10/mo + $10/employee Contact for pricing
Countries supported US, CA, UK, AU US
Best for Small Business, Medium Business, 50-500 Employees Medium Business, 50-1000 Employees

Pros & Cons

BambooHR

  • Beautiful UI
  • Strong onboarding tools
  • Good mobile app
  • E-signature built-in
  • Payroll is US-only add-on
  • Limited customization
  • No built-in recruiting

Namely

  • Built for mid-market
  • Strong employee experience
  • Social news feed feature
  • Good benefits management
  • US-only
  • Lower ratings recently
  • Customer support issues
  • Expensive for what you get

Who Should Use Each?

BambooHR User satisfaction matters most — BambooHR holds a higher G2 rating (4.5 vs 3.9).
BambooHR You want to try before you buy — only one of them offers a free trial.

Related Comparisons

BambooHR vs Rippling Namely vs Gusto BambooHR vs Deel Namely vs BambooHR ← All HR Tool Comparisons BambooHR alternatives → Namely alternatives →

Ready to decide?

Try both and pick what works best for your team.

Try BambooHR Free → Try Namely →

* Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BambooHR better than Namely?

It depends on your needs. BambooHR is generally better for small business, medium business, while Namely shines for medium business, 50-1000 employees. Both have strong ratings on G2 and Capterra.

How much does BambooHR cost compared to Namely?

$10/mo + $10/employee vs Contact for pricing. Always check each vendor's official pricing page as rates may have changed.

Can I switch from BambooHR to Namely?

Yes, both platforms support data export. Most businesses complete a migration in 2–4 weeks. It's best to run both in parallel for one payroll cycle before fully switching.

Does BambooHR or Namely offer a free trial?

Yes, BambooHR offers a free trial. Namely does not currently offer a free trial.

Which is better for international payroll — BambooHR or Namely?

Neither currently offers international payroll — consider Deel or Remote for global hiring.