Rippling Vs. GoCo Comparison Summary
When it comes to modern HR software, Rippling and GoCo are two standout platforms designed to simplify people management, but they approach it differently.
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management platform that goes far beyond just HR. It combines HR, payroll, IT, and finance tools into one unified system.
It’s perfect for fast-growing companies that want to automate and centralize everything from onboarding to device management and app provisioning.
Rippling stands out for its powerful automations, deep integrations, and scalability. It’s a favorite among tech-forward teams that want to manage both people and systems in one place.
GoCo, on the other hand, is a flexible and user-friendly HR and benefits platform built specifically for small to mid-sized businesses. It offers strong core HR features like onboarding, benefits administration, time tracking, and workflows, without overwhelming teams with extra tools.
GoCo is known for its customizable workflows, document management, and ease of use, making it a strong choice for teams that want HR software tailored to their existing processes.
While both offer great HR capabilities, the right pick comes down to your company size, tech needs, and whether you want an all-in-one or focused HR solution.
Rippling vs. GoCo: Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Rippling | GoCo |
|---|---|---|
| Core Focus | All-in-one: HR, Payroll, IT, Finance | HR, Benefits, Time Tracking |
| Best For | Growing teams, tech companies, remote orgs | Small to mid-sized businesses |
| Onboarding | Fully automated, includes IT provisioning | Easy onboarding with e-signatures |
| Benefits Administration | Integrated with payroll & insurance carriers | Direct sync with benefits providers |
| Payroll | Built-in, automated tax filing & compliance | Optional add-on via partners |
| Time Tracking | Yes, with location-based rules | Yes, integrated with payroll partners |
| IT Management | Yes – manage apps, devices, accounts | No |
| Customization | High (workflows, approvals, policies) | High (workflows, templates, documents) |
| Integrations | 500+ apps (Slack, Google, Okta, etc.) | Limited compared to Rippling |
| User Experience | Sleek, modern, powerful | Intuitive, clean, easy to navigate |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing | Starts at ~$8/month per user (modular) | Custom pricing based on features |
| Free Trial/Demo | Demo available | Demo available |
Detailed Breakdown
1. Core Focus & Use Case
- Rippling isn’t just HR software. It’s designed to replace a bundle of tools with one centralized hub—especially valuable for remote or tech-heavy teams.
- GoCo sticks to the HR essentials. It shines for businesses that want an HR solution that’s simple, flexible, and doesn’t come with too many bells and whistles.
2. Onboarding & Automations
- Rippling can automate everything, from sending offer letters to setting up laptops and Slack accounts.
- GoCo focuses on fast and friendly onboarding with e-signatures, custom workflows, and required documents, all online.
3. Payroll & Benefits
- Rippling has built-in payroll and can handle compliance, tax filings, and benefits all in one system.
- GoCo doesn’t have its own payroll but integrates with partners like Gusto and ADP, and offers strong benefits tracking.
4. IT Tools & Device Management
- Rippling offers features no traditional HR tool does, like device inventory, remote wipe, and app access control.
- GoCo doesn’t venture into IT territory, staying focused on HR.
5. Custom Workflows & Integrations
- Both platforms allow for custom workflows, but Rippling supports more granular automation and offers 500+ integrations.
- GoCo has fewer integrations but makes up for it with customizable templates and document workflows.
6. Pricing
- Rippling uses a modular pricing system, pay only for the features you use (starting around $8/user/month).
- GoCo offers custom quotes depending on your feature needs, which can be more budget-friendly for smaller teams.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Rippling if: You want a powerful, scalable all-in-one solution that handles HR, IT, and more, especially for remote teams or fast-growing startups.
Choose GoCo if: You’re a small business looking for customizable, easy-to-use HR software without all the extra tech layers.
