SimpleHR Review: Pricing, Features, Pros and Cons

SimpleHR is one of the most affordable HRIS products on the market, with a desktop license starting at just $199 as a one-time purchase. In a category dominated by SaaS platforms charging $5 to $15 per employee per month, that pricing model alone makes it an outlier worth examining. But low cost only matters if the software actually does the job.

Built by Ajiva Corporation, SimpleHR targets small and mid-sized businesses that need a centralized place to manage employee records, track performance reviews, monitor attendance, and handle basic HR administration. It comes in four editions spanning desktop and cloud deployments, giving buyers unusual flexibility in how they want to run their HR system. The trade-off: limited integrations, no API, and a feature set that won’t satisfy companies needing advanced analytics or deep customization.

For businesses with straightforward HR needs and tight budgets, SimpleHR delivers genuine value. For growing companies that need a modern, connected HR platform, it will feel dated quickly.

What Is SimpleHR?

SimpleHR is a human resources information system developed by Ajiva Corporation, a privately held company headquartered in Destin, Florida, with Canadian operations (the vendor’s primary website is simplehr.ca). The company was founded in 2002 and has built a customer base spanning over 45 countries across industries including manufacturing, retail, medical, construction, legal, credit unions, and non-profit organizations.

The software is available in two distinct deployment models: desktop licenses (SimpleHR Express and SimpleHR 9.0) installed on Windows computers, and cloud-based subscriptions (SimpleHR Pro and Enterprise) accessible from any device via a web browser. This hybrid approach is unusual in the HR software market, where most vendors have moved exclusively to cloud-based SaaS. It is worth noting that Ajiva also operates a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) service under the SimpleHR name, which is a separate HR outsourcing business distinct from the software product reviewed here.

SimpleHR Key Features

Centralized Employee Records

SimpleHR stores all employee information in a single, secure location, including salary history, position details, benefits, certifications, emergency contacts, and dependent information. The system uses a single-entry data approach, meaning you enter information once and it populates across relevant areas of the software. This reduces data entry errors and keeps records consistent, which is particularly useful during audits.

Performance Review and Training Tracking

The software supports multiple performance review types and lets managers schedule, track, and record reviews within the system. Training records are maintained alongside employee profiles, allowing HR staff to monitor completion status, certifications, and skills development. The HR dashboard provides a graphical view of training completion rates, making it easy to identify gaps.

Vacation, Sick Leave, and Attendance Management

SimpleHR tracks time-off balances, vacation requests, and sick leave usage. Attendance records are maintained at the employee level. However, one notable limitation is that vacation and sick time must be entered in two different locations within the software, which creates extra administrative work and has been a consistent source of frustration.

Health and Safety Incident Logging

The system maintains accident and incident history records, which is particularly valuable for companies in manufacturing, construction, and healthcare where workplace safety compliance is mandatory. Safety training records are tracked alongside general training, giving a complete picture of each employee’s safety profile.

HR Dashboard and Reporting

SimpleHR includes an HR dashboard with graphical views of key indicators such as departure rates, absence trends, training completion, and compliance status. The software comes with over 50 standard reports and supports custom report creation. The reporting functionality has been noted as particularly helpful during audits, though new users may find the navigation to generate specific reports unintuitive at first.

Document Library

A centralized document repository stores commonly used HR letters, forms, policy documents, and employee files. This replaces physical filing cabinets and makes documents accessible to authorized users from anywhere (especially useful with the cloud editions). The limitation here is restricted document storage space, which may become a constraint for organizations with extensive documentation requirements.

Automated Reminders

The system sends automated scheduling reminders for critical HR dates and events, such as performance review deadlines, certification expirations, benefits enrollment periods, and training requirements. This helps prevent compliance lapses and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

Employee and Manager Self-Service

The cloud-based editions (Pro and Enterprise) include self-service portals where employees can view their own records, and managers can access team information without going through HR. This reduces the administrative burden on HR staff, especially for routine inquiries about time-off balances or personal information updates.

SimpleHR Pricing and Plans

SimpleHR’s pricing structure is one of its most distinctive characteristics. The desktop editions use a one-time perpetual license model, while the cloud editions charge recurring per-employee fees. Here is the complete breakdown:

Additional costs to be aware of:

• Annual Support Agreement: $95/year (1 user) to $575/year (20 users); required for email support access
• Additional user license for desktop editions: $100 each
• Upgrade to version 9.0 from older versions: $296
• New User Training: $299
• Advanced User Training: $399

The desktop licensing model is genuinely budget-friendly. A small business with one HR administrator could be fully operational for $199 plus $95/year for support, totaling under $300 in the first year. Compare that to a typical cloud HR platform charging $8/employee/month for a 50-person company ($4,800/year), and the savings are substantial.

The cloud editions (Pro and Enterprise) are also competitively priced. At $0.99/employee/week, the Pro edition works out to roughly $4.29/employee/month, well below most SaaS competitors. A free trial is available with no credit card required.

Integrations

This is SimpleHR’s weakest area. The integration ecosystem is extremely limited compared to modern HR platforms.

Confirmed integrations:

• QuickBooks (for payroll and accounting data exchange)
• Ovation (workforce management)
• Microsoft Word and Excel (for report exports and document templates)

SimpleHR does not offer an API, which means custom integrations with other business systems are not straightforward. Multiple sources confirm the absence of API access, and third-party integration reportedly requires custom development work. There is no mention of support for middleware platforms like Zapier or Make.

For businesses that rely on a connected tech stack (syncing HR data with payroll providers, benefits platforms, applicant tracking systems, or accounting software beyond QuickBooks), this is a significant limitation. If your organization uses QuickBooks for accounting and doesn’t need complex integrations, SimpleHR will work fine. If you need to connect with Salesforce, Slack, modern payroll processors, or other SaaS tools, look elsewhere.

Customer Support

Ajiva Corporation offers support through multiple channels, though access depends on your purchase agreement. Email support is available to customers who have purchased the Annual Support Agreement (starting at $95/year). Phone support is available at 1.866.801.7554, and some sources indicate chat support is also offered.

Self-service resources include online help built directly into the SimpleHR client software, user guides, and tips-and-tricks documentation. A complete user manual is available. However, formal training is a paid add-on ($299 for new user training, $399 for advanced training), which is a drawback for companies that want guided onboarding included in their purchase.

The support team is generally responsive and helpful once you reach them. The bigger concern is the initial setup experience; getting the software configured and populated with your data can be challenging without guidance, and the paid training barrier means some small businesses may struggle through implementation on their own.

Pros and Cons

SimpleHR earns high marks for affordability and core HR record-keeping, but falls short on integrations, modern design, and advanced capabilities. Here is our assessment.

Who Should Use SimpleHR?

Best fit: Small businesses with 5 to 100 employees that need an affordable, centralized system for managing employee records, tracking performance reviews, and handling basic HR administration. Companies in manufacturing, construction, healthcare, retail, legal, and non-profit sectors that need health and safety tracking alongside standard HR features will find particular value here.

Organizations that use QuickBooks for accounting and want a simple integration for HR data will appreciate the direct connection. Businesses with a single HR administrator who needs a reliable desktop tool (rather than a cloud subscription) should strongly consider the Express or 9.0 editions for their unmatched price-to-value ratio.

Not a fit: Companies with more than 200 employees will likely outgrow SimpleHR’s capabilities. Organizations that need advanced analytics, deep customization of workflows and fields, or extensive third-party integrations should look at more full-featured platforms like BambooHR or Gusto. Businesses that require a polished mobile experience or rely on a connected SaaS ecosystem will find SimpleHR frustrating. Companies evaluating modern applicant tracking, automated onboarding workflows, or built-in payroll processing at scale will need a more comprehensive solution.

SimpleHR Alternatives

BambooHR

BambooHR is one of the most popular HRIS platforms for small and mid-sized businesses, offering a significantly more modern interface, stronger reporting, built-in applicant tracking, and a broad integration ecosystem. It costs considerably more (typically $6 to $9 per employee per month), but delivers a much more polished and full-featured experience. Choose BambooHR if you need a modern, well-integrated platform and can afford the ongoing subscription cost.

Gusto

Gusto combines payroll, benefits administration, and basic HR features into a single platform aimed at small businesses. Its payroll processing is far more capable than SimpleHR’s, and it includes automatic tax filing and benefits management. Pricing starts at $40/month plus $6/employee/month. Gusto is the better choice if payroll is your primary need alongside basic HR management.

Zoho People

Zoho People is a cloud-based HR platform that offers a free tier for up to 5 employees, with paid plans starting around $1.25/employee/month. It provides stronger integrations (especially within the Zoho ecosystem), a mobile app, and more modern workflow automation. For budget-conscious businesses that still want cloud access and integrations, Zoho People offers a strong middle ground between SimpleHR’s low cost and BambooHR’s feature depth.

Paycor

Paycor provides a more comprehensive HR and payroll platform targeting mid-sized businesses (50 to 1,000 employees). It offers advanced analytics, talent management, and compliance tools that SimpleHR lacks. The price point is significantly higher. Paycor makes sense for companies that have outgrown SimpleHR’s basic feature set and need enterprise-grade capabilities.

Zenefits (now TriNet HR Platform)

Zenefits (rebranded under TriNet) offers an all-in-one HR platform with strong benefits administration, payroll, and compliance features. Starting around $8/employee/month, it provides a more connected experience with modern integrations and mobile access. It is a good alternative for companies that want benefits management tightly integrated with their HRIS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SimpleHR cloud-based or does it require installation?

SimpleHR offers both options. The Express and 9.0 editions are desktop software installed on Windows computers. The Pro and Enterprise editions are cloud-based (SimpleHR Online) and accessible from any device with a web browser. Desktop editions use one-time licensing, while cloud editions use weekly per-employee subscriptions.

How much does SimpleHR cost?

Desktop licenses start at $199 (one-time) for SimpleHR Express. SimpleHR 9.0 starts at $495 for a single-user license, scaling up to $2,395 for 20 users. Cloud-based editions cost $0.99/employee/week (Pro) or $1.49/employee/week (Enterprise). Annual support agreements are an additional $95 to $575/year depending on the number of users.

Does SimpleHR integrate with QuickBooks?

Yes. QuickBooks is one of SimpleHR’s confirmed integrations. The software also integrates with Microsoft Word and Excel for document templates and report exports, and with Ovation for workforce management. Beyond these, integration options are very limited, and no API is available for custom connections.

Does SimpleHR offer a free trial?

Yes. SimpleHR offers a free trial that does not require a credit card. There is no permanently free version of the software, but the trial allows you to evaluate the system before committing to a purchase.

What size company is SimpleHR best for?

SimpleHR is designed for small to mid-sized businesses, typically those with 5 to 100 employees. It is used by organizations across industries including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, construction, legal, and non-profit. Companies with more than 200 employees or those needing advanced analytics and deep integrations will likely find it insufficient.

Does SimpleHR have a mobile app?

The availability of a dedicated mobile app is not clearly confirmed across sources. The cloud-based editions (Pro and Enterprise) are accessible via web browsers on mobile devices, but a native mobile application does not appear to be offered. Contact Ajiva Corporation directly to confirm current mobile capabilities.

Is SimpleHR available in languages other than English?

Based on available information, SimpleHR supports English only. Organizations requiring multi-language support should verify directly with the vendor or consider alternative platforms that offer localization.

The Bottom Line

SimpleHR does exactly what its name promises: it keeps HR simple. For small businesses that need an affordable, no-frills system to manage employee records, track performance reviews, monitor leave balances, and maintain compliance documentation, it delivers solid value at a price point that is hard to beat. The one-time desktop license starting at $199 is genuinely remarkable in a market where annual subscriptions are the norm.

The limitations are real, though. The integration ecosystem is minimal, there is no API for custom connections, the interface is not modern by current standards, and the initial setup requires patience (and potentially paid training). Companies expecting the polished, connected experience of a modern SaaS HR platform will be disappointed. SimpleHR is a practical tool, not a sophisticated one.

We rate SimpleHR 3.3 out of 5. It earns that score by being excellent at what it costs and adequate at what it does. If your HR needs are straightforward and your budget is tight, SimpleHR is a smart, economical choice. If you need advanced features, broad integrations, or a platform that will scale with rapid growth, invest in BambooHR, Gusto, or Zoho People instead.