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Comparison

LVL Up vs BambooHR

Need performance management that actually works with your HR? LVL Up gives you both, built together from the ground up.

About BambooHR

BambooHR is a popular HR information system (HRIS) focused on small to medium businesses. Founded in 2008, they offer core HR functionality like employee records, onboarding, and time tracking. Their performance management features were added later as add-on modules.

Founded
2008
Headquarters
Lindon, Utah
Primary focus
HR Information System (HRIS)
Ideal for
Small businesses primarily needing HR records management
Pricing model
Per employee/month, tiered plans
Starting price
$5.25

Why LVL Up

Six places we're deliberately different.

01  /  Cost

50–70% lower.

Flat-rate by org, not per-seat. HR included instead of priced as a separate product like BambooHR does.

02  /  Setup

Ten minutes.

Sign up, invite team, set goals, run a feedback cycle. No implementation specialist, no procurement gauntlet.

03  /  Scope

HR + performance, one tool.

Goals, feedback, recognition, reviews, and HR essentials live together. One bill, one login, one search.

04  /  Career

LVL Proof portfolios.

Employees own a career portfolio that follows them — feedback, recognition, completed goals as evidence.

05  /  Engagement

Gamification, opt-in.

XP, streaks, badges, and rewards that managers can enable per team. Off if your culture prefers quiet.

06  /  Pricing

Transparent.

Every tier and price published. No sales call to find out what you'd pay.

Feature comparison

Side by side.

Feature
LVL Up
BambooHR
Employee Records
Onboarding Tools
PTO Tracking
Time Tracking
Add-on
Org Chart
Document Storage
Goal Setting & OKRs
Basic
Goal Cascade Visualization
Performance Reviews
Add-on
360-Degree Feedback
Limited
Continuous Feedback
Basic
1:1 Meeting Tools
Basic

Where BambooHR is strong

  • Well-established HR platform
  • Good basic HR functionality
  • User-friendly interface for HR tasks
  • Strong applicant tracking add-on
  • Large customer base

Where it falls short

  • Performance management is an afterthought (add-on)
  • Limited goal and OKR capabilities
  • No recognition or gamification features
  • Basic analytics compared to performance-first tools
  • Add-on costs pile up quickly
  • 360 feedback very limited

Migrating from BambooHR

CSV import for employees, departments, and goals. The founder personally helps map fields the first time, so nothing gets dropped.

Typical migration time
1-2 days
Complexity
Low

Common questions

Things teams ask before switching.

How is LVL Up different from BambooHR?
BambooHR is primarily an HRIS with performance features added as afterthoughts. LVL Up is built performance-first with HR included. This means deeper goal management, better review cycles, real 360 feedback, recognition systems, and advanced analytics - all integrated natively, not bolted on.
Does LVL Up have all the HR features BambooHR has?
LVL Up includes employee records, org charts, PTO tracking, document management, and onboarding workflows. You get comprehensive HR functionality plus professional-grade performance management in one integrated platform.
Is LVL Up more expensive than BambooHR?
When you add BambooHR's performance management add-on, engagement surveys, and other extras, the costs become comparable. LVL Up's advantage is everything is included - no surprise add-on charges. Our Storming plan ($79/month for up to 100 employees) includes features BambooHR charges extra for.
Why switch from BambooHR if I'm happy with the HR side?
If you want genuine performance management - real OKRs, comprehensive reviews, continuous feedback, recognition - BambooHR's add-ons fall short. Teams that care about employee development choose LVL Up because performance management is our core strength, not an afterthought.
Can I migrate employee data from BambooHR?
Yes! BambooHR allows data export, and we can help you import your employee records, org structure, and historical data into LVL Up. Most migrations complete in 1-2 days with our assistance.
Does LVL Up have applicant tracking like BambooHR?
Recruiting/ATS functionality is on our roadmap. For now, LVL Up integrates with popular ATS tools. Many teams use BambooHR for recruiting and LVL Up for everything after hire - onboarding, performance, development, and HR records.

Switch in an afternoon.

Start free, no credit card. Cancel any time. The founder will personally help you migrate from BambooHR if you want a hand.

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