Managing people, payroll, and devices shouldn’t feel like you’re juggling three different systems.
That’s where Rippling steps in, a platform that’s not just an HR Software tool for Macs, but a full employee management system built for modern businesses.
In this Rippling review, we take a close look at what makes it one of the most powerful tools for managing employees on a Mac, how it stacks up in real-world use, and who it’s best suited for in 2025.
Table of Contents
What Is Rippling?
Although Rippling falls into the HR software category, it’s actually a centralized platform that brings together:
- HR and payroll
- IT management (including device setup and assigning)
- Benefits, compliance, and org charts
- App provisioning and security
Most HR platforms stop at onboarding or payroll, but Rippling goes a few steps further, into areas like device management and software installation, making it a great option for businesses using Macs or remote teams.
It’s especially useful if your employees rely on MacBooks and you want to automate everything from contracts to shipping out devices preloaded with the right apps.
Why Rippling Is Ideal for Mac Users
Mac-based teams often get the short end of the stick with enterprise tools that prioritize Windows but Rippling is refreshingly different.
Its all Cloud based so works perfectly in most browsers on a Mac, and its Apple device management features are a huge bonus for those teams that rely on macOS and iOS.
With Rippling, you can:
- Enroll MacBooks into MDM (Mobile Device Management)
- Push apps like Zoom, Slack, or Chrome to devices remotely
- Enforce FileVault encryption and password policies
- Disable lost or stolen devices with a click
It essentially turns HR into an IT command center, without needing an big IT department.
Key Features and Tools
1. Automated Onboarding
Rippling lets you create onboarding sequences that trigger everything from welcome emails to benefits enrollment. You can even ship and assign a MacBook to a new hire with the right software installed.
2. Payroll and Benefits
U.S. payroll is fully integrated, with direct deposit, tax filing, and benefits management. It also syncs with time tracking and PTO automatically, reducing manual work. Rippling’s payroll system is also recognized by HMRC in the UK although this doesn’t mean that it can file automatically for you.
3. Global Employee Management
If you’re hiring internationally, Rippling can act as an Employer of Record (EOR) in over 50 countries. That means you can legally hire full-time employees abroad without setting up foreign entities.
4. App Provisioning
Assign apps like Slack, Google Workspace, or 1Password based on an employee’s role or department. This is especially helpful for distributed teams using different tools.
5. Reporting and Analytics
Rippling’s analytics are easy to understand and comprehensive. You can also build reports that pull from across modules, like time tracking, payroll, IT, employee costs and headcount, without exporting spreadsheets.
Ease of Use
I found Rippling easy to navigate for a tool that does so much.
The interface feels modern, and everything’s logically grouped. Admins can manage hundreds of users, devices, and apps without feeling buried in menus.
For employees, the self-service portal is clean and straightforward and should help you reduce support requests from people just trying to check PTO or download their pay stubs.
I found that everything runs perfectly on macOS. There were no downloads or plug-in, just a simple log-in and you’re away.
Mobile Experience
Rippling offers native apps for iOS and Android, but most core functions work directly through the browser on any Mac.
Admin features are easier to manage on a desktop, but the mobile experience is really only suitable for day-to-day needs like approvals, clock-ins, and notifications.
Security and Compliance
Rippling’s security protocols are pretty much as you would expect when a software is handling sensitive employee data or managing company devices.
Security measures in Rippling include:
- SOC 2 Type II certification
- SSO and MFA integrations
- Automated compliance alerts
- Device-level security controls
These are particularly important if a lot of your team are working remotely.
Pricing
Rippling uses modular pricing, so you only pay for what you use.
The base platform starts at around $8 per user/month, but the total depends on which modules (payroll, benefits, device management, etc.) you add.
For example:
- HR platform: $8/user/month
- Payroll: Additional cost
- IT device management: Additional cost
- Global EOR: From $599/month per employee
It’s not the cheapest option, but it is easily one of the most comprehensive, especially if you’d otherwise pay for separate HR and IT systems.
Who Should Use Rippling?
| You Are… | Is Rippling a Good Fit? |
|---|---|
| Mac-based startup (10–100 people) | ✅ Yes |
| Growing company with remote teams | ✅ Yes |
| Need EOR for global hires | ✅ Yes |
| Freelancer or solo founder | ❌ Probably not |
| U.S.-only, basic payroll needs | ❌ Other options are simpler |
Still Deciding?
If you’re looking for an HR platform that doesn’t just play nice with Macs but actually supports the way Mac-based teams work, I think Rippling is tough to beat.
It goes way beyond basic HR and solves real problems for modern, remote, and growing companies, especially those that want to spend less time managing systems and more time building their teams.
Just be ready to invest in the modules you need. Rippling isn’t a budget tool, it’s a power tool.
And if you’re comparing Rippling to other HR software? Start with what matters most to your team: remote setup, compliance, payroll, or people development, and go from there.
For more HR and business tools that actually work on a Mac, head over to our full article on The Best HR Software for Mac for more comparisons.