Choosing the right HR software is essential for streamlining your human resources processes and improving overall business efficiency. With advancements in technology, HR software has become more than just a tool for payroll and attendance; it now integrates with every aspect of employee management, from recruitment to performance reviews, compliance, and analytics. In this guide, we explore the Top 15 HR Software in the UK for 2025, each with its own unique features, pros, and cons to help you make the best decision for your business.
Overview of the Top 15 HR Software in the UK for 2025
In this article, we’ll look at the top HR software solutions currently available in the UK for 2025, exploring how they can help businesses optimize their HR processes. Here’s a quick summary of the top HR software picks for 2025:
- Employment Hero – Best for Comprehensive HR Management
- Breathe HR – Best for Small Business HR
- Moorepay HR – Best for Payroll and Compliance
- Sage HR – Best for Employee Management and HR Analytics
- BrightHR – Best for Absence and Leave Management
- BambooHR – Best for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
- Workday HCM – Best for Large Enterprises
- Zoho People – Best for Employee Engagement
- Rippling HR and IT Management – Best for Integration of HR and IT
- Deel Global Payroll & Compliance – Best for Global Payroll and Compliance
- Transformify Recruitment and Payroll Platform – Best for Recruitment and Payroll Integration
- Personio HR Software – Best for End-to-End HR Management
- CharlieHR – Best for Streamlined Employee Management
- Myhrtoolkit – Best for Performance and Absence Management
- CIPHR (Computers In Personnel Human Resources) – Best for HR System Integration
How This Top 15 List Was Created
Our team evaluated HR software based on the following criteria:
- Pricing Models: We considered subscription costs, tiered pricing, and the flexibility to scale with business growth.
- Features and Functionality: Focused on essential HR functions such as employee records management, payroll, performance management, and leave tracking.
- Scalability: Prioritized tools that cater to businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.
- Compliance and Security: We ensured that the software complies with UK regulations and includes security features such as GDPR compliance.
- User Feedback: We analyzed real reviews to gauge ease of use, customer support, and reliability.
- Integration: We checked whether the software integrates with popular tools like payroll systems, employee benefits platforms, and other business software.
Pricing Comparison for Small Teams and Startups
For startups, free or low-cost solutions are crucial. Platforms like Breathe HR, CharlieHR, and Zoho People offer essential HR features at affordable prices.
Example Pricing:
- Breathe HR: Starts from £6 per employee/month
- CharlieHR: Starts from £3 per employee/month
- Zoho People: Starts from £1.80 per employee/month
Pricing for Growing SMEs and Enterprises
For growing businesses, platforms such as BambooHR, Moorepay HR, and Sage HR provide scalable pricing, with plans starting from £4 to £10 per employee/month.
Example Pricing:
- BambooHR: Starts at £6 per employee/month
- Moorepay HR: Custom pricing
- Sage HR: Starts at £4 per employee/month
Pricing for Enterprise-Level Solutions
For enterprises, platforms like Workday HCM, CIPHR, and Deel Global Payroll offer advanced features with higher pricing suited for large-scale operations.
Example Pricing:
- Workday HCM: Custom pricing based on business size
- CIPHR: Custom pricing based on business size and features
- Deel: Custom pricing based on number of employees and countries involved
The HR landscape has been evolving rapidly with the advent of automation, cloud solutions, and employee engagement tools. Modern HR software goes beyond tracking attendance or processing payroll; it integrates multiple HR functions like performance management, employee benefits, compliance, and talent acquisition into one unified platform. Here listed below:
#1. Employment Hero – Best for Comprehensive HR Management
Employment Hero is an all-in-one HR platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It integrates HR management, payroll, employee benefits, and compliance to provide a streamlined solution for HR departments.
Features:
- Payroll Integration: Automates payroll processes to ensure compliance with UK tax laws.
- Employee Benefits: Offers a range of benefits such as health and wellness programs.
- HR Automation: Automates onboarding, performance management, leave tracking, and more.
Review:
Employment Hero is widely praised for being an all-in-one solution that effectively combines payroll, HR management, and employee benefits. Its automation capabilities are particularly beneficial for HR teams aiming to reduce manual work.
Pros:
- Comprehensive solution: Covers all aspects of HR management including payroll, benefits, and compliance.
- User-friendly: Simple interface and easy to navigate, reducing training time.
- Employee Benefits: Provides various employee perks that improve retention and satisfaction.
Cons:
- Complex setup for payroll: Initial setup can be time-consuming.
- Pricing: Custom pricing may be expensive for smaller businesses with simpler HR needs.
Final Verdict:
Ideal for growing businesses that need an all-in-one platform for HR and payroll management. Its comprehensive features are perfect for businesses looking to automate and streamline HR functions.
#2. Breathe HR – Best for Small Business HR
Breathe HR is a user-friendly HR platform tailored for small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. It simplifies HR management by centralizing employee data, managing performance, and tracking absences.
Features:
- Employee Records Management: Stores all employee data in one place.
- Absence Management: Tracks sick leave, holidays, and other absences.
- Performance Reviews: Includes tools for tracking employee performance and setting goals.
Review:
Breathe HR is praised for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Small businesses particularly appreciate its ease of use, although it lacks some advanced HR tools for larger organizations.
Pros:
- Affordable: Budget-friendly pricing, making it ideal for small businesses.
- User-friendly: Easy to set up and navigate, with minimal learning required.
- Absence management: Efficiently manages employee leave and absences.
Cons:
- Limited scalability: May not have the advanced features required for larger enterprises.
- Basic functionality: Lacks more sophisticated HR tools like advanced reporting and analytics.
Pricing:
Starting at £6 per employee per month.
Final Verdict:
A great option for small businesses that need a simple HR system to manage employee records, absence, and performance. However, larger businesses may find it lacking in advanced features.
#3. Moorepay HR – Best for Payroll and Compliance
Moorepay HR specializes in automating payroll processes while ensuring compliance with UK tax laws and regulations. It’s an excellent choice for businesses looking for a reliable payroll solution with HR management capabilities.
Features:
- Automated Payroll: Ensures accurate payroll processing in compliance with UK laws.
- HR Management: Includes employee records management and benefits administration.
- Compliance: Keeps businesses up-to-date with employment laws, tax, and pension regulations.
Review:
Moorepay HR is highly valued for its focus on payroll accuracy and compliance. It’s particularly useful for businesses with complex payroll needs, though some users feel it could offer more advanced HR management tools.
Pros:
- Strong payroll capabilities: Automates payroll, ensuring accurate calculations and compliance.
- Compliance-driven: Keeps businesses in line with UK employment laws.
- Scalable: Suitable for small to medium-sized businesses and larger enterprises.
Cons:
- Limited HR features: Focused mainly on payroll; HR functionalities are basic in comparison.
- Complex setup: Initial setup, especially for payroll, can be challenging for new users.
Pricing:
Custom pricing based on company size and payroll requirements.
Final Verdict:
Moorepay HR is ideal for businesses with complex payroll and compliance needs. It’s an excellent choice for payroll-heavy businesses, but its HR features may not be sufficient for organizations requiring more comprehensive HR management.
#4. Sage HR – Best for Employee Management and HR Analytics
Sage HR is a comprehensive HR software that caters to businesses of all sizes, providing tools for recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and analytics. It’s particularly strong in employee management and HR data analytics.
Features:
- Talent Management: Includes recruitment, onboarding, and employee training tools.
- HR Analytics: Provides insights into employee performance, attendance, and engagement.
- Leave and Absence Management: Automates leave requests and holiday management.
Review:
Sage HR is highly appreciated for its scalability and robust HR analytics. Larger organizations tend to favor it for its advanced reporting capabilities, although small businesses may find it overly complex.
Pros:
- Data-driven insights: Offers advanced analytics to improve HR decision-making.
- Customizable: Can be tailored to fit different business needs.
- Scalable: Suitable for small, medium, and large enterprises.
Cons:
- Complex setup: Initial setup can be time-consuming, especially for small businesses.
- Pricing: Can be costly for smaller organizations, especially if advanced features are required.
Pricing:
Starts at £4 per employee per month.
Final Verdict:
Sage HR is an excellent solution for medium to large-sized businesses that require comprehensive HR management and robust analytics. Its advanced features are perfect for companies that want to optimize their HR strategies.
#5. BrightHR – Best for Absence and Leave Management
BrightHR is a cloud-based HR software that specializes in managing absence and leave tracking. It’s designed for small and medium-sized businesses that need a straightforward HR solution focused on employee time management.
Features:
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Absence Management: Automates the process of tracking holidays, sick leave, and other absences.
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Employee Scheduling: Helps businesses schedule shifts and manage employee time efficiently.
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Document Management: Centralizes HR documents and makes it easier to manage employee files.
Review:
BrightHR is widely praised for its simplicity and efficiency in absence and leave management. However, it lacks some of the advanced HR functionalities that larger organizations may require.
Pros:
- Affordable: Priced competitively for small to medium-sized businesses.
- Simple to use: Easy to implement with minimal training required.
- Leave management: Efficiently handles employee time-off requests and tracking.
Cons:
- Limited HR features: Does not offer the full range of HR tools needed for larger businesses.
- Basic reporting: Lacks in-depth reporting features for larger organizations.
Pricing:
Starting from £3.50 per employee per month.
Final Verdict:
BrightHR is perfect for small businesses focused on absence management and employee scheduling. It’s simple, cost-effective, and well-suited for organizations that don’t need advanced HR features.
#6. BambooHR – Best for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
BambooHR is a widely used HR software that helps small and mid-sized businesses manage everything from employee records to performance reviews. Known for its user-friendly interface and powerful features, it’s ideal for businesses that need a comprehensive HR tool without being overwhelmed by complexity.
Features:
- Employee Records: Stores and organizes employee data in one central location.
- Performance Management: Includes tools for performance reviews, goal setting, and feedback.
- Reporting and Analytics: Provides insights into key HR metrics such as turnover rates and employee satisfaction.
Review:
BambooHR receives high praise for its intuitive design and ability to simplify HR management for SMBs. While it offers robust employee record management and performance tracking, some users find that its payroll capabilities are limited.
Pros:
- User-friendly: Intuitive design that’s easy to set up and use.
- Comprehensive HR tools: Excellent for employee records, performance management, and reporting.
- Scalable: Suitable for small to mid-sized businesses, with scalability as companies grow.
Cons:
- Limited payroll functionality: Doesn’t have as comprehensive payroll features as some competitors.
- Can be expensive for smaller companies: Pricing may be a concern for very small businesses on a tight budget.
Pricing:
Starting at £6 per employee per month.
Final Verdict:
BambooHR is an excellent choice for small to medium businesses looking for an all-in-one HR solution. Its performance management and employee record features are outstanding, though businesses needing more robust payroll functionality may need to integrate with other tools.
#7. Workday Human Capital Management (HCM) – Best for Large Enterprises
Workday HCM is a comprehensive HR solution designed to support large enterprises. It offers a suite of powerful tools for everything from talent acquisition to payroll, analytics, and workforce planning, making it an ideal choice for global organizations.
Features:
- Global Talent Management: Tools for recruitment, onboarding, and performance management.
- Payroll and Benefits Administration: Handles complex payroll processes and integrates with benefits management systems.
- Advanced Analytics: Provides deep insights into employee performance, engagement, and workforce trends.
Review:
Workday HCM is praised for its scalability and comprehensive HR features. Enterprises appreciate its ability to integrate HR data across global teams, but its complexity and pricing may be overwhelming for smaller businesses.
Pros:
- Scalable: Ideal for large organizations with complex HR needs.
- Powerful analytics: Provides advanced insights into workforce performance and trends.
- Comprehensive solution: Covers everything from talent acquisition to payroll and benefits.
Cons:
- Complex setup: Implementation can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
- High pricing: Best suited for larger enterprises due to its higher pricing structure.
Pricing:
Custom pricing based on business size and features.
Final Verdict:
Workday HCM is a robust solution for large enterprises looking for comprehensive HR capabilities. While it offers incredible depth, smaller organizations may find the complexity and pricing prohibitive.
#8. Zoho People – Best for Employee Engagement
Zoho People is part of the Zoho suite of products and focuses on automating HR tasks while improving employee engagement. It is highly customizable and offers a wide array of HR tools, from performance management to leave tracking.
Features:
- Employee Self-Service: Employees can manage their profiles, leave requests, and attendance.
- Performance Management: Includes tools for goal setting, feedback, and performance reviews.
- Leave and Attendance Tracking: Automates leave management and ensures compliance with company policies.
Review:
Zoho People is loved for its flexibility and integration with other Zoho tools. It’s a great fit for businesses that already use Zoho’s suite of products, though some users feel that advanced features could be more intuitive.
Pros:
- Customizable: Highly adaptable to different business needs and workflows.
- Affordable: Offers competitive pricing for small to mid-sized businesses.
- Employee self-service: Employees can manage their leave requests, attendance, and more.
Cons:
- Complexity for beginners: Some users may find it difficult to configure without technical expertise.
- Limited third-party integrations: While Zoho integrates well with other Zoho products, it has fewer integrations with non-Zoho platforms.
Pricing:
Starts at £1.80 per employee per month.
Final Verdict:
Zoho People is a cost-effective and flexible HR platform, particularly for businesses using other Zoho products. It’s a great solution for companies seeking affordable employee engagement and performance management tools.
#9. Rippling HR and IT Management – Best for Integration of HR and IT
Rippling is an innovative HR and IT management platform that combines HR functions with IT management tools. It’s perfect for businesses that need to manage both employee records and IT systems from a single platform.
Features:
- HR and IT Integration: Manages both HR and IT systems, including employee onboarding, device management, and software provisioning.
- Global Payroll: Handles payroll for businesses with international teams.
- Employee Onboarding: Automates the process of onboarding new hires, from HR documentation to IT setup.
Review:
Rippling is unique in that it merges HR and IT management, making it ideal for tech-forward businesses. Users value its seamless integration between HR and IT functions, although its pricing may be a barrier for small businesses.
Pros:
- All-in-one platform: Integrates HR and IT management in one platform.
- Global payroll: Supports payroll for international teams.
- Automated onboarding: Streamlines the entire onboarding process, including HR and IT tasks.
Cons:
- High pricing: Rippling can be expensive for smaller businesses, especially those with fewer employees.
- Complex for small businesses: May be more suitable for medium to large organizations due to its extensive features.
Pricing:
Starts at £8 per employee per month.
Final Verdict:
Rippling is ideal for businesses looking to combine HR and IT management into a single platform. It’s perfect for organizations with international teams, though its pricing structure may be more suited for medium to large companies.
#10. Deel Global Payroll & Compliance – Best for Global Payroll and Compliance
Deel is an HR platform designed to simplify global payroll and ensure compliance with local labor laws. It’s perfect for businesses with remote teams or those operating in multiple countries.
Features:
- Global Payroll: Automates payroll management across different countries, ensuring compliance with local tax laws.
- Compliance Management: Keeps businesses compliant with labor laws and regulations worldwide.
- Contractor Management: Offers tools to manage both full-time employees and contractors.
Review:
Deel is highly regarded for its global payroll capabilities and compliance management. It’s a great tool for companies with a distributed workforce, though some users have mentioned that its focus is more on payroll than HR functions.
Pros:
- Global payroll: Streamlines payroll across multiple countries.
- Compliance: Ensures legal compliance with international labor laws.
- Contractor management: Easily manages both full-time employees and contractors.
Cons:
- Limited HR features: Focuses more on payroll and compliance, with fewer tools for performance management or employee engagement.
- Pricing: Can be expensive for smaller businesses, especially when managing multiple countries.
Pricing:
Custom pricing based on number of employees and countries involved.
Final Verdict:
Deel is an excellent solution for businesses that manage remote teams and need to ensure compliance with global payroll and labor laws. However, businesses looking for a broader HR solution may need to integrate other tools.
#11. Transformify Recruitment and Payroll Platform – Best for Recruitment and Payroll Integration
Transformify is a recruitment and payroll platform designed to streamline both the hiring and payroll processes. It’s perfect for businesses that want a seamless integration between these two functions, especially when managing remote teams.
Features:
- Recruitment Management: Includes tools for posting jobs, managing applicants, and conducting interviews.
- Payroll Integration: Automates payroll and benefits administration alongside recruitment processes.
- Global Talent Pool: Supports hiring across various countries with built-in compliance tools.
Review:
Transformify is ideal for companies that focus on hiring remote talent and managing payroll globally. Users appreciate its integrated approach, though it’s best suited for businesses with a global workforce.
Pros:
- Recruitment and payroll integration: Offers seamless integration between the recruitment process and payroll management.
- Global talent management: Ideal for companies hiring internationally.
- Easy-to-use: The interface is straightforward and user-friendly.
Cons:
- Limited HR management features: Focuses mainly on recruitment and payroll, with fewer features for other HR functions.
- Pricing: Can be expensive for smaller organizations with limited international hiring needs.
Pricing:
Custom pricing based on business size and international needs.
Final Verdict:
Transformify is perfect for businesses that require an integrated recruitment and payroll solution. Its global payroll and compliance tools make it ideal for international teams, but it may lack the comprehensive HR features needed for broader employee management.
#12. Personio HR Software – Best for End-to-End HR Management
Personio is a comprehensive HR software solution designed for businesses of all sizes. It offers a complete suite of HR tools, from recruitment to employee management, performance tracking, and payroll.
Features:
- Recruitment: Streamlines the hiring process with job postings, candidate management, and interview scheduling.
- Employee Management: Includes tools for managing employee records, performance, and leave requests.
- Payroll Integration: Supports payroll processing and benefits administration.
Review:
Personio is a well-rounded HR solution known for its comprehensive features, particularly in employee management and performance tracking. However, some users have reported that its interface can be a bit overwhelming for smaller businesses.
Pros:
- All-in-one HR platform: Covers everything from recruitment to payroll and performance management.
- Customizable: Can be tailored to fit various HR needs and business sizes.
- Scalable: Suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Cons:
- Complexity: May be overwhelming for smaller businesses with limited HR departments.
- Pricing: Higher cost compared to other HR platforms for small businesses.
Pricing:
Custom pricing based on business size and features.
Final Verdict:
Personio is ideal for businesses looking for an end-to-end HR solution. It’s comprehensive, scalable, and highly customizable, but may be too complex and costly for smaller businesses.
#13. CharlieHR – Best for Streamlined Employee Management
CharlieHR is a UK-based HR platform designed to simplify employee management for small to medium-sized businesses. It focuses on automating HR processes such as onboarding, employee records, and absence management, helping HR teams save time and reduce errors.
Features:
- Employee Records: Centralizes employee data and keeps it easily accessible.
- Onboarding: Automates the process of bringing new hires into the company.
- Leave Management: Tracks employee absence and allows them to request time off seamlessly.
Review:
CharlieHR is loved for its simplicity and ease of use. It’s particularly beneficial for small businesses that need a straightforward solution for managing employee records and absence. However, it lacks some advanced HR features that larger organizations may need.
Pros:
- User-friendly: The interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy for HR teams to adopt.
- Affordable: Offers cost-effective pricing, especially for small businesses.
- Onboarding: Streamlines the onboarding process, ensuring new hires feel welcomed.
Cons:
- Limited features for larger teams: May not be enough for larger businesses requiring advanced HR tools.
- Basic reporting: Some users find the reporting features to be less comprehensive.
Pricing:
Starting at £3 per employee per month.
Final Verdict:
CharlieHR is a great fit for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an affordable, user-friendly HR platform. It’s particularly well-suited for managing employee records and absence but may lack more advanced HR features for larger organizations.
#14. Myhrtoolkit – Best for Performance and Absence Management
Myhrtoolkit is an HR software solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses in the UK. It focuses on performance management and absence tracking, making it ideal for businesses that want to streamline these areas without the complexity of larger platforms.
Features:
- Performance Management: Provides tools for appraisals, feedback, and goal tracking.
- Absence Management: Tracks sick leave, vacation days, and other absences.
- HR Dashboards: Customizable dashboards for tracking key HR metrics.
Review:
Myhrtoolkit is praised for its straightforward approach to performance and absence management. It’s an ideal solution for businesses that need a simple way to manage these areas, although some users feel that the platform could be improved with more HR functions.
Pros:
- Performance and absence tracking: Effectively manages employee performance and absence data.
- Affordable: Offers a cost-effective solution for small businesses.
- User-friendly: Simple interface that’s easy to use and set up.
Cons:
- Limited HR tools: Lacks more advanced HR features such as recruitment or advanced reporting.
- Basic customization: Some users feel that the level of customization could be enhanced.
Pricing:
Starting at £3 per employee per month.
Final Verdict:
Myhrtoolkit is a great choice for businesses that need simple and affordable performance and absence management tools. However, businesses seeking a more comprehensive HR platform may find it lacking in advanced features.
#15. CIPHR (Computers In Personnel Human Resources) – Best for HR System Integration
CIPHR is a UK-based HR software solution that provides a wide range of HR functionalities, from recruitment and onboarding to payroll and performance management. It’s designed to be an all-encompassing HR system that integrates various HR tasks into a single platform.
Features:
- Recruitment Management: Streamlines the recruitment process, from job posting to candidate management.
- Payroll Integration: Integrates payroll with HR systems to ensure smooth processing of salaries.
- Performance and Learning Management: Includes tools for tracking employee performance and offering professional development opportunities.
Review:
CIPHR is highly valued for its ability to integrate HR processes, particularly for businesses in the UK. It’s a strong platform for managing recruitment, payroll, and performance. However, some users have found it to be complex for small businesses and feel it could benefit from improved usability.
Pros:
- All-in-one HR solution: Covers multiple HR functions including recruitment, payroll, and performance.
- HR system integration: Integrates smoothly with other HR processes, ensuring data consistency.
- Scalability: Suitable for growing businesses looking for a comprehensive HR system.
Cons:
- Complex for small businesses: Due to its extensive features, smaller businesses may find it overwhelming.
- Pricing: On the pricier side, which could be a barrier for smaller organizations.
Pricing:
Custom pricing based on business size and features.
Final Verdict:
CIPHR is an excellent choice for businesses looking for an integrated, all-in-one HR solution. Its comprehensive features make it ideal for medium to large enterprises, but smaller businesses may find it complex and costly.
Conclusion
Selecting the right HR software for your business depends on factors such as company size, specific HR needs, and budget. For small businesses, platforms like CharlieHR, Breathe HR, and Myhrtoolkit offer simplicity and cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, Workday HCM, CIPHR, and Personio are ideal for larger organizations that require more comprehensive, scalable HR solutions.
If you’re looking for a platform that can handle everything from recruitment to payroll and performance management, CIPHR, Sage HR, and Deel stand out. However, for smaller businesses, tools like BambooHR and Zoho People may be better suited due to their affordability and simplicity.
When making a choice, consider the scale of your business, the specific HR features you need, and your budget. Each of the tools listed above provides unique features that can enhance your HR management and help you stay compliant while improving employee engagement and productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I choose the best HR software for my business?
Choose based on business size, HR needs, and budget. Small businesses need simplicity and affordability, while larger businesses require more features and scalability.
Are these HR software solutions customizable for specific business needs?
Yes, many platforms like Zoho People and Personio offer customization options to fit various business needs.
What is the typical pricing for these HR software platforms?
Pricing ranges from £3-£6 per employee per month for small businesses. Larger platforms offer custom pricing based on features and business size.
Can these HR software solutions integrate with other systems?
Yes, most platforms integrate with payroll, accounting, and other business tools like Zoho People and Rippling HR.
What level of customer support do these HR software platforms provide?
Support varies, but most offer email, phone support, and help centers. BambooHR and Zoho People have excellent customer service.
