Compare payroll, HR records, leave, documents and people-management systems.
Review the full list first, then open any product for a detailed explainer and alternatives.
Payroll & HR
Best for: Small businesses wanting straightforward HR administration
Breathe HR is aimed at small businesses wanting straightforward HR administration. Its core offer includes Employee records, Holiday management and Documents. A practical strength is small-business HR focus. Check payroll…
Payroll & HR
Best for: Employers wanting dedicated payroll software
BrightPay is aimed at employers wanting dedicated payroll software. Its core offer includes Payroll processing, RTI workflows and Auto-enrolment support. A practical strength is payroll-focused product. Check hR functionality may…
Payroll & HR
Best for: Growing employers wanting HR and payroll in a broader people platform
Employment Hero is aimed at growing employers wanting HR and payroll in a broader people platform. Its core offer includes HR records, Payroll options and Employee self-service. A practical strength…
Payroll & HR
Best for: Businesses already using Sage or wanting established payroll software
Sage Payroll is aimed at businesses already using Sage or wanting established payroll software. Its core offer includes Payroll processing, RTI workflows and Pension support. A practical strength is established…
| Product | Best for | Cost | Basis / commitment | Useful comparison facts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small businesses wanting straightforward HR administration | From £24/month | monthly HR subscription · Monthly or discounted annual billing | Employee records · Holiday management · Documents | Full details | |
| Employers wanting dedicated payroll software | Cloud pricing via employer/employee calculator | payroll subscription · Subscription; cloud product | Payroll processing · RTI workflows · Auto-enrolment support | Full details | |
| Growing employers wanting HR and payroll in a broader people platform | HR from £4/employee/month; payroll from £3/employee/month | per-employee subscription · Monthly subscription; minimums apply | HR records · Payroll options · Employee self-service | Full details | |
| Businesses already using Sage or wanting established payroll software | From £12/month + VAT | monthly payroll subscription · Monthly subscription | Payroll processing · RTI workflows · Pension support | Full details |
Start with the buying criteria on this page, remove products that fail a must-have requirement, then compare the remaining options side by side.
Not automatically. A lower headline price can be poor value if important features, support or usage allowances are missing.
Review it when your business changes materially and before a renewal, price change or contract commitment.
A practical checklist for comparing workplace pension services alongside your payroll process.
Read guide →Turn a new starter into a repeatable process covering records, payroll, access and workplace information.
Read guide →A practical introduction to employers’ liability and the need to check current legal requirements for your workforce.
Read guide →Compare people systems around employee records, absence, documents, workflows and manager access.
Read guide →Compare payroll tools around your pay frequency, team size, pensions, reporting and the people who need access.
Read guide →Choose benefits around what employees value and what the business can administer reliably.
Read guide →