Managing human resources effectively is essential for small businesses looking to streamline operations, ensure compliance, and support employee growth. From payroll and benefits administration to hiring and performance management, HR tasks can quickly become overwhelming without the right tools. That’s where HR software comes in—helping small businesses automate processes, reduce administrative burdens, and stay compliant with employment laws.
With so many options available, choosing the best HR software can be challenging. To create our list, we evaluated key factors such as ease of use, affordability, essential features (like payroll, compliance, and employee management), and customer reviews. Whether you’re looking for an all-in-one HR platform or specialised tools for payroll and recruiting, our curated selection will help you find the right fit for your business.
The 8 best HR software providers for small businesses
Sage
Sage HR is a powerful, mobile-ready HR software designed for growing businesses with up to 250 employees. It streamlines essential HR processes like leave management, employee records, performance tracking, and payroll integration, freeing up time for strategic initiatives.
With an intuitive interface and modular flexibility, Sage HR allows businesses to tailor the platform to their needs. It offers a 30-day free trial, making it easy for companies to test its features before committing. Trusted by over 2 million customers worldwide, Sage HR ensures a seamless and efficient HR experience for businesses of all sizes.
Pros
- Flexible modules allow businesses to select and pay for only the features they need
- The fully functional mobile app ensures HR processes can be managed from anywhere
- Easy-to-use dashboard simplifies HR tasks for employees and managers alike
Cons
- Essential features like performance management and shift scheduling require additional fees
- Payroll features require a separate subscription
- Primarily designed for small to mid-sized businesses, lacking advanced enterprise-level functionality
Key Features
- Core HR & leave management: Centralised employee records and automated leave tracking
- Performance management: Goal setting, feedback collection, and performance reviews
- Timesheets: Track employee hours with ease
- Shift scheduling: Simplifies workforce management and scheduling
- Expense management: Submit and approve expenses seamlessly
- Recruitment module: Streamline hiring with applicant tracking
- Mobile app: Manage HR tasks on the go
- Self-service employee portal: Employees can update personal details, request leave, and track performance
- Custom workflows: Automate repetitive HR processes
- Payroll integration: Available as an additional subscription for combined HR and payroll management
Breathe HR
Breathe HR is an intuitive, cloud-based HR software designed to simplify HR processes for small and medium-sized businesses. With dozens of essential features, it automates leave management, recruitment, performance tracking, and more.
Breathe helps businesses save time, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure data security. Its flexible, commitment-free plans make it a cost-effective choice for growing companies. Offering a user-friendly interface and powerful automation tools, Breathe is trusted by over 15,000 UK SMEs. The software includes a 14-day free trial, allowing businesses to explore its capabilities before committing.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with minimal learning curve
- Flexible subscription plans with no hidden fees
- Saves time with tools like automated holiday approvals
Cons
- Lacks advanced data analytics compared to some competitors
- Some features, including time and attendance and expenses management are only availabe as paid extras
Key Features
- Leave management: Automate holiday requests and approvals
- Recruitment tools: Manage job postings, applications, and hiring workflows
- Absence tracking: Monitor sickness trends and absences efficiently
- Performance management: Set goals, track progress, and provide employee feedback
- Shift scheduling: Create and manage rotas effortlessly
- Employee database: Securely store and access employee records
- Self-service portal: Employees can update personal details and manage leave requests
- GDPR compliance: Ensures data security and regulatory compliance
- HR reporting: Generate reports on workforce trends and performance
- Integration marketplace: Connect with third-party apps to expand functionality
BrightHR
BrightHR is an all-in-one HR, health & safety, and people management platform designed to simplify HR processes for businesses of all sizes. With cloud-based storage, employee tracking, payroll integration, and 24/7 employment law advice, BrightHR ensures companies stay compliant while reducing paperwork and administrative tasks.
The platform includes tools for managing leave, scheduling shifts, tracking attendance, and providing mental health support. Additionally, its payroll software and expense management app streamline financial processes. Trusted by over 100,000 businesses worldwide, BrightHR offers an intuitive and legally compliant HR solution that saves time and enhances efficiency.
Pros
- Easy-to-use, all-in-one HR and payroll solution
- 24/7 access to employment law and HR experts
- Unlimited cloud-based document storage
Cons
- No free trial available
- Some features may be unnecessary for very small businesses
- Pricing available only on request
Key Features
- Leave management: Manage annual leave requests with a single click
- Clock-in app: Blip app allows employees to clock in and out easily
- Attendance tracking: Monitor sickness, absences, and staff presence
- Cloud storage: Securely store unlimited HR documents
- Shift planning: Create and manage rotas for any working pattern
- Expense management: PoP app simplifies expense tracking and approvals
- Payroll integration: Export payroll-ready data quickly and efficiently
- HR compliance: Maintain legally compliant HR documents
- Overtime tracking: Track extra hours and update payroll accordingly
- Health & safety management: Conduct risk assessments and roll out training programs
Deel
Deel HR is an all-in-one platform designed to simplify global HR management. Whether hiring employees or contractors across different global locations, Deel ensures compliance, streamlines payroll, and automates administrative tasks across 150 countries, enabling businesses to scale internationally without the hassle of local regulations.
The platform provides automated onboarding, seamless payroll integration, and advanced security measures to keep data protected. It also supports 15+ global payment methods, making it easy to pay teams worldwide. With its API and integrations, companies can connect Deel to their existing tech stack, eliminating manual work. Deel is the go-to HR solution for businesses looking to expand and manage their global workforce efficiently.
Pros
- Comprehensive global HR solution covering hiring, payroll, and compliance
- Automates administrative tasks, reducing onboarding time to five minutes
- Supports multiple local payment methods
Cons
- Can be expensive for small businesses with limited international hiring needs
- Complexity of global compliance may require additional learning for HR teams
- Some integrations may require technical setup and customisation
Key Features
- Global payroll management: Pay contractors, EORs, and direct employees in minutes
- Automated onboarding: Quickly onboard employees and contractors worldwide
- Compliance and legal support: Ensure tax, legal, and payroll compliance in multiple countries
- Expense and time-off tracking: Manage and approve expenses and leave requests
- HR analytics and reporting: Gain insights into costs, headcount, and turnover trends
- Security and data protection: GDPR, SOC2, and ISO 27001 compliance with secure data logs
- Custom permissions and approvals: Control data access with role-based permissions
- Seamless integrations: Connect with dozens of tools to automate workflows
- In-house legal and tax expertise: 200+ specialists for localised compliance support
- 24/7 customer support: Get assistance anytime with fast response times
Moorepay
Moorepay HR software is designed to lighten the load of HR administration, helping businesses automate workflows, enhance employee management, and stay compliant with HR legislation. With an intuitive platform, businesses can streamline processes, reduce manual tasks, and gain valuable HR insights. Moorepay offers a seamless experience for both employees and administrators, ensuring flexibility and ease of access from anywhere.
With integrated payroll functionality, businesses can manage HR and payroll in one place, reducing errors and increasing efficiency. The mobile app further enhances accessibility, allowing employees to manage payslips, leave requests, timesheets, and expenses effortlessly. With a strong focus on automation, compliance, and reporting, Moorepay HR software is a reliable solution for businesses seeking a comprehensive HR platform.
Pros
- Automates common HR tasks, saving time and reducing admin workload
- Fully integrated with payroll for a seamless HR and payroll experience
- Mobile app enhances employee accessibility and ease of use
Cons
- May require training for full utilisation of advanced features
- Customisation options could be improved for unique business needs
- Limited integration options with third-party software
Key Features
- Easy automation: Streamline HR processes with automated workflows and reminders
- Payroll integration: Seamless connection between HR and payroll for efficiency
- Mobile app: Employees can access payslips, request leave, and manage expenses on the go
- Employee engagement tools: Gain insights into company trends and improve workplace culture
- Performance management: Conduct 360° performance reviews, set goals, and track KPIs
- Recruitment module: Automate hiring processes and manage candidates effectively
- Expense management: Track and approve employee expenses with full visibility
- Time & attendance tracking: Monitor working hours and ensure compliance
- HR compliance: Stay up to date with legal requirements and regulations
- Reporting & analytics: Generate HR reports for data-driven decision-making
Employment Hero
Employment Hero is an AI-powered all-in-one employment platform designed to simplify HR, payroll, and employee management for businesses of all sizes. Trusted by over 300,000 companies, Employment Hero helps streamline hiring, payroll, compliance, and engagement with smart automation and expert services.
With built-in analytics, payroll support, and employee engagement tools, businesses can focus on growth while ensuring compliance and optimising workforce management. Employment Hero’s SmartMatch AI simplifies recruitment by connecting businesses with top talent, while its HR and employment law advisory services provide peace of mind with unlimited professional support.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform covering HR, payroll, recruitment, and compliance
- AI-powered automation reduces manual work and improves efficiency
- Integrated legal and payroll advisory support at no extra cost
Cons
- Can have a learning curve due to its extensive features
- Pricing may be higher than simpler HR solutions for small businesses
- Some users may require additional support for custom integrations
Key Features
- Core HR: Automate employee onboarding, document management, and policy compliance with AI-powered efficiency
- Intelligent payroll: Ensure accurate and compliant payroll with automated checks and expert support
- Hiring talent: AI-powered SmartMatch connects businesses with top candidates and benchmarks salaries
- Time & attendance: Manage shifts, approve timesheets, and automate attendance tracking effortlessly
- Employee engagement: Boost morale with learning tools, performance tracking, and rewards systems
- Insights & analytics: Gain valuable workforce insights through customisable reports and audit trails
- HR & employment law advisory: Access unlimited HR and legal compliance advice from UK professionals
- Payroll partner support: Work with a dedicated payroll expert to ensure compliance and accuracy
- IT & security: Secure your data with encryption, compliance certifications, and role-based access controls
- Seamless integrations: Connect Employment Hero with existing tools for a unified HR and payroll experience
Remote
Remote HR is a leading global employment platform designed to help businesses hire, pay, and manage international teams with ease. Operating in 193 countries, Remote simplifies HR, payroll, and compliance, allowing companies to expand globally without legal complexity.
With a commitment to transparency, scalability, and compliance, Remote provides a seamless solution for managing employees, contractors, and payroll worldwide. Businesses rely on Remote to handle HR complexities, saving time and resources while ensuring compliance with local employment laws. Whether hiring in Estonia, managing payroll in Peru, or working with contractors in Costa Rica, Remote’s all-in-one platform streamlines global HR operations so companies can focus on growth.
Pros
- Supports hiring in 193 countries with full compliance
- Payroll, HR, and compliance in a single platform
- Eliminates the need for in-house compliance teams which saves on time and resources
Cons
- Costs may vary depending on location and services
- Some features may lack flexibility for unique business needs
- Integration learning curve requires time to integrate with existing HR tools
Key Features
- Employer of record: Hire employees internationally without setting up local entities
- Global payroll: Pay employees and contractors accurately and on time across borders
- Compliance and legal support: Stay compliant with local labor laws worldwide
- Contractor management: Streamline contractor payments and agreements
- HRIS (Human Resource Information System): Manage employee data and HR tasks easily
- Time off and expense management: Simplify global team management with built-in tools
- Remote talent hiring: Find and recruit top global candidates effortlessly
- Embedded API and integrations: Connect with 5,000+ HR and payroll tools
- Employee cost calculator: Get accurate insights into total employment costs worldwide
- Global HR library: Access country-specific employment guides and HR resources
Hibob
Hibob HR, commonly known as Bob, is a modern HR platform designed to enhance productivity, engagement, and retention for growing businesses. With an intuitive, social-media-like interface, Bob transforms HR processes into an engaging experience for employees and HR teams alike. The platform streamlines core HR functions such as automated workflows, people analytics, document management, and e-signatures.
Bob’s customisable organisation chart and social engagement features foster collaboration and connection among employees, making it a powerful tool for hybrid and remote teams. Bob is trusted by companies worldwide to automate HR tasks and deliver meaningful insights. Whether for onboarding, performance management, or company-wide announcements, Bob keeps teams informed and engaged.
Pros:
- A user-friendly, social-media-inspired homepage enhances engagement and ease of use
- Real-time HR analytics dashboards provide insightful workforce data for decision-making
- Streamlines HR processes like onboarding and performance management, saving time
Cons:
- Some users find certain features less flexible than competitors
- New users may require time to familiarise themselves with advanced analytics features
Key Features
- Core HR: Centralised hub for all HR needs, including employee records and company-wide announcements
- People directory and Org Chart: Easily view and navigate company hierarchy and team structures
- Automated workflows: Reduces admin workload with prebuilt task automation for onboarding, offboarding, and approvals
- eSign: Secure digital signature tool for contracts and legal documents
- Docs management: Cloud-based repository for storing and managing HR documents securely
- People analytics: Provides real-time insights into key HR metrics like employee turnover and growth
- Social engagement features: Includes Kudos, Shoutouts, and interactive social elements for employee recognition
- Hybrid work management: Tracks remote, in-office, and traveling employees for better workforce coordination
- Self-service portal: Employees can update personal information, reducing HR workload
- Integration capabilities: Connects with payroll, communication, and project management tools to streamline operations
FAQs
1. What are the key features to look for in HR software?
When choosing HR software, look for features such as payroll processing, employee onboarding, benefits administration, compliance management, time tracking, and performance management. An all-in-one platform can help streamline HR tasks and improve efficiency.
2. How can HR software help with global hiring and payroll?
HR software with global capabilities allows businesses to hire, onboard, and pay employees in different countries while ensuring compliance with local employment laws. Features like employer of record (EOR) services and multi-currency payroll processing simplify international workforce management.
3. Is HR software cost-effective for small businesses?
Yes, many HR software providers offer flexible pricing plans tailored to small businesses. While costs vary, using HR software can save time and reduce administrative overhead, making it a cost-effective investment in the long run.
4. Can HR software help with compliance and legal requirements?
Absolutely. Many HR platforms include built-in compliance tools that help businesses adhere to labour laws, tax regulations, and reporting requirements. This reduces the risk of fines and legal issues related to employment practices.
5. How do I choose the right HR software for my business?
Start by assessing your business needs, including payroll, hiring, compliance, and employee management. Consider factors like ease of use, scalability, customer support, and integration with existing tools. Reading reviews and testing free trials can also help you make an informed decision.
