When it comes to choosing a business management system that meets all your requirements, it can be challenging to sift through the many choices available and weigh the options. There are many different software platforms available to support HR needs, and working out the best fit for your business takes time. You might have heard of CharlieHR, but do you know what the best CharlieHR alternatives are on the market? While you’re looking into different solutions, you can may end up finding a solution that fits your business needs more than CharlieHR.
In this article, we’re supporting your search by delving into what makes CharlieHR a popular choice for UK-based teams and providing six alternatives (with their key features, pros, cons, and prices) for when Charlie’s price point, functionality, or interface isn’t quite right.
Are you short on time? Scroll down to our comparison table or book a demo with the Factorial team today.
Overview of CharlieHR
CharlieHR is a human resources information system (HRIS) that aims to ‘bring clarity to HR chaos’ by supporting organisations with their HR needs in two ways. Firstly, the software reduces the time spent on HR administration, enabling businesses to work more efficiently. Secondly, CharlieHR provides expert guidance on all HR matters.
Let’s take a look at some of the key features available from CharlieHR:
- Leave management: CharlieHR can help you manage absences by automating approvals, linking leave information with external calendars, and providing reports, allowing you to identify trends early and take action.
- Performance management: CharlieHR utilises templates, automatic scheduling, 360-degree feedback and tracking to streamline the review process.
- Employee database: CharlieHR provides a centralised, secure hub for storing employee information and documents, making them easy to access and track.
- Onboarding checklists: CharlieHR provides a customisable workflow for onboarding with a self-service system for recruits when they start.
- Employee engagement: CharlieHR offers communication tools to celebrate and acknowledge employees publicly, as well as provide polls and surveys to track employee engagement.
- Dedicated HR support: as part of their additional add-ons, CharlieHR can provide HR expertise on a one-on-one basis
However, despite all these features, CharlieHR is not always the right platform for every organisation. There are several challenges with CharlieHR that may persuade employers to look elsewhere.
CharlieHR Challenges
No Payroll Support.
CharlieHR does not support payroll as part of its system but relies on third-party integrations such as Xero.
No Shift or Rota Management Support
CharlieHR does not have the tools to create shifts or manage rota for employees. The system can approve and store leave requests, but it cannot integrate the information into the broader company picture.
Limited Reporting Tools
The lack of customisation and filtering options means that CharlieHR’s reports are less in-depth than others.
Limited Support for Part-Time and Pro-Rata Employees
CharlieHR has limited support for holiday requests and other pro-rata calculations for employees who don’t work full-time or who are working in unusual arrangements.
Usability Quirks
Some users report finding the interface clunky and less intuitive than it could be, while others mention glitches or inconsistencies in the reminders and notifications.
Why Look for a CharlieHR Alternative?
In addition to the drawbacks to CharlieHR we’ve listed above, many organisations find themselves looking for an alternative to CharlieHR for the following reasons:
- It doesn’t provide the advanced features scaling teams require.
- For more complex workflows, the ability to automate processes is more limited and restrictive.
- The cost can be considerable for organisations with growing headcounts.
- Users report inconsistency with customer support and issues with setting up the system.
Comparison Table – CharlieHR Competitors at a Glance
| Platform | Highlight | Best For | Key Benefit | Main Drawback | Price |
| Factorial | All-in-one system | Growing international businesses | Affordable scalable | Feature rich | From £5.40 per user per month |
| BreatheHR | User-friendly for small teams | Small teams with basic HR needs | Quick set-up | Limited ability to scale | From £22 per month |
| SageHR | HR support integrated with accounting software | Businesses already using Sage Payroll | Robust payroll links | Clunky interface | From £4.60 per month |
| BrightHR | Compliance-focused HR | Businesses wanting legal support alongside HR | Easy-to-use interface | Lack of scalability | Prices available on request |
| Humaans | API-first HR for start-ups | Tech-savvy, growing international startups | Modern integrations | Needs technical knowledge to make the most | Prices available on request |
| Cezanne | Comprehensive support | Mid-sized UK-based companies | Customisable | Overwhelming for small teams | Prices available on request |
Top Six Alternatives To CharlieHR in 2025
If you are considering what the best alternative to CharlieHR is, we’ve compiled six different options for you to review here. We’ve included their key features, some of their pros and cons, and a brief overview of their pricing structure as well.
1. Factorial – The All-in-One Platform
Factorial is an all-in-one business management software that supports organisations with all their HR needs throughout the employee lifecycle. The platform includes an employee database, systems for recruitment and onboarding, leave and performance management, and financial tools such as expense management and procurement support. Compared to CharlieHR, Factorial is a strong alternative if you are looking for a comprehensive system that will grow with your business both in the UK and internationally.
Key Features of Factorial:
- A comprehensive system that covers all the HR requirements.
- Customisable workflows and personalised templates.
- Designated account manager provides quick and tailored support.
- Complaint with UK laws.
- Mobile app available.
- Centralised dashboard and up-to-date analytics.
- OpenAI allows customisation and offers easy integration with third-party apps.
Pros
- Strong integrations with other applications such as Slack, Google and Outlook.
- Scalable system with international reach.
- Native mobile app.
Cons
- The platform may include too many features if your business only need basic HR support.
- Set-up and training can be time-consuming.
- Not all regions offer the same functionality.
Pricing
- Includes a free trial.
- Prices start at £5.40 per month per user.
- Plans are available for various businesses and budgets, tailored to the HR needs of the organisation.
👉 See Factorial in action. Get your free demo today.
2. BreatheHR
BreatheHR is a modular HR system designed to support UK-based SMEs with managing staff time and working hours, expenses, recruitment and onboarding. It’s a good alternative to CharlieHR if you are looking for a simple system with an integrated expenses tool and a flat-fee structure.
Key Features of BreatheHR:
- Systems to track absences and working hours.
- Storage of employee documents.
- Expenses management tool.
- Performance review support.
- Dashboards for quick reporting.
- GDPR-compliant.
Pros
- 14-day free trial.
- Integrated expenses management.
- Time off and rota management set up for part-time, pro rata and time off in lieu (TOIL).
Cons
- Limited functionality for larger or growing teams.
- Some users find the interface less intuitive than others.
- Reporting function is limited.
Pricing
- £22 per month for the core plan.
- Add-ons £10 for rota, time and attendance, £12 for learn, £21 for recruitment tracking. and £12 for expenses management.
3. Sage HR
As part of the broader suite of Sage products, SageHR is a comprehensive and robust system that scales easily as a business grows, providing advanced reporting and compliance capabilities for UK-based companies. In addition to the standard HR functions of managing employee records and leave requests, scheduling performance reviews, and recruitment and onboarding, the system also integrates with Sage’s payroll support. SageHR is a good alternative to CharlieHR if supporting payroll is a crucial part of your HR needs.
Key Features of SageHR:
- Part of the wider Sage brand, with over 40 years of experience supporting businesses.
- The system includes an employee database, leave management, onboarding, and performance management.
- Full mobile access to calendar, data, requests and approvals.
- Payroll integration.
Pros
- 30-day free trial available.
- Built-in dashboard and audit trails support strong compliance.
- Scalable model.
Cons
- Interface is considered old-fashioned and clunky.
- Complex pricing structure.
- Not designed for smaller teams.
Pricing
- Core HR and leave management is £4.60 per user per month.
- Add-ons include performance, timesheets, and shift scheduling at £2.30 per employee per month, and expenses at £1.15 per employee per month.
- Recruitment add-on £170 per month.
4. BrightHR
BrightHR is an HRIS with a strong focus on compliance. The system provides comprehensive health and safety support, as well as employment law advice, alongside tools to facilitate shift and time-off management, recruitment, performance management, and document storage. Like CharlieHR, BrightHR provides expert guidance and an intuitive interface. What makes it a good alternative to CharlieHR is the additional tools to support the workforce, including perks, well-being support, and e-learning opportunities.
Key Features of BrightHR:
- Part of a broader suite of products that also include health and safety support, employment law services, staff wellbeing and perks.
- The system supports time management, performance reviews, recognition, and recruitment.
- Unlimited cloud storage.
Pros
- 24/7 employment law advice.
- User-friendly interface.
- Good customer support and training.
Cons
- Limited customisation options.
- Focusing on compliance can mean that the system lacks the depth to support other HR requirements.
- Some users cite issues with auto-renewals.
Pricing
- Prices available on request.
5. Humaans
Humaans is an HRIS that is popular among tech companies and start-ups scaling rapidly due to its API-first approach, which supports seamless integration with existing technology, and its modern and intuitive interface. Compared to CharlieHR, it is an agile and scalable platform well-suited for remote, global, and growing workforces.
Key Features of Humaans:
- HR tools include an employee database, onboarding and offboarding processes, leave management, and performance management support.
- Integrations with other apps such as Slack, Google Workspace, payroll systems and IT software.
- GDPR compliant.
- Automated workflows and checklists.
Pros
- Intuitive interface.
- Easy integration with other applications.
- Strong reporting features.
Cons
- The system does not include recruitment tools.
- High price point.
- Best suited for tech-savvy teams that can maximise the system’s capabilities.
Pricing
- Prices on request.
- Two plans, Growth and Enterprise, as well as additional modules, are available.
6. Cezanne HR
Cezanne is a modular HRIS system which offers support to mid-sized UK-based businesses for all aspects of managing the workforce. The simple software includes automated processes for HR admin, absence management, performance reviews, payroll and recruitment. Cezanne is a strong alternative to CharlieHR if you are looking for support with recruitment, learning and development and payroll in your HRIS.
Key Features of Cezanne:
- Modules cover core HR, performance management, recruitment, and absence management.
- Includes employee recognition tools.
- Advanced reporting and dashboards.
- Multi-currency and multilingual approach for global teams.
- Mobile access.
- REST API supports integrations.
Pros
- Easy to customise.
- International and multi-lingual support for global teams.
- Includes recruitment and learning and development modules.
Cons
- The feature-rich platform can be overkill for smaller teams.
- No built-in HR or legal advice.
- A less modern interface can take longer to get used to.
Pricing
- Prices on request.
- Two plans, Growth and Enterprise, as well as additional modules, are available.
Final Thoughts: Choosing The Best Alternative to CharlieHR
As we’ve seen, there are many benefits to introducing a modern, integrated HR platform like CharlieHR to your business. Crucially, all these systems can reduce the time spent on administrative processes, freeing up resources to focus on the strategically significant aspects of HR.
However, not all HRIS systems are created equal, and CharlieHR may not be the best choice for your business. If you are looking for software that is comprehensive in the tools it offers, can be scaled as your business grows and can support a global operation, Factorial is a strong choice. We have dedicated account managers who can help troubleshoot any issues you may encounter. You can speak to one of our experts today. They will spend time understanding your key requirements and can provide a demo, allowing you to see the full benefits that Factorial can bring to your business.
