When it comes to HR support for your organisation, there are many digital platforms offering solutions to help with different requirements. Some software solutions, such as Calamari HR, focus on providing core HR functions, including managing leave, tracking absence, and maintaining employee records. Others support a broader approach to HR, with tools for recruitment and onboarding, performance management, learning and development, as well as core HR functions.
In this article, we examine the features of Calamari HR, think about why you might want to look for alternatives and provide five of the best Calamari HR alternatives.
💡 If you’re in a rush, check out our comprehensive comparison chart to get an overview of the top 5 alternatives for Calamari HR.
Calamari Overview
Calamari is a simple, intuitive cloud-based HRIS that focuses on providing core HR services, including an employee database, secure storage of employee records, and leave and attendance management. Compared to other solutions, it lacks more advanced functionality such as payroll, performance and recruitment. Calamari is a suitable choice for small businesses seeking basic HR support, as it offers an easy-to-set-up option that provides value for money and offers good customer support.
Key Features:
- Modules for time off, absence tracking and core HR.
- Reporting tools to provide insights into attendance and leave trends.
- Uses scalable SaaS architecture.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Good value for money.
- Responsive customer support.
Cons:
- Limited customisation available.
- No support for recruitment, performance or learning and development.
- Lacks advanced features such as automating workflows and in-depth analytics.
Pricing:
- Free trial for 14 days.
- Prices are given in US dollars, starting at $20 per module for a minimum of ten people.
- Modules are for time off, attendance and Core HR.
Best 5 Calamari Alternatives
If you are looking for an HRIS with more to offer than simply the core HR functions of Calamari, we’ve ranked the top five alternatives here for you. Short of time? Scroll down to see our comparison chart at the end, which gives a simple overview of the options.
1. Factorial – Best All-in-One Business Management Alternative
Compared to Calamari, Factorial is a more comprehensive business management software that supports several HR functions. It includes all the basics available from Calamari, but also provides tools that will support UK-compliant payroll, recruitment, expense and performance management. Factorial is a good choice if your business is growing and you need robust functionality that will allow you to customise workflows, create detailed reports and track goal-setting, progress and reviews. As Factorial supports 12+ languages and 180+ currencies, this platform is also a great option for international organisations that want to centralise their internal communication across offices/remote workers.
Key features:
- Centralised HR tools to support the entire lifecycle of an employee from onboarding to performance tracking, including learning and development and payroll.
- Employee self-service via a native app.
- Automated expense management.
- Includes an ATS, training management system and on- and off-boarding support.
Pros:
- Easy and extensive customisation options.
- Supports automated and customised workflows.
- Includes an applicant tracking system (ATS).
Cons:
- Complex to set up and use if you only need basic support.
Pricing:
- Free trial for 7-days.
- Starts at £5.40 per month per user.
- Plans are available for various businesses and budgets, tailored to the HR needs of the organisation.
👉 Discover all of Factorial’s features today! Get your free, personalised demo with one of our product specialists.
2. BambooHR
Similar to Factorial, BambooHR offers the full suite of tools to support your business, including HR data, ATS and onboarding support, performance management, a benefits programme and payroll as add-ons. BambooHR is a platform built for enterprise-level use, so it scales well for growing organisations with complex HR needs. It’s a good alternative to Calamari if you are looking for more advanced, in-depth HR support, but it can feel an expensive option if your needs are more basic.
Key Features:
- Includes employee database, time tracking, performance management and ATS.
- Covers HR data and reporting.
- Mobile app available.
- Tools to measure employee engagement and satisfaction.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface.
- Integration and automation options.
- Scalable with modular add-ons.
Cons:
- More limited in terms of UK-focused compliance and payroll options.
- Lacks more advanced reporting options compared to other platforms.
Pricing:
- Plans start at £8.10 ($10) per user per month.
- Core, Pro and Elite options available with additional add-ons like payroll and time-tracking are available at an extra fee.
3. Personio
Compared to Calamari’s selective approach, Personio offers a comprehensive suite of HR tools, including recruitment, onboarding, document storage, and compliance support. Specifically, Personio offers support in compensation management, offering information on salary bands, bonus guidance and approval workflows. The platform also features an HR helpdesk and provides tools for conducting employment surveys, supporting whistleblowing, and integrating payroll systems. Another good option if you are looking for an alternative to Calamari, Personion can feel overly complex if your needs are fairly simple.
Key features:
- Workflows that are easy to configure, customise and automate.
- Robust UK-focussed compliance support.
- Includes workforce planning and compensation management support.
- AI-enabled assistance and insights into the workforce.
Pros:
- Strong European presence for organisations expanding internationally.
- Attractive and easy-to-use interface.
- Includes compensation management support.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve due to the more complex nature of the platform.
- Pricing is not transparent.
Pricing:
- Two plans, Core and Core Pro.
- Prices available with demo.
4. CharlieHR
CharlieHR is a simple UK-focused HR platform that provides core services to small- and medium-sized businesses. Unlike Calamari, which only covers the basic HR functions, CharlieHR is a good option if you are looking for support and specifically if you want access to HR and legal advice from qualified and experienced professionals regularly. However, if you are looking for a platform that you can tailor closely to your business needs, CharlieHR may feel more limited for your needs.
Key features:
- Supports employee records with a centralised database, onboarding, absence management, performance reviews and compliance tools.
- Includes an HR advice service as an add-on.
- Perks programme to support a positive corporate culture.
- Modern, simple interface tailored to SMEs.
Pros:
- Minimal onboarding due to the accessible interface.
- HR advice line available.
- Supports UK compliance requirements.
Cons:
- Limited customisation features for performance management.
- Lacks built-in payroll support.
Pricing:
- Prices start at £20 per month.
- Depending on the business’s needs, different add-ons can be included, such as Charlie Recruit from £55 per month and Charlie Advice from £179 per month.
5. HiBob
HiBob is a comprehensive digital software that supports a variety of HR needs, beyond absence tracking and leave management, with a centralised database. Unlike Calamari, it puts employee engagement front and centre of the platform with a social-media feel to the interface, specifically designed to encourage interaction. HiBob also has an integrated expenses tool and customisation options that can support your business as it grows. However if you are looking for a good value platform to invest in, the lack of transparency around pricing for HiBob can make it worth considering other options.
Key features:
- Automates HR processes, including onboarding, recruitment and performance management.
- Sleek interface designed with a social-media style to improve engagement.
- Includes ATS for recruitment, engagement surveys and real-time analytics.
- Robust performance review features.
Pros:
- Customisation options for workflows and onboarding.
- Designed to be scalable for growing companies.
- Tools to measure and track employee engagement.
Cons:
- Higher cost that is not always transparent initially.
- Limited payroll functionality.
Pricing:
- Custom pricing is available with a demo.
Alternatives to Calamari Comparison Chart
| Platform | Summary | Starting Price Estimate | Best For |
| Calamari | Specific leave and attendance tool | Pricing not disclosed; free 14-day trial | Small businesses looking for basic HR support |
| Factorial | All-in-one business management platform | From £5.40 per user per month | Larger and growing UK-based business |
| Bamboo | Modular HRIS for small or medium-sized businesses | From £8.10 per user per month | Scaling companies |
| Personio | EU-focused comprehensive HR suite | Prices available with demo | Europe-based SMEs |
| CharlieHR | UK-friendly HRIS for small teams | From £20 per month per user | Small UK-based teams |
| HiBob | An agile HRIS for global mid-sized firms | Quote-based pricing | Larger companies with a global outlook |
Invest in the Top Calamari Alternative
It can be tempting to opt for a simple tool like Calamari that will keep track of employee’s time, leave and records. However, over time business usually evolve to need more comprehensive HR support. When you are deciding which HR system to invest it, it is worth spending some time considering your longer-term growth plans as well as your immediate priorities.
Choosing the top Calamari alternative, Factorial, gives you support for HR processes beyond the basic requirements of secure document storage, leave management and time tracking. Factorial is a comprehensive HR tool that combines a central database, time and leave tracking, performance and learning management, compliance and expenses and payroll support all in one place. It’s also easy to use so teams quickly adapt to the platform, making the most of the different tools it has to offer and driving business growth as a result.
💡 Book a free demo with one of Factorial’s experts today and see how you can streamline your team management today.
Conclusion to the Top Calamari HR Alternatives
In this article we’ve explored the features and benefits of choosing Calamari to support your HR needs and provided the top five UK alternatives to Calamari if you are looking for a platform that goes further.
With it’s UK-compliant payroll preparation tool, advanced reporting support and features that allow you to customise and automate processes for your business, Factorial is a comprehensive HR platform that will help you save time, cut costs and focus on what matters: the people in your business.
