If you are investigating the best human resources information system (HRIS) for your business, it’s a good idea to start by understanding what exactly you are looking for in a software system and to spend some time comparing the different systems. A common UK solution is PeopleHR. While it is a strong contender and offers attractive features, it isn’t a perfect fit for every organisation. Here, we examine the key features of PeopleHR and explore why some of the available alternatives may meet a business need that PeopleHR can’t address. Luckily, the HR tech market in 2025 is full of great PeopleHR alternatives for you to choose from. Let’s get started!
What to Look for in HR Software
When selecting the right HRIS for your company, several key factors should be considered. Start by making a list of all the different aspects of employee management you need help with, and then prioritise them so you are clear what matters the most.
The following list is an overview of the different features you can find in HR software:
- Recruitment and onboarding: applicant tracking systems, interview scheduling and workflows for new starters.
- Employee record management: a database for storing information securely
- Time tracking and leave management: systems for clocking in and out, as well as managing leave requests.
- Performance management: tools to support the whole process from goal setting to reviews and tracking progress
- Learning and development: training modules and tools to track progress
- Payroll: processing, tax calculations and administering benefits
- Compliance: built-in checks and systems to ensure data is protected
- Reporting: customisable analytics on workforce trends
- Mobile accessibility: user-friendly apps that staff can access easily
- Integration capabilities: software can connect with external support such as communication tools, accounting software and other business systems
Key features of PeopleHR
PeopleHR is a popular HR software option that “puts your people first”. Also referred to as AccessPeople HR, it has several features to support the daily HR needs of businesses of all sizes:
- Document management and secure storage to keep employee records safe and up-to-date
- Tools to create shifts and manage timesheets, leave and absences
- Payroll software to pay employees directly
- An applicant tracking system (ATS) to support recruitment
- The ability to develop HR reports on trends and the state of the workforce
- Appraisal software to drive the performance review process
- A mobile app so employees can stay connected and access their records wherever they are
- Integrations with third-party apps such as Slack, Zapier and Glassdoor
- Uses its own embedded AI known as Access Evo
- Different pricing options across four tiers, from starter to elite
Why Look at Alternatives to PeopleHR
When it comes to choosing the right HR software for your business, PeopleHR may be the right option for some businesses but not for others.
It is worth considering alternatives to PeopleHR if you have specific requirements, such as compensation management support, that may not be well-supported by their platform, or if you are looking for a more intuitive and easy-to-use platform.
Some of the limitations of PeopleHR include:
- A functional interface that feels less modern than its competitors.
- Limited customisation options.
- Mixed customer support experience with slow response times.
- No built-in payroll or benefits management systems.
- The mobile app has only basic features.
- The reporting function requires considerable training.
- Less support for companies operating in multiple locations around the globe.
Top 5 PeopleHR Alternatives
According to a SelectSoftware Reviews report, “6 out of 10 employers underutilize their HRIS”. To ensure you’re getting the most out of your investment, choose a platform that’s easy to navigate and fully leverages available technology. Look for a service that also provides strong customer support and assists with day-to-day troubleshooting. We’ve outlined the top five alternatives to PeopleHR to help you make the most of your HRIS and avoid letting its potential go to waste.
The All-in-One Alternative: Factorial
Factorial is a robust business management software system that offers HR support across the employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to tools for managing time off, clocking in, and rotas, as well as systems to maximise productivity through performance management and training. Compared to PeopleHR, Factorial has a more intuitive interface with the capability for more in-depth reporting and customised analytics. For companies looking to expand into Europe, Factorial is a good option due to its international set-up.
Key features of Factorial:
- HR needs, including documentation management, time tracking, payroll, benefits, and recruitment, are all combined into one system.
- Acts as a robust performance management platform to monitor your team’s performance, progress, and success. With this module, you can conduct performance reviews and track your team’s engagement to ensure a motivated workforce.
- Open API which supports customisation such as personalised workflows, permissions and organisational structures as well as seamless integration with existing third-party applications.
- Supports teams who are across different countries with multiple language and multi-currency options and knowledge of local market conditions, such as holidays, compliance requirements and so on
- Employee self-service portal for payslips, requesting time off, signing documents and keeping their personal information up to date.
- Surveys and other feedback tools to measure employee engagement and understand how teams are feeling and functioning.
- A modular approach allows businesses to add relevant features as needed.
Pros
- An intuitive interface which employees find easy to navigate
- Advanced reporting options and visual dashboards
- Integrates with tools such as Slack, Google Workspace, Teams and Zapier.
Cons
- In-depth reporting can require training to maximise the system’s features.
- Not all features are available in all locations.
- Some features, such as recruiting, performance and e-signatures, are add-ons and not included in the base price.
Pricing
- Includes a free trial
- Starts at £5.40 per month per user
- Plans are available for various businesses and budgets, tailored to the HR needs of the organisation.
The HR and Legal Advice Alternative: CharlieHR
CharlieHR provides core HR services to small and medium-sized businesses, utilising a platform that is both simple to use and straightforward to manage. Compared to PeopleHR, CharlieHR is a good option if your company regularly needs HR guidance and support from qualified and experienced professionals. It may be less appropriate if your business is growing or requires more advanced reporting and scheduling tools.
Key Features
- CharlieHR provides dedicated HR advice, including legal guidance, as a premium add-on.
- The platform supports absence management, recruitment, onboarding and offboarding, performance reviews and employee surveys.
- There is also an inbuilt perks programme for employees included at no extra cost.
Pros
- Simple and easy-to-use platform that requires minimal training
- UK-based HR advice which is fast and responsive
- Cost-effective for small teams
Cons
- Does not support payroll, shift/rota management, or learning and development, so companies must engage other providers for these purposes.
- Limited capability to support organisations that are expanding
- Surveys and reports considered basic
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.
The Compensation Management Alternative: Personio
Personio provides a comprehensive digital platform that includes compensation management as well as recruitment and the administrative functions required of an HR department. They aim to automate tasks, customise work processes and provide intelligent insights into the workforce all in one place. Compared to PeopleHR, Personio is a strong alternative due to its comprehensive compensation features. Personio supplies salary bands, bonus information and approval workflows. They also offer an HR helpdesk and support companies in understanding employee engagement through surveys.
Key Features
- AI-enabled assistance and insights into the workforce.
- An HR help desk system to support HR professionals in real time.
- Robust performance management through goal setting and tracking tools, feedback loops and basic functionality for training and development.
Pros
- Includes compensation management tools.
- A user-friendly interface that employees find intuitive to navigate.
- Strong analytics: ability to provide detailed insights highlighting trends in the workforce.
Cons
- Lack of transparency in the pricing model.
- Implementing the system can be time-consuming, with high training requirements.
- The mobile app is limited in terms of functionality compared to the main site.
Pricing
- Two plans, one ‘Core’ and one ‘Core, Pro’
- Prices only available on request
The Performance Management Alternative: BambooHR
BambooHR is another popular choice for companies looking for a HRIS that will handle the core HR tasks in a simple and trustworthy manner. The software supports the secure management of employee information, onboarding and attendance tracking, as well as more complex tasks such as workforce surveys and advanced performance management. BambooHR is a strong alternative to PeopleHR if you want to customise your performance management process and focus on the well-being of your workforce by understanding how they are feeling through regular, personalised surveys.
Key Features
- Supports core HR functions, including an employee database and directory, absence and leave management, and performance management.
- Includes an ATS, plus workflows to support onboarding.
- Encourages continuous improvement through individual goal-setting, 360-degree feedback, regular review cycles, and progress reports.
Pros
- Free trial available
- Ability to customise the performance review process for your company.
- An intuitive interface that requires minimal training for employees to use.
Cons
- Payroll capability is not integrated into the system.
- Advanced performance management features are an additional cost.
- Limited customisation for reports.
Pricing
- Prices are only available when you take the demo.
The Health & Safety Alternative: BrightHR
BrightHR is another popular software solution which provides many of the basic HR features we have come to expect from an HRIS while also focusing on health and safety support. It also offers BrightLearn as a platform for training support, a counselling service for employees and time tracking capability through the app Blip. BrightHR’s focus on health and safety, along with its scheduling and shift rostering tools, makes it a strong alternative to PeopleHR for organisations in sectors such as healthcare, social care, retail, hospitality, and construction.
Key features
- Ability to record workplace incidents for health and safety compliance.
- Time tracking, shift scheduling and rota creation.
- Legal and HR support, as well as an employee helpline.
Pros
- Advanced shift management tools
- Healthy and safety additional features
- Unlimited document storage
Cons
- Limited support for performance management
- Support for payroll not included
- Steep learning curve for health and safety modules
Pricing
- Core HR module starts from £11.20 per employee per month
- Enhanced HR support module starts from £21.20 per employee per month
- Full HR, health and safety support & EAP from £28.20 per employee per month
Final Thoughts on PeopleHR Alternatives
There are many different business management and human resources software systems available to meet the needs of companies of all sizes, shapes and locations. PeopleHR is a good choice for small to medium-sized businesses based in the UK and Europe, providing core HR functionality to support employee records, leave, performance management and recruitment without overwhelming complexity. However, PeopleHR can have its limitations, especially when compared to some of the PeopleHR competitors we’ve examined in this article.
The bottom line is this: it’s always worth spending time working out precisely what you need in an HRIS and exploring the many options out there to find the system that best meets your needs. Our team here at Factorial are always happy to discuss your requirements and support your thinking. Take a free demo and click here to speak with one of our representatives.
