Managing HR effectively is a top priority for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the UK. While BambooHR is a well-known HR software, many businesses find it lacks built-in compliance tools, payroll integration, and UK-specific support.
If you’re looking for a better alternative that provides compliance tracking, payroll support, automation, and scalability, this guide compares the eight best BambooHR alternatives for UK SMEs in 2025.
Whether you need a simple HR system for a small team or a comprehensive all-in-one platform, we’ll help you find the best option for your business.
8 Best BambooHR Alternatives for UK SMEs in 2025
1. Evalu-8 HR – Best All-in-One BambooHR Alternative
Why Evalu-8 HR Stands Out
If you’re looking for an all-in-one HR solution that removes the need for third-party add-ons, Evalu-8 HR is the best choice for UK SMEs.
Unlike BambooHR, which relies on integrations for payroll and compliance, Evalu-8 HR includes everything you need in one platform. This makes it an efficient, cost-effective alternative that scales with your business.
Core Features
- Comprehensive HR management (employee records, performance tracking, absence management)
- Built-in payroll support (payroll exports and integration)
- Time and attendance tracking with shift management
- Compliance tools (right-to-work checks, GDPR tracking, health & safety reporting)
- Customisable reporting & HR analytics
Why Evalu-8 HR is a Better Choice
Unlike BambooHR, Evalu-8 HR provides compliance tracking, payroll exports, and volunteer management in one platform. It’s also UK-focused, meaning it adheres to UK employment laws and GDPR better than US-based competitors.
Best for: UK businesses looking for an all-in-one HR system that eliminates the need for third-party software.
2. CharlieHR – Best for Startups and Small Teams
CharlieHR is a simple, easy-to-use HR platform, perfect for startups and small businesses that need basic HR functions without extra complexity.
Core Features
- Employee records and document storage
- Holiday and absence tracking
- Onboarding tools
Why Consider an Alternative?
CharlieHR is limited to small teams and lacks advanced compliance tools, payroll features, and time tracking, making it less suited for growing businesses.
Best for: Startups and micro-businesses with simple HR needs.
3. HiBob – Best for Scaling Businesses
HiBob is a feature-rich HR platform designed for companies experiencing rapid growth.
Core Features
- Employee engagement tools
- HR analytics and reporting
- Integration with third-party payroll software
Why Consider an Alternative?
HiBob is priced for larger companies, making it less cost-effective for SMEs. Unlike Evalu-8 HR, it lacks built-in compliance tracking for UK employment laws.
Best for: Growing businesses with international expansion plans.
4. BreatheHR – Best for Simplicity
BreatheHR is a budget-friendly HR software offering essential HR functions in an easy-to-use platform.
Core Features
- Employee records management
- Leave and absence tracking
- Basic performance management
Why Consider an Alternative?
BreatheHR lacks payroll features, compliance tracking, and workforce planning, making it a weaker choice for businesses needing automation and compliance support.
Best for: Very small businesses that want a straightforward HR system without extra features.
5. Zoho People – Best for Businesses Using Zoho Suite
Zoho People is part of the Zoho business suite, making it a great choice for companies that already use Zoho software.
Core Features
- Customisable HR workflows
- Attendance and time tracking
- Integration with Zoho apps
Why Consider an Alternative?
Zoho People relies heavily on third-party integrations, meaning it’s not an all-in-one solution like Evalu-8 HR.
Best for: Businesses already using Zoho’s ecosystem.
6. Ciphr – Best for Compliance & Security
Ciphr is an enterprise-grade HR solution that focuses on data security and compliance tracking.
Core Features
- Secure employee record storage
- GDPR and compliance tracking
- Payroll and HR integration
- Custom reporting and analytics
Why Consider an Alternative?
Ciphr is complex and expensive, making it better suited for large organisations rather than SMEs.
Best for: Large organisations prioritising compliance and security.
7. Sage HR – Best for Payroll & Accounting Integration
Sage HR is a great choice for UK SMEs that need seamless payroll and accounting integration.
Core Features
- Integrated payroll and accounting with Sage’s finance tools
- Employee self-service for leave and document management
- Performance management with goal tracking
Why Consider an Alternative?
Sage HR is best suited for businesses already using Sage accounting software. However, it lacks compliance tracking tools and advanced workforce planning features.
Best for: Businesses using Sage payroll and accounting.
8. Employment Hero – Best for Employee Benefits & Perks
Employment Hero is an HR software designed to enhance employee engagement through perks, benefits, and automated HR processes.
Core Features
- Automated HR workflows
- Integrated employee benefits & perks
- Payroll integration
Why Consider an Alternative?
While great for employee engagement, Employment Hero lacks compliance tracking and deep payroll functionality compared to Evalu-8 HR or Sage.
Best for: Businesses looking to boost employee retention with perks and benefits.
The Right HR Software Can Transform Your Business
Switching from BambooHR doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective, UK-focused, and feature-rich alternative, Evalu-8 HR is the best choice.
Whether you need payroll integration, compliance tracking, or automated HR workflows, Evalu-8 HR ensures your business runs smoothly while staying legally compliant.
By choosing the right HR software, you’re not just improving HR processes—you’re setting your business up for long-term success. Book a demo with Evalu-8 HR today to see how it can transform your HR operations.
FAQs – Finding the Best BambooHR Alternative
Evalu-8 HR is the best alternative for UK businesses, offering full HR management, compliance tracking, and payroll support in one platform.
CharlieHR and BreatheHR are good for micro-businesses, but Evalu-8 HR provides a more scalable solution.
Evalu-8 HR and Ciphr provide built-in compliance tracking, whereas other platforms rely on integrations.
Yes, Evalu-8 HR offers better compliance tracking, payroll integration, and cost-effective pricing for UK SMEs.
Evalu-8 HR offers flexible, budget-friendly pricing, making it affordable for UK small and medium businesses.
