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Choosing the right HR software can feel like a big decision, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
Maybe you’re trying to cut down on admin, give your team a better experience, make your HR processes better, cover more HR tasks, or just stay on top of HR compliance without getting buried in paperwork.
The right tool can save you heaps of time and even help build a stronger team culture (what a return on investment).
Price matters too, especially for startups or growing businesses. You need HR software that offers good value without missing out on the essentials. An affordable pricing structure is a key consideration for startups and small businesses, helping you stay on budget while still getting the features you need.
That’s where Breathe HR and HiBob (Bob) come in. They’re both powerful platforms, but they’re built with very different types of organisations in mind.
We’ll walk you through what each tool offers, how they’re priced, and which one best matches your business needs.
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Feature comparison: Breathe HR vs HiBob (Bob)
Employee experience and performance management
Empowering people through smart HR tools
Built for compliance and security
Which HR software is right for you?
Feature comparison: Breathe HR vs HiBob (Bob)
What is Breathe HR?
Breathe HR is simple, cloud-based HR software built specifically for UK SMEs and growing businesses.
It’s designed to take the stress out of people management, helping you cut back on admin, support your HR tasks, help you stay compliant, and focus more on supporting your team.
With an intuitive interface, Breathe HR software makes it easy to manage employee records, holiday tracking, performance, and documents, as well as manage employee data efficiently.
Managing employee data is crucial for keeping information organised and avoiding the hassle of disorganised spreadsheets. Breathe HR provides a centralised solution for managing employee information securely and efficiently.
By automating day-to-day HR tasks, Breathe HR frees up your time so you can spend less energy on admin, and more time on your people.
Consider Breathe for:
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UK-based small businesses that need a straightforward HR tool
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Teams without a dedicated HR department
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Managing time-off, documents, and employee data with minimal admin
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Easy onboarding and performance tracking without complex workflows
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Keeping HR simple, compliant, and paper-free
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Speedy set-up so you can just get going
What is HiBob (Bob)?
HiBob is a bigger HR platform designed for larger teams and growing businesses, especially those with global or distributed workforces.
It offers a wide range of features, from customisable workflows to advanced people analytics, making it ideal for managing more complex HR operations.
HiBob is built to handle international payroll, regional compliance, and detailed onboarding processes. It also connects easily with a wide range of HR tools, so you can integrate it into your broader tech stack.
With rich reporting and real-time insights, HiBob helps HR professionals make smarter, faster decisions across departments, speed up HR processes, all across different locations, and time zones.
Consider HiBob for:
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Mid-sized to enterprise companies
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Global teams needing regional HR, payroll, and compliance support
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Complex onboarding and workflows that need automation
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HR teams using multiple tools and needing smooth integrations
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Advanced analytics, reporting, and data driven insights to support strategic HR decisions
HiBob’s new bundle package for UK businesses
HiBob (Bob), traditionally known for serving global and enterprise-level organisations, has recently introduced a tailored HR solution for UK-based small and mid-sized businesses.
This new version offers a stripped-back version of its platform, with tools for managing time off, employee data, payroll integrations, and performance tracking, all simplified to better suit smaller teams.
It’s a new shift, especially for growing companies that want the option to scale later. But for many UK SMEs, especially those without a full-time HR team, HiBob can still feel like a step too far, more system than they really need.
That’s where Breathe HR stands out. It’s been designed from the ground up with UK small businesses in mind and is built to streamline HR processes for SMEs, making HR management more efficient and less time-consuming.
From holiday calendars aligned to UK public leave to local support teams that understand the challenges small teams face, Breathe HR delivers a more personal, intuitive experience that doesn’t require weeks of onboarding.
Breathe HR also acts as a business-critical tool for people managers too, many of whom carry out HR tasks alongside their day jobs. It’s an easy, go-to system that helps managers handle time off, performance, and employee records, all in one place, without the complexity.
Things to consider: If you’re looking for alternatives to HiBob for SMEs, Breathe HR still stands out for its trusted, people-first and UK-first approach alternative to HibBob, transparent pricing, and beginner-friendly design.
Pricing breakdown (2025)
* Pricing accurate as of August 2025. Subject to change in future.
Employee experience and performance management
Great HR starts with happy, engaged employees, and the right software helps make that happen.
Tools like Breathe HR and HiBob are designed to help small and mid-sized businesses manage people more easily, reduce admin, and keep HR tasks and HR processes running smoothly. Both platforms also help HR teams save time by automating repetitive tasks and streamlining workflows.
Both platforms support employee growth by offering tools for performance reviews, training, and development tracking. They also help boost productivity by making it easy to monitor performance and set clear goals.
To keep teams motivated and connected, Breathe HR and HiBob include features that enhance employee engagement, like recognition tools and better ways to communicate across the business.
Empowering people through smart HR tools
Breathe HR software offers an intuitive self-service dashboard designed for UK SMEs. It’s simple to use, even for non-HR professionals, and ideal for small teams needing a straightforward system.
HiBob also includes self-service tools but takes a more advanced approach. Employees can update personal data, access performance tools, and use custom fields. However, due to its complexity, HiBob often requires a more structured onboarding process for both HR and staff.
Simplifying everyday HR
Both Breathe HR and HiBob help reduce admin by automating repetitive tasks and cutting down on paperwork. These automation features are key to saving time for HR teams and managers, allowing them to focus on more strategic work.
Breathe HR keeps things simple with task checklists for onboarding, making it easy to get new hires up to speed. It also includes built-in performance tools, secure document storage, and robust time-off tracking. For teams that need it, there’s a rota, time, and attendance add-on available.
HiBob takes automation further with customisable onboarding workflows and real-time feedback tools. It offers a document hub to support compliance and automate manual tasks. HiBob also includes basic rota, time, and attendance features and flexibility to tailor processes to your team’s needs.
Data-driven HR decisions
Breathe HR software offers easy-to-use reporting tools that are great for day-to-day decisions. You can quickly generate reports, export data for compliance, and gain useful insights to guide your HR strategy, without needing complex tools.
HiBob has advanced analytics, custom dashboards, and visual reports that highlight trends across teams, departments, and global offices. It also lets you build tailored reports based on your business needs.
All-in-one HR support
Breathe HR integrates with popular payroll tools like Xero and offers an e-learning add-on with 40 UK-specific courses to support employee development, business compliance – and more courses are to come.
Breathe also includes a basic applicant tracking (ATS) to help with job posting and candidate tracking, ideal for small businesses managing recruitment in-house.
HiBob takes things further with an advanced ATS, featuring scorecards, job board integration, and AI-powered tools. It helps automate the hiring process and improve recruitment workflows.
HiBob also connects with a wider range of tools, including learning management systems, recruitment platforms, and international payroll systems, making it a strong fit for fast-growing or global teams.
Built for compliance and security
Breathe HR software is built with UK compliance in mind. It includes features like UK holiday calendars, GDPR tools, and document version tracking.
Data is securely stored with strong encryption and access controls, helping you protect sensitive employee information. Plus, with UK-based customer support, it’s a great fit for businesses that need local help and guidance.
HiBob is designed for global compliance, offering features like e-signatures, custom policy settings, and international holiday tracking. However, its support team is not based in the UK, which may be a drawback for businesses that prefer local support.
Both Breathe HR and HiBob are ISO 27001 certified – so you can trust that your business and employee data is handled to the highest international security standards.
Employee self-service portal
A modern HR management software isn’t complete without an employee self-service portal.
This feature empowers employees to manage their own HR tasks - such as updating personal information, requesting time off, and accessing important documents - without needing to go through HR professionals for every request.
Both Breathe HR and HiBob (Bob) include intuitive employee self-service portals, designed to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction.
By providing a user-friendly interface, these portals make it easy for employees to navigate and complete tasks independently. This saves time for HR teams and fosters a sense of ownership and transparency among staff.
With self-service, organisations can streamline HR management, reduce bottlenecks, and ensure that employees have quick access to the information and tools they need.
HR admin tasks
Managing HR admin tasks can be a major drain on time and resources for organisations. Tasks like maintaining employee records, processing payroll, and administering benefits are essential, but they can quickly become overwhelming without the right tools.
HR software solutions like Breathe HR and HiBob (Bob) are designed to automate these processes, using automated workflows and smart reminders to keep everything running smoothly.
By digitising and automating HR admin, organisations can ensure compliance with data protection regulations and reduce the risk of errors.
This frees up HR teams to focus on higher-value activities, such as employee development and strategic planning. With features that support secure data management and efficient handling of employee records, HR software tools help businesses stay organised, compliant, and ready to grow.
Implementation and support
Implementing new HR software is a key step in improving your people processes, so strong onboarding and support are essential. Both Breathe HR and HiBob offer resources to make setup smooth and stress-free, helping you get the most from your HR system from day one.
Each platform provides a user-friendly interface with intuitive dashboards and automated workflows, designed to streamline daily HR tasks. This helps ensure quick adoption across your team, with minimal disruption to your operations.
Plus, customisable workflows allow you to tailor the system to match your organisation’s structure and processes.
When it comes to HR system implementation, both Breathe and HiBob offer strong post-launch support. You’ll have access to detailed documentation, live training sessions, and responsive customer support to resolve issues and keep things running smoothly.
HiBob offers 24/7 support globally, while Breathe HR provides reliable, UK-based assistance, ideal for small businesses looking for local help.
For growing businesses, having ongoing HR software support makes a big difference. It helps HR teams stay productive, improves employee engagement, and ensures your software keeps delivering value over time.
If you’re choosing between HR systems, look for solutions that offer clear onboarding, training tools, and long-term support. Whether you go with HiBob or Breathe HR, both platforms are designed to help small and mid-sized businesses roll out HR software successfully and make it work long-term.
Pros and cons
Breathe HR Pros
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Tailored for UK small businesses
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Simple interface and fast setup
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Clear pricing with no hidden fees
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Add-ons let you grow at your pace
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UK-based customer support
Breathe HR: Things to consider
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Designed for simplicity, not deep customisation
Ideal for teams that don’t need complex setups or heavy system admin. -
Focused, but lighter on culture-driving extras
Breathe includes tools like Kudos shoutouts and performance feedback, but keeps things simple, ideal for teams that want engagement features without added complexity. -
Straightforward reporting tools
Provides all the core insights small businesses need, without overwhelming dashboards.
HiBob Pros
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Powerful for international teams
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Rich dashboards and custom workflows
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Built-in engagement tools (shoutouts, surveys)
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Flexible permissions and field settings
HiBob: Things to consider
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Comprehensive, but may feel complex for smaller teams
HiBob’s broad feature set is powerful, but can be overwhelming for SMEs that don’t need all the bells and whistles. -
Custom pricing only
HiBob doesn’t publish pricing online, so you’ll need to speak with sales to get a tailored quote, something to consider if you’re comparing costs upfront. -
Requires time to implement effectively
With so many configuration options, HiBob works best for teams with dedicated IT or HR support to manage onboarding and setup.
Which HR software is right for you?
Final verdict
If you're a UK-based small or growing business, Breathe HR software offers a straightforward, affordable, and locally tailored solution with strong support. It’s easy to use and ideal for teams looking to simplify HR.
If you're a scaling or international company, HiBob provides flexibility, automation, and detailed reporting to manage complex HR needs. While it may require more onboarding, it’s a powerful choice for businesses with global ambitions.
FAQs
Can I switch from HiBob to Breathe HR software?
Yes, Breathe’s customer support team can assist with data migration.
Does HiBob work for small UK companies?
Technically yes, but it may be overkill unless you're scaling fast or need advanced workflows (plus you'll be paying for much more than you need).
Is Breathe GDPR compliant?
Absolutely. Breathe is fully compliant with UK GDPR and hosted securely in AWS UK data centres.
Can both integrate with payroll?
Yes. Breathe integrates with Xero and more. HiBob offers a Payroll Hub that connects to various systems.
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