(Access) People HR vs Breathe HR: Choosing the best HR system 

Not sure which HR software to go for? Don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds. 

Two of the most popular options out there for UK-based businesses are Breathe HR and People HR (also known as Access People HR). Both offer tools to help you manage your people more easily, but they take different routes to get there. 

People HR is part of The Access Group, and is suitable for all sized businesses, particularly large enterprises with big teams. Breathe HR, on the other hand, is all about keeping things simple, scalable, and stress-free, ideal for teams that are growing fast and need flexibility. 

In this guide, we’ll break down how the two platforms compare on features, pricing, support, and ease of use, so you can pick the HR system that works best for your team and business. 

Feature comparison: Breathe HR vs People HR

Pros and cons: Which HR software is right for you?

Pricing comparison (2025)

Benefits of HR software 

Comparing Breathe HR and People HR 

HR system implementation

Feature comparison: Breathe HR vs People HR 

Pros and cons: Which HR software is right for you? 

Breathe HR – HR software for growing UK teams 

Why businesses choose Breathe HR: 

• Pricing scales fairly as your business grows and no per-user surprises
• Broad feature set: performance, absence, expenses, compliance and more
• UK-based support, free training, and regular webinars 
• Seamless integrations with leading payroll provider like Xero 
• Self-service access empowers employees and line managers
• GDPR-compliant, with audit trails and alerts
• Engagement surveys support ongoing culture and feedback loops
• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
• Add-on more features as your business grows. No longer need them? Just switch them off, giving you the flexibility you need. 
  
  

Ideal if: You want a scalable, all-in-one HR platform that’s easy to manage and supports your team as it grows. 

People HR (Access People) – Modular HR software for bigger teams 

Why businesses choose this HR software: 

• Modular approach lets you pick and pay for the tools you need
• AI-embedded software experience for intelligent automation and real-time insights
• Strong performance and recruitment modules
• Built-in applicant tracking system (ATS)
• Custom workflow builder and HR automation tools that allow users to complete tasks through integrated automation
• Approval requests and workflow automation streamline HR processes
• People HR app and PeopleHR system provide easy access to HR functions, centralised employee information, and up-to-date notifications
• Features that keep employees connected through real-time notifications, chat, and mobile engagement tools 

Best for: Bigger businesses needing advanced tools like built-in ATS and workflow automation. 

Things to consider: 

• Per-user pricing can become expensive as team grows
• Support options vary by plan, with limited chat/phone availability
• Engagement tools and surveys not built-in
• Some core tools only available via premium add-ons
• Long contracts 
  
  

Pricing comparison (2025)

Note: Breathe HR offers fixed pricing by employee count. People HR uses a modular, per-user model; costs can vary with features and users added.  

Breathe HR wins on cost - for example, if you have 200 employees, Breathe will cost you £525 per month, compared with £1,900 if you choose People HR's Elite + plan, both costs are per month.  

Benefits of HR software 

Modern HR software makes life easier for busy teams. With a cloud-based HR system, you can store all your employee info in one place, automate time-consuming admin.

And give your people the freedom to self-serve, whether it’s booking holidays, updating their details, or checking company updates. 

What’s more, tools like AI-powered HR assistants and automation help HR teams find answers fast, track performance, manage absences, and spot trends through real-time insights.  

That means less manual work and more time to focus on people. Modern HR software handles the heavy lifting of complex and time-consuming HR tasks, so your people can focus on strategic priorities. 

Platforms like Breathe HR and Access People HR are built to take the hassle out of HR admin. By automating the basics, HR managers can shift their focus to strategy, culture, and team growth. 

Comparing Breathe HR and People HR 

Picking the right HR software can make a big difference to how your team works. Both Breathe HR and People HR are designed to simplify everyday HR tasks. They just take different approaches when it comes to things like pricing, scalability, employee engagement, and support. 

So, how do these two platforms stack up? 

Let’s explore how they compare in key areas: 

Core HR functions and administration 

Both platforms handle essentials like employee records, managing employee information, time off, and document storage. 

Breathe HR stands out for its simplified holiday and absence tracking, secure document versioning, and integrations with rota and accounting platforms. 

People HR offers more modular control via workflow builders, which can automate repetitive tasks like tracking sick leave, approving holiday requests, updating employee information, and compiling reports. These can be helpful for larger, process-heavy teams. 

➡️ Winner for simplicity and ease of admin: Breathe HR 

Employee engagement and self-service 

Breathe HR offers built-in engagement surveys, employee self-service, and structured one-to-ones with review tracking. It also supports you to foster stronger employee connections through tools like real-time feedback, company updates and kudos. 

People HR covers core employee management functions and includes self-service features, but it doesn't place the same emphasis on engagement or feedback tools. While employees can manage their own information, self-service isn’t as central to the overall experience. 

➡️ Winner for engagement and user empowerment: Breathe HR 

Recruitment and onboarding 

People HR includes a built-in applicant tracking system (ATS) and onboarding flows in mid to top-tier plans. Businesses recruit effectively using the built-in ATS and AI-driven recruitment features, streamlining the hiring process and improving decision-making.

The built-in ATS also helps businesses connect with and attract talented people who are a good fit for the organisation. This is helpful for big buisnesses with multiple HR employees. 

Breathe HR integrates seamlessly with third-party systems like Hireful and enables structured onboarding checklists with email reminders, alongside a recruitment add-on, so you can manage new hires from interview to shortlist.  

➡️ Winner for built-in ATS: People HR 

Compliance, reporting, and security 

Both platforms are ISO 27001 certified and fully GDPR compliant. 

Breathe HR goes further with audit trails and downloadable reports on time off, performance, and turnover and much more. 

People HR provides strong reporting in its top tiers, but setup may be more complex. 

➡️ Winner for accessible compliance support: Breathe HR 

Support and customer experience 

Breathe HR offers live chat, UK-based onboarding support, and a comprehensive help centre, available to all users. A dedicated UK-based support desk is also available during office hours to provide expert assistance and troubleshooting. 

People HR support tiers vary, and direct access to help depends on your package. 

➡️ Winner for support and onboarding: Breathe HR 

HR system implementation

If you’re looking for simple HR software with a fast, no-fuss setup and tools that empower your team from day one, Breathe HR is a brilliant choice.

You’ll benefit from easy employee self-service, streamlined admin, and flexible tools that scale with your business. 

If your organisation needs a more tailored rollout, Access People HR offers a guided implementation process with AI-powered automation, advanced HR features, and deeper integration into your wider systems.

It’s built to support more complex workflows and a fast-moving, data-driven HR strategy. 

Implementing a new HR system might seem like a big task, but with the right tools and support, it can be a game-changing move for your business.  

Both solutions offer modern, cloud-based HR software designed to simplify setup, reduce admin, and support long-term business growth. That said, they take different approaches to getting you up and running. 

Breathe HR: Easy, self-serve setup for growing teams 

Breathe HR is designed to get you started quickly, without the need for complex onboarding or heavy IT support. It’s an ideal choice for small and growing businesses that want a cloud-based HR platform that’s easy to implement and scale over time. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Step-by-step self-guided setup with clear tools and checklists
• Quick data import and team onboarding without hassle
• Built-in features like performance management, holiday tracking, and document storage 
• Secure employee self-service to handle time-off requests, personal details and company updates
• UK-based support, onboarding webinars, and live chat included
• Designed for fast rollout, ideal for HR teams with limited resources 
  
  

With Breathe HR, you can automate day-to-day HR admin, manage performance reviews, and centralise employee data without delays or disruption. It’s a great fit for teams that need simple, intuitive HR software that works from day one. 

Access PeopleHR: Guided implementation for advanced HR needs 

This solution offers a more structured implementation process, backed by expert support. This approach is especially useful for larger organisations or businesses with more complex HR processes and automation needs. 

• Full setup support including data migration, system configuration, and custom workflows
• Expert-led training for HR teams and employees
• Advanced features including AI-powered HR, recruitment automation, and real-time workforce insights
• Built-in ATS and performance management tools
• Tools to improve employee engagement, reduce manual HR tasks, and scale across multiple locations
• Ongoing support from The Access Group team and partner network 

Businesses benefit from automated HR workflows, instant access to vital HR data, and advanced reporting that supports data-driven decision-making.  

Final verdict

Breathe HR is a great fit for businesses looking for an intuitive and scalable HR system that’s easy to set up and simple to use day-to-day.

If you’re after a platform that doesn’t overcomplicate things, but still covers everything from performance management to holiday tracking, it’s a solid, reliable choice, that doesn’t break the bank. 

With built-in tools for employee engagement, self-service, and performance reviews, Breathe makes it easy to manage people, reduce admin, and support your team as it grows.

You won’t need a dedicated IT team or lengthy onboarding process, just smart, user-friendly HR software that works from day one. 

If you want clear pricing, UK-based support, and a solution that scales with your business, Breathe HR is a platform you can grow with, without feeling overwhelmed.

It’s ideal for those who want to simplify HR, not add more layers to it. 

People HR, on the other hand, is better suited to teams that need more advanced features, especially around recruitment, workflow automation, and custom processes.

With AI-powered tools and guided implementation, it’s a better match for businesses with more complex HR requirements or larger workforces.

Ready to try Breathe HR? 

Experience powerful HR software designed for UK SMEs. Start your 14-day free trial of Breathe HR and explore the features for yourself, no credit card needed. 

FAQs 

What’s the main difference between Breathe HR and Access People HR? 

Breathe HR is simple and great for growing small and medium-sized businesses. Access People HR has more advanced tools and suits larger companies with complex needs.

Which platform is more affordable for small businesses? 

Breathe HR is often better value for smaller and growing teams, with clear, tiered pricing. Access People HR charges per user and feature, which can add up as your business grows.

Which HR software is easier to set up and use? 

Breathe HR is easy to get started with and use, no tech help needed. Access People HR offers more setup options, which may suit businesses with IT or HR experts.