Two of the HR systems UK small businesses look at most, side by side: price, contract, rotas, advice and payroll, each from their own published pages, with the source and the day we read it.
We make KivoHR, a third option, so it’s in the last column. We’ve kept to what each company publishes, last checked 31 October 2026. Prices exclude VAT. If something has changed, tell us and we’ll correct it.
BrightHR
Per employee, with a monthly minimum: Core HR from £16.67, Enhanced HR support from £21.20, and Full HR, H&S and EAP from £31.30 per employee a month.
Source · read 20 October 2026
Breathe
A flat price by headcount: £24 a month for up to 10 people, £44 to 20, £99 to 50, £175 to 100, £419 to 150 and £579 to 200.
Source · read 31 October 2026
KivoHR
A flat price for your size, from £29 a month, every feature on every plan.
KivoHR
Monthly or yearly, cancel any time.
BrightHR
A free demo; no free trial of the full product on its pricing page.
Source · read 20 October 2026
KivoHR
A 14-day free trial, no card needed.
BrightHR
Rotas on every plan, and Blip, its clocking app, free for BrightHR users.
Source · read 20 October 2026
Breathe
An add-on, priced by company size: rota, time and attendance from £11 a month for up to 10 people.
Source · read 30 October 2026
KivoHR
Included, with rotas that check training and working time.
BrightHR
A 24/7 HR and employment-law advice line on its Enhanced and Full plans.
Source · read 20 October 2026
Breathe
Not on the pages we read.
KivoHR
No advice line: it’s software.
BrightHR
Software and advice, with over 600 risk assessment templates, on its Full plan.
Source · read 20 October 2026
KivoHR
An accident book; no health and safety advice.
KivoHR
Prepares it: a checked file for BrightPay, Sage 50 Payroll or Staffology.
BrightHR
None found. Its help centre lists visa and right-to-work expiry reminders.
Source · read 31 October 2026
KivoHR
Included: follow-ups, reports and their deadlines.
The short version, from the rows above.
KivoHR and BrightHR in detail KivoHR and Breathe in detail How to leave BrightHR Moving from Breathe
14 days free, no card needed.
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