BrightHR review
A broad HR platform for UK teams managing people, shifts, absence and payroll connections.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
BrightHR is a cloud-based HR platform for small and medium-sized businesses that need one place for employee records, documents, holiday requests, absence, shifts and performance workflows. It also supports overtime tracking, payroll reporting and clocking in and out through the Blip app. Managers and employees can access relevant HR tools through web, iOS and Android applications, making it suitable for UK teams with office, mobile or shift-based workforces.
The product’s breadth is its main strength. Core HR software brings together a staff holiday planner, absence management, rota planning, performance management, overtime tracking and Payroll Navigator. Employee documents can be stored with permissions and read receipts, while performance tools cover goals and feedback. The platform also supports payroll integration and reporting, alongside connections with Microsoft, Microsoft Azure Entra ID, Xero, Slack, HubSpot, Google Calendar, Google, Apple and Facebook. Zapier workflows and a custom API extend its fit for businesses that need to connect HR data with other systems.
BrightHR offers three paid packages. Core HR software covers the central people-management tools; Enhanced HR support adds 24/7 HR and employment law advice, document templates and optional indemnity insurance; the Full HR, health and safety support & EAP package adds health and safety software and advice, employee wellbeing support and EAP features. Pricing is based on employee count, and regional pages use different currencies. Choose BrightHR if your team wants HR administration, rota management, time tracking and optional advisory support in one platform. A narrower tool may suit organisations that only need one function, such as scheduling or document storage.
BrightHR pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Combines records, absence, rotas, performance and overtime tracking
- Supports web, iOS and Android access, plus Blip clocking in and out
- Connects with payroll tools, Zapier workflows and custom API integrations
- Where it doesn't
- There is no free plan
- The broader support packages require moving beyond core HR features
- Pricing is based on employee count and varies by regional pricing page
BrightHR fact sheet, pricing and score →
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