Workforce Management and HR Software Comparison
The Best Alternative to Breathe HR
Looking for a workforce management and HR solution that does more? HR Duo offers an all-in-one platform, combining shift scheduling, time tracking, payroll reporting, and HR tools—without the need for multiple subscriptions.
In this comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between HR Duo and Breathe HR, showing why HR Duo is the smarter choice for businesses that need seamless operations, HR compliance support, and complete workforce oversight.
Workforce Management
HR Duo includes shift scheduling, digital rotas, time tracking, and payroll reporting — without needing add-ons or extra software. Breathe HR focuses on core HR tools for small businesses.
Built for Operational Teams
Breathe HR lacks tools for site leads or operations managers. HR Duo supports geofence clock-ins, subcontractor management, equipment tracking, and project-based reporting — ideal for operational oversight.
No Hidden Fees or Paid Add-Ons
HR Duo gives you core HR, workforce management, performance tools, and compliance support in a single platform — without stacking monthly costs. Breathe HR charges extra for recruitment, learning, expenses, and additional HR users.
Compliance Tools Included
HR Duo includes smart HR documents, digital contracts, policy templates, and employee relations support — helping you manage risk with ease. Breathe HR doesn’t support UK compliance in the same depth.
Performance and People Management
Both platforms offer appraisals and one-to-ones, but HR Duo adds performance improvement plans, 360 reviews, and real-time data tracking, giving managers more visibility into team performance.
Scalable for Growing Teams
HR Duo is built to grow with you; automate repetitive tasks, reduce admin, and unlock tools as your business evolves. With Breathe HR, scaling is limited and often means more fees, more add-ons, and more tools to manage separately.
HR Duo
That's us!0 /month
Breathe HR
Other Provider8 /month
HR Duo
Breathe HR
Workforce Management
HR Management Software
Disclaimer: We’ve done our best to provide up-to-date and accurate information, as of March 2025, to help you compare your options. HR Duo provides this information to offer general insights and it shouldn’t be taken as professional advice. Some of the competitor data comes from competitor sites with the information they provide as well as platforms like Capterra and G2, and while we trust these sources, we haven’t independently verified every detail. We recommend doing your own research and seeking expert advice before making any big decisions.
Everything you need to manage your workforce
We offer game-changing plans tailored to your specific requirements.
Workforce Management
A core solution to manage your frontline teams, enhance operations, and reduce labour costs.
What's included:
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Time-Tracking
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Digital Rotas
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Shift Scheduling
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Absence Management
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Leave and Holiday
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Payroll Reporting
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Employee Profiles
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Analytics and Reports
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Project Tracking
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Mobile App
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Employee Self-Service
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Geofence Clock-In
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Subcontractor Management
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Skills Matrix
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Task Manager
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Document Storage
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Equipment Tracking
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Permission Groups
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Benefit Recording
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Instant Messaging
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Organisation Charts
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Knowledge Centre
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Platform Support
MoreLess
HR Assist
A one-of-a-kind offering that simplifies your people processes and automates up to 80% of your HR tasks.
What's included:
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Connected Forms
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Model HR Letters
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HR Policy Templates
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Integrated Emails
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Digital Contracts
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Secure E-Signature
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Employee Relations Assistance
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Employee Assistance Programme
EmployPath
Manage your entire employment lifecycle with the tools to help you recruit, engage, and nurture your people.
What's included:
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Applicant Tracking System
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Enhanced Onboarding
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Performance Management
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360 Reviews
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One-to-ones
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Improvement Plans
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Goal & Objective Tracking
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Analytics and Reports
Thinking of combining our plans?
Unlock top-notch workforce automation
Frequently Asked Questions
Why HR Duo Is a Better Choice Than Breathe HR
Breathe HR is a good starting point for small businesses, but as companies scale, they often find its limited workforce management tools and reliance on add-ons restrictive. HR Duo offers a more comprehensive, all-in-one HR and workforce management solution without the need for third-party integrations, multiple subscriptions and paid extras.
More Comprehensive Workforce Management
- HR Duo provides time tracking, shift scheduling, and payroll reporting as standard, whereas Breathe HR doesn’t include these essential features in its core product.
- Project tracking, equipment management, and the option for geofence-enabled check-ins ensure better workforce oversight, which Breathe HR lacks.
Advanced HR Features
- HR Duo includes digital contracts with secure e-signatures, and HR templates, which Breathe HR does not offer.
- HR Duo introduced features such as Smart Forms, Model HR Letters, and editable user permissions to improve compliance across the employment lifecycle, whereas Breathe HR only provides businesses with basic assurance.
Employee Relations Support
- HR Duo’s Employee Relations Assistance and award-winning Employee Assitance Programme give businesses proactive support for HR challenges.
- With a holistic performance management suite, HR Duo’s performance improvement plans and 360 reviews go beyond standard appraisals like the features found within Breathe HR.
More Customisation & Control and Cost-Effective
- HR Duo offers permission groups, instant messaging, and organisation charts for better team structure and communication. Breathe HR has custom fields but lacks these collaborative and organisational tools.
- BreatheHR’s recruitment and rota tools are paid add-ons, whereas HR Duo provides applicant tracking and scheduling as part of the platform.
What is the difference between HR Duo and Breathe HR?
HR Duo is an all-in-one workforce management and HR platform, while BreatheHR primarily focuses on HR administration. HR Duo includes time tracking, shift scheduling, payroll reporting, and compliance tools as standard, whereas BreatheHR requires paid add-ons for rota management and recruitment.
Is HR Duo better than Breathe HR for growing businesses?
Yes. Companies often outgrow Breathe HR because it lacks workforce management features like advanced digital rotas, geofence clock-ins, and subcontractor management. HR Duo provides a scalable solution that supports business growth without additional costs for essential tools.
Is HR Duo more cost-effective than Breathe HR?
Yes. HR Duo includes more workforce management and HR features as standard, whereas Breathe HR charges extra for recruitment, rota management, and time tracking. Businesses often find that HR Duo provides better value with no hidden costs.
Does HR Duo support remote or multi-location teams?
Yes. HR Duo includes geofence clock-ins, mobile access, and subcontractor management, making it ideal for remote, hybrid, and multi-location teams. Breathe HR does not offer geofencing or subcontractor management.
Which platform is easier to use?
HR Duo is designed to be intuitive and mobile-friendly, with automated workflows to simplify HR and workforce tasks. Breathe HR is also user-friendly but lacks automation for workforce operations.
How do I switch from Breathe HR to HR Duo?
HR Duo offers data migration support to help businesses transition smoothly. Contact the HR Duo team for a free demo and consultation to explore how it can meet your needs.
