Workforce Management and HR Software Comparison
The Best Alternative to Bright HR
Looking for a workforce management and HR solution that does more? HR Duo offers an all-in-one platform that combines shift scheduling, time tracking, payroll reporting, and HR tools, eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions or complex integrations.
In this comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between HR Duo and Bright HR, highlighting why HR Duo is the smarter choice for businesses that require seamless operations, comprehensive HR compliance support, and complete workforce oversight.
Built for Growing Workforces
HR Duo is designed for scaling businesses with complex needs, especially those with 100+ employees. BrightHR suits smaller businesses focused mainly on HR admin.
Complete Workforce Management
BrightHR lacks tools like subcontractor management, geofence clock-in, and project tracking. HR Duo covers these and more, making it ideal for deskless or shift-based teams.
Deeper HR Automation
HR Duo automates over 80% of routine HR tasks, from time tracking to contract signing. BrightHR offers manual tools and basic workflows, but doesn’t eliminate admin at scale.
Integrated Compliance
BrightHR offers template libraries. HR Duo takes this further with built-in audit trails, model HR letters and policies, legal templates, and ER support for handling risk proactively.
For Operations and HR Teams
BrightHR focuses heavily on HR, but doesn’t connect data across operations. HR Duo combines HR tools with real-time workforce data so teams can collaborate more effectively and make faster, data-backed decisions.
Single Platform, No Gaps
With HR Duo, everything is native, from applicant tracking to performance reviews and digital onboarding. BrightHR often needs third-party tools to fill in the gaps.
HR Duo
That's us!0 /month
Bright HR
Other Provider8 /month
HR Duo
Bright 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:
-
Time-Tracking
-
Digital Rotas
-
Shift Scheduling
-
Absence Management
-
Leave and Holiday
-
Payroll Reporting
-
Employee Profiles
-
Analytics and Reports
-
Project Tracking
-
Mobile App
-
Employee Self-Service
-
Geofence Clock-In
-
Subcontractor Management
-
Skills Matrix
-
Task Manager
-
Document Storage
-
Equipment Tracking
-
Permission Groups
-
Benefit Recording
-
Instant Messaging
-
Organisation Charts
-
Knowledge Centre
-
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:
-
Connected Forms
-
Model HR Letters
-
HR Policy Templates
-
Integrated Emails
-
Digital Contracts
-
Secure E-Signature
-
Employee Relations Assistance
-
Employee Assistance Programme
EmployPath
Manage your entire employment lifecycle with the tools to help you recruit, engage, and nurture your people.
What's included:
-
Applicant Tracking System
-
Enhanced Onboarding
-
Performance Management
-
360 Reviews
-
One-to-ones
-
Improvement Plans
-
Goal & Objective Tracking
-
Analytics and Reports
Thinking of combining our plans?
Unlock top-notch workforce automation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HR Duo better than BrightHR for companies with over 100 employees?
Yes. HR Duo is purpose-built for growing organisations with 100+ employees. It offers advanced features like digital rotas, geofenced time tracking, subcontractor management, and performance analytics. BrightHR focuses more on HR admin and policy support, which may not scale well for complex operations.
Does BrightHR include time tracking and shift scheduling?
BrightHR offers a basic clock-in tool and rota builder. However, it lacks more complex functionality. HR Duo provides mobile time tracking, geofencing, costed rotas, and auto-matched payroll reports, ideal for managing large or mobile teams.
Can BrightHR support subcontractor or contractor management?
No. BrightHR does not include tools for managing subcontractors or external workers. HR Duo includes full subcontractor records, permission settings, and task tracking, useful for construction, manufacturing, and project-led industries.
Does HR Duo offer integrated performance and goal tracking?
Yes. HR Duo includes 360 reviews, one-to-ones, performance improvement plans, and goal tracking – all linked to employee records and business objectives. BrightHR only includes limited performance tools with no objective tracking.
Is BrightHR more focused on HR advice and documentation?
Correct. BrightHR offers a strong document library and 24/7 advice lines. HR Duo, however, embeds compliant templates, HR letters, and digital contracts directly into workflows, and includes built-in audit trails and employee relations support.
Can HR Duo replace multiple HR tools in one system?
Yes. HR Duo replaces multiple point solutions by combining workforce management, performance tracking, onboarding, compliance, and reporting in one connected platform, reducing manual work and software costs.
Which platform is better for shift-based or mobile teams?
HR Duo. It supports real-time scheduling, mobile self-service, in-app chat, geofence clock-ins, and task assignment. BrightHR’s tools are more suitable for office-based admin tasks.
How does HR Duo handle onboarding compared to BrightHR?
BrightHR offers document distribution. HR Duo goes further with automated onboarding checklists, digital contracts, pre-start tasks, and progress tracking, all visible to line managers and HR in one place.
Does either platform offer employee wellbeing tools?
Both include an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). BrightHR also includes a perks platform and CPD courses.
HR Duo focuses on performance and engagement features like team feedback, one-to-ones, and action tracking to boost wellbeing and retention through management practices.
Can HR Duo integrate with payroll systems?
Yes. HR Duo exports payroll-ready data from timesheets, absence logs, and digital rotas. It reduces errors and saves hours on payroll processing. HR Duo also offers complete payroll through automated reports from time and attendance.
BrightHR offers payroll reports but relies on third-party platforms and integrations to complete the process.
