HR software · ranked #13 of 15
Sage HR: review, pricing and alternatives
Thirteenth as a simple, modular HR tool for small UK and Irish firms using Sage accounting or payroll, outgrown by most companies past 250 staff.
Sage HR at a glance
- Rank
- #13 of 15 in HR software
- Best for
- UK SMBs using Sage
- Pricing
- Per employee / month
- Free option
- Free trial
- Headquarters
- Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Key features
- Employee records, Leave management, Timesheets, Performance reviews, Shift scheduling
- Last checked
- 2026-11-11
Where Sage HR wins
- Sage HR, the product Sage acquired as CakeHR, is a sensible starting point for a 70-person UK or Irish company that already pays for Sage accounting or payroll and wants leave management, employee records and timesheets without a large project.
- Pricing is set out per module in Sage's own calculator, admins can switch modules on as needed, and the leave calendar is clear for managers.
- There is a 30-day trial.
- It ranks thirteenth because it covers the basics honestly but stops short of the onboarding depth, reporting and workflow control that mid-sized companies quickly need.
Where it falls short
- Onboarding, reporting and workflow automation are basic, and the product has seen slower development than the European competitors above it.
- Integration with Sage payroll is the main draw; links to other payroll systems are limited.
- It is not designed for multi-country organizations, and companies past 250 employees tend to outgrow it within a couple of years.
- Companies above 250 staff or with offices outside the UK and Ireland should look at Personio, HiBob or Employment Hero.
Our verdict on Sage HR
Sage HR, the product Sage acquired as CakeHR, is a sensible starting point for a 70-person UK or Irish company that already pays for Sage accounting or payroll and wants leave management, employee records and timesheets without a large project. Pricing is set out per module in Sage's own calculator, admins can switch modules on as needed, and the leave calendar is clear for managers. There is a 30-day trial.
It ranks thirteenth because it covers the basics honestly but stops short of the onboarding depth, reporting and workflow control that mid-sized companies quickly need.
Where Sage HR falls short
Onboarding, reporting and workflow automation are basic, and the product has seen slower development than the European competitors above it. Integration with Sage payroll is the main draw; links to other payroll systems are limited. It is not designed for multi-country organizations, and companies past 250 employees tend to outgrow it within a couple of years.
Who should look elsewhere
Companies above 250 staff or with offices outside the UK and Ireland should look at Personio, HiBob or Employment Hero. US buyers will find BambooHR a closer match.
Sage HR pricing
Per employee per month by module: Core HR plus Leave Management at £4.60 in the UK calculator, with timesheets, performance and shift scheduling as paid add-ons and recruitment at a flat monthly fee.
Pricing as published by the vendor on the date above; check the vendor's pricing page before you buy.
Sage HR fact sheet
| Rank | #13 of 15 in HR software |
|---|---|
| Category | HR software |
| Best for | UK SMBs using Sage |
| Pricing model | Per employee / month |
| Free option | Free trial |
| Headquarters | Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom |
| Company | The Sage Group plc |
| Address | Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom |
| Vendor size | Independent or mid-sized vendor |
| Website | www.sage.com/en-gb/sage-business-cloud/hr |
| Last checked | 2026-11-11 |
Key features
- Employee records
- Leave management
- Timesheets
- Performance reviews
- Shift scheduling
- Expenses
- Recruitment
Alternatives to Sage HR
Zoho PeopleLow-cost HR management inside the Zoho suite. Per user / month.
SAP SuccessFactorsEnterprise core HR and talent suite from SAP. Per user / month.
Deel HRHR module for globally distributed workforces. Per employee / month.Also ranked in
- #13 of 15 in HR software
Sources checked
- UK HR pricing simulator: Core HR + Leave Management £4.60/employee/month; Timesheets, Performance, Shift Scheduling £2.30; Expenses £1.15; Recruitment £170/month Source
- 30-day free trial of Sage HR Source
Sage HR: common questions
What is Sage HR?
Sage HR is modular HR and leave management for small firms. Thirteenth as a simple, modular HR tool for small UK and Irish firms using Sage accounting or payroll, outgrown by most companies past 250 staff.
How much does Sage HR cost?
Per employee per month by module: Core HR plus Leave Management at £4.60 in the UK calculator, with timesheets, performance and shift scheduling as paid add-ons and recruitment at a flat monthly fee.
Does Sage HR have a free plan?
Free trial. Per employee per month by module: Core HR plus Leave Management at £4.60 in the UK calculator, with timesheets, performance and shift scheduling as paid add-ons and recruitment at a flat monthly fee.
What is Sage HR best for?
Sage HR is best for uK SMBs using Sage. Thirteenth as a simple, modular HR tool for small UK and Irish firms using Sage accounting or payroll, outgrown by most companies past 250 staff.
Where is Sage HR based?
Sage HR is published by The Sage Group plc, headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Who should not use Sage HR?
Companies above 250 staff or with offices outside the UK and Ireland should look at Personio, HiBob or Employment Hero. US buyers will find BambooHR a closer match.
What are the best alternatives to Sage HR?
In our HR software ranking the closest alternatives are Zoho People, SAP SuccessFactors, Deel HR. See the full ranking for the other options.