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BreatheHR vs Factorial 2026: Best UK SME HR Software?
A clear comparison for teams from 25 to 300 employees. See where each tool fits — and get a tailored recommendation for your setup.
Why this comparison matters for growing SMEs
For under 20 employees, BreatheHR covers the basics. Once you hit 25–30, manual approvals and limited reporting start to slow things down. Factorial, with Faqtic's setup and support, brings automation, analytics, and scalability — without extra complexity.
Key differences that impact daily HR work
| Category | BreatheHR | Factorial with Faqtic |
|---|---|---|
| Time Off Rules | Basic policies and approvals | Custom policies, carryover, TOIL, multi-level approvals |
| Time Tracking | Not native | Built-in with geolocation, kiosk, mobile, and projects |
| Scheduling | Limited | Shift planning with conflicts, availability, notifications |
| Performance Reviews | Templates | Full cycles, 360 feedback, goals, calibration, 9-box grid |
| Document Workflows | Store files | Docs with e-signature, versioning, group assignment |
| Reporting | Fixed templates | Advanced reports, custom dashboards, scheduled exports |
| Integrations | Limited UK tools | 50+ apps including Slack, Teams, Google, payroll |
| Admin Control | Basic roles | Granular roles, multi-location, multi-entity, SSO |
| Implementation | Self-serve | Done-for-you setup, migration, training, go-live support |
| Ongoing Help | Email only | Local, ongoing partner support after launch |
Data reflects 2025 capabilities. Faqtic provides full setup, migration, and continuous optimization for Factorial users.
Which platform fits your stage
When BreatheHR fits best
- Under 20 employees
- Simple time off and absence tracking
- Limited growth plans
When Factorial excels
- 25–300 employees
- Multi-location or hybrid teams
- Want automation, reporting, and scalability
Why teams choose Faqtic for Factorial
We help you go from "tool" to "outcome." You get clarity before commitment and real help after go-live.
Fit check in 15 minutes
So you avoid wrong buys
Done-for-you setup
Migration and configuration included
Full training
For HR, managers, and employees
Real support
That continues after launch
Recent results from teams like yours
A 45-person firm in Dublin
- Automated time off approvals
- HR inbox traffic down 38% in 6 weeks
- No add-on tools required
A 90-person company in Manchester
- Implemented time tracking and reviews
- Leadership reports built in minutes
- New hires onboarded in one system
Ask us to show your version of these results.
What changes when Factorial is set up right
Most SME leaders spend hours each week fixing HR issues and answering basic requests. With Factorial configured by Faqtic, employees self-serve, managers approve instantly, HR gains visibility, and leadership gets clean data. The result — fewer emails, faster approvals, and more time for real work.
Get your Factorial vs BreatheHR recommendation
A 20-minute call with a certified partner. You'll leave with a clear path, a timeline, and next steps for your team size.
Still comparing options?
We'll explain the trade-offs and show which fits your company best — in plain English.
Questions we get asked a lot
Ready to make HR simple and reliable?
Join SMEs across the UK & Ireland running HR on Factorial with Faqtic's help.
Want to check fit first?
Take the Factorial Fit Test