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Review 2026

Breathe

★★★★4/5
hr payrollhr payroll

Reviewed by the Ikaroa team | Last updated: March 2026

Founded

2012

Headquarters

Bristol, United Kingdom

Our Rating

4/5

Overview

Breathe is a UK HR software platform designed for SMEs with up to 250 employees. It simplifies core HR tasks including holiday management, sickness tracking, document storage, and reporting. Known for its simplicity and focus on making people management less time-consuming for small business owners.

We have been working with Breathe across multiple client projects since 2014, and this review reflects our hands-on experience implementing it for businesses of all sizes.

Key Features

Holiday Management
Sickness Tracking
Employee Database
Document Storage
Reporting
Onboarding
Expense Management
Rota Planning
Performance Management
Payroll Integration

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • +Designed specifically for UK SMEs
  • +Very simple and quick to set up
  • +Affordable pricing
  • +Good holiday and absence management
  • +UK-based support team

Cons

  • -Limited features beyond core HR
  • -No recruitment tools
  • -Reporting is basic
  • -Mobile app is limited
  • -Not suitable for companies over 250 employees

Who Is Breathe Best For?

UK SMEs wanting simple, affordable HR software for holiday and absence management

Alternatives to Breathe

View all Breathe alternatives →

Our Verdict

Breathe earns a strong 4/5 in our review. It offers designed specifically for uk smes. While limited features beyond core hr, it remains a solid choice for uk smes wanting simple, affordable hr software for holiday and absence managemen...

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Breathe FAQ

Is Breathe worth it in 2026?

Breathe rates 4/5 in our review. It is best suited for UK SMEs wanting simple, affordable HR software for holiday and absence management. Whether it is worth it depends on your specific needs and budget.

How much does Breathe cost?

Breathe offers several plans to suit different business sizes. Visit the Breathe website for the latest pricing, as plans and rates can change.

What are the best alternatives to Breathe?

Top alternatives to Breathe include BambooHR, Gusto, Deel. Visit our alternatives page for a detailed comparison.

Does Breathe offer a free plan or trial?

Check the Breathe website for the latest information on free plans and trial offers. Many platforms update their plan options regularly.

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