HR software is an indispensable tool for any organisation aiming to simplify people management, ensure compliance, and improve operational efficiency. And with so many platforms available, it takes time to compare key players directly to see which system best matches your needs.
This guide offers a side-by-side look at Ciphr and IRIS — two leading UK HR solution providers — breaking down the features, integrations, compliance capabilities, and pricing differences.
Use this comparison to identify which HR vendor offers the right solution for your business, whether you’re prioritising payroll accuracy, user experience, or advanced reporting.
Please note all comparisons below relate to IRIS’s HR platform and Ciphr’s HR software.
Comparing Ciphr HR and IRIS
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Software and services across:
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(*Ciphr-to-Ciphr)
Platform positioning
- Ciphr specialises in fully integrated HR, payroll, employee benefits, and LMS, ideal for UK businesses seeking streamlined compliance and admin reduction in one platform
- IRIS is known for payroll, compliance, and integrations, broad payroll solutions, and HR options suitable for SMEs and large UK organisations
- Both platforms offer employee and manager self-service, digital HR document storage, compliance tools, and custom reporting for operational efficiency
Unique features
- Ciphr: deep HR & payroll integration, advanced absence and benefit management, customisable workflows, API and cloud-based systems, advanced analytics, AI functionality, and a great UI
- IRIS: centralised platform, compliance tracking tools, flexible pricing, third-party integrations, and industry solutions for education and accountancy
Both Ciphr and IRIS deliver robust HR and payroll solutions to the UK market, but their strengths differ in ways that can shape your final decision.
Ciphr stands out for its integrated, all-in-one approach with sophisticated analytics and seamless HR & payroll connectivity, making it a top choice for organisations seeking deep feature sets and local compliance expertise. IRIS, meanwhile, has flexible modules and offers functionality that automates core processes and improves user support.
Ultimately, the right fit depends on your organisation’s size, digital maturity, and the specific HR tasks you need to streamline. Explore a demo or trial to see which feels right for your team. Getting this decision right is sure to set your HR operations up for future success.
Resources to help you choose the right HR solution
The choice is yours. We're here to help you make the right one
Speak to one of Ciphr’s friendly HR and payroll experts today to see if we’re the right fit for you. Or, download one of our comprehensive resources to learn more.
All information has been gathered directly from review sites and the vendor’s website. Any information contained is subject to change without notice, at the vendor’s discretion. Ciphr does not take responsibility for any inaccurate or outdated information contained herein; it is accurate at the time of publication. To request a correction, email marketing@ciphr.com