After testing 2,000+ software products, we’ve developed a strong sense of what great looks like - across different categories, company sizes, and use cases.
Too often, the best products get buried under mediocre alternatives with bigger marketing budgets. And buyers are left sifting through endless options, trying to figure out what actually works.
So we're doing something about it.
We're launching the Stackfix Awards - to highlight the very best products in each category. And they're 100% independent - vendors cannot pay to feature or game the system.
We’re kicking things off with a category we know inside-out.
🏆 Best Core HR Platform for UK Payroll (2025) - Zelt
These awards aren’t sponsored. Stackfix is 100% independent - vendors cannot pay to feature or game the system. We combine AI with human expertise to research and grade the best tools. Learn more about our testing methodology.
Why Zelt?#
Zelt combines HR and payroll in one clean, modern platform - built specifically for UK businesses. It makes managing and paying your team simple and stress-free.
Here’s what made it top our rankings:
1. An excellent core HR platform#
First and foremost, Zelt is one of the best Core HR platforms for UK companies. It handles the essentials - like storing employee info and tracking time off - but it also goes further. With Zelt you can:
- Manage pensions, healthcare, and other benefits
- Control access to software like Zoom, Slack, and HubSpot
- Run performance reviews
Whilst some competitors offer more workflow automation functionality (e.g. conditional logic) and an integrated ATS, Zelt’s breadth of functionality will be more than enough for most growing businesses - especially those who don’t want the clunkiness and cost of enterprise platforms like Workday.
2. Fully automated payroll#
Zelt handles payroll from start to finish.
We love how it cleverly pulls in key data from the HR side (names, salaries, tax codes, expenses, benefits), calculates everything, and even lets you connect your bank account and bulk pay your team in a few clicks.
UK compliance is also built in. Zelt keeps up with the latest HMRC rules so you don’t have to.
And with a direct Xero integration, all your payroll data syncs straight into your accounts - saving hours every month.
3. Strong customer support#
Payroll is one of those areas where support really matters – and Zelt delivers.
In both our own testing and interviews with customers, Zelt’s team typically responded within 2 hours, and resolved issues quickly.
4. Built for people - not just process#
One thing that really stood out in our testing was just how modern Zelt feels - for both employees and admins.
Employees can self-serve: update personal details, request time off, view payslips – all without chasing HR.
Admins can onboard new hires, manage time off, and run key workflows in just a couple of clicks. Most teams get fully up to speed in under two hours.
Finally, unlike many payroll platforms, Zelt is not clunky or outdated. The UI is lightning fast and clean, with an abundance of white space that makes it visually appealing. Small touches - like hover animations and smart default - lend a touch of delight.
What Customers Say#
"Switching to Zelt has supercharged our HR and payroll. What used to be a lengthy manual process is now automated and UK-compliant. Our team loves the transparency, and the product is both easy-to-use and continually improving."
Mark Chalmers, Head of People & Talent at Spotted Zebra
Wrapping Up#
There’s a number of strong companies in this space - from Rippling, to Deel, to HiBob and more - but Zelt is best for UK companies in our view.
It successfully combines two complex needs - HR and payroll - in a single easy-to-use interface. If you’re a growing UK business looking for a combined HR & payroll system, Zelt is the one to beat.