SmartHR vs freee HR — Japanese HR SaaS Compared
SmartHR for larger teams and formal social-insurance e-filing focus. freee HR for startups already on freee accounting.
Positioning
SmartHR leads Japanese SMB/mid-market HR. Specialized in social insurance e-filing, year-end tax adjustment portal, and My Number management. freee HR is under the freee accounting brand, strong for startups.
Core difference
SmartHR is HR/labor-specific and stable at 10–500 employees. freee HR integrates naturally with freee accounting and fits 1–50 person startups.
Feature coverage
Both cover My Number, social insurance, year-end adjustment, pay slips. SmartHR has richer HR management / talent modules. freee HR is simpler and more modern — solid on the basics.
Pricing
SmartHR scales with headcount — more sensible as you grow. freee HR bundles with accounting for lower initial cost.
Who picks what
- **Startup already on freee accounting**: freee HR - **50+ mid-market**: SmartHR - **Want HR management / talent features**: SmartHR (or SmartHR + Kaonavi) - **Simple accounting + HR integration**: freee HR