4softhr vs Smartree: self-service HR software vs outsourcing
4softhr and Smartree are both Romanian HR players, but with different models. 4softhr (part of the 4b2b ecosystem) is self-service HR software: time tracking, leave, native Revisal/REGES-ONLINE contracts, built-in AI recruiting and flat pricing with no per-employee fee — you keep control in-house. Smartree is known above all for HR outsourcing (payroll, personnel administration) combined with its own platform, suited to firms that want to fully delegate these processes.
Updated June 2026
Why 4softhr
- Self-service software: you keep in-house control of HR data and processes, without outsourcing.
- AI recruiting included (candidate screening and ranking) in the subscription.
- Flat pricing in euro with no per-employee fee — predictable, not based on outsourced service volume.
- Native Revisal/REGES-ONLINE contracts and data stored in the EU, GDPR-compliant.
- Fast, self-serve onboarding — go live in days, without a complex service contract.
- Native integration into the 4b2b ecosystem (invoicing, CRM, ERP) with single sign-on.
Where the alternative may fit better
- Smartree offers full payroll and personnel-admin outsourcing — they take over the process, which 4softhr does not (it is software, not a service).
- For firms that want to fully delegate HR and payroll, Smartree's service model is a better fit.
- Smartree has payroll and outsourced personnel-process expertise built over years of serving large clients.
- 4softhr prepares payroll export, not full salary computation, and does not run services operated by an external team.
Short verdict
Choose 4softhr if you want modern self-service HR software with AI recruiting, flat pricing and in-house control of your data. Choose Smartree if you want to fully outsource payroll and personnel administration to a specialised team.
Side-by-side comparison
| Criterion | 4softhr | Smartree |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Self-service HR software (SaaS) | HR outsourcing + own platform |
| In-house control vs delegation | You keep HR processes in-house | You can delegate payroll/personnel administration |
| Payroll | Payroll-ready export; calculation stays external | Payroll run as an outsourced service |
| Recruiting / AI | AI recruiting included in the subscription | Services- and platform-led, AI not the focus |
| RO compliance (Revisal/REGES) | Native, contracts generated in-platform | Covered via services and platform |
| Pricing / segment | Flat pricing in euro, no per-employee fee | Typically priced per service / volume |
| Rollout | Self-serve, go live in days | Service contract + assisted setup |
| Ecosystem & integrations | 4b2b: invoicing, CRM, ERP with single sign-on | Own platform + HR services |
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between 4softhr and Smartree?
4softhr is self-service HR software where you keep in-house control; Smartree is known above all for outsourcing payroll and personnel administration as a service.
Does 4softhr run payroll for me, like Smartree?
No. 4softhr prepares and exports data for payroll, but does not run payroll as an outsourced service — that is Smartree's strength.
Which platform fits better if I want to keep HR in-house?
4softhr: self-service software with modern UX, AI recruiting and flat pricing, without outsourcing your processes.
Are both compliant with Romanian labour law?
Yes. 4softhr covers Revisal/REGES-ONLINE contracts natively; Smartree ensures compliance through its own services and platform.
When is Smartree the better choice?
When you want to fully delegate payroll and personnel administration to a specialised external team, Smartree's outsourcing model is a better fit.