Your payroll software shapes how smoothly your business runs, affecting everything from employee satisfaction to tax compliance. A good system needs an intuitive interface that minimises training time – your team shouldn’t need an engineering degree to process payroll. Look for software that handles PAYE and National Insurance calculations automatically, keeping you compliant with HMRC regulations. Your payroll system should integrate seamlessly with HR software and accounting tools, creating a unified workflow that should save you time and prevent errors. Below are our top 20 UK payroll software providers with pros and cons, as well as a complete list of HMRC approved payroll software providers underneath.
If you’re new to payroll, see our beginner’s guide to small business payroll.
If you’re looking to outsource your payroll, check out our recommendations for managed payroll providers.
1. BrightPay
BrightPay serves small to medium UK businesses with a straightforward interface and solid HMRC compliance features. The platform handles everything from basic payroll to auto-enrollment pension schemes.
Advantages:
- Clean interface with minimal training needed
- Comprehensive HMRC compliance features
- Competitive pricing for small businesses
- Strong pension auto-enrollment support
Limitations:
- Limited international operations capabilities
- Basic reporting features
- Mobile app needs improvement
2. Sage
Sage excels through its deep accounting integration and makes payroll management feel natural for existing Sage users. The platform offers robust reporting capabilities and stays current with UK tax requirements.
Advantages:
- Seamless accounting integration
- Powerful customizable reporting
- Strong UK tax compliance tools
- Grows with your business
Limitations:
- Takes time to learn the system
- Higher costs for small businesses
- Complex interface for basic users
3. QuickBooks Payroll
QuickBooks Payroll brings automation and accounting integration together. The software handles tax calculations and payroll runs smoothly, though you’ll pay extra for some advanced features.
Advantages:
- Strong QuickBooks integration
- Automated tax calculations
- User-friendly dashboard
- Real-time payroll processing
Limitations:
- Premium features cost extra
- Basic standalone payroll features
- Inconsistent customer support
4. Xero Payroll
Xero combines accounting and payroll in one platform, offering real-time insights into your business finances.
Advantages:
- Real-time financial data
- Smooth accounting integration
- Simple employee self-service
- Regular UK tax updates
Limitations:
- Limited payroll features compared to specialists
- Complex pay structures can be difficult to set up
- Basic reporting options
5. FreeAgent
FreeAgent targets freelancers and small businesses with straightforward payroll management alongside VAT and self-assessment tools.
Advantages:
- Perfect for small businesses
- Built-in UK tax compliance
- Clear, simple interface
- Fair pricing structure
Limitations:
- Limited features for larger companies
- Basic customization options
- Simple reporting tools
6. Gusto
Gusto combines payroll and HR features in a modern, user-friendly package.
Advantages:
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Strong benefits management
- Excellent customer support
- Comprehensive HR tools
Limitations:
- Expensive for small teams
- Some UK features lag behind US version
- Additional costs for advanced features
7. ADP Workforce Now
ADP targets medium to large businesses with powerful features and deep customization options.
Advantages:
- Extensive customization capabilities
- Strong compliance management
- Advanced reporting tools
- Handles complex organizations well
Limitations:
- Overwhelming for small businesses
- Steep learning curve
- Premium pricing
8. Paychex Flex
Paychex Flex offers flexible payroll options with strong mobile support for businesses of all sizes.
Advantages:
- Mobile-friendly design
- Flexible payment options
- Good scalability
- Strong compliance tools
Limitations:
- Complex interface
- Variable customer support
- Higher pricing tiers
9. Rippling
Rippling integrates payroll, IT, and finance tools in one platform, with strong support for international teams.
Advantages:
- Unified platform approach
- Strong IT integration
- Global payroll support
- Automated workflows
Limitations:
- More features than small businesses need
- Premium pricing
- Complex setup process
10. OnPay
OnPay keeps things simple with straightforward pricing and solid automation features.
Advantages:
- Clear pricing structure
- Automated tax filing
- Good customer support
- Easy setup process
Limitations:
- Basic features only
- Limited customization
- Simple reporting tools
11. Paycor
Paycor transforms payroll data into actionable insights. Their reporting tools help businesses make smarter decisions about their workforce spending.
Advantages:
- Comprehensive analytics dashboard
- Easy-to-generate custom reports
- Strong compliance monitoring
- Built-in time tracking features
Limitations:
- High cost for small teams
- Complex feature set can overwhelm
- Time-consuming implementation
12. Wave Payroll
Wave Payroll keeps things affordable while delivering reliable payroll processing and clean accounting integration.
Advantages:
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Clear accounting integration
- Straightforward setup
- No hidden fees
Limitations:
- Basic feature set
- Limited customization options
- Minimal HR tools
13. Deel
Deel tackles international payroll challenges head-on, making global team management smoother.
Advantages:
- Multi-country compliance built-in
- Handles international payments efficiently
- Strong contractor management
- Built-in legal compliance
Limitations:
- Higher costs for small teams
- Focused solely on global/remote teams
- Complex pricing structure
14. Remote Payroll
Remote Payroll specializes in managing distributed teams across borders with solid compliance features.
Advantages:
- Strong international compliance
- Local law expertise
- Easy payment distribution
- Good employee self-service
Limitations:
- Expensive for small operations
- Limited domestic-only features
- Complex setup process
15. Paylocity
Paylocity combines modern payroll features with comprehensive human capital management tools.
Advantages:
- Strong performance tracking
- Modern user interface
- Mobile-first approach
- Deep HR integration
Limitations:
- Requires significant setup time
- Higher pricing tiers
- Can feel overwhelming
16. Papaya Global
Papaya Global excels at handling multi-currency payroll across different countries.
Advantages:
- Excellent currency management
- Strong compliance tools
- Real-time payment tracking
- Built-in tax calculations
Limitations:
- Premium pricing model
- Complex implementation
- Overkill for domestic-only businesses
17. Ceridian Dayforce
Ceridian Dayforce connects workforce management with payroll processing for larger organizations.
Advantages:
- Deep workforce analytics
- Strong scheduling tools
- Real-time calculations
- Comprehensive reporting
Limitations:
- Significant implementation time
- High costs
- Complex system architecture
18. Zoho Payroll
Zoho Payroll delivers straightforward payroll management with solid Zoho product integration.
Advantages:
- Affordable pricing tiers
- Clean Zoho integration
- User-friendly interface
- Automated calculations
Limitations:
- Basic feature set
- Limited third-party integrations
- Simple reporting tools
19. SurePayroll
SurePayroll focuses on flexible payroll options backed by reliable customer support.
Advantages:
- Multiple payment schedules
- Strong mobile access
- Good customer service
- Easy tax filing
Limitations:
- Basic HR features
- Limited customization
- Simple reporting options
20. BambooHR
BambooHR emphasizes employee experience while handling core payroll functions through integrations.
Advantages:
- Strong employee focus
- Good performance tracking
- Clean user interface
- Solid HR tools
Limitations:
- Relies on third-party payroll
- Higher costs
- Limited payroll features
Don’t forget to take advantage of free trials to test the features that matter most to your operation. Never assume that the cheapest option is the most cost-effective in the long run – factor in the time your team will spend learning and using the system.
HMRC recognised free payroll software
Yes, there are a number of free options (including HMRC’s free payroll tool) for use up to 10 employees.
| Payroll technology supplier | Product name(s) |
|---|---|
| 1st Money | 1st FREE Payroll & HR |
| Accentra Technologies | Primo Payroll with Auto Enrolment (up to 10 employees) |
| Collegia Partners Limited | Free Payroll |
| EnrolPay | Small Payroll |
| Hartigan Software Design | RTI Lite |
| HMRC | Basic PAYE Tools |
| IRIS Group Ltd | 12Pay Express |
| IRIS Software | IRIS Payroll Basics |
| Shape Payroll | Shape Payroll (up to 3 employees) |
| Stansoft | Stansoft Linux |
HMRC recognised paid payroll software
The following are all the paid options for UK payroll that are officially recognised by HMRC.
| Payroll technology supplier | Product name(s) |
|---|---|
| + Taxes Anna Money | Taxes & Payroll by Anna Money |
| 12efile | RTI E-FILING Specialist, RTI E-FILING Professional, Professional P11D |
| 1 2 Cloud Payroll | Easy Cloud Payroll, Easy Cloud Bureau Payroll, Easy Cloud Payroll P11D, Easy Cloud Bureau Payroll P11D |
| A Simple Payroll | A Simple Payroll |
| Able Internet Payroll Ltd | Payroll Bureau, Payroll Elite, Payroll Employees, Payroll IBM DB, Payroll Multi-Site, Payroll star DB |
| Accentra Technologies | Primo Payroll (Cloud), Solus Online Payroll |
| Acting Office | Acting Office ― Payroll |
| Accu-Man | Accu-Man Payroll, Accu-Man Daily Harvest Casuals |
| ADP Limited | ADP freedom, ADP iHCM, ADP iHCM2 |
| Advanced | OpenPeople, Advanced Payroll |
| Advo Group | Advo Payroll (Lenny) |
| Ajaccts Software | Ajaccts |
| Alcumus | SafeHR |
| Algorithms Software | Xpedeon |
| Andica Limited | Andica Payroll, Andica P11D |
| BDO LLP | P11D Enterprise |
| Beauchamp Computer Services | Tripay |
| Bokio Group AB | Bokio |
| Brain Payroll UK Ltd | Brain Payroll |
| BrightPay | BrightPay |
| Buddy | Buddy |
| Capita Pension Solutions | Pensions Software, PensionsOffice |
| Capium Limited | Capium P11D, Capium Payroll |
| Cascade Human Resources | Iris Cascade Payroll, Iris Cascade Payroll web |
| Catalyst Computer Systems Ltd | Platinum Software |
| Central Computer Management | LivePay |
| Ceridian Europe | Dayforce |
| Cezanne HR | Cezanne HR |
| CGI HR Solutions | ePayfact |
| Cintra HR and Payroll Services | Cintra IQ |
| CIPHR | CIPHR Payroll |
| Civica | Civica Payroll |
| Cloud Software Group Ltd | HealthBoxHR |
| Codatech | Codapay |
| Commander Software Limited | Apollo Payroll |
| Commercial Software Limited | CS P11D |
| Computastore Ltd | Superpay 4 |
| Controlaccount Ltd | HARP |
| Corporate Payroll Solutions Ltd | Legislator PayManager |
| CPS HR & Payroll Solutions | Legislator HR |
| Criterion Inc | Criterion HCM |
| CropWare Ltd | Crop-Payer |
| CRS Technologies | CRS HR and Payroll |
| Datafile Software Solutions LTD | Datafile Software |
| DC Software | P11D Submission Pro |
| Debitam — Online Account Filing | Debitam — Payroll |
| Deel | Payspace |
| eFile Ready Ltd | RTI E-FILING Specialist |
| Employment Hero | Employment Hero Payroll |
| EnrolPay | EnrolPay Payroll, EnrolPay AutoEnrolment |
| Eque2 Ltd | MiraclePay for Dynamics NAV |
| EQ Retirement Solutions | Compendia |
| Equisoft Limited | Equisoft Pay |
| Fourth Ltd | Fourth HR and Payroll |
| FreeAgent Central Ltd | FreeAgent |
| FreshPay Limited | FreshPay |
| Frontier Software | Chris21, ichris |
| Greentree Software Ltd | Greentree |
| Hardhatadmin Ltd | hardhatadmin |
| Hartigan Software Design | RTI Lite (up to 9 employees) |
| HRUX | HRUX P11D |
| IAW Resources | Ingenuity |
| Infinet Cloud | Zone payroll For NetSuite |
| Infor | Infinium |
| Integrity Software Solutions Ltd | Evolution M RTI |
| IRIS | Payrite |
| IRIS FMP | Amity, Teamspirit |
| IRIS Group Ltd | 12Pay Premium, Bureau |
| IRIS Payroll Professional | IRIS Payroll Professional |
| IRIS Software | EARNIE, Farmplan EARNIE, Payroll Business, Bureau Payroll, GP Payroll, Exchequer Payroll, Earnie IQ, Keytime Payroll, PAYE-Master, PTP Tax Expense, IRIS P11D, IRIS Payroll Basics |
| IRIS Software | KashFlow Payroll |
| ITM Ltd | oPen2 Payroll, P3, Propay |
| Juniper Education | Jane HR |
| JustAccounts Ltd | JA |
| Kick ICT Group | Kick Payroll for Dynamics |
| KPMG | P11D Solutions 2020 |
| Liberty Accounts | Liberty Accounts |
| Mercans | HR Blizz |
| Merit Software | Merit Payroll |
| m-hance | Infrastructure 365 |
| MHR | iTrent, People First |
| Mintra AS | OCS Human Resource |
| Moneysoft Ltd | Payroll Manager |
| Moonworkers | Moonworkers |
| MoorepayHR | Moorepay Payroll |
| My Digital Accounts | My Digital Accounts |
| My PAYE Ltd | MyPAYE Online Payroll |
| mywage Ltd | mywage |
| Neeyamo Enterprise Solutions Private Ltd | Neeyamo Payroll |
| NexSys Solutions | Equator |
| Nexus | Nxsys Tech |
| Nomisma Solutions Ltd | Nomi |
| Octopaye | Octopaye Payroll |
| Omniphi Systems Limited | Omni PAYE Online |
| Onfolk | Onfolk HR and Payroll |
| Oracle Corporation UK Ltd | Oracle Cloud Fusion HCM |
| Orovia Group Limited | EduPay |
| Oxford Software | Tempaid 5 |
| PAIYROLL | paiyroll |
| Payback Payroll Software | Payback Payroll, Payback GP Payroll |
| PayCaptain | PayCaptain |
| Paycircle Ltd | Paycircle |
| Payescape Limited | Payescape |
| PayFit Ltd | PayFit UK |
| Payroo | Payroo Star, Payroo Bureau, Payroo P11D Professional |
| Pegasus Software | Pegasus Opera 3, Pegasus Opera 3 SQL, Pegasus Opera 3 SQL SE |
| Pento | Pento |
| Personal Audit Systems Ltd | P11D Organiser |
| PrimePRO Software Limited | PrimePAY |
| Promenics Ltd | Promenics HR and Payroll System |
| PurePro Solutions Ltd | PurePro |
| Qtac | Qtac Payroll, Qtac Payroll Plus |
| QuickBooks (Intuit) | QuickBooks Payroll |
| RedSky | Summit |
| Rippling | Payroll |
| RSM UK Ltd | Pay Manager |
| SAA Consultants | REIMS ARTIS, REIMS BARTIC, REIMS RTI Service |
| Sage (UK) Ltd | Sage 50 Payroll |
| Sage (UK) Ltd | Sage 50 P11D, Sage 50 P11D Professional |
| Sage (UK) Ltd | Sage Business Cloud Payroll |
| SAP UK Ltd | SAP Payroll |
| Sargent-Disc Ltd | Sargent-Disc Payroll |
| SD Worx | SD Worx EIEx |
| SD Worx, formerly Intelligo | Megapay |
| Shape Payroll | Shape Payroll |
| Sirius App | SiriusPayroll365 |
| Skynet Applied Systems | SkyPay |
| Software for People | SfP World Service |
| Sopra HR Software | HR Access |
| Staffology Payroll | Staffology Payroll |
| Stansoft | Stansoft Linux |
| Sum-It Computer Systems | Total |
| Sumtotal Systems UK Ltd | Sumtotal E-Filing |
| TalentPay | TalentPay |
| Taxshield | P11D Manager |
| Technology One | Technology One Human Resource and Payroll |
| Teqhou | MiraclePay for AX2009, Mi-Pay for D365 |
| The Access Group | FastTrack360 |
| The Access Group UK | Access Payroll, Access Pay and Bill, SelectPay, People XD |
| The Payroll Site | The Payroll Site |
| TRG Advantage | Payroll, AutoEnrolment |
| Unit4 | ERP and ERPx |
| WCBS | passFinance Payroll |
| Wealden HR & Payroll Solutions | HR Works Payroll |
| Workday UK Ltd | Workday Payroll for UK |
| XCD | XCD HR and Payroll |
| Xero Inc | Xero Payroll, Xero Me mobile app |
| Zeel Solutions | ZeelPayroll |
| Zellis | Zellis HCM Cloud |
| ZotaBooks Limited | ZotaBooks |
Things to consider when choosing payroll platform or software
Is the payroll software easy to use?
Start by checking how user-friendly the software feels. You want your payroll team to move through the system without getting lost in complex menus or spending ages hunting for basic functions. Think of it like a well-organised kitchen – everything should be right where you expect it.
Can employees change or update their details themselves on the payroll platform?
Employee self-service makes a big difference. Your staff should be able to update their own bank details and access their pay information. This keeps your HR team from getting bogged down with simple requests, letting them focus on more important work.
Can the payroll platform scale with your business?
Think about your company’s future when choosing software. You need a system that can handle your current team and grow alongside your business. A system that works perfectly for 50 employees might struggle with 500, so plan ahead.
How sophisticated is the payroll software? What manual tasks can it automate?
Automation is where payroll software really shines. The more tasks it can handle without human input, the better. Look for software that can automatically calculate wages, apply tax changes, and handle regular payments. Even better if it connects with your time tracking system – this creates a smooth flow from hours worked to payslips issued.
What security standards does the payroll platform have? (e.g. ISO 27001 or SOC2)
Security needs special attention. Your payroll data includes sensitive personal and financial information, so make sure any software you consider takes security seriously. Ask about encryption, access controls, and how they protect data during transfers. Ask about information security standards like ISO 207001 and/or SOC2.
Cloud hosted vs self hosted payroll software
Consider whether cloud-based or self-hosted software suits your needs. This often depends on your IT setup and expertise. Cloud systems offer easier access and automatic updates, while self-hosted solutions give you more control over your data.
What are the payroll reporting features?
The software should make it easy to analyse your payroll data and create reports. You want clear dashboards and simple ways to extract information for both government requirements and internal planning. Good reporting helps you spot trends and make better decisions about your workforce costs.
How customisable is the platform?
Look for customisation options. Every business handles payroll slightly differently, so you need software that adapts to your specific needs rather than forcing you to change your processes to fit the software.
What is the level of customer support?
Finally, check out the customer support. Problems with payroll can cause serious headaches for everyone involved, so you want responsive support that can help solve issues quickly. Ask about support hours, response times, and how they handle urgent problems.
What can payment software do for my business?
Great payroll software should handle these key tasks for you:
- Calculate and process everyone’s pay automatically, handling different pay rates and schedules for your whole team
- Keep up with tax regulations and automatically apply the latest rates and rules for things like income tax and benefits
- Connect with HMRC to report your payroll data and stay compliant with filing requirements
- Give employees secure access to view their pay history and download their own payslips
- Track and manage employee benefits, including pension contributions and health insurance deductions
- Process expense reimbursements and handle special payments like bonuses or commissions
- Create detailed reports showing your labour costs, tax payments, and other payroll metrics
- Integrate with your accounting software to keep your books accurate and up-to-date
- Store all your payroll records securely and maintain an audit trail of changes
- Manage time off and leave balances, including vacation time and sick days
- Handle multiple pay frequencies if you have both weekly and monthly paid staff
- Calculate overtime pay and shift differentials automatically based on your rules
- Keep track of salary history and pay changes over time for each employee
- Support direct deposit payments and generate payment files for your bank