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QuickBooks Payroll vs Xero Payroll: UK Reviews & Prices Compared


Last Updated: 20 March 2025
Reviewed By: Ian Wright (Managing Director)

Which payroll software is better QuickBooks Payroll or Xero Payroll?

We compare them based on real user reviews, prices and what features they both offer.

QuickBooks Payroll homepageXero Payroll homepage

QuickBooks Payroll vs Xero Payroll Basics


QuickBooks Payroll
Xero Payroll
Software WebsiteQuickBooks Payroll WebsiteXero Payroll Website
Company NameQuickBooks (Intuit)Xero Inc
Target Company Size (Small, Medium and/or Enterprise)Small – MediumSmall – Medium
Industry FocusNoneNone

QuickBooks Payroll vs Xero Payroll Reviews

Wondering if QuickBooks Payroll or Xero Payroll has better user reviews. We compared them below.

QuickBooks PayrollXero Payroll
Listed On HMRC WebsiteYesYes
Trustpilot Rating4.64.2
Number of Trustpilot Reviews130395831
iPhone App Rating4.44.6
Number of iPhone Reviews8141800
Android App Rating3.74.5
Number of Android Reviews304007880
Please note ratings we’re accurate at the time of writing but may have since changed

QuickBooks Payroll vs Xero Payroll Prices

Which is cheaper QuickBooks Payroll or Xero Payroll? Here are their prices compared.

QuickBooks Payroll pricingXero Payroll pricing

Free Plans & Trials

QuickBooks PayrollXero Payroll
Listed As Having Free Plan By HMRC?NoNo
Free Plan?NoNo
Free Trial?YesYes
Free Trial Length?1 month30 days
Data taken from each company’s website at the time of writing but may have since changed.

Paid Plan Prices

QuickBooks PayrollXero Payroll
Cheapest Plan Cost Per Month£16.00£7.50
Mid-Tier Plan Cost Per MonthNA£15.00
Top Plan Cost Per MonthNot Listed£27.50
Data taken from each company’s website at the time of writing but may have since changed.

QuickBooks Payroll vs Xero Payroll Features

QuickBooks Payroll featuresXero Payroll features

QuickBooks Payroll Basic Features

  • Perfect for director-only businesses and small employers who need speed and simplicity.
  • HMRC-recognised
  • Pay employees weekly and/or monthly
  • Generate payslips
  • Calculate statutory maternity, paternity and sick pay

QuickBooks Payroll Software Integrations

  • Zettle
  • Fluidly
  • Dext
  • Revolut
  • Paypal

Xero Payroll Basic Features

  • Send invoices and quotes
  • Enter bills
  • Reconcile bank transactions
  • Submit VAT returns to HMRC
  • Capture bills and receipts with Hubdoc
  • Automatic CIS calculations and reports
  • Short-term cash flow and business snapshot
  • Payroll
  • Claim expenses
  • Track projects
  • Analytics Plus
  • Submit CIS returns

Xero Payroll Software Integrations

  • BlueHub
  • LimeCloud
  • Outserve

Common Feature Comparison

QuickBooks PayrollXero Payroll
Unlimited PayrollsNoNo
Automated Tax Filing and PaymentsYesYes
Live Customer SupportYesYes
Ability To Manage Employee BenefitsYesYes
Employee Access To PlatformYesYes
Direct DepositYesYes
Expense ReimbursementYesYes
Time Off TrackingYesYes
Handle Deductions From PayYesYes
Debt Repayment From PayYesNo
Employee Background ChecksNoNo
Has An APIYesYes
Create PayslipYesNo
Create P45NoNo
Create P60YesNo
Pay For Salaried EmployeesYesYes
Pay For Hourly EmployeesYesYes
Bonus / Incentive PayNoNo
Pension FilingYesYes
Statutory Payments (E.g. Sick Pay, Maternity Pay, etc.)YesNo
Direct HMRC SubmissionsYesYes
RTI CompliantYesNo

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