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Sage 50 Payroll vs Xero Payroll: UK Reviews & Prices Compared


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

Which payroll software is better Sage 50 Payroll or Xero Payroll?

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

Sage 50 Payroll homepageXero Payroll homepage

Sage 50 Payroll vs Xero Payroll Basics


Sage 50 Payroll
Xero Payroll
Software WebsiteSage 50 Payroll WebsiteXero Payroll Website
Company NameSage (UK) LtdXero Inc
Target Company Size (Small, Medium and/or Enterprise)Small – MediumSmall – Medium
Industry FocusNoneNone

Sage 50 Payroll vs Xero Payroll Reviews

Wondering if Sage 50 Payroll or Xero Payroll has better user reviews. We compared them below.

Sage 50 PayrollXero Payroll
Listed On HMRC WebsiteYesYes
Trustpilot Rating4.44.2
Number of Trustpilot Reviews169065831
iPhone App RatingNo iPhone App4.6
Number of iPhone ReviewsNo Reviews1800
Android App RatingNo Android App4.5
Number of Android ReviewsNo Reviews7880
Please note ratings we’re accurate at the time of writing but may have since changed

Sage 50 Payroll vs Xero Payroll Prices

Which is cheaper Sage 50 Payroll or Xero Payroll? Here are their prices compared.

Sage 50 Payroll pricingXero Payroll pricing

Free Plans & Trials

Sage 50 PayrollXero Payroll
Listed As Having Free Plan By HMRC?NoNo
Free Plan?NoNo
Free Trial?YesYes
Free Trial Length?30 days30 days
Data taken from each company’s website at the time of writing but may have since changed.

Paid Plan Prices

Sage 50 PayrollXero Payroll
Cheapest Plan Cost Per Month£33.00£7.50
Mid-Tier Plan Cost Per Month£86.50£15.00
Top Plan Cost Per Month£127.50£27.50
Data taken from each company’s website at the time of writing but may have since changed.

Sage 50 Payroll vs Xero Payroll Features

Sage 50 Payroll featuresXero Payroll features

Sage 50 Payroll Basic Features

  • Smart, powerful payroll, up-to-date with the latest HMRC legislation
  • Comprehensive reporting for better data visibility and control
  • Integrates seamlessley with Sage 50 Accounts to reduce duplication
  • Automate batch processes to help reduce errors and save time
  • Set up Departments and Cost Centre’s to help analysis & manage costs
  • Includes HR Advice Online, giving you best practice on HR & Employment Law.
  • With 1-2-1 expert onboarding help for new customers.

Sage 50 Payroll Software Integrations

  • NEST
  • NOW
  • People’s Pension

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

Sage 50 PayrollXero Payroll
Unlimited PayrollsNoNo
Automated Tax Filing and PaymentsNoYes
Live Customer SupportNoYes
Ability To Manage Employee BenefitsNoYes
Employee Access To PlatformYesYes
Direct DepositNoYes
Expense ReimbursementNoYes
Time Off TrackingYesYes
Handle Deductions From PayYesYes
Debt Repayment From PayYesNo
Employee Background ChecksNoNo
Has An APINoYes
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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