BusinessFinancing.co.uk

Xero Payroll vs Brain Payroll: UK Reviews & Prices Compared


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

Which payroll software is better Xero Payroll or Brain Payroll?

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

Xero Payroll homepageBrain Payroll homepage

Xero Payroll vs Brain Payroll Basics


Xero Payroll
Brain Payroll
Software WebsiteXero Payroll WebsiteBrain Payroll Website
Company NameXero IncBrain Payroll UK Ltd
Target Company Size (Small, Medium and/or Enterprise)Small – MediumMedium
Industry FocusNoneNone

Xero Payroll vs Brain Payroll Reviews

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

Xero PayrollBrain Payroll
Listed On HMRC WebsiteYesYes
Trustpilot Rating4.2No Rating
Number of Trustpilot Reviews5831No Reviews
iPhone App Rating4.6No iPhone App
Number of iPhone Reviews1800No Reviews
Android App Rating4.5No Android App
Number of Android Reviews7880No Reviews
Please note ratings we’re accurate at the time of writing but may have since changed

Xero Payroll vs Brain Payroll Prices

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

Xero Payroll pricingBrain Payroll pricing

Free Plans & Trials

Xero PayrollBrain Payroll
Listed As Having Free Plan By HMRC?NoNo
Free Plan?NoNo
Free Trial?YesNo
Free Trial Length?30 daysNot Applicable
Data taken from each company’s website at the time of writing but may have since changed.

Paid Plan Prices

Xero PayrollBrain Payroll
Cheapest Plan Cost Per Month£7.50Pricing Not On Website
Mid-Tier Plan Cost Per Month£15.00NA
Top Plan Cost Per Month£27.50NA
Data taken from each company’s website at the time of writing but may have since changed.

Xero Payroll vs Brain Payroll Features

Xero Payroll featuresBrain Payroll features

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

Brain Payroll Basic Features

  • Bulk Payroll Processing Engine
  • Statutory AutomationStatutory Automation
  • White Labelled EmployeeWhite Labelled portal
  • Interactive Payroll DashboardInteractive Dashboard
  • Payroll GroupingPayroll Grouping
  • Cloud InfrastructureCloud Infrastructure
  • Auto EnrolmentAuto Enrolment
  • Real-time Reporting to HMRCReal-time Reporting to HMRC
  • Flexible ReportingFlexible Reporting
  • Smart Alert FeatureSmart Alert Feature
  • Access PermissionAccess Permission
  • Attachment Earnings OrderAttachment Earnings Order
  • Holiday Pay CalculationsHoliday Pay Calculations
  • HR ManagementHR Management
  • GDPR ComplianceGDPR Compliance

Brain Payroll Software Integrations

  • Smart
  • NEST
  • Now
  • People’s pension

Common Feature Comparison

Xero PayrollBrain Payroll
Unlimited PayrollsNoYes
Automated Tax Filing and PaymentsYesYes
Live Customer SupportYesNo
Ability To Manage Employee BenefitsYesNo
Employee Access To PlatformYesYes
Direct DepositYesNo
Expense ReimbursementYesNo
Time Off TrackingYesYes
Handle Deductions From PayYesYes
Debt Repayment From PayNoYes
Employee Background ChecksNoNo
Has An APIYesNo
Create PayslipNoYes
Create P45NoYes
Create P60NoYes
Pay For Salaried EmployeesYesYes
Pay For Hourly EmployeesYesYes
Bonus / Incentive PayNoNo
Pension FilingYesYes
Statutory Payments (E.g. Sick Pay, Maternity Pay, etc.)NoYes
Direct HMRC SubmissionsYesYes
RTI CompliantNoYes

More Comparisons

Xero Payroll vs Capium Payroll
Xero Payroll vs LivePay
Xero Payroll vs Cintra Pay
Xero Payroll vs CIPHR Payroll
Xero Payroll vs Civica Payroll

Disclaimer: Businessfinancing.co.uk is a business finance and lending research and information website publisher. We are not a lender, bank, broker and/or other financial institution and as such we are not authorised or regulated by the FCA to offer financial advice. We can't recommend any of the products and/or services featured on the site. Companies are ranked in no particular order and higher ranking does not imply one company is better than another. We work with FCA authorised and regulated firms who may pay us a commission for referring you to them but this has no impact on our content and helps keep this website free to use.



11 Best Small Business Accounting Software From UK Reviews

40 Best Free Payroll Software Options In The UK (2025)

11 Best Small Business Payroll Software From Real UK Reviews

What Is Accounting? Basics Of UK Accounting Explained

What Does An Accountant Do? Your Guide To UK Accountants

What Is Bookkeeping & Why Is It Important? UK Guide

How To Find A Good Accountant In The UK? 7 Things To Look For

Best Business Bank Accounts · Free Business Bank Accounts · Business Savings Accounts · Business Credit Cards
Blog · About Us · Contact US · Privacy Policy · Terms of Use
Copyright © 2025 BusinessFinancing.co.uk

Registered Office Address:
3rd Floor Great Titchfield House, 14-18 Great Titchfield Street, London, United Kingdom, W1W 8BD
Company number 10490224