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Xero Payroll vs BrightPay: UK Reviews & Prices Compared


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

Which payroll software is better Xero Payroll or BrightPay?

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

Xero Payroll homepageBrightPay homepage

Xero Payroll vs BrightPay Basics


Xero Payroll
BrightPay
Software WebsiteXero Payroll WebsiteBrightPay Website
Company NameXero IncBrightPay
Target Company Size (Small, Medium and/or Enterprise)Small – MediumMedium
Industry FocusNoneNone

Xero Payroll vs BrightPay Reviews

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

Xero PayrollBrightPay
Listed On HMRC WebsiteYesYes
Trustpilot Rating4.24.6
Number of Trustpilot Reviews5831188
iPhone App Rating4.62.8
Number of iPhone Reviews180049
Android App Rating4.53.3
Number of Android Reviews7880173
Please note ratings we’re accurate at the time of writing but may have since changed

Xero Payroll vs BrightPay Prices

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

Xero Payroll pricingBrightPay pricing

Free Plans & Trials

Xero PayrollBrightPay
Listed As Having Free Plan By HMRC?NoNo
Free Plan?NoNo
Free Trial?YesYes
Free Trial Length?30 days60 days
Data taken from each company’s website at the time of writing but may have since changed.

Paid Plan Prices

Xero PayrollBrightPay
Cheapest Plan Cost Per Month£7.50£79.00
Mid-Tier Plan Cost Per Month£15.00£289.00
Top Plan Cost Per Month£27.50£689.00
Data taken from each company’s website at the time of writing but may have since changed.

Xero Payroll vs BrightPay Features

Xero Payroll featuresBrightPay 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

BrightPay Basic Features

  • One employer
  • Up to 3 employees
  • Full functionality and free support.

BrightPay Software Integrations

  • Exact
  • Kashflow
  • Sage
  • Quickbooks
  • Xero

Common Feature Comparison

Xero PayrollBrightPay
Unlimited PayrollsNoNo
Automated Tax Filing and PaymentsYesNo
Live Customer SupportYesNo
Ability To Manage Employee BenefitsYesYes
Employee Access To PlatformYesNo
Direct DepositYesNo
Expense ReimbursementYesNo
Time Off TrackingYesNo
Handle Deductions From PayYesYes
Debt Repayment From PayNoNo
Employee Background ChecksNoNo
Has An APIYesYes
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

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