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Xero Payroll vs Free Payroll: UK Reviews & Prices Compared


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

Which payroll software is better Xero Payroll or Free Payroll?

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

Xero Payroll homepageFree Payroll homepage

Xero Payroll vs Free Payroll Basics


Xero Payroll
Free Payroll
Software WebsiteXero Payroll WebsiteFree Payroll Website
Company NameXero IncCollegia Partners Limited
Target Company Size (Small, Medium and/or Enterprise)Small – MediumMedium
Industry FocusNoneNone

Xero Payroll vs Free Payroll Reviews

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

Xero PayrollFree Payroll
Listed On HMRC WebsiteYesYes
Trustpilot Rating4.2No Rating
Number of Trustpilot Reviews5831No Reviews
iPhone App Rating4.64.9
Number of iPhone Reviews180013
Android App Rating4.54.5
Number of Android Reviews78807
Please note ratings we’re accurate at the time of writing but may have since changed

Xero Payroll vs Free Payroll Prices

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

Xero Payroll pricingFree Payroll pricing

Free Plans & Trials

Xero PayrollFree Payroll
Listed As Having Free Plan By HMRC?NoYes
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 PayrollFree Payroll
Cheapest Plan Cost Per Month£7.50Free
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 Free Payroll Features

Xero Payroll featuresFree 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

Free Payroll Basic Features

  • Run Payroll
  • Submit FPS
  • Submit EPS
  • Download P6/P9 & Student Loan notifications
  • Close Period
  • Track and complete all Auto Enrolment tasks

Free Payroll Software Integrations

  • Collegia

Common Feature Comparison

Xero PayrollFree Payroll
Unlimited PayrollsNoNo
Automated Tax Filing and PaymentsYesNo
Live Customer SupportYesNo
Ability To Manage Employee BenefitsYesYes
Employee Access To PlatformYesYes
Direct DepositYesYes
Expense ReimbursementYesYes
Time Off TrackingYesYes
Handle Deductions From PayYesNo
Debt Repayment From PayNoNo
Employee Background ChecksNoNo
Has An APIYesNo
Create PayslipNoNo
Create P45NoNo
Create P60NoNo
Pay For Salaried EmployeesYesYes
Pay For Hourly EmployeesYesYes
Bonus / Incentive PayNoNo
Pension FilingYesYes
Statutory Payments (E.g. Sick Pay, Maternity Pay, etc.)NoNo
Direct HMRC SubmissionsYesYes
RTI CompliantNoYes

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