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Xero Payroll vs PayCaptain: UK Reviews & Prices Compared


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

Which payroll software is better Xero Payroll or PayCaptain?

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

Xero Payroll homepagePayCaptain homepage

Xero Payroll vs PayCaptain Basics


Xero Payroll
PayCaptain
Software WebsiteXero Payroll WebsitePayCaptain Website
Company NameXero IncPayCaptain
Target Company Size (Small, Medium and/or Enterprise)Small – MediumEnterprise
Industry FocusNoneNone

Xero Payroll vs PayCaptain Reviews

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

Xero PayrollPayCaptain
Listed On HMRC WebsiteYesYes
Trustpilot Rating4.24.5
Number of Trustpilot Reviews583114
iPhone App Rating4.64.8
Number of iPhone Reviews180012
Android App Rating4.54.5
Number of Android Reviews78808
Please note ratings we’re accurate at the time of writing but may have since changed

Xero Payroll vs PayCaptain Prices

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

Xero Payroll pricingPayCaptain pricing

Free Plans & Trials

Xero PayrollPayCaptain
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 PayrollPayCaptain
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 PayCaptain Features

Xero Payroll featuresPayCaptain 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

PayCaptain Basic Features

  • Cloud Based Payroll Software
  • Registered with the Financial Conduct Authority
  • Flexible Payments
  • Hi-tech bureau service
  • Analytics & pay gap reporting
  • Sends all payments to employees via Faster Payments (not BACS)
  • Open APIs allow for robust integrations with third-party systems.

PayCaptain Software Integrations

  • Hibob
  • Birdie
  • Deputy
  • Yapster
  • Phase 3
  • Rotaready
  • Silver Cloud
  • PensionSync
  • Includability
  • Collegia

Common Feature Comparison

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

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