Compare the tools
Payroll software should be HMRC-recognised, support Real Time Information, handle the pay frequencies you use and connect to your pension provider. Check employee limits, support and whether payroll is included or charged separately.
01
QuickBooks Payroll
Works well for: QuickBooks users wanting payroll connected to their accounts.
What stands out
- HMRC-recognised RTI submissions
- Calculates PAYE, National Insurance, pensions and statutory payments
- Connects payroll costs to QuickBooks accounts
Check before choosing
- Payroll is an add-on
- Pension integrations and advanced features vary by plan
UK setup: UK payroll includes RTI, payslips, statutory payments and pension support. Check the Core or Advanced plan features for the provider connections you need.
A good fit if: May suit a business that already keeps its books in QuickBooks.
02
Xero Payroll
Works well for: Xero users wanting cloud payroll, RTI and pension workflows in one system.
What stands out
- HMRC-recognised payroll
- RTI, multiple pay frequencies and employee payslips
- Pension and accounting integrations
Check before choosing
- Payroll features and availability vary by plan and region
- May be more system than a director-only business needs
UK setup: Xero promotes RTI, auto-enrolment, statutory payments, pension connections and payroll reporting for the UK.
A good fit if: Consider it if your business already uses Xero and needs payroll alongside its accounting records.
03
Sage Payroll
Works well for: employers wanting a long-established payroll product with a wider Sage ecosystem.
What stands out
- HMRC-recognised payroll options
- Auto-enrolment pension support
- Established UK payroll and reporting workflow
Check before choosing
- Product range can be difficult to compare
- Confirm accounting integration and employee limits for the chosen edition
UK setup: Sage offers UK payroll products with RTI and pension features. Check the exact product before buying.
A good fit if: Consider it if you need detailed UK payroll features and already use Sage.
04
Moneysoft Payroll Manager
Works well for: small and medium employers, accountants and payroll agents wanting dedicated payroll software.
What stands out
- HMRC-recognised RTI filing
- Pension uploads and auto-enrolment support
- Statutory payments, P11D and detailed payroll reporting
Check before choosing
- Dedicated payroll rather than all-in-one accounting
- Desktop and workflow preferences should be checked before setup
UK setup: Moneysoft promotes RTI, pensions, SSP, SMP, P11D and accounting exports for UK employers.
A good fit if: For businesses that need detailed payroll features and keep bookkeeping elsewhere.
05
FreeAgent Payroll
Works well for: FreeAgent customers wanting integrated monthly payroll.
What stands out
- HMRC-recognised RTI payroll
- PAYE and National Insurance calculations
- Payroll, payslips and P60s in the accounting platform
Check before choosing
- Payroll is currently focused on monthly payroll
- Check support for your employee types, pensions and pay schedules
UK setup: FreeAgent promotes UK payroll, RTI, PAYE, National Insurance and integrated accounts.
A good fit if: May work for a small service business using FreeAgent and running simple monthly payroll.
Plans and filing features can change. Check the provider’s current plan details and HMRC guidance before you choose.
UK compliance sources
Choosing a system?
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