Compare the options.

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

Best for: QuickBooks users wanting payroll connected to their accounts.

Pros

  • HMRC-recognised RTI submissions
  • Calculates PAYE, National Insurance, pensions and statutory payments
  • Connects payroll costs to QuickBooks accounts

Cons

  • Payroll is an add-on
  • Pension integrations and advanced features vary by plan

UK features: UK payroll includes RTI, payslips, statutory payments and pension support. Check the Core or Advanced plan features for the provider connections you need.

Recommendation: A strong fit when your bookkeeping already runs in QuickBooks.

Official product information

02

Xero Payroll

Best for: Xero users wanting cloud payroll, RTI and pension workflows in one system.

Pros

  • HMRC-recognised payroll
  • RTI, multiple pay frequencies and employee payslips
  • Pension and accounting integrations

Cons

  • Payroll features and availability vary by plan and region
  • May be more system than a director-only business needs

UK features: Xero promotes RTI, auto-enrolment, statutory payments, pension connections and payroll reporting for the UK.

Recommendation: A strong all-round choice for a growing small business already using Xero.

Official product information

03

Sage Payroll

Best for: employers wanting a long-established payroll product with a wider Sage ecosystem.

Pros

  • HMRC-recognised payroll options
  • Auto-enrolment pension support
  • Established UK payroll and reporting workflow

Cons

  • Product range can be difficult to compare
  • Confirm accounting integration and employee limits for the chosen edition

UK features: Sage offers UK payroll products with RTI and pension features. Check the exact product before buying.

Recommendation: A dependable option when UK payroll depth and Sage integration matter.

Official product information

04

Moneysoft Payroll Manager

Best for: small and medium employers, accountants and payroll agents wanting dedicated payroll software.

Pros

  • HMRC-recognised RTI filing
  • Pension uploads and auto-enrolment support
  • Statutory payments, P11D and detailed payroll reporting

Cons

  • Dedicated payroll rather than all-in-one accounting
  • Desktop and workflow preferences should be checked before setup

UK features: Moneysoft promotes RTI, pensions, SSP, SMP, P11D and accounting exports for UK employers.

Recommendation: One of the strongest dedicated payroll options when payroll is more important than integrated bookkeeping.

Official product information

05

FreeAgent Payroll

Best for: FreeAgent customers wanting integrated monthly payroll.

Pros

  • HMRC-recognised RTI payroll
  • PAYE and National Insurance calculations
  • Payroll, payslips and P60s in the accounting platform

Cons

  • Payroll is currently focused on monthly payroll
  • Check support for your employee types, pensions and pay schedules

UK features: FreeAgent promotes UK payroll, RTI, PAYE, National Insurance and integrated accounts.

Recommendation: Good for small service businesses already using FreeAgent and running simple monthly payroll.

Official product information

UK compliance sources.

Product features and filing availability change by plan and over time. Check provider and government guidance before choosing software.

Choose software that covers your work.

We can review your records, VAT, payroll and reporting requirements before you choose a system.

Discuss your software setup