Guide
Cutting business overheads without cutting quality
Where UK SMEs typically overpay on telecoms, software and office contracts.
Read guideCompare payroll software
Compare HMRC-recognised payroll software with RTI submissions, auto-enrolment pensions and payslips for UK employers.
Compare payroll software quotesTrustpilotTrustScore 4.7 | 29,362 reviews
Ready to compare payroll software?
Run a full market comparison before you commit. It takes about five minutes and there's no obligation to apply.
How payroll software works
Payroll software calculates PAYE, National Insurance, student loans and pension contributions, then files Real Time Information returns with HMRC.
Any system you use must be HMRC-recognised and support auto-enrolment duties for workplace pensions.
Pricing is usually per payslip or per employee per month, with a step up if you want a managed bureau service.
What affects the cost of payroll software
- Number of employees and pay frequency
- Software only versus managed bureau service
- Pension provider integrations
- CIS, multiple PAYE schemes or umbrella needs
- Year-end and P11D support
Why compare payroll software with us
HMRC recognised
RTI submissions filed directly, on time, every pay run.
Auto-enrolment built in
Assessment, postponement and pension file uploads handled.
Digital payslips
Secure employee portal replaces printed slips.
Year-end handled
P60s, P45s and final submissions included.
Typical payroll software pricing
Indicative monthly costs excluding VAT for monthly-paid staff.
| Employees | Software only | Managed bureau |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 5 | £5 - £15 | £25 - £60 |
| 6 - 25 | £15 - £40 | £60 - £180 |
| 26 - 100 | £40 - £110 | £180 - £550 |
Software vs bureau
Which model suits your business.
| Model | You handle | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Software only | Data entry, checks, submissions | Confident in-house payroll |
| Part-managed | Data entry only | Small teams without payroll expertise |
| Full bureau | Approving the run | Businesses wanting zero payroll admin |
Expert advice
Our team reviews UK business suppliers, contract terms and pricing models throughout the year.
“Switch payroll at the start of the tax year if you possibly can. Mid-year migrations are where the expensive mistakes happen.”
payroll software: pros and cons
Pros
- Automatic legislation and tax code updates
- RTI and auto-enrolment compliance handled
- Digital payslips reduce admin and postage
- Integrates with most UK accounting software
Cons
- Errors are your responsibility even with software
- Per-payslip pricing adds up with weekly pay runs
- Migrating mid-tax-year needs careful year-to-date data
How to choose payroll software
The cheapest headline price rarely wins. Check these points before you sign.
- 1
Confirm HMRC recognition
Only use software listed by HMRC as recognised for RTI.
- 2
Match your pay frequency
Weekly payrolls cost more on per-payslip pricing models.
- 3
Check pension integration
Direct file upload to NEST, Smart or your provider saves real time.
- 4
Plan the switch date
Moving at the start of a tax year avoids year-to-date migration headaches.
Compare payroll software
See what's available for your business today. It takes just minutes.
How to compare payroll software
It takes a few minutes and there is no obligation to switch.
1. Tell us about your business
Team size, sites and roughly what you spend today.
2. See matched suppliers
We shortlist UK providers who serve businesses like yours.
3. Compare the full package
Contract length, support levels and set-up costs, not just monthly price.
4. Switch when you're ready
Your chosen supplier handles onboarding and any migration.
Things to watch out for
Late RTI submissions attract HMRC penalties even when tax is paid on time.
Auto-enrolment duties apply from a worker's first day, not from their probation end.
Bureau quotes sometimes exclude year-end, P11Ds and starters/leavers processing.
Our payroll software service
We compare payroll software from established UK suppliers so you can see pricing, contract terms and support side by side.
Comparing is free, and we will tell you plainly if your current deal already looks competitive.
Getting started
1
Gather your current bills
Your latest invoice shows spend, contract end date and notice period.
2
Map what you actually need
List must-haves versus nice-to-haves so you don't overbuy.
3
Check your exit terms
Most UK business contracts need 30 to 90 days' notice before renewal.
Why choose Grow Your Business?
Wide choice of providers
We compare a broad range of UK providers so you can find the option that actually fits how your business operates.
Exclusive offers
We work hard to bring you exclusive deals, switching incentives and cashback where they're available.
Simple and fast
It takes just a few minutes to compare with us — and the deal you find could be well below what you pay today.
Types of payroll software
The right option depends on your size, budget and how fast you're growing.
Desktop payroll
Installed software, still common in accountancy practices.
Cloud payroll
Browser-based with automatic legislation updates.
Payroll bureau service
A provider runs payroll for you each period.
Integrated HR and payroll
One system for people data and pay.
Providers we compare
Logos are shown for identification. We are not affiliated with every supplier listed and do not compare the whole market.
Sage
Xero
BrightPay
QuickBooks
Moorepay
IRISComparing with us is a no-brainer
“Moving to cloud payroll cut our monthly pay run from half a day to under an hour.”
Sofia, care provider, Sheffield
Business banking guides
Guide
How to read a supplier contract
Notice periods, auto-renewals and price escalators explained in plain English.
Read guide
Guide
Buying software for a growing team
Per-seat pricing, onboarding costs and how to avoid paying for unused licences.
Read guidepayroll software FAQs
Does payroll software file with HMRC?
Yes. HMRC-recognised software submits Full Payment Submissions and Employer Payment Summaries automatically each pay period.
Do I need auto-enrolment features?
If you employ anyone, yes. Assessment and pension contributions are a legal duty for UK employers.
Software or a bureau?
Software is cheaper if someone in-house is confident with payroll. A bureau removes the risk and the time.
Can I switch mid-year?
Yes, but you must carry over accurate year-to-date figures for every employee. Tax year start is simpler.
Written by the Grow Your Business editorial team · Updated 26 July 2026