Cheap payroll solutions guide – Best low-cost software & services for small and large businesses compared

Updated on 18 April 2024

Are you looking for cheap payroll services? If so, you’re not alone! A growing number of small and large businesses are searching for affordable ways to process their payroll.

 
Quick, easy, no commitment!

In this guide, we will compare the best low-cost software and services available on the market today. We’ll also look at the pros and cons of using a cheap payroll provider, and offer some tips on how to choose the right option for your business.

Video: Payroll outsourcing explained

Pros and cons of cheap payroll processing

There are both advantages and disadvantages to using a cheap payroll service. On the plus side, you can save a significant amount of money on your payroll costs. However, there are also some potential downsides to consider.

Moorepay logo Cutting edge payroll software
  • Powerful and easy to use
  • HMRC & RTI compliant
  • Used by payroll pros
Pipedrive logo The CRM platform to grow your business
  • Great for entrepreneurs
  • Powerful data analytics
  • Manage sales and data
Wix logo Powerful web builder and advanced business tools
  • Great for startups
  • Powerful web page builder
  • E-commerce available
Planable logo Supercharged content planning
  • Great for marketing
  • Better than lists or sheets
  • Manage social media
Webador logo Create a new website in 10 minutes. Easy.
  • Launch your website fast
  • Powerful data intuitive
  • No coding skills needed

For example, cheaper services may not offer the same level of support or features as more expensive options. And if you choose a very low-cost provider, you may sacrifice quality and reliability.

To weigh up the pros and cons of using a cheap payroll service, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget. Only then can you make an informed decision about whether a low-cost option is right for your business.

Risks of cheap payroll solutions
The biggest risk of using a cheap payroll solution is that you may sacrifice quality and reliability. If your payroll is processed incorrectly, it can cause a lot of stress and financial problems for your business.

To avoid these risks, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable provider that offers a high level of customer service. It’s also a good idea to read reviews from other businesses before making your decision.

Best cheap payroll software options – what are the most popular products in the UK?

There are a number of cheap payroll software products available on the market today. The most popular options include Sage 50 Payroll, Moneysoft Payroll Manager and Earnie.

Each of these products offers a different set of features, so it’s important to compare them before making a decision. For example, Sage 50 Payroll includes support for HMRC’s Real Time Information (RTI) system, while Moneysoft Payroll Manager offers a range of features specifically designed for small businesses.

To find the best cheap payroll software for your business, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget. Only then can you make an informed decision about which product is right for you.

Best cheap payroll software for small businesses

  1. Sage 50 Payroll
    Sage 50 Payroll is a popular, low-cost payroll software solution for small businesses. It offers a range of features, including support for HMRC’s Real Time Information (RTI) system.
  2. Moneysoft Payroll Manager
    Moneysoft Payroll Manager is a great, low-cost payroll software for businesses of all sizes. It’s easy to use and helps you stay compliant with government regulations.
  3. Earnie
    Earnie is an easy to use, cloud-based accounting software that can help you manage your finances and keep track of your business performance. With Earnie, you can track your expenses, create invoices, and manage your bank accounts and taxes.
  4. BrightPay
    BrightPay is a top-rated payroll software that is simple to use and easy to navigate. With BrightPay, you can easily manage your payroll processes, including paying employees, filing RTI submissions, and generating payslips. BrightPay also offers helpful features like auto-enrolment and payslip templates to make running your payroll as easy as possible.
  5. Xero Payroll
    Looking for a low-cost payroll solution? Xero Payroll is one of the most popular options on the market. In this video, I take a look at the pros and cons of using Xero for your business payroll needs. I also compare it to some of the other cheapest payroll software options available.
  6. QuickBooks Self Employed
    QuickBooks Self Employed is a cloud-based accounting software designed for freelancers and small business owners. It offers a range of features to help you manage your finances, including invoicing, tracking expenses, and filing taxes. QuickBooks Self Employed is easy to use and can be accessed from any device, making it a convenient option for busy entrepreneurs.

What about cheap outsourced payroll services?

If you’re looking for a low-cost way to process your payroll, you may also want to consider using an outsourced service. This is where a third-party provider takes care of all your payroll needs, from calculating salaries and tax to issuing payslips and filing RTI returns.

Outsourcing your payroll can save you a lot of time and money, as you don’t have to worry about the administrative burden of processing your own payroll. However, it’s important to choose a reputable and reliable provider, as they will be responsible for ensuring that your employees are paid correctly and on time.

Best cheap outsourced payroll companies in the UK

To find the best cheap outsourced payroll service for your business, it’s important to compare a range of providers before making a decision. Make sure to check reviews and testimonials from other businesses, as well as any accreditations or awards that the provider has received.

  1. MHR
    MHR is a leading provider of payroll and HR solutions in the UK. Their products and services are designed to help businesses of all sizes process their payroll quickly and easily, with minimal fuss. MHR also offers a range of outsourcing services, including payroll bureau and RTI filing. They have over 25 years’ experience in the industry, and are dedicated to providing quality solutions at an affordable price.
  2. ADP
    ADP is one of the largest providers of payroll services and human resources software in the world. With over 650,000 clients, ADP offers a wide range of solutions for businesses of all sizes. From simple payroll processing to complex HR management, ADP has a solution to fit your needs.
  3. MoorePay
    MoorePay is a leading provider of payroll and HR software and services in the UK. With over 25 years of experience, MoorePay has helped thousands of businesses process their payroll quickly and easily. Their products are easy to use and affordable, making them a popular choice for small and large businesses alike.
  4. BrightPay
    BrightPay is a leading payroll software provider in the UK. It offers a simple and easy-to-use solution for processing your payroll, with all the features you need to make tax payments and submit returns. There’s also a free trial available so you can try before you buy.
  5. Pinnacle Payroll
    Pinnacle Payroll is a leading provider of payroll software and services in the UK. With over 20 years of experience, they offer a range of products and services to suit businesses of all sizes. Their software is easy to use and helps you manage your payroll quickly and efficiently. They also offer outsourced payroll services which are perfect for small businesses who don’t have the time or resources to manage their own payroll.
  6. Jeffreys Henry
    Jeffreys Henry is a top UK accountancy firm with over 100 years of experience. They offer a wide range of services, including bookkeeping, payroll and tax advice.
  7. Ceridian
    Ceridian is a leading provider of human capital management (HCM) solutions, offering payroll, benefits, and talent management services to more than 25 million users in over 100 countries.

What is the cheapest payroll service for one employee?

There are a few different providers that offer cheap payroll services for one employee. The most popular option is probably Gusto, which starts at £39 per month + £12 per employee. Other options include Intuit QuickBooks Payroll, which starts at £45 per month + £36 per employee, and Patriot Software, which starts at £25 per month + £36 per employee.

The main thing to consider when choosing a cheap payroll service for one employee is what features you need and how much support you’re looking for. Gusto, for example, offers a lot of features and support, while Patriot Software is more basic but also cheaper. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s most important to you and your business.

What features are usually missing from low-price payroll solutions?

While most low-price payroll solutions offer a lot of features, there are usually a few that are missing. The most common ones include direct deposit, time tracking, and employee self-service.

  • Direct deposit is a feature that allows you to automatically deposit your employees’ pay into their bank accounts.
  • Time tracking allows you to track how much time your employees are spending on each task.
  • Employee self-service allows your employees to access their payroll information and make changes themselves.

While these features are not essential, they can be helpful in making sure that your payroll process is as efficient as possible. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider choosing a solution that doesn’t offer all of these features.

How to choose a cheap payroll solution for your business – factors to consider

There are a number of factors you need to consider when choosing a cheap payroll solution for your business.

The most important factor is the size of your business. If you have a small business, you may not need all the features offered by some of the more expensive payroll solutions. However, if you have a large business, you will need a payroll solution that can handle a large number of employees and a large amount of data.

Another factor to consider is the features you need. Some payroll solutions offer more features than others. If you only need basic payroll functionality, you may be able to get by with a less sophisticated solution. However, if you need advanced features such as time tracking or payroll reporting, you will need to choose a more expensive and comprehensive product.

Finally, you need to consider the price. Payroll solutions can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. If you have a small business, you may be fine with a less expensive solution. But if you have a large business, you will need to choose a more expensive solution.

FAQ

What is the best cheap payroll software?

The software we recommend is Gusto, which starts at £39 per month + £12 per employee.

What is the best cheap payroll bureau in the UK?

The bureau we recommend is Jeffreys Henry, which offers a wide range of services, including bookkeeping, payroll and tax advice.

What is the cheapest payroll service for one employee?

The cheapest payroll service for one employee is usually a basic solution such as Gusto, which starts at £39 per month + £12 per employee.

How to choose a cheap payroll solution for your business?

There are a number of factors you need to consider when choosing a cheap payroll solution for your business, including the size of your business, the features you need and the price. If you have a small business, you may be able to get by with a less expensive solution. But if you have a large business, you will need to choose a more expensive solution. You also need to consider the features you need and whether or not you’re willing to sacrifice some features in order to get a cheaper solution. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s most important to you and your business.

What is the best cheap outsourced payroll service?

The best cheap outsourced payroll service is usually a full-service solution that includes bookkeeping, payroll and tax advice. We recommend Jeffreys Henry for their wide range of services and competitive pricing.

What are the most popular cheap payroll software options?

Some of the most popular cheap payroll software options include Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll and ADP Run.

What are the pros and cons of cheap payroll processing?

The pros of cheap payroll processing include the fact that it can save you money. The cons of cheap payroll processing include the fact that it may not offer all the features you need and that it may not be as accurate as more expensive solutions.

Can I get a free trial of a cheap payroll solution?

Many payroll solutions offer free trials, so you can try before you buy. However, some solutions may require a credit card in order to sign up for a free trial. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of the free trial before you sign up.

Are there any discounts for large businesses when using a cheap payroll service?

Some payroll services offer discounts for large businesses. However, not all services offer this discount, so be sure to ask before you sign up.

Is it worth switching to a cheaper payroll service?

It depends. If you’re unhappy with your current payroll service or if you feel like you’re paying too much, then it may be worth considering a switch. However, if you’re happy with your current service and it’s working well for your business, then there may not be any need to switch. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your business.

What are the most common complaints about cheap payroll services?

The most common complaints about cheap payroll services include the fact that they may not offer all the features you need, they may be less accurate than more expensive solutions and they may have customer service issues.

How can I save money on my current payroll service?

If you’re looking to save money on your current payroll service, you may want to consider switching to a cheaper solution. However, be sure to compare the features and pricing of different services before you make a switch. You may also want to ask your current service provider if they offer any discounts for large businesses.

Reviewed by , Managing Director

Compare ⓘ