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Head-to-head · Small Business Payroll Software

QuickBooks Payroll vs Xero Payroll

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score QuickBooks Payroll #2 in Small Business Payroll Software 9.1/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 3 features Visit QuickBooks
Xero Payroll #3 in Small Business Payroll Software 9.0/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Xero

QuickBooks Payroll leads on 0 checks, Xero Payroll on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreQuickBooks Payroll · 9.1/10
  • Free trialboth
  • Most featuresXero Payroll · 3 of 3

QuickBooks Payroll scores higher on our rubric for small business payroll software: 9.1 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

QuickBooks Payroll is the better fit for U.S. small businesses already using QuickBooks. Xero Payroll is the better fit for UK businesses needing detailed HMRC payroll support.

  • QuickBooks Payroll fits best

    U.S. small businesses already using QuickBooks

  • Xero Payroll fits best

    UK businesses needing detailed HMRC payroll support

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature QuickBooks Payroll 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Xero Payroll 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 9.0
Ranking #2 in Small Business Payroll Software #3 in Small Business Payroll Software
Best for U.S. small businesses already using QuickBooks UK businesses needing detailed HMRC payroll support
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $50/mo £39/mo
Free plan — —
Free trial 30 days 30 days
Free trial length 30 days 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Integrations 5 integrations 1,000+ integrations
Features QuickBooks Payroll 1/3 · Xero Payroll 3/3
Tax filing included Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Direct deposit Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Employee self-service ✓ ✓
Specs
Pay frequencies Not checked yet weekly, fortnightly, four-weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually
Worker pay types Not checked yet employees, directors, off-payroll workers (IR35)
Payroll runs Not checked yet Unclear
Our review
Pros
  • Automates payroll tax calculations, filings, and payments
  • Includes next-day direct deposit and an employee self-service portal
  • Available on web, iOS, and Android
  • Files Full Payment Submissions and Employer Payment Summaries to HMRC
  • Calculates PAYE, NIC, pensions and leave automatically
  • Supports employees, directors and off-payroll workers
Cons
  • Workforce Payroll starts at $50 per month, plus $7 per employee monthly
  • Time tracking and scheduling are limited to higher-tier plans
  • Direct deposit timing and other features vary by plan
  • Ignite payroll costs £1.50 per person per month on top of accounting
  • Grow, Comprehensive and Ultimate plans cost £39, £55 and £70 monthly
  • Support channels listed are documentation and community
Our verdict

QuickBooks Payroll is Intuit’s cloud payroll service for small businesses, including restaurants and other hospitality operators. It handles payroll tax calculations, filings, and payments, and provides direct deposit, employee access to…

Read the review →

Xero Payroll is cloud payroll software for UK small businesses that need to calculate pay and meet payroll reporting requirements. It suits businesses with employee, director or off-payroll worker payroll, particularly those that also want…

Read the review →
  1. QuickBooks PayrollSmall Business Payroll Software 9.130-day trial
  2. Xero PayrollSmall Business Payroll Software 9.030-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • QuickBooks Payroll — where it wins

    • Automates payroll tax calculations, filings, and payments
    • Includes next-day direct deposit and an employee self-service portal
    • Available on web, iOS, and Android

    Where it doesn't

    • Workforce Payroll starts at $50 per month, plus $7 per employee monthly
    • Time tracking and scheduling are limited to higher-tier plans
    • Direct deposit timing and other features vary by plan

  • Xero Payroll — where it wins

    • Files Full Payment Submissions and Employer Payment Summaries to HMRC
    • Calculates PAYE, NIC, pensions and leave automatically
    • Supports employees, directors and off-payroll workers

    Where it doesn't

    • Ignite payroll costs £1.50 per person per month on top of accounting
    • Grow, Comprehensive and Ultimate plans cost £39, £55 and £70 monthly
    • Support channels listed are documentation and community
  • QuickBooks Payroll9.1/10 · 30-day trial

    Automates payroll taxes and direct deposit for small businesses in the QuickBooks ecosystem.

    Visit QuickBooksFull verdict →
  • Xero Payroll9.0/10 · 30-day trial

    A UK-focused payroll option with pension reporting, multiple pay schedules and Xero accounting plans.

    Visit XeroFull verdict →

More comparisons

All small business payroll software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update