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Head-to-head · Small Business Payroll Software

RUN Powered by ADP vs Xero Payroll

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score RUN Powered by ADP #1 in Small Business Payroll Software 9.2/10 Pricing on request ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit ADP
Xero Payroll #3 in Small Business Payroll Software 9.0/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Xero

RUN Powered by ADP 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 scoreRUN Powered by ADP · 9.2/10
  • Free trialonly Xero Payroll

RUN Powered by ADP scores higher on our rubric for small business payroll software: 9.2 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

RUN Powered by ADP is the better fit for small businesses wanting established, full-service payroll. Xero Payroll is the better fit for UK businesses needing detailed HMRC payroll support.

  • RUN Powered by ADP fits best

    Small businesses wanting established, full-service payroll

  • Xero Payroll fits best

    UK businesses needing detailed HMRC payroll support

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Side by side

Feature RUN Powered by ADP 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Xero Payroll 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 9.0
Ranking #1 in Small Business Payroll Software #3 in Small Business Payroll Software
Best for Small businesses wanting established, full-service payroll UK businesses needing detailed HMRC payroll support
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — £39/mo
Free plan — —
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Phone, Live chat · 24/7 Docs, Community · 24/7
Compliance 2FA GDPR
Integrations 1 integrations 1,000+ integrations
Built for Small business Small business, Mid-market
Features RUN Powered by ADP 3/3 · Xero Payroll 3/3
Tax filing included ✓ ✓
Direct deposit ✓ ✓
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 Unclear Unclear
Our review
Pros
  • Files federal, state and local payroll taxes.
  • Automates recurring payroll and supports direct deposit.
  • Offers employee self-service plus tiered HR support.
  • 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
  • Plan prices are quote-based rather than published.
  • HR support features depend on the selected package.
  • Only Clover is listed as an integration.
  • 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

RUN Powered by ADP brings payroll processing and HR services together for small businesses. Payroll can be handled online, by phone or through a mobile app, with tax filing, direct deposit and an employee portal for pay history and tax…

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. RUN Powered by ADPSmall Business Payroll Software 9.2Pricing on request
  2. Xero PayrollSmall Business Payroll Software 9.030-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • RUN Powered by ADP — where it wins

    • Files federal, state and local payroll taxes.
    • Automates recurring payroll and supports direct deposit.
    • Offers employee self-service plus tiered HR support.

    Where it doesn't

    • Plan prices are quote-based rather than published.
    • HR support features depend on the selected package.
    • Only Clover is listed as an integration.

  • 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
  • RUN Powered by ADP9.2/10 · Pricing on request

    Full-service payroll with tax filing, direct deposit and optional HR support.

    Visit ADPFull 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