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Head-to-head · Small Business Payroll Software

Sage Payroll vs Rippling

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Sage Payroll #4 in Small Business Payroll Software 8.9/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Sage
Rippling #8 in Small Business Payroll Software 8.5/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Rippling

Sage Payroll leads on 0 checks, Rippling on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreSage Payroll · 8.9/10

Sage Payroll scores higher on our rubric for small business payroll software: 8.9 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #8.

Sage Payroll is the better fit for UK small businesses needing payroll and workforce tools. Rippling is the better fit for small firms seeking payroll within a connected HR platform.

  • Sage Payroll fits best

    UK small businesses needing payroll and workforce tools

  • Rippling fits best

    Small firms seeking payroll within a connected HR platform

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 Sage Payroll 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Rippling 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.5
Ranking #4 in Small Business Payroll Software #8 in Small Business Payroll Software
Best for UK small businesses needing payroll and workforce tools Small firms seeking payroll within a connected HR platform
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — Pricing on request
Free plan — Not checked yet
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Live chat, Phone, Community, Docs · 24/7 Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs
Integrations 3 integrations 650+ integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Sage Payroll 0/3 · Rippling 0/3
Tax filing included Not checked yet Not checked yet
Direct deposit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Employee self-service Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Pay frequencies Not checked yet Not checked yet
Worker pay types Not checked yet Not checked yet
Payroll runs Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Calculates PAYE, National Insurance and pensions, and submits RTI to HMRC
  • Employee self-service provides payslips and P60s
  • Higher plans add timesheets, clocking and shift scheduling
  • Connects payroll and benefits with employee records and time tools
  • Automates onboarding, offboarding, approvals, and workflows
  • Supports web and mobile access with 650 integrations
Cons
  • There is no free plan
  • Shift scheduling is included only with Payroll Premium
  • Supports up to 150 employees
  • Pricing requires a custom quote
  • Payroll and tax capabilities are not described in detail
  • Availability and pricing may vary by country and selected modules
Our verdict

Sage Payroll is cloud-based payroll software for UK start-ups and growing businesses that need to manage pay, statutory deductions and HMRC submissions. It calculates wages, PAYE, National Insurance and pension contributions, then supports…

Read the review →

Rippling brings payroll into a cloud workforce management platform for organizations managing employee data and HR operations. For small firms, its appeal is the ability to place payroll alongside benefits administration, time tracking,…

Read the review →
  1. Sage PayrollSmall Business Payroll Software 8.9Paid
  2. RipplingSmall Business Payroll Software 8.5Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Sage Payroll — where it wins

    • Calculates PAYE, National Insurance and pensions, and submits RTI to HMRC
    • Employee self-service provides payslips and P60s
    • Higher plans add timesheets, clocking and shift scheduling

    Where it doesn't

    • There is no free plan
    • Shift scheduling is included only with Payroll Premium
    • Supports up to 150 employees
  • Rippling — where it wins

    • Connects payroll and benefits with employee records and time tools
    • Automates onboarding, offboarding, approvals, and workflows
    • Supports web and mobile access with 650 integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing requires a custom quote
    • Payroll and tax capabilities are not described in detail
    • Availability and pricing may vary by country and selected modules
  • Sage Payroll8.9/10 · Paid

    UK payroll with HMRC submissions, employee self-service and workforce tools.

    Visit SageFull verdict →
  • Rippling8.5/10 · Pricing on request

    Payroll sits within a broad HR platform that also connects time, benefits, and workflows.

    Visit RipplingFull verdict →

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update