Head-to-head · Small Business Payroll Software
Sage Payroll vs 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
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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 | ||
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| Cons |
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| 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 → |
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 →
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All small business payroll software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update


