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Head-to-head · Small Business Payroll Software

Xero Payroll vs ADP Workforce Now

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Xero Payroll #3 in Small Business Payroll Software 9.0/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Xero
ADP Workforce Now #6 in Small Business Payroll Software 8.7/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit ADP

Xero Payroll leads on 0 checks, ADP Workforce Now 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 scoreXero Payroll · 9.0/10
  • Free trialonly Xero Payroll
  • Most featuresXero Payroll · 3 of 3

Xero Payroll scores higher on our rubric for small business payroll software: 9.0 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.

Xero Payroll is the better fit for UK businesses needing detailed HMRC payroll support. ADP Workforce Now is the better fit for mid-sized firms needing payroll within a broad HR suite.

  • Xero Payroll fits best

    UK businesses needing detailed HMRC payroll support

  • ADP Workforce Now fits best

    Mid-sized firms needing payroll within a broad HR suite

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 Xero Payroll 9.0/10 Visit ↗ ADP Workforce Now 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.7
Ranking #3 in Small Business Payroll Software #6 in Small Business Payroll Software
Best for UK businesses needing detailed HMRC payroll support Mid-sized firms needing payroll within a broad HR suite
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price £39/mo —
Free plan — Not checked yet
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Docs, Community · 24/7 Phone, Docs
Compliance GDPR SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS
Integrations 1,000+ integrations 1 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Xero Payroll 3/3 · ADP Workforce Now 0/3
Tax filing included ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Direct deposit ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Employee self-service ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Pay frequencies weekly, fortnightly, four-weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually Not checked yet
Worker pay types employees, directors, off-payroll workers (IR35) Not checked yet
Payroll runs Unclear Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Files Full Payment Submissions and Employer Payment Summaries to HMRC
  • Calculates PAYE, NIC, pensions and leave automatically
  • Supports employees, directors and off-payroll workers
  • Combines payroll with HR records, benefits, and talent workflows
  • Supports time entry, PTO approvals, and automated scheduling
  • Mobile self-service and API integrations support connected workflows
Cons
  • 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
  • Public pricing uses a sales contact rather than numeric prices
  • Small-business fit is not indicated
  • Payroll processing and tax filing details are limited
Our verdict

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 →

ADP Workforce Now brings payroll together with HR recordkeeping and workforce management for mid-sized and enterprise organizations. Its scope includes employee profiles, onboarding, benefits administration, performance workflows, time…

Read the review →
  1. Xero PayrollSmall Business Payroll Software 9.030-day trial
  2. ADP Workforce NowSmall Business Payroll Software 8.7Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • 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

  • ADP Workforce Now — where it wins

    • Combines payroll with HR records, benefits, and talent workflows
    • Supports time entry, PTO approvals, and automated scheduling
    • Mobile self-service and API integrations support connected workflows

    Where it doesn't

    • Public pricing uses a sales contact rather than numeric prices
    • Small-business fit is not indicated
    • Payroll processing and tax filing details are limited
  • 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 →
  • ADP Workforce Now8.7/10 · Pricing on request

    A broad payroll and HR platform for mid-sized and enterprise organizations.

    Visit ADPFull 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