BrightPay
Compare BrightPay to Sage HRMS, Gusto, and TriNet Zenefits. Includes a detailed review of BrightPay, pricing information, and answers to common questions.
Updated on July 18th, 2022
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Updates:
Updated 16th of February 2022
We updated mentions of Zenefits to TriNet Zenefits.
Updated 10th of November 2021
We updated the review format and added comparisons to Sage HRMS, Gusto, and Zenefits.
BrightPay is a desktop-based payroll software for businesses in Ireland and the United Kingdom (U.K). Features include multiple payment schedules, payslip printing, and unlimited support by phone and email.
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Pricing:
Plan | Pricing |
---|---|
Standard: Up to 3 Employees | £49.00 +VAT /yr. |
Standard: Up to 10 Employees | £99.00 +VAT /yr. |
Standard: Up to 25 Employees | £149.00 +VAT /yr. |
Standard: Unlimited Employees | £199.00 +VAT /yr. |
Bureau: Unlimited Employers | £499.00 +VAT /yr. |
Bureau: Up to 25 Employers | £399.00 +VAT /yr. |
Bureau: Up to 10 Employers | £249.00 +VAT /yr. |
Add-on: Connect | From £0.50 +VAT /employee /mo. |
Review:
BrightPay is loaded with useful features, including automated taxes, reimbursements, and direct deposits for employee paychecks. However, it does not support workers' compensation payments or 1099/W2 form preparation as it is designed for Ireland and U.K.-based businesses. BrightPay offers email and phone support, but no 24/7 support.
Pros:
- BrightPay offers a variety of packages to suit different business needs as well as a 60-day free trial.
- The software is easy to install and use.
- Convenient features include off-cycle payroll, a net-to-gross calculator, and collaboration capabilities.
- The software supports multiple payment frequencies and rates.
- Users can create detailed payroll reports.
- All plans include free phone and email support.
Cons:
- BrightPay does not feature lifetime accounts or support workers' compensation payments or 1099/W2 form preparation.
- The software is not suitable for businesses in the U.S.
- The software is only available as a desktop download for PC and Mac computers.
Reputation:
BrightPay has more than 140 reviews on Trustpilot and an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Negative feedback is hard to find, although one user suggested the software lacks some essential flexibility.
At-a-Glance:
Feature | BrightPay |
---|---|
Automated taxes | ✓ |
Contractor payments | ✓ |
W-2s and 1099s preparation | x |
Time tracking | x |
Direct deposits | ✓ |
Off-cycle payrolls | ✓ |
Payroll reports | ✓ |

BrightPay vs. Sage HRMS:
While BrightPay is designed to be a payroll solution only, Sage HRMS is a comprehensive human resources management solution with payroll functionality. Unlike BrightPay, which is designed for small to midsized businesses, Sage HRMS is also suitable for large companies. While Sage HRMS offers a broader feature profile, BrightPay is easier to use.
BrightPay vs. Sage HRMS Comparison:
Feature | BrightPay | Sage HRMS |
---|---|---|
Starting Price | £49.00. +VAT /yr. | Contact for quote. |
Automated taxes | ✓ | ✓ |
Time tracking | x | ✓ |
Direct deposits | ✓ | ✓ |

BrightPay vs. Gusto:
While BrightPay is designed for the Irish and U.K. market, Gusto caters to U.S. businesses. The two platforms have different pricing models, with Gusto offering monthly subscription plans with a base fee and pricing per employee, whereas BrightPay sells annual software licenses with an optional add-on on a monthly subscription basis.
BrightPay vs. Gusto Comparison:
Feature | BrightPay | Gusto |
---|---|---|
Starting Price | £49.00. +VAT /yr. | $40.00 /mo. + $6.00 /mo. /employee. |
Automated taxes | ✓ | ✓ |
Time tracking | x | ✓ |
Direct deposits | ✓ | ✓ |

BrightPay vs. TriNet Zenefits:
Unlike BrightPay, which is a fully-fledged payroll solution for U.K. and Irish businesses, TriNet Zenefits is an HR solution for businesses in the U.S. that offers time tracking and payroll as add-on products. The two also have different pricing models, with BrightPay selling annual software licenses, while TriNet Zenefits offers monthly plans.
BrightPay vs. TriNet Zenefits Comparison:
Feature | BrightPay | TriNet Zenefits |
---|---|---|
Starting Price | £49.00. +VAT /yr. | $10.00 + $6.00 /employee /mo. |
Automated taxes | ✓ | ✓ |
Time tracking | x | ✓ |
Direct deposits | ✓ | ✓ |
Key Information:
Legal Name | Thesaurus Software Ltd. |
Founder | |
Founding Date | Jan 01, 1991 |
Address | 3 Shortlands, Hammersmith, London W6 8DA United Kingdom |
Number of Employees | 80 |
Number of Customers | 320000 |
Telephone | |
Website |
News & Activity:
Date | News or Activity |
---|---|
September 28, 2021 |
FAQs:
What is BrightPay?
BrightPay is a payroll software service for small to midsized businesses in the U.K. and Ireland.
What is BrightPay Connect?
BrightPay Connect is an add-on for BrightPay payroll software. It connects the software to the cloud and adds more features.
How does BrightPay work?
BrightPay visually displays your routine payroll tasks to make them easy to access. It intuitively shows other tasks and tools only when they become relevant.
What is BrightPay's price range?
BrightPay's pricing ranges from £49.00 to £499.00 per year.
Is there a BrightPay free trial?
BrightPay has a fully-featured 60-day free trial, which can be found on their website.