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.

Also Consider

Gusto Payroll Software

Set up an account free.

Try Gusto

No extra fees.

Made for mobile.

Auto tax filing and digital paystubs.

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
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
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
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

Paul Byrne

Founding Date

Jan 01, 1991

Address

3 Shortlands, Hammersmith, London W6 8DA United Kingdom

Number of Employees

80

Number of Customers

320000

Email

hello@brightpay.co.uk

Telephone

011 44 345 939 0019

Website

https://www.brightpay.co.uk

News & Activity:

Date

News or Activity

September 28, 2021

BrightPay and Relate Software join forces

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.