BrightPay
A detailed review of BrightPay's payroll software with pricing, comparisons to competitors, key information, and FAQs.
Updated on May 28th, 2024
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BrightPay is a desktop-based payroll software for businesses in Ireland and the U.K. Key features include multiple payment schedules, payslip printing, various third-party integrations, and unlimited support via phone and email.
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At-a-Glance:
Feature | BrightPay |
|---|---|
Price | From £84.00 +VAT /yr. |
Automated taxes | ✓ |
Contractor payments | ✓ |
W-2s and 1099s preparation | x |
Direct deposits | ✓ |
Off-cycle payrolls | ✓ |
Time tracking | x |
Customer support | Phone and email. |
Review:
BrightPay is equipped with a variety of useful features, including automated taxes, reimbursements, and direct deposits. However, it does not support workers' compensation payments or 1099/W2 form preparation as it is designed for Ireland and U.K.-based companies. BrightPay also offers email and phone customer service, but no 24/7 support.
Pros:
- BrightPay offers a free trial for new customers.
- The platform features both cloud- and desktop-based payroll products with comprehensive pricing options.
- 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 customer support.
Cons:
- The software is not suitable for businesses in the U.S.
- BrightPay lacks lifetime accounts.
- The platform does not support workers' compensation payments or 1099/W2 form preparation.
Reputation:
On Trustpilot, BrightPay has a 4.8-star rating based on more than 350 reviews. The majority of users praised its fair pricing and ease of use, but one user mentioned that the software lacks some essential flexibility.
On G2, the platform has a 4.5-star rating based on over 20 reviews. One user noted their satisfaction with its user-friendly features and intuitive operating system, but one reviewer cited a steep learning curve as a downfall.
Pricing:
Plan | Pricing |
|---|---|
Cloud Version: Option 1 - Pay In Advance* | From £84.00 +VAT /yr. |
Cloud Version: Option 2 - Pay As You Go | From £8.25 +VAT /mo. |
Desktop Version: Standard** | From £289.00 +VAT /yr. |
Desktop Version: Bureau | From £689.00 +VAT /yr. |
*The cloud version's pricing is based on a single employee. Users can access the platform's sliding scale to calculate pricing for up to 250 employees.
**Users can add the platform's automated backup service, BrightPay Connect to their plan.
BrightPay vs. Sage HRMS:
While BrightPay is designed to be a payroll solution only, Sage HRMS is a robust HR management solution with payroll functionality. BrightPay is designed for small to mid-sized businesses, but Sage HRMS is also suitable for large companies. While Sage HRMS offers a broader feature profile, BrightPay is easier to use.
Comparison Between BrightPay and Sage HRMS:
Feature | BrightPay | Sage HRMS |
|---|---|---|
Price | From £84.00. +VAT /yr. | Contact for quote. |
Automated taxes | ✓ | ✓ |
Time tracking | x | ✓ |
Direct deposits | ✓ | ✓ |
Employee self-service | ✓ | ✓ |
Customer support | Phone, email, and live chat. | Phone and email. |
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; Gusto offers 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.
Comparison Between BrightPay and Gusto:
Feature | BrightPay | Gusto |
|---|---|---|
Price | From £84.00. +VAT /yr. | From $40.00 +$6.00 /employee /mo. |
Automated taxes | ✓ | ✓ |
Time tracking | x | ✓ |
Direct deposits | ✓ | ✓ |
Mobile access | x | ✓ |
Customer support | Phone, email, and live chat. | Phone, email, and live chat. |
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 companies 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.
Comparison Between BrightPay and TriNet Zenefits:
Feature | BrightPay | TriNet Zenefits |
|---|---|---|
Price | From £84.00. +VAT /yr. | From $10.00 /mo. +$6.00 /employee /mo. |
Automated taxes | ✓ | ✓ |
Time tracking | x | ✓ |
Direct deposits | ✓ | ✓ |
Unlimited pay runs | ✓ | ✓ |
Customer support | Phone, email, and live chat. | Phone and email. |
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 |
FAQs:
What is BrightPay?
BrightPay is a payroll software service for small to mid-sized 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 charges £84.00 +VAT per year for its cloud-based plans. Its desktop plans start at £289.00 +VAT per year.
Is there a BrightPay free trial?
BrightPay has a fully-featured free trial, which can be found on its website.