Moorepay Payroll: Costs and Features Reviewed

Screenshot of Moorepay Employee Leave Calendar

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Moorepay is a flexible, high-powered payroll software that is ideal for small businesses wanting expert-led payroll support, rather than a purely DIY system. Its hybrid model allows you to run payroll in-house, fully outsource it, or combine both — giving teams the guidance they need to manage payroll while staying compliant with HMRC regulations.

While our in-depth research determined Moorepay to be the best payroll solution for small businesses, its custom pricing model makes it a slightly less cost-effective option for microbusinesses, while it’s lack of international payroll capabilities limits its suitability for global employers.

At Expert Market, we base our reviews on rigorous, independent analysis across dozens of criteria, including functionality, security, scalability, and support. Read on to learn if Moorepay is a good fit for your business.

Overview

Best forMidsize-to-large businesses operating in the UK
CostBespoke
FeaturesAutomations, built-in HR functions, outsourced payroll options, a mobile app, automatic HMRC compliance and automatic RTI e-filing
Data securityRobust SSL encryption, Microsoft Azure security and automatic backups
Support resourcesOnline knowledge centre with information related to payroll, legislation and HR
ScalabilityHigh scalability for businesses of any size
Customer supportEmail and phone support 24/7/365
Pros
  • CIPP Payroll Assurance Scheme (PAS) accreditation
  • Custom reporting
  • Easy to use, with extensive features and automation
  • Payroll software and outsourcing options
  • HR integration
  • Easy access online and through its dedicated mobile app
Cons
  • Moorepay doesn’t cater to international employees
  • Pricing is only available through quoting
  • No live training
  • No online chatbot
Moorepay Payroll: Key Takeaways

  • Moorepay offers cloud-based payroll software, HR integration, automation features, and optional fully or partly outsourced payroll services.
  • Moorepay is ideal for larger organisations with complex payroll needs, multiple pay groups and a focus on compliance.
  • Moorepay’s costs are tailored to each business based on size, services chosen and payroll complexity. A free quote is required.
  • Moorepay can simplify compliance, automatically updating for HMRC, GDPR and auto-enrolment regulations.
  • The provider’s help centre offers 24/7 email and phone support, as well as an online knowledge centre.

Moorepay Payroll: Expert’s Summary

If you are leaning towards Moorepay, the big financial question is whether you value predictable costs and fewer payroll errors more than rock-bottom prices.

The service combines cloud-based software with managed payroll, so you are effectively paying for both the tech and ongoing expert support, not just a system you log into.

That usually means higher monthly fees than basic software, but it can reduce hidden costs like time spent fixing mistakes or keeping up with legislation.

There are also limitations, like no international payroll and pricing only via quote, which matter for cashflow planning because you cannot easily benchmark Moorepay against alternatives before speaking to sales.

For a UK-only business that wants to de-risk compliance and avoid internal payroll hiring, that trade-off can still make financial sense, over the long term.

Paul Thomas, HR and organisational change consultant
Paul Thomas HR and organisational change consultant

What Is Moorepay Payroll?

Moorepay is an award-winning, HMRC-approved, and cloud-based payroll software and services company that was founded in 1966. Moorepay is designed for businesses with operations in the UK, and it’s accredited by the CIPP’s Payroll Assurance Scheme (PAS). It offers both payroll and HR software, as well as partly or fully outsourced payroll and HR services.

Moorepay’s clients include big names like McDonald’s, DHL, Mountain Warehouse and more. Its team of 500 dedicated payroll and HR experts makes Moorepay one of the UK’s market leaders in the payroll and HR software, outsourced payroll, and HR services industries. Moorepay has earned an impressive rating of ‘excellent’ on Trustpilot.

How Much Does Moorepay Cost?

Moorepay’s pricing is bespoke and tailored to each business, so there’s no fixed price listed on its website. Interested businesses must fill out Moorepay’s contact form to request a free, no-obligation quote that is unique to their situation and needs.

Quotes are influenced by several factors, including:

  • The type of service you’re interested in, such as its in-house software, partly or fully outsourced payroll, and/or HR services
  • The number of employees you have
  • The complexity of your payroll requirements
  • The tax forms you need to file
  • Any integrations or additional software connections needed

How Do I Receive a Quote From Moorepay?

To receive a quote from Moorepay, you need to submit your business details and specific requirements via the platform’s online contact form. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Visit Moorepay’s website and navigate to the pricing or contact page.
  2. Fill out the online contact form by entering basic business information such as company name, number of employees, and preferred payroll/HR services (in-house software, partially or fully outsourced, or both).
  3. Detail your requirements, including any special payroll complexities, tax forms, or software integrations your business needs.
  4. Submit the form. Moorepay’s team will then review your information.
  5. Receive a personalised quote, usually via email or phone, outlining costs and recommended service options for your business.

What Features Does Moorepay Offer?

Moorepay goes beyond basic payroll activities, offering a variety of features, HR functions, payroll and HR outsourcing, and more. Here’s how it stacks up in terms of features:

  • Payroll and HR integration: Moorepay integrates payroll with HR functions like employee recordkeeping, benefits management, paid or unpaid leave, performance reviews, time sheets, and more. This decreases HR administration costs and eliminates the need for separate payroll and HR software, streamlining the entire process.
  • Automation features: Moorepay improves payroll efficiency by automating key processes, including payroll, deductions, benefits calculations, tax withholdings, bonuses, and more. This allows you to focus less on payroll and more on your business’s core competencies.
  • Automatic compliance with HMRC regulations: Moorepay is HMRC-recognised and its dedicated team of legislative experts ensures its software is constantly updated to reflect recently released and upcoming legislative updates ahead of time.
  • In-depth and custom reports and analytics: Moorepay’s payroll software is capable of generating detailed reports and analytics, giving you proper visibility into your payroll, so you can spot issues before they happen. You can view discrepancies, see net-to-gross variances and review analytics, to ensure your payroll is optimised and efficient.
  • Comprehensive and easy-to-use software: Moorepay’s payroll dashboard, available for employers and employees to use, makes managing payroll information simple and easy. The dashboard includes employee search functions, timesheets, expense tracking and more. Additionally, open APIs allow customers to integrate Moorepay with other software.
  • AI-driven insights: Moorepay is beginning to leverage AI and intelligent automation to improve accuracy, predict payroll discrepancies, spot anomalies, suggest optimisations, and speed up complex tasks, keeping the platform modern and competitive.

Moorepay software vs outsourced services

Moorepay offers both cloud-based payroll software and fully or partly outsourced payroll services. These options serve different needs and we break down their differences below:

  • Payroll software – This payroll option lets businesses retain full control of payroll processing, while benefiting from key tools like automation, compliance updates, reporting tools and HR integrations. Due to its intuitive software features and expert guidance, this choice is ideal for businesses that want to manage payroll in-house while relying on reliable help and support.
  • Outsourced payroll services – This option involves Moorepay’s team of payroll experts handling some or all of your payroll processes on your behalf. Tasks covered include calculating pay, managing tax filings and ensuring compliance. Since Moorepay’s experts handle much of the heavy lifting, this option is well-suited for medium-to-large businesses with more complex or custom payroll needs.

While Moorepay’s payroll software and services are distinct products, it’s not always a case of one or the other. Many businesses opt for a hybrid approach, where they use the software to streamline day-to-day processes and outsource more complicated or high-volume payroll tasks.

How Secure Is Moorepay?

Moorepay utilises Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing technology to ensure that your information is safe and secure at all times. Azure uses top-of-the-line security systems (Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender), which allow Moorepay to detect, respond to and prevent potential threats.

Additionally, Moorepay creates automatic backups of your payroll information, ensuring you have a backup in the cloud in case a mistake or disaster ever jeopardises your main physical storage.

What Support Resources Does Moorepay Offer?

Moorepay offers a variety of support resources, including helpful prompts built into its payroll software to help you get set up quickly and smoothly.

Moorepay’s website also offers a regularly updated knowledge centre, with a wide variety of resources and educational content available to help you navigate both Moorepay’s software, and the payroll and HR landscape in general.

Is Moorepay Scalable?

Yes, Moorepay is fully capable of scaling with your business, supporting everything from growing SMEs to large, complex organisations. Its flexible payroll and HR platform can adapt as your workforce expands, due to its configurable features, automation, and integrations that keep processes efficient at every stage.

This scalability is proven in practice, with major organisations such as McDonald’s, DHL, and Mountain Warehouse relying on Moorepay to manage large, dynamic workforces.

The platform also supports scalability by seamlessly integrating with a wealth of other software programs, such as:

  • Accounting platforms like Sage, Xero, and QuickBooks
  • Time and attendance platforms like ProMark, Deputy, and HFX
  • Microsoft platforms like Microsoft Azure Active Directory and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (ERP)

Plus, Moorepay’s Open API allows customers to easily connect their payroll and HR features with almost any other program.

What Customer Support Does Moorepay Offer?

Moorepay takes its clients’ needs seriously and it offers a number of customer support options to ensure your questions are answered and payroll needs are met.

  • Email support: Moorepay offers email support 24/7, 365. Simply reach out with any questions or concerns, and a Moorepay customer support representative will respond promptly. In comparison, ADP also offers email support but often pairs it with dedicated account managers for larger clients.
  • Phone support: Moorepay also offers support over the phone, allowing you quick access to its team of support representatives. Most payroll providers, including OneAdvanced, provide similar phone support with a focus on mid-sized businesses needing personalised guidance.
  • Software-native support: Moorepay also offers support services integrated directly into its software, so customers can contact the company easily and receive assistance quickly. This in-app support streamlines troubleshooting, allowing users to resolve issues without leaving the platform

Who Is Moorepay a Good Fit For?

Moorepay is a reliable UK payroll provider, but its setup and features make it much better suited to certain businesses over others. Below, we outline which businesses Moorepay is likely to be a good fit for – and why.

Moorepay is a good fit for:

  • Medium to large businesses – Moorepay’s managed payroll model and dedicated support options make the provider ideal for larger organizations with more complex administrative needs.
  • Companies prioritizing compliance – As Moorepay is a UK-focused provider, it stays up to date with HMRC regulations, GDPR and auto-enrolment laws, helping businesses make compliance seamless.
  • Firms with complex payroll needs – Moorepay offers advanced payroll features, like support for multiple pay grounds and varied contract types, making it a solid fit for organizations with diverse employee structures and complex pay requirements.

Moorepay is not a good fit for:

  • Small startups or microbusinesses – The provider’s pricing structure is designed for established organisations, making it a less cost-effective choice for small teams after a simple solution.
  • Global employers – With Moorepay focusing on UK payroll and compliance, it won’t be a suitable option for global companies that hire employees overseas.
  • Businesses that regularly change pay structures – Frequent adjustments to pay rates, bonuses or contract types tend to require coordination with Moorepay’s support team, making changes slower compared with self-service systems.

How Does Moorepay Compare With Competitors?

Our dedicated research and testing determined that Moorepay is the best payroll service for small businesses, especially those prioritizing usability and expert-led support, while competitors like ADP, TopSource, and IRIS Staffology may be a better option for businesses needing global payroll or advanced features.

Moorepay’s cloud-based platform is user-friendly and paired with UK-based payroll specialists, making it ideal for businesses that value hands-on guidance and compliance reassurance. However, unlike ADP, Moorepay doesn’t offer international payroll or a built-in clock-in functionality, making ADP a stronger option for companies with complex workforce management needs or global teams.

Learn about the advanced platform in our in-depth ADP review.

OneAdvanced is another top option. Like Moorepay, OneAdvanced supports flexible payroll delivery and compliance with UK regulations, but it offers more sophisticated reporting tools, broader multi-location capabilities, and a wider array of self-service options for workers.

See how Moorepay compares with other leading payroll options in our side-by-side comparison table, below:

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Price range

Bespoke

Price range

Bespoke

Price range

Bespoke

Price range

Bespoke

Price range

From £43/month

Price range

Bespoke

Price range

Bespoke

Fully-managed payroll
Fully-managed payroll
Fully-managed payroll
Fully-managed payroll
Fully-managed payroll
Fully-managed payroll
Fully-managed payroll
Available as DIY software
Available as DIY software
Available as DIY software
Available as DIY software
Available as DIY software
Available as DIY software
Available as DIY software
HR solutions
HR solutions
HR solutions
HR solutions
HR solutions
HR solutions
HR solutions
CIPP PAS-accredited
CIPP PAS-accredited
CIPP PAS-accredited
CIPP PAS-accredited
CIPP PAS-accredited
CIPP PAS-accredited
CIPP PAS-accredited

How We Reviewed Moorepay

We regularly research a wide range of market-leading payroll products and services to evaluate them in terms of functionality, usability, data security and customer support, so we can make the most useful recommendations for UK businesses.

Our rigorous research process means these products have been scored and rated in five main categories of investigation and 10 subcategories — in fact, we covered 56 areas of investigation in total. We then gave each category score a ‘relevance weighting’ to ensure the product's final score perfectly reflects the needs and requirements of Expert Market readers.

Our main testing categories for payroll products and services are:

  • Control: The level of customisation and flexibility provided by the payroll software in managing and processing payroll, such as the ability to define pay periods, set up tax withholding rules and manage employee data.
  • Data security: The measures and protocols implemented by the payroll software to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of sensitive payroll information.
  • Expertise: The level of knowledge and guidance provided by the payroll software vendor or support team. This can include resources such as documentation, tutorials and training materials.
  • Scalability: The ability of the payroll software to accommodate the growth and changing needs of a business, including the capacity to handle an increasing number of employees and support multiple locations or entities.
  • Customer support: The various channels and methods available for users to seek assistance and support from the payroll software vendor, such as email or ticket-based support, phone support, or live chat.
Verdict: Is Moorepay a Good Option For You?

Based on our research, Moorepay is one of the strongest payroll platforms for UK businesses, offering feature-rich and highly scalable payroll software for businesses with operations of any size in the UK. With the UK’s new tax year starting on 6 April 2026, now is an ideal time to evaluate payroll software that combines flexibility, compliance, and expert-led support.

That said, its custom pricing can be expensive for microbusinesses, frequent pay structure changes require coordination with support, and it lacks international payroll capabilities, so global employers may need to look elsewhere. For UK-focused businesses prioritising expert-led payroll, however, Moorepay remains a top-tier option.

If you’re curious about how much it costs to outsource your payroll responsibilities, take a look at our 2026 guide to outsourcing payroll costs.

Moorepay Payroll FAQs

Is Moorepay the cheapest payroll software?
Moorepay is not the least expensive UK payroll software option, but its services and software are well worth the prices charged – just ask one of the many big-name clients operating in the UK. Moorepay’s pricing is fully bespoke, so the total cost will depend on your specific needs and goals.
Is Moorepay good for small businesses?
While Moorepay’s software can integrate with businesses of nearly any size, its pricing is bespoke, which means the cost to your business will depend on your specific needs and goals.
What is the best payroll software?
Businesses have unique and varied needs, so it’s difficult to determine the ‘best’ payroll software. The software that best meets your business’s needs will be the best payroll software for you. Moorepay is a great option if you have the budget for bespoke payroll software, high-quality features, top-notch security, automation, great customer service and more.
Does Moorepay integrate with common accounting software, like Xero or QuickBooks?
Yes, Moorepay’s Marketplace facilitates integrations with a wide range of accounting software, including Xero and QuickBooks Online. However, the connection may require a flat-file export/import, rather than a seamless API sync, depending on your chosen accounting tool and version.

Meet our Expert author

Paul Thomas, HR and organisational change consultant
Paul Thomas

Paul Thomas is an organisational development specialist with more than 20 years of senior HR and change management experience at global companies, including Morgan Stanley, HelloFresh and Babbel. He designs practical, behaviour-driven systems that improve workforce operations, leadership capability and digital tool adoption. His work aims to bridge strategy and execution, helping organisations create the conditions for smoother workflows, clearer communication and sustained performance.

Written by:
David is a Certified Public Accountant and prolific finance writer, specialising in taxes, business accounting, and corporate finance. He holds a BSc in Accounting and has worked as a CPA, tax accountant, and senior financial accountant for several years. David has written and edited thousands of articles for millions of monthly readers, and has contributed to the likes of Investopedia, The Balance, OnPay, and now Expert Market.