# Page 5 | Bright Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Page 5 - Is Bright the right Payroll solution for you? Explore 347 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/126242/BrightPay/reviews --- Bright 4.9 (347) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/126242/BrightPay/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated May 15th, 2026 # Page 5 - Reviews of Bright ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 101-125 of 347 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use PT Philip T. Owner Management Consulting Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Small business feedback using free version" September 27, 2016 4.0 Pros It is free for small business users with only a couple of employees It is easy to use and conforms to the HMRC requirements, providing exactly the submissions that they require Cons You need to download a new program each year rather than be able to continue using the same program and just close out the tax year. Review Source AW Alex W. Managing Director Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Excellent piece of software, and free for micro businessness" October 25, 2016 5.0 When I started my company 2 years ago, I had a long list of things to get to grips with, many of which I knew eff-all about. Running payroll was high up there. I chose BrightPay because of its good reviews and fact that it was free for micro businesses. Despite knowing literally nothing about what I was supposed to be doing with regards to payroll (back when I had a 'proper' job I basically didn't know why I was getting payslips) the software was ridiculously easy to use and I wasted no time at all in getting up and going. On the few occasions I've used customer support, I've got straight through to a real person who solved my problems instantly. I highly recommend this product for small businesses. Pros Ease of use Cost Customer service Cons For, I suspect, very sensible reasons, BrightPay doesn't offer advice regarding stuff that should be given by a trained accountant. Consequently I went through time time without checking the box that gives you "Employment Allowance" - money back off your employer's NI. Most companies that don't really directly or indirectly on public sector funding are eligible for this, but if you don't know about it you're unlikely to tick the box. This isn't BrightPay's fault - it's not their job to be giving accountancy advice, but it's worth to bare in mind that though the software is easy to use you may still need a few extra pointers from a professional when you start out. Review Source DH David H. General Manager Plastics Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great Programme - Just a bit slow" July 19, 2022 4.0 From a user point, pretty good. Just needs to be a bit faster. Pros Excellent from a user point of view - can view payslips historically which is very useful. Good getting email notofications Cons Server seems to be very slow when logging in. Takes ages to navigate pages and download documents which can be frustrating. Review Source Response from Bright July 26, 2022 Thank you for your great review, David. JM John M. Chartered Accountant Accounting Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Free version" April 4, 2017 5.0 I only have clients with one or two employees and once set up the operation of the system is extremely fast. It is possible to calculate wages and submit them to HMRC in less than 10 seconds. Pros Speed and ease of operation. Friendly and helpful staff when phoning. Cons The free version is only available for one client which at my end of the market means that it is not cost effective to have a bureau licence. I would suggest that the free version should cover, say, a maximum of 3 clients with 3 staff or less or even consider a "small bureau" licence in the region of, say £60 + Vat for this. Review Source CG Ceri G. Managing Director Staffing and Recruiting Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "General Overview of my experience with BrightPay" December 6, 2018 4.0 Pros Lovely interface, very easy to navigate, much better than any other system I've used. It's great value for money too. Cons With the exception of one of the rep who helped me with migration, the customer service is appalling. I have only had to contact BrightPay support a few times as the problems have been minimal, but I dread the time when I need to because the conversations are always difficult and the staff are often downright rude. Today I asked if there was a way of updating a certain field across all employees and was told that it needs to be done individually. As I have over 1,000 staff I questioned this and asked if there was a better way since it will be very time consuming. I was told "if there was a better way I would have suggested it". So rude. I find it's better to communicate by email where possible although this can also be challenging depending on who responds. Review Source IS Ian S. Accountant Accounting Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Practice Managment Review" September 2, 2019 3.0 Pros The cost is reasonable Ease of on-boarding new clients AML check link to Veriphy Cons No link to submit Confirmation Statements to Co Hse Lack of workflow Lack of link to other software Reason for choosing Bright Cost Review Source CC Charmaine C. Accountant Accounting Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Helps to manage workflow effectively" August 27, 2019 5.0 Pros This software, helps to meet with the work deadline easily. It helps to know which tasks is due by setting a deadline date. I can also make a note of the time I spent on each task during the day which helps me manage my workflow easily. Cons It gets confusing sometimes to know what task is due first as all the workflow is displayed at the same time. Review Source DK Dean K. CEO Media Production Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "BrightPay is fantastic" September 27, 2016 5.0 Pros Brightpay is brilliant. It is easy to use, exceptionally intuitive and good to look at! The vendor is very fair, and if you're a tiny business (we're a small non-profit), the fact that they allow you to use it for free should be commended. Cons Honestly, we haven't had any problems with the software or the vendor. Any technical problems we've had have been of our own doing, and restoring from BrightPay backups was easy. Review Source QM Qiang M. Sales engineer Retail Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "A good payroll system for small businesses" September 21, 2018 5.0 Pros This software is very user friendly and doesn't require much effort to learn how to use the different functions. The price is very affordable and works well for our small business. Cons I wish they have better customer support. And also it is not very compatible with Mac machines. But this is not an major issue for us since we have windows too. Review Source MA Mary A. Accountant Philanthropy Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Small charity payroll processing" September 27, 2016 5.0 Pros This product is very user friendly therefore straightforward to use. It carries out all the main functions of payroll well and reduces processing time. Cons After using this product for two years I cannot think of anything I do not like about the product or vendor. Review Source CJ Christina J. Company Secretary Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I have used this software for about 9 years it is very good." September 27, 2016 5.0 Pros The software updates are very good as i am just one person who does wages weekly for a small company and if i get confused at all any time the people at BrightPay are just so helpful. Cons I dont think there is anything i dont like about BrightPay Review Source YM Yusuf M. Trustee Philanthropy Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Review from and NGO \[Non Governmental Organisation\]" August 2, 2017 5.0 Definitely recommend to other organisations and NGOs Pros Easy to use. Value for money, customer service staff are supportive and helpful, as a charity we have benefitted alot and saved alot of money. Thank you. Review Source MK Michael K. Senior Talent Manager Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "I see why they call themselves, brightpay!" February 25, 2019 5.0 I love the look and feel of brightpay! Pros Tnterface is awesome. It is bright, colorful, easy to read and the look and feel of the application makes it feel modern and simple. Most payroll software is boring and monotonous, but this is clear, simple, color coded and makes configuring to your business's needs easy to establish and easy to train new users. Cons All payroll software is very robust, but that would be the downside here. The options and configurations are endless and can be slightly overwhelming. I think if you have a SME dedicated to this resource, you can optimize the tool to fit your business' needs, but figuring out the best way can be difficult. Review Source ME Michael E. MD Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Excellent Payroll Software" February 10, 2017 5.0 An excellent package with fast, friendly support. Pros Easy to use and adaptable to our requirements Cons Pity there is not a Linux version but at least Apple is supported. I use this software within a VM in Linux. Review Source rC romayne C. Consultant Staffing and Recruiting Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Wholehearted recommendation. One of the best decisions I've made." September 28, 2016 5.0 Pros Fantastically designed to make life simple and instinctive. The telephone help (rarely needed) has always been great. I am a huge fan, this product has saved me great stress, time and money. If only all life was this simple. Cons I honestly have absolutely no complaints. Even the potentially tricky bits (e.g. moving computers, end of years, adjusting details) all work seamlessly. Review Source PC Paul C. owner Accounting Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Great software" September 2, 2019 5.0 very good Pros easy set up - could see the tasks being set up as implementation Cons i cannot fault any of the software , very user freindly Reason for choosing Bright Nice mail shot and appears simple to use , it took a day to set up even with 260 clients ,never looked back ,fees have increased ,really very organised Review Source DR Diane R. Manager Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Easy to Use and Easy on the Budget" January 25, 2019 5.0 Pros There is a free version available and if you decide you want it there is a one-time fee. It is a great value! It tracks pension, expenses, sick time, and maternity leave. It is pretty easy to use. Cons There is no training available that I know of but any questions customer service is happy to help with. Review Source DF David F. Accountant Accounting Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Best value Payroll Software we have had in 20 years of practice" February 8, 2017 5.0 Simple and straightforward to install and use \[unlike many of the larger competitors\] it contains the majority of functions required by most payroll departments. It is so easy to add extra payments or deductions without lots of messing and links. There are so many facilities It would take a week to list them all. A brilliant top value pack. Pros Everything is built in - it is so easy to use There is no charge for charities and super small businesses that wish to run their own payroll. Cons I can't think of any problems - they have all been ironed out over the past few years. Review Source TB Tony B. Owner Management Consulting Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Simple but fully-featured payroll" September 27, 2016 4.5 Pros Full featured payroll software that is completely free for small companies. Easy to learn. Good support from the company, though I've only had to contact them for advice with one problem. Cons Nothing - I like it! Review Source BM Brian M. manager Food & Beverages Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Excellent On Our Small Scale" May 10, 2018 5.0 Pros BrightPay has eliminated the middleman of paying your staff. It is a simple, clean and fast way to manage payroll. We highly recommend it. Cons The only issue we have come across as the delay between scheduling and payout for staff. We feel that this time could be quicker in processing. Review Source CS Chris S. Company Secretary/Accountant Accounting Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Excellent Product" June 24, 2017 4.0 Cons 1\. Holiday pay entry. Calculation of pay is manual. Why isn't it number of hours or days or weeks. 2. Payment of one off amount has to be either No of hours or days Review Source LD Luc D. Bookkeeper Management Consulting Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "A 2-year old Employer's view" September 27, 2016 5.0 Pros A most straightforward software application to set up, to use & whatever (from a non-native bookkeeper) Most appreciated, is Brightpay online support: Every time I came to an unusual event; I could find an answer! As simple as that!! Cons As a small \[but VAT registered\] employer, I have not yet - so far - come across a negative ' Brightpay experience' Review Source AS Alfredo S. IT Director Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Outstanding !" September 28, 2016 5.0 Pros Simple, easy, friendly voice if help is needed and for someone with a small business with tight finances its FOC ! Cons Nothing - everything about BrightPay for me is all I need Review Source RL Richard L. Treasurer Philanthropy Used the software for: 2+ years ### "BrightPay Review" April 4, 2017 5.0 This is an attractive, easy to use, piece of Payroll software. Pros It's free, ability to see and save RTI message in XML, neat GUI, easy backup, automatic updates. Cons None that I can think of. Review Source NA Nav A. Director Accounting Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Easy to use but high priced" August 2, 2019 5.0 Pros Easy to use Less clutter Time saver Good design Cons HMRC payment tabs to not very clear. Less description and I never found it useful. Auto Enrolment function is not straight forward, most of the time so get error message for unsuccessful submissions. Reason for choosing Bright Brightpay is Easy to use Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Related categories [Accounting Practice Management](https://www.capterra.com/accounting-practice-management-software/)[Direct Deposit Payroll](https://www.capterra.com/direct-deposit-payroll-software/)[Payroll](https://www.capterra.com/payroll-software/) ## Send me user reviews about this product ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.