To pick the right payroll software, you need to look much deeper than pay runs. You need accuracy, compliance, control, and a system that works seamlessly with your other tools.
This guide provides a clear, side-by-side comparison of Ciphr Payroll software and Moorepay Payroll, with a specific focus on payroll functionality, integrations, compliance, security, pricing, and the best-suited platforms for each.Ciphr offers an API-led, real-time payroll engine tightly integrated with Ciphr HR, designed to minimise manual work and strengthen control. Moorepay offers a mature payroll platform with robust automation, and an employee mobile app. Both platforms are HMRC-recognised and used predominantly in the UK.
Please note all comparisons below relate to Moorepay’s payroll software and Ciphr’s payroll software.
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Ciphr Payroll vs Moorepay: payroll software comparison matrix
Platform positioning
Ciphr payroll (payroll‑first, API‑led, integrated with Ciphr HR)
Ciphr payroll is an HMRC-recognised, real-time, API‑led engine designed by payroll professionals. It emphasises clean control over data flow (pause/resume and selective sync), real-time calculations, automated backpay and holiday pay, payrolling of BIK, and direct download of HMRC tax notices – which helps reduce rekeying and minimises surprises during pay runs. It’s a strong match if you want payroll and HR operating on a single, modern platform.
Moorepay payroll software (automation-heavy, app-enabled, marketplace-friendly)
Moorepay combines HMRC-recognised payroll with automated statutory calculations, a payroll dashboard (with restore-to-pre-cleardown functionality), and open APIs. They also offer an employee mobile app and an integration marketplace. It’s a proven choice for SMBs seeking automation and a broad ecosystem.
Where each payroll product stands out
Ciphr payroll: payroll control and deep HR/payroll cohesion
- Real-time HR↔payroll sync with pause/resume and selective processing gives payroll teams control during critical periods
- Automations for backpay and average/rolled‑up holiday pay reduce manual effort and errors
- Payrolling of BIK handled within payroll; direct HMRC notices download to cut rekeying
- Cost‑centre splits and a suite of reports (audit, Bacs listing, cost journal exports) support finance alignment
- Recognised by CIPP as Software Product of the Year 2025
Moorepay payroll: automation, mobile experience and marketplace
- Automated calculations plus the ability to restore payroll to pre-cleardown
- Employee mobile app with self-service
- Open APIs and a marketplace of pre-built connectors
- CIPP Payroll Assurance Scheme accreditation and Bacs Approved Bureau status
Compliance, security, and trust
- Ciphr: HMRC‑recognised, RTI‑compliant payroll; ISO 27001:2022; Cyber Essentials Plus; UK hosting on AWS. Learn more about Ciphr’s compliance and security in our Trust Centre
- Moorepay: HMRC‑recognised payroll; CIPP PAS accreditation; ISO 27001 and ISO 9001; BitSight‑monitored security; built on Microsoft Azure with UK data stored in an IBM data centre
Implementation and support
- Ciphr: Structured, fast onboarding with ‘test‑in‑live’ to reduce disruption; supported by UK payroll specialists; a single support route if you also run Ciphr HR
- Moorepay: Implementation in as little as four weeks; onboarded by an implementation consultant; UK-based support available by phone or email
Who each is best for
- Ciphr payroll: Mid-market UK organisations wanting real-time payroll tightly integrated with Ciphr HR and strong control/automation around complex calculations and compliance – often in the 200 – 2,000 employee range
- Moorepay payroll: UK SMBs (~50 – 1,000 employees) needing an automation-heavy payroll suite with a mobile app and ready-made connectors
In summary
Both Ciphr and Moorepay deliver modern, compliant UK payroll. Ciphr stands out for its API‑led, real-time architecture and tight HR↔payroll integration with granular control of data flow and complex calculation automation (backpay, average/rolled‑up holiday pay, BIK). Moorepay shines for automation and app-enabled employee experience and its integration marketplace, backed by CIPP PAS accreditation.
The right choice will come down to your integration priorities (single‑platform for HR↔payroll vs broad marketplace), desired level of control during pay cycles, and whether mobile self-service is a must-have for your employees.
Resources to help you choose the right payroll solution
The choice is yours. We're here to help you make the right one
Speak to one of Ciphr’s friendly HR and payroll experts today to see if we’re the right fit for you. Or, download one of our comprehensive resources to learn more.
All information has been gathered directly from review sites and the vendor’s website. Any information contained is subject to change without notice, at the vendor’s discretion. Ciphr does not take responsibility for any inaccurate or outdated information contained herein; it is accurate at the time of publication. To request a correction, email marketing@ciphr.com