Software Comparison
BrightPay vs Surf Payroll (now BrightPay) - Irish Payroll Software Compared
Choosing between BrightPay and Surf Payroll (now BrightPay) is one of the most common decisions Irish businesses face when evaluating payroll software. This comparison breaks down everything an Irish SME needs to know, from Revenue integration and GDPR data residency to pricing and ease of use.
Last checked: 08 Jun 2026 data estimated for at least one vendor - confirm with the vendor Methodology
Quick Verdict
BrightPay is the default Irish payroll choice unless you're already running BrightBooks.
BrightPay vs Surf Payroll (now BrightPay) - Feature Comparison
| Feature | BrightPay | Surf Payroll (now BrightPay) |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Integration | Direct Revenue Online Service submissions with full PAYE Modernisation real-time reporting. A proven compliance track record. | Revenue integration and PAYE Modernisation compliance not yet verified against vendor documentation in our dataset - confirm directly with CPM Software before committing. |
| PAYE Modernisation | Full PAYE Modernisation support. Widely used by accountancy bureaus for multi-client payroll runs. | PAYE Modernisation handling advertised by Surf but requires direct vendor confirmation for strict compliance sign-off. |
| SEPA Bank Files | Generates SEPA XML payment files compatible with AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB, and Ulster Bank for bulk payroll runs. | SEPA XML capability not yet verified in our dataset. Confirm with vendor before relying on it for bulk payroll. |
| GDPR Compliance | EU data residency. BrightPay Connect adds optional cloud backup and employee self-service portal. | EU data residency. Surf is Irish-hosted, which strengthens its GDPR posture for Irish employers. |
| Irish Support | Dedicated Irish support team based in Dublin. Strong reputation for responsiveness and Irish payroll expertise. | Irish-hosted product but dedicated Irish support channels unverified - contact CPM Software to confirm response times and hours. |
| Cloud / Desktop | Desktop-first with BrightPay Connect as an optional cloud layer for backup, employee self-service, and bureau features. | Cloud-native, delivered through the BrightBooks platform. No separate desktop application to maintain. |
| Best Fit | Default choice for Irish employers from sole traders to mid-sized firms, and for accountancy bureaus running multi-client payroll. | Best for bureaus and businesses already committed to BrightBooks who want single-vendor ledger plus payroll. |
Irish Compliance and Pricing Matrix
A side-by-side data comparison of pricing and Irish regulatory compliance for BrightPay and Surf Payroll (now BrightPay). Values are derived from each vendor's published data and verified weekly.
| Requirement | BrightPay | Surf Payroll (now BrightPay) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | From €229/year | Contact for pricing |
| Pricing model | Annual licence | Contact for pricing |
| EUR pricing guaranteed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Irish Compliance | ||
| Revenue (ROS) integration | ✓ | ✗ |
| PAYE Modernisation | ✓ | ✗ |
| Irish bank feeds | ✗ | ✗ |
| Bank compatibility | AIB, BOI, PTSB, Ulster Bank | None listed |
| SEPA direct debit | ✓ | ✗ |
| Irish IBAN support | ✓ | ✗ |
| VAT handling | ✗ | ✗ |
| EU data residency (GDPR) | EU only | EU only |
| Irish support | ✓ | ✗ |
| Revenue-approved | ✗ | ✗ |
| CBI regulated | ✗ | ✗ |
Pricing notes
BrightPay: Tiered annual licence: ~€229 ex VAT for up to 10 employees, ~€349 for up to 25, ~€459 unlimited. Bureau licences priced separately. BrightPay Connect (cloud add-on) priced per employer. - Source
Surf Payroll (now BrightPay): Surf Payroll consolidated into BrightPay. Contact Bright Software Group for migration path and BrightPay pricing. - Source
Irish Compliance Comparison
For Irish businesses, compliance with Revenue, GDPR, and local banking standards is non-negotiable. Here is how BrightPay and Surf Payroll (now BrightPay) compare on the requirements that matter most to Irish SMEs.
Revenue Integration
BrightPay supports full Revenue Online Service (ROS) integration for VAT returns and tax submissions, while Surf Payroll (now BrightPay) does not offer native Revenue integration. This is a significant gap for Irish businesses that need to file directly with Revenue from their software.
PAYE Modernisation
BrightPay includes full PAYE Modernisation support with real-time payroll submissions to Revenue. Surf Payroll (now BrightPay) does not have native PAYE Modernisation - if you choose Surf Payroll (now BrightPay), you will need a separate payroll solution (such as BrightPay or Collsoft) to handle your PAYE obligations. This is a critical consideration for any Irish employer.
Irish Bank Feeds
BrightPay supports AIB, BOI, PTSB, Ulster Bank. Surf Payroll (now BrightPay) supports no Irish banks directly. BrightPay has broader Irish bank compatibility, which matters if you bank with AIB or BOI or PTSB or Ulster Bank - you will get automatic bank feeds or SEPA payment file support that Surf Payroll (now BrightPay) cannot offer.
GDPR Data Residency
Both BrightPay and Surf Payroll (now BrightPay) store data in EU data centres, providing strong GDPR compliance out of the box. Irish businesses can use either platform without worrying about cross-border data transfers to the US or other non-EU jurisdictions.
SEPA and IBAN Support
BrightPay supports SEPA Direct Debit and Irish IBAN format, making euro payments and bank transfers seamless. Surf Payroll (now BrightPay) does not support SEPA natively, which could mean extra manual steps when processing euro payments or setting up direct debits for Irish customers.
VAT Handling
Neither BrightPay nor Surf Payroll (now BrightPay) handles Irish VAT directly. This is expected for payroll tools - your accounting software should manage VAT compliance.
Pricing Comparison
All prices below are in euro. Pricing can change - we verify vendor pricing weekly, but always confirm on the vendor's website before purchasing.
BrightPay
€229 /mo
- Pricing model: Flat rate
- Free trial: Yes
- EUR pricing guaranteed: Yes
Surf Payroll (now BrightPay)
Contact for quote
- Pricing model: Contact for pricing
- Free trial: No
- EUR pricing guaranteed: Yes
Surf Payroll (now BrightPay) does not publish entry-level pricing - request a quote directly. Total cost of ownership depends on users, plan tier, add-ons and features, so always calculate the full annual cost for your team size before committing.
Who Should Choose BrightPay
BrightPay is the better fit if your business matches one or more of these profiles:
- ✓ Businesses that need built-in payroll with PAYE Modernisation support
- ✓ Companies that value Irish-based phone and email support
- ✓ Businesses banking with AIB, BOI, PTSB, Ulster Bank who want reliable bank feed or payment file support
- ✓ Those who prioritise user satisfaction - BrightPay has a higher editorial rating (4.8/5)
Who Should Choose Surf Payroll (now BrightPay)
Surf Payroll (now BrightPay) is the better fit if your business matches one or more of these profiles:
- ✓ Those who value: migration path to brightpay (the active irish-hosted payroll product)
- ✓ Those who value: same bright software group support team
- ✓ Those who value: continues integration with brightbooks (formerly surf accounts)
Our Verdict
BrightPay is the default Irish payroll choice unless you're already running BrightBooks. It's Dublin-built, wins Irish Accountancy Awards Payroll Software of the Year consistently, handles PAYE Modernisation, and generates SEPA XML files for every major Irish bank including Ulster Bank. Surf Payroll is a credible Irish-hosted option, particularly for accountancy bureaus already operating on BrightBooks who want a single-vendor ledger-plus-payroll workflow.
But on feature depth, user base, pricing transparency, and proven compliance track record, BrightPay wins clearly. Unless BrightBooks is already anchoring your stack, start with BrightPay.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific business needs, team size, and priorities. We recommend taking advantage of free trials from both vendors before making your final decision. If you are working with an Irish accountant or payroll bureau, ask which platform they prefer - their familiarity with the software can save you significant time and hassle during setup and ongoing support.
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Is BrightPay or Surf Payroll (now BrightPay) better for Irish SMEs?
Which is cheaper, BrightPay or Surf Payroll (now BrightPay)?
Does BrightPay or Surf Payroll (now BrightPay) have better Irish bank feeds?
Which has better GDPR compliance, BrightPay or Surf Payroll (now BrightPay)?
Can I switch from BrightPay to Surf Payroll (now BrightPay)?
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