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13 Best Payroll Software in 2024

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Author

Martin Lunendonk

Last Update

Nov 07, 2024

We earn a commission from partner links on Keevee. Commissions do not affect our editor's opinions or evaluations.

There are numerous payroll software options, each claiming to simplify payroll processing, ensure compliance, and enhance accuracy. But which ones truly stand out?

I’ve spent over 100 hours researching, analyzing user reviews, and testing popular payroll software to help you find the best solutions for small businesses, large enterprises, remote teams, and more. Whether you're looking to streamline payroll processing or ensure compliance, the right tool can make all the difference. Stay tuned to discover which software meets your needs.

Top Picks for Payroll Software

5.0
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OnPay

Perfect For Seamless Payroll Processing

4.8
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Rippling

Ideal For Comprehensive HR Solutions

4.6
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Gusto

Best For Small Business Payroll

4.5
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Justworks

Excellent For Compliance Management

4.4
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Paychex

Best For Large Enterprises

4.3
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ADP RUN

Top For Scalable Payroll Solutions

4.2
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TriNet

Best For HR Outsourcing

4.1
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Wave Payroll

Best For Freelancers

4.0
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Patriot Software

Best For Budget-Friendly Payroll

3.9
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QuickBooks Payroll

Best For QuickBooks Integration

Top Payroll Software

5.0

0

Perfect For Seamless Payroll Processing

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OnPay

OnPay simplifies payroll management with its intuitive interface and robust features. Its automated tax filings and employee self-service portal are standout benefits, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking efficiency and compliance in payroll processing.

  • User-friendly interface simplifies payroll tasks.
  • Comprehensive tax filing and compliance support.
  • Excellent customer service with quick response times.
  • Limited integration options with other software.
  • No mobile app for on-the-go access.

Free plan?

No

Starting price

$46 per month
4.8

0

Ideal For Comprehensive HR Solutions

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Rippling

Rippling revolutionizes payroll management with its automation and integration capabilities. It simplifies complex processes, offering seamless HR tool integration and global payroll support. Ideal for businesses seeking efficiency and scalability in their payroll operations.

  • Seamless integration with HR and IT systems.
  • Highly customizable to fit business needs.
  • Automates complex payroll processes efficiently.
  • Steep learning curve for new users.
  • Higher cost compared to some competitors.

Free plan?

No

Starting price

$35 per month
4.6

0

Best For Small Business Payroll

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Gusto

Gusto simplifies payroll and benefits management for businesses. Its intuitive platform and automation features save time and reduce errors. With comprehensive benefits and employee self-service, it's an essential tool for efficient HR management.

  • Intuitive design makes payroll easy to manage.
  • Strong employee benefits management features.
  • Great for small businesses with limited HR resources.
  • Limited reporting capabilities.
  • Customer support can be slow at times.

Free plan?

No

Starting price

$40 per month
4.5

0

Excellent For Compliance Management

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Justworks

Justworks simplifies payroll and HR management for businesses. Its standout features include streamlined payroll processing, comprehensive benefits management, and robust compliance support. Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking to enhance efficiency and employee satisfaction.

  • Comprehensive benefits and compliance support.
  • Simplifies HR tasks for small businesses.
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
  • Limited customization options.
  • Not ideal for very small teams.

Free plan?

No

Starting price

$8 per month per person
4.4

0

Best For Large Enterprises

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Paychex

Paychex simplifies payroll management with its automated processes and comprehensive tax tools. Its employee self-service portal and robust reporting make it a valuable asset for businesses aiming to streamline operations and enhance employee satisfaction.

  • Wide range of payroll and HR services.
  • Strong reputation and reliability.
  • Scalable solutions for growing businesses.
  • Complex pricing structure.
  • Interface can be overwhelming for new users.

Free plan?

No

Starting price

Contact sales
4.3

0

Top For Scalable Payroll Solutions

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ADP RUN

ADP RUN simplifies payroll management with its automated processing and tax compliance features. Its seamless integration with HR tools and user-friendly interface make it an essential tool for businesses seeking efficiency and accuracy in payroll operations.

  • Trusted brand with extensive payroll expertise.
  • Robust reporting and analytics features.
  • Excellent customer support and resources.
  • Higher cost for small businesses.
  • Setup process can be time-consuming.

Free plan?

No

Starting price

Contact sales
4.2

0

Best For HR Outsourcing

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TriNet

TriNet simplifies payroll management with its comprehensive features and seamless HR integration. Its compliance tools and employee self-service portal enhance efficiency and accuracy, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking reliable payroll solutions.

  • Comprehensive HR outsourcing services.
  • Strong compliance and risk management support.
  • Great for companies with complex HR needs.
  • Not suitable for very small businesses.
  • Pricing can be high for smaller teams.

Free plan?

No

Starting price

Contact sales
4.1

0

Best For Freelancers

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Wave Payroll

Wave Payroll offers a streamlined solution for managing payroll with ease. Its automated tax calculations and direct deposit features are invaluable, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Perfect for small businesses seeking a reliable and user-friendly payroll system.

  • Affordable payroll solution for small businesses.
  • Easy integration with Wave's accounting software.
  • User-friendly interface with simple navigation.
  • Limited features compared to larger competitors.
  • No mobile app for payroll management.

Free plan?

Yes

Starting price

$20 per month
4.0

0

Best For Budget-Friendly Payroll

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Patriot Software

Patriot Software simplifies payroll management with its intuitive interface and robust features. It excels in automating payroll tasks, ensuring tax compliance, and offering customizable reports. Ideal for small businesses seeking efficiency and accuracy in payroll processing.

  • Cost-effective payroll solution for small businesses.
  • Simple and straightforward user interface.
  • Strong customer support with helpful resources.
  • Limited advanced features.
  • Integration options are somewhat restricted.

Free plan?

Yes

Starting price

$8.5 per month
3.9

0

Best For QuickBooks Integration

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QuickBooks Payroll

QuickBooks Payroll simplifies payroll management with its automated processes and tax compliance features. Its seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting and employee self-service portal make it an invaluable tool for businesses seeking efficiency and accuracy in payroll operations.

  • Seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting.
  • Automated tax calculations and filings.
  • User-friendly interface for easy navigation.
  • Higher cost for advanced features.
  • Customer support can be inconsistent.

Free plan?

Yes

Starting price

$42.5 per month
3.8

0

Simplest For Small Teams

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Workful

Workful streamlines payroll management with its intuitive interface and robust features. It automates tax calculations and offers a self-service portal, making it a valuable tool for businesses looking to enhance efficiency and accuracy in payroll processing.

  • Affordable payroll solution for small businesses.
  • Simple setup and easy to use.
  • Includes time tracking and employee self-service.
  • Limited integration options.
  • Basic reporting features.

Free plan?

No

Starting price

$45 per month
3.7

0

Best For Global Payroll

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Oyster

Oyster revolutionizes global payroll management with its intuitive platform and robust compliance automation. It’s perfect for businesses expanding internationally, offering seamless multi-currency payments and a user-friendly interface that simplifies complex payroll tasks.

  • Great for managing global payroll.
  • Comprehensive compliance support.
  • User-friendly platform with intuitive design.
  • Higher cost for smaller teams.
  • Limited features for domestic payroll.

Free plan?

Yes

Starting price

USD25 per employee/month
3.6

0

Best For Remote Teams

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Deel

Deel simplifies global payroll with automated compliance and seamless payments. Its user-friendly interface and robust support make it ideal for businesses managing international teams. Experience hassle-free payroll management and focus on what truly matters—growing your business.

  • Excellent for international payroll management.
  • Strong compliance and legal support.
  • User-friendly interface with easy navigation.
  • Higher cost for small businesses.
  • Limited features for domestic payroll.

Free plan?

Yes

Starting price

$19 per employee/month

Why You Need Payroll Software

Are you struggling to manage payroll efficiently or finding it hard to ensure compliance? In today’s fast-paced business environment, the right payroll software can be a game-changer. It helps you stay organized, boost accuracy, and ensure every payroll cycle runs smoothly. As businesses face more complex demands, having the right tools is crucial to stay competitive.

  • Streamline Payroll Processing

    Is your payroll process bogged down by manual calculations and paperwork? With payroll software, you can automate calculations, manage employee data, and ensure timely payments. This not only saves time but also reduces errors, allowing you to focus on more strategic tasks. It's a simple way to enhance efficiency and accuracy in your payroll operations.

  • Ensure Compliance

    Are you worried about staying compliant with ever-changing tax laws and regulations? Payroll software helps you stay up-to-date with the latest compliance requirements, automatically calculating taxes and filing reports. This reduces the risk of penalties and ensures your business remains compliant, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on growth.

  • Enhance Employee Satisfaction

    Do your employees have easy access to their payroll information? With payroll software, employees can access their pay stubs, tax forms, and benefits information through a self-service portal. This transparency boosts employee satisfaction and reduces the administrative burden on your HR team, allowing them to focus on more value-added activities.

Our Rating Methodology

We meticulously evaluated each payroll software, focusing on key aspects like value to price, ease of use, and functionality. By analyzing user reviews and testing features, we ensured our recommendations align with diverse business needs. Each of the seven evaluation factors is weighted by importance to deliver a reliable final rating, helping you avoid underperforming tools and make confident decisions.

Decision FactorScoring Weight
Value to Price
20%
20%
Ease of Use
20%
15%
Functionality
20%
25%
Scalability
20%
15%
Integrations
20%
10%
Customer Support
20%
10%
Security
20%
5%

Frequently Asked Questions

Compare The Best Payroll Software

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Author

Martin Lunendonk

Martin Lunendonk is a senior tech writer specializing in website builders, web hosting, and ecommerce platforms. With a background in finance, accounting, and philosophy, he has founded multiple tech startups and worked in medium to large tech companies and investment banking, bringing deep expertise and reliable insights to his software reviews.