30 Best Payroll Services Reviewed in 2025
Best Payroll Services Providers Shortlist
Here’s my top picks for the best payroll services providers:
Payroll services automate paying your team, ensure you stay compliant, minimize errors, and save you hours of admin work every month. With the right solution, you can focus less on paperwork and more on building your business.
I’ve tested and compared the leading payroll services firsthand, so you’ll find the most reliable, easy-to-use options in this guide—giving you clarity and confidence to choose the best fit for your team.
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Best Payroll Services Providers Summary
I’ve put together this handy comparison chart with pricing info for my favorite payroll service providers—so you can easily find the one that fits your budget and suits your business best.
| Service | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for access to HR advisors | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for global teams | Free trial + demo available | From $29/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for on-demand wage access | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 4 | Best for managing international payments | Free demo available | From $25 - $199/user/month | Website | |
| 5 | Best for global contractors and freelancers | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for industry-specific payroll | 30-day free trial | From $40/month + $6/user/month | Website | |
| 7 | Best for US-based businesses | 30-day free trial | From $4/employee/month + $17/month base fee | Website | |
| 8 | Best for scaling internationally | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 9 | Best free payroll service | Free plan available | From $30/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for automations | Free demo available | From $40/month + $6/user/month | Website |
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Rippling
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Willo
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
ChartHop
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.3
Best Payroll Service Providers Reviews
Below is a detailed breakdown of the top payroll service providers that stood out to me. In each review, you’ll find the key features, pros and cons, integration options, and who each tool is best suited for to help you find your next solution.
TopSource Worldwide is a global payroll and Employer of Record (EOR) service that helps companies hire internationally without setting up local entities. Their services cover payroll processing, HR support, and employment compliance across more than 100 countries.
Why I picked TopSource Worldwide: I picked TopSource Worldwide because of their focus on compliant employment contracts and local payroll management, which can help you navigate the complexities of hiring internationally. They also bring experience supporting businesses expanding into new markets, and provide access to HR advisors who can assist with onboarding and benefits, adding value beyond payroll processing alone.
TopSource Worldwide Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include global payroll management designed to align with local tax and labor laws, as well as support with statutory benefits and contributions. Their HR services cover employment contracts, onboarding, and advisory support, while their EOR offering allows you to hire without establishing a local entity. The platform also provides in-country expertise to help employers stay compliant with regional requirements.
Integrations include Salesforce, NetSuite, SAP, Ebury, and various HR solutions through an API, alongside connections with eCommerce platforms, financial tools, CRM systems, ERP systems, EDI standards, online stores, and HRMS systems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Legal employer of record in each location
- Includes global payroll and tax management
- Salary estimator tool helps plan ahead
Cons:
- Pricing not publicly listed
- No public list of software integrations
Deel is a global payroll platform available in over 150 countries. The payroll service enables you to hire anyone from anywhere, whether they’re an independent contractor or a traditional employee.
Why I picked Deel: Deel’s platform makes it easy for remote and global teams to manage their payroll. The software enables users to hire and pay contractors without having to worry about complicated tax systems, local laws, or confusing international payroll.
Deel Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include Deel’s local country experts who work in-house to run clients’ global payroll. I think this is incredibly valuable for business owners who are weary of local taxes and laws for international hires.
The local experts streamline payroll processes for team members in their country and ensure regional taxes are accurately accounted for.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Netsuite, Workday, Workable, Expensify, Greenhouse, Hibob, BambooHR, Ashby, OneLogin, and Okta.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 24/7 online support
- 10+ payment options for clients
- Off-cycle payroll available
Cons:
- Confusing fees for some add-ons
- Occasional bugs
New Product Updates from Deel
Introducing Deel AI Workforce
Deel has launched the AI Workforce, a set of specialized agents designed to handle repetitive HR, payroll, and compliance tasks with speed and accuracy. These AI agents don’t just assist—they execute tasks from start to finish. For more information, visit Deel's official site.
Paylocity is a cloud-based platform that offers payroll and human capital management solutions. Designed to simplify payroll processing and enhance HR functions, it provides tools to manage employee data, benefits, and compliance.d efficient. With both basic and full-service payroll options, Patriot aims to meet the diverse needs of small business owners.
Why I picked Paylocity: Its payroll processing ensures accurate and timely compensation for your employees, handling complex calculations and tax withholdings. The platform also offers on-demand payment options, allowing employees to access earned wages before payday, which can boost satisfaction and financial well-being.
Paylocity Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include global payroll that ensures compliance with local regulations. It also offers federal, state, and local tax filings, garnishment services to manage wage deductions efficiently, and expense management tools that streamline the reimbursement process.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, Azure Active Directory, Slack, BambooHR, Greenhouse, and NetSuite.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive tax filing
- Automated expense reimbursement
- On-demand payment options
Cons:
- No free trial option available
- Tax services limited to US jurisdictions
New Product Updates from Paylocity
Paylocity AI Assistant Update
Paylocity introduces an AI Assistant that transitions from questions to actions swiftly, enhancing user efficiency. For more information, visit Paylocity's official site.
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RemoFirst provides advanced payroll services, including payments for global employer of record (EOR) hires, international payroll, and compliance support.
Why I picked RemoFirst: I chose RemoFirst for payroll services because it addresses the intricacies of global employment, including adherence to local labor laws and managing a diverse workforce. They cater to the complexities of hiring and managing remote teams across over 180 countries, positioning themselves as a leading solution for global team management due to their same-day onboarding capability and competitive pricing.
RemoFirst Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include tools to hire internationally without establishing a local entity, and tools to manage global payroll, ensure compliance with local tax laws and regulations, and generate contracts and invoices, alongside tools for workforce management. Other services offered include support with the visa application process, obtaining work permits for employees, and background checks. RemoFirst also offers RemoHealth, which provides health insurance options for remote teams.
Integrations include ADP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable to different organizational needs
- User-friendly interface for HR professionals
- Suitable for small to medium-sized businesses
Cons:
- Lacks extensive integration options
- No mobile app
New Product Updates from RemoFirst
RemoFirst's Enhancements in Team Management and Notifications
RemoFirst has introduced new enhancements in team management and notification preferences, allowing more customization and efficiency. For more information, visit RemoFirst's official site.
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Worksuite is a comprehensive freelancer management platform that offers employer of record (EOR) services including payroll processing. The platform allows you to hire and manage freelance and contract workers in 190 countries, and pay them in their local currency.
Why I picked Worksuite: In addition to paying your freelancers and contractors through the platform, you can manage your invoicing, maintain a talent database, onboard new recruits, and even track your projects. If your business relies heavily on contract-based employees, this can be a helpful solution for all-around management. And if you'd like to scale your freelancer workforce globally, but remain compliant, it can ensure you're meeting local labour laws.
Worksuite Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include the talent database, which letsy ou sort and filter contractors by various criteria such as availability and skills. The platform also facilitates customized onboarding workflows, including the collection of legal and tax documents, and automates invoice management linked to contractor profiles.
Integrations include Basecamp, Slack, Asana, Mavenlink, Pipedrive, Recurly, Zoho Subscriptions, Xero, and QuickBooks, among others. A paid Zapier account will also unlock thousands of other integrations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 24-hour live support available
- Risk management included to ensure compliance
- Coverage in 190 countries
Cons:
- Platform comes with a learning curve
- Pricing is not transparent
OnPay is one of the best payroll services because they offer specific versions of their software based on your industry. Whether you’re in construction, restaurants, agriculture, or a nonprofit, you’ll have a payroll provider that’s custom-tailored to your specific business.
Why I picked OnPay: Some industries have unique quirks when it comes to running payroll. For instance, restaurants typically deal with various part-time and full-time employees. Some restaurants that have delivery only pay drivers as contractors. OnPay offers different versions of their payroll service for a variety of industries to ensure even the most unique payroll needs are met which makes them stand out from the crowd.
OnPay Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include in-house insurance brokers to help you set up dental, vision, and health plans with partner providers. It also comes with integrated benefits administration, drastically reducing the requirement to manually enter data before running payroll. In my opinion, one of the coolest features is the 401k integrations that automatically include employer matching and even profit sharing.
Integrations include When I Work, Xero, Deputy, Mineral, PosterElite, Magnify, Quickbooks, and for 401k platforms: Guideline, Vestwell, and America’s Best 401k.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easily integrated benefits
- Easy to use
- In-house insurance brokers
- Great customer service during the week
Cons:
- No mobile app
- No support on weekends
Patriot Payroll is an online payroll service designed for small businesses in the United States. It offers a user-friendly platform that makes payroll management straightforward and efficient. With both basic and full-service payroll options, Patriot aims to meet the diverse needs of small business owners.
Why I picked Patriot Payroll: As a payroll service, Patriot offers comprehensive features, such as automatic tax calculations, direct deposit, and an employee portal for easy access to pay stubs and tax forms. Its full-service payroll option also includes all necessary federal, state, and local tax filings, ensuring compliance without the administrative hassle.
Patriot Payroll Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include customizable pay rates, allowing businesses to tailor compensation for different roles, time-off accruals, helping manage employee leave effectively, and detailed payroll reports, providing valuable insights into payroll expenses and trends to inform financial decisions.
Integrations include QuickBooks, TSheets, Gusto, Square, FreshBooks, Xero, accounting software, time and attendance systems, and human resources management systems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Manages electronic documents
- User-friendly interface
- Variety of built-in reports
Cons:
- No international payroll option
- The initial setup requires a lot of manual data entry
HSP Group is a global payroll provider that helps you manage cross-border payroll, legal compliance, and entity administration from one place. Their proprietary GateWay platform acts as the command center—giving you real-time visibility into payroll, HR, tax, and legal obligations in 60+ countries.
Why I picked HSP Group: I picked HSP because of how much ground they cover. Instead of stitching together different vendors for HR, tax, payroll, and entity setup, you get one partner—and one platform—for all of it. If you're expanding globally and want control without chasing ten systems or consultants, this setup makes your life easier. I also like that their payroll model scales with your business, whether you're using an EoR or setting up a permanent entity.
HSP Group Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include support for EoR-to-entity transitions when you’re ready to localize operations, and mobility solutions that manage global employee relocations while keeping you compliant. GateWay automates document management and deadline tracking, and gives you a single view of tax obligations, payroll tasks, and compliance gaps across jurisdictions.
Rather than integrating with third-party tools, HSP connects all of its services—global payroll, tax, HR admin, and legal setup—through its proprietary GateWay platform.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time compliance tracking system
- Smooth EoR-to-entity transition
- Unified platform for global HR
Cons:
- No pricing publicly available
- Integrations not clearly documented
Payroll4Free is exactly what you think it is. A completely free service with basic payroll services. It’s built specifically for small businesses with under 25 employees.
Why I picked Payroll4Free: It’s completely free. For some business owners who are bootstrapping but need a minimum viable solution, Payroll4Free will get the job done.
While it doesn’t have a ton of features, there isn’t much that beats free when you have a limited budget.
PayrollFree Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include a simple (while slightly dated) interface, payroll services for employees and contractors, and year-end tax forms such as 1099s and W-2s.
In my opinion, one surprising feature of the free platform is the employee portal.
If you do want a little bit more, Payroll4Free does offer more advanced features if you want to upgrade to a paid plan (up to $30/month).
Integrations include QuickBooks and most other common accounting software.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Completely free
- Employee portal
- Vacation time tracking
Cons:
- Tax filing and remittance is a paid add-on
- Limited integrations
Gusto’s automation features are some of the best available of any payroll software, which has made it one of the leading payroll providers since 2011 with over 60,000 customers worldwide.
Why I picked Gusto: The platform is easy to use for anyone even without previous payroll experience thanks to the fully automated payroll. I picked this one because it drastically reduces your workload when juggling the many complicated payroll tasks.
Compared to other platforms that are clunky or confusing, this tool simplifies anything and you certainly don’t need to have an accounting background to make sense of it all.
Gusto Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include a variety of ways to fully automate different payroll and HR tasks. I really like how you can set up your payroll to run automatically, with a simple reminder sent to you 24 hours beforehand. Gusto will also calculate local, state, and federal taxes, then, they’ll file and pay them automatically as well.
I also like Gusto’s self-service portal for your employees and contractors. It can automatically generate W-2s and 1099 forms for everyone at the end of the year. It'll even send out an email to let everyone know their tax forms are ready, and how to retrieve them.
Integrations include Carta, ClickUp, HubSpot, Cloudflare, Connecteam, Document360, Notion, BlueJeans, DocuSign, Pingboard, Zendesk, Amplitude, Checkr, Betterment at Work, Dynatrace, Fivetran, Flatly, Gorgias, and Hootsuite.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Affordable full-service payroll service
- Unlimited payroll runs in every state
- Wide variety of integrations
- All plans include basic reports
Cons:
- Next-day direct deposit isn’t offered in Simple plan
- Limited support for Simple and Plususers
Other Payroll Service Providers
Here are a few more options that didn’t make my shortlist, but could still be worth considering:
- Remote People
For global payroll compliance
- Buddy Punch
For employee time-tracking
- Paychex Flex
Reporting features
- Oyster HR
For compliant global payroll
- RUN Powered by ADP
For payroll and HR
- PrimePay
For early paycheck access
- Papaya Global
For multi-country payroll compliance
- Square Payroll
For tips and commissions
- Zenefits
For payroll compliance
- QuickBooks Payroll
For Quickbooks Accounting users
- Remote
For international benefits management
- Paycor
For growing teams
- Bambee
For wage and hours regulation compliance
- Insperity
Payroll software and services combination
- Workful
For customer service
- Justworks Payroll
For complex hiring processes
- SurePayroll
For advanced payroll reporting
- ADP TotalSource
For employee self-service features
- Deluxe
For automating payroll tax filings
Related Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for, check out these related tools we tested and evaluated:
- Accounting Software
- ERP Software
- POS Systems
- Billing Software
- Forecasting Software
- Merchant Account Services
- Expense Report Software
What is a Payroll Service?
Payroll services providers are third-party providers that handle employee compensation, tax filings, and payroll compliance on your company’s behalf.
This service is typically used by HR teams, CFOs, and business owners to:
- Eliminate the burden of managing pay cycles
- Manage deductions
- Lead government reporting
They can also help ensure employees are paid accurately and on time, while reducing the risk of costly tax errors and compliance issues.
Payroll Services Selection Criteria
When creating this list of top payroll services, I focused on what matters most to buyers: staying compliant and avoiding costly mistakes. To keep the evaluation fair and structured, I used a clear framework to guide every choice.
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Process payroll for employees
- Calculate taxes and deductions
- Generate payroll reports
- Provide direct deposit options
- Offer employee self-service portals
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Integration with time and attendance systems
- Automated compliance updates
- Customizable reporting tools
- Multi-currency support
- Mobile app accessibility
- Ability to manage multi-company payroll
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface design
- Ease of navigation
- Availability of tutorials or guides
- Speed of performance
- Customization options
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Access to interactive product tours
- Presence of chatbots for assistance
- Inclusion of webinars for new users
- Availability of templates for setup
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Multi-channel support options
- Response time to queries
- Access to a dedicated account manager
- Quality of self-help resources
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing models
- Transparency in pricing
- Inclusion of essential features in base price
- Discounts for annual subscriptions
- Cost-effectiveness for small businesses
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Positive feedback on reliability
- Satisfaction with customer service
- Ease of implementation
- User-friendliness
- Overall value for money
How to Choose a Payroll Service
As you work through the payroll service selection process, keep the following points in mind:
- Business Needs: Identify the key features that match your business needs. For example, small businesses often prioritize simple, user-friendly tools with essential payroll functions, while larger companies may require more advanced features. Focus on what will streamline your payroll tasks and support your company’s growth.
- Service Integration: Choose a provider that integrates easily with your existing software, such as accounting and HR systems. This will help streamline your operations and reduce manual work.
- Pricing: Carefully evaluate the cost structure, including monthly fees or per-pay-period charges before you make a decision. Make sure to watch for extra costs tied to tax filing, direct deposit, or year-end reporting.
- Customer Support: Quick, reliable support matters, especially when payroll problems arise. When shopping for a payroll services provider, check the level of customer support each option offers, such as dedicated account managers and 24/7 availability.
- Reputation and Reliability: Check for feedback and experiences from businesses like yours to confirm the provider has a solid track record in your industry. Things like consistent results, positive client reviews, and reliable support can help you ensure the provider understands your needs and can handle common challenges in your space.
Key Payroll Services
When selecting a payroll service provider, keep an eye out for the following key services:
- Payroll Processing: Efficiently manages employee paychecks, direct deposits, and tax calculations.
- Tax Filing Services: Ensures accurate filing of payroll taxes, including state, federal, and local requirements.
- Employee Self-Service Portal: Provides employees access to pay stubs, tax forms, and personal information updates.
- Compliance Support: Navigates complex wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and payroll compliance to avoid penalties.
- Time and Attendance Tracking: Integrates time tracking systems to streamline payroll calculations.
- Multi-State Payroll Solutions: Handles payroll processing across multiple states with accurate compliance.
- Customizable Payroll Options: Tailors payroll processing to meet the specific needs of your business, including bonuses and commissions.
- Benefits and Deductions Management: Automates calculations for employee benefits and deductions such as healthcare, retirement, and garnishments.
- Advanced Reporting Tools: Uses data-driven insights to monitor payroll trends and ensure transparency.
- Integration With HR and Accounting Systems: Seamlessly connects payroll services with your existing HR and accounting software for efficiency.
Benefits of Payroll Services
Partnering with a payroll services provider offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Cost Savings: Streamlines payroll processes and reduce errors, saving time and money for your business.
- Compliance Assurance: Stays updated on payroll tax regulations and employment laws to avoid fines and legal issues.
- Enhanced Efficiency: Automates payroll processing, freeing up internal resources for other core business activities.
- Access to Expertise: Works with experienced payroll specialists who can guide you through complex payroll scenarios.
- Improved Employee Satisfaction: Ensures timely and accurate payment to employees, enhancing trust and morale.
- Risk Reduction: Minimizes the risk of payroll errors, audits, and penalties with professional management.
- Scalability: Supports your business’s growth with payroll solutions that adapt to increasing employee numbers or complexity.
Costs and Pricing of Payroll Services
Payroll services are priced based on your business size, needs, and the scope of services required. Providers commonly use one of the following pricing structures:
- Per-Employee-Per-Month (PEPM): Charges a recurring fee based on the number of employees processed.
- Flat Fee: Offers a consistent monthly or annual charge for services, regardless of employee count.
- Pay-As-You-Go: Allows businesses to pay only for specific payroll runs or additional features, adding flexibility.
- Tiered Pricing: Provides different service levels at varying price points to cater to small, medium, and large businesses.
- Custom Pricing: Tailors the cost based on the unique requirements of your business, such as industry or special payroll needs.
Key Factors That Influence Payroll Services Pricing
Several factors affect the cost of payroll services, including:
- Number of Employees: Larger workforces typically incur higher costs due to the increased processing volume.
- Service Scope: Additional features like direct deposits, tax filing, or time-tracking integrations may increase pricing.
- Industry Requirements: Businesses in industries with complex payroll rules or compliance needs may face higher fees.
- Customization Needs: Tailored solutions for unique payroll requirements, such as multi-state or international payroll, can raise costs.
- Frequency of Payroll: More frequent payroll runs (e.g., weekly vs. bi-weekly) may result in higher charges.
- Add-Ons: Optional services like benefits administration, HR support, or accounting software integrations can impact overall pricing.
- Contract Length: Long-term agreements might include discounts, while short-term or month-to-month plans could have a premium.
Being aware of these factors helps you anticipate costs and effectively evaluate quotes from payroll service providers.
Payroll Service FAQs
Here are the answers to a couple popular questions many people have about payroll services.
What is the easiest way to do payroll for a small business?
The absolute easiest way to do payroll for a small business is by paying a monthly fee for a payroll service provider. The most popular payroll software are Gusto, ADP, and Intuit Quickbooks. The second best option is to hire an accountant who’ll run your payroll for you.
If your team grows beyond a manageable size, outsourcing the entire function to a payroll processing company will usually be the more cost-effective option.
What is the most popular payroll schedule?
The most popular payroll schedule is bi-weekly, or every two weeks. This is the easiest method due to the way overtime for hourly employees is calculated.
The second most common payroll schedule is once per month.
What are the compliance considerations when selecting a payroll service?
Compliance is a critical aspect of payroll management. When selecting a payroll service or other financial services, ensure that it stays updated with federal, state, and local tax laws. The service should handle tax filings, wage and hour laws, and other regulatory requirements. Additionally, it should provide features like automated tax calculations, electronic filing, and compliance alerts. Some services also offer compliance guarantees, which can protect your business from penalties due to errors in tax filings.
How do payroll services handle employee benefits and deductions?
Payroll services can manage various employee benefits and deductions, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other voluntary benefits. They can automate the calculation and deduction of these benefits from employee paychecks, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Additionally, some payroll services offer benefits administration features, allowing you to manage enrollments, track eligibility, and handle open enrollment periods. It’s important to choose a service that can accommodate your specific benefits offerings and provide detailed reporting on deductions.
How secure are payroll services in handling sensitive employee data?
Security is paramount when dealing with sensitive employee data. Reputable payroll services implement robust security measures, including data encryption, secure data centers, regular security audits, and compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR or CCPA. Additionally, they should offer features like multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information. It’s crucial to inquire about the security protocols and certifications of any payroll service you are considering.
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