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If you manage people, you know payroll isn’t just about getting folks paid. It’s about staying compliant, avoiding errors, and not losing hours every month to admin work.

The right payroll service can take that stress off your plate—so you and your team can focus on the stuff that actually drives your business forward.

I’ve tested and reviewed the top payroll service providers on the market. From hands-on trials to deep dives into support and compliance features, this list is curated to help HR leaders find the most dependable solutions.

Why Trust Our Reviews

We've been testing and reviewing payroll and HR software and services since 2019. As HR professionals ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.

We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We've tested more than 2,000 tools for different HR use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent, and take a look at our software review methodology.

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.

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.

Best for global teams

  • Free trial + demo available
  • From $29/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.8/5

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

Deel Launches Anytime Pay Beta for Daily Earnings Access
Deel redefines global payday with Anytime Pay feature, allowing flexible withdrawals for EOR workers with Deel Cards.
August 10 2025
Deel Launches Anytime Pay Beta for Daily Earnings Access

Deel introduced an Anytime Pay beta, allowing EOR workers with Deel Cards to withdraw earned pay daily. Automatic tax and ledger updates are included, with PEO and Global Payroll support coming soon. More details at Deel Blog.

Best for on-demand wage access

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

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

July 27 2025
Paylocity Integrates Airbase for HR and Finance Operations

Paylocity launched Paylocity for Finance, integrating Airbase’s spend management into its HCM platform, featuring modules like AP Automation and Expense Management to streamline HR and finance operations. For more details, visit Paylocity Press Releases.

Best for global payroll compliance

  • From $199/employee/month
Visit Website
Rating: 5/5

Remote People is a payroll and recruitment platform designed for businesses that hire remote talent in over 150 countries. It provides global payroll services, contractor management, and Employer of Record (EOR) solutions while ensuring compliance with local labor laws and tax regulations.

Why I Picked Remote People: I picked Remote People for its strong focus on compliance when managing payroll and employment across multiple countries. Their Employer of Record (EOR) services make it possible to hire international employees without setting up a local entity, which is a major advantage for companies expanding globally. Remote People also helps manage contractor payments and employment contracts, giving businesses flexibility when working with a mix of full-time employees and independent contractors. Additionally, with built-in tools like global salary calculators and background checks, Remote People simplifies the complexities of managing international teams.

Remote People Standout Features and Integrations:

Features include a three-step recruitment process that delivers a shortlist of vetted candidates within five days, comprehensive employee benefits tailored to local markets, and SOC 2–compliant data security to protect sensitive HR and payroll information. The platform also offers real-time insights and reporting, enabling businesses to make informed decisions on payroll and workforce planning.

Integrations are not currently listed by Remote People.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Candidate placement guarantee
  • Dedicated client support contact
  • Wide recruitment network

Cons:

  • No publicly listed integrations
  • Some services available only in certain regions

Best for managing international payments

  • Free demo available
  • From $25 - $199/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

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

Best for global contractors and freelancers

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

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

Best for industry-specific payroll

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $40/month + $6/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 5/5

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

Best for scaling internationally

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

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

Best for US-based businesses

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $4/employee/month + $17/month base fee
Visit Website
Rating: 5/5

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

Best for employee time-tracking

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $3.99/user/month + $19/month base fee
Visit Website
Rating: 4.8/5

Buddy Punch is a payroll service that helps businesses monitor, manage, and track employee time and attendance more effectively.

Why I picked Buddy Punch: Buddy Punch is an all-in-one payroll and time-tracking solution. It’s best suited for small and medium businesses that have a lot of hourly employees. Buddy Punch’s time tracking capabilities are super helpful in managing and reviewing time worked by employees.

Buddy Punch Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include automated payroll and time-tracking. I think this is helpful if you’re looking to save more time on HR and admin tasks. The software also includes different modules for payroll and time-tracking so you can keep an eye on payroll costs and hours worked.

Plus, Buddy Punch allows for automated payroll tax filings and an unlimited number of payroll runs.

Integrations include ADP, Paychex, Paylocity, PayPlus, QuickBooks, Gusto, SurePayroll, Workday, and Zapier.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Mobile app for Android and iOS
  • Automated tax filings
  • Impressive online support
  • User-friendly interface

Cons:

  • Attendance “punching out” sometimes glitches
  • Can be a bit confusing to review past pay periods

Best for access to HR advisors

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 5/5

TopSource Worldwide is a global payroll and Employer of Record (EOR) service helping 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 strong focus on compliant employment contracts and local payroll management, which can help you navigate the complexities of hiring internationally. They also provide access to HR advisors who can support your team with everything from onboarding to benefits, which adds value beyond payroll processing alone. I also liked their experience supporting fast-growing businesses looking to expand into new markets.

TopSource Worldwide Standout Features and Integrations:

Standout features include global payroll management that helps you stay compliant with local tax and labor laws. Their HR support covers employment contracts, onboarding, and advisory services, while their EOR service allows you to hire without establishing a local entity. I also appreciate that they assist with statutory benefits and contributions, making it easier to stay on the right side of local regulations.

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

Other Payroll Service Providers

Here are a few more options that didn’t make my shortlist, but could still be worth considering:

  1. Gusto

    For automations

  2. Payroll4Free

    Free payroll service

  3. Remote

    For international benefits management

  4. Papaya Global

    For multi-country payroll compliance

  5. Paychex Flex

    Reporting features

  6. Zenefits

    For payroll compliance

  7. QuickBooks Payroll

    For Quickbooks Accounting users

  8. Paycor

    For growing teams

  9. RUN Powered by ADP

    For payroll and HR

  10. Oyster HR

    For compliant global payroll

  11. Square Payroll

    For tips and commissions

  12. PrimePay

    For early paycheck access

  13. Bambee

    For wage and hours regulation compliance

  14. Insperity

    Payroll software and services combination

  15. SurePayroll

    For advanced payroll reporting

  16. Roll by ADP

    For small teams

  17. Deluxe

    For automating payroll tax filings

  18. Apex

    Payroll and HR combination

  19. Workful

    For customer service

If you still haven't found what you're looking for, check out these related tools we tested and evaluated:

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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Faye Wai
By Faye Wai

Faye Wai is a HR Technology Analyst and contributor to People Managing People, with a background in branding, public relations, and content marketing. She has vet vendors as an end-user in both consultancy and in-house capacities, providing her with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the people operations sector.