Best Automated Payroll Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best automated payroll software systems that I’ll cover in detail in this article:
- Deel
Best automated payroll software for international payments
- OnPay
Best automated payroll solution for incorporating tips and commissions
- Gusto
Best automated payroll software for paying international contractors
- RUN by ADP Payroll
Best automated payroll software for small businesses needing additional HR tools
- QuickBooks Payroll
Best automated payroll solution for incorporating tax penalty protection
- Patriot Payroll
Best automated payroll software for value for money
- SurePayroll
Best automated payroll software for small businesses and households employing staff
- Square Payroll
Best automated payroll software for small businesses needing built-in time tracking
- Wagepoint
Best automated payroll software for tight budgets
- UKG Pro Payment Service
Best automated payroll software for scalable payroll technology
What’s the best automated payroll software for your business? Of course, the answer depends very much on your specific requirements and business needs.
In this article, I’ll evaluate the top software tools in this niche and show you where each one excels. That way, you can make an informed decision about the most effective way to automate payroll efficiently.
Payroll is an essential function in any organization, so getting this right is critical. With the right software, you can ensure happy employees, proper compliance, and a smooth-running operation. Let’s get into the details and find out which tool is the best match for you.
Selection Criteria
Wondering what I look for when selecting the best automated payroll software for this list? Here’s a summary of my selection criteria:
- User Interface (UI): I look for automated payroll software that admins will find intuitive and easy to understand.
- Usability: I expect a good tool to have all the essential features within easy reach.
- Software integrations: I’m seeking pre-built connections to the most popular HR and business platforms.
- Price: I look for automated payroll systems that are affordable on a per-user basis.
Automated Payroll Software: Key Features
When evaluating payroll providers, I prioritized apps that offer essential features such as:
- Time tracking: Automated payroll software should offer time-tracking for hourly employees, making it easy to record all hours worked.
- Expense management: For industries involving reimbursable employee expenses, the software should automate the expense reporting and payment process.
- Direct deposit: Employees should be able to receive instant, convenient access to their earnings in the bank account of their choice.
- Compensation management: Tools to easily adjust compensation packages so organizations can remain competitive in the talent marketplace.
- Employee self-service: The best automated payroll systems allow employees to update their profiles with new information such as their address and bank account number.
- Payroll reports: Good software offers both out-of-the-box reports for quick insights, plus the ability to create customized reports for industry-specific purposes.
- Statutory Compliance: Any payroll solution must comply with the legal and regulatory norms in all areas where the company operates.
- Tax Filing: I recommend software with built-in tax tables that are automatically updated as tax rates change.
- Multiple currencies: The software should facilitate currency conversion, generate reports for each currency, and process all currencies from a centralized workflow.
- Wage garnishment: Any automated payroll software must allow all wage garnishment orders to be executed efficiently.
Overviews of the 10 Best Automated Payroll Software
Here’s a brief description of each automated payroll software that showcases each system’s best use case, and their noteworthy features, plus some screenshots to give you a snapshot of their user interface.
Deel
Best automated payroll software for international payments
Deel is a comprehensive automated payroll software that lets you take care of multi-country payroll processes in one central platform. This modern solution takes the guesswork out of calculating taxes, deductions, and other pay-related information. With Deel, employers can save time and money while ensuring their employees are paid on time and accurately.
Deel’s employer of record service uses their in-house payroll team to take care of local payroll details like 13th month pay or accrued vacation. Through its intuitive dashboard, companies can make one single mass payment, with Deel automatically initiating direct deposits and payslips. Deel also includes automated tax filing features that help streamline the entire process from beginning to end.
To pay contractors, Deel supports many contract types and offers a number of withdrawal services like Wise and Payoneer. Moreover, this automated payroll platform offers security features such as two-factor authentication for added peace of mind when processing payments.
You can integrate Deel with your accounting and reporting software with pre-built integrations or by connecting through the Deel Open API to automate and sync data across your HR tech stack. Key native integrations include Ashby, BambooHR, Expensify, Greenhouse, Hibob, Netsuite, Okta, OneLogin, Quickbooks, SCIM, Xero, Workday, and Workable.
Overall, Deel is an ideal choice for businesses looking for an efficient way to manage their payroll process without dealing with manual entry or working with multiple platforms.
Deel offers flat pricing upon request, as well as a free demo.
Pros
- Choose from 150+ currencies, including crypto
- Covers up to $25,000 if a misclassification/legal case arises
- Also offers employer of record (EOR) services
Cons
- No mobile app available
- No free trial is available
OnPay
Best automated payroll solution for incorporating tips and commissions
OnPay is a small business payroll solution designed to do the heavy lifting for small businesses. Payroll can be run on any schedule, including multiple payroll schedules for different employees.
The software withholds all payroll taxes on each pay run, makes tax payments, and files the appropriate tax forms. Both W-2 and 1099 contractors can be paid from the same dashboard by direct deposit, debit card, or cheque.
Garnishments can be set up with a couple of clicks, with details automatically reported in paystubs and expense reports. OnPay also allows you to easily incorporate extra payments such as tips or commissions. The system includes advanced reporting, with the option to filter by employee type, location, or department.
OnPay integrates with popular platforms such as Deputy, PosterElite, QuickBooks Desktop, QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Time, Xero, and When I Work.
Pricing for OnPay starts at $6/user/month, and a 30-day free trial is available.
Pros
- Includes a wide range of HR features
- Affordable on a small budget
- Unlimited payroll runs at no extra cost
Cons
- No live phone support on weekends
- Limited tier plans
- Limited benefits enrollment features
Gusto
Best automated payroll software for paying international contractors
Gusto offers a payroll and HR software solution designed to be both smart and easy to use. You can run payroll as often as you need with no extra charges, setting everything up with just a few clicks.
The software calculates taxes and files with the appropriate government agencies every time you run payroll. Employee I-9s and W-2s, and contractor 1099s are stored and organized online, so there are no forgotten forms or signatures. You can also use Gusto to pay international contractors in 80 different countries.
The payroll platform is designed to work seamlessly with other Gusto tools, covering areas such as health insurance, 401(k), workers’ compensation, time tracking, and PTO. Time tracking with geolocation is included, ensuring that everyone gets accurate payments.
Gusto integrates with popular platforms such as Clover, QuickBooks, Trainual, TSheets, and Xero.
Gusto offers customized pricing on request, and a free demo is available.
Pros
- Employee-friendly mobile app
- Saves time on payroll processing
- Simple to use and navigate
Cons
- The app offers limited features
- Hard to navigate at first
- No document signing capabilities
RUN by ADP Payroll
Best automated payroll software for small businesses needing additional HR tools
RUN Powered by ADP is an automated payroll solution designed primarily for small business owners. You can choose from a basic payroll system to a full suite of HR tools and services, according to the needs of your organization.
Payroll features include automatic tax calculations and deductions, submission of quarterly or annual reports, and automatic compliance updates. You can also integrate time tracking with the payroll system to manage payments to remote or hourly employees.
You can access everything from a personalized dashboard, including the next payroll, priority to-dos, payroll history, and quick navigation. Step-by-step instructions make it easy to organize payroll tasks, with clear guidance provided.
RUN integrates with software such as ClockShark, Ease, JazzHR, JobScore, and QuickBooks Time.
RUN Powered by ADP offers customized pricing on request, and a 90-day free trial is available.
Pros
- Integrated time tracking
- Clear navigation
- Easy to use
Cons
- Customer service can be slow
- The Employee Access Hub can be glitchy
- Payroll cannot be changed after posting
QuickBooks Payroll
Best automated payroll solution for incorporating tax penalty protection
QuickBooks Payroll is one of the most popular payroll solutions on the market. It helps businesses manage onboarding, compensation calculations, attendance tracking, and benefits administration.
Features include same-day direct deposit for paychecks which allows you to hold on to your cash longer but still pay your team on schedule. The software calculates, files and pays payroll taxes and allows you to approve timesheets or create invoices on the go.
Intuit QuickBooks also offers tax penalty protection, which pays out up to $25,000 if a penalty is incurred. Payroll can be set to run automatically, freeing up staff time for other matters.
QuickBooks integrates with popular business apps such as Buddy Punch, Gusto, OnPay, OnTheClock, Paychex Flex, Rippling, and Xero.
Pricing for QuickBooks Payroll starts at $7.50/user/month and a 30-day free trial is available on request.
Pros
- Makes filing taxes simple
- Well-organized features
- User-friendly
Cons
- Problems may occur after updates
- Slow customer support
- Occasional software glitches
Patriot Payroll
Best automated payroll software for value for money
Patriot Payroll is an integrated HR solution and payroll management system that streamlines processes associated with payroll and tax submissions. It can maintain payroll records, print cheques, establish direct deposits, generate payroll reports, and submit state and federal taxes.
Staff can access their payroll and related financial information through their personalized employee portal. Built-in reporting helps them generate their year-end reports and print W2 forms for tax reporting.
Patriot Payroll includes everything you need to complete payroll runs easily. Reports are a breeze to create, download, or print, and can be shared as PDF or CSV files. The software is available in basic payroll or full-service packages. Patriot gets the highest user ratings for value for money in the payroll software sector.
Patriot Payroll integrates with solutions such as Patriot HR and Patriot TIME.
Pricing for Patriot Payroll starts at $17/month plus $4/employee/month. A free demo is also available.
Pros
- Easy to use and reliable
- Easy to pay both employees and contractors
- A cost-effective solution
Cons
- Some payroll reports are hard to understand
- No international support
- No app for employees
SurePayroll
Best automated payroll software for small businesses and households employing staff
SurePayroll is a cloud-based payroll service for small businesses and households that employ staff such as nannies. It offers resources for tax form submission and legal compliance, payroll calculation, and direct deposits. Federal, state, and local taxes are calculated automatically.
You can automate regular payroll runs, make necessary changes, and get reminders before processing begins. It’s also easy to manage payroll runs from anywhere using their mobile app.
The reporting module offers insights into payroll, employee data, and health benefits. You can view and download customizable reports and eliminate manual errors using the integrated time clock.
SurePayroll integrates with accounting software such as Kashoo, QuickBooks, Sage 50, and Xero.
Pricing for SurePayroll starts at $19.99/user/month, and a 60-day free trial is available.
Pros
- An intuitive interface
- Employee self-serve system
- Simple navigation
Cons
- Terminology can sometimes be confusing
- Some features are outdated
- Onboarding can be confusing
Square Payroll
Best automated payroll software for small businesses needing built-in time tracking
Square Payroll is an online payroll solution that helps businesses pay employees and handle payroll tax. Features include tools for automated tax filing, payroll process automation, and employee benefits management.
The software allows companies to track workers' compensation and ensure payroll compliance at all times. Managers can easily manage salaried employees, hourly employees, and contractors.
Employees are paid based on the hours worked, with data automatically pulled from the Square Point of Sale app. The system also calculates paid time-off and the total labor cost for each employee.
Square Payroll integrates with various payment processing tools, accounting software, and employee management systems, including Square POS and QuickBooks.
Pricing for Square Payroll starts at $5/user/month. There is no free trial.
Pros
- Clean, easy-to-use interface
- W-2 preparation makes tax filing easy
- Mobile app for employees
Cons
- Needs better reporting
- The employer dashboard is basic
- No ability to schedule same-day payments
Wagepoint
Best automated payroll software for tight budgets
Wagepoint is a payroll solution that calculates wages for employees and contractors and facilitates direct deposit of payments. Features include automatic tax calculations, year-end reporting, and form preparation.
The software automates withholding, contributions, and compliance for federal, state, and local income tax, Social Security and Medicare (FICA taxes), and Federal and State Unemployment Tax (FUTA/SUTA) (FUI/SUI). Deposits can be set on monthly or semi-weekly schedules.
Wagepoint will also calculate overtime, bonuses, and commission payments. It can also incorporate deductions for savings plan contributions or health insurance, and manage paid time off.
Wagepoint integrates with accounting software such as Quickbooks Online and Xero.
Pricing for Wagepoint starts at $4/user/month. You can use the software for free until you run your first payroll.
Pros
- Excellent customer support
- Helpful knowledge base
- Easy to navigate
Cons
- Only suitable for smaller businesses
- Servers may be busy when you run payroll
- Limited range of reports
UKG Pro Payment Service
Best automated payroll software for scalable payroll technology
UKG Pro Payment Service aims to make tax filing and wage attachment disbursement less time-consuming, stressful, and prone to errors. This HR support solution helps businesses reduce risks, avoid penalties, and process filings or payments promptly.
The technology is modern and scalable, to support growing organizations. You can control, run, and automate payroll in ways that match your needs—improving efficiency and reducing the number of manual processes.
UKG Pro Payment Service ensures that employees are paid quickly, consistently, and fairly. The process is designed to be transparent, so employees find it easy to access and understand their pay.
UKG Pro integrates with many other software platforms via the UKG Pro Connector Hub API Explorer.
UKG Pro Payment Service offers customized pricing upon request.
Pros
- Quarterly software updates
- Very customizable
- Easy to navigate
Cons
- Mobile app has limited features
- Time & tracking features need enhancement
- Reporting could be improved
The 10 Best Automated Payroll Software Summary
Tool | Free Option | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Deel Best automated payroll software for international payments | Free demo available | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Visit Website |
2 | OnPay Best automated payroll solution for incorporating tips and commissions | 30-day free trial | From $4/employee/month plus an additional base fee of $36/month | Visit Website |
3 | Gusto Best automated payroll software for paying international contractors | 30-day free trial | From $6/employee/month + $39/month base fee | Visit Website |
4 | RUN by ADP Payroll Best automated payroll software for small businesses needing additional HR tools | 90-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
5 | QuickBooks Payroll Best automated payroll solution for incorporating tax penalty protection | 30-day free trial | From $25/month, though you’ll only pay 50% for the first 3 months | Visit Website |
6 | Patriot Payroll Best automated payroll software for value for money | Free demo available | From $17/month + $4/employee/month | Visit Website |
7 | SurePayroll Best automated payroll software for small businesses and households employing staff | 60-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
8 | Square Payroll Best automated payroll software for small businesses needing built-in time tracking | Not available | From $5/user/month | Visit Website |
9 | Wagepoint Best automated payroll software for tight budgets | Free trial available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
10 | UKG Pro Payment Service Best automated payroll software for scalable payroll technology | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
Other Options
Here are a few more options that didn’t make the best payroll software solutions list:
- Rippling
Best automated payroll software for one-click payroll runs
- Paychex Flex
Best automated payroll software for a voice-enabled, hands-free payroll experience
- Paycor
Best automated payroll software for pre-scheduling payroll cycles
- TriNet
Best for a completely paperless payroll system
- Justworks
Payroll software designed to accommodate remote workers, freelancers, and hourly employees
- Wave Payroll
A simplified payroll system that allows companies to run payroll in minutes
- Payworks
An automated payroll solution for Canadian businesses
What are the Main Benefits of an Automated Payroll System?
An automated payroll system helps businesses manage all the complexities of processing employee salaries, leave entitlements, taxes, compensation, and employee information.
Using a good software package ensures everyone gets paid on time while mitigating risks, errors, and mistakes. It will free staff to work on other matters, manage tax filing, create reports, and allow employees to update their own records.
Other Payroll Resources
Payroll software is a $46 billion market growing at around 11% per year, so we can expect continuing innovation from every service provider through additional product launches and updates. To stay up-to-date, I recommend you sign up for our newsletter so we can let you know when new information is available.
You may also like to check out our articles on what payroll software is, payroll software features, and how to manage payroll for small businesses.
Thanks to automated payroll software, you can now give your business an edge in a competitive world. And, with the help of People Managing People, you can stay at the cutting edge of any new developments.