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:
- 7. Square Payroll — Best automated payroll software for small businesses needing built-in time tracking
- 10. SurePayroll — Best automated payroll software for small businesses and households employing staff
What’s the best automated payroll software for your business? Of course, the answer depends very much on your specific business requirements and payroll needs.
In this article, I’ll walk you through 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.
If you have general questions about how automated payroll software works, pop down to my FAQ section below. Or, if you'd like to know how I created this list, see How I Selected the Best Automated Payroll Software below. Otherwise, let's get into the details and find out which tool is the best match for you.
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 noteworthy features. I've also included a screenshot for each to show you their user interface too.
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
- Also offers employer of record (EOR) services
- Covers up to $25,000 if a misclassification/legal case arises
- Choose from 150+ currencies, including crypto
Cons
- No free trial is available
- No mobile app available
Papaya Global
Best for error-free payroll auditing using the power of AI
Papaya Global is a global work operating system (OS) that helps businesses manage their global payroll, payments, and workforce. It's designed for companies with employees in multiple countries since it's built to handle the complexities of international payroll and compliance.
I chose Papaya Global because it's more than just another payroll tool. It's specifically designed for businesses with a global workforce, which is becoming more and more common these days.
Also, its powerful automation engine takes care of all the calculations and compliance requirements for you, meaning you won't have to worry about making mistakes or missing deadlines. It does this by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into its software, which automatically audits your payroll data to ensure it's error-free before you process payroll.
There are several other features that also make Papaya Global stand out from the competition. It has a very intuitive user interface, which makes it easy to navigate and find what you need, which is always a bonus in my books. It also has a great reporting feature that gives you insights into your global payroll and workforce, helping you make better data-driven decisions so you can further optimize your operations.
Integrations are available with numerous other tools, to help you get the most out of their automations. Key systems to note include popular HR platforms like HiBob, Namely, Netsuite, Oracle HCM, SAP SuccessFactors, and UKG Pro, so you can easily sync your employee data.
Pros
- Includes integrations with payment providers like Payoneer and TransferWise
- AI-based data verification features proactively detects anomalies
- Supports contractor payments too
Cons
- Complex pricing structure due to many different services offered
- Small onboarding fee for some services
Insperity
Best for streamlined management of small and medium sized businesses
Insperity is a cloud-based software that streamlines payroll management, employee benefits, HR tasks, and compliance for small and mid-sized businesses. It offers a comprehensive suite of services that cater to different aspects of employee management, making it a one-stop shop for all things HR-related.
I chose Insperity as one of the best-automated payroll software to save teams time because it simplifies the payroll process, eliminating the need for manual data entry and repetitive calculations. With Insperity, I can easily manage payrolls, taxes, and other deductions in one place, without worrying about errors or discrepancies.
One of the standout features of Insperity is its user-friendly interface. The software is easy to navigate and comes with a dashboard that provides a quick overview of key HR metrics, including headcount, turnover rate, and benefit costs. Additionally, Insperity offers excellent customer support, with a dedicated team of experts available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns.
Another feature that sets Insperity apart is its comprehensive HR services. The software offers a range of HR solutions, including recruitment, training, performance management, and compliance. This makes Insperity a valuable asset for businesses looking to manage their entire HR function in one place.
Insperity integrates with a variety of third-party tools, including QuickBooks, Xero, and other accounting software. This means that users can easily sync their payroll data with other systems, eliminating the need for manual data entry.
Justworks
Best for automating payroll tax payments
Justworks is a comprehensive HR and payroll platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses.
Justworks offers a user-friendly interface that allows businesses to easily manage payroll and related tasks. The platform is easy to navigate, and the process for setting up and running payroll is straightforward. Justworks automates the entire payroll process, from calculating and processing payroll to filing taxes and sending out pay stubs. This helps to save time and reduce errors.
Features include automated deposits, one-off payments, payroll tax fillings, automated payroll notifications, and hands-off payroll tax payments.
Integrations include Xero, Quickbooks, 15Five, Accurate Background, Bench, Checkr, Culture Amp, Expensify, Found, JazzHR, Lattice, Pilot, Remote, Teampay, Velocity Global, and Zip Recruiter.
Pros
- Automated payroll notifications
- Payroll in al 50 states at no cost
- Mobile app for employees
Cons
- No payroll options outside the US
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 plus a $40/month base fee. A 30-day free trial is also available.
Pros
- Unlimited payroll runs at no extra cost
- Affordable on a small budget
- Includes a wide range of HR features
Cons
- Limited benefits enrollment features
- Limited tier plans
- No live phone support on weekends
QuickBooks Online
Best automated payroll and tax filings for small businesses
QuickBooks Online is a payroll management and general accounting software for small businesses in the US, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Its feature set spans across various financial management needs, including invoicing, expense tracking, and payroll management.
The software's automation capabilities cover payroll processing, tax deductions, and tax filings. You can set up your payroll to run automatically, and review and approve pay before it's processed. It can also automatically calculate and deduct payroll taxes in all 50 US states.
Garnishments, deductions, health benefits, and workers compensation can all be managed with the software. It also provides more general accounting tools, like expense and receipt management and invoicing and payment management.
QuickBooks Online integrates with over 450 business apps like Square, Stripe, Paychex, Insightly CRM, Mailchimp, Shopify, eBay, BigCommerce, Magento, Squarespace, Etsy, Katana, and ProjectWorks. Pricing starts from $30 per month, and a 30-day free trial is available.
Pros
- Automates tax deductions and filings
- Caters specifically to small businesses
- Payroll and accounting in the same software
Cons
- No free-forever plan available
- Not available globally
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
- Mobile app for employees
- W-2 preparation makes tax filing easy
- Clean, easy-to-use interface
Cons
- No ability to schedule same-day payments
- The employer dashboard is basic
- Needs better reporting
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.
Pricing for Gusto starts at $6/employee/month plus a $40/month base fee. A 30-day free trial is also available.
Pros
- Simple to use and navigate
- Saves time on payroll processing
- Employee-friendly mobile app
Cons
- No document signing capabilities
- Hard to navigate at first
- The app offers limited features
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
- Easy to navigate
- Very customizable
- Quarterly software updates
Cons
- Reporting could be improved
- Time & tracking features need enhancement
- Mobile app has limited features
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
- Simple navigation
- Employee self-serve system
- An intuitive interface
Cons
- Onboarding can be confusing
- Some features are outdated
- Terminology can sometimes be confusing
The 10 Best Automated Payroll Software Comparison Chart
Here’s a comparison chart that summarizes basic details about each of my top automated payroll software selections. You can view pricing details and the availability of free trials or demos side-by-side to help you find the best software for your budget and business needs.
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 | Papaya Global Best for error-free payroll auditing using the power of AI | Free trial available | EOR from $650/employee/month or $2/contractor/month; Global payroll from $3 to $12/employee/month | Visit Website |
3 | Insperity Best for streamlined management of small and medium sized businesses | Not available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
4 | Justworks Best for automating payroll tax payments | Free demo available | From $59/user/month | Visit Website |
5 | OnPay Best automated payroll solution for incorporating tips and commissions | 30-day free trial | From $6/employee/month + $40/month base fee | Visit Website |
6 | QuickBooks Online Best automated payroll and tax filings for small businesses | 30-day free trial | From $30/month | Visit Website |
7 | Square Payroll Best automated payroll software for small businesses needing built-in time tracking | Not available | From $5/user/month | Visit Website |
8 | Gusto Best automated payroll software for paying international contractors | 30-day free trial | From $6/employee/month + $40/month base fee | Visit Website |
9 | UKG Pro Payment Service Best automated payroll software for scalable payroll technology | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
10 | SurePayroll Best automated payroll software for small businesses and households employing staff | 60-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
Other Options
Here are a few more worthwhile options that didn’t make the best payroll software solutions list:
- QuickBooks Payroll
Best automated payroll solution for incorporating tax penalty protection
- RUN by ADP Payroll
Best automated payroll software for small businesses needing additional HR tools
- Wagepoint
Best automated payroll software for tight budgets
- Patriot Payroll
Best automated payroll software for value for money
- 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 automated payroll software for a completely paperless payroll process
- Wave Payroll
Best automated payroll software that allows companies to run payroll in minutes
- Justworks
Best automated payroll software for accommodating remote workers, freelancers, and hourly employees
How I Selected the Best Automated Payroll Software
Wondering how I selected the best automated payroll software for this list? I'm happy to explain my methodology.
I began my selection process by creating a long list of online payroll software with positive user ratings. I then dug into each system deeper to confirm the availability of automations and other user-friendly features.
Lastly, to make my final selections, I turned to my selection criteria below. I used these criteria as a framework to compare each payroll system to the next. Doing so allowed me to uncover the clear winners in the pack when it comes to automated payroll capabilities.
Selection Criteria
Here’s a summary of the selection criteria I used to pick the best automated payroll software for this list:
- User Interface (UI): I selected automated payroll software that your payroll administrators and human resources staff will find intuitive and easy to understand.
- Usability: I chose software that has all the essential features to process payroll within easy reach. I also assessed the structure of their modules and menus and whether any other HR features were included too.
- Software integrations: I included payroll software with pre-built connections to the most popular HR and business platforms. I also noted key integrations and whether the payroll software has an API to support custom integrations too.
- Price: I picked automated payroll systems that are affordable on a per-user basis, regardless of your company size. The solutions in this list can work for small businesses, midsize businesses, or large businesses alike.
Automated Payroll Software: FAQs
If you have questions about automated payroll software and what it has to offer, these answers to frequently asked questions are a great place to start:
What is an automated payroll system?
What are the main benefits of using an automated payroll system?
What key features are included in automated payroll software?
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.
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