Best Free Payroll Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best free payroll software that I’ll cover in this article:
- Deel
Best global HR platform with a free plan for up to 200 employees
- Homebase
Free scheduling and time tracking software with additional payroll services via an add-on
- Zoho Payroll
Free payroll software for small teams with up to 10 employees
- TimeTrex
Payroll and workforce management solution for North American organizations
- CheckMark Payroll
Best payroll solution for managing unlimited databases and companies
- SurePayroll
Cloud-based payroll software with time-saving payroll automations
- HR.my
Free payroll and HR solution for businesses of all sizes
- Ceridian Powerpay
Mobile-friendly payroll solution for Canadian businesses
- Sage Payroll
Online payroll solution with time-tracking and leave management tools
- Patriot
Simplified payroll software with a three step payroll process
Payroll can be a challenge for business owners, especially when they’re just starting out. Free payroll software helps you focus on growing your business without worrying about paying your employees on time, keeping track of employee hours, and filing your tax forms.
Read my review to learn more about the best free payroll software available on the market today. My review includes a short description and a snapshot of each tool that made the list, plus some pros and cons. I've also included a comparison chart to help you determine the best solution for your business at a glance.
Selection Criteria
Wondering what I look for when selecting the best free payroll software for this list? Here’s a summary of my selection criteria:
- User Interface (UI): I chose free payroll providers that offer intuitive interfaces so you can find all the right functions with ease.
- Usability: Running payroll doesn’t have to be complicated. I selected tools that offer thorough training materials so you can learn how to make the most out of them after a short onboarding period.
- Integrations: I picked payroll solutions that integrate with other popular tools for startups, such as accounting software or HR solutions.
- Valuable Features: I selected solutions that offer a variety of payroll features and don’t limit your ability to pay employees, despite being free.
Free Payroll Software: Key Features
- Payroll management: As a small business owner, you should be able to manage, schedule, and run payroll without wasting time.
- Direct deposit: The payroll software should allow you to make direct deposit payments so you won’t have to bother with paper checks.
- Automation: The tool should offer some automation features, allowing you to automate repetitive or time-consuming tasks. Key automations include calculating your payroll taxes or other employee entitlements.
- Self-service employee portal: Your employees should be able to check their timesheets, vacation time, and pay slips whenever they want.
People Managing People is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click through links on our site — learn more about how we aim to stay transparent.
Overviews of the 10 Best Free Payroll Software
Here’s a brief description of each free payroll software that showcases each system’s best use case and their noteworthy features. I've also included screenshots to give you a snapshot of their user interface too.
Deel
Best global HR platform with a free plan for up to 200 employees
Deel is an all-in-one global HR platform with advanced multicountry payroll functionalities. Their platform allows companies to hire and pay remote team members or contractors from anywhere in the world, with measures in place to ensure total compliance.
Deel's platform is a great choice for small businesses because they offer their services for free to businesses with less than 200 employees. The free plan’s payroll capabilities are limited when compared with that of their paid plans, but the free plan still has enough features to help small businesses manage their payroll.
You can use Deel to run your payroll process for employees, contractors, and employer of record hires on autopilot; handle taxes; provide benefits; eliminate manual admin tasks with automated invoicing; give the team flexibility with over 15 global payment options; and have local, legal, tax, and accounting expertise.
Integrations are available natively with Ashby, BambooHR, Expensify, Greenhouse, Hibob, Netsuite, Okta, OneLogin, Quickbooks, SCIM, Xero, Workday, and Workable.
Beyond their free plan, Deel offers paid plans with flat rate pricing, as well as a free demo.
Pros
- Also offers employer of record (EOR) services
- Includes up to $25,000 coverage if a misclassification or legal case arises
- You can pay employees in over 150 currencies, including crypto
Cons
- No free trial available
- No mobile app available
Homebase
Free scheduling and time tracking software with additional payroll services via an add-on
Homebase is a versatile HR platform that helps small businesses manage work schedules, time clocks, and payroll, all-in-one. It automates the payroll process and converts timesheets into hours and wages, calculates taxes, and sends correct payments to employees.
Their payroll solution has several useful features, including automated tax payments and filings, access to W-2 and 1099 forms, employee self-onboarding, e-sign payroll forms, direct deposits, unlimited payroll runs, and free payroll transfer services.
Homebase Payroll also reduces data entry since the solution instantly calculates an employee’s regular hours, breaks, and overtime through their time clock and timesheet feature. This makes it easy for small businesses to run payroll without needing to double-check all the data.
Their mobile app gives employees access to their hours, schedules, earnings, and W-2 forms, and even includes communication tools so employees can help each other trade and cover shifts.
Integrations are available with a handful of popular HR platforms, including ADP, Gusto, Paychex, Quickbooks, Rippling, Square Payroll, and SurePayroll, as well as with several point-of-sale providers.
Homebase's Basic service plan is free forever for unlimited employees at one work location, making it an ideal solution for small businesses (paid plans begin at $20/month). Their payroll services are available as an add-on to their free package, starting at $6/employee/month plus a $39/month base fee. New Homebase Payroll customer also receive their first three months for free when they add their payroll integration to any of their plans.
Pros
- Mobile app is user-friendly for employees
- Includes early wage access for employees to help with unexpected, emergency expenses
- Free plan covers timesheets/time clocks, scheduling, messaging, and hiring tools
Cons
- Purpose-built for USA-based organizations
- Payroll functions are only available as an add-on
Zoho Payroll
Free payroll software for small teams with up to 10 employees
Zoho Payroll is a payroll solution that helps small businesses with payroll processing and employee onboarding. The tool offers a self-service portal where employees can check their payslips and documents.
Zoho Payroll automatically calculates earnings, deductions, taxes, and allowances. The software allows you to create recurring payroll routines and to complete one-time payments in any pay period. The software’s termination payroll helps you manage the employee’s notice pay and other exit requirements.
Zoho Payroll integrates with other Zoho tools, and with other solutions through a REST API.
Zoho Payroll offers a free-forever version with limited functionalities for up to 10 employees. For larger teams, the software costs from $19/month plus $3/employee/month.
Pros
- Easy to make salary adjustments
- Detailed employee database
- Manages multiple payroll organizations
Cons
- You cannot edit a single employee in a payroll that has run, so you have to reverse it entirely and run it again
- Notes cannot exceed 200 characters, which can make it difficult to keep accurate records over time
- Not currently available in all U.S. states
TimeTrex
Payroll and workforce management solution for North American organizations
TimeTrex is a workforce management and payroll solution that helps you with federal, state, and local tax calculations in Canada and the US. The software integrates attendance tracking and payroll, and allows you to pay your team via direct deposit or checks.
With TimeTrex, you can automate your time and attendance policies with custom rules regarding overtime, premiums, and multiple pay rates. The software helps your team members allocate their working hours to four levels of cost centers, so you can create different structures for people who work in the office or in the field, and so on.
TimeTrex integrates with several apps, including ADP, Ceridian, Sage, Paychex and QuickBooks.
TimeTrex is free for 30 days. The software offers custom pricing after this period.
Pros
- Versatile self-service portal
- Good automation features
- Simple time and attendance tracking
Cons
- Mobile app looks outdated
- Platform can lag at times
- Navigation could be improved
CheckMark Payroll
Best payroll solution for managing unlimited databases and companies
CheckMark Payroll is a payroll solution that allows small business owners to pay their employees via direct deposit or checks. The software’s check printing feature allows you to create branded checks for your business.
CheckMark Payroll allows you to create unlimited databases and companies, which can be helpful for small business owners managing multiple locations or accountants. The software is easy to set up and use, and offers all the instructions you need to set up your first payroll.
CheckMark Payroll integrates with multiple apps, including E-Syst, PROFITSystems, SilentPartner, TimeWolf, and Virtual TimeClock.
CheckMark Payroll is free for 60 days. The software charges a one-time fee starting from $509.
Pros
- Little to no learning curve
- Simple interface
- Supports an unlimited number of employees
Cons
- Limited report customization options
- App can sometimes glitch on Macs
- Making changes on checks can be difficult
SurePayroll
Cloud-based payroll software with time-saving payroll automations
SurePayroll is a cloud-based payroll service dedicated to helping small businesses thrive. The software enables you to set up payroll without difficulty and run it automatically on certain dates.
SurePayroll helps you pay your team on time via direct deposit. The solution’s dashboard allows you to access status reports and previous payrolls, and track employee benefits from a central location. The tool comes with a dedicated mobile app that enables you to run payroll from anywhere, and gives your team access to their payslips.
SurePayroll integrates with multiple solutions, including QuickBooks Online, Timesheets, WebHR, and Xero.
SurePayroll is free for up to 60 days. The software offers custom pricing upon demand after this period.
Pros
- Good integration options
- Great customer support
- Dedicated mobile app
Cons
- Self-service may lag at times
- Onboarding could be better
- Managing W-2s and 1099s costs extra
HR.my
Free payroll and HR solution for businesses of all sizes
HR.my is an online HR management and payroll system that offers a variety of helpful features. The software is completely free and easy to navigate. It allows you to track employee attendance, handle PTO, manage expense claims, and run payroll.
HR.my’s time-tracking features allow you to check your staff’s activity via geolocation and selfies, so the software is a good fit for organizations with field-based workers. The tool’s payroll feature supports multiple pay schedules and allows you to set custom reminders to complete various payroll tasks.
HR.my doesn’t offer native integrations. However, you can import and export your data in .csv file formats at any time.
HR.my is free for an unlimited number of employees.
Pros
- Mobile app
- Good time and attendance tracking
- Supports an unlimited number of employees
Cons
- No live support
- No tax filing services
- In-app adds
Ceridian Powerpay
Mobile-friendly payroll solution for Canadian businesses
Ceridian Powerpay is a human resources and payroll solution designed to help Canadian businesses of all sizes manage and pay their employees. The software allows business owners to stay on top of what’s happening in their organization with automated processes and notifications.
Ceridian Powerpay has a mobile-friendly design, allowing you to set up payroll and pay your team members and external collaborators on the go. The tool helps you manage all the paperwork required to stay compliant with CRA and Revenu Québec requirements.
Ceridian Powerpay integrates with Ceridian Dayforce, CIBC SmartBanking and QuickBooks Online.
Ceridian Powerpay is free for 60 days. The software costs from $39/month plus $6/employee/month.
Pros
- Self-service mobile app
- Good report customization options
- Intuitive, user-friendly interface
Cons
- Onboarding could be better
- Few native integrations
- For Canadian businesses only
Sage Payroll
Online payroll solution with time-tracking and leave management tools
Sage Payroll is a full service online payroll solution that helps small businesses sync their accounting and payroll data into a central location. The software includes some HR functionalities, such as time tracking and leave management, allowing you to organize a small team without additional management tools.
With Sage Payroll, you can pay your employees via direct deposit, e-payment solutions, or cheques. The software’s dashboard allows you to access historical pay runs and set notifications for ongoing payroll tasks. Employees can use the self-service portal to access their payslips and documentation.
Sage Payroll integrates with all the other Sage solutions, including Sage Accounting, Sage HR, and Sage Intacct.
Sage Payroll is free for 30 days. The software costs from $10/month plus $3/employee/month.
Pros
- Multi-level access permissions
- Multiple reports to choose from
- Detailed employee records
Cons
- Employee portal can be improved
- Some users find the UI confusing
- No mobile app
Patriot
Simplified payroll software with a three step payroll process
Patriot is an online payroll and accounting solution that helps small businesses send payments, create custom reports, track time and attendance, and calculate their federal, state, and local taxes. The solution has a clean interface and is easy to use, allowing you to set up and run payroll without difficulty.
Patriot helps you calculate year-to-date totals and create tax liability reports with automation. The software helps you prepare your tax filings and its mobile-friendly design makes it easy to manage and run payroll on any device.
Patriot integrates with several tools, including GoCo, Plaid, QuickBooks Time, and TSheets.
Patriot is free for 30 days. Paid plans start at $17/month plus $4 per employee or contractor.
Pros
- Ease of use
- Multiple locations and pay frequencies
- Unlimited payroll runs
Cons
- Instructions could be better
- Automated transfers that take place on weekends or national holidays cost extra
- Tax handling costs extra
The 10 Best Free Payroll Software Comparison Chart
Here’s a comparison chart that summarizes basic details about each of my free payroll software selections. You can view the terms of their free versions plus additional pricing details side-by-side to help you find the best software that works for your budget.
Tool | Free Option | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Deel Best global HR platform with a free plan for up to 200 employees | Free demo available | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Visit Website |
2 | Homebase Free scheduling and time tracking software with additional payroll services via an add-on | Freemium version available (unlimited employees) | From $20/month (payroll add-on is $6/user/month + $39/month) | Visit Website |
3 | Zoho Payroll Free payroll software for small teams with up to 10 employees | Free-forever version with limited functionalities for up to 10 employees | From $19/month plus $3/employee/month | Visit Website |
4 | TimeTrex Payroll and workforce management solution for North American organizations | 30-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
5 | CheckMark Payroll Best payroll solution for managing unlimited databases and companies | 60-day free trial | One-time fee of $509 | Visit Website |
6 | SurePayroll Cloud-based payroll software with time-saving payroll automations | 60-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
7 | HR.my Free payroll and HR solution for businesses of all sizes | Free to use | Free to use | Visit Website |
8 | Ceridian Powerpay Mobile-friendly payroll solution for Canadian businesses | 60-day free trial | From $39/month plus $6/employee/month | Visit Website |
9 | Sage Payroll Online payroll solution with time-tracking and leave management tools | 30-day free trial | From $10/month plus $3/employee/month | Visit Website |
10 | Patriot Simplified payroll software with a three step payroll process | 30-day free trial | From $17 per month + $4 per employee | Visit Website |
Other Options
Here are some other affordable payroll software options that are also worth considering:
- ExcelPayroll
Free spreadsheet-based payroll software for businesses with up to 50 employees
- Payroll4free.com
Free payroll processing service for small businesses of up to 25 members
- Paycor
Online payroll service provider with multiple payroll options
- OnPay
Full-service payroll software that tracks your spending using custom reports
- UZIO
HRIS and payroll solution that helps with benefits administration, time tracking, and payroll processing.
- Planday
Staff management solution that helps you create employee schedules, plan their PTO, and run payroll - available as a 30-day free trial.
- Gusto
Payroll, HR, and benefits management tool that’s ideal for hybrid or remote teams.
- Wave
Payroll software that allows you to pay your employees and contractors and handles your taxes for you - free plans available.
- GoCo
HR and payroll software that enables you to provide a superior employee experience with automated workflows and performance management.
- Zenefits
HR tool that makes it easy to manage and pay a small to medium-sized team.
What are the main features to consider when evaluating free payroll software?
As you can see in my review, not all payroll software is created equal. If you want to find the perfect payroll tool for your company’s needs, you should first consider what’s important to your organization’s activity. Read our article on 8 Key Payroll Software Features to learn more about the importance of different features.
Other Resources
Using a payroll solution is important because it enables you to pay your employees on time, which helps keep them motivated. As John Boitnott, Inc. journalist, said:
"Money isn't the only thing that motivates someone to perform well at their job, but it certainly factors in heavily."
You can find out more about payroll software in our article Payroll Software—What It Is And 10 Key Benefits. We also have a resource on How To Manage Payroll For Small Business that’s perfect for new companies and startups.
If you want to receive expert advice on how to run a successful organization directly in your inbox, subscribe to the People Managing People newsletter.