16 Best Payroll and Timekeeping Software Reviewed in 2025
10 Best Payroll and Timekeeping Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 15 tools reviewed.
Managing payroll and tracking time can be a headache for any team. You might find yourself buried in spreadsheets, struggling to keep everything accurate and on time. That's where payroll and timekeeping software comes in, offering a way to simplify these tasks and let you focus on what really matters: your people.
I've spent countless hours testing and reviewing these tools to find the best ones for you. My goal is to give you an honest, straightforward look at what each software offers.
In this article, I'll share my top picks, focusing on features that can make a real difference in your daily work. You'll find insights into what makes each tool unique and how it can help solve your specific challenges.
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Best Payroll and Timekeeping Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top payroll and timekeeping software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for accounting teams | 30-day free trial | From $38/user/month | Website | |
| 2 | Best for construction teams | Free plan available | From $9.99/user/month +$40 Admin license (first user included) | Website | |
| 3 | Best for unlimited users | Free plan + free demo available | From $5.49/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 4 | Best for global operations | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for large enterprises | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for cost efficiency | 30-day free trial | From $17/user/month + $4/employee | Website | |
| 7 | Best for compliance tracking | Free demo available | From $15/user/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for startups | Free demo available | From $49/month + $6/user/month | Website | |
| 9 | Best for employee scheduling | Free demo available | From $10/user/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for HR integration | Three months free payroll for new clients | From $39 plus $5/per employee/per month | Website |
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Kudoboard
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
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
Best Payroll and Timekeeping Software Review
Below are my detailed summaries of the best payroll and timekeeping software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
QuickBooks is a time-tracking and payroll solution designed primarily for accounting teams. It offers essential business functions like tracking employee hours, managing payroll, and simplifying financial records.
Why I picked QuickBooks: It offers an extensive suite tailored for accounting teams, integrating time tracking directly with payroll. Automated payroll processing and detailed financial reporting help you manage your accounts more efficiently.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable timesheets, which allow you to adjust the layout and fields to suit your team's needs. The software also provides project tracking to monitor time spent on various tasks and projects.
Integrations include PayPal, Shopify, Square, TSheets, Gusto, BILL, Salesforce, HubSpot, Expensify, and Stripe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Clear edit history logs
- Good field team oversight
- Great project hour tracking
Cons:
- Heavy tie-in to QB
- Limited pay-rule flexibility
Busy Busy is a time tracking and project management tool tailored for construction teams. It helps manage employee hours, track project progress, and improve job site productivity.
Why I picked Busy Busy: It caters specifically to the construction industry, offering features that address the unique challenges faced by these teams. GPS tracking ensures accurate clock-ins, even on remote sites. The software also allows for photo documentation, helping you keep visual records of project progress. .
Standout features & integrations:
Features include equipment tracking, which helps you monitor the usage and location of machinery. The software provides daily reporting tools, giving you insights into project status and worker productivity.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, Foundation, and Procore.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Helpful equipment use logs
- Strong photo clock proofs
- Great for job-site tracking
Cons:
- Most teams will need training time to get started
- App is heavy on data
Clockify is a time tracking software designed for teams of all sizes, focusing on tracking work hours and project management. It helps businesses monitor productivity, manage tasks, and analyze workforce efficiency.
Why I picked Clockify: It offers unlimited user support, making it ideal for growing teams. The software includes features like time tracking across multiple projects, which helps your team allocate resources efficiently. It also provides detailed reporting, allowing you to assess productivity and make informed decisions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include project time tracking, which helps you monitor how much time your team spends on each task. The software also offers a calendar view to visualize time entries and manage schedules more effectively.
Integrations include Asana, Trello, Jira, Slack, QuickBooks, Todoist, monday.com, Zapier, Salesforce, and Google Calendar.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Helpful calendar day view
- Good multi-device flexibility
- Strong project time charts
Cons:
- Project setup can take time
- Limited offline use
Workday is a cloud-based HR and payroll software solution tailored for large enterprises with a global presence. It helps manage payroll, human resources, and financial planning across multiple countries.
Why I picked Workday: It offers wide-ranging tools for managing global operations, making it perfect for multinational organizations. The software includes features like global payroll processing, which simplifies managing international employee payments. It also provides real-time analytics to help your team make informed decisions across different regions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include workforce planning, which helps you align your HR strategy with business goals. The software also offers talent management tools to support employee development and retention.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Office 365, Slack, LinkedIn, DocuSign, SAP, Oracle, Google Workspace, ServiceNow, and Zoom.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed analytics on demand
- Full HR-finance alignment
- Deep workforce planning tools
Cons:
- Limited custom rule edits
- No dedicated support team
ADP is a payroll and HR management solution designed for large enterprises. It supports key business functions like payroll processing, tax compliance, and benefits administration.
Why I picked ADP: It offers extensive features tailored for large organizations, including global payroll services and compliance management. The software allows for detailed workforce analytics, helping you make data-driven decisions. With its scalable platform, ADP can handle complex payroll structures and large employee bases.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automatic tax filing, reducing the hassle of manual submissions. The software also offers benefits administration, allowing you to manage employee benefits with ease.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, Workday, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, BambooHR, and Gusto.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Deep workforce analytics tools
- Strong multi-country compliance
- Solid enterprise-grade reporting
Cons:
- Limited custom rule settings
- Hard for new managers
Patriot Software is a payroll and timekeeping tool designed for small businesses seeking affordable solutions. It provides essential functions like payroll processing, time tracking, and attendance management.
Why I picked Patriot Software: It's a cost-effective option that doesn't compromise on essential features. The software offers straightforward payroll processing, which simplifies managing employee payments. It includes time and attendance tracking to ensure accurate payroll calculations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable payroll settings to match your business needs, ensuring you only pay for what you use. The software also provides automated tax calculations, helping you stay compliant with regulations.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, and several other accounting and payroll solutions.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Predictable workflow design
- Clear attendance exports
- Easy tax calculation setup
Cons:
- Weak multi-shift support
- Manual fixes are often needed
TCP Software is a time and attendance management tool designed for organizations that need to ensure compliance with labor regulations. It helps manage employee schedules, track attendance, and generate compliance reports.
Why I picked TCP Software: It excels in providing tools for compliance tracking, making it ideal for businesses that need to adhere to strict labor laws. The software offers automated compliance reporting, reducing the burden of manual checks. It includes features like time-off management to help your team stay organized and compliant.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced scheduling, which helps you plan shifts and manage workforce needs efficiently. The software also provides mobile access, allowing employees to clock in and out from remote locations.
Integrations include QuickBooks, ADP, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, Workday, BambooHR, Gusto, and Xero.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good remote worker support
- Helpful audit-ready records
- Strong compliance reporting
Cons:
- Limited workflow flexibility
- Requires manager training time
Gusto is a payroll and HR software solution designed primarily for startups and small businesses. It helps manage payroll, benefits, and time tracking efficiently.
Why I picked Gusto: Gusto offers a user-friendly interface and a range of features tailored for startups. It provides automated payroll processing, making it easy for your team to manage payments without hassle. The software also includes benefits administration, helping you offer competitive packages to your employees.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated tax filing, which ensures you stay compliant with regulations. The software also offers employee onboarding tools to help you bring new team members on board smoothly.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, TSheets, Clover, Deputy, When I Work, Trainual, Expensify, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Built-in tax filing support
- Clear pay and PTO views
- Smooth new-hire onboarding
Cons:
- Few tools for job costing
- Limited labor-cost tracking
Workforce is a scheduling and timekeeping software designed for businesses needing efficient workforce management. It helps manage employee schedules, track time, and optimize labor costs.
Why I picked Workforce: Workforce excels in providing tools for precise employee scheduling, ideal for businesses with dynamic shift needs. It offers features like automatic shift scheduling, which reduces manual planning and errors. The software also includes real-time labor cost tracking, helping you stay within budget.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include compliance management, ensuring your scheduling adheres to labor laws and regulations. The software also offers a mobile app, allowing employees to view schedules and time-off requests on the go.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, ADP, Gusto, BambooHR, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, and Zendesk.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good break rule checks
- Real-time labor costing
- Fast auto-shift building
Cons:
- Occasional system slowdowns
- Limited deep customization
Paychex is an all-in-one HR solution tailored for businesses needing efficient payroll and timekeeping management. Its main users are HR teams in medium to large enterprises seeking integrated HR services.
Why I picked Paychex: Paychex excels in providing a unified platform that integrates payroll with HR services. It includes features like automated payroll processing, employee self-service portals, and compliance management. These functionalities make it ideal for teams wanting an all-in-one solution that handles HR tasks efficiently.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated tax filing, which ensures compliance with changing regulations. The tool also provides detailed analytics and reporting to help you make informed decisions.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, Microsoft Dynamics, BambooHR, Oracle, Workday, Salesforce, SAP, and ADP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good compliance-focused tools
- Reliable multi-location oversight
- Strong built-in tax handling
Cons:
- Many features are locked behind upgrades
- Steep setup learning curve
Other Payroll and Timekeeping Software
Here are some additional payroll and timekeeping software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Timesheets
For small businesses
- OnTheClock
For simple time tracking
- Rippling
For IT and HR integration
- Buddy Punch
For simple employee scheduling
- UKG
For workforce analytics
Payroll and Timekeeping Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best payroll and timekeeping software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like accuracy in tracking hours and ease of integration with existing systems. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Track employee hours
- Process payroll
- Manage time-off requests
- Generate payroll reports
- Ensure compliance with labor laws
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- GPS location tracking
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- Mobile app access
- Customizable dashboards
- Compliance management tools
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Ease of navigation
- Clarity of instructions
- Speed of task completion
- Minimal training required
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to webinars
- Use of templates for setup
- On-demand chat support
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of 24/7 support
- Multiple support channels
- Response time to inquiries
- Quality of support resources
- Access to a knowledge base
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Feature set relative to cost
- Availability of discounts
- Flexibility of pricing plans
- Transparency of pricing information
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Consistency of positive feedback
- Frequency of updates and improvements
- Commonly reported issues
- Overall user satisfaction
- Recommendations from similar businesses
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How to Choose Payroll and Timekeeping Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Scalability | Will the software grow with your business? Consider if it can handle more employees or locations without extra costs or technical headaches. |
| Integrations | Does it work with your current systems? Check for compatibility with existing payroll, HR, or accounting software to avoid data silos and manual entry. |
| Customizability | Can you tailor the software to your processes? Look for options to customize reports, dashboards, and user permissions to fit your team’s needs. |
| Ease of use | Is it intuitive for your team? Evaluate the interface and user feedback to ensure it won’t require extensive training or support. |
| Implementation and onboarding | How quickly can you get up and running? Consider the time and resources required for setup, including data migration and training for your team. |
| Cost | Are there hidden fees? Analyze the pricing structure, including user fees and any extra charges for add-ons or support, to fit your budget. |
| Security safeguards | Does it protect your data? Look for encryption, access controls, and compliance with data protection regulations to safeguard sensitive information. |
| Compliance requirements | Does it meet industry standards? Ensure it adheres to relevant labor laws and regulations to avoid penalties and legal issues. |
What Is Payroll and Timekeeping Software?
Payroll and timekeeping software is a tool that automates the process of tracking employee hours and managing payroll. HR professionals, accountants, and managers generally use these tools to ensure accurate pay calculations and compliance with labor laws. Time tracking, automated payroll processing, and compliance management features help reduce with reducing manual errors, saveing time, and ensure ing legal compliance. Overall, these tools simplify workforce management and enhance organizational efficiency.
Features of Payroll and Timekeeping Software
When selecting payroll and timekeeping software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Time tracking: Automatically records employee hours to ensure precise payroll calculations.
- Payroll processing: Calculates and distributes employee payments efficiently, reducing manual effort.
- Compliance management: Monitors adherence to labor laws and regulations to avoid legal issues.
- Customizable reporting: Generates tailored reports to provide insights into workforce data and performance.
- Mobile access: Allows employees to clock in and out remotely, offering flexibility and convenience.
- Automated tax calculations: Ensures accurate tax deductions and filings, minimizing errors.
- Employee self-service: Lets employees access pay stubs, request time off, and manage personal information.
- Scheduling tools: Helps create and manage employee shifts, optimizing workforce allocation.
- Integration capabilities: Connects with existing HR, accounting, or payroll systems to streamline processes.
- Security safeguards: Protects sensitive employee data with encryption and access controls.
Benefits of Payroll and Timekeeping Software
Implementing payroll and timekeeping software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Time savings: Automates time tracking and payroll processing, freeing up valuable hours for your team.
- Increased accuracy: Reduces manual errors in timekeeping and payroll calculations, ensuring employees are paid correctly.
- Compliance assurance: Helps maintain compliance with labor laws and tax regulations, minimizing legal risks.
- Improved efficiency: Streamlines scheduling and workforce management, optimizing resource allocation.
- Enhanced data insights: Offers detailed reporting and analytics, providing valuable insights into workforce performance.
- Employee empowerment: Provides self-service options for employees to manage their own information and requests.
- Flexibility: Allows remote access and mobile clock-ins, accommodating diverse work environments.
Costs and Pricing of Payroll and Timekeeping Software
Selecting payroll and timekeeping software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in payroll and timekeeping software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Payroll and Timekeeping Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic time tracking, employee self-service, and limited reporting. |
| Personal Plan | $3-$49/user/month | Time tracking, payroll processing, mobile access, and basic reporting. |
| Business Plan | $7-$80/user/month | Advanced scheduling, compliance management, integration capabilities, and analytics. |
| Enterprise Plan | $11-$180/user/month | Customizable dashboards, global payroll, premium support, and enhanced security features. |
Payroll and Timekeeping Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about payroll and timekeeping software:
How does payroll and timekeeping software handle corrections to past pay periods?
Most tools let you fix old time entries or pay runs, but the way you do it varies. Some create adjustment entries, while others rerun payroll with corrected data. If your team often fixes past mistakes, make sure the system lets you edit previous periods without breaking reports. You’ll want a workflow that’s simple enough that managers don’t avoid making corrections.
Can I control who sees payroll data inside payroll and timekeeping software?
You can usually limit access so that only certain people can view pay rates, hours, and sensitive records. The best setups let you assign permissions by role, department, or location. This helps you protect personal data while still giving supervisors what they need to approve hours. Before choosing a tool, check how flexible the permission settings are.
How does payroll and timekeeping software handle complex approval chains?
If your team has multiple layers of managers, you’ll want software that can match that structure. Some tools allow multi-step approvals, while others only support a single reviewer. When you have shift swaps, overtime requests, or job-costed hours, you’ll need clear routing rules. Make sure the approval setup fits how your team actually works—not just how the software prefers you to work.
Does payroll and timekeeping software support job costing or project-based tracking?
Many tools let you tag hours to projects, jobs, or cost codes, but the level of detail differs. If your team bills clients or tracks internal budgets, you’ll want reliable ways to assign time and pull accurate totals later. Some systems support multiple layers of codes, while others only allow basic tagging. Pick a tool that matches the way you already track work.
How does payroll and timekeeping software help prevent buddy punching?
Some systems include PIN codes, photo capture, geofencing, or device restrictions to stop employees from clocking in for each other. These tools give you proof that the right person clocked in from the right place. If buddy punching is a problem for you, ask vendors what identity checks they support. A small feature like this can save you a lot of payroll mistakes.
Can payroll and timekeeping software support seasonal or short-term workers?
Most tools can handle temporary staff, but flexibility varies by plan. You may need to add or remove users frequently, so check how billing works for seasonal teams. Some systems charge monthly for every active worker, while others only bill for workers processed in payroll. This matters if your workforce changes throughout the year.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching payroll and timekeeping software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.