20 Best Payroll Apps Reviewed in 2026
Best Payroll App Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 12 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Managing payroll can be a real pain, especially when it’s time to pay up. Between tracking hours, calculating deductions, staying compliant, and making sure everyone gets paid correctly and on time, there’s very little room for error. It’s a high-stakes process, and the admin work can add up fast. In my experience, the right payroll app can reduce that pressure by automating the busywork and keeping everything accurate.
I’ve tested and reviewed these tools independently, focusing on the features that actually matter in day-to-day payroll operations, like time tracking, tax support, reporting, and ease of use for both admins and employees.
In this article, you’ll find unbiased insights into the best payroll apps available today. You’ll see what each tool does well, where it falls short, and which options are best suited for different team needs, so you can choose a solution that saves time and helps you avoid costly mistakes.
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Best Payroll App Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top payroll app selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for freelancers | Free plan available | From $14/user/month | Website | |
| 2 | Best for employee self-service | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best for household employers | Not available | From $20/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best multilingual support | Free to use | Free to use | Website | |
| 5 | Best for small businesses | 3-month free trial | From $39/month + $5/month/employee | Website | |
| 6 | Best free payroll option | Free plan available | From $30/month | Website | |
| 7 | Best for spreadsheet integration | Not available | Free to use | Website | |
| 8 | Best for startups and growing teams | Free demo available | From $49/month + $6/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for accounting integration | 30-day free trial | From $30/user/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for mid-sized companies | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 11 | Best for scheduling integration | Free plan + 14-day free trial available | From $24/location/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 12 | Best for tax filings | 30-day free trial | From $40/month + $6/user/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 -
Willo
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Awardco
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.7
Best Payroll App Review
Below are my detailed summaries of the best payroll apps that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros and cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Wave is a financial management tool designed for freelancers and small business owners, offering accounting, invoicing, and payroll services. It helps individuals and small teams manage their finances and payroll tasks efficiently.
Why I picked Wave: It caters specifically to freelancers, providing essential tools to manage finances without complexity. The platform offers free accounting and invoicing features, which are beneficial for freelancers on a budget. Payroll services are also integrated, allowing you to handle everything from one platform. This focus on affordability and functionality makes it an excellent choice for freelancers.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include free invoicing and accounting, which help you manage your finances without extra costs. The platform offers receipt scanning, allowing you to keep track of expenses easily. Wave also provides customizable invoice templates, making it simple to maintain a professional appearance.
Integrations include PayPal, Etsy, Shoeboxed, Zapier, Stripe, Google Sheets, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Shopify, QuickBooks, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Budget-friendly solution
- Simple for freelancers
- Integrated receipt scanning
Cons:
- Payroll is limited to the US and Canada
- Limited scalability for larger businesses
Paycom is an HR and payroll management tool for businesses of all sizes. It provides payroll processing, employee self-service, and HR management functions, making it a versatile choice for businesses that prioritize employee empowerment.
Why I picked Paycom: It offers an extensive self-service portal that lets employees manage their own data, reducing the administrative burden on HR. With features such as on-demand payroll access and benefits management, it aligns well with businesses that value employee autonomy. The tool's self-service capabilities enhance efficiency by allowing employees to update their information directly. Its focus on self-service, which differentiates it in the payroll landscape.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include on-demand payroll access, where employees can access their earnings when they need them. The tool also offers reporting capabilities to help you make informed decisions. Paycom provides many HR management features, covering everything from hiring to retirement.
Integrations are not publicly listed.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Employee empowerment focus
- On-demand payroll access
- Extensive self-service options
Cons:
- Initial setup complexity
- Steeper learning curve
SurePayroll is a payroll service tailored for small businesses and household employers, providing payroll processing and tax filing services. It ensures that your payroll tasks are managed efficiently and compliantly, especially for employers who need specialized support.
Why I picked SurePayroll: It offers a user-friendly platform with features designed for household employers, such as nanny and caregiver payroll services. Automatic tax calculations and filings help you stay compliant without extra hassle. The tool's focus on household payroll makes it unique among payroll solutions. Its ease of use and specialized services cater specifically to those managing household employees.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include automatic tax calculations and filings, which simplify your payroll management. The tool offers a mobile app for payroll on-the-go, giving you flexibility in managing payroll tasks. SurePayroll also provides compliance support, ensuring you meet all necessary regulations.
Integrations include AcroPrint, Icon, TimeForge, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile app for payroll management
- Automatic tax calculations
- Specialized household payroll services
Cons:
- No built-in time-tracking
- Not ideal for large businesses
HR.my is a cloud-based HR and payroll solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering multilingual support. It helps manage payroll, employee records, and leave requests efficiently.
Why I picked HR.my: It caters to a diverse workforce by providing multilingual support, which is essential for global teams. The platform allows you to manage employee records, track attendance, and process payroll without any language barriers. It offers a collaborative environment where employees can access their information and submit requests easily. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses operating in multiple regions with diverse language needs.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include a leave management system that simplifies tracking and approvals. The tool offers a document management feature, helping you organize employee files securely. HR.my also provides custom reports, allowing you to tailor data insights according to your needs.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Sage, NetSuite, ADP, BambooHR, TSheets, Expensify, and Zoho.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Collaborative employee portal
- Customizable reporting
- Multilingual interface options
Cons:
- Basic UI design
- No payroll tax calculation
Roll by ADP is a payroll solution designed for small businesses, offering essential payroll and tax processing features. It helps manage payroll tasks, catering specifically to small business needs.
Why I picked Roll by ADP: It's tailored for small businesses, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. With features such as automated payroll processing and employee self-service, it reduces the hassle of managing payroll. The mobile accessibility ensures you can handle payroll from anywhere. Its user-friendly interface and quick processing make it ideal for businesses with limited payroll needs.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include automated tax processing, employee self-service, and deadline reminders. The system provides 24/7 support, ensuring you always have assistance when needed. You can complete payroll in under a minute, making it efficient for busy schedules.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Plaid, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Quick payroll completion
- Mobile app accessibility
- Easy payroll setup
Cons:
- Small business focus only
- Limited advanced features
Payroll4Free is a payroll management tool designed for small businesses looking for a cost-effective solution. It handles payroll processing, tax calculations, and employee payments at a reasonable cost.
Why I picked Payroll4Free: It's a top choice for businesses wanting to manage payroll using free payroll services, making it ideal for small teams. It includes features such as direct deposit, tax calculations, and employee portals. Its cost-effectiveness and essential functionalities make it a smart choice for small businesses with tight budgets.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include automatic payroll tax calculations, employee portals for easy access to pay stubs, and the ability to print checks. Your team can benefit from automated reminders for tax filings, reducing the chance of missing deadlines. It also supports direct deposit, which can save you time.
Integrations are not publicly listed.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Employee self-service portals
- Direct deposit option
- Free for small teams
Cons:
- Ads displayed in software
- Limited reporting features
ExcelPayroll is a payroll management tool designed for small businesses that prefer using Excel for their payroll needs. It offers payroll processing and tax calculation functionalities directly within Excel, making it ideal for teams that are comfortable with spreadsheets.
Why I picked ExcelPayroll: It integrates with Excel, allowing you to manage payroll without leaving the spreadsheet environment. The tool provides templates and formulas that simplify payroll calculations. It also includes features such as automated tax calculations and employee record management. This makes it a practical choice for businesses that want to leverage their existing Excel skills.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include automated tax calculations that minimize errors and save you time. The tool provides payroll templates that guide you through the payroll process. ExcelPayroll also allows you to manage employee records all in one place.
Integrations include Microsoft Excel.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Leverages existing Excel skills
- Automated tax calculations
- Easy Excel integration
Cons:
- Requires Excel proficiency
- Limited advanced features
Gusto is a payroll and HR management tool designed for startups and growing businesses. It handles payroll processing, healthcare benefits, and compliance, making it a suitable choice for dynamic teams.
Why I picked Gusto: It offers a straightforward interface with features tailored for expanding teams. Automatic payroll runs, employee benefits management, and compliance support are included, making it a good solution for startups. It also provides new hire reporting, which is essential for businesses in growth mode. The focus on benefits and compliance makes it ideal for teams that need more than just basic payroll.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include automatic payroll tax filing, employee benefits administration, and compliance assistance. The time-tracking and project management tools help simplify operations. Gusto also offers customizable onboarding checklists to make the hiring process easier.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Deputy, When I Work, Clover, Expensify, Trainual, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable onboarding checklists
- Compliance support
- Automatic payroll runs
Cons:
- Basic time-tracking tools only
- Limited international payroll
New Product Updates from Gusto
Gusto Adds S Corp Election and Retirement Plan Tax Credit Automation
Gusto introduces S Corp Election with AI-Guided Advisory and Retirement Plan Tax Credit automation to simplify tax filing and help small businesses maximize savings with less manual work. For more information, visit Gusto’s official site.
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QuickBooks Payroll is a payroll processing tool designed for small to medium-sized businesses that integrates with accounting functions. It helps manage payroll, tax filings, and employee payments efficiently.
Why I picked QuickBooks Payroll: It offers integration with QuickBooks accounting, making it ideal for businesses already using QuickBooks for their financial management. The tool provides automated payroll processing and tax filings, reducing administrative burdens. It includes features such as employee benefits management and direct deposit options, ensuring your team gets paid on time. This integration with accounting functions helps businesses optimize their financial operations.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include automated tax filings, which ensure compliance and accuracy. The platform offers direct deposit, allowing employees to receive payments quickly. QuickBooks Payroll also provides employee benefits management, helping you manage health insurance and retirement plans effectively.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Expensify, Shopify, Square, PayPal, Gusto, BILL, HubSpot, Mailchimp, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Direct deposit available
- Automated tax filings
- Fast QuickBooks integration
Cons:
- Complex PTO rules setup
- Limited workflow automation
Paylocity is an HR and payroll platform designed for mid-sized companies, providing payroll processing, HR management, and employee engagement tools. It helps businesses manage their workforce efficiently with a focus on enhancing the employee experience.
Why I picked Paylocity: It offers a range of features, including advanced payroll processing and employee satisfaction tools. The platform includes features such as on-demand payment options and reporting capabilities. You can also benefit from its employee self-service portal that empowers your team to manage their own information. Its focus on the employee experience and self-service makes it a valuable tool for mid-sized companies.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include on-demand payment options that give your employees flexibility in accessing their earnings. The platform offers detailed reporting capabilities, helping you make informed decisions. Paylocity also provides employee engagement tools, which can enhance team morale and productivity.
Integrations include QuickBooks, NetSuite, ADP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- On-demand payment options
- Employee engagement tools
- Advanced payroll processing
Cons:
- Recurring payments are not supported
- Limited reporting tools
New Product Updates from Paylocity
Paylocity AI Assistant Update
Paylocity introduces an AI Assistant that transitions from questions to actions swiftly, enhancing user efficiency. For more information, visit Paylocity's official site.
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Homebase is a workforce management tool tailored for small businesses, focusing on scheduling, time tracking, and payroll functions. It helps teams manage their schedules while integrating payroll processing to simplify administrative tasks.
Why I picked Homebase: It excels in integrating scheduling with payroll, ensuring your team’s hours are accurately reflected in payroll processing. The tool offers features such as shift swapping and time-off tracking, which are helpful for businesses with dynamic schedules. Its ability to handle scheduling and payroll in one platform reduces the need for multiple tools. This integration makes it particularly valuable for small businesses that require flexibility in managing their workforce.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include a built-in time clock that tracks employee hours accurately. The tool offers shift swapping, allowing your team to adjust their schedules easily. Homebase also provides compliance tools to help you adhere to labor laws and regulations.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Square, Shopify, Gusto, Clover, Toast, ADP, Paychex, Google, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Compliance tools included
- Shift swapping capabilities
- Built-in time clock feature
Cons:
- No dedicated mobile app
- Limited advanced payroll features
OnPay is a payroll and HR solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses, providing payroll processing, tax filing, and employee management features. It caters to teams looking for a reliable way to handle payroll and taxes efficiently.
Why I picked OnPay: It excels in managing tax filings, ensuring your business stays compliant. The tool automates tax calculations and filings, reducing the risk of errors. With features such as employee onboarding and benefits management, it supports your team beyond payroll. Its focus on simplifying tax-related tasks makes it a valuable asset for businesses concerned with compliance.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include automated tax filings, which save you time and reduce errors. The tool offers employee onboarding features that support the hiring process. OnPay also provides benefits management, helping you manage employee perks.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Deputy, When I Work, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Reduces tax-related errors
- Effective benefits management
- Automated tax filings
Cons:
- Limited third-party integrations
- No built-in time-tracking
Other Payroll Apps
Here are some additional payroll app options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Paychex Flex
For flexible payroll options
- Sage
For financial management integration
- Patriot Software
For simplified payroll setup
- Xero
For accounting and payroll sync
- Reckon One
For budget-friendly accounting
- Hourly
For tracking labor costs
- Friday
For small business needs
- Proliant
For HR and payroll combo
Payroll App Selection Criteria
When selecting the best payroll apps to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points such as managing tax compliance and reducing manual payroll errors. 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:
- Run payroll accurately
- Calculate and file taxes
- Generate payroll reports
- Manage employee records
- Handle direct deposits
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Global payroll capabilities
- Customizable real-time reporting tools
- Employee self-service portal
- Integration with time tracking
- Benefits administration
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Responsive design
- Clear documentation
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 templates
- Supportive chatbots
- Webinars for new users
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Multiple support team channels
- Response time to queries
- Quality of help resources
- Personalized support options
Value for Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Features offered for the price
- Scalability of pricing plans
- Discounts for annual billing
- Transparent pricing structure
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction rating
- Feedback on reliability
- Comments on ease of use
- Praise for customer support
- Value for money opinions
How To Choose a Payroll App
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 an increase in employees without extra costs or complications. |
| Integrations | Does it work with your existing tools? Look for compatibility with accounting, HR, and time-tracking systems to avoid manual data entry. |
| Customizability | Can you tailor it to your needs? Check if the app allows adjustments to fit your payroll processes, such as unique pay types or reporting formats. |
| Ease of use | Is it user-friendly for your team? Evaluate the interface and usability, ensuring minimal training is needed, and tasks are straightforward. |
| Implementation and onboarding | How fast can you start using it? Consider the time and resources required for setup and whether there are guided onboarding or support options available. |
| Cost | Is it within your budget? Examine pricing plans for hidden fees, and compare the cost against the features and benefits provided. |
| Security safeguards | How does it protect your data? Ensure the app has strong security measures, such as encryption and access controls, to safeguard sensitive payroll information. |
| Compliance requirements | Does it meet legal standards? Verify that the software adheres to local tax laws and payroll regulations to avoid compliance issues. |
What Is a Payroll App?
A payroll app is a software solution designed to automate and manage payroll processes for businesses. HR professionals, accountants, and small business owners typically use these tools to ensure accurate and timely employee payments. Automated tax calculations, direct deposit, and compliance tracking help minimize errors, save time, and reduce administrative burdens. Overall, these tools provide value by simplifying payroll tasks and improving efficiency.
Features
When selecting a payroll app, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Automated tax calculations: Support accurate state tax deductions and filings, reducing the risk of errors and penalties.
- Direct deposit: Allows employees to receive their earnings directly in their bank accounts, speeding up the payment process.
- Employee self-service portal: Empowers employees to access their pay stubs, tax forms, and personal information, reducing administrative workload.
- Compliance tracking: Helps keep your business aligned with local and federal payroll regulations, minimizing compliance risks.
- Customizable reporting: Provides tailored payroll data reports that offer insights into expenses and trends, aiding in better financial planning.
- Integration capabilities: Ensure data flows between payroll and other systems such as accounting or human resources, reducing time-consuming data entry.
- Mobile access: Allows pay period tasks to be managed on the go, providing flexibility for remote or busy managers.
- Time tracking integration: Connects with timesheet systems to ensure accurate pay rate calculations based on actual hours worked.
- Benefits administration: Simplifies the management of employee benefits, helping to optimize enrollment and deductions.
- Scalability: Supports business growth by easily adapting payroll software to an increasing number of employees without major changes.
Benefits
Implementing a payroll app provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Time savings: Automated payroll processing reduces the time spent on manual calculations and paperwork, freeing up your team for other tasks.
- Improved accuracy: Online payroll features such as automated tax calculations and direct deposit help minimize errors in payroll and tax filings.
- Enhanced compliance: All-in-one tracking ensures your business adheres to payroll regulations, reducing the risk of fines and penalties.
- Employee empowerment: A self-service dashboard allows employees to access their information, reducing the need for HR intervention.
- Better financial insights: Customizable reporting provides valuable insights into payroll expenses, assisting in informed decision-making.
- Flexibility: Mobile access lets managers handle payday tasks from anywhere, accommodating remote work and busy schedules.
- Scalability: The ability to grow with your business ensures that payroll systems can handle more employees without disruption.
Costs & Pricing
Selecting a payroll app requires understanding 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 app solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Payroll Apps
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic payroll processing, limited support, and simple tax calculations. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Payroll processing, direct deposit, employee self-service, and basic reporting. |
| Business Plan | $30-$75/user/month | Advanced reporting, automated tax filings, benefits administration, and integration capabilities. |
| Enterprise Plan | $100-$150/user/ month | Customizable solutions, dedicated account management, advanced compliance tracking, and extensive analytics. |
Payroll App FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about payroll apps:
What should I consider when switching payroll apps?
You should consider data migration, integration with existing systems, and training for your team. Ensure the new app can import data from your old system to avoid starting from scratch. Check compatibility with your current tools, such as accounting or HR software. Plan for same-day training sessions to get your team up to speed quickly.
How secure is my data in a payroll app?
Payroll apps typically offer secure environments, but it’s essential to verify that for your peace of mind. Look for apps that provide encryption, regular security audits, and compliance with data protection regulations. Confirm that the app has strong access controls, allowing only authorized personnel to access sensitive information.
Can payroll apps handle multi-country payrolls?
Yes, some payroll apps support multi-country payrolls, but not all. If your team is spread across different countries, look for apps that offer international payroll capabilities. Verify that they can handle different tax laws, currencies, and compliance requirements for each country involved.
What kind of support can I expect from payroll app vendors?
Most vendors offer support through various channels, including chat, email, and phone. Check the availability of support hours to ensure they align with your business needs. Some vendors provide dedicated account managers for personalized assistance, while others may offer extensive online resources such as FAQs and tutorials.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching payroll apps, 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.