20 Best Payroll Companies of 2025: Reviewed & Compared
10 Best Payroll Companies Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
The best payroll company is one that takes complex, error-prone payroll tasks off your plate, so you can spend less time calculating wages, fixing mistakes, or worrying about tax compliance, and more time focused on people.
Whether you're drowning in spreadsheets, navigating clunky legacy software, or starting from scratch, finding the right payroll partner can eliminate manual work, automate filings, ensure accuracy, and keep your team paid on time.
As an HR software reviewer and former payroll support person, I’ve reviewed hundreds of HR service providers, and I know how big a difference the right provider makes.
This guide will help you cut through the noise to choose a payroll company that fits your team’s needs, scales with your business, and frees you from payroll headaches for good.
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Best Payroll Companies: Comparison Chart
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for the best payroll companies that made my shortlist to help you find the best payroll company for you.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for global employees and contractors | Free trial + demo available | From $29/month | Website | |
| 2 | Best with integrated HR and IT management | Free demo available | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 3 | Best for mobile-friendliness | 30-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 4 | Best for automated payroll and tax filing | 90-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for HR, payroll, and integrations in one | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for hiring without local entities | Not available | From $199/employee/month | Website | |
| 7 | Best for mobile-friendly hourly payroll | Free plan available | From $20/location/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for managing international teams | Free demo available | From $25 - $199/user/month | Website | |
| 9 | Best for industry-specific payroll services | 30-day free trial | From $40/month + $6/user/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for enhanced US customer support | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
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Rippling
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Native Teams
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.9 -
Willo
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8
Best Payroll Company Reviews
Here’s a brief description of the top 10 payroll companies that made it into my shortlist, including their main service offerings and other noteworthy features. I’ve also included screenshots to give you a snapshot of their software’s user interface.
Plus, I’ve included 10 more worthwhile companies below, if you’d like some extra options to consider.
Deel offers global payroll and compliance services, focusing on international hiring and payments. They serve businesses of all sizes seeking to manage a distributed workforce.
Why I picked Deel: Managing international payroll can be complex, but Deel simplifies it by handling compliance, taxes, and payments across over 150 countries. Their platform lets you hire contractors and full-time employees without setting up local entities, saving you time and resources. With transparent pricing and 24/7 support, Deel makes global expansion more accessible.
Deel Standout Services:
Deel's employer of record (EOR) services let you hire full-time employees in other countries without establishing a local entity, ensuring compliance with local labor laws. Their contractor management system streamlines onboarding, invoicing, and payments for international contractors, reducing administrative burdens.
Software integrations are available with NetSuite, HiBob, Xero, Ashby, and Greenhouse.
Deel Target Industries and Specializations:
Target industries: technology, finance, marketing, education, and healthcare.
Specialties: global payroll, compliance, contractor management, employer of record services, and international hiring.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive compliance management
- No need to set up local entities
- 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- Not all features available in every country
- Pricing may be high for small businesses
New Product Updates from Deel
Introducing Deel AI Workforce
Deel has launched the AI Workforce, a set of specialized agents designed to handle repetitive HR, payroll, and compliance tasks with speed and accuracy. These AI agents don’t just assist—they execute tasks from start to finish. For more information, visit Deel's official site.
Rippling offers payroll, HR, and IT management services to help businesses manage employee operations more efficiently. It serves companies of all sizes, providing tools for payroll processing, benefits administration, and device management.
Why I picked Rippling: It lets you handle payroll alongside HR tasks, like benefits and compliance, all in one platform. You can also manage IT essentials, like device provisioning and app access, ensuring employees are set up to work quickly. This integration reduces the need for separate systems and simplifies your team's processes.
Rippling Standout Services:
You can use global payroll to pay employees and contractors worldwide in minutes, addressing the challenge of managing international teams. With automated tax filing, Rippling takes care of calculating, filing, and remitting taxes, so you don’t have to worry about compliance issues.
Software integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Brex, Checkr, Jira, Carta, Slack, Zoom, PayPal, Salesforce, QuickBooks, and more.
Rippling Target Industries and Specializations:
Target industries: technology, retail, healthcare, education, and manufacturing
Specialties: global payroll, benefits administration, device management, compliance, and automation
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports global payroll for international teams
- Offers device management alongside payroll services
- Integrates payroll with IT and HR functions
Cons:
- Customization may require additional setup time
- Advanced features require add-ons
New Product Updates from Rippling
Rippling Now Integrates with Points North
Rippling's new integration with Points North automates certified payroll reporting, ensuring compliance with Davis-Bacon and prevailing-wage laws by synchronizing data in real time and reducing manual errors. More details at Rippling Blog.
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Paycor offers payroll services and solutions tailored to support HR, payroll, and workforce management needs for businesses of various sizes. Their services cater to small and medium-sized businesses, with a focus on simplifying payroll processes and improving efficiency.
Why I picked Paycor: Paycor integrates automated payroll tools that save your team time by reducing manual data entry and minimizing errors. Their mobile-friendly expense tracking lets you and your employees manage reimbursements easily on the go, which is ideal for remote or distributed teams. These features make Paycor a great fit if you're looking for efficiency in payroll management and expense handling.
Paycor Standout Services:
Paycor’s mobile app lets you process payroll, approve timecards, and review reports from anywhere, giving you more flexibility. The expense management tool helps your team track expenses, upload receipts, and manage reimbursements directly within the system, which simplifies operations for businesses with mobile or remote workers.
Software integrations are available with 140+ software applications through their Paycor Marketplace, including Center Expense Management, Certify by Emburse, CloudPay, HIRETech, Instant Pay, Rapid Disbursements, Payfactors, Netspend, and many others.
Paycor Target Industries and Specializations:
Target industries: retail, healthcare, nonprofits, manufacturing, and professional services.
Specialties: payroll processing, mobile expense tracking, workforce management, HR analytics, and compliance assistance.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface for time and attendance
- Mobile app with payroll processing
- Frequent software updates
Cons:
- Some integrations require additional setup
- Customer support response times vary
RUN by ADP offers payroll and HR services designed to support businesses of all sizes with their payroll processing and tax filing needs. Their solutions cater to small, medium, and large businesses, helping streamline payroll operations while ensuring compliance.
Why I picked RUN by ADP: ADP's RUN integrates automated payroll processing with tax filing to simplify payroll management for your business. You’ll also find tools that help with compliance, like real-time alerts and updates for tax regulations. Their intuitive platform ensures your team can handle payroll tasks quickly and accurately.
RUN Powered by ADP Standout Services:
RUN Powered by ADP includes automated payroll processing to ensure your employees are paid accurately and on time while reducing manual tasks. You also get automatic tax filing services that calculate, file, and pay payroll taxes for you, saving time and ensuring compliance with government regulations.
Software integrations include QuickBooks, Wave, Xero, ClockShark, Points North, Compy, Wex, Synerion, JazzHR, 7Shifts, Snappy Gifts, Absorb LMS, SmartRecruiters, and hundreds more.
RUN Powered by ADP Target Industries and Specializations:
Target industries: retail, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and construction
Specialties: payroll tax filing, compliance, benefits administration, employee self-service, and reporting tools
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integration with accounting software
- Mobile app for on-the-go access
- Easy to use for small businesses
Cons:
- Add-on costs for certain services
- Limited customization for larger enterprises
Paylocity offers payroll services that help midsized businesses manage and scale pay processing, tax filings, and employee payment options.
Why I picked Paylocity: I chose Paylocity because it combines powerful HR and payroll features into a single platform, making it easy to manage everything from benefits and compliance to employee pay and time tracking. Its extensive integration options, with over 400 third-party tools ranging from applicant tracking to collaboration tools, ensure it fits into your broader tech stack.
Paylocity Standout Services:
Their on-demand payment feature lets employees access wages early, solving cash flow challenges for your team. The automated tax filing system handles payroll taxes, reducing the risk of errors and keeping your business compliant with changing regulations.
Software integrations include ClearStar, Microsoft Dynamics 365, 7shifts, AirMason, APA Benefits, Azure, Atlassian, Asana, Box, ClearCompany, Dropbox, Freshdesk, Google Workspace, Greenhouse, HubSpot, Slack, Salesforce, Trakstar, and Zoho People.
Paylocity Target Industries and Specializations:
Target industries: retail, healthcare, manufacturing, education, and technology
Specialties: tax compliance, payroll flexibility, time tracking, benefits integration, and employee self-service
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy integration with other HR solutions
- Customizable reporting features
- Flexible pay options for employees
Cons:
- Limited international payroll options
- Occasional issues with mobile app functionality
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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Remote People offers global payroll and compliance services, focusing on simplifying international hiring, payments, and contractor management. They serve businesses of all sizes looking to manage distributed teams across 150+ countries.
Why I Picked Remote People: Managing international payroll can be challenging, but Remote People streamlines the process by handling compliance, taxes, and payments in over 150 countries. Their Employer of Record (EOR) service allows you to hire full-time employees abroad without setting up local entities, saving time and reducing costs. With intuitive tools, transparent pricing, and a dedicated support team, Remote People makes global workforce management seamless.
Remote People Standout Services:
Remote People's Employer of Record (EOR) services allow companies to hire employees internationally while ensuring compliance with local labor laws and tax regulations. Their global payroll solutions automate payments for employees and contractors, and the contractor management system simplifies onboarding, invoicing, and cross-border payments. Additionally, they offer background checks, global salary insights, relocation assistance, and HR compliance tools to reduce administrative burdens and minimize risk.
Software integrations aren't presently listed by Remote People.
Remote People Target Industries and Specializations
Target industries: technology, finance, marketing, education, healthcare, and professional services.
Specialties: global payroll, compliance, contractor management, employer of record services, international hiring, and workforce expansion.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Access to a vetted global talent pool
- Includes Employer of Record and PEO services
- Provides global payroll, contractor, and relocation support
Cons:
- No listed software integrations
- Limited publicly available customer reviews
Homebase offers full-service payroll with built-in time tracking and scheduling, designed for hourly teams and small businesses. It’s especially useful for businesses that want to streamline timecards, automate payroll runs, and stay compliant—all from a mobile-friendly platform.
Why I picked Homebase: Running payroll for hourly workers can be chaotic, but Homebase simplifies it by syncing scheduling, time tracking, and payroll into one platform. It automatically calculates hours, overtime, breaks, and wages, and handles tax filings on your behalf. With features like next-day payroll and auto-payroll, Homebase helps busy managers skip manual work and stay focused on growing their teams.
Homebase Standout Services:
Homebase combines a time clock, timesheets, and payroll in a single platform to eliminate double entry and manual calculations. It supports automatic tax filing, direct deposit, and W-2/1099 generation. Optional features include tip management, earned wage access, and auto-payroll for complete hands-off processing.
Software integrations are available with QuickBooks, Square, Clover, Toast, Gusto, Shopify, and more.
Homebase Target Industries and Specializations:
Target industries: retail, restaurants, home services, hospitality, and healthcare
Specialties: hourly payroll, mobile time tracking, team scheduling, compliance automation, and small business workforce management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated payroll and tax processes
- Offers direct deposit into bank accounts or printable checks
- Time tracking for accurate payroll
Cons:
- Payroll functions are only available as an add-on
- No details on customization for specific business needs
RemoFirst offers payroll services designed to support businesses in managing international teams. Their solutions focus on simplifying global payroll processes while ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Why I picked RemoFirst: Their platform makes it easy to manage payroll for employees across multiple countries. You can rely on their automated tools to handle compliance, payments, and reporting in one place. It’s especially useful for organizations that need to ensure accurate, timely payments to a diverse international workforce.
RemoFirst Standout Services:
Their automated compliance management helps you navigate the complexities of international payroll by keeping your team compliant with local tax and labor laws. They also provide multi-currency payment processing, so you can pay employees in their local currency without dealing with conversion headaches.
RemoFirst Target Industries and Specializations:
Target industries: technology, healthcare, retail, education, and consulting
Specialties: international payroll, compliance, tax management, reporting, and payment processing
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy to use for non-technical teams
- Responsive customer support team
- Offers multi-currency payment options
Cons:
- Lacks platform integration options
- May not suit small businesses with limited budgets
OnPay offers full-service payroll solutions tailored for small and medium-sized businesses. Their platform also supports benefits administration, HR functions, and compliance management for various industries.
Why I picked OnPay: Their industry-specific payroll services let you manage unique payroll needs, like compliance for restaurants or agricultural businesses, all through an easy-to-use platform. OnPay’s in-house insurance brokers can help your team find the right employee benefits without needing an external partner. This combination of payroll and insurance expertise can simplify HR tasks for your business.
OnPay Standout Services:
Their automated tax filing ensures that federal, state, and local payroll taxes are calculated, filed, and paid correctly. You can also use their benefits management tools to handle health insurance, retirement plans, and workers' comp directly through the platform, saving time for you and your team.
Software integrations are available with QuickBooks, Xero, When I Work, Deputy, Magnify, Mineral, PosterElite, and with the 401k retirement platforms Guideline, America’s Best 401k, and Vestwell.
OnPay Target Industries and Specializations:
Target industries: healthcare, retail, restaurants, agriculture, and nonprofits
Specialties: compliance support, benefits integration, multiple pay rates, employee self-onboarding, and reporting customization
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Access to HR support and compliance tools
- Industry-specific payroll compliance features
- Offers in-house insurance brokers for benefits
Cons:
- Limited integrations with accounting software
- Setup process may require manual adjustments
Paychex Flex offers payroll processing, HR, and benefits services tailored to the needs of businesses of any size, from self-employed solo entrepreneurs to small businesses, all the way up to organizations with 1,000+ employees.
Why I picked Paychex Flex: Paychex Flex emphasizes enhanced customer support with 24/7 access, which is particularly helpful for businesses with time-sensitive payroll needs. Their platform includes customizable payroll features that adapt to your business’s structure, reducing administrative hassle. Paychex Flex also offers tax filing services, ensuring compliance without requiring extra time or effort from your team.
Paychex Flex Standout Services:
Paychex Flex provides payroll tax filing services, which handle tax calculations and submissions, saving your team time and reducing the risk of errors. They also offer time and attendance tracking, allowing you to integrate employee hours directly into payroll for greater accuracy.
Software Integrations are available with 300+ commonly used applications, including BambooHR, Epicor, Infor, JazzHR, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Dynamics, Sage, SAP, and many others. Plus, Paychex Flex has an API to support any custom software integrations you may need.
Paychex Flex Target Industries and Specializations:
Target industries: healthcare, retail, construction, education, and manufacturing
Specialties: payroll processing, tax compliance, employee benefits, time tracking, and HR administration
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy-to-use mobile app for payroll tasks
- Strong reputation for reliability
- 24/7 customer support availability
Cons:
- Limited flexibility in report customization
- Extra fees for some advanced features
Other Payroll Companies
Here are a few more worthwhile options that didn’t make the best payroll companies list:
- QuickBooks Online
For small businesses
- Patriot Payroll
For US companies
- Remote
For offering international stock options
- Zenefits
For entrepreneurs and SMBs
- Remunance
For payroll in India
- HSP Group
For global payroll with built-in advisory
- myHR Partner
For reliable payroll expertise
- PayUSA
For employee self-service
- Buddy Punch
For combined payroll and time-tracking
- Multiplier
For support via PEO and EOR services
Related HR Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:
- HR Software
- Recruiting Software
- Applicant Tracking Systems
- Workforce Management Software
- Learning Management Systems
- Business Management Software
Selection Criteria for Payroll Companies
When selecting the best payroll companies to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address. This included things like streamlining complex payroll processes and reducing compliance risks.
I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Services (25% of total score): To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:
- Payroll processing and wage calculation for hourly and salaried workers
- Direct deposit and payment distribution in to employee bank accounts
- Employee self-service portal with digital pay statements (pay stubs)
- Tax filing and compliance management, including automatic withholding for government bodies (e.g., the IRS or CRA, etc.)
Additional Standout Services (25% of total score): To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:
- Global payroll processing in multiple currencies
- Multi-country compliance monitoring
- Contractor payments and classification support
- Integrated time tracking or scheduling tools
- Benefits administration and deductions handling
- Real-time analytics and payroll reporting
- Modern services, like same-day pay access for employees (also known as pay-on-demand or earned wage access)
- Additional support, such as global HR or EOR services
Industry Experience (10% of total score): To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:
- Years in business and market presence
- Number and type of clients served
- Expertise in regional labor laws
- Specialization in specific business sizes
- Recognition or certifications in the payroll industry
Onboarding (10% of total score): To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:
- Availability of guided setup or account manager
- Clarity and speed of implementation process
- Access to onboarding resources or tutorials
- Ease of data migration and integrations
- Customer support during initial setup
Customer Support (10% of total score): To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:
- Availability of live chat or phone support
- Quality of support documentation or help center
- Responsiveness to urgent payroll issues
- Dedicated account manager availability
- Access to ongoing training or support resources
Using this assessment framework helped me identify the payroll providers that go beyond basic requirements to offer additional value through advanced services, deep industry experience, smooth customer onboarding, effective support, and overall value for price.
What is a Payroll Company?
A payroll company is a third-party service that handles employee pay processing, tax filings, and compliance on behalf of businesses.
It’s used by HR teams and business owners to save time, reduce manual errors, stay compliant with tax laws, and ensure employees get paid accurately and on time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Payroll Companies
Still curious about payroll companies and what they have to offer? Take a look through these answers to popular FAQs to get you grounded.
What are the best payroll options for small business owners?
Small business owners need payroll providers that are affordable, easy to use, and scalable as you grow. Look for solutions with flexible pricing, top-notch support, and all-in-one capabilities for payroll, taxes, and compliance. Comparing features, integrations, and customer service will help you choose the right fit for your company.
To save you time, take a look at my list of the best small business payroll options instead. Or, if you’re running a startup or operating on a very tight budget, I recommend browsing my list of the best free payroll software too.
How can payroll companies help with local and international payroll compliance?
Payroll companies help you stay compliant by handling automated tax calculations, filings, and updates for changing regulations. Many providers have compliance experts who keep up with local and international labor laws—including statutory deductions and reporting—so you’re less likely to face errors or penalties. International payroll specialists can help if your team works across borders.
What integrations are the most important to have with payroll software?
The most important payroll software integrations are with your HRIS, accounting software (like QuickBooks or Xero), and benefits administration tools. These integrations help your team keep data accurate, reduce manual work, and ensure payroll, tax, and benefits data flow smoothly.
Look for payroll providers that support native or API integrations with the key tools in your HR and finance stack to streamline your processes.
Can payroll providers integrate with my HRIS, benefits, or accounting tools?
Yes, most payroll software supports direct or API integrations with leading HRIS, benefits platforms, and accounting software. Confirm with your provider which integrations are included, since this can accelerate onboarding and reduce manual data entry for your HR and finance team.
How do payroll services support changing workforce needs, like contractors and remote employees?
Payroll services are designed to handle a mix of employee types, including contractors, part-timers, and full-timers. Many solutions let you automate payments for remote employees, manage compliance across state or country lines, and offer self-service access for workers to view pay slips and update personal details.
What should I consider when switching to a new payroll company?
Before switching payroll providers, plan for data migration, check compatibility with your current systems, and review service contracts. Ask about onboarding support and ensure the new platform can manage your compliance and integration needs. A parallel test run helps catch issues early.
How quickly can I implement a new payroll provider?
Most payroll providers can get you up and running in 1–2 weeks for simple needs, or 4–6 weeks if you have a large team or complex requirements. Prepare your payroll data and documentation in advance to speed up the process.
Other Payroll Resources
With so many different payroll providers out there, we couldn’t possibly fit them all into one article! If you’re still interested in considering other options, I recommend reviewing these other payroll solutions too:
- Automated Payroll Software
- Online Payroll Software
- HR Software for Payroll
- Payroll Services for Small Businesses
If you’re looking for payroll software specifically for internationally-based staff, you’ll want to check out these other types of payroll and HR services as well:
- Best Global Payroll Service Providers
- Best PEO Companies (Professional Employer Organizations)
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