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.
Get free help from our HR software advisors to find your match.
Managing payroll is one of the most complex and time-consuming aspects of running a business. From calculating wages and taxes to ensuring compliance with ever-changing regulations, the process can easily overwhelm even the most organized HR teams. Choosing the right payroll company can simplify all of this—but with so many options available, it’s tough to know where to start.
That’s where I come in. With years of experience as an HR specialist and hands-on expertise in workforce management solutions, I’ve seen how the right payroll service can transform not just processes, but entire teams. Whether you’re struggling with manual errors, compliance concerns, or time-consuming tasks, this guide will help you find a solution that eliminates hassle, ensures accuracy, and saves you valuable time.
What is a Payroll Company?
A payroll company is an organization that manages employee payment processes for other businesses, handling wage calculations, tax deductions, and compliance with legal requirements.
A payroll company is helpful for ensuring accurate, timely employee payments, handling complex tax regulations, and freeing up business resources for other tasks.
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Deel
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 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
Best payroll company for paying international employees and contractors
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
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
Paylocity offers payroll services that help businesses manage pay processing, tax filings, and employee payment options. It serves organizations of all sizes, focusing on flexibility and user-friendly tools.
Why I picked Paylocity: It provides on-demand payment options, so your employees can access earned wages before payday. Their payroll system is flexible and integrates well with other HR tools, helping you manage your workforce more effectively. It’s designed to simplify tax filing and compliance, so your team can focus on core business needs.
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
Best payroll company with automated payroll and tax filing
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
Best user-friendly payroll software for managing international teams
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 in-depth customization for niche use cases
- May not suit small businesses with limited budgets
Paycor
Best company for automated payroll and mobile-friendly expense tracking tools
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
myHR Partner specializes in payroll administration and other HR-related services, focusing on small to medium-sized businesses. They help organizations manage payroll processes efficiently while addressing compliance and administrative needs.
Why I picked myHR Partner: They provide end-to-end payroll solutions that take the burden off your team, ensuring accuracy and compliance with payroll laws. Their services include handling payroll calculations, tax filings, and direct deposits, making them a reliable partner for payroll needs. You can focus on your business while they ensure your payroll runs smoothly.
myHR Partner Standout Services:
They offer full-service payroll administration, where they handle everything from payroll processing to compliance and tax filings, saving your team valuable time and reducing errors. They also provide custom payroll reporting, giving you insights into payroll data tailored to your business needs.
Software integrations: myHR Partner can work with your existing payroll system. With expertise in over a dozen platforms, they often use ADP Workforce Now, Paylocity, UKG, Paycor, Paychex, and more.
Target industries: retail, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and nonprofit
Specialties: payroll processing, tax compliance, reporting customization, employee pay support, and direct deposit services
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides tax filing assistance
- Friendly and knowledgeable customer support
- Flexible solutions for small businesses
Cons:
- Limited integration options
- Support limited to business hours
OnPay
Best payroll company for industry-specific payroll services + in-house insurance brokers
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
Best payroll company for a combined accounting, billing, and payroll system
FreshBooks is a digital accounting solution that provides invoicing, time tracking, and financial management features for businesses and freelancers. Their payroll service - FreshBooks Payroll - is a full-service payroll add-on that's designed to help US-based businesses automate payroll processing, including payroll tax deductions and compliance with federal and state payroll tax laws.
Why I picked FreshBooks Payroll: It connects payroll with accounting and billing, making it easier for you to track expenses, invoices, and employee payments in one place. Automatic tax filing and direct deposit features save your team time on administrative tasks. Its seamless integration with FreshBooks accounting ensures you have consistent, accurate financial records.
FreshBooks Payroll Standout Services:
You can manage automatic tax filings, which help you handle federal, state, and local taxes while reducing compliance risks. The employee self-service portal allows your team to view their pay stubs, W-2s, and other documents, giving them quick access to essential payroll information.
Software integrations include Google Drive, PayPal, Slack, Trello, Mailchimp, Gusto, and Salesforce Sales Cloud.
FreshBooks Payroll Target Industries and Specializations:
Target industries: retail, professional services, healthcare, nonprofits, and technology
Specialties: tax filing, direct deposit, expense tracking, reporting, and accounting integration
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers federal, state, and local tax services
- Simple to use for small businesses
- Easy integration with billing and accounting software
Cons:
- Limited customization for complex payroll needs
- Only available in the U.S. and Canada
Paychex Flex
Best payroll company with enhanced customer support for US companies
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
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 | Deel Deel’s powerful interface makes it easy to manage employee and contractor data. | Best payroll company for paying international employees and contractors | Free demo available | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Website |
| 2 | Rippling Rippling allows businesses to run payroll in minutes, ensuring that employees are paid accurately and on time. | Best payroll company with integrated HR and IT management | Free demo available | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| 3 | Paylocity Paylocity's dashboard lets you set up payroll and gives you an overview of payroll items and deductions. | Best for flexible payroll with on-demand payment options | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 4 | RUN Powered by ADP The main dashboard of RUN by ADP provides an overview of payroll tasks and quick access to essential features. | Best payroll company with automated payroll and tax filing | 90-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 5 | RemoFirst Users can easily onboard employees and customize salary packages through Remofirst’s interface. | Best user-friendly payroll software for managing international teams | Free demo available | From $25/user/month | Website |
| 6 | Paycor Paycor’s mobile app gives employees access to their pay statements and tools to track expenses and mileage. | Best company for automated payroll and mobile-friendly expense tracking tools | 30-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 7 | myHR Partner myHR Partner works with your chosen payroll vendor and handles every internal aspect of the payroll process so your internal team doesn’t have to | Best payroll administration company for reliability | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
| 8 | OnPay OnPay’s automated payroll features make running payroll easy, even from a mobile device. | Best payroll company for industry-specific payroll services + in-house insurance brokers | 30-day free trial | From $6/user/month | Website |
| 9 | FreshBooks Using FreshBooks Payroll you can pay regular wages as well as bonuses, tips, commissions, and reimbursements with ease. | Best payroll company for a combined accounting, billing, and payroll system | 30-day free trial | From $15/month | Website |
| 10 | Paychex Flex Payroll administrators can review and double check individual details each time they run payroll using Paychex Flex. | Best payroll company with enhanced customer support for US companies | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
Other Payroll Companies
Here are a few more worthwhile options that didn’t make the best payroll companies list:
- QuickBooks Online
Payroll management and accounting platform for small businesses
- Papaya Global
Payroll company with AI-backed compliance verification features
- Zenefits
For sophisticated, time-saving payroll features and automations
- Patriot Payroll
Basic payroll software and service for US companies
- PayUSA
Payroll system for integrated time & attendance tracking to reduce manual data entry
- Buddy Punch
Combined payroll and time-tracking solution with an affordable pricing model
- Remote
Payroll company for offering employees international stock options
- Multiplier
For global payroll outsourcing and additional HR support via PEO and EOR services
- QuickBooks Payroll
User-friendly payroll service provider with automatic tax calculations and tax penalty protection
- ADP Workforce Now
Payroll company for a streamlined payroll process
Selection Criteria for Payroll Companies
I'm happy to explain how I developed this list of the best payroll companies if you're curious about my methodology.
I started by reviewing recent payroll market data to compile a long list of payroll companies that are well-known in the payroll space. I then drilled into the finer details of each company's payroll offerings, to see how they compared to each other and what made each one standout.
To compile my final top 10 choices, I compared each payroll company even more stringently using the following selection criteria:
- Core payroll features: All the payroll companies in this list cover the basics:
- Payroll processing for hourly or salaried workers
- Direct deposit into employee bank accounts
- Digital pay statements (pay stubs) and annual earning statements
- Automatic withholding and filing of payroll taxes for government bodies (e.g., the IRS or CRA)
- Payroll reports for each individual payroll run plus year-end reports.
- Advanced payroll features: These are the payroll features I consider as "bells and whistles" that are not always available with all cloud-based payroll providers:
- Global payroll processing in multiple currencies
- Same-day pay access for employees (also known as pay-on-demand or earned wage access)
- The ability to include contractor payments in your standard payroll run
- Additional HR features or services: These functionalities go beyond the realms of payroll, but they're definitely a bonus if you can access them too:
- Assistance with benefits management
- Assistance with corporate bookkeeping
- Additional global HR or EOR services.
- Level of customer support: You will be trusting your most important business function — paying your employees — to an outside organization, so you want to ensure they'll be there to support you when needed. This includes support via:
- Phone
- Online chat
- A dedicated Account Manager
- Or an online knowledge base (for self-service solutions).
- Software integrations: To improve productivity and reduce manual data entry, you want to make sure the payroll company you choose offers software that will work with your existing tools. Key integrations to look for include:
- HR data management systems (HRIS, HRMS, HCM systems)
- Time and attendance tracking software (a.k.a., timesheets)
- Benefits administration software
- Compensation management software.
New & Noteworthy Product Updates
Below, I've summarized the most recent release notes and product updates for my top payroll company recommendations. Discover what’s now possible through new feature releases, improvements, and updates for web, desktop, and mobile apps. Learn what’s new, if it’s hot—or not, and why it matters for payroll.
2024 Q4: Payroll Software Updates
Deel Update Notes
Deel recently launched several updates to make managing global teams more efficient. New features include Deel AI, global search, a Knowledge Hub, white labeling, better integrations, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and customizable home pages. These tools aim to simplify workflows and improve the platform.
Deel AI acts as a virtual HR assistant, providing answers on compliance, onboarding, and reporting. Global search helps users quickly find people, pages, or tools. The Knowledge Hub gives access to verified information on hiring laws in 150+ countries. White labeling lets companies rebrand Deel, while MFA, enhanced integrations, and custom home pages add security and personalization.
Verdict: Hot! These updates save time, ensure compliance, and improve usability, collectively supporting modern global teams.
RemoFirst Update Notes
Recently, RemoFirst launched a new, modern design. This updated look aligns with the company's mission to enable the "Freedom of Work," making it easier for businesses to build international teams at competitive prices.
For users, the redesign enhances the user experience by providing a more intuitive and visually appealing interface. This improvement simplifies navigation and access to Remofirst's services, supporting businesses in their global expansion efforts.
Verdict: Warm? I'm excited to hear that the user experience has been improved, but sadly the press release was pretty sparse on details regarding the actual changes.
Paycor Update Notes
During Q4, Paycor launched Paycor Assistant, an AI tool designed to make its HR software easier to use. This assistant offers a mobile-first, conversational interface that helps users find information quickly.
Paycor Assistant includes Intelligent Search for directing users to relevant HR tasks, such as tax updates or time-off checks. HR Assist uses AI to search and summarize company documents, offering instant answers to policy questions. Admin Insights provides HR leaders with data on how the tool is used, common questions, and feedback.
For users, Paycor Assistant reduces time spent on admin tasks, making HR information easy to access. This tool helps leaders focus on talent and business goals, improving efficiency and informed decision-making.
Verdict: Hot! This new AI-powered tool will help HR teams work smarter and faster.
Paychex Flex Update Notes
During the fall, Paychex Flex announced a significant update to add tools to simplify HR, payroll, and compliance tasks. New features include improved recruiting, enhanced time tracking, and added integrations to help with compliance and cash flow.
The update introduces Recruiting Copilot, powered by AI from Findem, which helps keep candidate pools active and cuts hiring time. Enhanced time tracking uses Proximity Time Clocks for accuracy. A Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting Service addresses upcoming compliance needs. Partnerships with JobTarget and Middesk streamline job posting and tax registration.
As a result of these significant changes, Paychex users gain a faster, more efficient way to manage HR tasks, freeing time to focus on growth and core business needs.
Verdict: Hot! These tools cut down on administrative work, improve workforce insights, and make compliance easier.
Rippling Update Notes
Recently, Rippling introduced several enhancements to improve global payroll management, specifically expanding Employer of Record (EOR) services in Malaysia and Pakistan. The update aims to ease payroll handling for international teams.
The new features include automated retroactive payroll adjustments to account for backdated pay changes, removing the need for manual calculations. It also adds “Supergroups,” allowing users to automate recurring earnings, like remote work stipends, to keep payments consistent.
These changes save time and reduce errors, making global payroll smoother for companies. Automating benefits payments also improves consistency, helping HR teams stay efficient and keep employees satisfied.
Verdict: Hot! Collectively, these updates expand EOR coverage and improve HR operations for global teams.
ADP Update Notes
ADP recently announced the acquisition of WorkForce Software, a company known for workforce management tools. This move broadens ADP’s offerings for large, global clients by adding capabilities like employee scheduling, time tracking, and leave management.
With this acquisition, ADP now integrates WorkForce Software’s tools, which serve a range of employee types, including hourly, unionized, and seasonal workers. These tools help companies align schedules, comply with pay rules, and reduce compliance risks across different regions.
By adding WorkForce Software, ADP provides a more flexible workforce management solution. This update offers clients streamlined tools for managing employee needs, helping organizations improve compliance and adapt to future workforce trends.
Verdict: Hot! This update offers existing clients better tools for managing employee needs.
Paylocity Update Notes
Recently, Paylocity launched an AI Assistant to simplify HR tasks and improve user experience. This AI tool builds on Paylocity's current AI features, offering real-time support across its platform.
The AI Assistant provides immediate, context-aware help, enabling HR teams to handle tasks and respond to employee questions more quickly. Employees get instant, personalized answers, improving their access to information and overall experience.
This AI Assistant modernizes HR processes, boosts efficiency, and lowers costs. It gives users straightforward support for HR tasks, creating a more productive and engaging workplace.
Verdict: Hot! It's great that Paylocity has added an AI assistant to its software, keeping it competitive compared to other tools in this space.
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.
How do payroll companies work?
Payroll companies offer both payroll software and payroll services that assist organizations in managing their payroll process.
If you’re self-sufficient enough to run your own basic payroll yourself, you can likely get away with managing your business needs through a SaaS (software-as-a-service) pricing plan where you pay a monthly fee for using your payroll software of choice, and that’s it.
However, if your resources are limited and you need extra support, payroll companies can help you with extra services for an additional fee.
For more details on this topic, pop over to our article explaining what payroll service is and the reasons you might need it.
What key features do payroll companies offer?
Here’s a summary of the core features you can expect to receive when working with the best payroll service providers in this list:
- Automations: These are the tools that allow payroll functions to run on their own without time-consuming human oversight—the bread and butter of payroll systems.
- Compliance tools: Built-in features that ensure your payroll configuration is set up to calculate, collect, report, and file all your tax payments as required. Many systems also include oversight by teams of compliance and payroll specialists too.
- Advanced payment features: Many modern payroll systems now include pay-on-demand features where employees can access earned wages in advance of their next payday, or receive payment in their own local currency if they’re based internationally.
- Employee self-service & mobile access: All the payroll providers in this list offer employee portals where staff can access their pay stubs digitally, plus additional functions like time-off requests, time-tracking features, and more.
Interested in more nitty-gritty payroll details? Take a look at our comprehensive list of payroll features as well.
How much do payroll companies charge?
The cost of working with a payroll company will depend on the type of features you need their support with. While most of the payroll companies in this list do offer pricing details for their basic payroll software, you’ll need to contact each provider directly to receive a personalized service offer for any add-ons.
In general, payroll companies charge a basic monthly fee plus an additional charge based on the number of employees you have listed as active on your payroll register.
What are the best payroll options for small business owners?
There are many solid options for small business payroll providers out there. And luckily for you, I’ve already done all the leg work for you. To save you time, take a look at my list of the best small business payroll options instead.
If you’re running a startup or operating on a very tight budget, you’ll also want to browse my list of the best free payroll software too.
Other Payroll Resources
With so many different payroll providers out there (including 665 HR & payroll software companies in the US alone as of 2024), 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:
- Best Payroll Software: Reviewed and Compared
- Best Automated Payroll to Save Teams Time
- Best Online Payroll Software for Paying Staff
- Best HR Software for Payroll
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)
Not sure which one is the right fit? This explanation of PEO vs EOR services will explain how each HR service works.
You should also take a peek at our how-to articles, Keep Your Payroll on Time, All the Time and How to Manage Payroll for Small Business for some expert tips too.
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