17 Best Simple Payroll Software Reviewed in 2026
10 Best Simple Payroll Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 17 tools reviewed.
Managing payroll can be a headache for CPAs and HR teams, especially when juggling multiple tasks. You need accuracy and efficiency, but manual processes often lead to errors and wasted time. That's where simple payroll software comes in, offering a way to ease your workload and improve payroll management.
In my experience, the right software can save you time and bring you peace of mind. I've independently tested and reviewed various options to bring you the best choices available. You can trust that my insights are well-researched and unbiased.
In this article, you'll find my top picks for easy payroll solutions, each evaluated with your team's needs in mind. Let's explore how these tools can make payroll less of a burden for you.
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Best Simple Payroll Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top simple payroll software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for payment integration | Free demo available | From $6/user/month + $35/month base fee | Website | |
| 2 | Best for regulatory compliance | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best for small businesses | 30-day free trial | From $17/user/month + $4/employee | Website | |
| 4 | Best for freelancers | Free plan available | From $19/month | Website | |
| 5 | Best for scalable payroll | Free 3 months payroll for new clients | From $39/month + $5/employee/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for household employers | Not available | From $20/month | Website | |
| 7 | Best for offline use | 60-day free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for tailored solutions | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 9 | Best for team communication | 14-day free trial available | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 10 | Best for shift scheduling | Free plan + 14-day free trial available | From $24/location/month (billed annually) | 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 Simple Payroll Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best simple payroll software 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.
Square Payroll is an online payroll service designed for small businesses, providing payroll processing and compliance support. It serves businesses that need easy payroll management and integration with payment systems.
Why I picked Square Payroll: The tool integrates with Square's payment systems, making it perfect for businesses already using Square for transactions. It supports automatic payroll tax calculations and filings, reducing manual tasks for your team. Square Payroll also offers benefits management, including health insurance and retirement plans, which adds value for businesses wanting to offer full employee benefits. This integration with payment processing sets Square Payroll apart from other payroll solutions.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include automatic payroll tax calculations, which keep your business compliant with tax regulations. The platform also provides benefit management options, allowing you to offer health insurance and retirement plans to your employees. Additionally, Square Payroll supports both W-2 employees and 1099 contractors, giving you flexibility in managing different types of workers.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Homebase, Deputy, When I Work, TSheets, Zapier, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Benefits management included
- Automatic tax calculations
- Supports both regular employees and independent contractors
Cons:
- Requires a Square account for full features
- Limited to U.S. businesses
ADP provides a payroll solution designed for small businesses, offering payroll processing and compliance support. It serves businesses with one to 49 employees, providing accurate payroll and adherence to legal requirements.
Why I picked ADP: This tool excels in compliance, helping your business stay aligned with tax and labor laws. It offers automated payroll tax calculations and filings, reducing errors and saving time. ADP also provides access to HR resources and tools, which could be beneficial for managing your team. Its focus on compliance and support makes it a reliable choice for businesses prioritizing legal adherence.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include automated payroll tax calculations and filings, ensuring accuracy and compliance. The platform offers HR resources, providing tools to help manage your team. Additionally, ADP provides access to a wide range of reports, giving you insights into payroll data and trends.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, Workday, BambooHR, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, Salesforce, Intacct, NetSuite, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of reports
- Access to HR resources
- Extensive compliance support
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Complex setup process
Patriot Software provides a payroll solution tailored for small businesses, offering customizable payroll options and automated processes. It typically serves small business owners and managers by handling payroll calculations and tax filings efficiently.
Why I picked Patriot Software: This tool is designed with small businesses in mind, offering features such as unlimited payroll runs and easy setup assistance. It simplifies payroll management with accurate tax calculations and provides secure access to pay information through a free employee portal. The integration of health benefits and workers' compensation adds value for small businesses looking to manage additional employee benefits. These features make Patriot Software a practical small business payroll software for those looking to simplify their payroll processes.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include customizable payroll options that allow you to tailor payroll settings to your business needs. The automated payroll processes save you time by handling calculations and tax filings. This product also allows you to manage employee benefits and workers' comp. The free employee portal offers secure access for employees to view their pay information.
Integrations include Vestwell, SimplyInsured, NEXT, QuickBooks, TSheets, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Free employee portal
- Accurate tax calculations
- Unlimited payroll runs
Cons:
- Limited custom reporting
- No support for IRS Form 943 (for agricultural employees)
Wave is an online service designed for small businesses and freelancers, offering payroll processing and tax management. It serves individuals and small teams who need an efficient way to manage payroll and stay compliant with tax regulations.
Why I picked Wave: This tool is particularly suited for freelancers who need straightforward payroll management. It offers automatic payroll tax calculations and filings to reduce your administrative burden. Wave also provides direct deposit and employee self-service features, making payment and information access simple. Its focus on ease of use and essential features makes it a great choice for freelancers managing their own payroll.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include automatic tax calculations and filings, ensuring your compliance with tax laws. The platform provides direct deposit for paying you and your team. Wave also offers employee self-service, so your team can access their pay stubs and tax forms online.
Integrations include Xero, ADP, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Employee self-service portal
- Direct deposit options
- Ideal for freelancers and small teams
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Basic reporting capabilities
Paychex offers a payroll service designed for small to medium-sized businesses that need a scalable solution. It handles payroll processing, tax compliance, and HR support, making it suitable for businesses anticipating growth.
Why I picked Paychex: The tool is ideal for businesses that plan to expand and require a scalable payroll solution. It offers flexible payroll processing options, allowing you to run payroll on your schedule. Paychex also provides HR support, which is valuable for growing businesses needing additional resources. Its scalability means you can adjust your payroll system as your business grows.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include payroll tax administration, which helps you stay compliant with tax regulations. The employee self-service feature allows your team to access their pay information and benefits easily. Paychex also offers a mobile app, so you can manage payroll on the go.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Sage Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, BambooHR, Salesforce, Indeed, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile app for payroll management
- Employee self-service options
- Scalable for growing businesses
Cons:
- Additional fees for add-ons
- Limited customization options
SurePayroll is an online payroll service tailored for small businesses, especially those managing household employees such as nannies and caregivers. It offers payroll processing, tax filing, and compliance support to ease the burden of managing household payroll.
Why I picked SurePayroll: This tool simplifies payroll for household employers by handling tax filings and compliance with ease. Its automatic payroll scheduling and free direct deposit features reduce manual workload. SurePayroll provides unlimited payroll runs, ensuring you can process payroll as often as needed without extra charges. Its specialized focus on households makes it a practical choice for payroll providers managing payments to domestic employees and independent contractors.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include automatic payroll scheduling that ensures timely payment processing for your household employees. The free direct deposit feature provides a convenient option for transferring salaries directly to your employees' bank accounts on payday. With unlimited payroll runs, you can process payroll as frequently as necessary without additional fees.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Sage 50, Paychex, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Free direct deposit
- Unlimited payroll runs
- Specialized for household employers
Cons:
- No multi-state payroll support
- No mobile app
CheckMark Payroll is a payroll software solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses that offers offline capabilities and extensive payroll processing. It caters to companies that need payroll management without relying solely on internet connectivity.
Why I picked CheckMark Payroll: This tool offers offline functionality, allowing you to manage payroll without an internet connection. It provides multi-state payroll processing, which is essential for businesses operating across state lines. CheckMark Payroll includes features such as customizable payroll reports and tax filing assistance. Its offline capability makes it a practical choice for businesses in areas with unreliable internet access.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include customizable payroll reports that allow you to tailor information to your business needs. The software offers tax filing assistance, helping you stay compliant with federal and state regulations. Additionally, CheckMark Payroll supports direct deposit, providing an easy payroll solution.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Sage 50, AccountEdge, MYOB, Xero, ADP, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable payroll reports
- Multi-state payroll processing
- Offline functionality available
Cons:
- Limited customer support hours
- No mobile app available
Payroll People caters to businesses seeking customized payroll, tax compliance, and HR solutions. It serves companies looking for personalized support.
Why I picked Payroll People: The tool offers tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of your business. It provides personalized support and flexible payroll processing options, and also offers complete tax services to help you manage compliance. Its focus on customization makes it a strong choice for businesses needing more than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include customizable payroll processing that allows your business to adapt payroll operations to its specific needs. The platform offers detailed reporting options, giving you insights into payroll data that could help you understand metrics such as your payroll costs. Payroll People also provides compliance management, ensuring you meet all federal and state tax regulations.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Personalized customer support
- Detailed reporting capabilities
- Flexible processing options
Cons:
- Requires regular updates
- Limited online resources
FRIDAY is a payroll and team communication tool designed for small businesses, offering a user-friendly interface and efficient payroll processing. It serves businesses with one to 100 employees by enhancing payroll management and facilitating team interactions.
Why I picked FRIDAY: The tool focuses on communication within teams, providing integrated collaboration tools. It features real-time employee time tracking and a management system for time-off requests. The AI-powered clock-in/out kiosk app accurately tracks employee work time, which is a helpful tool for effective team management. FRIDAY's features for team communication make it valuable for small businesses aiming to keep their teams connected.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include real-time employee time tracking, allowing your team to log hours accurately. The platform also manages time-off requests and PTO, providing a streamlined way to handle employee absences. Additionally, FRIDAY offers a secure environment with end-to-end encryption to protect your business's data.
Integrations include QuickBooks, QuickBooks Desktop, Xero, Slack, Trello, Asana, Zapier, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Secure with end-to-end encryption
- Real-time tracking
- Enhances team communication
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Limited to small businesses
Homebase is a workforce management tool designed for small businesses, focusing on employee scheduling and time tracking. It serves businesses that need efficient management of hourly workers and shift planning.
Why I picked Homebase: The tool offers extensive shift scheduling, making it ideal for businesses with complex scheduling needs. It provides features such as time tracking and employee communication, which are essential for managing hourly workers. Homebase also allows you to manage labor costs by keeping track of hours worked and overtime. Its emphasis on scheduling and time management makes it a valuable tool for businesses needing precise shift control.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include time tracking, which helps you monitor employee hours accurately. The platform also offers labor cost management, so you can keep track of expenses related to employee shifts. Additionally, Homebase provides employee communication tools, allowing your team to stay connected and informed.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Square, Gusto, ADP, Shopify, Clover POS, Toast POS, Lightspeed, Square, Paychex, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Employee communication tools
- Labor cost management
- Effective shift scheduling and time tracking
Cons:
- No advanced HR features
- Limited to hourly workers
New Product Updates from Homebase
Homebase Adds AI Scheduling Assistant for Faster Shift Planning
Homebase introduces Scheduling Assistant, AI-optimized shift creation, and automated conflict resolution. These updates reduce manual scheduling work while keeping teams aligned and shifts fully staffed. For more information, visit Homebase's official site.
.Other Simple Payroll Software
Here are some additional simple payroll software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
Simple Payroll Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best simple payroll software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points such as ease of use and error reduction in payroll processing. 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:
- Process payroll accurately
- Calculate payroll taxes
- Generate pay stubs
- Manage direct deposits
- Handle employee deductions
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Automated compliance updates
- Customizable reporting tools
- Mobile app access
- Integration with HR tools
- Employee self-service portal
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Simple navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Clear instructions and tooltips
- Aesthetic design
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
- Use of chatbots for guidance
- Webinars for deeper insights
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 contact methods
- Response time
- Quality of support resources
- Availability of a help center
Value for Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible pricing plans
- Features included in base price
- Discounts for longer commitments
- Cost compared to similar tools
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Commonly mentioned pros
- Commonly mentioned cons
- Feedback on customer service
- User-reported ease of use
How To Choose Simple Payroll 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 | Consider if the software can grow with your business. Will it handle a growing number of employees and more complex payroll needs? Look for tiered pricing or features. |
| Integrations | Check if the software integrates with your existing tools, such as accounting or HR systems. Lack of integration can lead to manual data entry and errors. |
| Customizability | Evaluate how well you can tailor the software to fit your workflow. Can you customize reports and dashboards? This flexibility can save you time. |
| Ease of Use | Determine if the software is user-friendly for your team. A steep learning curve might require more training and support, especially for new hires. |
| Implementation and Onboarding | Assess the time and resources needed for setup. Does the vendor offer support or resources, such as tutorials to ease the transition? |
| Cost | Compare the pricing plans and what’s included. Are there hidden fees? Ensure the cost aligns with your budget and offers good value. |
| Security Safeguards | Compare the pricing plans and what’s included. Are there hidden fees? Ensure the cost aligns with your budget and offers good value. |
What Is Simple Payroll Software?
Simple payroll software is a tool designed to automate and manage employee payroll processes efficiently. It's typically used by HR professionals, small business owners, and accountants who need to handle payroll tasks without much hassle.
Features such as automatic tax calculations, direct deposit, and employee self-service portals help reduce errors, saving time and improving payroll accuracy. Overall, these tools offer an easy way to manage payroll, ensuring compliance and freeing up time for other business tasks.
Features
When selecting simple, full-service payroll software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Automatic tax calculations and filings: Ensure compliance with national and state tax laws by calculating and filing payroll taxes automatically, reducing the risk of errors and penalties when you file taxes.
- Direct deposit: Allows employees to receive their paychecks as direct deposits, saving time and reducing the hassle of physical checks.
- Employee self-service portal: Provides employees with access to their pay stubs, tax forms, and personal information, empowering them to manage their own data.
- Customizable reporting: Offers the ability to generate tailored reports, giving insights into payroll data and helping with financial analysis.
- Time tracking integration: Tracks employee hours seamlessly, ensuring accurate payroll processing and helping manage labor costs.
- Mobile app access: Enables payroll management on the go, allowing users to handle payroll tasks from their smartphones or tablets.
- Compliance management: Keeps the software updated with the latest labor laws and regulations, ensuring that payroll is always legally compliant.
- Integration with accounting systems: Syncs with accounting software to ensure financial records are accurate and up-to-date, reducing manual data entry.
- Benefits management: Manages employee benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, offering a full view of employee compensation.
- Customer support: Provides access to help and guidance when needed, ensuring any payroll issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.
Benefits
Implementing simple payroll software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Time savings: Automating payroll tasks such as tax calculations and direct deposits saves hours of manual work each pay period.
- Error reduction: Automatic calculations and compliance updates help minimize mistakes, ensuring accurate payroll and avoiding costly penalties.
- Improved compliance: The software keeps track of legal requirements, helping you stay compliant with tax and labor laws without extra effort.
- Employee empowerment: Self-service portals give employees access to their pay information, reducing administrative inquiries and empowering them to manage their own data.
- Cost efficiency: Reducing manual processes and errors can lower administrative costs and improve overall financial efficiency.
- Data security: Secure systems protect sensitive payroll data, ensuring that employee and business information remains confidential.
- Scalability: The right software can adapt to handle more employees and complex payroll needs as your business grows, supporting your expansion without disruption.
Costs and Pricing
Selecting simple payroll 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 simple payroll software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Simple Payroll Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic payroll processing, employee self-service portal, and direct deposit. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Automatic tax calculations, direct deposit, employee self-service, and basic reporting. |
| Business Plan | $25-$50/user/month | Advanced reporting, compliance management, benefits management, and time tracking integration. |
| Enterprise Plan | $50-$100/user/month | Customizable reporting, dedicated account support, advanced security features, and full HR integration. |
Simple Payroll Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about simple payroll software:
Can simple payroll software handle local tax rules and compliance automatically?
A good payroll system updates tax tables in the background, reducing the risk of manual errors. It usually calculates withholdings automatically based on your location. This helps your team stay compliant as regulations change. You won’t need to worry about updating tax rates manually.
Can simple payroll software integrate with my existing systems?
Yes, many simple payroll software solutions offer integrations with popular accounting and HR systems. This means you can sync payroll data with tools such as QuickBooks, Xero, or your HR management system. Integrations reduce manual data entry, saving time and reducing errors. Before purchasing, check if the software supports the specific systems you use. This compatibility ensures a smoother workflow and helps maintain data consistency across your business tools.
How accurate are the calculations provided by simple payroll software?
Simple payroll software is designed to eliminate miscalculations common with manual processes. It automatically factors in hours worked, deductions, contributions, and taxes. You can review reports before finalizing a pay run to ensure everything looks correct. This reduces errors and supports consistent payroll accuracy.
Will simple payroll software scale as our team grows?
Simple payroll tools typically support small teams but can also handle growth over time. You can add new employees, contractors, or departments without changing your workflow. As your needs expand, many platforms offer upgraded features. This gives you flexibility without switching systems.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching simple payroll 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.