Best HR and Payroll Software Systems in 2025

I like that our data sits in one place - makes it easier to find. I especially like the link to e-verify, that brings me peace of mind. I also enjoy the way the user experience is set up for the pay profile.

I was not a part of the organization when they decided to begin using ADP. My understanding is, we were using a PEO, and decided to move in-house utilizing the ADP tool. It's been great for payroll and for onboarding employees. I have used it for 2.5 years at this organization within HR, and as a user at other companies. ADP has been great for managing benefits, employee pay statements, etc. It is nice to have a system that employees can self-serve.

I am not sure if I am unaware or if we just haven't done this, but I wish ADP linked to our HRIS. It has been difficult to enter manual data and an integration would be helpful. Sometimes, I also feel like the user experience as a whole is a bit wonky. It is not always the most intuitive tool to use.

I have not really used other competitors, so I can't speak to this question.

Consider integrations with your HRIS and how that would work - how manual would your processes be? Ask yourself how open enrollment could benefit from this tool. Additionally, consider how employees would find the user experience. Consider which options you will utilize and how you will communicate about them. Also, talk to ADP about what their customer service setup will look like for your organization, what will the level of support be?

The e-verify feature has been a big one. It’s been great to have that functionality for our business.

I'd say a mid to large but imagine it is good for smaller organizations, too. Large-size organizations can benefit from having data in one place.

The platform makes it easy to build APIs that integrate with our other vendors. Customer service is consistently timely and helpful. The data insights platform offers detailed charts and tables without requiring the use of Excel.

We were looking for an HRIS that could manage the entire employee lifecycle, including an LMS, cloud storage for documents, FMLA tracking tools, and OSHA 300 tracking. After evaluating several HRIS systems, it became clear that Paylocity was the best all-in-one solution.

We chose Paylocity because it serves as the central hub for our team members, consolidating multiple HR functions into a single platform. We have been using Paylocity for a little under a year. Our team utilizes its payroll and HR, performance, learning, surveys, and scheduling platforms to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

The time and labor platform lacks forecast scheduling capabilities. It does not allow for the setup of custom rules, which can be limiting. Transferring employees between EINs within the company is difficult and time-consuming.

Paylocity stands out by continuously evolving and incorporating user feedback to improve its platform. They offer an early adopter program for users interested in trying new features. Their customer service is exceptional, with dedicated account representatives who respond promptly to inquiries. Paylocity is a comprehensive solution that covers everything from recruiting to compliance, training, and performance management.

The first consideration should be how to transfer data from your current provider to Paylocity, as this process can be time-consuming and may require external assistance. It is also important to assess how well your organization adapts to change, as implementing the system involves a significant amount of training in a short period.

Having a dedicated team available to support training and implementation is crucial for a smooth transition.

Paylocity continuously adds new features and enhancements based on user feedback. They actively listen to their customers and implement improvements to better meet business needs.

Paylocity is designed to be user-friendly, with extensive training resources available for users who need guidance. It can serve a wide range of industries, including companies that employ 1099 contractors, allowing for easy payroll processing.

Deel makes it easy for us to pay our international contractors. It ensures we are adhering to each country's legal and compliance standards. It is very easy to process separate payroll along with our regular payroll system. The tool is affordable and straightforward, and it only charges us for what we use each month.

We implemented Deel in order to pay our international contractors. The software we were using did not offer international payroll services and it became a necessity for us to look for one that offered such a feature. In addition, we also had to adhere to the compliance and pay standards of other countries, so we needed a third-party payroll system. We've been using Deel for over 2 years now, helping us solve all the problems we had before.

It does not integrate with our HRIS, Rippling. It does integrate with several other HRIS tools, however. No other negative feedback to share.

I like how simple Deel is. I can create contracts and payment schedules for contracts easily. I can terminate a contractor quickly and I feel confident that I am doing so in a compliant way. It is easy for new admins to be added to the tool so my finance team is involved with payments and contracts.

You should use Deel if you have international contractors. If your current payroll tool does not offer an easy or affordable way to pay global employees, consider using Deel.

Some new features I've seen in the tool include an onboarding tracker and a global payroll feature with more robust offerings. They add new countries as well and service 90+ countries currently.

One with global contractors.

• Rippling has a clean, visually appealing interface.
• It offers strong integrations and is user-friendly for beginner admins.
• Implementation is quick and straightforward for organizations.

I consulted with a tech startup on a tech stack selection project, where they chose to use Rippling. My engagement lasted about six months, covering implementation and organizational change management.

Rippling is a workforce management platform specializing in HR management, compliance, and expense management. The organization needed an HRIS as it began scaling aggressively and required a system to streamline HR operations.

• The system lacks flexibility for complex HR requirements compared to platforms like Oracle or Workday.
• Customer support is among the weakest in the HRIS market.
• While onboarding is fast, it can be confusing, as Rippling prioritizes speed over thorough implementation.

Rippling targets the middle market, catering to fast-growing startups and mid-sized enterprises. It offers more features than basic HRIS options but lacks the depth and complexity of Workday. While many companies find it appealing, I don’t think it’s worth the price.

• Budget vs. features—how much are you willing to spend for the functionality you need? HRIS options vary widely.
• Organization size and HR complexity—ensure the system can handle your operational demands.

Founded in 2016, Rippling has effectively targeted fast-growing startups and mid-sized enterprises. However, its development team focuses more on UI enhancements than adding meaningful features.

• Companies that prioritize an intuitive interface for admins and employees.
• Those looking for more features than basic HRIS options but not ready to invest in enterprise-level solutions.

• Payroll processing is made simple for users of all levels by OnPay’s user-friendly interface.
• Its comprehensive suite of payroll solutions ensures accuracy and saves time, offering features like direct deposit, automatic tax calculations, and compliance management.
• The customer service provided by OnPay is excellent, with professional support agents available to help with any queries or issues.

My company chose OnPay because we needed a less time-consuming and more straightforward solution to manage employee benefits and payments. Before OnPay, we had trouble tracking taxes and ensuring accuracy. Payroll automation, tax computation, and benefit tracking became easier with OnPay. It has helped us save a lot of time and minimize errors over the past year. Additionally, the customer service has been excellent in answering queries and providing support.

• Compared to some of its competitors, OnPay offers limited integration with third-party apps, which can hinder seamless data flow for companies relying on multiple software programs.
• The pricing structure can be expensive for smaller firms that require more services or products beyond the basic payroll package.
• There are limited options for customizing payroll settings and reporting, which can make it challenging to adapt the system to specific business requirements.

OnPay sets itself apart from rivals by offering a simple, user-friendly interface that makes payroll processing accessible, even for those with minimal accounting experience. In contrast, some competitors have more complex systems that require in-depth training.

OnPay’s transparent pricing, with no hidden fees, allows businesses to budget for payroll services more easily. Other competitors have more variable pricing structures, which can become complicated and expensive as they scale.

OnPay is designed with small to mid-sized enterprises in mind, offering features like easy setup, streamlined processes, and extensive customer support tailored to their needs. In comparison, some competitors focus on larger businesses and may prioritize different tools over OnPay.

• When choosing a payroll solution, look for one that is easy to use with a flexible design, like OnPay.
• Ensure there are no hidden fees and that the pricing structure aligns with your organization's budget.
• To make payroll processes more efficient, prioritize features such as automatic tax calculations and compliance tools.
• Choose a service provider like OnPay, which offers dedicated customer support when needed.
• Finally, maximize productivity by selecting a tool that integrates with other apps your organization uses.

Over time, OnPay has added features like payroll compliance management and automated tax computation tools, improving its user interface for a better customer experience. It has enhanced integration capabilities, making data sharing with other apps easier.

OnPay has also invested in attentive customer service to offer timely support. Additionally, the pricing strategy has become more flexible and transparent, catering to the financial needs of small and mid-sized enterprises.

Small to medium-sized enterprises needing a reliable payroll solution with features like automated tax computations and compliance monitoring will find OnPay well-suited to their needs.

OnPay provides an effective payroll processing solution for businesses seeking simplicity without the complexity of larger systems, thanks to its clear pricing structure and prompt customer service.

Some of the pros of UKG are that we can easily transfer information from the applicant profile to create the employee profile with no additional steps. Another pro is the ability for our employees to clock in and out easily from their mobile devices. Lastly, our benefits and payroll are also processed within UKG, making it a more convenient process for our organization.

We purchased UKG in 2019 to help streamline our hiring process, onboarding, and payroll system. Some of the benefits of UKG include being an all-in-one hiring, onboarding, and payroll system. I am one of the administrators of our UKG system, so I use it extensively. I am very proficient in what the system can offer, along with its downsides. The tool has significantly improved our operational efficiency since its implementation.

Some cons we have found with UKG include not being fully HR compliant; for a couple of years, we have not been able to properly run our EEO-1 reports. We use UKG to complete our I-9s and E-Verify, but that is not without constant issues. Some reporting capabilities hinder us from gathering information conveniently, often requiring us to manually maneuver the reports. Lastly, the system undergoes quarterly updates; however, each update often causes another issue in UKG, which we are not notified about until we submit a ticket. This causes many problems and makes us lose faith in new updates.

Many of their competitors are now all-in-one systems, so there isn't much difference in that aspect. Some improvements are needed to make it a perfect system, but the mobile ability for employees makes it very convenient for our staff to clock in and out from various work locations, differentiating it from its competitors.

The criteria that people should think about when buying this tool include the price; it is not an inexpensive tool, especially if purchasing all of the extended platform options such as the advanced scheduler and the leave or training modules. If a full HR compliance system is needed without manipulating the data, this system may be problematic.

UKG consistently updates its system to make improvements. They try to listen to their customers and work on ensuring they meet our needs.

UKG is best for an organization that needs a basic HRIS system.

1. User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for both HR staff and teams.
2. Integrations: It integrates payroll, benefits administration, and performance management, streamlining processes and eliminating the need for scattered Google Sheets.
3. Employee Self-Service: The self-service portal allows employees to manage their personal information, view pay stubs, and access benefits details independently, saving us time from routine administrative tasks. This is the future of HR, as automation should be adopted across the board.

At Impactable, we chose Namely because we were overwhelmed by managing too many HR systems that didn’t integrate well. It was challenging to keep up with payroll and benefits manually, so we needed a solution that could consolidate everything and simplify our processes, allowing us to focus on developing the new platform.

Namely turned out to be a great choice. It has a user-friendly interface that even the least tech-savvy among us can navigate with minimal training. The employee self-service portal was something we didn’t realize we needed, but it has been incredibly helpful in allowing the team to manage their own holidays and benefits without constantly contacting HR.

The analytics and reporting tools, while not initially a priority, have also proven useful. I’ve been using Namely for two years now, and overall, it has greatly improved our organization’s efficiency.

1. Customer Service Issues: The customer service can be slow and sometimes unresponsive, which is disappointing given the quality of the product.
2. Integration Challenges: It took time to get the integrations working correctly, and we had to invest considerable effort in training everyone to manage them.
3. Reporting Features: The reporting features are difficult to use and have limited customization options, which was a letdown.

Namely is much easier to use compared to other HR tools, with everything from payroll to benefits consolidated in one place. It has a sleek interface, and the employee self-service portal allows staff to manage their own information. Unlike some competitors, Namely offers solid reporting tools and continuous updates, keeping the platform modern and efficient. Overall, it simplifies HR tasks better than many competitors, although I haven’t used many similar tools recently, so they might have improved as well.

1. Ease of Use: Ensure the platform is user-friendly for both HR staff and employees.
2. Integration Capabilities: Look for seamless integration with existing systems such as payroll, benefits, and other HR tools you already use.
3. Customer Support: Check the quality and responsiveness of customer support, as effective support is crucial for resolving issues quickly.
4. Feature Set: Evaluate the range of features offered, such as employee self-service, performance management, and reporting capabilities, to ensure the tool meets all your HR needs. Avoid tools that require additional services to cover all necessary functions, as there are comprehensive solutions available.

The interface has improved, and integrations are smoother. However, customer service hasn’t seen much improvement.

Namely is particularly well-suited for mid-sized organizations with 50 to 1,000 employees across various sectors such as media, technology, and eCommerce. It's ideal for companies looking for an all-in-one HR solution that integrates payroll, benefits, and performance management. Businesses that require comprehensive analytics and reporting tools to make informed HR decisions will also benefit significantly from Namely’s features.

Workday is powerful, you can create almost any report and any feature that you can imagine (although, you need to know how to do it). Workday is scalable, you can do a lot in bulk. Workday is integration friendly, having an internal HRIS be able to integrate with other software is key to running smooth internal business operations.

Previously, we were using Gusto and BambooHR for our Payroll and HRIS sources of record. Gusto and BambooHR would not integrate with one another, and we were continually faced with "big company problems" using a "small company tool" like Gusto. Workday promised an all-in-one, scalable, and powerful tool we could use in order to meet our many Payroll and HR needs. We've been using it since January 1st, 2023, and I can say that it's definitely allowed the company to scale some work streams.

Workday is incredibly unintuitive, I wish it was more user-friendly. Workday doesn't have a support team and the Workday Resource Center is not super useful, I wish it had a support team we could call. Workday is very expensive since they hold a large chunk of the market and since it's difficult to move HRIS systems, they're able to get away with charging a lot of money -- I wish it was less expensive.

A lot more powerful, and a lot more scalable, but way less intuitive to use.

Don't purchase Workday if your company is small (0-500-ish employees). Don't purchase Workday if you're not struggling with scale.

Workday has allowed us to spend less time processing workflows that affect the end user, allowing for more automation, which means less risk, which means fewer errors.

Mid-size to Large companies.

• It is easy to use, allowing users to quickly become proficient without extensive training.
• The setup process is simple, ensuring a hassle-free installation.
• It offers a variety of features, providing flexibility for different HR needs.

One of the key issues we aimed to address was the need for better support for our internal team. We required a system that would provide reliable assistance whenever needed.

Previously, we used ADP, which offered various features, but its customer service was lacking. This often left our team feeling frustrated, especially during critical times when timely support was essential.

In contrast, BambooHR made it easy to get assistance and resolve issues quickly. Their responsive customer support significantly improved our experience, allowing us to navigate challenges more efficiently. Additionally, the platform was simple to install and use, with an intuitive interface that helped our team transition smoothly.

• Many useful features require additional payments, which can increase costs.
• The billing structure works well for smaller organizations but may become expensive as employee counts grow.

I find BambooHR to be more intuitive and accessible than other HR platforms, which can often feel clunky or overly complex. Its user-friendly interface allows me to work more efficiently with fewer obstacles, making the overall experience more enjoyable.

The number of employees in an organization is a key consideration, as pricing can increase significantly with a larger workforce. It’s also important to assess which features are necessary and which ones can be omitted to manage costs effectively. Identifying essential tools ahead of time can help keep monthly expenses reasonable.

BambooHR has continuously improved by listening to user feedback and adding features that enhance usability and efficiency. These updates have made the platform even more valuable for HR teams.

BambooHR is ideal for HR professionals and organizations looking to streamline recruitment, improve employee engagement, and manage workforce operations efficiently.

• Unified Platform: Combines payroll, HR, benefits, and workforce management into a single, seamless system, simplifying operations.
• Mobile-Friendly: Offers a user-friendly mobile app, allowing employees and HR managers to access schedules, pay stubs, and other information on the go.
• Continuous Innovation: Regularly introduces new features, such as updated time-off management tools and employee engagement functionalities.

My organization wanted to consolidate all HR functions into one platform rather than relying on multiple tools or platforms. After researching several options, they decided to try Paycor.

Paycor addressed all of my organization’s needs, including talent acquisition, onboarding, payroll, and more. It provided a unified solution that streamlined HR processes and reduced operational inefficiencies.

I worked with Paycor for seven months before being transitioned to a different position.

• Complexity for Small Businesses: The extensive feature set may be overwhelming for smaller businesses with simple HR needs.
• Learning Curve: Onboarding and training can be time-consuming due to the platform’s robust functionality.
• Lengthy Troubleshooting Times: Resolving technical issues or getting support can sometimes take longer than expected.

Paycor offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to streamline human capital management for businesses of various sizes. Its payroll automation, talent management, and workforce tools help save time, reduce compliance risks, and optimize operations. I prefer this tool because it provides an all-in-one solution that simplifies complex HR processes.

Businesses should carefully evaluate their specific needs and assess whether Paycor’s features align with their HR requirements. The cost is an important factor to consider, especially for smaller organizations. Companies should treat the tool as a modular solution, selecting only the services they need and adding additional features as required. This ensures that businesses maximize the value of their investment.

Paycor introduced the Paycor Assistant, an AI-powered tool designed to simplify administrative tasks and enhance HR efficiency.

• Paycor is an excellent solution for medium-sized to large companies seeking enterprise-level HR assistance.
• It works best for organizations that require an integrated platform for talent acquisition, payroll, and workforce management.

It's very intuitive, the UX/UI and design features are really amazing. It's also very well liked by our employees because of its ease of use. It's built to keep small companies in compliance -- Gusto really takes it a step further than most other Payroll platforms and gives you a bunch of compliance features and help. Gusto also has "next-day pay" features on some of the more premium tiers of membership; this is a really solid SLA and turnaround for payroll platforms, as this process (sending money to folks) isn't the easiest thing to do at scale.

We onboarded onto Gusto when the company first started back in 2016/2017. We didn't have a way to pay people, and Gusto offered an intuitive, small-business solution to pay employees, help us stay in compliance, and do all the heavy lifting for us in the Payroll and HR world. We've used Gusto for approximately 6 years and we still use it today to pay contractors, which is another benefit it provides.

Gusto is built for small companies so if your company grows quickly, it could easily outpace the features that Gusto provides. It doesn't integrate well/if at all with other softwares it doesn't already have a partnership with. It also has pretty limited reporting capabilities; the reports you can pull are nice, but there are limited types that you can choose from and building reports doesn't include all fields you might need.

It’s more intuitive, but not as scalable for large companies. I'd prefer the more intuitive tools to start with, and then once I wrap my head around how payroll works then I think switching to a larger, more scalable tool helps with understanding the big picture.

If you have a small finance/payroll/HR team, and want a tool to do a lot of the work for you, get Gusto. If you're a large team with a large company, I wouldn't recommend it.

For the most part, it's really improved its contractor payment system and also its compliance features. It still needs to work on allowing for more integrations with third-party tools.

Small organizations (1-100)