Best Payroll and Benefits Software Solutions in 2025

Deel is a user-friendly ATS. It offers strong integration capabilities for job postings. Its workflow management helps keep open requisitions organized.

Deel was used solely as an ATS for recruiting purposes. I have used it for about six months. It is well-organized for moving candidates through the pipeline. It integrated easily with other HRIS and ATS platforms. While additional features are available, we only purchased it for recruiting functionality.

The price is high per employee per month. Customer service was subpar. It may be better suited for contingent workforce management than full-time employee hiring. Considering the higher cost, a more bundled service package would have been beneficial.

I have used several similar ATS tools, and I would rate Deel as mid-tier. I prefer other systems based on cost, better integration options, and more accessible customer support.

Cost should be the top consideration. It's also important to determine whether the tool will be used for contingent workforce or full-time employees. Compatibility with your existing HRIS is another key factor to evaluate.

Since I used the tool for less than a year, I did not observe any changes or improvements during that time.

Temp agencies with small recruiting teams looking to control costs can benefit from Deel as an ATS.

• I appreciate ADP's user-friendly interface to simplify complex HR processes.
• ADP's robust reporting capabilities provide valuable insights for strategic decision-making.
• The scalability of ADP allows seamless adaptation to the evolving needs of our growing organization.

One of the primary reasons ADP was selected was its reputation as a reliable HR solution provider. The platform is known for its ability to streamline payroll processes, manage employee benefits effectively, and ensure compliance with changing regulations.

Additionally, ADP's scalability was a crucial factor. It accommodated the evolving needs of our workforce and provided the flexibility to handle increased employee numbers.

• I find occasional glitches in the user interface of ADP frustrating.
• The limitations in customization options can be restrictive for our specific needs.
• There's a concern about potential increased costs as our organization grows with the continued use of ADP.

ADP user-friendly interface makes HR tasks more accessible for our team, and the reporting features provide insights into workforce analytics. Also, the customer support from ADP has been consistently responsive and helpful.

Consider the tool's functionality to ensure it aligns with your HR needs, evaluate scalability for future growth, and assess integration capabilities with existing systems. You will need to scrutinize compliance, security, and the total cost of ownership. Additionally, research the vendor's reputation, inquire about the product's upgrade plans, and take advantage of trial periods to assess real-world performance before making a final decision.

ADP has evolved to meet user needs by enhancing its user interface and expanding its features to address a broader range of HR requirements. This would include payroll processing, benefits administration, and talent management. ADP's scalability has improved, accommodating the diverse needs of both small businesses and large enterprises. The platform's increased integration capabilities enable seamless connectivity with other systems, enhancing overall workflow. Over time, ADP has embraced mobile accessibility, allowing users to manage HR tasks remotely, reflecting its adaptability to changing work dynamics.

In my experience ADP is adaptable to the specific needs of growing companies. It is an excellent choice for users seeking a comprehensive HR solution, encompassing payroll processing, benefits administration, time and attendance tracking, and talent management. The platform is beneficial for those who prioritize user-friendly interfaces that require robust compliance features and reliable customer support. ADP is a valuable and supportive HR management solution.

• Easy Onboarding - Remote does make onboarding hires in remote locations quite easy.
• Online Portal - great to have all the hires from all international locations in one place.
• Expenses - easy for employees and companies to track/pay expenses.

With a shortage of talent in the U.S., our firm needed to hire in locations where we did not have an entity. Global EORs offer a way to do that without setting up a legal entity first. Remote was an up-and-coming player in the space that made getting setup much faster, less complex than traditional partners like Velocity Global. We have used the system for approximately 2 years now.

• Billing/Invoicing - Remote has had multiple billing errors in our invoices and their system is incredibly confusing for reconciling what is outstanding vs. the errors they have made.
• Management - Remote has changed management recently and they have changed terms & conditions from our original invoices and have taken away promotions by saying they were "introductory promotions" rather than the "negotiated terms" like we originally discussed.

Remote was a leader in simplicity when we first began using their services a couple of years ago. Now, I believe certain competitors have caught up and surpassed them.

• Cash flow - these services require upfront payment for payroll so be prepared to pay month end payroll by the 17th of that month.
• Terminating employees - Employment laws vary country by country. Remote is offering a service to make it easier on your company to hire elsewhere; however, terminating employees can be quite difficult.

Remote was very startup friendly 2 years ago. Their management has changed and their culture has changed drastically. It is no longer a customer-focused culture going above and beyond to win customers.

Remote is good for an established company in search of a way to explore hiring people in other regions of the world.

1. Paylocity was great for onboarding and tracking time/attendance.
2. It was a time saver when inputting payroll.
3. I liked that employees could access their pay before the paycheck was issued.

We used Paylocity for just a few months. It wasn't quite what we had expected. We were looking for payroll software combined with a program for our HR needs. We had one person completing payroll, and it was not efficient. The amount of money spent on the accounting manager was not conducive to the company's budget. We also struggled with our recruiting process. It was nice for employees to access their pay before payday.

1. The program itself was not "quick and simple" to set up.
2. It was not always user-friendly, especially for staff members who aren't tech-savvy.
3. We did not like customer service; the agents weren't as knowledgeable as those from other HR programs I've used.
4. Teaching the program was difficult, and we wanted more how-to videos and tutorials.

I did not care for Paylocity. It was difficult, not user-friendly, and customer service was lacking.

If they are a small company, Paylocity is not going to be a good fit. They should evaluate their company's needs and weigh all options. This could be a good program for international companies looking for a basic solution.

I did not see it change much in the short period I used it.

I feel Paylocity would be a good program for large, international companies.

The mobile feature of this system is a great convenience for managers and employees alike, as it enables them to easily access on the go. The user interface is visually appealing and easy to navigate, which makes it a pleasure to use on a daily basis. In addition, the reporting functionality is simple and intuitive, and the customer service team is highly responsive and helpful in case of any issues or questions.

Our company was struggling with the hiring process and needed a more efficient and cost-effective solution than our current system. We needed a system that would help us manage job postings, resumes, candidate communication, and applicant tracking in one place. We also wanted a solution that would integrate with other HR tools we were using, such as our payroll system. Paycor provided us with a cost-effective and comprehensive solution that helped us improve our recruitment process and streamline our HR operations. It helped us save time, reduce costs, and improve our hiring outcomes. I have used Paycor for 3+ years.

I think the ATS function was better when it was under Newton, but since it was acquired by Paycor, it has taken some time to adjust to the changes. I also wish it was capable of serving larger organizations to compete with iCIMS or Workday.

Paycor stands out from its competitors due to its user-friendly interface, customizable features, and seamless integration with other HR tools like payroll systems which is why I prefer Paycor.

When purchasing a tool like Paycor, people should consider important criteria such as the software's integration capabilities, installation process, security features, customer support, available features, and pricing. These factors can help individuals make an informed decision and choose a software solution that best fits their needs and budget.

The beauty of using this system has been that you are grandfathered in from the time you purchase the tool. Which means as they continue to update the system with innovative functions they do not charge extra.

I think it's excellent for small to mid-size organizations

I enjoy Gusto's simple design. I like Gusto's walkthroughs for each process to help employees self-help. I also enjoy Gusto's onboarding workflows.

We use Gusto for our employee's payroll. We also help our clients implement Gusto for their teams. We were looking for a simpler and cheaper solution by having a small team. We also were attracted to the onboarding options on Gusto to help employee self-help with federally required documents.

I dislike the payroll/payslip breakdown as it's not as detailed as other systems. I also dislike that even though the design is simple(pro) it can appear childish or unprofessional. I also dislike the time-tracking feature.

Gusto is a simplistic and affordable option to larger competitors.

The size of the company. The payroll/reports needs.

Gusto has not changed much since I started using it.

A large company.

• Rippling is highly versatile, and the workflow builder is easy to use and customize.
• It scales well with business growth, making it a sustainable long-term solution.
• The platform supports comprehensive employee life cycle management, including onboarding, offboarding, performance reviews, and training.

I have been using Rippling for about a year. Our organization became increasingly reliant on global contractors, and Rippling has made it easy to manage contractors from different countries around the world. Payroll is highly efficient, and benefits administration is simple.

The reporting tool is user-friendly, allowing accurate reports to be generated with just a few clicks. The workflows and IT functions are powerful and straightforward, offering a high level of versatility across the platform.

• When modifying a workflow trigger, the entire workflow is deleted, which is frustrating.
• The cost can be high for small businesses, as each app comes with separate pricing.
• Rippling’s interface is not very user-friendly and has a learning curve, although manageable with time and effort.

Rippling stands out with its strong global support and nearly 24/7 live chat. Specialized support teams are available to help tailor the platform to specific organizational needs.

Consider how the organization plans to scale and whether the investment aligns with long-term growth. Training requirements should also be factored in, as the platform requires time to learn to use effectively.

Rippling’s support has improved significantly, with faster response times that enhance the overall user experience.

Rippling is well suited for small to medium-sized organizations that employ global contractors and are experiencing growth.

The process of adding a new employee to the payroll system is straightforward and efficient. The system alerts are manageable and provide proactive notifications of any potential issues before payroll is finalized. Additionally, tax documents and year-end statements are mailed automatically without any extra fees, making it a hassle-free service.

We decided to switch to Onpay because it had a strong reputation. During our research, many recommendations pointed toward this system. Once we began learning it, we found it very easy to use. We appreciated that it offered a comprehensive package for all our payroll needs. A bonus was that it’s a cloud-based program with lifetime access, which is crucial for HR as we often need to access past records. Onpay is affordable and overall very user-friendly.

The manual check process can be time-consuming for companies that issue a lot of manual checks. Setting up 401(k) deductions can be confusing if there are unusual requests. Payroll education and support for new employees could be improved with better FAQs or online tutorials.

Onpay is very easy to navigate, and the cloud-based functionality adds extra convenience and security. I prefer cloud-based services as they offer better protection, especially in case of risks to your HRIS systems or databases.

Consider how many paychecks are processed each month and the total number of employees. Are your current processes streamlined, and how complex are your payroll deductions? It's also important to review how many errors typically occur during payroll runs and whether the tool can minimize those.

Onpay listens to user suggestions and continuously adapts to improve over time.

Onpay is ideal for medium-sized organizations with fewer than 1,000 employees.

1. QuickBooks integrates seamlessly with other business tools and software
2. It allows us to customize our needs and only pay for what we use
3. It integrates with other vendors to help us streamline processes

I have used it for almost 3 years and tried different versions. I chose QuickBooks because it provides a user-friendly interface, comprehensive features, industry recognition, seamless integration capabilities, and scalability options—all of which contribute to efficient financial management and supports the organization's needs.

It is easy to switch between versions as business needs change (add or remove payroll option, etc). One of the primary reasons we selected QuickBooks is its widespread adoption and industry recognition. QuickBooks is widely regarded as a leading accounting software solution, trusted by millions of businesses worldwide. This reputation reassured us of its reliability and stability.

It offers scalable options that can accommodate our organization's growth and evolving needs. As we expand, QuickBooks provides the flexibility to add additional features or upgrade to more advanced versions to support our changing requirements, ensuring long-term viability for our financial management system.

1. There are so many versions and it's hard to find directions for the one that we use at that time
2. It is nearly impossible to talk to a human being
3. During the sales process they will give you as much attention as you need but as soon as you are in, you are pretty much on your own

1. Quickbooks offers many different options and they will cater to your business needs (just make sure you do your due diligence at the beginning before they close the deal)
2. EVERYONE knows about Quickbooks so it's easy to use and clients have no problem paying you via QB
3. However, many other similar tools will offer live support or even a dedicated account manager. Even though it may cost a little more but this might be a dealbreaker to some businesses.

1. Know exactly what you need it to do for you and clearly specify it during the sales process. Make sure you do not overpay for something you will not use
2. Make sure you stay within budget and pay attention to special pricing as most plans will offer discounted costs but only for the first few months.
3. Check that your bank and other third-party vendors will integrate with QB. While a lot of them do, not all.

They evolve all the time by adding new versions to accommodate everyone's needs (last time I checked there were 45).

Small to Medium, independent contractors, startups.

It is able to handle centralized payroll for multiple entities, affordable compared to some competitor options, has views for both managers and employee self-service, and allows employees to review and ‘approve’ their paychecks in advance.

We have worked with Paycom for about 5 years. We had outgrown BambooHR (at least at the time, they didn't have integrated payroll) and then had a really bad experience with BeyondPay. We needed a combined HR/payroll system that could accommodate multi-state as well as multiple legal entities (we have affiliates managed by central HR/acct). Paycom was the most affordable option that could accommodate our needs at the time.

• The reporting functions aren't great: the filtering options rarely work as they are supposed to so we often do a workaround where we run a huge report file and then use XLS filters to get the data we need as opposed to producing a report from the system that is what you need from the start.
• Limited customization options: we have many things we’d like to track and there is cap on the number of custom fields that can be added.
• The clock in/out functionality is clunky: it works fine if people all work under one company code/work type. If you need to assign hours to different projects (say you want to track learning hours, or you have funding partners and you need to track hours on their grant) it’s very cumbersome for hourly employees.

How much customization do you need” is an important thing to consider and also whether you need data sync between other platforms. If so, Paycom may not be the best fit for you.

Honestly don't feel like they've evolved much in the time we've used them.

Small, fairly simple organizations

The multiple blogs on the ever changing employment laws was a huge benefit to the company. Being able to have employees manage their deductions and plans is also a great way to alleviate pressure off the payroll department. Customer service was also very kind and helpful when questions or issues would arise. Being able to have a company calculate and file taxes was also a great way to reduce accounting labor.

We used Paychex for approximately 7 years to streamline the payroll process between multiple restaurants. After many years of self service payroll, Paychex helped us make payroll more error proof. It was used in organizing employee compliance and benefits. It was also great for tracking taxes and being able to send needed info to the accounting department. It was easy to use when garnishing child support from employees' paychecks.

Paychex sales team is not as knowledgeable or fluid as their customer service staff members were. We did encounter login issues frequently. It usually was rectified with opening and closing the program but it was still time consuming. As pleasant as customer service is, I would like to be able to make minor changes without having to call a specialist.

Paychex is a good service for smaller companies. I feel that integration and reports were not as easy to use as other programs such as Toast or 7shifts.

The cost is fair although the tool can be time consuming. It is a great tool to keep up to date with employee relations and laws. I feel Paychex is continuing to grow and be better but I would compare other companies before signing a contract.

Paychex has evolved with the changing labor laws and requirements and keeps their clients up to date. I also feel that they are streamlining scheduling and AR/AP into the application

Small offices or businesses.

I liked the main dashboard because it was user-friendly, allowing me to access important information quickly. Papaya Global integrated well with the client's existing HR tools, making it easier for everyone and ensuring smooth data flow. The reporting was accurate, providing the exact details needed for decision-making. Lastly, the tool had great scalability, adapting to the client’s needs as they grew without any issues.

I used Papaya Global while working with a client as a freelancer in HR. They started using it because managing HR tasks across different countries was becoming overly complicated and time-consuming. They struggled to keep up with the various labor laws and maintain communication with their team spread around the globe. The tool was a lifesaver, providing a single platform to handle everything and keep everyone aligned.

Personally, I’ve been using it for about two years, and it has been incredibly helpful. It automates repetitive tasks that used to take up a lot of my time, all with the click of a button. It also integrates seamlessly with their other HR systems, allowing information to flow smoothly. It has saved both me and the client significant time and effort.

One major downside is that Papaya Global is quite expensive for what it offers. It doesn’t have enough advanced features to fully justify the cost. Additionally, it’s not very customizable, so it can be difficult to adapt it to specific business needs. While it automates some tasks, many actions still need to be done manually, which is disappointing considering the price. It also has a steep learning curve, so new users might struggle to get accustomed to it quickly, which can slow down adoption. Finally, customer support is not very responsive, which can disrupt workflows when issues arise.

Papaya Global stands out for its Employer of Record feature, which is especially helpful for managing legal compliance overseas. It effectively handles the regulatory challenges of working across different countries, providing peace of mind without the need for a large legal team. Although I haven’t used other tools, this one excels in handling international employment and compliance. The biggest advantage is the confidence it offers in ensuring compliance globally. Managing complex HR tasks across different countries is much easier with this tool, making it invaluable to our company.

When considering a tool like Papaya Global, it’s crucial to assess your company’s global footprint and ensure the tool can handle payroll, legal matters, and hiring across multiple countries. It’s also important to choose a tool that works in locations where you don’t have an office, as this helps you stay compliant with local laws.

Usability is another key factor; a user-friendly tool will help your HR team get up to speed quickly and keep operations running smoothly. Lastly, verify that the tool integrates well with your existing HR systems to allow for seamless data transfer.

By expanding to more countries, Papaya Global has stayed ahead of the competition. It now offers a broader range of services, helping companies manage global offices effectively. Over time, it has improved its legal compliance capabilities, which is critical when dealing with different countries' regulations. The tool has also become smarter with automation and reporting, streamlining processes and freeing up users to focus on more important decisions.

In addition, the platform has been enhanced to make navigation easier, even as it grows more powerful. This has made it a go-to choice for companies with employees spread across the globe.

Let's not forget about the look and feel of the thing. Papaya Global has put a lot of effort into making sure that using their platform is as easy as pie. It's all about making it simple to understand and navigate, even as it gets bigger and more powerful. This has turned it into a go-to choice for companies with employees scattered across the globe.

Papaya Global is ideal for large businesses that deal with complex salary management, especially when they operate in multiple countries. It’s perfect for companies with a diverse global workforce that need a robust system to comply with various labor laws and regulations.

Businesses that value seamless integration with existing HR systems and require advanced technology to handle complex tasks will find this tool especially beneficial. Even if a company doesn’t have offices in every country they hire from, this tool can manage payroll effortlessly.

I liked how easy it made onboarding new employees.

The ability to manage and store electronic files was a significant advantage.

The reporting dashboard was clear and helpful for monitoring key metrics.

Employees found it easy to access their paystubs and tax information.

The interface, with its social media-like design, was user-friendly and relatable for many employees.

I consulted with an organization for about one year and administered Namely. They were a small but growing business in need of an HR and payroll solution to manage their expanding workforce.

Namely was chosen because it met the needs of various types of organizations and had the flexibility to grow alongside the company as their requirements evolved. I appreciated the compliance features, which helped me stay on top of regulations and deadlines.

The tool was also within the budget approved by the CFO and addressed the needs of both the HR department and employees effectively.

When I first used it, the platform was new and had some glitches.

Payroll processing was initially difficult for the payroll specialist to adapt to.

Learning which reports were essential versus optional required more guidance than was provided.

I would have appreciated more hands-on support during the implementation phase.

The search function did not perform as effectively as I would have liked at the time.

Namely has a more modern and visually appealing interface compared to some competitors.

It promotes diversity and inclusion through its design and functionality.

Its scalable features are suitable for small to mid-sized companies, though larger organizations may need to explore alternatives.

Compared to tools like ADP or UKG, Namely is a more affordable option, though it may lack some of the advanced features those platforms offer.

While Rippling is a strong competitor, I prefer Namely’s design and user-friendly interface.

It’s important to have an experienced payroll person or request training to ensure smooth adoption, as Namely may not be as intuitive as other platforms like UKG or ADP.

Fully prepare questions for your implementation specialist to maximize the benefits of the tool.

Be aware of the states where your employees work, as compliance requirements can vary significantly.

Understand your organization’s growth plans to ensure the tool can scale with your business effectively.

Namely has added new features, including AI-powered tools, to improve functionality.

The interface has become more user-friendly, addressing previous concerns about the search and self-service features.

Employees now find it easier to access essential HR and payroll information.

I think Namely is great for small to mid-size organizations, but I remember it was a tool that scaled to a limit, and if you got too big, a different solution would be better. It possibly would be at the point a larger org could use them, but not sure they are there yet.

I know one of their main competitors is Rippling, so a user or organization should research both before making a decision. I’d also find out if there is a specific person to contact or just a generic number for questions. Over the years, I have been using many tools, and I personally like a particular person or team to work with.