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Best Payroll and Benefits Software

Best Payroll and Benefits Software Solutions in 2025

An unbiased review of the best payroll and benefits software, handpicked by SSR payroll experts.

Rodrigo Vázquez-Mellado
Written by
Rodrigo Vázquez-Mellado
HR and B2B software analyst and advisor, tech writer and editor, former conversational designer
Contributing Experts
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Last Updated: Mar 17, 2025
TOP
Best for distributed teams
Deel
4.4
Popularity Score
4.6
User Score
4.5
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Best for distributed teams
Deel
4.4
Popularity Score
4.6
User Score
4.5
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Best for midsize companies
Paylocity
4.2
Popularity Score
4.3
User Score
4.1
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Best for midsize companies
Paylocity
4.2
Popularity Score
4.3
User Score
4.1
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Best for large enterprises
ADP
4.0
Popularity Score
4.0
User Score
4.1
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Best for large enterprises
ADP
4.0
Popularity Score
4.0
User Score
4.1
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Comprehensive HR software starting at $5 per employee monthly
GoCo
4.1
Popularity Score
4.7
User Score
4.6
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Comprehensive HR software starting at $5 per employee monthly
GoCo
4.1
Popularity Score
4.7
User Score
4.6
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Enterprise-grade project management tool with powerful automation
Wrike
4.7
Popularity Score
4.2
User Score
4.6
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Enterprise-grade project management tool with powerful automation
Wrike
4.7
Popularity Score
4.2
User Score
4.6
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Best video interviewing platform for scalability
Willo
4.5
Popularity Score
4.8
User Score
4.8
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Best video interviewing platform for scalability
Willo
4.5
Popularity Score
4.8
User Score
4.8
Product  Score
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Best Payroll and Benefits Software

QuickBooksTop choice for simplicity
PaycomSound option for midmarket companies
PaychexBest for multi-state payroll
PapayaGlobalIdeal for multi-national teams
NamelySelf-service payroll and benefits solution

Remote

: Best for remote-first teams

Paycor

: Best for U.S. companies

Gusto

: Best for small businesses

Rippling

: Best for HR automation

OnPay

: Best for affordability

TOP
Best for distributed teams
Deel
4.4
Popularity Score
4.6
User Score
4.5
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Best for distributed teams
Deel
4.4
Popularity Score
4.6
User Score
4.5
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Best for midsize companies
Paylocity
4.2
Popularity Score
4.3
User Score
4.1
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Best for midsize companies
Paylocity
4.2
Popularity Score
4.3
User Score
4.1
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Best for large enterprises
ADP
4.0
Popularity Score
4.0
User Score
4.1
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Best for large enterprises
ADP
4.0
Popularity Score
4.0
User Score
4.1
Product  Score
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Introduction to Payroll and Benefits Software

Payroll processing and employee benefits go hand in hand, but not all payroll software can nicely handle both. We've been reviewing payroll software since 2018 and have checked out hundreds of options – that's what led us to make this buyer's guide.

Read on to find out which platforms that are great at both payroll and benefits, plus expert advice on picking the right vendor, things to watch out for, major benefits, and pricing.

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Our Criteria: Here's How We Chose The Best Payroll and Benefits Software

To select the best payroll and benefits software and to ensure we specifically list products offering this combination of functionality rather than general payroll software, we did demos, conducted user interviews, and tested dozens of tools that met the basic requirement. The ones that made the cut excel particularly in three key factors: ease of use, payroll automation, and benefits packages.

  • Ease of use: The sweet spot is a tool where everything is easy to figure out; you’re not overloaded with buttons and text, yet you don’t sacrifice robustness and capabilities. These tools are all remarkable in the way they solve this challenge. 
  • Payroll automation: Something is not quite right if a payroll tool doesn’t let you automate a good portion of the job with confidence. We prioritized vendors who are pushing the envelope here. 
  • Benefits packages: To be a best-in-class payroll and benefits tool, the benefits module needs to go beyond the basics. Tools that just do 1-2 benefits on top of payroll don’t cut it. We’re looking for those that offer good variety, and even for international teams, on top of a world-class payroll product. 

To learn more about our process for vetting software companies, you can read this blog on how we evaluate HR tech vendors.

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Compare the Best Payroll and Benefits Software

Popularity Score
Best for
Key Differentiator
Pricing
Free Trial
Customers
Users Score
Product Score
4.4
Teams that include full-time employees and contractors
Good bet for EOR/Contractor Management parity
Starts at $19/mo
Get pricing info
No
35,000+ companies
4.6
4.5
4.2
US-based mid-sized companies looking for payroll + benefits
Comprehensive payroll platform with great customer support
Custom Pricing
Get pricing info
No
40,000+ companies
4.3
4.1
4.0
Large companies looking for a service-oriented approach
Widely-used, scalable payroll system for large businesses
Custom Pricing
Get pricing info
Yes
35,000+ companies
4.0
4.1
Phil Strazzulla
HR Tech Expert, Harvard MBA, Software Enthusiast

Need Help? Get Custom Recommendations for Best Payroll and Benefits Software

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Detailed Reviews of the Best Payroll and Benefits Software

Deel

Visit Website
Deel
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.4 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5

Why we picked Deel

Deel’s software was designed for payroll compliance in over 150 countries. It also incorporates some core HR features and has a notably easy-to-use interface.

PROS

  • Deel excels in customer support, offering around-the-clock in-app help and an industry-leading 2-3 day onboarding speed. Users can also access local payroll experts across jurisdictions, which aids contractors in establishing themselves as LLCs, for instance.
  • Integration with popular software like Quickbooks, Bamboo HR, and Greenhouse, along with customizable integrations, streamlines processes.
  • Tech-enhanced self-service approach for quick setup. Identity verification is swift, often under 24 hours.
  • Automated invoice generation for both company and contractor/employee sides.
  • Excellent 24/7 customer service with fast onboarding (2-3 days) and local payroll experts in each jurisdiction.
  • Deel HR is free for companies of all sizes.
  • Seamless integration with platforms like QuickBooks, BambooHR, and Greenhouse, plus custom integration options.
  • User-friendly, self-service features enable quick setup; identity verification often takes under 24 hours.
  • Automated invoices simplify payments, provided they're in English.

CONS

  • The benefits offered could be considered basic compared to more specialized vendors.
  • Certain modules like onboarding automation are only offered as add-ons at an additional cost.
  • Flexibility is limited in modifying contracts or service agreements; changes often require addenda.
  • A $5 payout fee is applicable.
  • Invoice generation appears to be available exclusively in English.
  • Key features like onboarding automation are add-ons, which may increase costs.
  • Limited flexibility in modifying contracts or service agreements; changes often require an addendum.
  • Invoices cannot be generated in languages other than English.

Deel Review

Deel is one of the top companies for international payroll. If you have an international team of remote workers, it’s a tool that’s worth looking into. You can use it to hire people as contractors or as full-time employees through either the EOR or PEO offerings.

Deel payroll and benefits software

The tool itself is quite easy to use and ever-expanding. Since we first became familiar with the tool, Deel has grown to include basic HR features, as well as a myriad of other hiring workflows. These include background checks, equity plans, flexible workspaces, employee onboarding, visa and immigration consulting, and more.

Deel Customers

35,000+ organizations, including Andela, HomeLight, and Makerpad.

Deel Pricing

Deel offers a range of payroll and benefits solutions, including:

  • Deel Contractor: $49/month for compliance, payments, and contractor management in 150+ countries
  • Deel EOR: $499/month for international hiring without an entity, including payroll, taxes, and benefits
  • Deel Payroll: $29 per employee/month for payroll services in businesses with existing entities
  • Deel US Payroll: $19 per employee/month for US-specific payroll, tax calculations, and compliance across all states
  • Deel US PEO: $89 per employee/month for HR, payroll, and benefits in the US
  • Deel Immigration: Custom pricing for relocation, visa sponsorship, and immigration management in 40+ countries.

Best For

Businesses with a mix of full-time employees, contractors, and freelancers overseas, especially those that require multi-country payroll, will benefit from Deel's payroll and benefits services.

Deel in action
Reviewer's Rating
5/10

We use Deel to onboard and pay contractors. After hiring someone, we invite them to Deel, where they upload their information. We run a background check and request specific documents from them. If everything is uploaded successfully, we then use Deel to pay contractors on a weekly basis.

Deel also serves as our central repository for employee information, securely storing details such as legal name, address, SSN, and birthday. It provides new hire paperwork, such as W-9 forms, and ensures these forms are fully completed.

What do you like about this tool?

Deel has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The 24/7 chat feature is helpful whenever I have questions. Creating background checks through Deel is straightforward.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We purchased Deel in the spring of 2024. Our company was expanding its contractor base and needed payroll software to streamline the process. Our goals included simplifying contractor onboarding and payment while allowing contractors to upload their timesheets.

We needed a platform that could support these tasks, answer questions along the way, and assist with tax filing. We used Deel for about two months before deciding to switch to a different platform.

What do you dislike about this tool?

I’m not a fan of the pricing model, as it charges for all contractors added, even if they haven’t been paid. It feels as though there is a fee associated with nearly every action. Contractors also often seem confused when uploading their timesheets.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

I appreciate Deel’s customer service, especially the 24/7 chat feature. Other tools require calling during business hours, which can be inconvenient.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

I suggest prioritizing ease of use, price, and potential hidden costs. Ask whether the tool charges for customer service inquiries, monthly fees, and how pricing is structured for each contractor or employee. Personally, I prefer not to pay for a contractor I haven’t actually paid yet.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

The home page and navigation were recently updated and look improved, though I don’t find this to be a significant change.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Deel is suitable for established small businesses.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Deel may not be ideal for new small businesses. Due to various fees, costs can add up unexpectedly, which might be challenging for businesses aiming to manage expenses carefully while growing.

Paylocity

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Paylocity
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.3 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5

Why we picked Paylocity

Paylocity is among the top payroll vendors in the US market thanks to its ease of use and excellent customer support. It’s also quite comprehensive, offering a range of tools from tax to global payroll management, and benefits administration.

PROS

  • Paylocity’s customer support is highly rated for always being available to answer questions.
  • Global payroll support for 100+ countries.
  • Provides free and unlimited training modules on the website.
  • Paylocity’s mobile app has a good UI and functionality
  • The tool is easy to use for both employees and employers.
  • Has 350+ pre-built integrations.
  • Paylocity’s customer support is highly rated for always being available to answer questions.
  • Global payroll support for 100+ countries.
  • Provides free and unlimited training modules on the website.
  • Paylocity’s mobile app has a good UI and functionality
  • The tool is easy to use for both employees and employers.
  • Has 350+ pre-built integrations.

CONS

  • Undisclosed pricing.
  • It doesn’t have a free trial or free plan.
  • Support is available in English only.
  • It isn’t the best solution for remote teams looking for a tool to manage payroll and benefits for their contractors.
  • Undisclosed pricing.
  • It doesn’t have a free trial or free plan.
  • Support is available in English only.
  • It isn’t the best solution for remote teams looking for a tool to manage payroll and benefits for their contractors.
Paylocity Payroll Program dashboard

Paylocity Review

Paylocity is one of the largest payroll providers in the United States but that’s not the main reason we were drawn to it. Our top deciding factors, instead, are its customer service, user-friendliness, and affordability.

We have heard a lot about Paylocity’s customer support, so we wanted to see it for ourselves. We got in touch with the Paylocity team to book a demo, and we really enjoyed the punctuality as they answered our questions and guided us through the software’s setup.

Paylocity is very user-friendly. We like that the ease of use applies not only to the web version but to the mobile app. It is particularly helpful for employees to access the self-service from anywhere to do a quick check on their payroll and benefits, make changes, and submit claims.

While not as advanced as some top enterprise-oriented payroll and benefits vendors, Paylocity’s reporting capabilities can be of benefit to mid-sized teams. There are a few reporting options to choose from or customize to track your benefits costs and see how employees are using their benefits. This information can be helpful enough in making decisions about benefit plans.

Though Paylocity doesn’t disclose its pricing on the website, businesses have praised the platform for its affordability compared to similar options in the marketplace.

Paylocity Customers

Momentus, Watters, Weigel’s, ILC, Upward, HMC, Polywood.

Paylocity Pricing

The exact pricing of Paylocity's offering is not publicly-disclosed.

Best For

Paylocity is a great option for companies, ideally midsized, looking for an established payroll and benefits software tool that is budget-friendly, user-friendly, and has great customer service.

Paylocity in action
Reviewer's Rating
6/10

We use Paylocity for various purposes, such as payroll, onboarding, and managing employees' work hours and wages. Our payroll processing is done weekly. Each week, we review the hours reported by our employees in Paylocity to ensure that the final payment is accurate and make any necessary adjustments for deductions, such as child support, health insurance, paid time off, or pending payments.

The onboarding module is used once or twice per week, depending on the number of new employees. With the module, you can add an employee's basic information, employee earnings, PTO, deductions, and simultaneously send a candidate a link to access the Paylocity platform, where they can review and sign necessary documents such as policies, NDA, and handbooks. This helps us streamline the onboarding process, ensuring that new employees have all the required documents and knowledge for their first day of work.

What do you like about this tool?
  • Their customer service is quick and easy to reach.
  • You can integrate modules and customize them according to the company's needs.
  • The payroll module integrates with the workforce time management module, allowing employees to clock in and out and generating reports for payments.
  • They keep you informed about changes in federal and state employee laws, especially those related to taxes and changes that may affect your company's payroll.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We are a growing company and can no longer manage payroll manually. In 2020, we started using Paylocity. It has greatly improved the time it takes to process payroll and the accuracy of the payments, particularly for our hourly employees. Additionally, our onboarding was done manually. We spent a lot of time sending emails, attaching documents, and transcribing applicants' information into our system. This task could take a full day and did not allow the HR team to focus on other tasks.

To address this problem, the company decided to purchase the onboarding module. It helped us automate the process and save time. Now, on one platform, employees can authenticate, sign, and submit documents, as well as input their information. This has reduced the need for printing and handling physical documents. I have used Paylocity for the past four years, and I believe it is an excellent tool worth the investment.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • The platform is challenging to navigate.
  • You still need to add information manually to the payroll, such as holiday pay.
  • The employee clock-in and clock-out system sometimes freezes or stops working without reason, requiring a reinstallation of the app.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

I have worked with several tools, most of which are similar, but the workforce time management module stands out. It effectively tracks employee hours worked daily and is simple to use. It also integrates seamlessly with the payroll module, offering an advantage that no other HR system provides.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

If you are looking for an efficient HR system that you can customize according to the organization's needs, Paylocity is a great tool. Also, if you are looking for payroll software but know that you will need performance appraisal or another HR process in the future, Paylocity allows you to acquire and integrate more modules.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Paylocity continuously changes to offer a better experience to its customers, especially HR departments. When I started working with them, some processes were still manual, but over time, they improved and automated these processes, saving us time that we can now invest in other tasks.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Paylocity is a valuable tool for companies with hourly workers as it allows for easy tracking and control of their time.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Paylocity is an excellent tool for any organization. It is important to define the company's priorities to understand which modules are correct for the organization.

ADP

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ADP
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Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5

Why we picked ADP

Possibly the longest-standing company in the payroll market, ADP deserves a mention. Their breadth of features includes many other HR workflows which fit enterprises and SMBs alike.

PROS

  • Native, all-in-one technology suite for recruitment, payroll, and compliance.
  • 17 RPO service centers in 14 countries and provide services in 42 different languages.
  • Dedicated team of AIRS-certified recruiting professionals.

CONS

  • Technology options outside ADP’s dedicated HR tools are limited.
ADP's business payroll service software dashboard

ADP Review

ADP is perhaps the best known company in the payroll space. Given their scale, they can offer just about everything your business needs when it comes to payroll and benefits.

ADP Customers

The Boston Globe, Whole Foods, The Bancorp, BP, Douglas Ellman Real Estate, Margaritaville, LongHorn Steakhouse

ADP Pricing

Sometimes ADP has special offers, like getting 3 months free when you sign up for their small business payroll processing plan. However, they don't share the prices for their payroll packages, so you'd have to request a quote to move forward.

Best For

ADP is a good bet for companies of many sizes, but they’re certainly not the most self-service product out there. Their products are worth looking into if you’d prefer to have professionals work with you on setting up payroll.

ADP in action
Reviewer's Rating
8/10

I use ADP weekly to provide employees with resources they might need. It could be for a pay stub, to calculate how much they make in 2 weeks, or to check their right to work. I especially like the feature that links to e-verify. That has been very helpful to us. We also use ADP for benefits and open enrollment. I also often point employees or former employees to the tool for self-service options.

What do you like about this tool?

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.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

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.

What do you dislike about this tool?

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.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

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

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

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?

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

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

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

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.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

I am not sure smaller organizations could afford the tool and get the use they would need out of it.

Remote

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Remote
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5

Why we picked Remote

Remote is an excellent choice for distributed teams who require a top-notch payroll and benefits service. Their customer care is outstanding: 24/7 live chat, free HR tools, local experts for employers, plus technical support for workers. They also operate as local entities in more than 60 countries.

PROS

  • Benefits plans are locally curated. Health, dental, vision, life, mental health support, and disability are all covered, as is pension/401(k).
  • Local entity ownership helps Remote have more control over service costs, resulting in more flexibility in its pricing and service.
  • Transparent rates. No markups on benefits premiums.
  • Self-service features are easy to navigate.
  • 24/7 HR support from regional experts.
  • Option to provide equity-based compensation to employees.
  • Fast and compliant payroll in 170+ countries.
  • Live chat support with local payroll experts.
  • Flexible, localized benefit packages.
  • Flat-rate pricing structure, no deposits or hidden fees.
  • Mobile app streamlines expense reimbursement with autofill from receipt photos.

CONS

  • Remote currently offers no off cycle payroll, and only wire transfers and direct deposit are available.
  • Lacks phone support.
  • Very few pre-built integrations (Greenhouse, BambooHR, and HiBob). Companies will likely rely on its custom API to connect their current ATS and other HR tools with Remote.
  • Doesn’t have a free trial.
  • Redundant for organizations solely recruiting within the U.S.
  • Help center documentation isn’t easiest to understand.
Remote's Payroll Service Dashboard

Remote Review

Remote helps distributed teams provide a better experience for their workers via country-custom benefit plans and easy-to-access employee self-service features. Remote is one of a few providers that owns legal entities in the regions where it offers EOR services, which gives them an advantage by greater flexibility in services and lower costs for its customers. Both of these are significant features that companies who use third-party aggregator services ll cannot offer.

Remote’s benefits are offered without premium markups, and they offer everything from paid time off to holidays, health care, and life insurance. Remote gives you access to region-specific advice and support to help you finalize your benefits plans.

Remote offers a 15% discount for eligible startups and nonprofits for up to 12 months. They also offer free service for up to ten employees for companies who hire refugees.

The apps, though well-made and frequently updated, were surprisingly hard to find online.

Both the Android and iOS apps are easy to navigate and have essential features like submitting expenses, booking time off, accessing payslips, and, according to Remote, there’s more in the pipeline.

Remote Customers

Arduino, GitLab, Paystack, Loom, cargo.one, Secureframe, Phaidra.

Remote Pricing

  • Contractor Management plan: $29/contractor/mo
  • Employer of Record plan: $599/employee/mo (when paid annually)
  • Global Payroll and Remote Enterprise plans: Custom prices – contact Remote.
  • Startup and nonprofit discount: Eligible startups and nonprofits can get 15% off EOR and Contractor Management services for 12 months.
  • Refugee discount: Up to 10 employees free when hiring refugees

Best For

Remote is best for teams with a globally distributed workforce.  This tool makes it easy to hire, onboard, provide benefits for, pay, and retain top international talent.

It’s also a great option for startups, and nonprofits who can benefit from their 15% discount, and for those who hire refugees,

Remote in action
Reviewer's Rating
3/10

Remote is used by our firm to hire in locations like South Africa, Colombia and Brazil. We are able to use Remote as the Employer of Record and offer benefits just like they worked directly for our firm. You queue up the hire, Remote makes the offer in their system and makes all the employee information available via web portal. All expenses, benefits info, etc. can be accessed any time.

What do you like about this tool?
  • 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.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

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.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • 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.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

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.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?
  • 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.
How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

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.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

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

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Remote is not good for startups.

Paycor

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Paycor
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4.2 / 5
Product Score
4 / 5

Why we picked Paycor

Paycor is the go-to option for U.S.-based businesses because it goes beyond the average payroll and benefits solution by offering recruiting and employee performance in one place.

PROS

  • Paycor is a very user-friendly payroll solution. The interface is simple and intuitive, and easy to navigate.
  • The self-service employee portal lets employees access their HR information and benefits online.
  • Offers multiple subscription options, making the tool more accessible to businesses of different sizes.
  • No limit to the number of payrolls you run each month.
  • Frequently runs discount offers with set-up fees waived on all plans.
  • A free trial is available per request.
  • Offers on-demand payment options in all plans.
  • Accessible via mobile devices.
  • Paycor payroll solution and mobile app are both straightforward to use.
  • Intuitive self-service employee portal.
  • Offers multiple modules for small businesses and custom plans for teams with 50-1000 employees.
  • Unlimited payrolls.
  • Offers discounts frequently. Though not listed on their site, a free trial is available to those who contact the support team directly.
  • On-demand pay is available for all plans.
  • With the acquisition of the people development platform Verb, it has improved its employee learning experience.

CONS

  • Paycor offers various support options, including phone, email, and chat. However, they aren’t very responsive to customers’ queries.
  • Undisclosed pricing.
  • It provides time tracking as a paid add-on.
  • The reporting functionality can be challenging to use, as data is sometimes unavailable.
  • Can be challenging to customize the software if you have a unique set of requirements.
  • Undisclosed pricing.
  • Customer support is reported to be slow at times.
  • It is not a good fit for teams with 1000+ employees or those requiring advanced customization to meet their unique requirements.
Paycor's dashboard - one of the best payroll service

Paycor Review

Paycor is featured here because it’s flexible and feature-rich. Users can purchase Paycor’s payroll alone and upgrade for onboarding, time-off management, and other HR functions as needed.

The first thing that caught our eye was Paycor's payroll. The solution can handle all-state and global payrolls, but please note that their global payroll services are outsourced to third-party services by location.

Available payment options are in pretty good shape. They offer on-demand pay, direct deposit, Paycor wallet, and access to Autorun, and each of these features is available on the basic plan.

Running payroll on Paycor is straightforward. The UI is simplistic, and navigation is intuitive for most users.

Employees can make benefits selections via the web or mobile apps. Both offer access to self-service payroll, onboarding, and attendance. As a security measure, changes to employee data are reported immediately to admin users.

However, rather than making this information available to any website visitor, Paycor only offers benefits guides, calculations, and other resources to their customers. Their data reporting capabilities left something to be desired, especially on the lower-tier plans.

Customer service being sometimes difficult to reach is also a disappointment, especially considering how critical prompt support is when it comes to payroll.

Paycor Customers

Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Detroit Zoo, the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Fire FC.

Paycor Pricing

Fees vary depending on the number of employees and features selected.

Best For

Paycor is particularly well-suited for organizations operating within the United States and employing up to 1,000 individuals. Its strengths shine particularly for sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, food and beverage, nonprofits, and professional sports organizations.

Paycor in action
Reviewer's Rating
5/10

We use Paycor for our payroll, PTO accrual/tracking, recruiting and applicant tracking, benefit enrollment, and performance evals. We also use it for discipline tracking, and we use their LMS.

What do you like about this tool?

I like the HR piece. It is pretty user friendly. I love the recruiting tool. It's my favorite I've ever used. The texting feature of the recruiting tool has been a big help for us.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We have been with Paycor since 2010. We bought it as our HRIS tool. We use it for HR tracking, recruiting, payroll, time, benefits, performance reviews, etc. I like that almost everything we need is in one tool. It helps to be able to use it for most of what we need.

What do you dislike about this tool?

Their customer service has been awful since covid. They have pushed more and more on the client so that they can expand. It takes way too long to get some tickets resolved.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

I've used Peoplesoft previously and much prefer Paycor to it. It is easier to use for both the employee and employer.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Customer Service is so important, which is hard because I think many of these providers do not do that well. Functionality is important. They do this well on some modules. I do not like their time or benefits tool very well.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

It has certainly evolved but I think it's away from the customer's needs.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

I think it would be good for a tech organization where employees are all at their computers most of the day.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Organizations with populations that are not computer friendly

Gusto

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Gusto
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Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5

Why we picked Gusto

Gusto is a versatile solution: flexible pay schedule options, payroll deductions, automated tax filing, benefits, self-service, and more. SMB users particularly appreciate its compatibility for both W-2 employees and domestic and international contractors.

PROS

  • Gusto payroll works for U.S.-based workers (W-2 employees and contractors) and for international contractors.
  • The software supports online signatures and automated tax filing.
  • Flexible payroll options accommodate different schedules and unlimited pay runs.
  • Automatic deductions streamline benefits administration.
  • Phone support, email, and customer service resources are available.
  • Licensed benefits advisors are accessible to all plan users.
  • Transparent pricing with no long-term contracts and no account setup fees.
  • The dashboard feature keeps tabs on compliance tasks
  • The hiring and onboarding sequence is nicely streamlined between HR and the new hire
  • Post-offer, pre-start tasks are made easy with integrations like CorpNet (state tax set up) Checkr (background checks)
  • Easy payroll for U.S.-based W-2 folks, domestic, and international contractors
  • Person-to-person phone support, email, and other customer service resources
  • The business model is responsive to customer needs

CONS

  • No payroll support for international employees.
  • There is no native accounting feature for tracking earnings and spending.
  • Simple plan lacks native time tracking and online signatures, requiring third-party integrations.
  • The analytics dashboard is basic.
  • Federal/state compliance alerts and existing broker/health insurance integration require the Premium plan or add-ons.
  • A free trial is not available.
  • Gusto can support payments for international contractors, but not employees
  • No native accounting feature to keep earning and spending under the same roof
  • Analytics dashboard is simplistic

Gusto Review

We have found Gusto to be a versatile payroll and benefits software that caters to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses.

One of the standout features of Gusto is its support for W-2 employees and domestic and international contractors. The software's capabilities extend beyond payroll, providing support for online signatures and automated tax filing, which streamline administrative tasks. We have a weak spot for flexibility, and Gusto doesn’t disappoint us by providing different pay schedules and unlimited pay runs.

Gusto has also known among HR folks for its support responsiveness. The platform provides phone support, email assistance, and licensed benefits advisors for all plan users to ensure that users can receive prompt service when needed. It also is praised for having a transparent pricing structure, eliminating long-term contracts and account setup fees.

However, it's important to note that Gusto does not currently support payroll for international employees. Additionally, the software lacks a native accounting or spend management features, so users must rely on third-party integrations.

The analytics dashboard, while functional, may be considered basic. And please be aware that federal/state compliance alerts and integration with existing brokers are exclusive to Gusto’s highest tier plan or available as add-ons.

A free trial is not an option here, limiting the opportunity for businesses to explore the tool before committing.

Gusto Customers

Gusto serves over 400,000 businesses nationwide, including many that turn to the platform specifically for its integrated payroll and benefits management capabilities.

Gusto Pricing

Gusto’s combined payroll and benefits management platform starts at $49 per month plus $6 per employee, with more advanced HR and benefits features available on higher-tier plans.

Best For

Gusto offers an affordable basic plan, making it accessible for budget-strapped startups. Additionally, the top-tier Premium plan is an excellent choice for SMBs with available capital to invest in human resources, particularly if they have a small HR department.

Gusto in action
Reviewer's Rating
8/10

With my current consulting client, we use Gusto for a few different workflows. We use it for payroll, sending offer letters, managing our 401K program as well as new employee onboarding. In previous companies I worked at, we used it for payroll. In my opinion, the greatest strength of this tool is running payroll. It’s super simple to use.

What do you like about this tool?

The ease of payroll and ability to have payroll run on auto-pilot is AWESOME. The customer service is friendly and for the most part quite efficient. The UI is pretty good compared to a lot of other platforms I've used.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We initially chose Gusto when the company was first established. We needed a simple payroll solution that would work for a company of our size, which at the time was just one W-2 employee on the payroll. We used the solution for about eight months before transitioning to a different solution that would allow us to manage payroll and offer benefits under one platform. Prior to that, I personally used the solution at another company for almost a year.

Since I also do freelance HR consulting, I am now working with a client who also uses Gusto. In this company, we use it for payroll, benefits management, and 401K.

What do you dislike about this tool?

Paying international contractors has been challenging in my experience. I'm not a huge fan of having the employees separated out by whether or not they are onboarded yet. I would rather see all employees with a status showing whether or not they have completed onboarding.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

Payroll is a breeze! It's really one of the best tools I've used for payroll for a small company. The customer service is stellar.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Think about your long-term growth plans. I think Gusto is best for smaller companies. Think about whether or not you'll be paying contractors and especially international contractors because that can get complicated. And when you are first implementing the tool, do your best to have someone who understands the platform and how to best optimize it for your team do the set up.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

I'm not sure but I do often see that they are rolling out beta features, which leads me to believe that they are always evolving to meet customer needs.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

I think Gusto is best for small businesses, especially for small businesses that may not have a dedicated HR personnel. It's easy enough to use that the average business owner should be able to navigate it without too much trouble.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

I think it may not be the best platform for larger orgs, especially for orgs with complicated pay needs, i.e. international contractors.

Rippling

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Rippling
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Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.2 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5

Why we picked Rippling

Rippling is a great choice for SMBs who want payroll to be a seamless and highly accurate process they don’t have to worry about.

PROS

  • All-in-one platform for payroll, employee management + PEO services offered, and even a suite of other IT products
  • With 500 integrations, they likely integrate with other key tools from your tech stack.
  • All-in-one platform for employee management + PEO services offered, and even a suite of other IT products 
  • With 500 integrations, it’s very likely that they integrate with other key tools from your tech stack.
  • Operates globally with any currency
  • Workflow automation
  • Analytics opportunities
  • Provides a holistic view of company outflows—headcount costs included

CONS

  • Very SMB focused
  • Decent prices for the core HR tools, yet extra features (sold as add-ons) can be too pricey for some.
  • Some shortcomings are reported with benefit carriers, and users may be limited to their partner ecosystem.
  • Total buy-in to Rippling is essential 
  • Very SMB-oriented, in case you’re a larger company. 
  • New features tend to be buggy in ways that tech teams are not accustomed to fixing
Rippling's Online Payroll Software Dashboad

Rippling Review

Rippling was started by Zenefits alumni. They focus on helping small and medium organizations extinguish HR and IT busywork with one solution. The tool is built to be used, with ease, across every department.

Their product aligns with what you’d expect from a Silicon Valley-based startup: a great UI, eye-catching design, and fast performance. Notably, they have over 500 integrations (and counting) so they are likely to be able to meet any team where they are at, technically speaking.

Rippling Customers

Proxy, Dwell, Superhuman, Expensify, Checkr

Rippling Pricing

Rippling’s pricing starts at $8 per month per user and will vary depending on which modules you’d like to use.

Best For

SMBs with a strong need for automation in HR processes.

Rippling in action
Reviewer's Rating
7/10

We used Rippling to input new hires and manage current employees. Employee information was stored on the platform. We used it to enroll employees in benefits and provide the team with an easy way to enroll in their plans or download their plan summaries. We also used it for payroll and to process yearly bonuses. Additionally, we relied on Rippling for compliance purposes. Their team would provide advice on compliance issues, HR support, and updates on new laws applicable to us.

What do you like about this tool?

I love the ease of use and the way it's laid out. I appreciate that there’s one place for all information. I also like that they have many useful tools, so as the company grows, they can adapt other features within their system (like performance evaluations, tracking, and learning management trainings).

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

Our company needed an HRIS system that would allow us to handle payroll, administer benefits, and provide compliance advice. We used Rippling for one year. The key benefit Rippling provided was a one-stop shop where everything could be tracked and kept together in one place, rather than having to visit different sites for various tasks (e.g., payroll, compliance, etc.). We were originally using an Excel file to track employee data. We switched to Rippling to store this data on their platform in a more secure and user-friendly way.

What do you dislike about this tool?

We used it as a PEO, and the health plans offered weren’t as competitively priced as if we had brought benefits in-house. Additionally, the benefit rates increased during open enrollment. I also dislike the $65 per employee, per month fee, which I find a bit steep.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

Rippling is very comparable to other PEOs. What sets it apart is that they allow you to continue using their HRIS platform for HR, employee data tracking, and payroll even if your company decides to leave the PEO and bring benefits in-house. This flexibility is helpful, as it allows you to start with them as a PEO and transition to their standalone platform without searching for a new system, making the process easier.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

The fees per employee per year are important to consider. If you’re in a period of rapid growth, make sure to account for expected new hires in your budget. You’ll also want to decide which features you’ll actually use. For example, we didn’t use their recruitment feature because we had a different system for that, but Rippling does offer a recruitment tool. The more features you use, the higher the cost, so be mindful of that.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

I think their customer service improved from the time we started using them until we stopped. Initially, they didn’t have a designated rep for companies, so you had to go through their experts and didn’t always get the same person helping you, which could be frustrating. By the end of the year, we noticed improvements in their customer service, which was a positive development.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Rippling is great for any company with more than 10 employees. It’s ideal for small companies using a PEO, especially if employees are spread across multiple states. For larger companies that want to stop using a PEO and bring benefits in-house, Rippling is still very effective as an HRIS system for data tracking.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Rippling may not be worth the cost for companies with fewer than 10 employees. In that case, it might be better to avoid the PEO fees. If all employees are in one state, I would recommend using a broker for insurance and managing employee data and recruitment in-house instead.

OnPay

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OnPay
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Popularity Score
4.3 / 5
User Score
4.8 / 5
Product Score
4.7 / 5

Why we picked OnPay

We love OnPay because it takes less than one hour to setup and is the lowest cost option on the market.

PROS

  • Free tax form handling for W-2 employees and 1099 contractors.
  • Some HR services included within the plan at no additional cost.
  • 30-day free trial available (starts after OnPay verification).
  • Well-developed online help resources.

CONS

  • Poor functioned employee mobile app.
  • Requires payment four days before payday for direct deposit.
  • Doesn’t support automatic payroll.
  • Customer support sometimes hard to reach.
OnPay's Payroll Software Dashboard

OnPay Review

OnPay is perfect for smaller companies (500 employees or less) who want a simple and straight-forward payroll process, plus help with HR. Onpay customers love the customer service and the transparent pricing - it’s one monthly fee for everything. They offer benefits management in all 50 states including medical, dental, vision, and 401k retirement plans.

OnPay Customers

OnPay Pricing

OnPay charges a base fee of $40, plus $4 per employee per month.

Best For

OnPay is a great solution for smaller, budget conscious companies that also want a basic HRIS in addition to payroll.

OnPay in action
Reviewer's Rating
8/10

We use OnPay regularly, typically once a week, to manage payroll processes in the organization. The tool has helped us automate payments to employees and contractors, calculate taxes, and file them on time. We also use it to track employee benefits and time off, making it easy to keep everything organized. OnPay is especially helpful for generating reports, which we use for financial planning and compliance. Overall, it has streamlined payroll and HR tasks, reducing manual work through automation.

What do you like about this tool?
  • 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.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

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.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • 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.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

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.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?
  • 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.
How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

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.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

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.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Larger businesses that require sophisticated payroll features, high customization options, or advanced reporting capabilities typically found in more complex systems may find OnPay unsuitable.

Additionally, businesses with specialized payroll needs or those requiring extensive third-party integrations may find OnPay's services limited compared to its competitors.

QuickBooks

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QuickBooks
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Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4 / 5
Product Score
4 / 5

Why we picked QuickBooks

Quickbooks is a trusted name in financial tracking, payroll, expense reports, and even time and attendance software for small businesses.

PROS

  • Unlimited pay runs, auto full-service payroll, and same-day deposits included.
  • Supports unscheduled payrolls and automatic year-end tax filings.
  • Reminders for tax readiness provided.
  • Pricing transparency. 30-day free trial available.

CONS

  • No employer app.
  • More expensive than some competitors like Patriot.
  • Limited third-party integrations.
  • No global payroll features.
Quickbooks' payroll software dashboard

QuickBooks Review

Many small businesses use Quickbooks for their accounting and financial reporting. They know that small business owners may not have enough time to be doing payroll, so their solution focuses a lot on running things automatically and freeing up your time. The same goes for taxes, as they'll calculate, file, and pay your payroll taxes for you, in some cases.

QuickBooks Customers

QuickBooks Pricing

For payroll, Quickbooks has three plans:

  • Core: The basics to pay your team and have payroll taxes done for you at $22.50 per month
  • Premium: Manage your team's payroll with HR support and some employee services for $37.50 per month
  • Elite: This plan provides access to on-demand experts in order to simplify payroll to the max. It starts at $62.50 per month.

QuickBooks often offers discounts for its plans. They currently have a 50% discount on all plans for the first three months of subscription.

Best For

SMBs with a fairly simple payroll structure but little time to handle it all themselves.

QuickBooks in action
Reviewer's Rating
10/10

First and foremost, we utilize the invoicing functionality to create and send professional invoices to our clients. This feature allows us to track payments, send reminders, and easily manage our accounts receivable.

In addition, QuickBooks helps us with tax tracking by enabling us to categorize income and expenses appropriately, making tax preparation more efficient. This feature ensures that we have accurate records and can easily generate reports for tax purposes.

Another important aspect of our QuickBooks usage is the mileage and expense tracking. We utilize the built-in tools to record and categorize our business-related mileage and expenses, ensuring that we have a comprehensive record for reimbursement or tax deductions.

The reporting capabilities are vital to our organization as well. We leverage the various reporting options available to gain insights into our financial performance, monitor cash flow, track profitability, and make informed business decisions based on real-time data.

Finally, QuickBooks serves as our central hub for transaction tracking. We record and categorize all our financial transactions, including sales, purchases, and payments, in order to maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records.

What do you like about this tool?
  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
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

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.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  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
How is this tool different than their competitors?
  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.
What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?
  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.
How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

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

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Small to Medium, independent contractors, startups.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

This helps us explain it better to readers of the review, and proves you are a customer of the product with access to the tool

Paycom

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Paycom
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Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
3.9 / 5
Product Score
4 / 5

Why we picked Paycom

Paycom offers online payroll services and HR software solutions for both big and small businesses to manage the entire employment life cycle.

PROS

  • Paycom's payroll system is easy to use and customize.
  • They now have a Global HCM offering with the aim of expanding access to users in over 180 countries.
  • Customers have praised the responsiveness of the support team and their willingness to help with any issues that arise.
  • Paycom assigns each account a dedicated rep who can provide support and answer questions.
  • Paycom is constantly updating its software with new features and improvements.
  • It has a reasonably functioning mobile app.

CONS

  • Paycom does not integrate directly with QuickBooks, so users that use both systems must manually enter data into Paycom.
  • Some customers have experienced slow access to tax reports.
  • Some of the members on the customer support team are new and at times, don’t have answers to questions or solutions to issues. 
  • Paycom price has increased in recent years.
  • No free trial.
  • Integrations are limited.
Paycom's payroll platform dashboard

Paycom Review

We recommend Paycom for medium to large businesses since the platform provides payroll and HR solutions, which from our experience, are comprehensive and user-friendly.

Paycom impressed us with its guided self-service technology, Beti, which is accessible on browsers and mobile devices. The Android app received positive feedback for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive employee self-service features, including time clock punching, time-off requests, accessing pay stubs and benefits, reviewing paychecks, and submitting receipts for reimbursement.

As an admin, you can customize employees’ access to these features and manage HR tasks on the go. Employees have control over their HR data, including earnings and personal details. However, Paycom currently offers only direct deposit and paper checks, with no available pay card option.

While originally focused on serving the U.S. market, Paycom has expanded its reach with the introduction of their Global HCM, enabling users in over 180 countries to access its services. This enhancement demonstrates Paycom's dedication to addressing the needs of global teams, further solidifying its value-for-money proposition.

While Paycom has its strengths, we noticed there are a few areas where it falls short. Integration options remain limited, relying solely on API integrations, which can prolong implementation and require IT involvement. The connection with third-party software, like QuickBooks, is not seamless, resulting in manual data entry. Additionally, customer support quality varies, with some representatives lacking system knowledge, leading to delayed issue resolution or multiple follow-ups.

Paycom Customers

Paycom Pricing

The pricing of Paycom’s plans isn’t disclosed on the website. You do have to contact their sales team to get a custom quote.

Best For

Paycom’s full-service payroll makes it a great solution for midsize and large businesses to have a full suite of payroll and HR services.

Paycom in action
Reviewer's Rating
9/10

We use Paycom on a daily basis. We use Paycom for new employee onboarding. We also use it to process weekly payroll. Paycom houses our HR information. Paycom also works in conjunction with our benefit providers.

What do you like about this tool?

Paycom provides excellent customer support. Paycom is able to handle our complicated payroll. Paycom has simplified a lot of processes within our HR department.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We were using a different payroll service provider.  We had a very complicated payroll and needed more support, especially when it came to taxation issues.  Paycom assured us that they could provide the needed support and could handle our payroll efficiently.  We reviewed several other providers but ultimately felt that Paycom would be the best fit for our company.

We selected Paycom and have been using it for 5 months now.

What do you dislike about this tool?

There are certain processes that require a step or two that could be eliminated. You have to click on different menus to see all employee info.  We were not able to use Paycom's time and attendance platform due to our needs for geofencing.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

The customer service is better. You have a dedicated support person whom you are actually able to reach on a regular basis.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

You need to consider your payroll needs as well as the cost of the service.  Paycom is not the most cost-effective solution but is worth the increased cost due to the complications of our payroll.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

We have not been with Paycom long enough for me to know the answer.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Organizations who need a one-stop shop for payroll services.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Companies that have simplified payroll needs

Paychex

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Paychex
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Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
3.9 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5

Why we picked Paychex

Paychex offers three different plans that can serve the needs of various types of small businesses, all focused on payroll processing and featuring some HR tools as you go up in range.

PROS

  • Pay-as-you-go plans for various business scenarios.
  • Plan upgrades offer enhanced features like performance management, employee screening, and benefits services.
  • 48-hour onboarding with personalized payroll guidance for Select and Pro plans.
  • Experienced payroll and benefits administrator for 740,000 US companies.
  • Timecard processing can be fully automated.
  • Integrates well with benefits providers like Benetrac for benefits management.
  • User-friendly interface for reviewing W2s and paystubs.

CONS

  • Users struggled to get timely help due to frequent payroll contact changes and long wait times.
  • Some reported payroll errors and tax inaccuracies which caused compliance issues.
  • Separate departments in Paychex for payroll, HR, and benefits hinder integration, customization, and support for small businesses.
  • Limited third-party integrations.
  • Some users reported slow app login.
  • Less modern looking compared to competitors.
Paychex Payroll Software Dashboard screenshot

Paychex Review

We quickly understood why Paychex is so popular among U.S. businesses after diving into its automations.

The auto payroll tax filing, for example, is nicely done. It can handle the whole tax filing process, which is super handy for multi-state teams in minimizing errors and avoiding penalties. Additionally, the employee onboarding feature is one of the most robust we have tried, with easy-to-complete online forms and personalized messages.

We also got a good impression of Paychex’s time tracking, as this tool not only supports touchless employee clock-ins but is agile enough for both medium and large teams.

On top of that, the availability of PEO services means Paychex users can gain access to specialized support for health benefits, compliance, and onboarding without the hassle of finding a whole new tool.

Paychex might be a bit trickier to use and get support than ADP but its strong automation focus is a boon and its HR tools are high quality.

However, if top-notch design is important to you, a fair warning: Paychex’s UI isn’t very good. Perhaps due to its abundant feature set, the payroll platform’s interface gives off a rather cluttered feeling.

Cluttered interface aside, we found the customer support team to be underwhelming. It's tough to get hold of someone on the phone and, when it comes to email support, this vendor can take hours and even weeks to respond. We're also not big fans of the frequent changes in Paychex's customer success managers' contacts, either. This, according to several users we spoke to, has made it even tougher to get assistance.

Paychex Customers

740,000+ companies, including ESET, Funnelbox Inc., Smile Cafe, H.Y.P.E. Counseling Services, ASG, and Pet Partners.

Paychex Pricing

Paychex pricing starts at $39 per month, plus $5 per employee per month.

Best For

Medium and large-sized U.S. businesses face the intricacies of employing and paying workers across state lines.

Paychex in action
Reviewer's Rating
3/10

We used it for straightforward payroll processing for W-2 employees. Since we did not offer benefits, there were no additional payroll deductions to manage. They provided federal and state labor and tax information to help maintain compliance.

Direct deposit setup was available and appreciated by employees. There was also an option to purchase workers’ compensation insurance, but we did not utilize it due to our remote work setting.

What do you like about this tool?

It provided straightforward payroll processing for W-2 employees. You could customize it and add specific features as needed. It was more modern than QuickBooks and offered improved compliance support.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

Before my time at Kelly OCG, the smaller firm I worked for used Paychex for payroll. We had previously used QuickBooks, which had become outdated, and Paychex was gaining traction in the industry.

It was user-friendly for processing payroll, including handling wage and bank garnishments when applicable. We were able to customize it to meet our business needs, which was a major advantage.

For tax filing, there was an additional charge for W-2s and, I believe, 1099s, although we did not have any 1099 contractors on our payroll.

What do you dislike about this tool?

Customer support was not very helpful. It often felt like a new representative was assisting each time we called. Although not needed in our case, employee time tracking required an upgrade. There were additional fees for tax filings.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

It is better than QuickBooks in terms of usability and features. That is the only similar payroll processing system I can compare it to. Between the two, I would choose Paychex.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Consider how many employees you have. Think about whether the person processing payroll prefers phone or online access. If your company plans to offer employee benefits, this might not be the best solution.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

They now offer Paychex Flex, which is a more cost-effective solution for smaller businesses.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Small businesses or companies planning to hire many 1099 contractors would find Paychex beneficial.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Paychex is likely not a good fit for large companies with many fully benefited employees.

PapayaGlobal

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PapayaGlobal
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Popularity Score
4.3 / 5
User Score
4.5 / 5
Product Score
4.4 / 5

Why we picked PapayaGlobal

Papaya Global stands out in the realm of payroll software for enabling seamless, secure payments to contractors and employees in 160+ countries, backed by robust security and compliance measures.

PROS

  • Papaya ensures prompt payouts within 72 hours across 160+ countries.
  • Transparent pricing with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
  • Dedicated customer success managers in your time zone, providing localized assistance without extra charges.
  • The starter monthly fee is reduced to $12 per employee for full-service payroll.
  • Offers comprehensive solutions (data and insights, benefits, immigration, payment services, employee data management) at an accessible entry price.

  • Papaya Global packs the EOR services you need to do global payroll and employment compliantly in over 160 countries.
  • Automated payments in over 100 currencies, 80 of them directly to the worker's bank account through its global banking partners.
  • Dedicated customer support providing locations-specific knowledge regarding employment and payroll.
  • End-to-end payroll guaranteed payouts in 72 hours.
  • Offers four standalone solutions: data and insights, supplemental benefits & immigration support, payment services, and employee data management, making the platform more affordable and scalable.

CONS

  • Lacks local entities in service countries; no tax penalty guarantee information available.
  • No free trial or plan is offered.
  • Additional fees include setup, onboarding, cycle per employee, year-end fees, and a required deposit.
  • Limited existing integrations, but free use of pre-built APIs and custom API integrations.

  • No free trial or free plan.
  • Doesn’t own entities in all the countries it serves. The platform forms relationships with existing local in-country partners to handle employment in a specific region on the client’s behalf.
  • BI analytics reports and global immigration services cost additional fees.
  • Charges extra fees for setup, onboarding, employee cycle, and tax filing. Also requires a refundable deposit.
  • Built-in integration options aren’t very robust. However, the platform does offer pre-built APIs, SFTP, and custom API integrations for free.

PapayaGlobal Review

Papaya Global is highly favored by both users we've engaged with and our editorial team. We’ve been familiar with the tool since early 2021, and it immediately stood out for its transparent pricing, comprehensive HR tools, robust BI analytics, and local customer support.

The platform caters to employers and staff alike, providing unified access to payroll, payments, and workforce analytics. It ensures automated payments in local currency, customized benefit packages, and multilingual pay slips across 160+ countries. Additionally, AI-powered engines scrutinize invoices for precision.

In-house benefits experts are at your service for location-specific advice at no extra cost. Employees benefit from a user-friendly self-service portal for onboarding, time off requests, document checks, and payslip reviews. The recently launched mobile app (as of February 2023) offers even greater accessibility, allowing access to payment calendars, bank details, and company announcements on the go.

They also offer a unique global equity management feature, enabling equity distribution to employees, regardless of location. The platform excels in providing dynamic visual insights for payroll and HR, billing, and administrative data.

There are critical factors to consider when evaluating Papaya Global for your company’s needs. For example, depending on the service region, Papaya may or may not have its own local entity set up, which means they will rely on third-party local partners. Additionally, though pricing transparency is a strength, additional expenses like setup fees per location, onboarding fees, cycle fees per employee, year-end tax filing fees, and a refundable deposit should be considered. We advise evaluating and outlining all the ins and outs specific to your team’s needs and then meeting with Papaya Global’s team for a comprehensive quote tailored to you.

PapayaGlobal Customers

Fiverr, Toyota, Wix, Deezer, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft

PapayaGlobal Pricing

  • Full-Service Payroll service: Starts at $12 per employee per month, with flexible options based on operational needs.
  • Payroll Platform License service: Begins at $3 per employee per location for tech upgrades.
  • Data and Insights Platform License service: From $150 per employee per month, offering real-time analytics on payroll costs and headcount.
  • Payments-as-a-Service service: Starting at $3 per employee per month, delivering a dedicated workforce payment platform.
  • Global EOR plan: Ranges from $650 to $1000 per employee per month for comprehensive EOR management.
  • Contractor Management & IC Compliance plan: Tailored services for outsourced contractors, starting at $2 per contractor per month.
  • Global expertise services: Starting at $190 per month per employee, this lets you add the global health plan, immigration support, and global equity for employees.

Best For

Papaya Global is a good choice for streamlining global payroll and benefits operations in countries with established entities. It's particularly valuable for businesses with international hires within Papaya Global’s extensive country coverage.

PapayaGlobal in action
Reviewer's Rating
8/10

I worked with PapayaGlobal for about two years in total, weekly. Mostly, I used the HR workflows because I am an HR consultant, and we were setting up mini HR offices globally. Employee onboarding was, of course, a big one. The integration with Workday was perfect. Uploading documents and organizing was straightforward. What I personally found invaluable were the compliance tools and local experience. This boosted my profile as well because I was learning through using the system.

What do you like about this tool?

Customer service is exceptional; you really feel that they are part of your team. I also loved the guarantees of local compliance, which created great trust with our in-house auditors. The ability to see the big picture of our workforce globally was also crucial, as it provided a great understanding of the workforce map and enabled strategic moves on the people side of things.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

I was setting up PapayaGlobal for one of my previous clients. The reason we needed a tool like this was that we wanted to hire talent from different countries. Previously, we bypassed this by hiring on a "contractor agreement," but we really wanted employees, not contractors. While managing paperwork for EU candidates was somewhat easier, when it came to hires from outside the EU, it was a bit of a nightmare. Our HR team had to learn local employment laws, and we even contacted local lawyers to send us an empty contract so we could be fully compliant. These were the pains that the service greatly alleviated. We saved a lot of time, and audits were less stressful. We used it for about two years, but then the business took another direction.

What do you dislike about this tool?

It took a long time to learn the navigation through the platform; you really need to invest time to learn everything—you cannot just jump in with no training. Sometimes the screen would not load properly; words were overlapping, and it took some reloads for it to work, which was disappointing for a service that charges so much. We also had some issues with invoices; it was not clear how to manage them, but customer service helped with that.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

Compliance support and global presence are the main reasons we chose PapayaGlobal. Another key factor is the customer service, which was consistently excellent. I also enjoyed the real-time access to analytics, which was helpful in following trends and monitoring important metrics globally.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

First, consider the cost and how the pricing is structured to determine how much value a company can derive from the service at the agreed price point. Another important factor is access to real people who can guide the onboarding and integration with existing tools, which was commendable. Additionally, global access to local labor laws is perhaps the biggest consideration.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

PapayaGlobal has evolved, but I believe other platforms have caught up and may be more attractive in their pricing.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

PapayaGlobal is great for rapidly scaling businesses that need support in managing a multinational workforce.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

PapayaGlobal is excessive for startups and scaleups with a simple payroll structure, or for those who work only with digital nomads, for example. Ensure you actually need all the services within the platform to make it worth the investment.

Namely

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Namely
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Popularity Score
4.7 / 5
User Score
4.1 / 5
Product Score
4.6 / 5

Why we picked Namely

Namely provides a quick and easy payroll solution with modern design and UX. Their all-in-one HR platform can be used by any company really, though they pay close attention to mid-market companies.

PROS

  • Namely's user interface is highly praised by users. It is clean and quite intuitive despite the platform's comprehensive feature coverage.
  • The employee onboarding module includes a user-friendly wizard that effectively guides new hires through necessary steps and tasks.
  • Along with Namely’s built-in features for data management, recruiting, onboarding, time off tracking, payroll, and benefits administration, Namely offers managed payroll and benefits administration services for those needing extra assistance.
  • The majority of users are able to navigate Namely without any issues. They find the UI to be intuitive and clean, despite the fact that the platform has lots of features. 
  • Namely’s employee onboarding module gets a alot of praise from users. It features an easy-to-follow wizard, which helps new hires get on quickly and be clear on what they need to do. 
  • Besides the platform’s built in features for data management, recruiting, onboarding, time off tracking, payroll and benefits administration, there are also managed payroll and benefits administration services you can opt for to reduce the burden on your internal teams. 

CONS

  • Namely primarily caters to U.S.-based companies, which makes it unsuitable for organizations needing to manage pay and benefits for employees in other countries.
  • The implementation process of Namely can be time-consuming, typically taking a minimum of 6-8 weeks.
  • Despite how big of a player Namely is in the HR space, it lacks employee development features like skill training, career pathing, and succession planning.
  • Before purchasing Namely, it is essential to ensure compatibility with your current benefits provider, as there have been reported instances of Namely's team encouraging users to switch to more expensive providers.
  • Namely primarily operates in the U.S., which means if you’re looking for a global payroll and benefits provider, this platform isn’t for you.
  • Though many praise the platform’s ease of use, it does take long to implement it. Namely’s own team says that an average implementation takes between 6-8 weeks.
  • For a platform of Namely’s size, there currently aren’t any features that focus on employee development such as skill training, career pathing, succession planning etc. 
  • You’ll need to check beforehand if Namely can work with your existing benefits provider, if you have one. There have been a few reports (but not few enough to ignore) about Namely’s team convincing customers to change their benefits provider to providers that charged them more. 
Namely's payroll dashboard

Namely Review

Namely’s all-in-one platform comes with a payroll module for processing salaries on time and without any errors. It can help you with a lot, including calculating wages, deductions, and taxes, and generating pay stubs for your employees. The platform is also always up-to-date with the ever-changing payroll regulations and tax laws to ensure you don’t get penalized and that everything pertaining to your employees’ payments is above board.

We like any product with employee self-service features and Namely checks that box of ours. Your staff can log in to a dedicated dashboard to access and manage their payroll information, update personal details, and view pay stubs whenever needed. Namely also packs a robust reporting module to get a holistic view of your company’s payroll and valuable statistics to make informed decisions.

Namely Customers

Greenhouse, Bevi, and Workwave are among Namely’s 1000+ customers.

Namely Pricing

Namely has custom pricing that varies according to the extent of your need. You can contact the Sales team for an estimate.

Best For

Namely predominantly serves mid-sized companies across different verticals.

Namely in action
Reviewer's Rating
9/10

I used Namely daily. We utilized the HR module for onboarding and offboarding employees, and the e-signature functionality to speed up the onboarding process. The payroll and time modules were heavily used to manage staff hours and pay. We also relied on the performance management module to handle the probationary period and conduct performance reviews.

What do you like about this tool?

The HR system was easy to use and set up, making the transition from our previous, more disorganized HR processes smooth. The employee self-service feature was excellent, reducing the amount of data entry and admin work for our HR team. The continuous feedback appraisal system allowed us to appraise staff more regularly with minimal increases in administrative tasks.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

There wasn’t a significant problem driving the decision. The organization had been managing HR through payroll software, Excel files, and Word documents. As the company grew, it wanted to consolidate and centralize HR into a single system that could be accessed online. Namely provided an all-in-one HR solution that handled payroll, HR records, and talent management. We used Namely for about a year or two.

What do you dislike about this tool?

Customer support wasn’t as responsive as it could have been. The reporting features are somewhat limited and don’t fully meet our needs, requiring us to do a fair amount of manual reporting. The portal is not as intuitive as other HR tools I’ve used.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

The user interface and workflow are not as intuitive as some competitors. However, I appreciate the integration with payroll and timesheets, which not many systems do well. I also like that it offers managed services add-ons, such as payroll and benefits, which become more relevant as the business grows and becomes more complex.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Ensure the tool has a comprehensive records system and both employee and manager self-service features. Efficient onboarding and offboarding functionality are essential, as these processes can be time-consuming. A continuous appraisal feedback system is also important, as this approach to performance management is becoming the norm.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

There has been better integration between its modules.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Namely is suitable for all kinds of organizations but particularly good for smaller organizations due to its affordable entry-level pricing.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Namely may not be the best fit for massive corporations.

Why Payroll and Benefits Software?

There are a few apparent use cases for payroll and benefits software. However, we also wanted to explain some of the benefits that may not be as self-evident. Here is the “why” behind buying new payroll and benefits software:

  • Pain-free payroll: These solutions will run payroll for you in a streamlined way that reduces your time and effort. To teams using outdated systems or completing operations manually, this could mean hours or even days saved per pay period.
  • ‍Simplify health benefits: These solutions guide you through the benefits selection process, sometimes with a trusted consultant who recommends packages that fit your company well. Your employees can then choose which option is right for them during open enrollment, qualifying events, or onboarding.‍
  • Access to experts: Managing benefits and payroll internally can be complicated, especially if this is not your day-to-day focus. You must be aware of and keep up-to-date with a wide range of regulations and requirements, as they can change frequently! To assist with this, the best benefits and payroll solutions offer day-to-day customer support and will work closely with you when making strategic decisions and regulatory updates.‍
  • Access to better health plans: The best payroll and benefits solutions provide you with greater access to competitive employee benefits to create a package that makes the most sense for your employees. You will also be able to compare plans from different providers more easily and therefore ensure you have selected the best package for your business’s needs.‍
  • Cost-effective: Using an external vendor for payroll and benefits will help decrease the number of employees you need for this function and help save on costs in technology, support, and training.‍
  • Save time: On average, 19% of small businesses spend 80+ hours a year on federal taxes alone. Small and medium businesses that arm themselves with the right solution to handle payroll and efficiently manage benefits save a lot of time, resulting in their ability to allocate time to their core business and product.‍
  • Ease of use: Software solutions today are serious about their product experience. They have built their platforms with their various end users in mind and provide them with a simple-to-use, mobile-friendly, and feature-rich experience. Your employees can now look up co-pays on mobile when at the doctor, or request time off in a given pay period.‍
  • Increase employee retention: With greater access to a wide range of employee benefit insurance and retirement plans, you will be able to ensure that your employees feel taken care of. Naturally, this has a considerable sway towards employee retention.‍
  • Aids in your talent strategy: The right payroll and benefits software helps you attract talent by offering the best and most comprehensive benefits packages. An AICPA survey found that 80% of those polled would choose a role with a comprehensive benefits package versus a position with a much higher salary but no benefits.‍
  • Enhanced security benefits: Most top payroll and benefits vendors will have high levels of security that contemplate HIPPA and have varying levels of SOC compliance.‍
  • Compliance guarantee: According to recent payroll statistics, 1 in 2 companies have been penalized for non-compliant payroll. Payroll and benefits software have access to the most up-to-date information which means that you never have to worry about missing tax notices and other regulatory notices. This is a huge benefit as you will help protect your company and reduce your risk of compliance-related expenditures.

Pro Tips on Payroll and Benefits Software

Key Features of Payroll and Benefits Software

The majority of the top-rated benefits and payroll solutions provide feature-rich offerings that are wrapped into an intuitive user experience. While we’ve focused on payroll and benefits, there are additional add-ons that you may also be interested in, especially if you do not currently have another solution in place. Many of these also map to the demo questions we have suggested below:

  • Payroll software features: Automated and unlimited multi-state and global payroll runs (Plus contractor & vendor payments, tips reporting), off-schedule payroll runs, all tax filing/payments, multiple pay-rates and schedules, reporting including year-end payroll reporting, and direct deposit.
  • Employee benefits admin software features: Employee self-service (including self-service benefits enrollment and changes), benefits administration & cobra administration (health, dental, vision), and additional benefits options including 401K/retirement, life insurance & disability, FSA, HSA, commuter, and additional supplemental benefits.
  • Other important features: Time tracking & paid time off, HR documentation & PTO policies, employee directory & surveys, workers’ compensation & risk mitigation, new hire onboarding, HR expertise (varied based on level), online resource center (Best practices, FAQs, and more), and mobile friendly and/or mobile app.

How to Choose a Payroll and Benefits Solution

The following is what we’ve learned over the years:

  • Choose a payroll service that has a track record for serving companies of your size.
  • Remember, change management requires a team effort. You may need to involve a few different teams during the buying and implementation process including your operations, HR/recruiting, information technology, and communications teams.
  • Core features that you probably already have and that employees/HR are used to, like direct deposit, automated pay stub distribution, and payroll taxes need to be in any future offering you use.
  • Don’t forget about integrations! It’s important that any new system can sync with the rest of the tools in your tech stack at least in some sense.
  • Make sure the vendor that you choose can operate in all of your office locations (don’t forget your remote employees). Several of the vendors we’ve outlined here are among the best global payroll providers, but many do have a heavier focus on the United States.
  • Documentation is paramount— get your ducks in a row in advance to help streamline implementation and prevent any delays that could have a negative impact on employees. Nobody’s going to be that excited about the new payroll and benefits system if the next checks or deposits are going to be late. 
  • Choose a vendor that is compliant with the most recent regulations and that takes data privacy very seriously. HIPAA and tax payment violations can be extremely costly.
  • If you already have an insurance broker with whom you like to work, make sure that your new vendor allows for this— not all of them do, and those that do may charge an additional fee.
  • If you are moving to benefits with a provider, remember to report any employees who are on COBRA to the new provider and make sure to ask if they assist in COBRA administration.
  • Lastly, choose a vendor that you can grow with. Make sure that the vendor is confident in their ability to work with you based on your targeted employee growth rates as a company.

Payroll and Benefits Software Pricing

The cost of payroll and benefits software varies based on company size and feature requirements:

  • Payroll Software for Small Businesses: Entry-level solutions can start as low as $19 per month. For example, Gusto offers a "Simple" plan at $40 per month plus $6 per employee, which includes full-service payroll and basic onboarding.
  • Payroll Tools for Medium-Sized Businesses: Plans typically begin around $50 per month and can exceed $1,000, depending on the number of employees and desired features. These plans often offer advanced payroll features, HR support, and benefits administration.
  • Payroll Solutions for Large Enterprises: Due to complex needs, such as managing a diverse workforce across multiple locations, comprehensive payroll solutions often start in the four-figure range monthly. These packages usually provide extensive support for multi-state taxes, advanced reporting, and dedicated customer service. 

Demos Questions to Ask Vendors

Once you have chosen a few vendors to demo, it is imperative to ask pertinent questions. Here is a list of questions we think you should ask on demos.

Support:

  • Who will be on my support team during the payroll software implementation, how will that change after I’m set up?
  • What the the specific steps our company will have to go through to get this setup and how long does each take?
  • What internal stakeholders do I need to bring into this?
  • What are the support SLAs?
  • How big is your biggest customer and how small is your smallest customer? What is the size of your average customer?
  • What are the most common reasons that companies don’t succeed?
  • How will our pricing change as we scale?

Tech & Security:

  • Can you walk me through the typical workflows that HR would go through? Employees?
  • What is the mobile experience for HR and employees?
  • What’s on your product roadmap?
  • Do you support multi-factor authentication?
  • Do you support single sign-on?
  • Are you SOC 2 compliant?
  • What is your security audit process?
  • How do you keep our data safe?

Regulatory & Compliance:

  • Do you have a regulatory compliance team?
  • Who handles regulatory updates for taxes, HR, or benefits?
  • How will I get updated on regulatory changes relevant to my business?
  • Do you handle payroll in my state (within the U.S.)?
  • Do you handle international payroll services (if you operate internationally)?
  • Are you GDPR compliant?
  • How are tax filings handled?  Is there an extra charge for this?
  • Do you handle new hire onboarding reporting and forms?
  • Are you ACA-compliant? What about HIPAA and ERISA?
  • How will you handle benefits for my employees in different states and, if applicable, remote employees?
  • How can my accountant or finance team access the relevant files?

Payroll Integrations and Process:

  • Is your offering full-service payroll or a tool that I will use to run my own payroll?
  • How are payroll taxes handled? How are tax forms generated?
  • What standard integrations do you support? Do you integrate with my existing technologies (accounting software, HRIS, ATS)?
  • How will direct deposit work with our employee bank accounts?

Payroll Software FAQs

What is payroll software?

Payroll software is a solution designed to manage, automate, record and organize payment of a company’s employees.

What is benefits software?

Benefits software is a solution designed to take over all administrative benefits tasks, including managing and organizing health insurance, retirement programs, time off and leave.

Can my company do payroll and benefits without software?

Yes, your company can process payroll and benefits without the assistance of software. However, manually taking care of payroll and benefits requires a lot of time and effort. On average, over 20% of small businesses spend 120+ hours dealing just with federal employee taxes. That’s before even considering benefits management. That time is better spent perfecting your business or product, therefore automating payroll is a worthy investment.

Do software providers offer both payroll and benefits software together?

Yes, many payroll vendors offer a benefits solution and vice versa.

Need Help Shortlisting for the Best Options for Your Business?

For those press on time and want to narrow the search to the top payroll and benefits solutions that most align with their organization’s priorities and budget, SSR Advisors provide a transparent, unbiased shortlist of 2–3 recommendations from 1,000+ vendors across HRIS, Payroll, and HCM—for free. Get in touch with one of our advisors today!

About the Author

Rodrigo Vázquez-Mellado
HR and B2B software analyst and advisor, tech writer and editor, former conversational designer
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Rodrigo has worked in tech since 2015 across various marketing and product roles. All the while, he's stayed active as a journalist, musician, and avid traveler. He's been a writer and editor at SSR since 2020, covering software niches like payroll, HCM, workforce planning, AI Recruiting, and whatever spikes his interest. He's always on the lookout for the right software and tools—whether it's for managing business processes or to fuel his many hobbies. Rodrigo studied Journalism at the University of North Texas and Marketing and Communications at Tec de Monterrey. You can see more of his writing at: http://rvmrosas.com/

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