Best payroll software [2025]

Research shows that 53 percent of companies have incurred payroll penalties due to non-compliance in the past five years. That’s why payroll accuracy must be a top priority for any organization. In many cases, team members first spot payroll errors—undermining trust, morale, and retention.

Payroll software takes the pressure off by automating paycheck calculations, filing taxes on time, and flagging potential errors every cycle. The best platforms also reduce compliance risk, generate audit-ready reports, and give your people access to their own payroll data.

In this guide, we’ll compare some of the top payroll software platforms. You’ll see how each one streamlines payroll, improves accuracy, and adapts to the needs of your business.

Best payroll software: Quick review

We analyzed top payroll software to help you match the right solution with your business goals, size, and structure. Whether you’re paying global teams, managing hybrid work cycles, or trying to comply with tax codes, here’s a quick glance of what each platform does best:

• HiBob: Best all-in-one platform for companies seeking end-to-end payroll management with AI-powered automation
• ADP RUN: Full-service payroll solution for small businesses needing automated processing 
• BrightPay: UK-based payroll software for businesses requiring automated calculations and HMRC compliance
• Deel: Global payroll platform for companies hiring internationally across 150+ countries with contractor and EOR services
• Employment Hero: Cloud-based HR and payroll solution for small to medium businesses in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Singapore, and Malaysia
• Gusto: Comprehensive payroll and benefits platform for small to medium US businesses wanting integrated HR tools and employee engagement features
• Homebase: Scheduling-focused payroll solution for hourly workforce businesses
• iSolved: HCM platform for mid-sized businesses seeking payroll integration with talent management 
• Namely: Human capital management platform for small to medium businesses wanting customizable workflows and a unified HR-payroll experience
• OnPay: Full-service payroll provider for small businesses needing unlimited runs and comprehensive tax filing
• Papaya Global: Enterprise global payroll platform for large organizations managing international workforces
• Patriot: Small business payroll and accounting solution supporting up to 500 people with customizable pay frequencies
• Paychex: Comprehensive payroll and HR services for businesses of all sizes through the Paychex Flex system 
• Paycor: HR and payroll platform businesses needing workforce analytics
• Paylocity: Cloud-based HR, payroll, finance, and IT platform for small to medium businesses wanting unified workforce management
• QuickBooks: Accounting-integrated payroll solution for businesses already using QuickBooks
• Remote: Global HR platform for distributed teams operating internationally with in-house payroll engines and EOR services
• Rippling: Unified workforce management system for businesses wanting automated HR, IT, and Finance integration with workflow automation
• Sage: Business management platform integrating payroll with accounting and ERP for companies needing customization and compliance
• Square: POS-integrated payroll solution for retail and service businesses already using Square payment systems
• Workday: Enterprise-grade HCM and payroll platform for large organizations requiring global operations and AI-powered processing

How does payroll software work? 

Instead of  teams doing all the math by hand, like tracking hours, calculating wages, taking out taxes, and adding employee benefits, payroll software handles those tasks automatically in a few key steps:

1. Collects individual details like hours worked, salary, time off, and benefits
2. Calculates gross wages, subtracts taxes and deductions, and shows the final paycheck amount
3. Applies the correct federal, state, and local tax rules automatically and generates reports for audits or year-end filings
4. Sends money by direct deposit, pay card, or check on schedule, even across multiple pay cycles
5. Submits required documents like W-2s or 1099s so everything stays up to date with regulations

Best payroll software to consider

Each payroll company on this list is widely used, well-supported, and can help teams run payroll. Let’s explore the best payroll software available on the market today. 

HiBob

HR and finance leaders use HiBob’s Payroll Hub to centralize payroll management within their existing people operations. HR, time tracking, benefits, and payroll all operate on the same platform, which means updates like salary changes, benefit elections, and approved hours flow directly into payroll without manual data entry or middleware. 

Features:

• All-in-one platform: Access HR, time tracking, benefits, and payroll on the same system so data flows automatically 
• Real-time calculations: Get instant gross-to-net calculations with flexible processing windows that accommodate last-minute changes and off-cycle payments
• Compliance automation: Stay current with federal and state tax regulations through automatic updates
• Flexible payroll cycles: Process payroll on your schedule with support for multiple pay frequencies and unlimited off-cycle runs
• Audit-ready reporting: Generate reports that simplify reconciliation and ensure accuracy for audits and year-end filings
• Smart error detection: Receive automated alerts that flag missing data or changes before payroll submission to prevent processing delays

Pros: 

• “Whether I’m updating my profile, checking my pay info, or booking time off, it’s all super easy to find and use.” – user review
• “The clarity and management of pay bands provides valuable tools for fair and transparent employee compensation, which is important for us.” – user review

Cons: 

• “Some parts of the platform, especially the compensation module, still have a way to go.” – user review
• “Payroll systems outside of common regions can…require manual workarounds.” – user review

Learn more about HiBob payroll

ADP RUN 

ADP RUN is a payroll and HR platform aimed toward small businesses. It helps with automatic payroll processing, tax calculations and filings, compliance management, and time and attendance tracking. They also offer access to real-person support from payroll and HR professionals.

Features:

• Automatic payroll processing: Automatically calculate, deduct, and pay taxes for employers and their people
• Tax filing and compliance: Handle federal and state tax calculations, filings, and payments automatically
• Self-service: Give team members access to pay stubs, direct deposit management, and payroll information through mobile apps
• Time and attendance tracking: Sync hours worked directly into payroll processing

Pros: 

• “They truly handle everything from start to finish, making the entire payroll process seamless and stress-free.” – user review
• “Run has allowed my company to enter payroll wages and custom employee earnings and reimbursements all in one screen.” – user review

Cons: 

• “I wish the scheduling software had more functions/was more flexible.” – user review
• “Sometimes the navigation feels slow or repetitive when you’re doing the same tasks across several entities.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the ADP website as of the publication date.)

BrightPay

BrightPay is a desktop-based payroll software available for businesses in the UK and Ireland. It focuses on automated payroll calculations, tax compliance, and individual record management. The platform offers BrightPay Connect as an optional cloud add-on that provides online features including automated cloud backup, online employer dashboards, and a self-service portal.

Features:

• Automated payroll calculations: Automate payroll calculations, record management, and pension management
• Tax compliance: Submit Real-time Information reports to HMRC directly from the software
• Payment processing: Allow direct payments to people and HMRC 24/7
• Self-service: Let people access payslips, leave management, and personal records through an online portal

Pros: 

• “It allows me to use subcontractors easily in order to process the payroll.” – user review
• “It’s been essential for me to build my payroll bureau.” – user review

Cons: 

• “Very easy to end up with a duplicate copy of the same payroll on your PC.” – user review
• “It doesn’t have enough functions to be able to customize the templates.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the BrightPay website as of the publication date.)

Deel

Deel is a global payroll and HR platform that enables companies to hire, pay, and manage teams in 150+ countries. It specializes in international payroll processing, contractor management, and employer-of-record services. The platform serves both small teams and publicly traded international enterprises.

Features:

• Global payroll: Automatically calculate payroll taxes and sync direct deposits with accounting software
• Multi-currency support: Pay workers with consolidated payroll in multiple currencies
• Contractor management: Onboard and manage global contractors with compliance support and contract generation
• Real-time reporting: Access a customizable dashboard with real-time payroll data

Pros: 

• “The platform supports multiple currencies and payment methods, making payroll straightforward no matter where you’re located.” – user review
• “Deel simplifies the whole payroll process.” – user review

Cons: 

• “The initial customer support response time was slower than expected, and some payroll terms (like proration) weren’t clearly explained at first, which created a bit of confusion for our team.” – user review
• “Deel is very expensive.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the Deel website as of the publication date.)

Employment Hero

Employment Hero is a cloud-based HR, recruitment, payroll, and employee engagement platform. They serve small and medium businesses across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia. The platform combines HR and payroll functionalities and offers Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting and custom pay condition management.

Features:

• Automated payroll: Calculate earnings of approved timesheets in real time with automatic leave balances
• Compliance management: Automatically apply Australian modern award and enterprise agreement rules
• Self-service: Enable staff members to edit their personal and banking information, view timesheets and pay slips, and submit requests for time off
• Integration capabilities: Connect payroll data with Xero, QuickBooks, and MYOB

Pros: 

• “Integrates both payroll and our HR processes and documentation all in one place.” – user review
• “Overall, it’s a user-friendly platform that makes both HR and payroll easy to manage and even easier to teach others.” – user review

Cons: 

• “In the Payroll it is not always entirely intuitive about where to find what you are looking for.” – user review
• “Integrates both payroll and our HR processes and documentation all in one place.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the Employment Hero website as of the publication date.)

Gusto

Gusto is a cloud-based payroll, HR, and benefits platform that serves small and medium-sized businesses in the United States. It combines payroll processing with HR tools, benefits administration, and time tracking in one system. Users can also automatically register for payroll taxes in all 50 states.

Features:

• Payroll automation: Calculate, pay, and file all federal, state, and local payroll taxes automatically, including W-2s, 1099s, and Form 940
• Benefits administration: Offer health insurance, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plans, and commuter benefits
• Self-service: Provide a portal for accessing pay stubs, managing benefits, time tracking, and handling personal finances
• Multi-state payroll: Process payroll in all 50 states with automated state and local tax setup

Pros: 

• “I can complete tasks like running payroll or updating employee info in just a few clicks.” – user review
• “They take care of the filing and local tax payments.” – user review

Cons: 

• “For startups like ours working with public grants and youth intern programs like MBSYEP, it could offer more tailored features.” – user review
• “The customer service is less than stellar- it often feels like you’re shouting into the wind.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the Gusto website as of the publication date.)

Homebase

Homebase is a scheduling and time tracking platform that offers payroll services as an add-on. It focuses primarily on businesses with hourly workers, providing integrated scheduling, time clocking, and payroll processing in one system. The platform mainly targets workforce management needs for retail, restaurant, and service industries.

Features:

• Integrated timesheets: Automatically convert time tracking into payroll calculations
• Automated payroll: Process payroll with automatic tax calculations, direct deposits, and tax filings
• Scheduling: Build, share, and manage work schedules with shift reminders and coverage requests
• Mobile time clocking: Turn any device into a time clock for people to clock in and out with overtime tracking

Pros: 

• “Our staff loves being able to check their schedules, swap shifts, and clock in/out straight from their phones.” – user review
• “Real-time labor cost projections and reports help managers stay within budget and avoid overtime.” – user review

Cons: 

• “We do get some pushback about difficulty using it from the staff side.” – user review
• “The platform often runs very slowly and takes too long to load or process tasks, which really affects our workflow.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the Homebase website as of the publication date.)

iSolved

iSolved is a human capital management (HCM) platform that provides payroll, HR, benefits, and talent management tools. The platform operates through a network of certified partners and resellers who implement and support the software. It also offers financial well-being tools like personalized coaching, budget and spending calculators, educational resources, and more.

Features:

• Automated payroll processing: Handle payroll calculations, tax withholdings, deductions, and direct deposits with built-in compliance features
• Self-service: Provide team members access to personal information, pay stubs, tax forms, and benefits through web and mobile portals
• Multi-layered security: Protect sensitive data with SSAE-16 certified data centers and multi-factor authentication
• Integrated HR tools: Manage recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and benefits

Pros: 

• “The payroll feature is streamlined.” – user review
• “Employees can see leave balances.” – user review

Cons: 

• “There could be improvement in more features and functionality on its payroll portal.” – user review
• “When iSolved does updates it does screw things up for a day or two.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the iSolved website as of the publication date.)

Namely

Namely is a human capital management platform aimed at small to medium-sized businesses. It combines HR, payroll, benefits administration, and talent management into a single system with a focus on customizable workflows and user experience. The company offers both self-service software and managed services options.

Features:

• All-in-one HCM: Centralize HR, payroll, benefits, and talent management in one platform 
• Customizable workflows: Configure performance reviews, onboarding processes, and approval workflows
• Automated tax compliance: Handle federal, state, and local tax calculations, filings, and payments automatically across multiple states
• Engagement tools: Provide self-service portals, company news feeds, and recognition features

Pros: 

• “The payroll function is efficient and a time saver!” – user review
• “I suppose it does run payroll.” – user review

Cons: 

• “HRIS and payroll are not integrated—you have to make changes in the HRIS system and then repeat the process in the payroll system.” – user review
• “Data entry at the start, I suppose, was very hectic for me.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the Namely website as of the publication date.)

OnPay

OnPay is a cloud-based payroll and HR software. It provides full-service payroll processing with automated tax filing and unlimited payroll runs. OnPay operates across all 50 states and offers support through US-based payroll professionals.

Features:

• Full-service payroll: Process unlimited payroll runs with automatic tax calculations, withholdings, and direct deposits
• Automated tax filing: Handle all federal, state, and local tax filings including W-2s, 1099s, and quarterly reports
• Self-service: Deploy a portal for people to access pay stubs, tax forms, and personal information
• HR tools: Manage onboarding, PTO tracking, benefits administration, and compliance documentation 

Pros: 

• “The OnPay user experience is logical and descriptive which lead to less of my time onboarding & submitting.” – user review
• “The connection to QuickBooks worked well.” – user review

Cons: 

• “OnPay’s onboarding system seems drawn-out and clunky compared to other payroll providers.” – user review
• “OnPay’s opening the account for running payroll is not a quick process.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the OnPay website as of the publication date.)

Papaya Global

Papaya Global is a global payroll and payments platform designed for enterprises managing international workforces across 160+ countries. It specializes in unifying payroll and payments through its proprietary Workforce OS, which consolidates global payroll data into a single platform. The company is licensed as a financial institution and processes payroll payments through dedicated payment rails.

Features:

• Global payroll processing: Manage payroll operations across 160+ countries with automated compliance and local tax calculations
• Unified payment platform: Process payments to team members, contractors, and authorities
• AI-powered validation: Detect payroll anomalies and compliance issues automatically before payments are processed
• Real-time data consolidation: Standardize global payroll data from multiple local providers into a single reporting format

Pros: 

• “We have reduced our payroll processing time from 10 hours to 1 hour.” – user review
• “The immense knowledge on Payroll is lovely.” – user review

Cons: 

• “Lack of timely response and customer support.” – user review
• “The invoices are not always as detailed as we’d like, and the PTO import system on the platform is not Papaya’s best feature yet.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the Papaya Global website as of the publication date.)

Patriot

Patriot is a payroll and accounting software provider for small businesses. It supports various pay frequencies, off-cycle payroll options, and can be customized per company. The platform should be able to process payments for up to 500 team members.

Features:

• Simple payroll processing: Run unlimited payroll with automatic tax calculations and direct deposit options
• Tax filing services: Full-service plan includes federal, state, and local tax filings and deposits with guaranteed accuracy
• Self-service: Provide team members with access to their pay information 
• Accounting integration: Connect with Patriot’s accounting software or integrate with QuickBooks for financial management

Pros: 

• “I have been really impressed by how easy it is to navigate the invoicing and payment sections of Patriot Software.” – user review
• “Running payroll is very simple in the software.” – user review

Cons: 

• “Sometimes it’s a struggle because for the most part it is not intuitive, not even to write a check.” – user review
• “There are very little integrations in the software.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the Patriot website as of the publication date.)

Paychex

Paychex is a comprehensive payroll and HR services company that provides solutions for businesses of various sizes. The platform operates through its Paychex Flex system, which combines payroll processing with HR tools, benefits administration, and compliance management. The company serves small businesses through enterprise organizations.

Features:

• Automated payroll processing: Handle payroll calculations, tax withholdings, and direct deposits with support for various pay schedules
• Tax services: Automatic tax filing and payment through Taxpay service with penalty protection guarantees
• Self-service portal: Let people access pay stubs, tax documents, and personal information
• HR tools: Access recruiting, onboarding, benefits administration, and time tracking capabilities based on plan level

Pros: 

• “Paychex takes a lot of the stress out of managing payroll and HR tasks.” – user review
• “Paychex provides a user-friendly website for payroll entry.” – user review

Cons: 

• “Navigating between sections isn’t as smooth as we’d like.” – user review
• “Sometimes the interface is a bit clunky and I’ve had a few instances where their system times out or just doesn’t work efficiently.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the Paychex website as of the publication date.)

Paycor

Paycor is an HR and payroll platform that serves businesses across various industries with a particular focus on healthcare, hospitality, and retail sectors. The platform enables admins to schedule a specific date for payroll to run automatically. Users can also access comprehensive HR tools to manage their people.

Features:

• Automated payroll processing: Process payroll with flexible scheduling, real-time calculations, and earned wage access for employees
• Tax compliance management: Automate tax filing and compliance alerts
• Workforce analytics: Use AI-powered predictive analytics for turnover, compensation analysis, and workforce planning insights
• Mobile workforce tools: Access mobile app for self-service, benefits enrollment, schedule management, and financial wellness resources

Pros: 

• “Whether I was handling payroll tasks, viewing employee information, or managing time-off requests, the interface felt intuitive and efficient.” – user review
• “We use Paycor as an all-in-one HR and payroll solution that streamlines a wide range of administrative functions.” – user review

Cons: 

• “Some of the more detailed functions—like reporting or customization—felt limited or less intuitive.” – user review
• “Their system didn’t fit our needs and now it is taking us longer to process our payroll entries.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the Paycor website as of the publication date.)

Paylocity

Paylocity is a cloud-based HR, payroll, finance, and IT platform that serves small to medium-sized businesses. The platform offers payroll processing with HR tools, benefits administration, and workforce management in a single web-based system. Paylocity operates as a Registered Reporting Agent with the IRS in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Guam.

Features:

• Automated payroll processing: Calculate gross wages, deductions, and taxes with built-in review tools to catch issues before processing
• Tax filing and compliance: Automate federal, state, and local tax calculations, withholdings, and filings with current tax law updates
• Direct deposit: Process paychecks through direct deposit with support for multiple bank accounts per person
• Time and attendance integration: Sync hours worked directly from time tracking into payroll calculations with automatic flagging for prorated adjustments

Pros: 

• “I love the fact that I can process all my payroll (W-2 & 1099s) in one location.” – user review
• “Paylocity has been able to grow with us.” – user review

Cons: 

• “As an administrator, it’s hard for me to see what employees see.” – user review
• “More complex technical issues and tax-related support requests can take longer to resolve.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the Paylocity website as of the publication date.)

QuickBooks

QuickBooks offers Payroll, Intuit’s payroll solution that integrates directly with QuickBooks accounting software. The platform focuses on accounting integration, allowing payroll data to flow automatically into financial records. QuickBooks provides guaranteed tax accuracy with penalty protection coverage and offers same-day direct deposit capabilities through its payment processing infrastructure.

Features:

• Payroll processing: Calculate payroll automatically with unlimited runs
• Direct deposit: Process next-day direct deposit with the Core plan, or same-day direct deposit with the Premium and Elite plans at no additional cost
• Team management tools: Upload and share documents, request e-signatures, and automate I-9 compliance from the payroll platform
• Tax penalty protection: Elite plan includes coverage for any IRS payroll tax penalties, regardless of fault

Pros: 

• “Integration with payroll softwares and also e-commerce softwares is the best.” – user review
• “We like that it is easy to start accounting journal entries for any new entities which are considered to have separate balance sheets.” – user review

Cons: 

• “The learning curve can be steep for new users, especially those unfamiliar with accounting software.” – user review
• “No notice on tax payment withdrawal.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the QuickBooks website as of the publication date.)

Remote

Remote is a global payroll platform for international workforce management. The platform operates with in-house payroll engines and local compliance experts, enabling direct management of international employment laws, tax regulations, and payment processing. Remote specializes in Employer of Record services, allowing companies to hire internationally without establishing local entities.

Features:

• Global payroll processing: Run payroll across 100+ countries
• Contractor management: Onboard, manage, and pay global contractors with automated contract generation and compliance monitoring
• Integrated payments system: Process salary, tax, and benefit payments through Remote’s native payments engine with local currency support
• Centralized HR platform: Manage employee lifecycle, performance reviews, benefits administration, and equity distribution

Pros: 

• “Remote.com has been a great solution for managing international payroll, benefits, and compliance for distributed teams.” – user review
• “Payroll is more accurate and processed faster.” – user review

Cons: 

• “Limited third-party integrations.” – user review
• “There’s a learning curve when getting started, especially if you’re new to international employment.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the Remote website as of the publication date.)

Rippling

Rippling operates as a unified workforce management system that connects payroll with people data management across HR, IT, and Finance functions. The platform automatically updates all connected modules when anyone’s information changes. Rippling provides workflow automation tools with over 500 third-party integrations and offers a 100% error-free payroll guarantee through its automated tax calculation and filing system.

Features:

• Automated payroll: Run payroll in 90 seconds with automatic tax calculations and filing with federal, state, and local agencies
• Global payroll capabilities: Pay people and contractors worldwide in local currencies
• Unified data: Automatically sync information across all modules when people details change
• Unlimited off-cycle payroll: Process additional payroll runs at no extra charge with flexible pay types for bonuses, tips, and custom compensation

Pros: 

• “From onboarding and payroll to benefits administration and device management, everything is integrated seamlessly.” – user review
• “Having worked with many payroll systems, I find Rippling to be one that is user friendly.” – user review

Cons: 

• “We ran into frequent sync issues with payroll.” – user review
• “It isn’t as straightforward when it comes to making changes or requests as some other payroll trackers I have used.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the Rippling website as of the publication date.)

<< See how HiBob compares to Rippling. >>

Sage

Sage is a business management platform that integrates payroll processing with accounting, HR, and ERP systems. The platform specializes in automated payroll calculations with unlimited earnings and deduction codes. It also offers extensive customization for complex pay structures. 

Features:

• Unlimited earnings and deductions configuration: Create unlimited earnings and deduction codes like base pay, tax-only earnings, and employer matching rules
• Automatic tax compliance updates: Receive quarterly tax table updates and legislative changes automatically
• Integrated accounting: Sync payroll data with Sage Accounting software for unified financial management and automated journal entries
• Multi-state payroll processing: Handle payroll across all 50 states with automated state-specific tax calculations and compliance requirements

Pros: 

• “This software is easy to use.” – user review
• “This is a great setup to clock in and out with and a great business platform.” – user review

Cons: 

• “If you make a mistake it can be time consuming to fix it, overcomplicated.” – user review
• “Payroll lacks the functions that the desktop has and I found that difficult to deal with.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the Sage website as of the publication date.)

Square

Square Payroll operates as an integrated component of Square’s business ecosystem. It mainly targets businesses already using Square’s point-of-sale and payment processing systems. The platform enables data flow between POS operations and payroll processing, automatically importing timecards, tips, and commission data directly from Square’s payment systems.

Features:

• POS-to-payroll data flow: Automatically import timecards, tips, and commission data directly from Square POS systems
• Instant payroll processing: Process payroll as little as one day prior to payday
• Automated tax filing and payments: Handle federal and state tax calculations, filings, and payments automatically across all 50 states
• Unlimited payroll runs: Process unlimited monthly payroll runs without additional fees or processing limitations

Pros: 

• “I like the ease once I first setup my payroll for my business.” – user review
• “Square makes it incredibly simple to convert worked timecards into easy payroll processing for wages.” – user review

Cons: 

• “Sometimes, there are issues of overpayment of taxes on Square’s side.” – user review
• “There is a bit of difficulty if you run into a problem with banking info using direct deposit.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the Square website as of the publication date.)

Workday

Workday provides an enterprise-grade payroll platform built on a unified HCM. The platform operates with embedded AI through Workday Illuminate for continuous payroll calculation and anomaly detection. Workday offers event-driven payroll processing that automatically recalculates when HR transactions occur.

Features:

• Continuous calculation engine: Automatically recalculate payroll in real-time as HR transactions like promotions, benefit changes, and compensation adjustments occur
• AI-powered anomaly detection: Utilize Workday Illuminate AI platform for automated payroll auditing, exception identification, and processing error prevention
• Global payroll network: Manage payroll across 180+ countries
• Unified HCM-payroll platform: Integrate HR, benefits, time tracking, and payroll data in a single system 

Pros: 

• “It is easy to use with a simple interface to track your basic needs when it comes to payroll, performance, etc.” – user review
• “The real-time data and customisable dashboards make it easy to track employee performance, manage payroll, and run reports.” – user review

Cons: 

• “The learning curve is steep, especially for users who aren’t familiar with HR software.” – user review
• “Backend setup and configuration can be complex.” – user review

(This article includes platform features that reflect the information available on the Workday website as of the publication date.)

Key features to look for in payroll software

Let’s look at the key features that move the needle the most for payroll management.

Automation and compliance

Automating payroll takes the pressure off HR teams by doing the repetitive math and applying the right tax rules in the background. Instead of double-checking every calculation, the system ensures gross-to-net pay is accurate and up to date with the latest laws. This means fewer mistakes and more time to focus on your people.

Tax filing

The best payroll software automatically prepares and files forms like W-2s and 1099s, and pays federal and state taxes on schedule. That means no late penalties, no stress about missing deadlines, and no need to manually keep up with rule changes. Everything is submitted correctly, every cycle.

Reporting and analytics

Built-in reports give a clear view of payroll costs, taxes, and benefits in real time. Instead of pulling numbers from multiple spreadsheets, HR and finance leaders can see exactly where money is going and share audit-ready reports in minutes. This makes it easier to share tangible updates to stakeholders on the health of your payroll ecosystem.

Customer support

Payroll affects every team member, so when something goes wrong, you need fast answers. Good payroll software comes with strong customer support by phone, chat, or email. This allows you to fix problems quickly instead of leaving your people waiting for their paychecks.

Scalability

As your company grows, payroll can become increasingly complex, with new pay schedules, benefits, and compliance requirements. Scalable software can handle that growth without forcing you to switch platforms. The best payroll software can keep running smoothly whether you’re paying 10 people or 10,000.

Ease of use

Find a payroll software that anyone can learn and operate quickly. The best systems are simple enough that you can upload new joiner info once, and the system carries it forward automatically. A clear, intuitive interface means HR can spend more time supporting people and less time troubleshooting software.

Find the right payroll software for your business

Payroll can be more than just a back-office task. The right software turns it into the process that keeps your business compliant, your people paid on time, and your team’s trust intact. 

For organizations that want a simple, all-in-one solution, consider HiBob. HiBob’s Payroll Hub, HR functions, time tracking features, and benefits administration all live in a single system. This means you can cut the middleware and manual entry. Leaders can also access built-in real-time gross-to-net calculations, flexible payroll cycles, and automatic tax updates supported by compliance expertise.

HiBob is beautifully simple yet powerfully compliant. The Payroll Hub ensures accuracy every cycle without adding extra complexity for HR.

Learn what HiBob can do for your business.

TL;DR – HiBob leads the list of overall payroll software with its all-in-one Payroll Hub that makes managing attendance, benefits, and payroll easier during day-to-day operations.