25 Best Payroll Services To Save Time (& Stay Compliant) in 2024
Best Payroll Services Shortlist
Here’s a quick overview of the top 10 payroll services I’ve chosen, which I’ll cover in this article:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Payroll isn’t just about money—it’s about motivation. When employees see errors or late payments, they lose trust in you. Goodbye productivity, hello Open to Work banner. (Yes, I know that banner's cringey—I just wanted to make a point)
Payroll services streamline the process, ensuring your team gets paid correctly and on time, every time, without requiring you to sacrifice your attention.
I researched the players, talked to customers, and leveraged my own experience managing a workforce to shortlist the top service providers—with that said, here are the best payroll services you can use in 2024.
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Price Comparison Chart
As you get started, I want to give you a bit of pricing information on the payroll service providers I chose, in case you have a set budget in mind.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Deel | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Website |
| OnPay | From $6/user/month | Website |
| Paylocity | Pricing upon request | Website |
| RemoFirst | From $25/user/month | Website |
| Worksuite | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Gusto | From $40/month + $6/user/month | Website |
| Patriot Payroll | From $4/employee/month + $17/month base fee | Website |
| Roll by ADP | From $39/month + $5/month/employee | Website |
| Payroll4Free | From $30/month | Website |
| Remote | From $29/user/month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow To Choose a Payroll Service
As you work through the payroll service selection process, keep the following points in mind:
- Business Needs: Identify the must-have features—payroll processing, time tracking, and direct deposit options—that align with your business requirements. For example, a small business might prioritize easy-to-use software with basic payroll functions, while a larger company might need advanced features like compliance management and detailed reporting.
- Service Integration: Choose a provider that integrates seamlessly with existing software like accounting and HR systems to streamline operations. For instance, if your business uses QuickBooks for accounting, selecting a payroll service that integrates with QuickBooks can save time and reduce errors by ensuring data consistency across platforms.
- Pricing: Evaluate the cost structure, which may include monthly fees or charges per pay period, and consider any additional fees for services like tax filing or direct deposit. A startup might look for a cost-effective solution with a simple pricing model, while a more established business might be willing to invest in a comprehensive service with higher fees for added features.
- Customer Support: Assess the level of customer support available, including dedicated account managers and 24/7 availability. After all, if people aren't getting paid, they'll want you to solve the issue now.
- Reputation and Reliability: Review feedback and experience with businesses similar to yours, to ensure the provider has a strong track record in your industry.
Overviews of the 10 Best Payroll Service Providers
Here are the top ten payroll services, including an overview of each tool’s unique features, best use case, price, and notable pros and cons for each service.
Deel is a global payroll platform available in over 150 countries. The payroll service enables you to hire anyone from anywhere, whether they’re an independent contractor or a traditional employee.
Why I picked Deel: Deel’s platform makes it easy for remote and global teams to manage their payroll. The software enables users to hire and pay contractors without having to worry about complicated tax systems, local laws, or confusing international payroll.
Deel Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include Deel’s local country experts who work in-house to run clients’ global payroll. I think this is incredibly valuable for business owners who are weary of local taxes and laws for international hires.
The local experts streamline payroll processes for team members in their country and ensure regional taxes are accurately accounted for.
Integrations include Quickbooks, Xero, Netsuite, Workday, Workable, Expensify, Greenhouse, Hibob, BambooHR, Ashby, OneLogin, and Okta.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Off-cycle payroll available
- 10+ payment options for clients
- 24/7 online support
Cons:
- Occasional bugs
- Confusing fees for some add-ons
OnPay is one of the best payroll services because they offer specific versions of their software based on your industry. Whether you’re in construction, restaurants, agriculture, or a nonprofit, you’ll have a payroll provider that’s custom-tailored to your specific business.
Why I picked OnPay: Some industries have unique quirks when it comes to running payroll. For instance, restaurants typically deal with various part-time and full-time employees. Some restaurants that have delivery only pay drivers as contractors. OnPay offers different versions of their payroll service for a variety of industries to ensure even the most unique payroll needs are met which makes them stand out from the crowd.
OnPay Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include in-house insurance brokers to help you set up dental, vision, and health plans with partner providers. It also comes with integrated benefits administration, drastically reducing the requirement to manually enter data before running payroll. In my opinion, one of the coolest features is the 401k integrations that automatically include employer matching and even profit sharing.
Integrations include When I Work, Xero, Deputy, Mineral, PosterElite, Magnify, Quickbooks, and for 401k platforms: Guideline, Vestwell, and America’s Best 401k.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Great customer service during the week
- In-house insurance brokers
- Easy to use
- Easily integrated benefits
Cons:
- No support on weekends
- No mobile app
Paylocity is a cloud-based platform that offers payroll and human capital management solutions. Designed to simplify payroll processing and enhance HR functions, it provides tools to manage employee data, benefits, and compliance.d efficient. With both basic and full-service payroll options, Patriot aims to meet the diverse needs of small business owners.
Why I picked Paylocity: Its payroll processing ensures accurate and timely compensation for your employees, handling complex calculations and tax withholdings. The platform also offers on-demand payment options, allowing employees to access earned wages before payday, which can boost satisfaction and financial well-being.
Paylocity Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include global payroll that ensures compliance with local regulations. It also offers federal, state, and local tax filings, garnishment services to manage wage deductions efficiently, and expense management tools that streamline the reimbursement process.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, Azure Active Directory, Slack, BambooHR, Greenhouse, and NetSuite.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- On-demand payment options
- Automated expense reimbursement
- Comprehensive tax filing
Cons:
- Tax services limited to US jurisdictions
- No free trial option available
Remofirst provides advanced payroll services including payments for global employer of record (EOR) hires, international payroll, and compliance support.
Why I picked Remofirst: I chose Remofirst for payroll services because it addresses the intricacies of global employment, including adherence to local labor laws and managing a diverse workforce. They cater to the complexities of hiring and managing remote teams across over 180 countries, positioning themselves as a leading solution for global team management due to their same-day onboarding capability and competitive pricing.
Remofirst Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include tools to hire internationally without establishing a local entity, and tools to manage global payroll, ensure compliance with local tax laws and regulations, and generate contracts and invoices, alongside tools for workforce management. Other services offered include support with the visa application process, obtaining work permits for employees, and background checks. Remofirst also offers RemoHealth, which provides health insurance options for remote teams.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, Slack, and Zoom. An API is also available to support custom integrations, as well.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Suitable for small to medium-sized businesses
- User-friendly interface for HR professionals
- Customizable to different organizational needs
Cons:
- Limited flexibility in certain features
- Cost may be prohibitive for small businesses
Worksuite is a comprehensive freelancer management platform that offers employer of record (EOR) services including payroll processing. The platform allows you to hire and manage freelance and contract workers in 190 countries, and pay them in their local currency.
Why I picked Worksuite: In addition to paying your freelancers and contractors through the platform, you can manage your invoicing, maintain a talent database, onboard new recruits, and even track your projects. If your business relies heavily on contract-based employees, this can be a helpful solution for all-around management. And if you'd like to scale your freelancer workforce globally, but remain compliant, it can ensure you're meeting local labour laws.
Worksuite Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include the talent database, which letsy ou sort and filter contractors by various criteria such as availability and skills. The platform also facilitates customized onboarding workflows, including the collection of legal and tax documents, and automates invoice management linked to contractor profiles.
Integrations include Basecamp, Slack, Asana, Mavenlink, Pipedrive, Recurly, Zoho Subscriptions, Xero, and QuickBooks, among others. A paid Zapier account will also unlock thousands of other integrations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Coverage in 190 countries
- Risk management included to ensure compliance
- 24-hour live support available
Cons:
- Pricing is not transparent
- Platform comes with a learning curve
Gusto’s automation features are some of the best available of any payroll software, which has made it one of the leading payroll providers since 2011 with over 60,000 customers worldwide.
Why I picked Gusto: The platform is easy to use for anyone even without previous payroll experience thanks to the fully automated payroll. I picked this one because it drastically reduces your workload when juggling the many complicated payroll tasks.
Compared to other platforms that are clunky or confusing, this tool simplifies anything and you certainly don’t need to have an accounting background to make sense of it all.
Gusto Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include a variety of ways to fully automate different payroll and HR tasks. I really like how you can set up your payroll to run automatically, with a simple reminder sent to you 24 hours beforehand. Gusto will also calculate local, state, and federal taxes, then, they’ll file and pay them automatically as well.
I also like Gusto’s self-service portal for your employees and contractors. It can automatically generate W-2s and 1099 forms for everyone at the end of the year. It'll even send out an email to let everyone know their tax forms are ready, and how to retrieve them.
Integrations include Carta, ClickUp, HubSpot, Cloudflare, Connecteam, Document360, Notion, BlueJeans, DocuSign, Pingboard, Zendesk, Amplitude, Checkr, Betterment at Work, Dynatrace, Fivetran, Flatly, Gorgias, and Hootsuite.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- All plans include basic reports
- Wide variety of integrations
- Unlimited payroll runs in every state
- Affordable full-service payroll service
Cons:
- Limited support for Simple and Plususers
- Next-day direct deposit isn’t offered in Simple plan
Patriot Payroll is an online payroll service designed for small businesses in the United States. It offers a user-friendly platform that makes payroll management straightforward and efficient. With both basic and full-service payroll options, Patriot aims to meet the diverse needs of small business owners.
Why I picked Patriot Payroll: As a payroll service, Patriot offers comprehensive features, such as automatic tax calculations, direct deposit, and an employee portal for easy access to pay stubs and tax forms. Its full-service payroll option also includes all necessary federal, state, and local tax filings, ensuring compliance without the administrative hassle.
Patriot Payroll Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include customizable pay rates, allowing businesses to tailor compensation for different roles, time-off accruals, helping manage employee leave effectively, and detailed payroll reports, providing valuable insights into payroll expenses and trends to inform financial decisions.
Integrations include QuickBooks, TSheets, Gusto, Square, FreshBooks, Xero, accounting software, time and attendance systems, and human resources management systems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Variety of built-in reports
- User-friendly interface
- Manages electronic documents
Cons:
- The initial setup requires a lot of manual data entry
- No international payroll option
Roll by ADP is a mobile-focused, chat-based payroll app that offers basic payroll management tools for the business owner on the go.
ADP is the most used payroll company in the world (and for good reason). Over time, they’ve created a suite of different payroll products that are easy to use for businesses at any stage, including Roll, which is the mobile payroll solution.
Why I picked Roll by ADP: Roll by ADP is the only fully-functional payroll service that's first and foremost a mobile app. It’s the only one technically designed to be used in full force using your Android or iPhone which makes it easy to manage and access payroll from anywhere in the world.
Roll by ADP Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include an all-in-one mobile payroll service provider that is also accessible via desktop. Roll has all the main functions and reliability of ADP. I like how it also includes several mobile-only features like the chat-style interface and employee self-service portal.
Integrations include Quickbooks, Wave, Xero, Workday, Sage, FinancialForce, Infor, Oracle, SAP SuccessFactors, 7Shifts, Deputy, Dolce, Very, VidCruiter, Flock, LifeMart, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and ZipRecruiter.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Unlimited payroll runs
- AI-led accuracy and error checks.
- Full-featured mobile app and desktop options
Cons:
- Time-consuming setup
- App freezes every now and then
Payroll4Free is exactly what you think it is. A completely free service with basic payroll services. It’s built specifically for small businesses with under 25 employees.
Why I picked Payroll4Free: It’s completely free. For some business owners who are bootstrapping but need a minimum viable solution, Payroll4Free will get the job done.
While it doesn’t have a ton of features, there isn’t much that beats free when you have a limited budget.
PayrollFree Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include a simple (while slightly dated) interface, payroll services for employees and contractors, and year-end tax forms such as 1099s and W-2s.
In my opinion, one surprising feature of the free platform is the employee portal.
If you do want a little bit more, Payroll4Free does offer more advanced features if you want to upgrade to a paid plan (up to $30/month).
Integrations include Quickbooks and most other common accounting software.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Vacation time tracking
- Employee portal
- Completely free
Cons:
- Limited integrations
- Tax filing and remittance is a paid add-on
Remote is primarily an HR solution, but it also offers a payroll service that’s specifically geared toward remote teams.
Why I picked Remote: Remote is designed to simplify the global talent employment process and make it easy for companies to hire people all over the world.
However, what sets them apart from other global-focused payroll services is that they make international benefits easy to implement and manage.
Remote Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include Remote’s cloud-based platform that handles both payroll and HR functions, to facilitate international payroll, payroll taxes, and compliance in over 50 countries.
I was really impressed with how Remote gives you access to a network of HR and legal experts, too.
Remote also includes employee stock options and benefits, making it easy to offer international employees and contractors a better deal (so they’ll stick around longer) and manage your entire team easily.
Integrations include BambooHR, Greenhouse, HiBob, Personio, Easop, Kallidus, Pinpoint, Kruze, Fonoa, Divvy, Checkr, Refap, Verimark, Brex, Mercury, Stripe Atlas, Ramp, Desana, IWG, Kamsa, Lattice, AllVoices, Carta, Figure, and Pulley.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Global API and native partner integrations
- Access to a network of HR and legal experts
- Simplified local payroll, taxes, and compliance
- Payroll and HR services combined
Cons:
- Tight invoice payment deadlines
- Payments are only available in USD, EUR, and GBP
Other Payroll Service Providers
Here are a few more options that didn’t make my shortlist, but could still be worth considering:
- Buddy Punch
For employee time-tracking
- QuickBooks Payroll
For Quickbooks Accounting users
- Paychex Flex
Reporting features
- Paycor
For growing teams
- RUN Powered by ADP
For payroll and HR
- Zenefits
For payroll compliance
- Square Payroll
For tips and commissions
- PrimePay
For early paycheck access
- ADP TotalSource
For employee self-service features
- Bambee
For wage and hours regulation compliance
- Insperity
Payroll software and services combination
- SurePayroll
For advanced payroll reporting
- Justworks Payroll
For complex hiring processes
- Deluxe
For automating payroll tax filings
- Apex
Payroll and HR combination
- Workful
For customer service
Related Financial Software Reviews
Want to check out financial software that interacts with—and sometimes includes—payroll before you make your decision?
Here is some other financial software that we've tested and evaluated:
- Accounting Software
- ERP Software
- POS Systems
- Billing Software
- Forecasting Software
- Merchant Account Services
- Expense Report Software
Payroll Services Selection Criteria
Selecting payroll service providers involves evaluating functionality and meeting specific use cases that matter most when choosing this type of software. Here's how I judged them:
Core Payroll Services Functionality - 25% of total weighting score:
- Automated payroll processing
- Tax filing and compliance
- Direct deposit
- Employee self-service portals
- Benefits management
Additional Standout Features - 25% of total weighting score:
- Integration with other necessary software (but not part of a bigger system, such as ERP payroll software)
- Mobile app functionality
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- Customizable payroll reports
- Time tracking integration
Usability - 10% of total weighting score:
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation
- Customizable dashboards
- Drag-and-drop scheduling
- Role-based access control
Onboarding - 10% of total weighting score:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Chatbots for instant support
- Webinars for in-depth training
- Pre-built templates for quick setup
Customer Support - 10% of total weighting score:
- 24/7 customer support availability
- Multiple support channels (phone, email, chat)
- Dedicated account managers
- Comprehensive knowledge base
- Fast response times
Value For Money - 10% of total weighting score:
- Competitive pricing
- Transparent pricing structure
- No hidden fees
- Scalable pricing plans
- Free trial or demo availability
Customer Reviews - 10% of total weighting score:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on ease of use
- Comments on customer support quality
- Reviews on feature set
- Testimonials on reliability and performance
Trends for Payroll Services in 2024
The way companies operate changes quickly; payroll service providers have to respond just as fast. Here are some key trends I've seen developing throughout 2024.
AI and Machine Learning Integration
AI and machine learning are being integrated into payroll systems. These technologies help automate complex calculations and detect anomalies. This reduces errors and saves time.
Blockchain for Payroll Security
Blockchain technology is being used to enhance payroll security—I know, it sounds weird because of the number of crypto bros talking about it a few years back... but this is an actual use case.
It provides a transparent and immutable ledger for transactions, which ensures data integrity and reduces fraud.
Mobile Payroll Solutions
Mobile payroll solutions are gaining popularity. They allow employees to access their payroll information on the go. This increases convenience and accessibility.
On-Demand Pay
On-demand pay is becoming more common. Employees can access their earned wages before payday. This helps with financial flexibility and reduces stress.
Global Payroll Solutions
Global payroll solutions are addressing the needs of multinational companies. They simplify compliance with various local regulations. This ensures consistency and accuracy across borders.
These trends are shaping the future of payroll services.
What is a Payroll Service?
A payroll service is a third-party company that can manage or assist with various aspects of your company’s payroll processes. A payroll service will often simplify a variety of tasks and processes related to making timely and accurate payments to employees.
Payroll service providers help streamline payroll runs and allow companies to focus on their core activities while ensuring accurate and compliant payroll operations.
Features Of Payroll Services
When selecting a payroll service, it's crucial to understand the key features that can significantly impact the efficiency and accuracy of your payroll processes. The right payroll service can save time, reduce errors, and ensure compliance with tax laws. Here are the most important features to look for in a payroll service provider.
- Automation: Automates payroll calculations and tax filings to minimize errors and save time. This feature is essential for reducing manual entry and improving overall efficiency.
- Compliance: Keeps up with changing tax laws and regulations to avoid penalties. Ensuring compliance is critical to prevent costly fines and legal issues.
- Integration: Works well with other HR and accounting software. Seamless integration helps streamline data management and reduces the need for manual data entry.
- Employee Self-Service: Allows employees to manage their payroll information and access pay-related documents. This feature enhances efficiency by freeing up HR resources and empowering employees.
- Reporting and Analytics: Provides customizable reports for better insights into payroll metrics. Robust reporting tools help track payroll expenses and support informed decision-making.
- Mobile Access: Enables payroll management on-the-go. Mobile-friendly services allow users to handle payroll tasks from anywhere, increasing flexibility.
- Customer Support: Offers reliable assistance for quick issue resolution. Good customer support is crucial for addressing any problems that arise promptly.
- Direct Deposit: Provides employees with instant access to paychecks, eliminating the need for printed checks. This feature is convenient for employees and reduces administrative tasks.
- Expense Management: Automates reimbursement processes for employee expenses, ensuring timely and accurate records. Effective expense management is vital for maintaining accurate financial records.
- General Ledger Mapping: Ensures accurate financial record-keeping by integrating payroll activities into your accounting system. This feature helps maintain consistency and accuracy in financial reporting.
Choosing a payroll service with these features can significantly enhance payroll management, improve accuracy, and support overall business efficiency. By focusing on these key aspects, you can ensure that your payroll processes are streamlined and compliant with all necessary regulations.
Benefits Of Payroll Services
In today's fast-paced business environment, managing payroll can be a complex and time-consuming task. Payroll services offer a streamlined solution, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations while ensuring accurate and compliant payroll management. Here are five primary benefits of using payroll services for users and organizations:
- Time Savings: By automating payroll processes, businesses can save significant time that would otherwise be spent on calculating pay, printing checks, and generating reports. This allows business owners and HR teams to focus on more strategic activities that drive growth.
- Compliance Assurance: Professional payroll providers stay updated on the latest tax laws and regulations, ensuring accurate calculations and timely filings. This reduces the risk of costly penalties and legal issues, providing peace of mind for business owners.
- Cost Efficiency: Outsourcing payroll can be more cost-effective than managing it in-house. Businesses can reduce expenses related to payroll software, training, and staffing, ultimately leading to overall operational savings.
- Enhanced Security: Payroll services offer robust security measures to protect sensitive payroll data from risks such as identity theft and embezzlement. This ensures that employee information is handled with the highest level of confidentiality and security.
- Access to Expertise: Payroll service providers employ specialists who are well-versed in payroll processing, tax calculations, and compliance. This expertise ensures that payroll is handled accurately and efficiently, reducing the likelihood of errors and improving overall payroll management.
Using payroll service providers can transform payroll from a routine administrative task into a strategic asset for you. By leveraging the expertise and technology of professional payroll providers, you can enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure compliance with regulations.
Average Payroll Service Pricing
If you're wondering how each service's pricing compares to the norm, here are the ranges I've come to expect:
| Plan Type | Average Price (per month) | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Nada. Zilch. Zeroooo. | Basic payroll processing, limited support, self-service portal |
| Start-up | $20-50 | Payroll tax filing, direct deposit, basic reporting, employee self-service |
| Business | $50-100 | Advanced reporting, HR support, benefits administration, time tracking |
| Enterprise | $100+ | Comprehensive HR services, compliance management, dedicated support, custom features |
Payroll Service FAQs
Here are the answers to a couple popular questions many people have about payroll services.
What is the easiest way to do payroll for a small business?
The absolute easiest way to do payroll for a small business is by paying a monthly fee for a payroll service provider. The most popular payroll software are Gusto, ADP, and Intuit Quickbooks. The second best option is to hire an accountant who’ll run your payroll for you.
If your team grows beyond a manageable size, outsourcing the entire function to a payroll processing company will usually be the more cost-effective option.
What is the most popular payroll schedule?
The most popular payroll schedule is bi-weekly, or every two weeks. This is the easiest method due to the way overtime for hourly employees is calculated.
The second most common payroll schedule is once per month.
What are the compliance considerations when selecting a payroll service?
Compliance is a critical aspect of payroll management. When selecting a payroll service, ensure that it stays updated with federal, state, and local tax laws. The service should handle tax filings, wage and hour laws, and other regulatory requirements. Additionally, it should provide features like automated tax calculations, electronic filing, and compliance alerts. Some services also offer compliance guarantees, which can protect your business from penalties due to errors in tax filings.
How do payroll services handle employee benefits and deductions?
Payroll services can manage various employee benefits and deductions, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other voluntary benefits. They can automate the calculation and deduction of these benefits from employee paychecks, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Additionally, some payroll services offer benefits administration features, allowing you to manage enrollments, track eligibility, and handle open enrollment periods. It’s important to choose a service that can accommodate your specific benefits offerings and provide detailed reporting on deductions.
How secure are payroll services in handling sensitive employee data?
Security is paramount when dealing with sensitive employee data. Reputable payroll services implement robust security measures, including data encryption, secure data centers, regular security audits, and compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR or CCPA. Additionally, they should offer features like multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information. It’s crucial to inquire about the security protocols and certifications of any payroll service you are considering.
Get Your Payroll on a Roll
As a small business owner or finance manager, payroll software makes it much easier to create and manage effective payroll processes.
Hopefully, the services on this list helped you get a little bit closer to finding the right payroll service for your team.
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