28 Best Payroll Services Reviewed in 2025
Best Payroll Services Providers Shortlist
Here’s my top picks for the best payroll services providers:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Dealing with payroll without the assistance of specialized payroll services can quickly become a nightmare for any CFO. From tracking hours and calculating taxes to ensuring compliance with ever-evolving regulations, the process is not only time-consuming but also rife with potential errors. These challenges often lead to stressed teams, financial discrepancies, and even penalties that could have been avoided.
As a fintech expert with years of experience evaluating digital tools, I understand the unique challenges finance leaders face when managing payroll. This insight has given me the ability to identify tools and services that not only handle the heavy lifting of payroll but also adapt to your company’s specific needs.
With your priorities in mind, I’ve reviewed a selection of payroll services designed to simplify financial operations and enhance compliance. These providers were chosen based on their target industries, features, and alignment with the demands of financial leaders like yourself.
Whether you’re searching for automation, integration, or scalability, this list will guide you to your next essential provider, so you can focus on growing your business without payroll worries.
Why Trust Our Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing payroll services since 2023. As financial operators ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting services and software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different finance and accounting use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our payroll services review methodology.
Best Payroll Services Providers Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top payroll service provider selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for global teams | Free demo available | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Website | |
| 2 | Best for multi-country payroll compliance | Free demo available | From $15/employee/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for industry-specific payroll | 30-day free trial | From $40/month + $6/user/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for on-demand wage access | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best service for managing international payments | Free demo available | From $25 - $199/user/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for global contractors and freelancers | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for US-based businesses | 30-day free trial | From $4/employee/month + $17/month base fee | Website | |
| 8 | Best for employee time-tracking | 14-day free trial | From $3.99/user/month + $19/month base fee | Website | |
| 9 | Best for automations | Free demo available | From $40/month + $6/user/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best free payroll service | Free plan available | From $30/month | Website |
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LiveFlow
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.9 -
Float Financial
Visit Website -
Vena
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5
Best Payroll Service Providers Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best payroll service providers that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer an in-depth look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
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
Papaya Global is a cloud-based platform that simplifies the complexities of managing and paying a global workforce. It offers solutions for payroll, compliance, and workforce management across over 160 countries.
Why I picked Papaya Global: Papaya Global’s automated payroll processing is a key reason why it stands out. The platform consolidates payroll across multiple countries into a single system, ensuring that employees and contractors are paid accurately and on time. Businesses can manage payroll for full-time employees, contractors, and EOR (Employer of Record) hires within a single dashboard, streamlining global workforce management.
Papaya Global Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include built-in compliance management, ensuring that all payroll operations adhere to local tax laws and employment regulations. The platform also automatically updates tax rates and labor laws in different countries, so your business stays compliant without manual intervention. The platform even provides multi-currency payments, enabling companies to pay employees and contractors in their local currencies without extra conversion steps.
Integrations include BambooHR, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Expensify, SAP Concur, SAP Business One, Namely, Bob, and SAP SuccessFactors HXM Suite.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports multi-currency payments without additional conversion steps
- Ensures compliance with local tax and labor laws
- Automates payroll across multiple countries
Cons:
- Limited support in some regions
- Limited third-party integrations compared to some competitors
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
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
Buddy Punch is a payroll service that helps businesses monitor, manage, and track employee time and attendance more effectively.
Why I picked Buddy Punch: Buddy Punch is an all-in-one payroll and time-tracking solution. It’s best suited for small and medium businesses that have a lot of hourly employees. Buddy Punch’s time tracking capabilities are super helpful in managing and reviewing time worked by employees.
Buddy Punch Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include automated payroll and time-tracking. I think this is helpful if you’re looking to save more time on HR and admin tasks. The software also includes different modules for payroll and time-tracking so you can keep an eye on payroll costs and hours worked.
Plus, Buddy Punch allows for automated payroll tax filings and an unlimited number of payroll runs.
Integrations include ADP, Paychex, Paylocity, PayPlus, Quickbooks, Gusto, SurePayroll, Workday, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Impressive online support
- Automated tax filings
- Mobile app for Android and iOS
Cons:
- Can be a bit confusing to review past pay periods
- Attendance “punching out” sometimes glitches
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
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
Other Payroll Service Providers
Here are a few more options that didn’t make my shortlist, but could still be worth considering:
- Roll by ADP
For small teams
- Remote
For international benefits management
- Paychex Flex
Reporting features
- QuickBooks Payroll
For Quickbooks Accounting users
- Paycor
For growing teams
- RUN Powered by ADP
For payroll and HR
- Oyster HR
For compliant global payroll
- Square Payroll
For tips and commissions
- PrimePay
For early paycheck access
- Zenefits
For payroll compliance
- ADP TotalSource
For employee self-service features
- Bambee
For wage and hours regulation compliance
- Insperity
Payroll software and services combination
- Workful
For customer service
- SurePayroll
For advanced payroll reporting
- Deluxe
For automating payroll tax filings
- Justworks Payroll
For complex hiring processes
- Apex
Payroll and HR combination
Related Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for, check out these related tools we tested and evaluated:
- Accounting Software
- ERP Software
- POS Systems
- Billing Software
- Forecasting Software
- Merchant Account Services
- Expense Report Software
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.
Payroll Services Selection Criteria
When selecting the best payroll services to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like compliance management and error reduction. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Process payroll for employees
- Calculate taxes and deductions
- Generate payroll reports
- Provide direct deposit options
- Offer employee self-service portals
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Integration with time and attendance systems
- Automated compliance updates
- Customizable reporting tools
- Multi-currency support
- Mobile app accessibility
- Ability to manage multi-company payroll
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface design
- Ease of navigation
- Availability of tutorials or guides
- Speed of performance
- Customization options
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Access to interactive product tours
- Presence of chatbots for assistance
- Inclusion of webinars for new users
- Availability of templates for setup
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Multi-channel support options
- Response time to queries
- Access to a dedicated account manager
- Quality of self-help resources
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing models
- Transparency in pricing
- Inclusion of essential features in base price
- Discounts for annual subscriptions
- Cost-effectiveness for small businesses
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Positive feedback on reliability
- Satisfaction with customer service
- Ease of implementation
- User-friendliness
- Overall value for money
How 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.
Key Payroll Services
When selecting a payroll service provider, keep an eye out for the following key services:
- Payroll Processing: Efficiently manages employee paychecks, direct deposits, and tax calculations.
- Tax Filing Services: Ensures accurate filing of payroll taxes, including state, federal, and local requirements.
- Employee Self-Service Portal: Provides employees access to pay stubs, tax forms, and personal information updates.
- Compliance Support: Navigates complex wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and payroll compliance to avoid penalties.
- Time and Attendance Tracking: Integrates time tracking systems to streamline payroll calculations.
- Multi-State Payroll Solutions: Handles payroll processing across multiple states with accurate compliance.
- Customizable Payroll Options: Tailors payroll processing to meet the specific needs of your business, including bonuses and commissions.
- Benefits and Deductions Management: Automates calculations for employee benefits and deductions such as healthcare, retirement, and garnishments.
- Advanced Reporting Tools: Uses data-driven insights to monitor payroll trends and ensure transparency.
- Integration With HR and Accounting Systems: Seamlessly connects payroll services with your existing HR and accounting software for efficiency.
Benefits of Payroll Services
Partnering with a payroll services provider offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Cost Savings: Streamlines payroll processes and reduce errors, saving time and money for your business.
- Compliance Assurance: Stays updated on payroll tax regulations and employment laws to avoid fines and legal issues.
- Enhanced Efficiency: Automates payroll processing, freeing up internal resources for other core business activities.
- Access to Expertise: Works with experienced payroll specialists who can guide you through complex payroll scenarios.
- Improved Employee Satisfaction: Ensures timely and accurate payment to employees, enhancing trust and morale.
- Risk Reduction: Minimizes the risk of payroll errors, audits, and penalties with professional management.
- Scalability: Supports your business’s growth with payroll solutions that adapt to increasing employee numbers or complexity.
Costs and Pricing of Payroll Services
Payroll services are priced based on your business size, needs, and the scope of services required. Providers commonly use one of the following pricing structures:
- Per-Employee-Per-Month (PEPM): Charges a recurring fee based on the number of employees processed.
- Flat Fee: Offers a consistent monthly or annual charge for services, regardless of employee count.
- Pay-As-You-Go: Allows businesses to pay only for specific payroll runs or additional features, adding flexibility.
- Tiered Pricing: Provides different service levels at varying price points to cater to small, medium, and large businesses.
- Custom Pricing: Tailors the cost based on the unique requirements of your business, such as industry or special payroll needs.
Key Factors That Influence Payroll Services Pricing
Several factors affect the cost of payroll services, including:
- Number of Employees: Larger workforces typically incur higher costs due to the increased processing volume.
- Service Scope: Additional features like direct deposits, tax filing, or time-tracking integrations may increase pricing.
- Industry Requirements: Businesses in industries with complex payroll rules or compliance needs may face higher fees.
- Customization Needs: Tailored solutions for unique payroll requirements, such as multi-state or international payroll, can raise costs.
- Frequency of Payroll: More frequent payroll runs (e.g., weekly vs. bi-weekly) may result in higher charges.
- Add-Ons: Optional services like benefits administration, HR support, or accounting software integrations can impact overall pricing.
- Contract Length: Long-term agreements might include discounts, while short-term or month-to-month plans could have a premium.
Being aware of these factors helps you anticipate costs and effectively evaluate quotes from payroll service providers.
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 or other financial services, 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.
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