Best Payroll Software: Save on Wages & Taxes (2024)

What is payroll software?

Payroll software helps you automate the entire process of paying employees, whether paid by the hour or by the salary.

Compared to outdated software, an effective payroll tool speeds up the process of making payments to employees while eliminating errors and gaps. It also allows managers to generate personalized paychecks for a given employee fairly quickly.

The main features of a payroll tool include automating source deduction calculations, including insurance amounts, taxes, and pension contributions, among others.

The software also makes it possible to process direct paycheck deposits, deduct paycheck entries, and generate tax forms for employees. Administrators are also empowered to create separate checks for employees who are not enrolled in direct deposit.

The majority of the best business payroll software now allows employees to take care of themselves.

This includes entering and editing information in the payroll system, verifying payroll data online on mobile devices, and changing the withholding amount.

Ranking of the best payroll software

Here are my picks for the best payroll software to try out this year.

1. Payfit

Payfit payroll software is emerging as a revolutionary payroll and human resources management solution specially designed to simplify the complexity of payroll processes and social declarations for small and medium-sized businesses.

Thanks to its clean and intuitive user interface, Payfit allows for automated payroll management, turning a traditionally tedious task into a smooth and pleasant experience.

Features

• Automation of social declarations: Payfit automatically generates and sends declarations to social organizations, ensuring total compliance for the law or the HR department of each company
• Leave and Absence Management Tool: The software offers an integrated system for managing leave requests, absences, and RTTs, simplifying human resources management.
• User friendly interface: Designed to be accessible to any business, Payfit offers a quick and easy handling, even for those without accounting expertise.
• Updates: payroll management software that is constantly updated

Pricing

The pricing plans of this payroll software are adapted according to the size and specific needs of each company, with a tailor-made proposal after a product demonstration.

In conclusion, Payfit payroll software is an innovative payroll software that is particularly suited to the needs of SMEs, greatly simplifying payroll and human resources management thanks to its effective automation and intuitive interface.

However, its cost can be an obstacle for very small businesses and its customization may not satisfy more specific cases. Despite this, its commitment to compliance and its dedicated customer support make it a solid option for businesses looking to modernize their payroll management.

2. Silae

Silae payroll software is a payroll and human resources management software for accountants and HR professionals, offering a complete solution for payroll management in a secure and compliant environment. Silae stands out for its ability to manage large volumes of payroll data accurately and efficiently, making the payroll process faster and less prone to errors.

Features

• Complete payroll management: From entering hours to generating pay slips and social declarations, everything is integrated.
• Compliance and legal updates: Silae adapts to legislative changes in real time, ensuring flawless compliance for each company
• Dashboards and reporting: Advanced analysis tools allow accurate monitoring of payroll and human resources management data.

Pricing

Silae payroll software offers pricing based on the volume of payroll managed, requiring a personalized quote for each company according to its specific needs.

Silae payroll software is proving to be a robust and reliable tool for accountants and HR professionals, offering complete and compliant payroll management. Its ability to process large volumes of data accurately makes it a valuable ally for demanding payroll processes.

However, its complexity can present a challenge for less experienced users and its cost can be prohibitive for small businesses. However, its commitment to data security and specialized technical support compensates for these drawbacks and makes it an attractive option for businesses ready to invest in a successful payroll solution.

3. OnPay.

OnPay payroll software offers faster performance, a clean design, and great features. This full-service payroll software provides an end-to-end payroll solution where business management can easily maintain a comprehensive workforce record and process an unlimited number of payrolls each month.

Features

• Document Vault: Offers a document vault where employees can easily store all important documents in a safe and secure manner.
• Robust integration: This payroll management software solution offers strong third-party integrations with various applications including Xero, Humanity, Guideline, QuickBooks, Kabbage, and more.
• 401 (k) planning: This feature helps employees effectively plan for retirement while effectively managing deductions, compliance, and investment portfolios
• OnPay keeps all employee data, even when they're not working for the company, so they can access pay slips and W-2 forms online.
• Users can learn about employment legislation thanks to its extensive HR library.
• This payroll management solution relies on multi-level user permissions and a security code for calls to ensure the safety of the organization.

Pricing

OnPay payroll software offers a free trial. After that, the base is $36 per month plus $4 per person.

In conclusion, the OnPay payroll software is presented as a versatile payroll and HR management tool, appreciated for its ability to process an unlimited number of payrolls and its guaranteed tax compliance.

The payroll management platform offers a wide variety of features, including a document vault and excellent integrations, that facilitate HR administrative management.

However, the complexity of the knowledge base and the absence of a mobile application and customer support on weekends could limit its usability for some users, especially those who are less technologically savvy or require constant support.

Get started with OnPay as of today.

4. ADP Payroll.

If you're looking for a fast, simple, and affordable payroll system for small businesses, ADP Payroll payroll software is the perfect fit for you.

With its comprehensive range of payroll services, ADP Payroll can help you save time and money while ensuring that your employees are always paid correctly and on time.

Features

• Robust reports: With customizable and easy-to-use reports, you can always keep track of your payroll data.
• Tax return: ADP Payroll can help you complete all of your tax returns, ensuring that you remain in compliance with the latest regulations.
• Garnishment payment services: If your employees are subject to seizures, ADP Payroll can help you make these payments on time and correctly.
• HR training and toolkits: As a small business owner, it's important to have access to the latest HR resources and training. With ADP Payroll, you'll have everything you need to stay on top of the latest HR trends and best practices.
• Background checks: These checks ensure that your employees are who they say they are and that they can work confidently for your business.
• Document Vault: A secure online storage space where you can keep all of your important payroll documents safely and in an organized manner.
• Alerts and notifications: With ADP Payroll, you'll always be alerted to any changes or updates to your payroll information so you can stay on top of the situation.
• Work-Life Employee Assistance Programs: These programs provide support to employees who may have difficulty balancing work and home life.
• Employee discount program: This program offers discounts on products and services to employees, making it easy for them to save money.
• HR HelpDesk: The HR HelpDesk is a resource center where you can find information and advice on all things HR. From hiring to dismissal, the HR HelpDesk has you covered.

Pricing

You'll need to get a quote from the company to find out how much ADP Payroll costs.

However, a free three-month payroll management service is offered at this time.

In conclusion, ADP Payroll payroll software stands out as a payroll and human resources management solution that is for those looking for an all-in-one approach to their business. Highlights include customizable reports, tax and seizure management, and comprehensive HR resources.

However, the lack of price transparency on the website can be a barrier for businesses looking to quickly compare the costs of payroll services.

While additional programs such as employee assistance and discounts are benefits, the need to contact the company directly for specific pricing information could hold back some potential users.

Start with ADP Payroll.

5. Rippling.

If you want to manage payroll in 90 seconds, Rippling payroll software is the software for you.

Thanks to its simple and streamlined interface, any business owner or manager can quickly process payroll without a headache.

Features

• Time tracking : Track the working time of your employees with Rippling's time tracking function. This makes it easier to process wages and ensures that your employees are paid for the hours they worked.
• Multiple task costs and pay rates : With Rippling, you can easily track job costs and set different pay rates for different positions. This is useful if you have employees who are paid differently based on their position or role in the company.
• Direct deposit or check : With Rippling, you can choose to deposit your employees' salaries directly into their bank account or write them a physical check. This is useful if you have employees who prefer to be paid by direct deposit or check.
• Mobile app : The Rippling mobile app allows you to process salaries from anywhere and at any time. This is useful if you are on the go and need to process salaries quickly.

Pricing

The costs start at $8 per user per month, but it all depends on what features you want.

You can schedule a one-on-one demo with a product expert to see if Rippling payroll software is right for you.

In conclusion, Rippling payroll software is presented as an eminently modern and efficient payroll solution, ideal for those who value speed and efficiency. His ability to manage time tracking, apply variable pay rates, and offer flexible payment options like direct deposit and checks is particularly remarkable.

In addition, Rippling's mobile application is a great asset for dynamic managers on the go. However, isolated post-subscription billing issues can be a concern for users who pay attention to financial management details.

Despite this, the benefits of Rippling, including its advanced reporting features and tools and the ability to pay employees internationally, make it a solid choice for modern businesses looking for hassle-free payroll management.

Get started with payroll software Rippling.

6. Gusto.

The payroll software Gusto is one of the most popular payroll software available on the market today. It is a cutting-edge SaaS offering that makes old providers seem like ADP in the Stone Age. Gusto offers an intuitive and easy to use interface that makes the user experience pleasant and hassle-free.

In addition, it is capable of managing both general human resources management and essential administrative tasks.

Features

• Robust security: It offers bank-grade security with 256-bit encryption of data flowing between authorized stakeholders.
• Child Support Garnishment: It automates payments for all employees in every state except California.
• Automatic wage adjustment: Gusto is able to automatically adjust employee salaries to ensure that the minimum is paid to everyone and to comply with FLSA Tip Credit minimum wage compliance.
• Employee onboarding - HR experts can use the software to allow the autonomous integration of new employees.
• Faster processing of basic payroll data

Pricing

Paid subscriptions for this payroll software start at $6 per month.

In summary, Gusto payroll software stands out for its modern and user-friendly approach to payroll, which contrasts radically with more traditional methods.

Its ease of use, combined with robust capabilities for managing human resources and administrative tasks, makes it a preferred choice for businesses of all sizes. Features like enhanced security and automatic salary adjustment illustrate its commitment to compliance and efficiency. However, the lack of customer support on weekends and the inability to use prepaid debit cards are points that may require reassessment for some users.

Despite these limitations, Gusto's benefits, including its seamless integration with other tools and its streamlined onboarding process for new hires, make it a competitive player in the payroll software space.

Complete their questionnaire and Start with a free Gusto trial.

7. Quickbooks Intuit.

Intuit Enhanced Payroll payroll software offers a robust and efficient setup that you can easily do for accurate payroll data processing. It provides a capable and reliable solution for managing employee payroll and paying taxes simultaneously.

Features

• Robust fiscal integration: It ensures that taxes are accurately calculated so that you can pay them on time to the relevant authorities.
• Custom reports: Managers can create custom reports on payment and employee data based on business needs.
• Secure data: Since the software is on the cloud, it offers excellent data security and the ability to use it from anywhere securely
• The cloud-based solution secures all information securely. Users can access the software from any location
• It provides a solid mechanism for effectively managing federal, state, and local land taxes.
• Trial version: The software comes with a 30-day free trial that includes all features
• Customization: It offers the possibility to easily customize reports

Pricing

The payroll software comes with a comprehensive free trial. Its paid subscriptions start at $51.25 per month when paid annually.

Intuit Enhanced Payroll payroll software is a reliable solution to simplify payroll and tax management, tailored to the needs of managers. It is distinguished by accurate tax calculations, customizable reports, and enhanced security thanks to its cloud infrastructure. Mobile payroll management via applications is a significant plus.

However, the user interface may discourage some because of its complexity and outdated look. Plus, its high cost and limited features can be crippling for small businesses. The 30-day free trial is an advantage for testing the service.

8. Sage Payroll Essentials Plus.

Sage payroll software is, without a doubt, one of the best payroll software on this list. The best part is that it is equipped with all the essential elements required for a competent payroll software offering.

Features

• Easy installation: The software offers easy installation and integration among its competitors.
• Accuracy: It offers solid accuracy and efficiency in terms of tax compliance, payment processing, and payroll data.
• Money Back Guarantee: It offers a six-month money-back guarantee. Without a doubt, it is a unique offer of its kind.
• Automatic payment processing based on the payment schedule.
• Robust integration support with other accounting software

Pricing

Sage Payroll Essential payroll software offers customized pricing plans based on the requirements of a particular business.

Sage Payroll payroll software stands out as a comprehensive payroll management solution, combining ease of installation, accurate tax and payroll calculations, and a six-month reimbursement policy that is unique on the market.

However, despite its advanced and scalable features, ideal for growing small businesses, the user interface and dashboard can feel dated and overloaded, detracting from the overall experience. In addition, its lack of optimization for mobile devices limits accessibility. The six-month money-back offer is a major asset in attracting customers, but an update to the interface could greatly improve its attractiveness.

9. Xero.

Xero payroll software offers effective payroll management solutions as well as robust accounting and bookkeeping tools to enable businesses to closely monitor their cash flow at every touchpoint.

Features

• Advanced Features: It offers powerful features including advanced billing and quotes, credit card reconciliation, banking, and PayPal. In addition, it is capable of supporting accelerated inventory management, payroll calculation and tax management, purchase orders, and expense control, among others.
• Easy to use: its user interface is well-organized, and even a beginner can use it quite easily.
• Smartphone application: The software is equipped with dedicated mobile applications for Android and iOS. Employees can use the app for time tracking, pay slips, and to request time off.
• Robust integration with over 500 3rd party applications.
• A two-factor authentication model with multiple approvals, it reduces the likelihood of fraud. It creates a detailed record of each action, including user name, action performed, date, and manual notes, among others.
• Advanced features, including the identification of check alterations, expense reports, bank accounts, among others.
• Its intuitive dashboard makes it easy to track working hours and holidays.

Pricing

Initially, it offers a free trial. Then, paid plans start at $20 per month.

Xero payroll software is positioned as a comprehensive solution for payroll and accounting management, offering advanced tools for billing, bank reconciliation, and inventory management. Its user-friendly interface and dedicated mobile application make financial management accessible and effective for businesses of all sizes.

However, despite its extensive features and extensive integration with over 500 applications, Xero may be limited for larger organizations that need more in-depth reports and specific features. Security is enhanced by a two-factor authentication model, but an expansion of reporting functions would be beneficial to accommodate more complex needs.

How do I choose a payroll software?

When you start looking for salary information, you may find yourself faced with various options that claim to be the best on the market.

It is therefore crucial to have some basic knowledge about the essential features that you should look for in these powerful software.

Be sure to do your research and check out the step-by-step guides Payroll software for small businesses.

• Automatic payment - The software should be able to calculate taxes, deductions for other benefits, and generate salaries based on these variables. It should also be able to automatically generate paychecks and make an online transfer to the account of registered employees.
• Report and pay taxes automatically - The software should be able to withhold employee taxes, file payroll tax reports quarterly, and make accurate tax payments to federal, state, and local agencies. It should also be able to issue the W-2 and 1099 forms at the end of the year. Some full-service payroll software offers an infallible guarantee for calculating and paying taxes to the relevant authorities.
• Mobile access - Look for one of the payroll software programs that offers a cloud service for greater flexibility and mobility. This will allow managers and employees to take advantage of the software from any machine and from any location. Also, make sure that payroll software offers robust Android and iOS mobile applications for employees to use all the features of the payroll system.
• Payroll reports - Data-based reporting is essential in any business. Ensure that your payroll options generate data-rich reports on wages, labor, revenue, and expenses to better understand the effectiveness of business operations.

With these key points in mind, choose your payroll software or application based on some of the criteria above.

FAQs

What is the best payroll software for direct deposit?

The best payroll software for direct deposit is OnPay. It's by far the best payroll software for small businesses. It is full of features but is not very complicated to use. Other payroll software can often be complicated, but OnPay doesn't have that problem, which is why it's at the top of my list.

What is the best free payroll software?

The best free payroll software on the market is not free. You can use a tool like Payroll4Free.com, but with each free tool, you may run into problems along the way. Payroll is far too important for your business to use just a free tool. I strongly recommend against using any of these programs.

What is the best payroll and HR software?

The best HR and payroll software combo is OnPay. It's the perfect tool on the software market for HR and payroll management because it does just enough without being a huge headache with a huge learning curve. I highly recommend OnPay to any company looking for a kind of Swiss Army knife for this sector of activity.

Do proposal software and payroll software need to integrate?

There is no definite answer to this question as it depends on the specific software in question and its configuration. However, in general, it is likely that the proposals and the payroll software will need to be integrated in order to function properly.

The good proposal software can make creating, distributing, and tracking proposals easier than ever.

Summary.

PayFit is one of the most efficient payroll software on the market. These tools can help you simplify HR tasks, payroll management, attendance tracking, and more.

However, here are a few things you should keep in mind before making the final decision on this software:

• Subscription cost : Depending on the size of your business, you need to analyze the value that payroll applications and software provide. If you are a small business, you can opt for free payroll software to reduce subscription fees.
• Relevant features : The best payroll software can offer a plethora of features and add-ons, but if you don't use all the features, you're wasting a considerable amount of money on an expensive subscription. Make sure that you're not overloading your software with time-wasting add-ons and that your system is set up to easily process payroll.
• Customer Support : Seek solid customer support from these software to ensure seamless integration and resolution of questions after purchasing the subscription.

Other recommended reading: If you're looking for other useful professional tools and software, check out my reviews of the best tax software And of best accounting software to be used this year.