10 Best Payroll Apps in 2024

Payroll software automates payments to employees and helps to maintain receipts. Robust, integrated, and properly configured payroll software can help organisations maintain compliance with tax laws and other financial regulations and minimise costs. Such software helps to manage employees’ payroll, taxes, allowances, and other kinds of benefits. Its main purpose is to provide efficient and accurate payment settlement to employees and help organisations in tracking employee work hours and tax filing. It can help in the reduction of admin costs and enhance the productivity of employees. Selecting the right payroll software is a crucial decision for businesses, as it directly impacts the efficiency and accuracy of payroll processes.

Best Payroll Apps

Selecting the right payroll software is a crucial decision for businesses, as it directly impacts the efficiency and accuracy of payroll processes.

1. Gusto

Gusto is a cloud-based payroll and human resource management platform designed for small businesses. It simplifies complex tasks such as payroll processing, tax filings, and benefits management. Gusto aims to provide an easy-to-use platform with a focus on user-friendly interfaces, making it accessible for businesses with limited HR expertise.

Founded	2012
CEO	Josh Reeves
Headquarters	San Francisco, California, USA
Founder	Josh Reeves (CEO), Tomer London, and Edward Kim

Advantages of Gusto

• User-Friendly Interface: Gusto offers an intuitive and easy-to-use platform, making payroll processing straightforward for small businesses.
• Comprehensive Employee Benefits: In addition to payroll, Gusto provides tools for managing employee benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans.
• Streamlined Payroll Processing: Gusto automates various payroll tasks, reducing manual effort and the risk of errors in payroll calculations.

Disadvantages of Gusto

• Limited International Support: Gusto primarily caters to U.S.-based businesses, and its features may be limited for businesses with international operations.
• Pricing for Additional Features: While Gusto’s base pricing is competitive, additional features may come with extra costs, potentially impacting the overall affordability.
• Integration Complexity: Some users report challenges in integrating Gusto with other software solutions, potentially causing workflow disruptions.

2. QuickBooks

QuickBooks is a well-established accounting software that offers a comprehensive suite of financial tools, including payroll solutions. QuickBooks Payroll is designed to seamlessly integrate with QuickBooks accounting software, providing businesses with a unified platform for managing their finances and payroll.

Founded	1983
CEO	Sasan Goodarzi
Headquarters	Mountain View, California, USA
Founder	Scott Cook, Tom Proulx

Advantages of QuickBooks

• Robust Accounting Features: QuickBooks is known for its comprehensive accounting features, seamlessly integrating payroll with overall financial management.
• Integration with Banking: QuickBooks allows for direct integration with bank accounts, facilitating easy tracking of expenses, income, and payroll transactions.
• Scalability for Small to Large Businesses: QuickBooks offers scalability, suitable for small businesses looking to grow and larger enterprises with more complex payroll needs.

Disadvantages of QuickBooks

• Learning Curve for Beginners: Some users may experience a learning curve, especially for those new to accounting software, due to its extensive features.
• Additional Costs for Advanced Features: Advanced payroll features may come with additional costs, potentially affecting the overall affordability for some businesses.
• Limited Customer Support for Lower Tiers: Users on lower-tier plans may experience limited customer support compared to higher-tier plans.

3. ADP Workforce Now

ADP Workforce Now is an integrated human capital management (HCM) solution catering to midsize and large enterprises. It encompasses a wide range of features, including payroll, HR, time and attendance, benefits administration, and talent management. ADP Workforce Now is positioned as a solution for businesses looking for a unified platform to manage various aspects of workforce management.

Founded	1949
CEO	Maria Black
Headquarters	Roseland, New Jersey, USA
Founder	Henry Taub

Advantages of ADP Workforce Now

• Comprehensive Workforce Management: ADP Workforce Now provides a comprehensive suite for workforce management, including payroll, HR, and time and attendance.
• Scalable for Midsize to Large Businesses: Designed to accommodate the needs of midsize to large enterprises, ADP Workforce Now scales with business growth.
• Compliance and Reporting Tools: The platform includes robust tools for compliance management and reporting, helping businesses meet regulatory requirements.

Disadvantages of ADP Workforce Now

• Cost for Additional Features: While ADP Workforce Now offers a range of features, additional functionalities may come at an extra cost.
• Customisation Complexity: Some users report that the platform’s customisation options may be complex and require a learning curve.
• Some Users Report Customer Service Challenges: A few users have reported challenges with customer service, citing delays in issue resolution.

4. Square Payroll

Square Payroll is a payroll processing solution offered by Square, a company known for its point-of-sale systems and payment processing services. Square Payroll caters to small and medium-sized businesses, providing an easy-to-use platform for managing payroll, taxes, and employee benefits. It can be easily integrated with a new system.

Founded	2009
CEO	Jack Dorsey
Headquarters	San Francisco, California.
Founder	Jack Dorsey and Jim McKelvey

Advantages of Square Payroll

• User-Friendly Interface: Square Payroll is known for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible for small businesses with limited payroll processing experience. The intuitive design simplifies the payroll management process.
• Integration with Square POS: Square Payroll seamlessly integrates with Square’s point-of-sale (POS) systems. This integration allows businesses to manage payroll alongside other aspects of their operations within the Square ecosystem.
• Transparent Pricing: Square Payroll offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees. This straightforward pricing model makes it easier for businesses to understand and budget for their payroll expenses.

Disadvantages of Square Payroll

• Limited Advanced Features: While Square Payroll is effective for small businesses, it may lack some of the advanced features required by larger enterprises with more complex payroll and HR needs.
• Geographic Limitations: Square Payroll may have limitations for businesses operating outside the United States. Its services are primarily tailored to businesses within the U.S.
• Customer Support Feedback: Some users have reported mixed feedback regarding customer support feedback.

5. Paychex Flex

Paychex Flex is a comprehensive payroll and human capital management platform designed for businesses of all sizes. It offers a range of services, including payroll processing, HR administration, benefits management, and compliance support. Paychex Flex aims to streamline workforce management processes for businesses with diverse needs.

Founded	1971
CEO	John Gibson
Headquarters	Rochester, New York
Founder	B. Thomas Golisano

Advantages of Paychex Flex

• Comprehensive Workforce Management: Paychex Flex provides a comprehensive suite for workforce management, covering payroll, HR administration, benefits management, and compliance. This all-in-one approach simplifies overall workforce management.
• Scalability for Businesses: Paychex Flex is designed to scale with businesses, making it suitable for both small and large enterprises. It can accommodate changing workforce needs as businesses expand.
• Diverse HR Services: Paychex Flex offers a range of HR services, including employee onboarding, training, and compliance assistance. This comprehensive HR support can benefit businesses looking for integrated solutions.

Disadvantages of Paychex Flex

• Cost for Additional Features: While Paychex Flex offers a robust set of features, some advanced functionalities may come with additional costs. Businesses should carefully assess their needs against the pricing structure.
• Customization Complexity: Users have reported that the customisation options within Paychex Flex may have a learning curve. Implementing highly tailored configurations may require additional time and expertise.
• Customer Support Challenges: Similar to other comprehensive solutions, some users have reported challenges with customer support, including delays in issue resolution.

6. Zenefits

Zenefits is an integrated HR and payroll platform offering a range of features, including payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance tools. Its user-friendly interface appeals to businesses looking for an all-in-one solution. With a user-friendly interface and mobile accessibility, Zenefits streamlines HR tasks for growing businesses.

Founded	18 February 2013
CEO	Jay Fulcher (Since 2017)
Headquarters	San Francisco, California, United States
Founder	Parker Conrad

Advantages of Zenefits

• Integrated HR and Benefits: Zenefits integrates HR and benefits management in one platform, streamlining processes for businesses. This integration helps in managing employee data, benefits, and payroll from a single interface.
• Automation for Compliance: Zenefits automates compliance tasks, helping businesses stay up-to-date with regulations. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses navigating complex compliance requirements.
• Employee Self-Service: Zenefits provides an employee self-service portal, allowing employees to access and manage their information. This empowers employees and reduces the administrative burden on HR.

Disadvantages of Zenefits

• Pricing Complexity: Some users find Zenefits’ pricing structure complex, with additional costs for certain features. Businesses should carefully assess their needs against the pricing model.
• Learning Curve: Implementing Zenefits may have a learning curve for users unfamiliar with HR software. Training and support may be required for a smooth transition.
• Customer Support Feedback: Users have reported mixed feedback regarding customer support, with experiences ranging from positive to less satisfactory.

7. Wave Payroll

Wave Payroll is a cloud-based payroll solution designed for small businesses. It provides features, such as automated payroll processing, direct deposit, and tax calculations. Wave Payroll is known for its simplicity and affordability and is a practical choice for startups and small enterprises managing payroll on a budget.

Founded	2009
CEO	Zahir Khoja
Headquarter	Toronto, Canada
Founder	Zahir Khoja (CEO), Kirk Simpson (Co-Founder and CEO), James Lochrie (Co-Founder)

Advantages of Wave Payroll

• Affordability for Small Businesses: Wave Payroll is known for its affordability, making it an attractive option for small businesses with budget constraints. It provides essential payroll features at a competitive price.
• User-Friendly Interface: Wave Payroll features a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for users without extensive payroll experience. The simplicity of the platform contributes to an efficient payroll process.
• Direct Deposit and Tax Calculations: Wave Payroll supports direct deposit, offering a convenient payment option for employees. Additionally, it handles tax calculations, reducing the manual effort required for tax-related tasks.

Disadvantages of Wave Payroll

• Limited Features for Larger Businesses: While suitable for small businesses, Wave Payroll may lack some advanced features required by larger enterprises with more complex payroll needs.
• Customer Support Limitations: Users have reported limitations in customer support, especially in comparison to more comprehensive payroll solutions. Businesses may face challenges in getting timely assistance.
• International Support: Wave Payroll primarily focuses on businesses in North America. It may not be the ideal solution for businesses with international operations.

8. TriNet

TriNet caters to the HR and payroll needs of small and medium-sized businesses. It provides comprehensive solutions, including payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance management, all delivered through a cloud-based platform.

Founded	1988
CEO	Burton M. Goldfield (May 2008–)
Headquarters	Dublin, California, United States
Founder	Martin Babinec

Advantages of TriNet

• Comprehensive HR and Benefits Services: TriNet provides a range of services, including HR, benefits administration, and payroll. This comprehensive approach helps businesses manage various aspects of workforce management.
• Adaptable to Growth: TriNet is designed to scale with businesses, making it suitable for both small and large enterprises. It can accommodate changing workforce needs as businesses expand.
• Regulatory Compliance Support: TriNet offers expertise in regulatory compliance, assisting businesses in navigating complex legal requirements and reducing compliance risks.

Disadvantages of TriNet

• Potential Additional Expenses: While TriNet offers a range of features, some advanced functionalities may come with additional costs. Businesses should carefully assess their needs against the pricing structure.
• May Be Overwhelming: The comprehensive nature of TriNet’s services may be overwhelming for very small businesses with simpler HR and payroll needs.
• Varied Customer Support Feedback: Users have reported mixed experiences with customer support, with some facing delays in issue resolution. The level of support may vary based on the user’s plan.

9. SurePayroll

SurePayroll is an online payroll solution catering to the needs of small businesses. It encompasses payroll processing, tax calculations, employee self-service features, and time tracking. Emphasizing simplicity and affordability, SurePayroll is suitable for small businesses looking for a straightforward payroll solution.

Founded	2000
CEO	Michael Alter
Headquarters	Glenview, Illinois, United States
Founder	Scott Wald

Advantages of SurePayroll

• Simple and Intuitive: SurePayroll is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for small business owners to navigate and process payroll tasks without needing extensive payroll expertise.
• Tax Hassle-Free: SurePayroll automates tax filings, reducing the burden on businesses to manually handle tax-related tasks. This feature helps ensure compliance with tax regulations.
• Cost-Effective Solution: SurePayroll is often considered an affordable option for small businesses, offering competitive pricing without compromising essential payroll features.

Disadvantages of SurePayroll

• Focus on Payroll: SurePayroll primarily focuses on payroll processing and may lack some of the advanced HR features provided by more comprehensive solutions.
• Not Suitable for All Businesses: SurePayroll may not be the best fit for larger enterprises with complex payroll and HR needs. Its services are tailored to the requirements of small businesses.
• Varied Support Feedback: While some users praise SurePayroll’s customer support, others have reported mixed experiences, including occasional delays in issue resolution.

10. Patriot

Patriot Software offers online accounting and payroll solutions tailored for small businesses. With features like payroll processing, time and attendance tracking, tax filings, and employee self-service. Patriot Software is known for its cost-effectiveness. It provides practical solutions for small businesses managing payroll on a budget.

Founded	1986
CEO	Mike Kappel
Headquarter	Canton, Ohio
Founder	Mike Kappel

Advantages of Patriot

• Budget-Friendly: Patriot Payroll is known for its budget-friendly pricing, making it a cost-effective choice for small businesses with limited payroll budgets.
• Quick Implementation: Patriot Payroll is designed for easy setup, allowing businesses to quickly get started with payroll processing without extensive training or setup time.
• Covering Essentials: Patriot Payroll provides essential payroll services, including tax calculations and filings, direct deposit, and year-end reporting, covering the fundamental needs of small businesses.

Disadvantages of Patriot

• Suits Small Businesses: Patriot Payroll may lack some of the advanced features required by larger enterprises with more complex payroll and HR requirements.
• May Lack Scalability: As businesses grow, they may find limitations in the scalability of Patriot Payroll, especially if they require more advanced workforce management features.
• User Interface Feedback: Some users have reported that the user interface may not be as intuitive as other solutions, potentially leading to a learning curve for new users.

Conclusion

With that said, payroll apps are essential for modern businesses because they make the complicated process of handling employee pay much easier. With their easy-to-use interfaces, automation features, and adherence to legal compliance, these applications not only make operations more efficient but also make mistakes much less likely. Payroll apps that work well with organisational processes not only save time but also help businesses better plan how to use their resources.