Payroll is no easy feat, especially as businesses grow and compliance gets tougher.
According to OBS Business, 80% of companies worldwide now use automated payroll systems, up from previous years. Automated payroll software can simplify processes, reduce errors and free up time for other important tasks.
In this list, we’ve picked the top 10 auto payroll software for 2025 to help you find the one that’s right for your business.
Our Evaluation Process of Auto Payroll Software
To find the best auto payroll software for 2025 we reviewed each option in-depth based on testing and expert input.
We looked at over 30 payroll systems, evaluated their features and spoke to HR professionals to get real-world feedback.
Each software was ranked on:
- Ease of use
- Integration
- Automation
- Accuracy and reliability
- Customer support
- Scalability for growing businesses
- Pricing and value for money
- Security and compliance
Compare the Best Auto Payroll Software
This comparison chart provides a quick overview of the key features, pricing, ratings, and best-fit categories for the top auto payroll software options. Use this to identify the solution that best aligns with your business needs and budget.
| Company | Pricing | Rating | Best For |
| Rise | $50/contractor/mo or 3% of payment volume | 4.5 | Global, crypto-native, and remote teams |
| ADP | Starts at $79/mo + $4/employee | 4.2 | Global enterprise HCM |
| Rippling | Starts at $8/employee/mo | 4.5 | Unified HR/IT/payroll automation |
| Deel | Custom pricing | 4.8 | International hiring & compliance |
| Paychex Flex | Starts at $60/mo | 4.2 | Flexible SMB payroll & HR |
| Papaya Global | Custom pricing | 4.5 | Multi-country payroll |
| QuickBooks Payroll | Starts at $25/mo + $2/employee | 4.4 | Accounting-integrated payroll |
| OnPay | Starts at $40/mo | 4.1 | Affordable specialized payroll |
| Paylocity | Starts at $39/mo + $5–$32/employee | 4.4 | SMBs, midmarket, and scaling firms needing full HCM suite |
| Xero Payroll | Starts at £33–£59/mo + £1 per additional employee | 4.0 | Cloud accounting integration |
Detailed Overview of 10 Best Auto Payroll Software
1. Rise
Rating: 4.5
Headquartered: New York, NY, USA
Size: 11–50
Founded: 2019
Pricing: $50 per contractor/month or 3% of payment volume; Employer-of-Record (EOR) services start at $399 per employee/month
Rise Works is a global payroll, compliance, and contractor management software that specializes in hybrid payments (fiat and crypto) for remote, distributed, and Web3 teams. Founded by Hugo Finkelstein, the platform offers innovative solutions for international organizations looking to manage payroll, onboarding, and compliance across 190+ countries. The company’s expertise lies in automating complex cross-border HR tasks and providing deep crypto integrations, positioning it as the best auto payroll software for businesses in the Web3, fintech, and creative sectors. Rise Works supports businesses that need both traditional and cryptocurrency payment options, providing flexibility and compliance in both remote and global workforces.
Services:
- Global payroll (fiat & crypto)
- Contractor & employee onboarding (KYC/AML verified)
- Automated tax and compliance
- Multiple payout options: local currency, stablecoins, 100+ cryptocurrencies
- Employer-of-Record (EOR) services
- Rise ID: on-chain professional identity & verification
- Crypto to fiat conversion & mass payouts
- Global benefits and reimbursement management
- Integration with major accounting systems and Web3 platforms (Ethereum, Avalanche, Coinbase)
Best for: Global teams, Web3 businesses, and startups needing flexible, compliant payroll solutions.
2. ADP
Rating: 4.2
Headquartered: Roseland, NJ, USA
Size: 64,000
Founded: 1949
Pricing: Starts at $79/month + $4 per employee (Essentials plan)
ADP is a payroll software and human capital management (HCM) leader offering comprehensive payroll and HR solutions for businesses of all sizes. Founded by Henry Taub, ADP serves over 1.1 million clients globally, including major enterprises like Amazon, Lenovo, and Pfizer. Known for its scalability and advanced compliance features, ADP provides multi-country payroll solutions for businesses across various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and finance.
Services:
- Payroll and tax processing (multi-jurisdictional, global)
- Human Capital Management (HCM) solutions
- Time and attendance tracking
- Business process outsourcing (BPO)
- Professional Employer Organization (PEO) services
- Compliance expertise and analytics
- Employee benefits, retirement, and insurance services
Best for: Small to global enterprises needing comprehensive, compliant payroll and HR solutions.
3. Rippling
Rating: 4.5
Headquartered: San Francisco, CA, USA
Size: 3,500–4,000
Founded: 2016
Pricing: Starts at $8 per employee/month
Rippling is a payroll software that integrates HR, IT, payroll, and finance into one cloud-based platform, aiming to simplify employee data management. Co-founded by Parker Conrad and Prasanna Sankar, Rippling serves over 20,000 customers globally, offering a modular solution that helps businesses automate payroll, benefits, and IT provisioning. It is particularly popular with technology firms, SaaS companies, and global organizations in need of flexible payroll and compliance features.
Services:
- Global payroll (US and international)
- HR management (employee onboarding, offboarding, benefits, compliance)
- Time and attendance tracking
- Talent management and applicant tracking
- Expense management and spend controls
- IT lifecycle management (device provisioning, app security, SSO)
- Benefits administration
- Employer of Record (EOR) services
- Analytics and reporting
Best for: Small to medium-sized enterprises needing integrated HR, IT, and payroll solutions.
4. Deel
Rating: 4.8
Headquartered: San Francisco, CA, USA
Size: 1,001–5,000
Founded: 2018
Pricing: Custom pricing
Deel is a payroll software that specializes in global payroll and compliance for remote teams. Founded by Alex Bouaziz and Shuo Wang, Deel supports businesses in over 150 countries by offering a platform that streamlines cross-border payroll, taxes, and compliance. Deel is especially popular with companies that have remote teams and contractors, providing flexible payment solutions and ensuring regulatory compliance worldwide.
Services:
- Global payroll (fiat and crypto)
- Contractor and employee onboarding (EOR services)
- Automated tax and compliance management
- Currency and cryptocurrency payout options
- Local and global contracts management
- Reporting and analytics
- Employee benefits and insurance administration
Best for: Global teams, remote-first companies, and businesses needing flexible payroll solutions for contractors.
5. Paychex Flex
Rating: 4.2
Headquartered: Rochester, NY, USA
Size: 16,000 employees
Founded: 1971
Pricing: Starts at $60/month
Paychex Flex is a payroll software designed to provide small and mid-sized businesses with a flexible, scalable HR and payroll solution. Founded by Tom Golisano, Paychex is one of the oldest and most trusted names in payroll services, offering comprehensive payroll, benefits, and HR management solutions. With a focus on ease of use and robust reporting, Paychex Flex caters to a wide range of industries, ensuring compliance and streamlining payroll processing for businesses of all sizes.
Services:
- Payroll processing (multi-state, direct deposit, on-demand pay)
- Time and attendance management
- HR management and compliance tracking
- Employee benefits administration
- Retirement plan services
- Tax filing and reporting
- Mobile app for self-service access
Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses looking for an easy-to-use, comprehensive payroll and HR solution.
6. Papaya Global
Rating: 4.5
Headquartered: Tel Aviv, Israel
Size: 201–500
Founded: 2016
Pricing: Custom pricing
Papaya Global is a payroll software that offers global payroll and workforce management solutions, helping businesses manage payroll in over 140 countries. Founded by Eynat Guez, Ruben Drong, and Oren Zeev, Papaya Global combines automation and compliance to ensure smooth payroll processing for companies with international teams. Its platform supports both full-time employees and contractors, offering seamless integrations and a comprehensive suite of HR solutions.
Services:
- Global payroll management
- Contractor and employee onboarding
- Automated tax calculations and compliance
- Workforce analytics and reporting
- Payment in multiple currencies and cryptocurrencies
- Employee benefits administration
- Integration with third-party systems
Best for: Global enterprises and businesses with remote or distributed teams needing streamlined payroll and compliance management.
7. QuickBooks Payroll
Rating: 4.4
Headquartered: Mountain View, CA, USA
Size: 5,001–10,000
Founded: 1983
Pricing: Starts at $25/month + $2/employee
QuickBooks Payroll is a payroll software designed to integrate seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting solutions, offering businesses an all-in-one platform for payroll and tax management. Founded by Scott Cook, QuickBooks has become a trusted brand for small businesses, providing simple yet effective payroll solutions. It is widely used by small to medium-sized businesses and is known for its easy setup, automation, and reliability in handling payroll processes.
Services:
- Payroll processing (direct deposit, paychecks)
- Tax filing and reporting
- Employee self-service portal
- Time tracking and attendance
- Benefits management
- Contractor payments
- Integration with QuickBooks accounting software
Best for: Small businesses needing an affordable, easy-to-use payroll solution with seamless accounting integration.
8. OnPay
Rating: 4.1
Headquartered: Atlanta, GA, USA
Size: 51–200
Founded: 2009
Pricing: Starts at $40/month
OnPay is a payroll software designed for small to medium-sized businesses, providing an intuitive platform for payroll, tax filing, and compliance management. Founded by Patrick McMullan, OnPay focuses on delivering a user-friendly experience while supporting both local and multi-state payroll needs. The platform is known for its simplicity, affordability, and excellent customer service, making it a strong option for businesses that need a straightforward, reliable payroll solution.
Services:
- Payroll processing (direct deposit, paychecks)
- Tax filing and reporting
- Benefits administration
- Employee self-service portal
- Time and attendance tracking
- 1099 contractor management
- State and federal compliance
Best for:
Small businesses looking for an affordable, easy-to-use payroll solution.
9. Paylocity
Rating: 4.4
Headquartered: Schaumburg, IL, USA
Size: 6,400
Founded: 1997
Pricing: Starts at $39/month + $5–$32/employee/month
Paylocity is a payroll software that combines payroll processing with human capital management (HCM) solutions, targeting small to mid-sized businesses. Founded by Steve Sarowitz, Paylocity has grown to become a leading provider of cloud-based payroll and HR services. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of features for payroll, talent management, time tracking, and employee engagement, designed to streamline HR tasks and improve compliance for growing organizations.
Services:
- Payroll processing (multi-state, tax filings, direct deposit)
- Core HR (employee records, onboarding, compliance tracking)
- Time and attendance management
- Talent management (performance, compensation, learning)
- Benefits administration
- Employee engagement tools (surveys, peer recognition)
- Compliance and reporting tools
Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses needing an integrated payroll and HCM solution.
10. Xero Payroll
Rating: 4.0
Headquartered: Wellington, New Zealand
Size: 1,001–5,000
Founded: 2006
Pricing: Starts at £33–£59/month for up to 10 employees (UK); regional pricing applies
Xero Payroll is a payroll software integrated into Xero’s broader cloud-based accounting suite, serving small to mid-sized businesses worldwide. Founded by Rod Drury and Hamish Edwards, Xero offers an intuitive platform for managing payroll, taxes, and compliance across multiple regions, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S. Xero Payroll is known for its seamless integration with Xero accounting tools, making it an ideal solution for businesses looking for a comprehensive financial management platform.
Services:
- Automated payroll processing
- Direct deposit, check payments, and payroll reporting
- Automated tax calculations and filings (HMRC, STP compliance)
- Employee self-service portal (“Xero Me”)
- Workplace pension management (UK)
- Payroll analytics and customizable reports
- Integration with accounting, HR, and payment platforms (e.g., Gusto in the U.S.)
Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses seeking integrated payroll and accounting solutions with strong compliance features.
Conclusion
Choosing the right auto payroll software should depend solely on your business needs, from budget to scalability. The best solutions offer automation, ease of use and compliance, so payroll is processed accurately and efficiently.
Consider your business size, industry and growth when evaluating options and look for platforms that integrate with your existing systems. With the right software, businesses can streamline payroll, reduce errors and focus on the core.
FAQs
1. What is the most used payroll software?
Rise Works is one of the most widely used payroll software platforms, particularly among companies with remote teams, distributed workforces, and Web3 organizations. It supports payroll in over 190 countries and integrates both fiat and cryptocurrency payment options. Known for automating compliance and simplifying complex cross-border payroll tasks, Rise Works has become a preferred choice for businesses scaling globally and seeking flexible payment systems. Its user-friendly interface and robust reporting tools contribute to its popularity.
2. Is there a way to automate payroll?
Yes, payroll automation is widely available through various payroll software platforms. These tools streamline payroll processing by automatically calculating wages, tax withholdings, and deductions based on pre-set rules. A payroll software automates tasks such as tax filing, benefits management, and compliance reporting. Automation reduces the need for manual data entry, minimizes errors, and ensures timely and accurate payroll delivery. Many platforms also integrate with accounting and HR systems for seamless data flow.
3. What features should I look for in the best auto payroll software?
When searching for the best auto payroll software, prioritize key features that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. Look for platforms that automate tax calculations, payroll processing, and filing. Consider compliance tools that automatically update for local and international regulations, especially for multi-state or global payroll. Additionally, advanced reporting capabilities for payroll analytics and custom reports can be valuable for tracking expenses and improving business insight.
4. How do I choose the best auto payroll software for my business?
To choose the best auto payroll software for your business, assess your specific needs, such as the number of employees, the complexity of your payroll system, and your budget. If you manage a small business with few employees, an affordable solution like QuickBooks Payroll or OnPay may suffice. Larger businesses or those with international teams should consider platforms like ADP or Rise Works, which offer scalability and global payroll capabilities. Evaluate ease of use, customer support, pricing models, and integration with your existing systems.
