Best Payroll Services of 2024
When running a small business, managing payroll can be a time-consuming task. Finding the best payroll services for 2024 can make all the difference in freeing up your time to focus on growing your business. With so many options available, it’s important to choose a service that fits your needs.
A good payroll service will handle employee payments, tax calculations, and compliance with ease. I’ve looked into several popular options to help you make an informed choice. This guide will cover features, costs, and other important factors to consider.
Stay tuned to learn which payroll services stand out this year. Whether you need basic payroll functions or more advanced features, there’s a solution that fits every budget and need.
My top 10 picks for best payroll services
- Multiplier — Best for Startups
- Horizons — Best for Global Reach
- Deel — Best for Comprehensive Payroll Solutions
- Remote — Best for Growing Enterprises
- Oyster — Best for Tech Startups
- Rippling — Best for Integrated Solutions
- ADP — Best for Comprehensive HR Solutions
- Paychex — Best for Small to Medium Businesses
- Justworks — Best for Compliance Support
- OnPay — Best for Ease of Use
The Best Payroll Services of 2024
In 2024, several payroll services stand out for their robust features, user-friendly interfaces, and strong support. Each of these services offers unique benefits for businesses of various sizes and needs.
Multiplier
Features
- Global payroll capabilities
- Automated compliance with local laws
- Employee benefits management
- Multi-currency payments
- Detailed reporting and analytics
Why I Picked It
Multiplier excels in handling payroll for international teams. Its automated compliance ensures businesses meet local regulations, reducing legal risks.
What I Like
- Global reach: Effective for businesses with international employees
- Compliance: Automated legal compliance
- Currency options: Supports multiple currencies
- Analytics: Strong reporting features
- Benefits: Manages employee benefits
What I Don’t Like
- Interface: Can be complex for new users
- Pricing: Higher cost for small businesses
- Support: Limited customer support hours
Pricing
Multiplier offers a tiered pricing plan based on the number of employees and locations. Custom plans are available for larger enterprises.
Who I Recommend It To
I recommend Multiplier to mid-sized and large businesses with international teams needing comprehensive compliance and payroll management.
Horizons
Features
- Global employee management
- Simplified onboarding
- Payroll automation
- Statutory compliance
- Employee benefits administration
Why I Picked It
Horizons stands out for its ease of use, especially in onboarding and managing international employees efficiently.
What I Like
- Onboarding: Streamlined process
- Automation: Automated payroll functions
- Compliance: Strong legal compliance
- Management: Efficient employee management
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits administration
What I Don’t Like
- Learning curve: Takes time to master
- Limited customization: Fewer options for tailored solutions
- Cost: Higher price point for smaller businesses
Pricing
Horizons provides flexible pricing plans based on employee count and regions served, with premium features available at higher tiers.
Who I Recommend It To
Horizons is ideal for growing companies needing streamlined management and payroll automation for international employees.
Deel
Features
- Global payroll and compliance
- Contractor management
- Automated payments
- Health insurance administration
- Document management
Why I Picked It
Deel is perfect for businesses employing contractors worldwide, offering seamless payroll and compliance management.
What I Like
- Contractor support: Excellent for managing contractors
- Compliance: Strong regulatory adherence
- Automation: Automated payment processing
- Health insurance: Administers insurance for employees
- Documents: Manages legal documents
What I Don’t Like
- Complexity: Some features may be overwhelming
- Cost: Can be expensive for small businesses
- Support: Limited live support options
Pricing
Deel offers tiered pricing plans suitable for businesses with varying needs, including scalable solutions for large enterprises.
Who I Recommend It To
I recommend Deel to companies employing a significant number of contractors across different countries.
Remote
Features
- International payroll
- Legal and regulatory compliance
- Employee benefits
- Time-tracking tools
- Detailed reporting
Why I Picked It
Remote is notable for its comprehensive set of tools designed to manage global teams effectively while ensuring compliance.
What I Like
- Global payroll: Suitable for international teams
- Compliance: Ensures regulatory compliance
- Benefits: Offers extensive employee benefits
- Time-tracking: Efficient time-tracking features
- Reporting: In-depth reporting capabilities
What I Don’t Like
- User experience: Interface can be improved
- Setup: Initial setup might be complex
- Cost: Higher cost for small firms
Pricing
Remote offers different pricing tiers based on the number of employees and countries, including tailored solutions for large businesses.
Who I Recommend It To
Remote is best for companies with large international teams who need reliable payroll and compliance solutions.
Oyster
Features
- Automated payroll
- Compliance in over 180 countries
- Employee benefits administration
- Multi-currency support
- Talent acquisition tools
Why I Picked It
Oyster excels at providing comprehensive payroll services with a focus on compliance and benefits for global teams.
What I Like
- Automation: Streamlined payroll processing
- Global compliance: Extensive legal support
- Benefits: Manages a wide range of benefits
- Currency support: Multi-currency payments
- Talent tools: Supports recruitment processes
What I Don’t Like
- Cost: Higher-end pricing
- Customization: Limited customization options
- Initial setup: Can be time-consuming
Pricing
Oyster offers flexible pricing plans that scale with the size and needs of your business, with custom solutions available for large enterprises.
Who I Recommend It To
I recommend Oyster to companies looking for comprehensive global payroll solutions with strong compliance support.
Rippling
Features
- Integrated payroll and HR
- Benefits management
- Time-tracking tools
- Workflow automation
- Compliance support
Why I Picked It
Rippling stands out for its integration of HR and payroll, making it a strong choice for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution.
What I Like
- Integration: Combines HR and payroll functions
- Benefits: Manages employee benefits
- Time-tracking: Efficient time management
- Automation: Simplifies workflows
- Compliance: Ensures legal compliance
What I Don’t Like
- Complex features: Can be overwhelming for new users
- Cost: Can be pricy for smaller businesses
- Customer service: Limited support hours
Pricing
Rippling offers tiered pricing based on the number of employees and selected features, with custom options for larger companies.
Who I Recommend It To
Rippling is a great fit for businesses needing integrated HR and payroll solutions with robust automation features.
ADP
Features
- Comprehensive payroll solutions
- Employee benefits and insurance
- Tax filing services
- Time and attendance tracking
- Mobile app for employees
Why I Picked It
ADP is a reliable choice for its robust payroll services and comprehensive benefit administration, catering to businesses of all sizes.
What I Like
- Comprehensive services: Covers all payroll needs
- Benefits management: Extensive offerings
- Tax services: Handles tax filings
- Time tracking: Efficient tracking
- Mobile app: User-friendly mobile application
What I Don’t Like
- Cost: Higher cost for small businesses
- Complexity: May be complicated for new users
- Customer support: Mixed reviews on support quality
Pricing
ADP provides custom pricing based on business size and required services, with various tiers to address different needs.
Who I Recommend It To
I recommend ADP to businesses of all sizes looking for a reliable and comprehensive payroll and benefits solution.
Paychex
Features
- Payroll processing
- HR administration
- Employee benefits management
- Time and attendance solutions
- Detailed reporting
Why I Picked It
Paychex combines payroll and HR functions seamlessly, offering excellent benefits management and robust reporting tools.
What I Like
- Payroll: Efficient processing tools
- HR features: Comprehensive administration
- Benefits: Manages employee benefits
- Time solutions: Strong time and attendance tools
- Reporting: Detailed and customizable reports
What I Don’t Like
- Cost: Can be expensive for small businesses
- Complex features: Steeper learning curve
- Customer support: Limited support hours
Pricing
Paychex offers various pricing plans based on the number of employees and the level of services, catering to both small and large businesses.
Who I Recommend It To
Paychex is ideal for businesses seeking integrated payroll and HR solutions with strong reporting capabilities.
Justworks
Features
- Payroll and tax filing
- Benefits administration
- Compliance management
- Employee self-service portal
- Time and attendance tracking
Why I Picked It
Justworks is known for its ease of use and effective compliance management, helping small to medium businesses streamline operations.
What I Like
- Ease of use: Intuitive interface
- Compliance: Ensures legal adherence
- Benefits: Manages benefits effectively
- Self-service: Employee portal
- Time tracking: Efficient tools
What I Don’t Like
- Cost: Higher price point
- Feature depth: May lack advanced features
- Customer support: Mixed reviews
Pricing
Justworks offers tiered pricing plans suitable for small to medium-sized businesses, with options to scale as your business grows.
Who I Recommend It To
I recommend Justworks to small and medium businesses that need an easy-to-use payroll solution with strong compliance support.
OnPay
Features
- Full-service payroll
- Benefits and insurance
- HR tools
- Automated tax filing
- Customizable reporting
Why I Picked It
OnPay combines affordability with a comprehensive feature set, making it a strong choice for small businesses.
What I Like
- Affordability: Competitive pricing
- Benefits: Manages benefits and insurance
- HR tools: Comprehensive HR functions
- Tax filing: Automated tax services
- Reporting: Customizable reports
What I Don’t Like
- Scalability: Better for small to medium businesses
- Customer support: Limited service hours
- Advanced features: Fewer advanced options
Pricing
OnPay offers straightforward pricing with a flat monthly fee per employee, making it affordable for small businesses.
Who I Recommend It To
I recommend OnPay to small businesses looking for an affordable, all-in-one payroll and HR solution.
Understanding Payroll Services
Payroll services make it easy to handle payroll taxes, direct deposits, and employee benefits. Using payroll software, they simplify the complex tasks of payroll processing and accounting.
What Are Payroll Services
Payroll services are tools or providers that help manage employee salaries, wages, bonuses, net pay, and deductions. They handle direct deposit to employees’ bank accounts. Most services also manage payroll taxes and ensure compliance with tax laws.
With payroll software like QuickBooks Payroll and ADP Run, it’s easier to track time, manage benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, and even handle HR tasks. Many online payroll services offer features like an employee portal where employees can check their pay stubs, PTO balances, and other HR features.
Some payroll providers integrate with accounting software to simplify the payroll processing steps. They keep everything organized and reduce errors, offering a reliable solution for businesses of all sizes.
The Benefits of Payroll Services
Payroll services offer many advantages. They save time and reduce errors in payroll processing. By using payroll software, you can automate many tasks, which makes the process much faster.
Direct deposit options mean employees get paid on time, every time. Managing payroll taxes becomes less stressful because the software calculates and withholds the correct amounts. Integration with accounting software makes it easy to keep financial records up to date without much hassle.
Another benefit is the additional HR tools that many payroll services offer. These tools help with benefits administration, such as health insurance and retirement plans, and can handle time tracking and PTO requests. Overall, payroll services provide a comprehensive solution for managing both payroll and HR needs efficiently and accurately.
Cost Evaluation
Choosing a payroll service depends greatly on the cost and value it offers. Here are key factors to consider when evaluating pricing:
How Much Do Payroll Services Cost
Payroll service costs vary widely based on features and company size.
Monthly or Per-Payroll Fees:
- Most services charge either a monthly fee or a fee each time you run payroll.
- Per-employee charges may also apply; these usually range from $2-$15 per employee.
Additional Costs:
- Tax filings and direct deposits often have extra charges.
- Some services offer tax penalty protection for an additional fee which can be valuable for avoiding fines.
It’s important to balance cost with the features and support offered. Affordable options might lack some features, while more expensive ones often include robust tools and resources.
Selecting Your Payroll Service
When selecting a payroll service, it’s important to look for key features and services that fit your business needs. Focus on user-friendly software, reliable customer service, and accurate reporting tools.
How to Pick the Best Payroll Service for Your Needs
First, assess your business size. Some services like Gusto and OnPay are great for small businesses due to their simple interfaces and comprehensive features. Larger businesses might benefit from ADP, which offers advanced options and integrations.
Consider the features provided. Essential features include automated payroll runs, tax filing, direct deposit, and employee self-service portals. Services such as QuickBooks and Rippling offer extensive features that can streamline payroll processes.
Evaluate customer service. Good support can save time and prevent errors. Paychex and Intuit QuickBooks are known for their reliable customer support. Ensure the payroll service offers support channels like phone, email, and live chat.
Look into the reporting capabilities. A service with strong reporting tools will help you keep track of payroll expenses and ensure compliance with labor laws. Gusto and OnPay provide detailed reporting features that can be very useful.
Check if the service offers PEO (Professional Employer Organization) options. PEOs can handle HR tasks and benefits administration, which is helpful for small businesses. Rippling provides PEO services that integrate well with their payroll software.
Make sure the software is easy to navigate. A user-friendly interface is crucial for efficiency. ADP and Gusto are praised for their intuitive design, making payroll management straightforward.
Finally, compare costs. Ensure the pricing fits your budget while providing the necessary features. Sometimes, a higher-cost service like ADP might justify its price with added benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
When picking payroll services, small businesses need to look at specific details that fit their needs. This includes costs, features, and ease of use among other factors.
What criteria should small businesses consider when choosing a payroll service?
Small businesses should look at costs, features, customer support, and ease of use. It’s important to ensure the service can handle tax filings and compliance. Security measures to protect employee data are also crucial.
How do payroll services differ between providers in the USA?
Providers in the USA vary in terms of pricing, feature sets, and customer support. Some may offer extensive tax filing services, while others might focus on user-friendly software. The extent of integration with other business tools can also differ.
What features are important for payroll services catering to a small number of employees?
For small teams, automation of payroll processes, accurate tax filing, and direct deposit are key features. Simple setup and minimal management time are important, too. Additionally, clear reporting and easy accessibility for employees can improve overall efficiency.
Which payroll companies are recognized in the top tier of the industry?
Top-tier payroll companies often mentioned include Gusto, ADP, and Paychex. These companies are praised for their comprehensive features, reliability, and strong customer support. They support various business sizes and offer detailed compliance assistance.
What are cost-effective payroll service options for startups?
Startups looking for cost-effective payroll services might consider Gusto and OnPay. These providers offer competitive pricing with essential features. They provide good value with user-friendly interfaces and necessary tools without complicated extras.
How do the offerings of leading payroll providers compare in terms of functionality and user experience?
Leading providers like ADP, Gusto, and Paychex offer robust functionality with user-friendly interfaces. ADP is known for its enterprise-level solutions, while Gusto focuses on ease of use for small businesses. Paychex offers a balanced mix, catering to various business needs.
