Let's face it; payroll isn't the most glamorous part of running a business.
As an individual, I may not deal with payroll directly, but I’ve worked closely with the teams that do, and I have seen how much time, energy, and stress it can take.
HR and payroll teams mostly grapple with pay input inaccuracies, tax enforcement, and dissatisfied employees taking a quiet exit. So, I set about evaluating G2 reviews for around 40+ payroll software by myself.
Out of the 40 tools, I narrowed my research to the seven best payroll software, which provide pay scheduling, compensation adjustment, tax compliance, and benefits management to solve the problems of HR teams across various industries. If you’re comparing the most popular payroll software options and wondering which payroll software has the highest reviews, this shortlist distills what actually works based on G2 data and hands-on evaluation.
By experimenting with the best payroll software in detail, I drew a line between the basic and “must-have” features each organization should consider as it invests time and effort into the payroll process.
As my goal throughout this experiment was to evaluate the best payroll software that can be a useful addition to the HR teams, I hope this list gives you useful insights to make an informed decision.
These tools have also been ranked as top performers in G2 based on customer satisfaction, usability, budget-friendliness, and market relevance.
These Payroll software are top-rated in their category, according to G2 Grid Reports. I have also added their monthly pricing to make comparisons easier for you.
A payroll software is used to automate payroll, schedule payouts, and compute tax deductions during the final payroll processing to disburse timely payouts. But, the list isn’t just limited to that.
During my experiment, I figured that payroll software now offers a complete workforce management and HR automation suite that can raise employee satisfaction levels.
The shift to cloud-based payroll isn’t slowing down — the market is expected to climb from USD 7.2 billion in 2025 to USD 18.7 billion by 2035, growing steadily at 10% each year. That momentum shows how essential flexible, cloud-first payroll systems have become for modern businesses.
While some tools were extensively equipped with built-in income tax portals and contract management, others outclassed themselves and provided self-service payroll and payroll automation to optimize the time and resources of HR teams.
I was happy that most of the payroll platforms in this list didn’t require any prior training and implementation assistance and were pretty easy to set up and use. Also, I didn’t have to juggle between syncing employee details from the accounting and bookkeeping software.
I could navigate on the payroll portal and find everything, from payroll forms to benefits requests to expense approvals, all at my disposal.
I spent weeks evaluating payroll software, narrowing down the best options based on features, ease of use, pricing, and real user feedback. I also collaborated with our in-house market research experts to assess pros and cons, review quality, and customer segment scores, ensuring a well-rounded perspective.
To go deeper, I used AI-driven research to analyze product reviews on G2, uncovering real-time buyer sentiments, user emotions, and recurring themes in payroll software adoption. I also referred to G2 Grid® Reports and prioritized tools ranked higher on the proprietary G2 score.
In cases where hands-on testing wasn’t possible, I validated insights by consulting professionals with direct payroll software experience and comparing their input with verified G2 reviews. The screenshots featured in this article may be a mix of those captured during evaluations and those obtained directly from the vendor’s G2 page.
One major part of selecting the right payroll software is having a background in traditional HR projects and operations, and understanding which traditional tasks to regulate and optimize to reach HR performance efficiency.
Doesn’t matter if you are looking to implement one or more than one payroll software; below is a list of basic functionalities that I have outlined for you to make a wise decision and support your HR, accounting, and finance departments.
These features allow you to automate employee accounts, build income slips, and calculate invoices. If you also need to model merit increases, calibrate ranges, or run comp cycles, pair payroll with compensation management software. They also ensure you attain high levels of employee engagement and sustain employee-oriented workflows to provide more employee satisfaction and experience.
After spending weeks scrutinizing around 40+ payroll software, I shortlisted the top 7 platforms equipped with all the components discussed above and have bagged high G2 scores. This payroll software manages the entire cycle from hiring to retirement, provides attendance and time tracking, compensation adjustments, bank reconciliation, wage garnishments, tax and withholding calculations, and regulatory compliance, and ensures a user-friendly and easily navigable interface.
The list below contains genuine user reviews from the best payroll software on G2. It’s important to note that in the context of this list, vendors offering a free trial are also considered free.
To be included in this category, a solution must:
*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.
I’ve noticed that G2 users often appreciate how employee account management is simplified in RUN Powered by ADP, especially when automating payroll forms and tax entries with accurate accounting integrations.
For teams prioritizing simplicity and control, ADP often ranks among the best software for easy payroll processing and the most recommended payroll services for offices, thanks to its guided entries and compliance guardrails.
I’ve read multiple reviewers mention that the payroll dashboard stands out for its user-friendly design and wide range of form templates. From managing new hires to tracking attendance and taxes, users feel it comprehensively covers most HR needs.
I’ve seen some users highlight how easy it is to intervene in payroll automation, especially when errors are made during data entry. Pausing the process offers more control and minimizes potential payroll mistakes.
I’ve come across several reviews praising the platform for going beyond payroll. As a cloud-based HCM system, it offers tools for managing workers’ compensation, accruals, tax policies, and even workplace operations — making it a one-stop solution for HR teams.
From what I’ve seen, many small businesses appreciate RUN Powered by ADP’s strong payroll entry and compliance features. That said, some G2 reviewers noted that pricing can feel a bit high for tighter budgets, even though the basic plan covers a lot of essentials.
I’ve noticed feedback on the interface as well. While the layout is generally clean, some G2 users mentioned that navigating through menus can take extra time and often requires referring back to training guides. Once learned, though, the workflows are reliable and comprehensive.
I’ve also read that customer support is knowledgeable and helpful when available, but a few G2 reviewers mentioned response times could be quicker during busy periods. This has occasionally caused delays in tasks like updating compensation details or employee records.
Overall, I’ve come across G2 reviewers who feel that RUN Powered by ADP is a strong fit for payroll and HRMS teams. They often recommend prior training to ensure smoother onboarding and to get the most out of the platform’s deeper functionality.
“We have recently moved from one payroll provider to ADP, and we are using the RUN Powered by ADP program for processing our payroll. We have found it much more user-friendly than the previous payroll provider. It is fast, simple to use, and quickly provides totals for the various categories.”
- RUN Powered by ADP Review, Bobbie C.
“I get an invoice sent out multiple times telling me to pay when I already have paid my payroll processing fees, so that's pretty challenging because then I get confused and feel the need to clarify multiple times with Sergio that my invoice has been paid, and it's always marked as paid on his end so I am not sure why it does this. I also wish you could pay the payroll processing fee as soon as payroll has been processed instead of waiting an entire week to bill people with an invoice.”
- RUN Powered by ADP Review. Cheyenne C.
To create a seamless employee experience in your workplace, learn how to include 17 types of employee benefits as a part of your formalized payroll strategy to improve employee satisfaction and manage employee engagement.
I’ve noticed that G2 users often highlight Paylocity ‘s color-coded payroll dashboard. This dashboard makes it easy to automate payroll entries, manage benefits, adjust compensation, handle 401(k) reporting, and process employee requests — all from a single interface.
Initially, I read some reviews expressing doubt about Paylocity’s capabilities beyond payroll. But I’ve seen those concerns ease as users discover its advanced integration support with accounting, bookkeeping, and project management tools to track performance data, costs, and time for every employee.
I’ve come across multiple mentions of Paylocity’s document management features, which let users customize reports for tax updates, attendance, and performance appraisals. Reviewers appreciate the level of detail in the reporting tools.
I’ve read positive feedback about customer support, with users describing it as prompt and reliable. I’ve also noticed appreciation for Paylocity’s community engagement, which gives users a sense of connection with other organizations using the platform.
At the same time, I’ve seen some users highlight how easy Paylocity makes report creation, though a few noted limitations with sharing. Uploading invoices or documents can occasionally cause compatibility issues within the employee portal, but once set up, the reports themselves are detailed and reliable.
From what I’ve seen, users find the navigation during payroll edits clear enough, but a bit cumbersome in practice. The dropdown interface requires multiple clicks to reach the right employee account, which slows the editing process slightly. Still, once edits are made, the accuracy of payroll adjustments is often praised.
I’ve encountered feedback on G2 mentioning that the time and labor module could improve. While the payroll core works well, the module doesn’t always sync smoothly with timesheets or project management tools. The limited visual insights can make it feel less intuitive, though many users still find it valuable for centralizing labor data.
I’ve read multiple G2 reviewers mention challenges with report customization. While the basics are there, some users would like more flexibility for handling complex tax deductions, arrears, loans, and benefit structures in reports. That said, the standard reporting options cover most day-to-day needs effectively.
Overall, I’ve seen users recommend Paylocity as a robust solution for managing accounting, benefits, and payroll. And it’s also frequently cited by G2 reviewers as one of the trusted payroll platforms for medium businesses that need solid reporting and benefits workflows without switching systems.
The sale and contract process was easy; Mike Vezzoli was knowledgeable, not hard sales. He checked in throughout the implementation, too. The implementation team, Sergio, Sam & Andrea, have been helpful. Sergio is very knowledgeable and quick to reply to emails. They provide both assistance in making edits and the knowledge to fix it in the future. The weekly checkpoints were critical to getting everything done. Integrating with Google was challenging, but the customer support team stayed with us through all the issues until they were fixed.
What you see is what you get. It's easy to find the tools I need. When I click on something, I get exactly what I'm looking for and then some. All of the modules talk to each other (for example, in my old system, recruiting didn't talk to onboarding, and stipends didn't talk to payroll).
- Paylocity Review, Theresa M.
"Maybe because I do not have any experience using any other payroll systems, Paylocity is great, and I therefore cannot think of any obvious dislikes. I do feel that there could be better report options, as sometimes I'm trying to pull a report for something I think would be simple to generate, but cannot find the exact report, or Paylocity doesn't have a good report to give me all of what I want without providing too much extra or too few details.”
- Paylocity Review, Caleb D.
Are you just starting out and looking for a simple, efficient, and cost-effective HR system to run payroll? Check out these free core HR solutions to ease your employee hassles.
I’ve seen G2 users frequently praise how easy it is to set up and configure Gusto's payroll dashboard, especially with its auto-saved payroll forms and pre-filled employee identification details. From what I’ve read, it’s considered one of the most user-friendly platforms for simplifying pay generation.
That ease of setup is a big reason Gusto is routinely named the best payroll software for small business by practitioners who want clean onboarding and dependable tax handling.
I’ve noticed strong feedback around Gusto’s HR and accounting integrations. Users appreciate how the platform handles general ledger accounting, benefits administration, time tracking, and essential HR processes without requiring separate tools.
Multiple reviewers have highlighted that Gusto’s features go beyond basic payroll. Its tax and compliance capabilities — including wage garnishments, withholdings, and TDS — seem to help HR teams stay audit-ready with minimal effort.
I’ve come across several users who were impressed by Gusto’s onboarding module. From uploading documentation to completing e-signatures, the process is described as smooth and glitch-free.
I’ve seen G2 reviews emphasize how much time they save through end-to-end automation. Features like automated tax filing, direct deposits, and reprocessing of failed payments stand out, along with integrations into workforce, accounting, and finance, and applicant tracking tools (ATS) during hiring.
I’ve appreciated Gusto’s mobile app, especially for enabling employee self-service. Users value being able to view and manage payroll on the go without needing desktop access.
I’ve read multiple reviewers mention how Gusto’s automated tax filing takes care of state and federal submissions, reducing manual work. Role-based access control (RBAC) is another plus, ensuring secure login for authorized personnel.
That said, I’ve come across concerns about pricing, particularly from small business users. While some reviewers feel the platform may be too expensive for those with tighter budgets, others emphasized that the automation and compliance support helped offset those costs by saving significant time.
From what I’ve seen, Gusto lacks custom report-building tools. Users mention that while automation is strong, it doesn’t support editing employee payroll entries or correcting HR processing errors as easily. Still, the out-of-the-box reporting and automation features are often highlighted as reliable for day-to-day payroll tasks.
I’ve read reviews pointing out that the HR portal lacks a cost calculator for logged hours, and the tax portal isn’t always updated in sync with national compliance changes. While integrations are available, some users feel Gusto limits what third-party tools can fully do within the system. That said, most reviewers agreed that its built-in HR and tax features cover the essentials well enough for small and mid-sized teams.
Overall, I’ve noticed that while users widely recommend Gusto for its seamless payroll capabilities, they also advise exploring certain feature gaps before making a long-term commitment.
"There are so many things that I like about Gusto. One, it's very affordable for all the work they do to ensure my taxes are handled. Through them, I was connected with Human Interest and activated a 401 (k). Three, the financial incentives from referring someone are awesome. I already received benefits from one referral. Fourth, it's very easy to use the dashboard. Five, the customer support is stellar. I can call, email, or chat with a representative. As a solopreneur and owner of an S Corp company, the last thing I want to stress myself out is regarding taxes.
- Gusto Review, Patricia H.
What G2 users dislike about Gusto:
“Gusto's geofencing feature with time tracking is a bit challenging; someone can be right in the middle of the geo-zone and be told via the app that they are not in a designated area."
- Gusto Review, Penny G.
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I’ve seen G2 users consistently highlight how UKG Ready's cloud-based HR and payroll automation helps streamline workflows. Many say it made them more confident in managing employee records, experimenting with forms, and centralizing HR data more efficiently.
I’ve noticed that users appreciate UKG Ready for automating core HR tasks like talent acquisition, reporting, tax compliance, and benefits administration. The employee self-service portal is also frequently mentioned for making HR functions accessible and easy to manage.
I’ve read multiple reviewers call out UKG Ready’s user interface design as a standout. The clean layout and calming color scheme make it easy to view and enter payroll details without straining your eyes. Users also value its ability to handle 401(k) reporting and general ledger integrations alongside payroll.
I’ve heard strong praise for the UKG Ready mobile app. Users say it allows them to manage payroll, approve expenses, and run reports remotely, making payroll tasks more autonomous and less dependent on office access.
At the same time, some G2 reviewers mentioned challenges with time tracking accuracy. A common concern is that UKG Ready doesn’t always sync smoothly with TimeClock, which can occasionally impact payroll accuracy.
I also came across feedback about performance during peak usage. A few users noted that opening multiple forms or generating reports sometimes caused the platform to freeze or feel sluggish.
That said, most reviewers still view UKG Ready as a dependable solution for managing global payroll and workforce operations, emphasizing its strong automation features and mobile accessibility.
“I use UKG Ready daily to update employee information and track applications for our open positions. I love being able to customize every report and screen to my needs.
I appreciate having an app version to check information while not at my desk and the ability to clock in/out at a time clock or on the website (my company disabled clocking in/out from the app platform). It is great that we can customize features to meet our company culture."
- UKG Ready Review, Courtney S.
"I find some of the search engines and sub-menus a little choppy. I just feel like some calendars and search mechanisms could be a little more straightforward. For example, when I'm in "the Time Off Calendar," I have to manually select a date range instead of being able to cycle through the calendar like I can when I'm on the "My Time Off" page. Minor inconveniences."
- UKG Ready Review, Ricky B.
Want deeper insights into payroll trends? Check out these 50+ payroll statistics shaping employee experience in 2025 to see what’s driving change.
In going through G2 reviews, I’ve seen many users appreciate how Rippling centralizes core HR functions — like payroll, tax handling, and company-wide updates — into one accessible platform. The setup process is frequently described as simple, and users often highlight the responsiveness of the customer service team.
Several reviewers have emphasized how HR automation and compliance management help streamline their day-to-day work. I’ve come across feedback where users say the system makes it easier to manage onboarding, process leave requests, and handle payroll confidently — even for international staff.
That blend of automation and breadth is why Rippling often appears on shortlists as a top-rated payroll solution for tech startups scaling fast with lean ops teams.
Based on the reviews I’ve read, Rippling’s ability to run global workflows from a single server is another strong point. Users often describe the implementation process as efficient, with features like document uploads, employee surveys, and performance tracking integrated seamlessly into one platform.
On the plus side, G2 reviewers often highlight Rippling’s rich feature set and how much it centralizes core HR and payroll functions. That said, I’ve noticed that some users sometimes struggle with navigating the interface. The platform has many features, but locating specific tools can be time-consuming due to excessive clicking. Reviewers often suggest taking a product tour or demo to understand how to make the most of the layout.
Multi-factor authentication is another area where feedback is mixed. Several G2 users report delays in receiving or confirming access codes, which can slow down their workflow during critical payroll tasks. Still, once logged in, most users emphasize that the platform’s strong compliance and automation features outweigh these minor hiccups.
Lastly, I’ve observed some users mention that getting used to the platform’s visual design takes time. While the tool is powerful, the learning curve tied to its interface seems to affect how quickly teams can fully integrate it into their standard processes.
“All the automated aspects of Payroll are allowing you to be super efficient and provide a rather automated approach with less involvement from the team. Also, Rippling is super intuitive with a great notification process to allow us to always be up-to-speed and up-to-date with the latest issues and happenings.”
- Rippling Review, Eddie D.
“One aspect of Rippling that I find challenging is the limited customization options for its reporting tools. Although the standard reports address most needs, it can be challenging when I can't easily tailor reports to specific metrics unique to my organization. Additionally, while the mobile app is functional, it sometimes lacks the intuitiveness of the desktop version. If these issues were addressed, it would enhance the overall experience of the platform. However, despite these concerns, the core functionality of Rippling remains strong, and these limitations do not significantly detract from its overall benefits.”
- Rippling Review, Jalene D.
While standard payroll works locally, the best multi-country payroll software is designed to handle international compliance and cross-border payments.
From what I’ve seen in G2 reviews, Paycom is more than just a payroll automation tool; users often describe it as a unified system that handles everything from tax and wage garnishment to attendance and leave management under one roof.
I’ve noticed that many users don’t see core HR functionalities missing in Paycom. In fact, features like W-2 delivery, compensation adjustments, and benefits enrollment are frequently highlighted as essential tools that centralize workforce operations.
A number of reviewers have pointed out that Paycom’s mobile app adds convenience by allowing users to view employee details and banking processes on the go. I’ve also read that the app prioritizes privacy, with extra authentication steps when accessing sensitive employee data.
If mobile-first is a must, Paycom’s app is a contender for the best app for handling payroll effortlessly, combining quick approvals with strong access controls.
I’ve come across positive feedback about end-to-end payroll lifecycle control, from recruiting and onboarding to assigning payroll agents and managing approvals. This seems to help teams maintain transparency and assign clear responsibilities.
That said, I’ve seen some users express frustration with the user interface, especially when customizing or downloading payroll reports. Delays in completing these tasks have even impacted scheduled deadlines for some reviewers.
G2 reviewers also mentioned challenges with compensation adjustments and payroll edits, noting that the features can feel broad and may lack flexibility for quick, personalized changes.
Even so, the overall sentiment remains positive, with users highlighting that once proper training is in place, Paycom’s powerful features become much easier to navigate and deliver real value.
“Designated Payroll Representative, robust features, automated payroll processing, the system calculates, files & processes payroll taxes at all levels, including garnishments. Integration capabilities and Employee Self-Service Portal.”
- Paycom Review, Christine A.
“I feel like the applicant process is a bit clumsy and not as intuitive as I've seen in other programs. I also don't like how difficult it is to find an offer letter once an applicant has been onboarded. It seems like that should be one of the documents in their file, but the only place it can be found is on their application, even once they're a current employee.”
- Paycom Review, Kaitlyn L.
Want to see where payroll is headed? Explore G2’s guide on Payroll Innovation with Intelligent Automation to discover how automation is transforming payroll efficiency.
I’ve seen several G2 reviewers highlight how Deel offers a unified view of HR and payroll workflows. This makes it easier to track income statements, manage payroll cycles, and stay aligned with revenue goals — all from a single dashboard.
From what I’ve read, users really value Deel’s clean interface and one-click access to core features like payroll administration, holiday tracking, compliance tools, and tax calculations. The platform seems to simplify everything from contract creation to employee onboarding.
I’ve come across consistent praise for Deel’s global payroll capabilities. Users appreciate how it ensures legal compliance across jurisdictions and supports payments in multiple currencies. Many mention that real-time updates and email alerts about international transactions are especially helpful when managing global teams.
With its multi-currency accuracy and alerts, Deel is frequently referenced among the best-rated payroll apps for accurate payments for distributed teams.
That said, I’ve noticed some feedback pointed to adding service fees for things like card creation and currency conversion. While these aren’t dealbreakers, users note that if left unchecked, such costs can quietly increase the overall payroll spend.
I’ve also read in G2 review data that document handling within Deel could be smoother. Uploading, editing, and getting approvals for new documents sometimes take longer than expected, occasionally holding up onboarding timelines. Still, most agree that once documents are in place, the centralized workflows are a big time-saver.
Lastly, I’ve seen some users express a desire for more contractor-focused perks. While Deel provides solid employee benefits, G2 users point out that contractors could be better supported with additional rewards or performance-based incentives. That said, most still find Deel’s contractor management features reliable for day-to-day payroll.
“I have been using it daily for over a month now. I work in a different country, yet the exchange and conversions are seamless. It integrates all the features in an easy-to-understand UI. I can freely receive contracts from anywhere worldwide without worrying about payments or currency conversions, and the rates are also fair. It has good help/support features. believe the currency conversions and bank transfers are implemented very well here.”
- Deel Review, Gaurav Y.
“One aspect I dislike about Deel is the potential for high fees associated with some of its services, particularly when dealing with specific countries or payment methods. While the platform offers a range of functionalities, these fees can add up and impact the overall cost-effectiveness for businesses. Additionally, the customer support response times can sometimes be slower than expected, frustrating when urgent issues arise.”
- Deel Review, Kelli M.
In addition to sharing my experience, here are some frequently asked questions about payroll software that you should know
For small businesses, the best and most cost-effective payroll software is OnPay, Patriot Payroll, QuickBooks, and Gusto, which contain all required features like direct deposit, tax calculation, employee expense reimbursements, and so on.
The best payroll software for employees is Rippling, Paycom, Gusto, and Sage Payroll. These programs offer a user-friendly and convenient employee portal to simplify and automate employee requests and operations.
Based on G2 ratings, RUN Powered by ADP, Gusto, and Rippling are among the platforms with the highest reviews, thanks to their ease of use, integrations, and reliability in payroll processing.
Tech startups often prefer top-rated payroll solutions like Rippling and Deel. They integrate well with SaaS stacks, offer automation, and support global contractor payments.
If your team values simplicity, Gusto and ADP RUN are considered the best software for easy payroll processing. Both minimize manual data entry while ensuring compliance and accurate pay runs.
For HR and finance leaders managing larger teams, Paylocity and UKG Ready are often cited as reliable payroll software for efficient business management because they combine compliance, analytics, and payroll automation under one platform.
While not payroll-specific, SaaS-focused companies often pair payroll with strong customer support solutions. According to G2, the top help desk tools for SaaS companies include Zendesk, Freshdesk, and Intercom—making them a solid complement to payroll platforms in the tech space.
Yes, payroll software can manage the complete hire-to-retire process of contractors via the contract management platform. This platform outlines job expectations, hourly or day-based compensation, and currency conversion policies to regularize contractor pay cycles worldwide.
The best payroll software integrates seamlessly with your existing tools. Common integrations include accounting platforms (like QuickBooks payroll, OnPay, or Zero), attendance and time-tracking systems, project management software, HRMS, and benefits administration software.
The best payroll software for payslip generation includes QuickBooks, Sage Payroll, Keka HR, greytHR, and Paychex Flex. These software programs help you maintain accurate employee and payment records and upload monthly-due payslips.
After evaluating multiple payroll software, I concluded that some features cannot be compromised in whichever solution you choose.
Given the sensitivity of payroll data, systems that offer robust data security, platform compatibility, and legal and compliance updates have great potential to scale your employee growth.
While experimenting with these payroll software, I concluded that different features would suit different businesses. To know which payroll software suits you the best, do your own specific research, gather the necessary resources, and refer to this in-depth list to make the best call for your business.
Payroll tools can get pricey and tricky. This guide on payroll software cost unpacks what drives the cost and what most teams overlook when picking a payroll system.
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