10 Reviews: Best Payroll Software for Desktop (Apr 2024)

BambooHR is the leading provider of online human resources software for small and medium businesses that have outgrown spreadsheets. BambooHR’s cloud-based system provides a simple and cost-effective approach for growing businesses to track and manage critical personnel data in a tailored Human Resources Information System (HRIS). HR managers now have more time to focus on other important tasks, CEOs receive accurate, timely data, and employees can self-service their time off through a mobile app. Fitbit, Fab, FreshBooks, Klout, and Squarespace, among thousands of others in over 150 countries, are among BambooHR’s clientele. Visit www.bamboohr.com for additional details.

"BambooHR is user-friendly for employees, supervisors, and admin users. It has become our main source for employee information and time tracking, performance management, and even well-being surveys. BambooHR is always working on improving existing features and introducing new ones based on customer feedback...."

by Sarah M

Paycor develops HR software for executives that desire to change the world. Paycor’s Human Capital Management (HCM) platform promises to modernize all areas of human resource management, including recruitment, onboarding, and development, as well as payment and retention. Paycor’s payroll features include pay calculation, which calculates employee pay with state and federal deductions, and off-cycle/On-Demand payment, which allows employees to access wages accrued during the pay period before the end of the pay period, and benefit plan administration, which includes health insurance and 401k plans.

"in all three programs. Paycor's customer service was promised, and the pricing was the best, so we decided to go with them."

by Shayla Buechnert

Make use of industry-leading ERP software. SAP’s enterprise resource planning can help you gain a competitive advantage and drive growth. Our market-leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) software provides a proven, trusted foundation built to manage the world’s largest organizations as well as small and midsize businesses in 25 different industries, with more than 40 years of expertise and approximately 50,000 clients. Streamline business processes across procurement, production, service, sales, finance, and HR by using role-based access to important data, apps, and analytical tools.

"The amount of reports and data [SAP SuccessFactors] holds is amazing. You are able to track an employees' progress from the second they apply to the time that they leave and everything in between."

by Tiana T.

APS is a single-system HR software for any industry that lets you handle multiple pay groups, tax compliance, and the whole employee lifecycle. Within the same desktop HR software, you will be able to track and manage many positions, daily schedules, and locations. Managing your long-term employees shouldn’t be a time-consuming and laborious procedure. Using our school HR software, you can handle hiring, tenured positions, and retirement.

"I Like that I can use APS for all of my needs, from Applicant tracking, hiring, and then payroll purposes. It's very multi-purposeful. I have used other programs before and have not been able just to use one software."

by Melody P

It offers three alternatives for your business, each with a different pricing range and targeted to fulfill different needs. Although its Core Plan, which costs $39 per month plus $6 per employee, isn’t the lowest we discovered, it’s still reasonable and includes everything you need to process payroll. Unlimited payroll runs, direct payment, tax filings, W-2s and 1099s, and much more are included with Gusto’s three memberships. In most states, Gusto offers health insurance, which you can utilize to create a benefits package for your employees.

"..It has steadily improved over the years, adding new functionality recently in areas like user permissions, state payroll tax registration, global contractor payments, and HR support tools. ..."

by PC Mag

Rippling is a simple online payroll solution for any businesses that also includes HR and IT assistance. To get started, the software requires very little training. It only takes 90 seconds to complete. Both administrators and staff will be up and running in no time thanks to Rippling’s ease of use. The main menu provides access to all of Rippling’s essential features, including personnel, payroll, and reporting. The payroll interface is similarly simple and well-organized, with critical information like total hours worked and total labor expenses readily visible. Rippling integrates with over 400 different programs, including accounting software like QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Xero. Apps such as Google Workspace and Slack will also be supported.

"Fantastic. Everything from the implementation to our daily use, this has been one of the best product purchases I’ve ever made. Plus, my boss ([SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN] ) absolutely loves Rippling and has even talked about it at our board meeting! Good stuff all around and I have recommended it to at least a dozen colleagues in my local market."

by Derrick M.

Payroll is automated with Homebase, allowing you to pay staff in seconds. It will convert your timesheets into payroll hours and wages automatically. Wages and taxes are calculated and distributed by Homebase to employees, the state, and the IRS. Automatic processing of your tax returns, including 1099s and W-2s, is also possible. Having all of your information in one place might save you time and help you avoid mistakes. Let’s get organized and grow your business with Homebase’s help.

"I honestly have not thought about payroll since switching to Homebase Payroll—which is the best endorsement I can give a platform designed to make you more efficient or take away a once tedious task. WE LOVE IT."

by Eric Murphy

Patriot Payroll is a payroll system designed for businesses with up to 100 employees. There are two versions of the software, both of which are free to try for 30 days. The fundamental plan is $10 per month + $4 per employee or contractor. Standard payroll services are available, but you must pay and file payroll taxes on your own. The software includes functions such as payroll setup and support. Payroll runs are unlimited, and employees have access to an employee site, as well as direct deposit and the ability to print checks. Worker’s compensation, accounting, and time management integrations

“As a small business owner, there is no substitute for Patriot payroll software. Easy to use and very flexible. Highly recommended.”

by Joel

Paychex Flex offers a variety of solutions for growing businesses. You can start with a less-priced, less robust plan and upgrade as needed. The most basic option is Paychex Flex Essentials, which costs $39 per month + $5 per employee. Paychex Flex Select, Paychex Flex Pro, and Paychex Flex Enterprise, which provide more advanced features, have quote-based pricing. With the Select and Pro plans, you get more services, such as a dedicated payroll specialist to help you with tax or payroll issues.

"... There are three basic tiers of payroll service, created to serve a single self-employed person, small and medium-sized businesses, and companies with more than one thousand employees.."

by US News

Deel is a remote team-specific payroll and compliance hiring tool. As a result, Deel can be used to hire and pay anyone, wherever. Businesses may hire full-time employees or independent contractors legally anywhere in the world in minutes using a tech-enabled self-serve system. Deel helps firms manage payroll and produce bespoke legal contracts in over 150 countries. Teams can even select how they wish to receive their funds. Deel is in charge of everything. Deel now has around 6,000 users, so you don’t have to worry about picking this one.

"There is literally nothing we dislike about deel. The team is brilliant, and we keep getting amazed by the quality of their service. We have gone from 4 people to over 50 people in the past 7 or so months, and Deel has been a key part in enabling that growth"

by Eyass S