Looking to manage payroll without compromising time? It’s no secret that processing payroll manually often leads to delays, errors, and compliance issues, especially as teams grow or operate internationally.
That’s where auto payroll software comes in. It simplifies the process by automating calculations, filings, and payments while keeping everything accurate and compliant. Moreover, It gives you more control, saves time, and reduces the risk of costly mistakes.
For this article, we’ve reviewed and compared dozens of tools to narrow down the 10 best auto payroll solutions that can support efficient and scalable business management.
How We Selected the Top Auto Payroll Platforms
To identify the most effective and reliable auto payroll solutions, we reviewed over 60 software platforms, analyzed product demos, examined user reviews across trusted third-party sites, and interviewed HR professionals, accountants, and operations leads.
We also reviewed recent product updates, customer retention metrics, and integration capabilities. Each platform was assessed against a clear set of business-focused criteria to align with real-world payroll needs.
We ranked them based on:
- Automation capabilities
- Compliance support
- Global payment flexibility
- Integration with HR and accounting systems
- User interface and ease of navigation
- Customer support quality
- Scalability across team sizes
- Pricing transparency and value
- Contractor and EOR features
- Real-world adoption and client feedback
Summary of the Top 10 Auto Payroll Software Solutions
To help you evaluate which payroll system best fits your business needs, the table below summarizes core details from the 10 leading auto payroll platforms.
We’ve included the ratings, location, starting pricing, and key service, so you can get a clear snapshot for quick comparison.
| Software | Rating | Location | Starting Pricing | Main Services |
| Rise | 4.5 | New York, NY, USA | $50/contractor or 3% of volume; $399/employee (EOR) | Global payroll in fiat and crypto, EOR, compliance automation |
| Deel | 4.8 | San Francisco, CA, USA | $49/contractor; $599/employee (EOR) | Global payroll, EOR, contractor management, HR compliance |
| Paycor | 4.4 | Cincinnati, OH, USA | ~$99 base + $6/user/month (est.) | Payroll, HRIS, analytics, time tracking, recruiting |
| UKG Pro | 4.3 | Lowell, MA & Weston, FL | $26–$37/user/month (est.) | Global payroll, workforce management, HR, talent, benefits |
| Paylocity | 4.4 | Schaumburg, IL, USA | $22–$32/employee/month (custom quote) | Payroll, HR, benefits, time tracking, analytics |
| Papaya Global | 4.5 | New York, NY, USA | $15–$30/employee/contractor; $599 (EOR) | Global payroll, EOR, payments, benefits, analytics |
| QuickBooks Payroll | 4.4 | Mountain View, CA, USA | $50 base + $6.50/employee (Core) | Payroll, tax filings, HR tools, benefits integration |
| Paychex Flex | 4.2 | Rochester, NY, USA | $39 base + $5/employee (Essentials) | Payroll, HR, benefits, PEO, time tracking |
| Rippling | 4.5 | San Francisco, CA, USA | $35–$39/user (HR); $8 (US payroll); $599 (EOR) | Unified HR, payroll, IT, finance, global support |
| Gusto | 4.6 | San Francisco, CA, USA | $40–$49 base + $6–$22/employee | Payroll, benefits, HR tools, tax filings, time tracking |
10 Best Auto Payroll Software Solutions – Detailed Overview
1. Rise
Rating: 4.5
Location: New York, NY, United States
Company size: 11–50 employees
Year founded: 2019
Rise Works is an auto payroll platform built for modern businesses operating across borders, especially those in Web3, fintech, and creative sectors. Founded by Hugo Finkelstein in 2019, Rise Works has quickly become a standout solution for global contractor and employee payments in both fiat and cryptocurrency. It supports compliant payroll in over 190 countries and allows payments in 90+ local currencies and 100+ digital assets, making it one of the most flexible platforms available. Its win at Coindesk’s Consensus 2023 Pitch Fest marked a major milestone, positioning RiseWorks as a leader in hybrid payroll automation.
Services:
- Global payroll for employees and contractors
- Hybrid payments in fiat and cryptocurrency
- Employer of Record (EOR) and Agent of Record (AOR)
- Automated tax compliance and KYC/AML verification
- Onboarding and contract management
- Custom pay schedules (daily, weekly, milestone-based)
- RiseID web3 identity verification
- Crypto wallet and DeFi earning accounts
- Integration with accounting and HR tools
- Startup payroll credits up to $30,000
Pricing:
- Contractors: $50/contractor/month or 3% of payment volume
- EOR: $399/employee/month
- Contractors join free; discounts for startups and incubators
Pros:
- Supports 190+ countries with multi-currency and crypto options
- Fast onboarding with automated ID verification
- Startup-friendly pricing with credits
- Built-in compliance and contract tools
- Designed for remote, Web3, and blockchain companies
Cons:
- Slower fiat bank payouts in some cases
- Limited mobile access (web only)
- Occasional KYC issues requiring manual resolution
- Lacks deeper reporting or time-tracking features seen in older platforms
2. Deel
Rating: 4.8
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Company size: 1,001–5,000 employees
Year founded: 2019
Deel is an all-in-one auto payroll and HR platform designed to simplify hiring, compliance, and global payroll. Founded by Alex Bouaziz and Shuo Wang, Deel was built to eliminate geographical barriers in employment. It supports payroll operations in over 150 countries and serves more than 35,000 companies managing over 650,000 workers. Deel’s infrastructure handles both employees and contractors, with dedicated EOR services and local legal compliance, making it a leading solution for globally distributed teams.
Services:
- Global payroll and tax automation
- Employer of Record (EOR)
- Contractor onboarding and payments
- HR compliance and documentation
- Regional benefits administration
- U.S. PEO and payroll services
- Immigration and mobility services
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Integration with HRIS and accounting systems
Pricing:
- Contractor management: $49/contractor/month
- EOR: $599/employee/month
- Global payroll: $29/employee/month
- US PEO: $95/employee/month
Pros:
- Fast onboarding across 150+ countries
- Robust compliance automation
- Multi-currency and crypto-friendly payment options
- Scalable plans for startups to enterprises
- Strong integration with HR and finance tools
Cons:
- High cost for EOR and advanced modules
- Some features have a steep learning curve
- Legal controversies in 2025 impacted public perception
3. Paycor
Rating: 4.4
Location: Cincinnati, OH, USA
Company size: ~2,900 employees
Year founded: 1990
Paycor is a HCM and payroll platform built for U.S.-based small to mid-sized businesses across industries such as healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. Founded by Bob Coughlin, Paycor evolved from a payroll service to a full-service SaaS solution offering payroll, talent management, time tracking, and analytics. Its platform combines compliance tools with workforce optimization, making it suitable for businesses focused on structured HR processes and detailed reporting.
Services:
- Payroll automation and multi-state tax filing
- HR onboarding and employee data management
- Time and attendance tracking
- Applicant tracking and learning management
- Benefits administration
- Predictive analytics and benchmarking
- Integrations with accounting and ERP systems
Pricing:
- Custom quotes required
- Historic estimates: $99/month base fee + $6/user/month (Basic plan)
- Higher-tier plans include HR, recruiting, and analytics modules
- Time-tracking and scheduling are optional add-ons
Pros:
- Full HCM suite on a single platform
- Strong analytics and benchmarking tools
- Industry-specific tools for healthcare, retail, and manufacturing
- Cloud-based and scalable
Cons:
- Customer service frequently criticized as slow and unhelpful
- No free trials
- Interface can feel outdated
- Add-on costs increase total spend
- Documented payroll and tax processing issues reported
4. Paylocity
Rating: 4.4
Location: Schaumburg, IL, USA
Company size: 5,001–10,000 employees
Year founded: 1997
Paylocity is a cloud-based HCM and payroll platform designed for small to mid-sized businesses looking to streamline HR, payroll, and workforce operations. Originally launched as Ameripay Payroll Ltd., Paylocity has expanded to offer automation, employee engagement tools, and broad integration capabilities. Its modern interface and strong self-service features make it a preferred choice for companies needing flexibility without enterprise complexity.
Services:
- Payroll processing with tax automation and multi-state support
- HRIS and employee data management
- Benefits administration and ACA reporting
- Time tracking, scheduling, and labor cost control
- Talent management: recruiting, onboarding, performance
- Employee self-service portals and mobile access
- Custom analytics, dashboards, and benchmarking
- 350+ integrations with ERP, HR, and accounting systems
Pricing:
- Typically $22–$32 per employee per month
- No published flat fee; all pricing via custom quotes
- Add-ons for analytics, recruiting, and time tracking increase total cost
- No implementation fees; onboarding support included
Pros:
- Unified payroll and HR tools on a modern interface
- High usability and mobile access
- Scalable for small to midsize organizations
- Strong analytics and reporting
- Large integration ecosystem
Cons:
- Pricing opacity; total cost can rise with add-ons
- Customer support experiences are mixed
- No contractor-specific payroll features
- Implementation setup can be time-consuming
- Better suited to SMBs than large global operations
5. UKG Pro
Rating: 4.3
Location: Dual HQs in Lowell, MA and Weston, FL, USA
Company size: 13,500+ employees
Year founded: 2020 (merger of Ultimate Software and Kronos Inc.)
UKG Pro is an enterprise-grade HCM suite offering advanced payroll, HR, and workforce management tools. Formed from the merger of two long-established providers, UKG Pro serves large, complex organizations operating across borders. The platform supports multi-country payroll, workforce analytics, talent management, and compliance. It is favored by enterprises needing deep configurability and integration across HR, ERP, and payroll systems.
Services:
- Global payroll and multi-jurisdiction tax filing
- Workforce management (time, scheduling, leave)
- HR document and compliance management
- Talent acquisition and performance reviews
- Benefits enrollment and ACA compliance
- Predictive analytics and custom dashboards
- Employee self-service via mobile and web
- Integrations with ERP, HRIS, and accounting tools
Pricing:
- Estimated: $26–$37/user/month (UKG Pro)
- Higher enterprise tiers may exceed $100/user/month
- UKG Ready starts from $21–$29/user/month
- Custom quotes required based on organization size and setup
Pros:
- All-in-one enterprise-grade HR and payroll suite
- Strong international capabilities (165+ countries)
- Powerful analytics and business intelligence
- Configurable modules to match unique enterprise needs
- High retention rate and consistent platform updates
Cons:
- Expensive and complex for smaller organizations
- Custom setup requires time and resources
- Add-on features increase total cost
- Support responsiveness varies on advanced issues
- Some concerns following recent company layoffs
6. Papaya Global
Rating: 4.5
Location: New York, NY, USA
Company size: 800–850 employees
Year founded: 2016
Papaya Global is a cloud-based payroll and workforce management platform built to support international teams across over 160 countries. Founded by Eynat Guez, Ruben Drong, and Ofer Herman, the platform combines automated payroll processing with licensed payments infrastructure and deep compliance features. Papaya is used by enterprises, tech companies, and global non-profits for managing full-time employees, contractors, and international payments (all through a unified interface).
Services:
- Global payroll and local tax compliance
- Employer of Record (EOR) and Agent of Record (AOR)
- Contractor management and payments
- Statutory and optional benefits administration
- Secure, licensed global payments
- HRIS and ERP integrations
- Equity and incentive management
- Analytics and compliance reporting dashboards
Pricing:
- Employees: $25/employee (Grow Global), $20 (Scale), $15 (Enterprise)
- Contractors: $30/contractor/month
- EOR: $599/employee/month
- Global payments: Starting at $2.50/transaction
- AOR: $200/contractor/month
- No implementation or integration fees
Pros:
- Deep global compliance and coverage (160+ countries)
- Transparent, tiered pricing
- High retention rate with strong enterprise adoption
- Licensed global payments infrastructure
- Integrated analytics and equity tools
Cons:
- Pricing structure can be complex for mixed workforces
- Onboarding larger teams requires planning and support
- Invoicing features are limited compared to competitors
- Customer support response time can vary on advanced cases
- May be more than necessary for small single-country teams
7. QuickBooks Payroll
Rating: 4.4
Location: Mountain View, CA, USA (Intuit HQ)
Company size: Part of Intuit’s 18,200+ workforce
Year founded: Launched in late 1990s as an add-on to QuickBooks
QuickBooks Payroll is an integrated payroll solution developed by Intuit, tailored to small and medium-sized U.S. businesses. As part of the QuickBooks ecosystem, it provides fully automated payroll, tax filing, and HR support through a simple and intuitive interface. The platform’s strength lies in its seamless sync with QuickBooks accounting and its automation-first design, making it ideal for business owners managing finance and HR in one place.
Services:
- Full-service payroll for employees and contractors
- Automated federal and state tax filing
- Same-/next-day direct deposit
- Employee self-service portal for pay and tax documents
- Time tracking via QuickBooks Time (Premium, Elite)
- HR compliance tools and onboarding support
- Integrated benefits management
- Mobile access and admin control
Pricing:
- Core: $50/month + $6.50/employee
- Premium: $88/month + $10/employee
- Elite: $134/month + $12/employee
- Contractor-only: $35 base + $6/contractor
- No annual contracts; 30-day trial or discount offers available
Pros:
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting
- Reliable tax automation and penalty protection (Elite)
- Easy setup with step-by-step onboarding
- Flexible direct deposit and pay schedules
- Transparent monthly pricing
Cons:
- Limited integration outside QuickBooks ecosystem
- Higher pricing on advanced tiers
- Multi-state filing may incur extra fees
- Inconsistent customer support during high-traffic periods
- Capped usability for businesses with over 150 employees
8. Paychex Flex
Rating: 4.2
Location: Rochester, NY, USA
Company size: 10,000+ employees
Year founded: 1971
Paychex Flex is a cloud-based payroll and human resource platform developed by Paychex, Inc., one of the longest-running payroll providers in the U.S. Originally founded to serve small businesses, Paychex now offers services to organizations of all sizes, including banks and large enterprises. The Paychex Flex platform combines automated payroll, benefits administration, and HR tools with optional PEO services and 24/7 support. It is widely adopted across finance, healthcare, education, and service industries.
Services:
- Full-service payroll and multi-state tax filing
- HR management and employee onboarding
- Benefits administration (health, retirement, insurance)
- Time and attendance tracking with mobile access
- Talent management (recruiting, learning, performance)
- Custom payroll and HR reporting
- PEO services and HR consulting
- Employee self-service portal and mobile app
Pricing:
- Essentials plan: $39/month + $5/employee
- Select and Pro: Custom quotes based on company size and features
- Add-ons available for time tracking, learning, and HR tools
- No free trial
Pros:
- Flexible platform for businesses from 10 to 1,000+ employees
- 24/7 customer support with dedicated payroll specialists
- Broad coverage of payroll and HR functions
- Scales well for shift-based and hourly workforces
- Offers full HR outsourcing through PEO
Cons:
- Below-average customer satisfaction, especially for support
- Non-transparent pricing beyond the base plan
- Time-consuming setup for first-time users
- Technical glitches and delayed updates reported
- Limited automation in lower-tier plans
9. Rippling
Rating: 4.5
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Company size: 2,800–5,000 employees
Year founded: 2016
Rippling is a comprehensive cloud-based platform that unifies HR, payroll, IT, and finance management into a single system. Co-founded by Parker Conrad and Prasanna Sankar, Rippling is designed for companies ranging from small startups to global enterprises with up to 10,000 employees. It automates onboarding, payroll, compliance, and even device management, making it especially popular among fast-scaling tech companies and hybrid teams.
Services:
- US and global payroll automation
- HR and compliance management
- IT provisioning (devices, app access, remote wipe)
- Contractor and EOR support
- Benefits administration
- Time and attendance tracking
- Spend and expense management
- Learning and development tools
- Real-time analytics and benchmarking
- 350+ third-party integrations
Pricing:
- Core HR: $35–$39/user/month
- US payroll: $8/user/month
- EOR: $599/employee/month
- PEO: $75/user/month
- Global payroll and contractor management: Custom pricing
- Add-ons may include setup fees
Pros:
- Unified platform for HR, IT, payroll, and finance
- Fast onboarding (setup in under 2 minutes)
- Scalable for both startups and global firms
- Deep automation and workflow customization
- Extensive integration network
Cons:
- Complex setup may require IT resources
- Support can be slow for non-routine issues
- Expensive for very small businesses
- One-time implementation costs for advanced setups
10. Gusto
Rating: 4.6
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Company size: 2,000+ employees
Year founded: 2012 (as ZenPayroll, rebranded to Gusto in 2015)
Gusto is an auto payroll platform built for small and medium-sized businesses in the United States. Founded by Josh Reeves, Edward Kim, and Tomer London, Gusto has grown into a widely used solution with over 400,000 business clients. Its focus on simplicity, automation, and compliance makes it particularly appealing to business owners and HR teams without dedicated payroll departments. Gusto integrates payroll, benefits, and HR tools into a single, user-friendly platform designed to streamline routine operations.
Services:
- Full-service payroll (salaried, hourly, and contractor payments)
- Federal, state, and local tax filings and year-end forms
- Benefits administration (health, dental, vision, 401(k))
- Employee onboarding and document management
- Time tracking and PTO management
- HR tools (e-signatures, org charts, employee directories)
- Employee self-service portal and lifetime document access
- 100+ integrations with accounting and time-tracking tools
- Custom payroll and benefits reporting
Pricing:
- Simple: $40–$49/month + $6/employee
- Plus: $80/month + $12/employee
- Premium: $180/month + $22/employee
- Contractor-only: $35 base + $6/contractor
- Select (25+ employees): Custom pricing
- No free plan
Pros:
- Clean, intuitive interface for fast onboarding
- Highly automated payroll and tax filings
- Transparent pricing with clearly tiered plans
- Solid benefits integration without added platform fees
- Employee access to all documents and pay history
Cons:
- Add-ons for insurance and advanced HR raise total cost
- Not suitable for large or international organizations
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak times
- No free contractor plan
- Advanced tax needs may require manual oversight
Final Thoughts
Each platform on the list brings useful automation, compliance tools, and integration support. The best fit, though, should depend on how your payroll works, how many employees you pay, and where they are based.
If you hire globally, work with contractors, or offer crypto payments, tools like Deel, Papaya, or Rippling may suit those needs better.
Still, RiseWorks stands out. Its global capabilities, fiat and crypto support, automated compliance, and pricing that works for smaller teams make it the most reliable option for scaling payroll with less friction.
FAQs
1. What is auto payroll software and how does it work?
Auto payroll software automates salary calculations, tax filings, and employee payments without requiring manual intervention. It typically uses predefined schedules, synced employee data, and integrated tax rules to process payroll accurately. Once set up, it handles deductions, benefits, compliance, and direct deposits on a recurring basis. Most platforms include features such as W-2/1099 generation, automated tax filing (federal, state, local), and employee self-service portals.
2. What features should I look for in the best auto payroll software?
High-quality auto payroll software should include automated payroll runs, multi-state and international tax compliance, benefits integration, employee self-service, and support for both W-2 and 1099 workers. Leading platforms like RiseWorks, Deel, and Gusto also offer contractor support, global currency options, crypto payments, and employer of record (EOR) functionality. Integration with accounting tools (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero) and real-time reporting dashboards are also essential for full visibility and audit-readiness.
3. Which auto payroll software is best for international or remote teams?
RiseWorks is one of the most advanced auto payroll platforms for international and remote teams. It supports payroll in over 190 countries and enables payments in 90+ local currencies as well as 100+ cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins like USDC and USDT. Designed for global-first companies, it offers hybrid payment capabilities (simultaneously issuing salaries in both fiat and digital assets).
4. How does auto payroll help reduce errors and improve compliance?
Automated payroll systems reduce manual input, which lowers the risk of miscalculations and missed deadlines. These platforms stay updated with federal, state, and international tax laws, ensuring accurate filings. Tools like Paylocity and QuickBooks Payroll automatically file quarterly reports, generate year-end tax forms, and alert users to anomalies. Built-in compliance checks and KYC/AML verification further reduce legal exposure, especially in regulated industries or global operations.
5. Which auto payroll software is best overall for most businesses?
Rise Works stands out as the best overall for its balance of automation, compliance depth, and global flexibility. It supports fiat and crypto payments, handles contractor and employee payroll in over 190 countries, and automates identity verification and tax filings. With competitive pricing models and fast onboarding, it suits startups, remote teams, and digital-native businesses. Other strong options include Deel for EOR-focused scaling and QuickBooks Payroll for U.S.-based SMBs integrated with QuickBooks accounting.
