Best payroll software for 2024

Choosing the right payroll software provider is a crucial decision for businesses of every size. The best solutions provide comprehensive systems that you can tailor to the unique needs of your business. Plus, they should offer exceptional customer service, being responsive and helpful when you need them the most.

However, the "best" payroll software will vary depending on your business's specific requirements. A solution that's perfect for a team of 5 might not suffice for a team of 500. Therefore, in selecting the right payroll provider, you should consider your current payroll needs in addition to what you might need in the future.

So whether you need a new payroll solution for your business, or are an accounting firm or payroll bureau searching for a client system, here are the top payroll software providers for 2024:

Xero Payroll

Ideal for: Small, medium & large businesses.‍

Summary: Xero Payroll is a robust solution that works seamlessly with Xero's accounting software, making it an excellent choice for those already using Xero.‍

Main benefits:

• Easy accounting connection: Payroll and accounting in the Xero system that you know and love.
• Automated calculations: Payslips, tax and National Insurance contributions.
• Auto-enrolment for pensions
• Real-time information reporting to HMRC
• Employee self-serve: Allows employees to submit timesheets, request leave, and view their payslips online.
• Mobile app: Easy access to these functionalities on the go.

Did you know? Telleroo is the only app with a native Xero accounting connection and two-way sync to Xero payroll. Automatically sync payroll payments to Telleroo and to automatically post payments back to Xero (with individual employees salaries hidden).

Employment Hero

Ideal for: Small, medium and large-sized businesses.

Summary: Employment Hero is a robust platform designed to simplify HR, payroll, and employee benefits. It integrates seamlessly with major accounting software such as Xero, and provides a holistic solution to employee management.

Main benefits:

• One-platform solution: Combines HR, payroll, and benefits in one integrated platform.
• Custom pay conditions
• HMRC Compliant
• Award interpretation engine
• Auto-syncs with Telleroo and Xero, alongside integrations with workforce management and employee communication software

BrightPay

Ideal for: Small to large businesses and payroll service providers.

Summary: BrightPay is a payroll solution that caters to the unique needs of both small and large businesses. It simplifies the payroll process and ensures compliance with the latest regulations.

Main benefits:

• Real-time Information: Ensures that you are always up-to-date with the latest payroll information.
• Direct API Integration with Pension Providers
• Batch Processing for Payroll Bureaus
• Easy import with Telleroo, and integrations with accounting software including Xero and Quickbooks.

Sage

Ideal for: Small to large businesses and accountancy firms.

Summary: Sage is a prominent payroll software solution that is designed to simplify and automate payroll tasks for businesses. With its comprehensive range of features, Sage is ideal for those already using the accounting system.

Main benefits:

• Add on for Sage accounting software
• Auto Enrolment: Offers detailed support for managing Auto Enrolment in line with compliance requirements.
• Built-in HR features: Includes leave management, expenses and shift scheduling.
• Easy import with Telleroo, and integrations with everything from business intelligence to Stripe.

Staffology Payroll

Ideal for: Small businesses.

Summary: Staffology Payroll combines with Staffology HR software, to deliver a comprehensive employment solutions package.

Main benefits:

• Auto-pilot: Automatically finalises your pay run by emailing payslip PDFs to employees, filing the FPS with HMRC, and starting the next pay run.
• HR Software: You can add Staffology HR to handle everything from onboarding, to timesheets and personal development plans.
• Automated emailing of payslips
• API Integration: So you can connect to your existing systems.
• Auto-syncs with Telleroo alongside accounting software, pension providers and other integrations.

Freshpay

Ideal for: Accountants & Bureaus, large sized businesses.

Summary: Freshpay is a comprehensive payroll software for accountants, well-suited for those seeking a streamlined, efficient payroll process.

Main benefits:

• Bureau dashboard: Get valuable insights into the bureau workload, company list, setup progress, staff capacity, and deadlines.
• Automatic Director payroll processing
• Employer and employee portals
• Auto-enrolment for pensions
• View edit history
• Auto-syncs with Telleroo, and integrates with Xero and Quickbooks

SafeHR

Ideal for: Small to medium-sized businesses, particularly those in the service industry.

Summary: SafeHR is a dynamic HR and automated payroll system for small business, designed for simplicity and ease of use, and is ideal for businesses with no dedicated HR department.

Main benefits:

• Time and attendance: Simplifies timesheet tracking and absence management.
• Employee self-service: Employees have the ability to manage their own time and tasks, reducing administrative overhead.
• Document management: Provides a secure, centralised location for HR documents ensuring easy retrieval and compliance.
• Custom reports: Allows you to generate custom reports for more focused HR analysis.
• Auto-syncs with Telleroo, Xero, Quickbooks, PensionSync and more.

Paycircle

Ideal for: Payroll bureaus seeking an all-in-one payroll solution.

Summary: Paycircle is a payroll software for payroll service providers and bureaus, designed to streamline payroll processes and improve efficiency.

Main benefits:

• Simple collaboration: User roles for Accountants, Bureaus, Employers and Employees with in-system communication and notifications.
• Comprehensive Payroll System: Offers a complete solution for all payroll needs, saving time and reducing errors.
• Real-time Information: Keeps you informed with the very latest payroll data.
• End of Year Processing: Handles year-end obligations with ease, decreasing the stress of tax season.
• Open API: So you can connect with your favourite apps.

Onfolk

Ideal for: Small, medium & large businesses.

Summary: Onfolk is a modern UK-based payroll software. It focuses on reducing errors, increasing visibility, and being easy to work with.

Main benefits:

• One-minute payroll runs with HMRC recognised RTI
• Expert customer support
• Auto-enrolment pensions
• Self-serve employee portal that works on mobile‍
• Integrates with pension schemes, Xero, and QuickbooksEasy-import with Telleroo (auto-sync coming soon)