Best Online Payroll Software of 2026

What Is Online Payroll Software?

Online payroll software is a web-based payroll application that provides features such as compensation management, tax filing, and time and attendance tracking. Users can access these features via web-enabled devices (e.g., computer, tablet, smartphone). The software is hosted and managed by the vendor.

Online, or “cloud-based,” payroll software refers to systems hosted in the cloud, on the software vendor’s servers. Unlike with on-premise deployments, which require users to install software on their own computers and servers, online software lets users log in from anywhere.

There are many online payroll solutions out there. Some are sold as stand-alone payroll applications, while others are included as part of broader human resources (HR) software suites. Big vendors, such as ADP, offer multiple cloud payroll systems with different levels of functionality. No matter which vendor you choose, there are some capabilities common to most online payroll systems, which we’ll explore next.

(If you're not sold on the cloud-based deployment model and would prefer to evaluate all payroll systems, both cloud-based and on-premise, check out our general payroll software guide.)

As high-speed Internet and mobile access become more common, online payroll software’s popularity is on the rise.

If you're in the market for a new system, this guide will help you choose the right one for your business. We’ll cover:

What Is Online Payroll Software?

Common Applications of Online Payroll Software

What Type of Buyer Are You?

Benefits and Potential Issues

Market Trends to Understand

Common Applications of Online Payroll Software

These systems often come with some or all of the following core capabilities:

What Type of Buyer Are You?

Online payroll software buyers can choose from options with a range of functionality: from basic compensation management systems all the way up to complete HR suites. The system that’s right for you will depend on your payroll, accounting and HR requirements:

Basic payroll needs. Some vendors offer entry-level online payroll packages that include capabilities only for compensation management and time and attendance. Businesses looking to fulfill basic payroll needs might choose one of these, such as Wagepoint or Payroll by Wave.

Payroll and accounting software. These solutions combine payroll processing and accounting. Systems such as XERO include payroll processing and general ledger accounting in one product. Others, such as QuickBooks Full Service Payroll, integrate with full accounting platforms. Relatedly, some vendors offer payroll solutions designed specifically for accountants.

Complete HR suites. As mentioned, many online payroll systems come as part of an HR suite. These suites include functionality for personnel tracking, applicant tracking, benefits administration, talent management, scheduling and more in addition to payroll. Businesses looking for a complete solution can check out software such as Paychex Flex and Kronos Workforce Central’s Web-based option.

Benefits and Potential Issues

There are many benefits of choosing online payroll software over software deployed on-premise. Some of these perks include:

Security. With cloud-based deployments, businesses don’t have to worry about on-premise crashes, thefts or other crises. Online software vendors have their own secure servers and security policies to help prevent hacking and data loss (which are often more robust than those of individual businesses).

Automatic updates. Cloud payroll software vendors often update their products to reflect things like changing tax laws. Because online payroll software can update automatically, users no longer have to buy new software each year.

Lower upfront costs. Since cloud payroll solutions are typically priced on a subscription basis, users don’t have to pay a large installation fee up front, like they do with perpetual licenses (which are common for on-premise systems). Instead, they pay a more manageable fee either per month or per year.

Though online payroll software solutions have lower initial costs, the recurring costs eventually add up. However, since on-premise software often requires users to purchase updates, over time, costs for the two types of system tend to even out.

Market Trends to Understand

Here are a few trends to be aware of as you search for new software in this market:

Mobile accessibility. More and more businesses want their payroll software to be accessible from any device. Cloud-based software has made it possible for vendors to offer mobile apps, so users can log in from their smartphones and tablets.

Many vendors also offer mobile employee portals. With these portals, employees can access their timesheets, salary information and more while on the go.

Cloud-based solutions for larger enterprises. In the past, cloud solutions were marketed only to small and midsize businesses. Now, more and more vendors are offering robust online payroll systems for larger enterprises.

Systems targeting larger businesses often include a wider range of capabilities, such as HR applications or accounting integration.