# Best Online Payroll Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing

> Find the best Online Payroll Software for your organization. Compare top Online Payroll Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos.

Source: https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/online-payroll-comparison

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# Best Online Payroll Software of 2026

Updated June 15, 2026

On this page

1.  FrontRunners
2.  Popular Comparisons
3.  Buyers Guide

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79 results

### Compare Products

Showing 1 - 25 of 79 products

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**Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals.  
  
**Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least.  
  
**Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest.  
  
**Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z.

[Paycom](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/paycom-profile/)

Paycom is the most automated HCM platform and the only HR and payroll software built on a truly single, unique database that aut...[Read more about Paycom](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/paycom-profile/)

**4.4**

([1281 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/paycom-profile/reviews/))

**513**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Indeed for Employers

NetSuite

+1 more

+0 more

+0 more

Paycom's Best Rated Features

4.83Leave Tracking

See All

Paycom's Worst Rated Features

3.26Generative AI

See All

[Rippling](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/rippling-profile/)

Rippling is an integrated workforce management platform that unifies HR, IT, and finance tools to streamline operations. It cent...[Read more about Rippling](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/rippling-profile/)

**4.9**

([4810 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/rippling-profile/reviews/))

**495**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Google Docs

Google Drive

+192 more

+191 more

+190 more

Rippling's Best Rated Features

5.0Provider Management

See All

Rippling's Worst Rated Features

4.11Competency Management

See All

[Paylocity](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/web-pay-profile/)

Tired of juggling disconnected systems for HR, Finance, and IT? Wasted time and manual work slow your business down. Paylocity i...[Read more about Paylocity](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/web-pay-profile/)

**4.3**

([1846 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/web-pay-profile/reviews/))

**419**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Microsoft 365

Asana

+68 more

+67 more

+66 more

Paylocity's Best Rated Features

4.83Reimbursement Management

See All

Paylocity's Worst Rated Features

3.44Leave Tracking

See All

[UKG Pro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/ukg-pro-profile/)

UKG Pro Human Capital Management (HCM) software is a workforce management solution designed to align people strategy with busine...[Read more about UKG Pro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/ukg-pro-profile/)

**4.3**

([725 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/ukg-pro-profile/reviews/))

**278**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Slack

Indeed for Employers

+34 more

+33 more

+32 more

UKG Pro's Best Rated Features

4.77Direct Deposit

See All

UKG Pro's Worst Rated Features

2.86Recruitment Management

See All

[Paycor](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/paycor-perform-profile/)

Paycor’s HR & payroll platform connects leaders to people, data, and expertise. Our comprehensive HR and talent platform combine...[Read more about Paycor](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/paycor-perform-profile/)

**4.3**

([3043 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/paycor-perform-profile/reviews/))

**240**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Guusto

Nectar

+18 more

+17 more

+16 more

Paycor's Best Rated Features

4.89Real-Time Reporting

See All

Paycor's Worst Rated Features

3.50Course Management

See All

[ADP Workforce Now](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/adp-workforce-now-profile/)

ADP Workforce Now is an HR suite that combines all core payroll and HR management processes into a single database-driven platfo...[Read more about ADP Workforce Now](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/adp-workforce-now-profile/)

**4.4**

([7218 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/adp-workforce-now-profile/reviews/))

**211**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

QuickBooks Enterprise

Xero

+21 more

+20 more

+19 more

ADP Workforce Now's Best Rated Features

4.90Peer Appraisals

See All

ADP Workforce Now's Worst Rated Features

3.50Competency Management

See All

[RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/adp-run-profile/)

RUN Powered by ADP is a smart, simple payroll and HR solution designed to help small businesses pay people confidently and stay ...[Read more about RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/adp-run-profile/)

**4.6**

([1425 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/adp-run-profile/reviews/))

**205**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

QuickBooks Online

+0 more

+0 more

+0 more

RUN Powered by ADP's Best Rated Features

4.88Check Printing

See All

RUN Powered by ADP's Worst Rated Features

4.0Learning & Development

See All

[Auris](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/heartland-payroll-profile/)

Auris™ is the payroll and HR partner built for small and medium-sized businesses who can’t afford to get it wrong. Trusted by ov...[Read more about Auris](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/heartland-payroll-profile/)

**4.3**

([101 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/heartland-payroll-profile/reviews/))

**194**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Xero

QuickBooks Desktop

+1 more

+0 more

+0 more

Auris's Best Rated Features

4.92Recruitment Management

See All

Auris's Worst Rated Features

3.92Time Tracking

See All

[Asure](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/asure-payroll-profile/)

Asure’s end-to-end Payroll, HR, and Time and Attendance solutions were developed specifically for small to mid-sized businesses....[Read more about Asure](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/asure-payroll-profile/)

**4.2**

([284 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/asure-payroll-profile/reviews/))

**113**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Lendio

Employee Navigator

+3 more

+2 more

+1 more

Asure's Best Rated Features

4.57Activity Dashboard

See All

Asure's Worst Rated Features

3.33Third-Party Integrations

See All

[Dayforce HCM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/4592-Dayforce-HCM/)

Dayforce is an AI-powered people platform, delivering simplicity at scale with a full-suite HCM solution. Designed as a single, ...[Read more about Dayforce HCM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/4592-Dayforce-HCM/)

**4.3**

([1061 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/4592-Dayforce-HCM/reviews/))

**108**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Docusign

+0 more

+0 more

+0 more

Dayforce HCM's Best Rated Features

4.83Online Benefits Enrollment

See All

Dayforce HCM's Worst Rated Features

3.86Training Management

See All

[Patriot Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/3746-Patriot-Software/)

Patriot Software is a cloud-based payroll solution that supports multiple pay rates, enabling businesses to cater to various com...[Read more about Patriot Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/3746-Patriot-Software/)

**4.8**

([3964 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/3746-Patriot-Software/reviews/))

**80**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

QuickBooks Online

Stripe

+4 more

+3 more

+2 more

Patriot Software's Best Rated Features

4.92Dashboard

See All

Patriot Software's Worst Rated Features

4.0Timesheet Management

See All

[Payroll Relief](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/payroll-relief-profile/)

Payroll Relief is a cloud-based accounting software designed to help human resource (HR) professionals manage and streamline pay...[Read more about Payroll Relief](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/payroll-relief-profile/)

**3.5**

([41 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/payroll-relief-profile/reviews/))

**61**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

QuickBooks Payroll

Time and Attendance

+2 more

+1 more

+0 more

Payroll Relief's Best Rated Features

3.75W-2 Preparation

See All

Payroll Relief's Worst Rated Features

3.10Tax Compliance

See All

[TriNet HR Plus](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/zenefits-profile/)

TriNet's HR Plus is outsourced HR services plus HR technology to help your business thrive. Our all-in-one HR platform helps you...[Read more about TriNet HR Plus](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/zenefits-profile/)

**4.2**

([823 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/zenefits-profile/reviews/))

**51**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Google Workspace

Microsoft 365

+27 more

+26 more

+25 more

TriNet HR Plus's Best Rated Features

4.91Health Insurance Administration

See All

TriNet HR Plus's Worst Rated Features

4.11Timesheet Management

See All

[Viventium Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/viventium-profile/)

Designed for home care agencies and skilled nursing facilities, Viventium Software is a cloud-based solution that helps organiza...[Read more about Viventium Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/viventium-profile/)

**4.7**

([102 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/viventium-profile/reviews/))

**48**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

AxisCare

Apploi

+33 more

+32 more

+31 more

Viventium Software's Best Rated Features

5.0Time Tracking

See All

Viventium Software's Worst Rated Features

3.83Benefits Management

See All

[isolved](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/isolved-profile/)

isolved is a human capital management platform designed to streamline HR, payroll, and benefits administration. It serves as a c...[Read more about isolved](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/isolved-profile/)

**3.9**

([648 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/isolved-profile/reviews/))

**40**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

QuickBooks Online

Workable

+29 more

+28 more

+27 more

isolved's Best Rated Features

4.73Wage Garnishment

See All

isolved's Worst Rated Features

3.42Time Off Management

See All

[Employment Hero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/employment-hero-profile/)

Employment Hero is a cloud-based human resource management (HRM) system for small and medium businesses on the up. The solution ...[Read more about Employment Hero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/employment-hero-profile/)

**4.4**

([239 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/employment-hero-profile/reviews/))

**26**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Slack

QuickBooks Online

+11 more

+10 more

+9 more

Employment Hero's Best Rated Features

4.88Asynchronous Learning

See All

Employment Hero's Worst Rated Features

3.0Online Time Clock

See All

[NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/)

NetSuite is an AI-powered cloud-based business management suite that incorporates ERP, financial management, CRM and eCommerce f...[Read more about NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/)

**4.2**

([2045 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/reviews/))

**10**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Salesforce Sales Cloud

Docusign

+18 more

+17 more

+16 more

NetSuite's Best Rated Features

4.75Check Writing

See All

NetSuite's Worst Rated Features

2.71Dashboard

See All

[ADP Workforce Now On the Go](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/adp-workforce-now-on-the-go-profile/)

ADP Workforce Now On the Go is an integrated mobile workforce management solution for businesses in Canada that delivers critica...[Read more about ADP Workforce Now On the Go](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/adp-workforce-now-on-the-go-profile/)

**4.5**

([61 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/adp-workforce-now-on-the-go-profile/reviews/))

**4**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

ADP Workforce Now On the Go's Best Rated Features

4.90Direct Deposit

See All

ADP Workforce Now On the Go's Worst Rated Features

4.10Reporting/Analytics

See All

[Triton HR](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/triton-hr-profile/)

Triton HR is a human resources and benefits management platform designed for businesses of various sizes across multiple industr...[Read more about Triton HR](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/triton-hr-profile/)

No reviews yet

**1**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

ADP Workforce Now

Paycor

+10 more

+9 more

+8 more

[OnPay](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/onpay-profile/)

OnPay is a cloud-based payroll solution that helps small businesses automate tax filing and payment workflows. Key features incl...[Read more about OnPay](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/onpay-profile/)

**4.8**

([466 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/onpay-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Time

+6 more

+5 more

+4 more

OnPay's Best Rated Features

4.92Wage Garnishment

See All

OnPay's Worst Rated Features

3.71Training Management

See All

[Square Payroll](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/square-payroll-profile/)

Square Payroll is a full-service payroll solution that helps small businesses pay employees through online payroll management an...[Read more about Square Payroll](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/square-payroll-profile/)

**4.7**

([621 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/square-payroll-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

QuickBooks Time

Square Point of Sale

+6 more

+5 more

+4 more

Square Payroll's Best Rated Features

4.88Employee Portal

See All

Square Payroll's Worst Rated Features

3.78Vacation/Leave Tracking

See All

[Gusto](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/20428-Gusto/)

Whether you’re just getting started or scaling your fast-growing business, Gusto is the partner you need to grow and nurture you...[Read more about Gusto](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/20428-Gusto/)

**4.6**

([4209 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/20428-Gusto/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Slack

Trello

+114 more

+113 more

+112 more

Gusto's Best Rated Features

5.0Mobile App

See All

Gusto's Worst Rated Features

3.95Employee Handbook

See All

[Dayforce Powerpay](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/389199-Dayforce-Powerpay/)

Dayforce Powerpay is an easy-to-use payroll and HR software solution for Canadian small businesses. Using Powerpay, you can help...[Read more about Dayforce Powerpay](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/389199-Dayforce-Powerpay/)

**4.7**

([266 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/389199-Dayforce-Powerpay/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online Advanced

+2 more

+1 more

+0 more

Dayforce Powerpay's Best Rated Features

4.83Employee Profiles

See All

Dayforce Powerpay's Worst Rated Features

4.06Time Tracking

See All

[APS Payroll](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/aps-online-profile/)

At APS, our mission is simple: to make payroll and HR easier. Our comprehensive, user-friendly SaaS platform is designed to stre...[Read more about APS Payroll](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/aps-online-profile/)

**4.6**

([600 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/aps-online-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

QuickBooks Online

Sage Intacct

+2 more

+1 more

+0 more

APS Payroll's Best Rated Features

4.75Check Printing

See All

APS Payroll's Worst Rated Features

4.33401(k) Tracking

See All

[PeopleBookHR](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/peoplebook-profile/)

PeopleBookHR is a cloud-based human resources (HR) management solution. Primary features include employee information management...[Read more about PeopleBookHR](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/peoplebook-profile/)

**4.9**

([84 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/peoplebook-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

1

[2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/online-payroll-comparison/?page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/online-payroll-comparison/?page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/online-payroll-comparison/?page=4)

## Popular Comparisons

[

Rippling vs ADP Workforce Now

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/adp-workforce-now-profile/vs/rippling/)[

RUN Powered by ADP vs Gusto

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/20428-Gusto/vs/422321-adp-run/)[

Paylocity vs Patriot Software

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/3746-Patriot-Software/vs/4537-web-pay/)[

Paycom vs Paycor

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/paycom-profile/vs/paycor-perform/)[

isolved vs Paychex Flex

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/isolved-profile/vs/paychex-flex/)[

NetSuite vs Wave

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/18767-Wave-Apps/vs/25483-netsuite-financials-accounting-software/)

## Your Guide to Top Online Payroll Software, October 2022

Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Online Payroll products in North America.

[Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/)

#### Explore FrontRunners

-   [Rippling](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/rippling-profile/)
-   [Patriot Payroll](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/patriot-pay-profile/)
-   [OnPay](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/onpay-profile/)
-   [Dayforce Powerpay](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/dayforce-powerpay-profile/)
-   SentricHR
-   [UZIO](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/uzio-profile/)
-   [Square Payroll](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/square-payroll-profile/)
-   [APS Payroll](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/aps-online-profile/)
-   [Gusto](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/20428-Gusto/)
-   [Wagepoint](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/wagepoint-profile/)
-   [Justworks](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/justworks-peo-profile/)
-   [Netchex](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/netchex-profile/)
-   [TriNet HR Plus](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/zenefits-profile/)
-   Deluxe Payroll and HR
-   [ADP Workforce Now](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/adp-workforce-now-profile/)
-   [Dayforce HCM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/dayforce-hcm-profile/)
-   [isolved](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/isolved-profile/)
-   [Employment Hero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/employment-hero-profile/)
-   [RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/adp-run-profile/)
-   [Paylocity](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/web-pay-profile/)
-   [Paycor](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/paycor-perform-profile/)
-   [Paycom](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/paycom-profile/)
-   [Paychex Flex](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/paychex-flex-profile/)
-   [SurePayroll](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/surepayroll-payroll-profile/)

“Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use.

“Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money.

Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication.

## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox

### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you.

## 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](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/what-is-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](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/payroll-software-comparison/).)

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?](#WhatIsOnlinePayrollSoftware)

[Common Applications of Online Payroll Software](#CommonApplicationsofOnlinePayrollSoftware)

[What Type of Buyer Are You?](#WhatTypeofBuyerAreYou)

[Benefits and Potential Issues](#BenefitsandPotentialIssues)

[Market Trends to Understand](#MarketTrendstoUnderstand)

## Common Applications of Online Payroll Software

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

**Compensation management**

Found in all payroll software; automates payroll processing. Users assign pay rates to employees, then enter employee hours manually or import them from a Web-based time and attendance application. The system automatically calculates wages and generates paychecks. May include direct deposit options, bonuses, commissions, overtime and tips.

**Time and attendance**

Allows employees to clock in and out within the system, and administrators to track employee attendance.

**Tax filing**

Available in more robust systems. Automatically prepares, files and pays state and federal taxes. Alternatively, provides tax calculations and/or documents for users to prepare and file manually.

**Accounting integration**

Some systems package payroll processing and general accounting together. Alternatively, some systems simply offer integration with users’ existing [online accounting software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/online-accounting-software-comparison/).

## 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](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/wagepoint-profile/) or Payroll by Wave.

**Payroll and accounting software.** These solutions combine payroll processing and accounting. Systems such as [XERO](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xero-profile/) include payroll processing and general ledger accounting in one product. Others, such as [QuickBooks Full Service Payroll](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/quickbooks-full-service-payroll-profile/), integrate with full accounting platforms. Relatedly, some vendors offer [payroll solutions designed specifically for accountants](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/accountant-payroll-comparison/).

**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](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/paychex-flex-profile/) 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.