Payroll management on a scale can be challenging, especially for large companies that need to manage different locations, regulatory standards, and workforce types. An ideal payroll solution could reduce administrative burdens, reduce errors, and ensure timely, compliant payments.
The following list explores the top nine payroll software platforms for large companies. It also focuses on leading platforms designed to manage high-volume payroll with enterprise-grade capabilities, global reach, and automation to help me make the best decision for your company's needs.
Company | Best for | Main Features | Pricing |
Papaya Global | Best for Global Workforce Payroll Compliance |
| Starts at $15/employee/month |
Deel | Best for Contractor and International Employee Management |
| Starts at $49/contractor/ month |
Oyster HR | Best for Borderless Hiring and Payroll |
| Starts at $29/employee/ month |
Paylocity | Best for Mid-to-Large Enterprises Needing Unified HR And Payroll |
| Starts at $22-$32/employee/month |
Rippling | Best for Scalable HR and IT Integration |
| Starts at $21-$29/ employee/month |
Patriot Software | Best for Cost-Effective U.S. Payroll at Scale |
| Starts at $17/month plus $4/worker |
Paychex Flex | Best for Customizable Enterprise Payroll Services |
| Ranges between $18 to $26/employee/month |
Oracle HCM Cloud | Best for Enterprise-Grade Global HCM and Payroll |
| Ranges between $28 to $38/employee/month |
OnPay | Best for Streamlined Payroll with Full-Service Tax Filing |
| Base Fee $49/month + $6/employee/month |
Papaya Global is a SaaS platform specializing in global workforce management, offering a unified platform for payroll and human resource (HR) services across over 160 countries. The platform seeks to bring technology advancements to the traditional payroll sector by automating hiring, onboarding, and payroll administration tasks. It also aims to be a leader in remote work and an employer of record solutions.
Standout Features
- Shadow Payroll: Automates dual-country tax calculations in real time, ensuring compliance for international employees with minimum administrative efforts
- Equity Management: Allows businesses to manage global equity compensation while maintaining local tax compliance for all employees, including those under EOR
- JE Automation: Converts payroll data into journal entries, minimizing errors and simplifying reconciliation across any ERP or accounting system
Pros And Cons
Pros
- The AI-powered anomaly detection feature is valuable in detecting potential issues earlier
- Frequent software updates keep the system reliable and up to date
- The NetSuite integration simplifies payroll journal entries, ensuring seamless workflows
Cons
- Customer support can be a bit delayed as per some users
- Some users noted that the user interface can be confusing and hard to navigate
Pricing
- Workforce OS: Starting at $5/month/employee
- Grow Global: Starting from $25/month/employee (For 101-500 Employees)
- Scale Global: Starting from $20/month/employee (For 501-1000 Employees)
- Enterprise Global: Starting from $15/month/employee (For over 1000 Employees)
- Enterprise Grade EOR: Starting from $599/month/employee
- Contractor Payments And Management: Starting from $30/month/contractor
- Global Workforce Payments: Starting from $2.5/transaction
- Agent Of Record: Starting from $200/month/contractor
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
Deel specializes in HR, global payroll, and compliance services for companies of all sizes. The software serves over 150 countries and jurisdictions, facilitating everything from onboarding to offboarding.
Standout Features
- Workforce Planning: Centralizes headcount requests, scenario modeling, and approvals, allowing global teams to plan, budget, and hire strategically in over 150 countries
- Career Management: Uses AI to build clear, competency-based career paths, combining performance reviews and training for simplified employee development
- Deel Immigration: Streamlines global recruitment by managing visa sponsorships, eligibility checks, and compliance in over 150 countries with expert assistance
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Users appreciate its simple onboarding process, with a user-friendly interface and clear, step-by-step instructions
- Seamless integration with third-party apps makes the execution of routine processes hassle-free
- The advance payment option is appreciated by its users, which enables them to get their salary before the scheduled pay date
Cons
- Some users noted that some contractual terms are too standardized and do not allow for customizations
- Approval required from the employer or Deel support for certain changes, like updating personal details or payment methods support can be frustrating, as per some users
Pricing
- Deel EOR (Employer of Record): $499/employee/month
- Deel Contractor Management: $49/contractor/month
- Deel Contractor of Record: Starting at $325/contractor/month
- Deel PEO: $95/employee/month
- Deel Global Payroll: $29/employee/month
- Deel US Payroll: Custom Pricing
Disclaimer: Pricing is subject to change.
Oyster HR is a worldwide employment platform that simplifies hiring, payroll, and remote employee administration. The platform operates in over 180 countries, eliminating the need for businesses to establish local entities.
Standout Features
- Talent Network: Connects businesses with approved global hiring partners, allowing for quick, compliant hiring of remote talent suited to specific positions, abilities, and locations
- Contractor Conversion: Simplifies the shift from contractors to full-time employees by identifying misclassification risks, managing compliance, and providing localized benefits, all from a single platform
- Employment Cost Calculator: Provides quick, country-specific estimates of overall employment expenses, including taxes, social contributions, and Oyster fees, to help with global hiring budget planning
Pros And Cons
Pros
- The users appreciate the software’s localized benefits packages that can be customized for each employee's country
- Simplified onboarding of new hires with compliant employment contracts and e-signature option
- Handles all aspects of global payroll, including taxes, deductions, and payments in local currencies, streamlining the payroll process
Cons
- Lack of invoice customization options creates extra work for finance teams, especially for companies with simpler accounting systems
- Some users noted slower processes and delayed communication in countries where Oyster HR relies on third-party EOR partners
Pricing
- Contractor: $0 for the first 30 days, then $29/contractor/month
- Global Payroll: $29/employee/month
- Employer of Record: $699/employee/month
- Scale: Custom pricing
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
Paylocity is a cloud-based solution that assists businesses in automating HR processes, saving time, and improving decision-making. Paylocity HR and Payroll helps modernize the entire employee experience by integrating payroll with human capital management (HCM).
Standout Features
- On Demand Payment: Allows employees to have early access to their earned wages. It helps reduce financial stress with zero impact on their payroll process and cash flow
- Employee Benefits: Streamlines enrollment, automates compliance, and offers employees intuitive tools to manage their benefits anytime and from anywhere
- Wage Garnishment: Automates wage garnishment processes, like paperwork, calculations, and payments, to ensure compliance and reduce administrative load for the employers
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Intuitive user interface makes it easy to locate all the features
- The platform simplifies end-of-year tax filings and ensures compliance with state payroll and tax regulations
- Users appreciate its knowledgeable and quick to respond customer support
Cons
- Limited scope for automatic candidate matching, as per some users
- Lacks a built-in interview scheduling module
Pricing
Paylocity provides custom pricing for its users. The subscription fee can range anywhere from $22-$32/employee/month, depending on the size of your company and the features required.
Disclaimer: The pricing info has been sourced from a third-party website and is subject to change.
Rippling unifies and automates various business functions like HR, payroll, benefits, expenses, IT, and device management in a single platform. This integration provides a centralized location for employee data and allows automation of tasks across departments.
Standout Features
- Headcount Planning: Rippling HR Centralizes hiring plans, automates approvals, and aligns recruiting with real-time data to improve workforce planning and budget control across departments
- Learning Management System: Automates training by assigning courses based on roles or locations, tracking progress, and ensuring compliance via certificates and reminders
- Identity And Access Management: Combines HR and IT systems, automating user provisioning, assigning granular access limits, and improving security via dynamic policies and behavior detection
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Centralized data management helps reduce errors and improve compliance
- Timely email alerts are valuable for ensuring employee compliance
- The spend management platform is excellent for managing employee expenses
Cons
- Lack of a clear submit button for timecards leaves users unsure if entries were successfully saved or completed
- Some users complained about the rigid workflows that restrict navigation, forcing users to complete tasks before accessing other HR processes
Pricing
Rippling pricing is based on a monthly subscription basis. It often charges $21-$29/employee/month for its Core HR features and another $5-$20/employee/month for its IT management features.
Disclaimer: The pricing has been sourced through a third-party website and is subject to change.
Patriot Software offers fast, simple, and affordable online accounting and payroll services to scaling businesses. Patriot Payroll offers unlimited payroll runs, free direct deposit for employees, tax filings, and deposits to businesses in various industries.
Standout Features
- Online Payroll Reports: Offers extensive, exportable insights into payroll, taxes, and departmental expenses to streamline compliance and financial tracking for businesses
- Direct Deposit Services: Enables businesses to pay employees electronically using free 4-day or accelerated 2-day options to ensure secure and timely payments
- Payroll Blog: Provides practical tips, updates, and guidance on payroll, taxes, and compliance to help scaling businesses efficiently manage payroll and stay informed on regulations
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Smoothly integration with QuickBooks saves time and eliminates the need for manual data entry
- Direct deposit and automatic tax filing features are valuable for ensuring timely employee payments and maintaining accurate
- Very comprehensive and well-organized online help/knowledge base
Cons
- The initial setup can be somewhat confusing for new users
- Some users suggested that the holiday or vacation processing features need to be more intuitive
Pricing
- Basic Payroll: $17/month plus $4/worker
- Full Service Payroll: $37/month plus $5/worker
- Accounting Basic: $20/month
- Accounting Premium: $30/month
The vendor offers 30 days free and 50% off for 3 months.
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
Paychex Flex helps businesses manage HR, payroll, time and attendance, and employee benefits. The software streamlines and automates key workforce management tasks for businesses of all sizes. It helps companies save time, improve accuracy, and stay compliant.
Standout Features
- Professional Employer Organization (PEO) Services: Provides integrated HR, payroll, benefits, and compliance services through co-employment, enabling companies to reduce administrative tasks while providing top-tier employee benefits
- HR Analytics: Provides customizable dashboards and AI-driven insights into turnover, compensation, and labor costs to help companies make more informed workforce decisions
- Workers’ Compensation: Assists businesses in obtaining tailored coverage by comparing costs from leading carriers, checking compliance with state regulations, and providing support through licensed agents
Pros And Cons
Pros
- An intuitive HR interface helps simplify critical tasks, like exporting and sending payroll data to an accountant, making payroll management convenient
- It allows multiple users to log in and work on payroll at the same time, enabling each person in each department to enter their staff hours
- Easy to customize reports, allowing admins to quickly access relevant data and streamline decision-making processes
Cons
- At times, it’s hard to get hold of their customer support representative
- Some users noted that the time clocks occasionally stop syncing, which can be somewhat frustrating
Pricing
Paychex employs a per-employee-per-month (PEPM) pricing model. Its cost ranges between $18-$26/employee/month, depending on the selected modules and the size of the company.
Disclaimer: The pricing has been sourced through a third-party website and is subject to change.
Oracle Cloud HCM provides a unified platform for managing the complete employee lifecycle, from recruitment to retirement, all in one place. The platform unifies the entire enterprise across HR, finance, supply chain, and customer experience. The software is especially suitable for organizations with complex, global HR needs.
Standout Features
- Learning And Development: Provides tailored learning courses, monitors employee progress, and supports skill development via online training materials
- Employee Self-Service: Enables users to manage employee data, benefits, and time-off requests to minimize administrative reliance on HR departments
- Performance Management: Supports employee performance tracking, goal setting, and feedback to promote continuous development and alignment with company objectives
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Integrated recruitment features with talent management tools are valuable to streamline the hiring process
- Easy to customize dashboard makes it easy to fill in timesheets, view pay slips, and manage leaves
- The SOAK testing helps preview the new functions in advance
Cons
- The learning and succession planning modules lack some advanced features
- It requires third-party consultants to assist with deployment, which can involve significant expenses
Pricing
The tentative price for the software ranges between $28 to $38/employee/month, depending on the size of the company and the features needed. The pricing can increase for businesses seeking advanced features, like AI-driven workflows and integrated recruiting tools.
Disclaimer: The pricing has been sourced through a third-party website and is subject to change.
OnPay Payroll provides comprehensive payroll, HR, and benefits management services to simplify workforce administration for businesses. The platform enables companies to pay employees and contractors, managing all calculations, deductions, and payroll taxes automatically.
Standout Features
- Org Charts: Generates visual organizational charts based on employee-supervisor relationships, assisting teams in understanding corporate structure and promoting better communication
- Direct Deposit Payroll: Allows for secure, electronic payments to employees' bank accounts, with processing choices of 2 or 4 days, and without the need for paper checks
- PTO Management: Streamlines leave tracking with automated accruals, customizable policies, and employee self-service requests that are all seamlessly integrated with payroll
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Smooth and quick payroll setup and processing
- Seamless integration with time-tracking software and accounting software
- An efficient and timely response from the customer support team
Cons
- The employee onboarding process is confusing and overwhelming, especially when dealing with state and federal government requirements
- No online cancellation option; users need to call or submit a support ticket, making the cancellation process inconvenient
Pricing
- Basic: $49/month + $6/month/person
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
While reviewing payroll solutions, you need to start by mapping out your company's structure, geography, and future goals. Ask the following questions:
- Is the company limited to the U.S. or operating in multiple countries?
- How complex is the organizational hierarchy?
- Are full HR services required, or is payroll-only functionality enough?
- What systems are currently in place (ERP, HRIS, accounting)?
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right payroll software becomes essential for large businesses with complicated workforce needs, multi-jurisdictional compliance, and scalable operations. The nine payroll platforms mentioned in this article offer diverse features to fit different company requirements.
The best option for your company will be determined by its operational structure, global presence, and internal processes. Businesses can streamline payroll processes, eliminate mistakes, and maintain compliance by aligning software capabilities with unique company needs while ensuring a smooth employee experience.