Published on May 06, 2025 5 min read

The 6 Best Payroll Systems in 2025: Streamline Your Business Operations

No one wants to do all the complex calculations right after heading to the office in the morning. If you feel the same way, don’t worry; you don’t have to do it when there are multiple software tools available to do the job. Not only payroll tasks but these tools also make many other business operations quick and easy, like calculating taxes, information management, etc.

Gusto, ADP RUN, Patriot Payroll, Remote, Rippling, and OnPay are the top payroll software that handles your payment and other duties with increased efficiency, lower costs, improved data security, and accuracy. Let's get into the details without wasting time and learn more about these top payroll systems!

The Best Payroll Systems in 2025

If you plan to automate your business's payroll tasks but don't know where to start, we are here to help you. There are several tools to streamline your business operations, but it can be hard to choose one. You should know that the best payroll software is the one that aligns with your budget, provides robust support, and ensures compliance. It should automate tasks like filling assistance, tax updates, calculations, and payments. You don’t have to do all the research alone because we have done it for you. Here is the list of payroll systems that are efficient and reliable:

Gusto

Gusto has a built-in employee management tool and automatic tax calculations and filings. It is considered the best payroll software in the world, and let us tell you why. It is simple to use, and the dashboard organizes the information easily and logically, giving you an overview of upcoming tasks and important deadlines. The employee self-onboarding system feature is everyone’s favorite. The newly hired people receive an email invitation through which they can set up their accounts and tax forms and enroll in benefits on their own. The app's simple interface guides you through the payroll system, making it easier. The basic plan is affordable, but to enjoy the premium features, you need to buy the updated version, which is a bit pricey.

ADP RUN

ADP RUN is an exceptional tool for admins and employees, with website and mobile application options. It has built-in state tax compliance and offers four plans with modern features like AI-powered error detection and an automated payroll system. Its prominent features include gross-to-net calculation, customizable pay options, payroll delivery, and multi-company support. It also offers flexibility through the add-ons. You can start with the simple features and then layer in tools like benefits administration and time tracking. Here are the four versions that you can choose from according to your business needs:

• Essential: This package includes basic processing and tax filing features.
• Enhanced: It has wage garnishment services, insurance management, check signing, and stuffing features.
• Complete: it comes with live HR support, training, toolkits, and document management.
• HR Pro: This advanced version offers applicant tracking systems, marketing tools, legal services, and a learning management system.

Patriot Payroll

If you run a small business and want an affordable payroll system, then patriot payroll is for you because it is the best payroll software for small businesses like yours. The basic plan ensures you don’t run out of budget. It streamlines your business operation with all the necessary features, including free payroll setup and direct deposit options for employees and the company. Employees can access pay history, pay stubs, and all the other necessary information through the free employee portal. It also provides users with an expert setup. Before buying the subscription, remember that the basic plan requires users to file their taxes; you must purchase the Full-Service plan to automate this.

Remote

Remote is the best payroll system for a global workforce in over ninety-five countries. It works excellently, simplifies international hiring, and provides comprehensive payroll support. If you hire employees from different countries, you must have a payroll system that handles your international payments. It offers in-depth access to a vast talent pool. It handles multi-currency payments and calculates payroll taxes automatically. Your global clients can access health insurance, retirement plans, and much more through it. The employee self-service portal allows employees to check their payroll information and update their details if they want to. You can also integrate it with Zapier, making your tasks even easier, like adding time-off requests to your calendars or for new employees.

Rippling

Rippling is another reliable system that streamlines IT, finance, and HR into one system. It has strong automation capabilities, has more than 600 integrations, and supports global payroll procedures. It has a user-friendly interface and functional integration features. It can handle all the basic functions like automating tax filings, compliance, and direct deposits. The Ripplings workforce's Workflow Studio is its prominent feature. It is an automation engine that allows you to customize workflows for any task. The only drawback of Rippling is that the pricing is not transparent, and it might be costly for small businesses as well. You need to request a package according to the size of your business and its needs.

OnPay

OnPay is an ideal solution for small businesses with 500 or fewer employees. The app is easy to set up and comes with an intuitive UI. It delivers a streamlined payroll system and HR assistance at the lowest cost. The attentive and top-notch customer service and transparent pricing go beyond payroll, providing comprehensive benefits. It offers management services across fifty states with retirement plans and much more for different industries, including the following:

1. Agricultural businesses
2. Restaurants
3. Houses of worship
4. Medical practices

Conclusion:

Are you tired of doing all the complex and tiring payroll procedures and calculations that take up all your time? Then, you need to assign these tasks to a payroll system capable of handling them smoothly. Gusto, ADP RUN, Patriot Payroll, Remote, Rippling, and OnPay are the best payroll systems you will never regret using. These are affordable, efficient, quick, and work great for small and big businesses covering several industries and departments. So, what are you waiting for?