The 5 Best Integrated HR and Payroll Providers

HR software in use

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Integrated payroll and HR software can make your business that much better – more streamlined, efficient, and most importantly, compliant. 

According to our expert research, the best integrated HR and payroll services for your business include ADP Payroll, Rippling, and more. Long gone are the days of spreadsheets and disconnected systems – when your payroll and HR systems are one, you can provide your employees with the best level of support. 

You can also use our free quote-finding tool to help you find the best solution for your business. Just provide us with a few details, and we’ll do the rest. You’ll be contacted by trusted suppliers with no-obligation quotes. 

The 5 Best Integrated HR and Payroll Providers

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4.4
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3.9
3.0
Price range

Custom

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Custom (was from $8/month)

Price range

$49-$180/month + $6-$22/employee

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Custom (was from $14/month)

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Custom

Key features
  • Multiple pay rates and locations
  • Compliance support for tipped employees
  • Time and attendance support
  • Large ecosystem of apps
Key features
  • Automated payroll processing
  • Global payroll features (180+ countries)
  • HR and time & attendance integrations
Key features
  • Advanced tip management features
  • Multiple pay rates
  • Integrated time-tracking tools
  • POS integrations
Key features
  • Automatic tax calculation
  • Compliance support
  • Payroll support for contractor payments
Key features
  • Automated payroll processing
  • Time and attendance tracking
  • Wage and deduction management
Free trial
Free trial
Free trial
Free trial
Free trial
Data security certifications

ISO 27001; SOC 1 and SOC 2 for select customers

Data security certifications

ISO 27001; SOC 1; SOC 2

Data security certifications

ISO 27001

Data security certifications

SOC 2

Data security certifications

ISO 27001

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1. ADP Payroll – Best Comprehensive System

ADP Payroll is a cloud-based, all-in-one HR platform. ADP is well established and provides a comprehensive platform, complete with most of the features you would expect. Because of its high scalability, our experts deemed it one of the best payroll software for small businesses.

Quick overview

ADP is a business solutions giant, offering both payroll and HR services to help your business. Founded in 1949, its industry cred is second to none: in the Global Payroll Association Awards 2023, ADP was crowned Global Payroll Supplier of the Year for the second consecutive year in a row.

Strengths

Allows for custom reporting, editable templates and AI conversational reporting

Customer service is available via phone and live chat on week days 7:30am to 10:10pm ET

Offers tax education resources to make it easier to nail compliance

Weaknesses

Doesn't provide payroll changes report on employee expenses and details

Pricing only available through quoting

Help is not available through chatbot, only via live agents and phone lines

Pricing
Custom
Based on factors such as number of employees and the solutions you need

ADP Payroll provides a service focused on businesses with one to 49 employees, making this a great option for startups and small businesses. It also offers a dedicated service for bigger companies that have around 50 to over 1,000 employees. 

Its payroll features include online payroll processing, automated tax management, an employee portal, and a mobile app. Hiring solutions are also available, including background checks, job board access, and the ability to schedule interviews and send out offers of employment. 

Plus, ADP Payroll’s time management tools mean you can track employee working hours as well as effectively manage vacation days and requests.

Screenshot of payroll run preview on ADP software
ADP's interface has a clean modern look, presenting payroll data in easily readable rows. Source: ADP

How much does ADP cost?

ADP Payroll costs approximately $10-$15 per employee, though final quotes are customized and not publicly listed. You’ll have to contact them for a free quote.

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2. Rippling – Best For Staying Compliant

Rippling Payroll is a modern, cloud-based payroll solution that’s fully integrated with Rippling’s wider HR, IT, and finance ecosystem.

What sets Rippling apart from the competition is its strong focus on automation and compliance, making it an excellent choice for fast-growing businesses that want to reduce manual admin and stay on top of changing employment and tax regulations.

rippling logo
Rippling
4.5
Pricing $8/mo-Custom
Quick overview

Rippling is a business solutions company founded in 2016 and based in San Francisco, CA. It started out focusing on HR and IT software, but it has since expanded its services. It now also offers payroll and benefit management software and, since late 2022, spend management systems. A tech unicorn, it has its roots in the Silicon Valley and is now valued at over $11.2 billion, serving over 400,000 users.

Strengths

Offers emplpyee-focused mobile app to reduce HR bottlenecks

Offers free guided product demo to showcase Rippling's workflows

Packs three data security certifications:: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and ISO 27701

Weaknesses

Pricing isn't transparent. Costs are custom-quoted based on company size

Doesn't offer 24/7 customer support, channels only open during business hours

Doesn't offer native integration with third-party HR systems like Workday, or BambooHR

Pricing
Pricing optionsPrice
Starting price $8/month per employee
Custom price Based on factors such as number of employees and the solutions you need

Rippling also offers automated tax filing, end-of-year forms, and integrations with time and attendance tools to ensure accurate pay based on hours worked. Employees benefit from a self-service portal where they can access payslips, update personal details, and manage benefits, while administrators gain access to detailed reporting and audit trails.

Rippling's headcount planning tool. Source: Rippling
Rippling's headcount planning tool. Source: Rippling

With Rippling, you can handle payroll in over 50 countries, making it a great option for international companies. For companies operating on home soil, the platform automatically applies federal, state, and local tax rules, supports multi-state payroll, and flags potential compliance issues before payroll runs begin.

How much does Rippling cost?

Rippling operates on a custom pricing model. However, entry-level pricing is typically reported to start at around $35 per month, plus $8 per employee, per month. Final costs depend on the number of employees and the specific modules selected.

3. Gusto – Most Flexible Payroll and HR System

Gusto is a cloud-based HR and payroll platform designed with small and medium-sized businesses in mind. It’s particularly well known for its flexibility and ease of use, offering modular HR and payroll tools that are capable of seamlessly growing alongside your business.

Gusto logo
Gusto Payroll
4.3
Pricing From $49/month
Strengths

Very user-friendly, modern interface that’s easy for small teams to learn without an in-house HR/payroll specialist

Full-service payroll in most states, with automated federal, state, and local tax filing plus year-end forms (W-2/1099)

Strong small-business HR stack on higher tiers (benefits, PTO, org charts, performance basics) with good employee self-service

Weaknesses

Can get expensive as headcount grows, especially on Plus/Premium tiers with add-on benefits

Less suited to very large or highly complex, multi-entity enterprises than ADP or similar legacy providers

Support quality and response times can be inconsistent, especially at lower pricing tiers

Pricing
Monthly
Simple $49/month, plus $6/employee
Plus $80/month, plus $12/employee
Premium $180/month, plus $22/employee
Contractor Only $35/month, plus $6/contractor

With Gusto, you can manage employee onboarding, time tracking, paid time off, and benefits administration from the same platform, with changes syncing automatically to payroll. Employees also have access to a self-service portal where they can view payslips, update personal details, manage benefits, and handle other staff-focused activities.

Gusto gives you access to important documents like Employee eligibility forms from its document tab
Gusto gives you access to important documents like employee eligibility forms from its Document tab. Source: Expert Market

Gusto integrates with a wide range of third-party tools, including accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, as well as time-tracking and productivity apps. This makes it an especially strong choice for businesses that want control and flexibility without committing to an enterprise-level HR system.

Gusto Pricing:

Monthly 

  • Simple – $49 per month, plus $6 per employee
  • Plus – $80 per month, plus $12 per employee
  • Premium – $180 per month, plus $22 per employee
  • Contractor Only – $35 per month, plus $6 per contractor

Unlike other leading integrated HR and payroll providers, Gusto doesn’t offer annual billing as a discount option. This is because Gusto doesn’t believe in locking businesses into expensive, long-term contracts. 

Use our comparison tool for free quotes

4. TriNet – Best for In-Depth HR Expertise 

TriNet is a full-service payroll and HR platform that streamlines the management of payroll, benefits, and expenses. TriNet simplifies employee management by allowing you to track an employee through stages like hiring, onboarding and offboarding. TriNet also offers access to HR consultants, ensuring you stay compliant by adhering to relevant tax laws. 

TriNet logo
TriNet
3.9
Pricing Custom
Strengths

Cheaper than full-service PEO and HR platforms

Integrates with a range of people management software, like QuickBooks, Bamboo HR, and TimeWorksPlus

Offers free product demo to let you sample the software in action

Weaknesses

Doesn't offer 24/7 customer support, channels are only open during business hours

Doesn't provide live , instruction-led training lessons, only self-guided resources

Doesn't offer compliance breach alerts, businesses must monitor risks on their own

Pricing
Price
Custom. Price varies depending on business size and required features

The HR tools available empower your business to deal with complex situations by providing access to legal resources, state-specific HR forms and best practices for procedures such as performance review and termination. 

TriNet also provides tools to help you stay compliant with the Affordable Care Act, including an Applicable Large Employee calculator to track deadline changes, employee details and any other requirements. 

TriNet lets you view payroll history data, and filter results by net pay, gross pay, hours, and more
TriNet lets you view payroll history data, and filter results by net pay, gross pay, hours, and more. Source: TriNet

TriNet integrates with TurboTax to provide accurate tax management information. With this integration, you can deal with admin for payroll collection, unemployment, and filing local, state and federal taxes. 

How much does TriNet cost?

You’ll need to contact TriNet directly for pricing, although it claims to offer a transparent flat rate on a per employee, per month basis. According to users, though, annual increases in pricing mean the software can get costly.

5. APS Payroll – Most Advanced Reporting Features

Not to be confused with the above ADP Payroll, APS Payroll is a cloud-based HR solution with payroll services. As it’s a cloud-based payroll provider, you can access this software from anywhere in the world, making it a flexible and dynamic way to carry out important business functions. 

APS Payroll
3
Pricing Custom
Strengths

Flexible customer support available through email, phone or special support request

Workflow automation features like automated payroll approvals, time-off requests, and data syncing

Accurate time management tools that integrate directly into payroll processes

Weaknesses

Customization is limited, specifically when it comes to tailoring workflows and reports

Costs can add up quickly if you opt for additional modules like advanced reporting

Steep learning curve due to its in-depth features and somewhat complex interface

Pricing
Price
Custom. Based on factors such as number of employees and the services you need

APS Payroll makes payroll easier by simplifying the process, providing insightful analytics, and relevant tax information to help you stay compliant with current legislation. Its tax management is available in all 50 states, and you can use it to manage benefits such as life, denta,l and medical insurance. Deductions are automatically made. 

APS Payroll also provides time management tools to help you accurately track and manage employee working hours, labor expenses, and risk factors. Accurate reporting provides you with data around efficiency and productivity, while reports can be created based on various factors, with the option to customize.

APS lets you manage benefits administration, ACA alerts, performance reviews, and more via its centralised HR platform
APS lets you manage benefits administration, ACA alerts, performance reviews, and more via its centralised HR platform. Source: APS Payroll

How much does APS payroll cost?

You’ll need to contact APS Payroll to receive a quote. Some users have said that this software is on the pricier side. 

How Much Do Integrated HR and Payroll Platforms Cost?

It’s common for integrated HR and payroll platforms to use a two-part pricing model. This involves providers charging a monthly base fee plus a per-employee, per-month (PEPM) charge.

The base fee covers access to the core platform, payroll processing, tax filing, and essential HR tools. For example, Gusto provides an entry-level base price of $49, while reports point to Rippling charging a base fee of $40 per month.

On top of this, most payroll and HR providers charge a per-employee fee. This usually falls between $6 and $15 per employee, per month, and scales as your team grows. For example, Gusto’s entry-level plan charges $6 per employee, while Rippling charges a per-employee fee of $8 per month. These costs cover features like payroll calculations, payslips, employee self-service access, and ongoing tax compliance.

Some providers charge extra for advanced features like benefits administration, time tracking, compliance tools, or global payroll. These may be bundled into higher-tier plans or offered as paid add-ons, increasing your overall cost.

How much could HR and payroll software cost a 10-person team? Worked example

To help you understand how much an integrated HR and payroll software could cost you, here’s how much a 10-person business would expect to pay for Gusto’s mid-tier Plus plan.

Estimated monthly cost:

  • Gusto Plus’s base fee: $80
  • Employee fees: 10 × $12 = $120

This brings the total monthly cost to $200

The Plus plan includes more advanced features such as time tracking, next-day direct deposit, and enhanced HR tools. However, if you want to access extra capabilities, optional add-ons — including benefits administration, workers’ compensation, and time tracking upgrades — can increase monthly costs further, depending on the services selected.

What HR and Payroll Features Should I Look For?

When comparing integrated HR and payroll platforms, we recommend focusing on features that reduce manual admin, improve compliance, and scale with your business. Here are some important capabilities to consider:

  • Automated payroll processing – Look for systems that automatically calculate wages, deductions, and overtime, and handle regular and off-cycle payroll runs with minimal input.
  • Built-in tax filing and compliance – Platforms that automatically file federal, state, and local taxes, generate year-end forms, and flag compliance risks before payroll is run help make compliance a breeze.
  • Employee self-service portals – Employees should be able to access payslips, tax forms, and personal details without relying on HR, reducing admin time.
  • HR tools that sync with payroll – Features like onboarding, time tracking, PTO management, and benefits administration should update payroll automatically to avoid errors.
  • Multi-state or remote payroll support – If you hire across different states or regions, make sure the platform supports location-specific tax rules and employment laws.

Our Methodology: How Did We Choose the Best Payroll Software Providers?

We regularly research a wide range of market-leading payroll products and services to evaluate them in terms of functionality, usability, data security and customer support, so we can make the most useful recommendations for US businesses.

Our rigorous research process means these products have been scored and rated in five main categories of investigation and 10 subcategories — in fact, we covered 56 areas of investigation in total. We then gave each category score a “relevance weighting” to ensure the product's final score perfectly reflects the needs and requirements of Expert Market readers.

Our main testing categories for payroll products and services are:

  • Control: The level of customization and flexibility provided by the payroll software in managing and processing payroll, such as the ability to define pay periods, set up tax withholding rules and manage employee data.
  • Data security: The measures and protocols the payroll software implements to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of sensitive payroll information.
  • Expertise: The level of knowledge and guidance provided by the payroll software vendor or support team. This can include resources such as documentation, tutorials and training materials.
  • Scalability: The ability of the payroll software to accommodate a business' growth and changing needs, including the capacity to handle an increasing number of employees and support multiple locations or entities.
  • Customer support: The various channels and methods available for users to seek assistance and support from the payroll software vendor, such as email or ticket-based support, phone support, or live chat.
Summary: The Best Integrated HR and Payroll Providers

Our analysis ranks ADP Payroll, Rippling, and Gusto as the top integrated HR and payroll solutions due to their comprehensive features and ease of use.

Each business is different and has its own unique needs, so be sure to use this guide to help you understand what features you should be looking for when it comes to integrated software. 

Whether you’re looking for a solution that fits your budget, offers HR expertise or has great reporting features, there’s a best-fit tool for every business. If you need further guidance in finding a great solution, you can use our free quote-finding tool. You’ll be matched with trusted suppliers who’ll contact you with tailored, no-obligation quotes. 

FAQs about Integrated HR and Payroll

What is HR and payroll software?
Payroll software provides a number of payroll services, including automatic payroll calculations and tax management, while HR software provides solutions for human resource management. 

HR solutions can include help with hiring processes, best practices, and legal compliance, as well as support from HR consultants. Outsourcing HR can lift a burden from your business and allow experts to ensure that these processes and tasks are carried out in a timely and efficient manner. 

Why should I integrate payroll and HR services?
Integrating payroll and HR means you can be confident that these important aspects of your business are dealt with in the right manner. It can be difficult to keep up with changing tax and employment legislation, and staying compliant is key, which is where outsourced services come in. 

When integrated, both systems will be in direct communication with each other, as opposed to two disconnected systems, which are more likely to lead to errors. 

Written by:
Zara Chechi
Zara is a Payments Expert, specialising in writing about Point of Sale systems. With a Law Degree from City University of London, she has used her legally-honed research and analytical skills to develop expertise in the Business Services world. Featured in FinTech Magazine, she quickly became an expert in payroll, POS systems, and merchant accounts.
Reviewed by:
Heleana Neil, Business Services editor
Heleana Neil specialises in Business Services, managing the strategy and production of content for SMBs, helping businesses with the challenges and opportunities they face today. Covering everything from payroll to payment processing, Heleana uses her expertise to help business owners make better, informed decisions and grow their companies.