Best Payroll Software

Xero combines Australian payroll with its cloud accounting platform, making it relevant to businesses wanting wages and financial records in one system. Bookkeepers can manage pay runs alongside accounts. Payroll employee allowances vary between subscriptions, so the right plan depends on both accounting requirements and the number of people paid.

• Record wages or salaries, calculate payroll amounts and manage leave. Single Touch Payroll reporting helps send pay information to the ATO through the configured payroll workflow.
• Xero Me gives employees access to payslips, timesheets and leave requests. Review the approval process and available integrations if your business also needs rostering or detailed award interpretation.
• Compare employee allowances, subscription fees and additional services. Test opening balances, employee classifications, timesheets and accounting entries before migrating, and confirm how superannuation payments will be processed.

Our view: A practical shortlist option when your business already uses Xero or wants closely connected payroll and accounting.

MYOB offers Australian payroll options ranging from a Payroll Only subscription to products combining payroll and accounting. Its Payroll Only product is aimed at businesses with up to four employees. Larger teams should compare other MYOB plans rather than assume the same entry product will cover their expanding workforce.

• Prepare pay runs, generate payslips and submit Single Touch Payroll reports. Employee records and payroll settings support routine calculations, with correct setup remaining essential to reliable results.
• Choose between standalone payroll and a broader accounting product according to your needs. Timesheet tools, award support, employee allowances and additional services differ across the MYOB range.
• Check the current employee limit and upgrade costs before purchase. Test pay categories, leave balances and reporting with your bookkeeper, and confirm super payment arrangements and any additional charges.

Our view: Worth considering for very small teams wanting dedicated payroll, where MYOB is familiar to their adviser.

Employment Hero offers Australian payroll alongside a broader range of HR and workforce tools. It is relevant to businesses wanting structured employee administration and support for complex pay conditions. The payroll platform includes pre-built modern award packages, although the applicable package, employee classification and business settings need review.

• Manage payroll calculations and Single Touch Payroll reporting through configured workflows. Available pay rules can support recurring calculations and reduce repetitive entry when correctly matched to your workforce.
• Timesheets and connected employee administration can help bring workforce information into payroll. Rostering, HR modules and other capabilities depend on the products and subscription selected.
• Request a demonstration using your actual awards, employee types and approval requirements. Compare minimum charges, implementation fees, contract terms and integrations, including the staff time required to maintain accurate settings.

Our view: A useful comparison option when payroll complexity and connected workforce processes justify a more comprehensive system.

QuickBooks Payroll connects payroll with QuickBooks Online accounting and is powered by Employment Hero technology. Businesses already using QuickBooks can compare Standard and Advanced payroll according to workforce needs. The accounting subscription and payroll charges should be considered together rather than treating payroll as a single standalone purchase.

• Run payroll, generate payslips and submit Single Touch Payroll reports through the Australian payroll offering. Payroll records connect with your accounting workflow, helping organise wage expenses and related reporting.
• Standard and Advanced provide different levels of payroll functionality. More involved award rules, rostering and employee self-service requirements should be checked against the selected tier before subscribing.
• Compare per-employee charges, the required accounting plan and any extra services. Test employee setup, leave balances, accounting entries and approval steps, and confirm the available super payment process.

Our view: A logical shortlist option for QuickBooks users seeking payroll that works within their existing accounting environment.

Reckon Payroll provides cloud payroll tools designed for Australian businesses, covering pay runs and reporting. It is relevant to smaller employers wanting a focused system for wages and employee records. Businesses considering Reckon accounting as well should compare the available products and connections before choosing their setup.

• Calculate payroll amounts, PAYG withholding and superannuation, generate payslips and submit Single Touch Payroll information. Leave and entitlement tracking supports employee administration when balances and settings are entered correctly.
• Compare standalone payroll with the broader Reckon product range. Timesheets, accounting connections, employee access and other services should be checked against the particular subscription you intend to purchase.
• Use a trial or demonstration to review a pay run and reporting workflow. Confirm employee allowances, support, migration options and super processing, including any fees beyond the advertised subscription.

Our view: Worth comparing for smaller businesses wanting payroll administration without committing to an extensive HR platform.

Payroller focuses on payroll and Single Touch Payroll reporting for Australian employers. It can suit smaller businesses wanting a dedicated system rather than an accounting package. Its workflow brings pay runs, employee records and payslips together, while subscription conditions determine the tools and access included for your business.

• Create pay runs, calculate tax and super amounts, and lodge Single Touch Payroll reports. Leave balances and payslips help maintain records, with employee setup and pay details requiring review.
• Employee app access lets staff view payroll information, including payslips and balances. Rostering and super contribution options are also advertised; confirm their availability and terms for your selected subscription.
• Compare employee-based charges, billing commitments and extra services. Test a pay run, accountant access and your required exports before moving data, and check whether your award calculations need separate configuration.

Our view: A useful shortlist option for employers who want a focused payroll workflow.