At TechRepublic, we value full transparency when it comes to our research methods, hands-on testing experience and payroll rating methodology. To that end, we created an in-house algorithm to calculate star ratings for each payroll software product we review.
While our algorithm is subject to change — and while brands’ star ratings may change as their plans and products adapt to customers’ changing needs — we currently calculate our payroll software ratings based on the five key areas below. Each area is weighted to reflect the category’s importance to our audience of tech stakeholders.
Our payroll review methodology breaks down as follows.
Pricing
Pricing accounts for 25% of our total score. This category’s ranking factors include but are not limited to the following:
- Free trial information.
- Payment options (e.g., annual vs. monthly plans).
- Pricing transparency.
- Highest and lowest tier pricing.
- Additional fees.
Features
Payroll features account for 35% of our total score. This category’s ranking factors include but are not limited to the following:
- Unlimited payroll runs.
- Self-service payroll features.
- Full-service payroll features.
- New-hire reporting.
- Third-party integrations, especially accounting software integrations.
- Time tracking.
- Reporting.
- Onboarding and hiring features.
- Wage garnishment.
- Benefits administration.
Ease of use
Ease of use accounts for 15% of our total score. This category’s ranking factors include but are not limited to the following:
- Mobile payroll apps for employees.
- Mobile payroll apps for employers.
- Overall user experience.
- Site design.
- Ease of setup.
- Workflow automations.
- General accessibility.
Customer service
Customer service accounts for 15% of our total score. This category’s ranking factors include but are not limited to the following:
- Modes of customer support, including live chat, email, phone support and online help desks.
- Hours of availability.
- Customer support team responsiveness.
- Extra fees for customer care.
- White-glove setup.
Expert analysis
Our expert’s analysis accounts for 10% of our total score. This category’s ranking factors include but are not limited to the following:
- Availability of researchable information.
- Standout features.
- Unique pros.
- Crucial downsides.
- Our experts’ hands-on testing experience.
- Information gleaned from demo calls.
Our payroll evaluation research methods
To effectively score each brand we review, we prioritize our own in-house, hands-on testing experience. We also consider available demos, product space, information from sales representatives and verified customer reviews on sites that include but are not limited to the following:
- The Better Business Bureau.
- Consumer Affairs.
- Gartner Peer Insights.
- Trustpilot.
- Google Play.
- The App Store.
Read next: A Complete Guide to Payroll Software (TechRepublic)
Featured payroll solutions
1
Deel
Run payroll in 100+ countries and 200+ currencies from a single place. Deel’s comprehensive global platform eliminates the ongoing admin of local compliance, taxes, and benefits. With in-house experts across 100+ countries, dedicated CSM’s, visa and PTO support, and more, Deel provides unmatched payroll expertise and service. Plus, with a single point of contact, we eliminate handovers, providing you with faster support and compliance, so your entire global team gets paid quickly and securely.
2
Paycor
Payroll can be a time-consuming, administrative task for HR teams. Paycor’s solution is an easy-to-use yet powerful tool that gives you time back in your day. Quickly and easily pay employees from wherever you are and never worry about tax compliance again. Key features like general ledger integration, earned wage access, AutoRun, employee self-service and detailed reporting simplify the process and help ensure you pay employees accurately and on time.
3
Multiplier Technologies
With Multiplier, pay any number of global employees easily in multiple currencies. Eliminate the hassle of maintaining individual providers per country. Generate a single invoice and pay international teams in minutes. Have a consolidated dashboard to manage global payroll from a single window.
