Top 10 Payroll Apps for UK Businesses

One of the most challenging tasks for businesses is managing payroll, especially as they grow larger and more complex. Payroll errors can cause HR departments unnecessary stress, financial penalties, and dissatisfied employees. Fortunately, modern payroll apps are designed to streamline processes, simplify calculations, and ensure compliance with tax regulations. Regardless of the size of your company, selecting the best payroll apps is vital. In this post, we will explore the top 10 payroll apps to help you determine which one best suits your company's requirements.

Why Payroll Apps Are Essential for Businesses

Payroll-related apps have become essential resources for businesses of all sizes. Here is why they are so important:

• Time-saving: By automating payroll functions such as tax, wages, and deductions, a significant amount of time is saved compared to manual processing;
• Accuracy: Payroll apps ensure that employees are paid the correct amount every time by reducing human errors;
• Compliance: Payroll apps help businesses adhere to local, state, and municipal laws and regulations, which are frequently updated;
• Employee Satisfaction: Timely and accurate payouts are linked to higher employee morale and satisfaction;
• Cost-effective: Streamlining the wage and hour process reduces operating costs by eliminating the need for additional staff or external services.

Effective wage management is not just a convenience, but a necessity in today's fast-paced business world.

What to Look for in a Payroll App

The best payroll tool depends on several factors. When comparing various options, consider the following aspects:

• Ease of Use: HR staff and business owners should find the app's straightforward interface easy to use;
• Integration: Check if the software seamlessly integrates with your existing time-tracking, accounting, or employee systems;
• Tax Compliance: The software should automatically calculate taxes and submit reports to ensure you are always compliant;
• Scalability: As your company grows, the payroll apps should easily accommodate more employees, locations, and complexity;
• Mobile Accessibility: Good payroll apps should offer mobile access to enable you to manage payroll on the go;
• Cost: Choose a pricing plan that aligns with the size and resources of your company. Some programmes offer flat-rate pricing, while others charge per employee;
• Customer service: If you encounter issues or have questions, you need access to reliable support.

Let's evaluate the top payroll apps on the market to help you choose the ideal one for your company. Below is a table where you can find brief information about each popular app.

Comparison Table

Payroll App	Best For	Key Features	Price
Shifton	Small to mid-sized businesses	Mobile app, cloud-based, and staff scheduling	Free pricing
Quickbooks	Accounting integration	Automated reporting, direct transfer, and tax filing	Starting at £45/month
Payroll4Construction	Construction businesses	Union monitoring, certified payroll, and job costing	Custom pricing
ADP	Large businesses	Customisable, compliant, and integrated features	Custom pricing
Gusto	Small to mid-sized businesses	Time tracking, benefits administration, and tax filing	Starting at £40/month
eBacon	Construction and government	Indicators, multi-state support, and certified payroll	Custom pricing
Rippling	All-in-one HR and payroll	Easy integration, global payroll, and full-service HR	Starting at £8/user/month
OnPay	Small businesses	Unlimited payrolls, compliance, and health benefits	£36/month + £4/employee
Paychex	Mid-sized to large businesses	401(k) programmes, tax compliance, and benefits management	Custom pricing
SurePayroll	Small businesses	Tax filing, simple payroll, and mobile payroll apps	Starting at £19.99/month

Shifton

Shifton is a cloud-based payroll programme and staff scheduling tool designed to simplify payroll processes for medium-sized companies. It offers business owners a mobile-friendly platform to manage employee attendance, schedules, and payments accessible from any device. Key features:

• Automated payday procedure.
• Scheduling and monitoring of employee time.
• Cloud-based system accessible by mobile devices.
• Customisable reports.

Best For: Shifton is ideal for small companies seeking an integrated payroll system at an affordable price with built-in people management features. Pricing: Free pricing tailored to meet specifications and the size of the business.

Quickbooks

The payroll feature of Quickbooks, a well-known accounting software brand, is a valuable addition to its suite of business solutions. It provides comprehensive solutions and basic payroll functionalities, making it suitable for businesses of all types. Key features:

• Automating return and payment calculations;
• Integration with Quickbooks, a financial software;
• Managing 401(k) plans and medical benefits;
• Direct deposit for employees.

Ideal For: Quickbooks' payroll app is particularly useful for businesses already using it for accounting due to its easy integration of financial data. Costing: Monthly plans start at £45; additional fees apply for benefits.

Payroll4Construction

Payroll4Construction targets the construction sector. It handles the complexities of construction payroll, including job costing, union tracking, and certified payroll reports. Key features:

• Certified payroll and union tracking;
• Managing multi-state payrolls;
• Job costing and pricing research;
• Integration with accounting software.

Ideal For: Construction companies, especially those managing government contracts, requiring specialised payroll processes. Costing: Custom pricing based on company size and requirements.

ADP

ADP, a renowned provider of payroll solutions, offers highly customisable payroll services to businesses of all sizes. Its offerings include payroll processing, HR management, and employee benefits. Key features:

• Payroll management for companies of various sizes;
• Benefits distribution and legislative assistance;
• Integration with widely used financial and HR payroll apps;
• Robust reporting features.

Ideal For: Larger companies needing a comprehensive payroll and HR solution. Costing: Costs depend on the required services.

Gusto

Gusto is a popular payroll programme for small and medium-sized enterprises. Among its many features are employee engagement and benefit management. It is renowned for its intuitive interface. Key features:

• Efficient payroll registration and accountability;
• Employee benefits management;
• Time and project cost tracking;
• Integration with accounting payroll apps.

Ideal For: Small to medium-sized companies seeking payroll administration systems that are simple to use alongside a comprehensive welfare control framework. Costing: Plans begin at £40 a month, plus additional costs for each worker.

eBacon

eBacon was created especially with businesses in mind in the government contracting and building sectors. It offers support for many regions and on expediting approved payroll processes. Key features:

• Verified compliance with the payment laws;
• Support for multi-state payrolls;
• Job reporting and pricing;
• Accessibility on portable devices.

Ideal For: Government contractors and construction businesses requiring expert payroll and support for compliance. Costing: Specific prices are determined according to the business's needs.

Rippling

For companies trying to simplify their procedures, Rippling offers a comprehensive approach that combines payroll apps and HR. The platform is quite flexible as payment integration and automation with other corporate technologies are two of its uses. Key features:

• Worldwide payroll support;
• Automated compliance with the law;
• Management of benefits and enrolment of new hires;
• Full integration with external applications.

Ideal For: Payroll automation is necessary for businesses of all sizes, especially those with foreign employees, in addition to HR and IT management. Costing: Tailored cost depends on the number of workers and other HR functions needed.

OnPay

Payroll apps that are easy to use and economical, OnPay is targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises. It integrates payroll, HR, and many additional benefits, and its intuitive layout makes it a valuable tool for businesses looking for a simple payroll solution. Key features:

• Unlimited payroll runs;
• Electronic filing of taxes;
• Portal for independent contractor submissions by staffers;
• Benefits and management of worker's compensation.

Ideal For: Medium-sized companies looking for an intuitive payroll solution that incorporates HR features. Costing: Starts at £40 a month + £6 for each employee.

Paychex

A well-known payroll tool, Paychex offers organisations an extensive array of payroll, perks, and HR services. With complex features such as tax compliance and retirement planning, its customised plans make it suitable for enterprises of all sizes. Key features:

• Payroll taxes are managed automatically;
• Customisable payment schedules;
• Coordination of compensation and 401(k);
• Smartphone app for access on the go.

Ideal For: All sizes of businesses require a complete payroll and HR solution, particularly those requiring efficient execution of employee benefits. Costing: Customised prices are determined based on the needs and size of the company.

SurePayroll

SurePayroll is a payroll application that is easy to use and reasonably priced, specifically designed with small enterprises in mind. SurePayroll is a preferred choice for new and because employing staff is made less difficult for small businesses, insurance filings, and benefits for employees are more straightforward and less complicated. Key features:

• Automated tax returns and calculations;
• Tool for mobile payroll;
• Integration with widely used accounting payroll apps;
• Health and retirement benefits for employees.

Ideal For: Startups and small enterprises seeking a cost-effective salary solution complete with all necessary features for taxes and perks. Costing: Starts at £19.99 a month + £4 for each employee.

Final Thoughts on Payroll Apps To Consider

Choosing the right payroll apps is essential for companies of all sizes. Payroll programmes have the potential to improve operations, save time, and ensure compliance with tax laws involving businesses of all sizes. As we have seen, every payroll tool offers unique features and benefits suited to various company requirements. With its extensive aid and automation for global payroll, Rippling stands out for businesses searching for a complete solution that integrates IT, HR, and payroll apps. Based on your industry, the size of your business, and your particular payment needs, each of the payroll apps we have covered - QuickBooks, Payroll4Construction, ADP, Gusto, eBacon, Rippling, OnPay, Paychex, or SurePayroll - has advantages. To decide what is best for your company, it is critical to consider a payroll app's cost, connectivity, security capabilities, and ease of use. Ultimately, the ideal payroll apps may ease the administrative load, boost accuracy, and help companies focus on expansion and success.