Quick Overview
- 1#1: KeyPay - Cloud-native payroll software built specifically for Australian compliance including STP Phase 2, superannuation, and leave management.
- 2#2: Xero - Cloud accounting platform with integrated Australian payroll featuring STP reporting, auto super, and seamless bank feeds.
- 3#3: MYOB - Comprehensive business software offering advanced Australian payroll with STP compliance, rostering, and BAS integration.
- 4#4: Employment Hero - All-in-one HR and payroll platform powered by KeyPay for Australian SMBs with employee self-service and onboarding.
- 5#5: QuickBooks Online - User-friendly cloud accounting tool with STP-enabled payroll, superannuation, and tax reporting for small Australian businesses.
- 6#6: Reckon One - Modular cloud payroll and accounting solution fully compliant with Australian STP and single superstream requirements.
- 7#7: Deputy - Workforce scheduling software with integrated Australian payroll, timesheets, and STP compliance for shift-based businesses.
- 8#8: Tanda - Time tracking and payroll platform designed for Australian hospitality and retail with automated STP lodgements.
- 9#9: Sage Business Cloud Payroll - Robust payroll software for Australian enterprises with STP, super, and advanced reporting capabilities.
- 10#10: Elmo - Cloud-based HR and payroll system offering full Australian compliance, analytics, and employee management features.
Tools were ranked by alignment with Australian regulatory requirements (including STP and single superstream), functional quality, user-friendliness, and value, balancing features with practicality for diverse business types.
Comparison Table
Managing payroll in Australia can be simplified with trusted tools, from KeyPay and Xero to MYOB, Employment Hero, and QuickBooks Online, each offering unique features. This comparison table outlines key attributes, pricing, and suitability, helping readers identify the ideal solution for their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KeyPay Cloud-native payroll software built specifically for Australian compliance including STP Phase 2, superannuation, and leave management. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Xero Cloud accounting platform with integrated Australian payroll featuring STP reporting, auto super, and seamless bank feeds. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | MYOB Comprehensive business software offering advanced Australian payroll with STP compliance, rostering, and BAS integration. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Employment Hero All-in-one HR and payroll platform powered by KeyPay for Australian SMBs with employee self-service and onboarding. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | QuickBooks Online User-friendly cloud accounting tool with STP-enabled payroll, superannuation, and tax reporting for small Australian businesses. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Reckon One Modular cloud payroll and accounting solution fully compliant with Australian STP and single superstream requirements. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | Deputy Workforce scheduling software with integrated Australian payroll, timesheets, and STP compliance for shift-based businesses. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Tanda Time tracking and payroll platform designed for Australian hospitality and retail with automated STP lodgements. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Sage Business Cloud Payroll Robust payroll software for Australian enterprises with STP, super, and advanced reporting capabilities. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | Elmo Cloud-based HR and payroll system offering full Australian compliance, analytics, and employee management features. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
Cloud-native payroll software built specifically for Australian compliance including STP Phase 2, superannuation, and leave management.
Cloud accounting platform with integrated Australian payroll featuring STP reporting, auto super, and seamless bank feeds.
Comprehensive business software offering advanced Australian payroll with STP compliance, rostering, and BAS integration.
All-in-one HR and payroll platform powered by KeyPay for Australian SMBs with employee self-service and onboarding.
User-friendly cloud accounting tool with STP-enabled payroll, superannuation, and tax reporting for small Australian businesses.
Modular cloud payroll and accounting solution fully compliant with Australian STP and single superstream requirements.
Workforce scheduling software with integrated Australian payroll, timesheets, and STP compliance for shift-based businesses.
Time tracking and payroll platform designed for Australian hospitality and retail with automated STP lodgements.
Robust payroll software for Australian enterprises with STP, super, and advanced reporting capabilities.
Cloud-based HR and payroll system offering full Australian compliance, analytics, and employee management features.
KeyPay
specializedCloud-native payroll software built specifically for Australian compliance including STP Phase 2, superannuation, and leave management.
Intelligent Pay Conditions engine that automatically interprets and applies complex Australian modern awards for precise compliance.
KeyPay is a leading cloud-based payroll software tailored for Australian businesses, providing comprehensive payroll processing, STP reporting, superannuation automation, and full ATO compliance. It offers integrated rostering, timesheets, leave management, and employee self-service portals to streamline HR and payroll operations. With seamless integrations to Xero, MYOB, and other tools, it supports businesses from SMEs to enterprises in managing complex award conditions and real-time reporting.
Pros
- Exceptional Australian compliance including STP Phase 2, auto super, and intelligent award interpretation
- Robust integrations with accounting, rostering, and HR systems like Xero and Deputy
- Time-saving automation for payroll runs, timesheets, and reporting with mobile accessibility
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers for very small businesses or basic needs
- Initial setup and award configuration can have a learning curve
- Limited customization for highly niche international payroll outside AU/NZ
Best For
Australian SMEs and mid-sized businesses needing automated, compliant payroll with rostering and award management.
Pricing
Modular pricing starts at ~$4-6 per active employee/month plus base fees (~$50-100/month), scaling with add-ons for rostering and advanced features.
Xero
enterpriseCloud accounting platform with integrated Australian payroll featuring STP reporting, auto super, and seamless bank feeds.
Real-time payroll-to-accounting sync with automatic STP2 lodgements to the ATO
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software with integrated payroll capabilities designed specifically for Australian businesses, handling Single Touch Payroll (STP) Phase 2, superannuation, PAYG withholding, and leave entitlements. It automates payroll processing, timesheets, and compliance reporting directly to the ATO. The platform syncs payroll data in real-time with accounting ledgers for accurate financial tracking and insights.
Pros
- Seamless integration between payroll and accounting for real-time visibility
- Full STP compliance with automatic ATO reporting and superannuation calculations
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for on-the-go payroll management
Cons
- Payroll is an add-on with per-pay-run fees that can add up for frequent runs
- Lacks advanced HR features like performance management or deep employee self-service
- Customer support response times can be slower during peak periods
Best For
Small to medium Australian businesses seeking an integrated accounting and payroll solution without needing complex HR tools.
Pricing
Payroll add-on starts at $10 base + $1 per employee per pay run (unlimited option available); requires base plans from $32/month (Starter) up to $115/month (Premium), billed annually in AUD.
MYOB
enterpriseComprehensive business software offering advanced Australian payroll with STP compliance, rostering, and BAS integration.
Seamless end-to-end Single Touch Payroll (STP) compliance with direct ATO lodgements and real-time validation
MYOB is a leading Australian cloud-based accounting and payroll software designed specifically for local businesses, offering comprehensive payroll processing compliant with ATO requirements like Single Touch Payroll (STP) Phase 2, superannuation, and PAYG withholding. It integrates seamlessly with MYOB's accounting modules for streamlined financial management, including employee self-service portals for timesheets and leave requests. Ideal for small to medium enterprises, it provides robust reporting and automation to reduce manual errors in payroll runs.
Pros
- Full compliance with Australian regulations including STP, superannuation guarantees, and tax reporting
- Strong integration with accounting, invoicing, and inventory management
- Advanced employee self-service and mobile app for timesheets and payslips
Cons
- Subscription pricing can be expensive for very small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features and custom setups
- Customer support response times can vary, with some users reporting delays
Best For
Medium-sized Australian businesses needing integrated accounting and compliant payroll with strong local support.
Pricing
Starts at around $60/month for essentials with payroll (billed annually), scaling up to $150+/month for advanced plans with unlimited employees.
Employment Hero
enterpriseAll-in-one HR and payroll platform powered by KeyPay for Australian SMBs with employee self-service and onboarding.
Employee Self-Service Portal, allowing staff to access payslips, manage leave, update details, and view super balances independently.
Employment Hero is a comprehensive HR and payroll platform tailored for Australian businesses, offering end-to-end payroll processing fully compliant with Single Touch Payroll (STP) Phase 2, superannuation, and Fair Work regulations. It integrates employee management tools like onboarding, leave tracking, timesheets, and performance reviews into a single dashboard. The software also features a robust employee self-service portal and seamless integrations with accounting tools such as Xero and MYOB.
Pros
- Full Australian compliance including STP and superannuation automation
- All-in-one HR suite with employee self-service and rostering
- Strong integrations with popular AU accounting software
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small businesses (under 10 employees)
- Advanced customizations may require professional services
- Mobile app lacks some desktop feature parity
Best For
Growing Australian SMEs (10-200 employees) seeking an integrated HR and payroll solution with strong compliance features.
Pricing
Starts at ~$6-10 per employee/month (billed annually) for core payroll; higher tiers with full HR features from $12+/employee/month; custom enterprise pricing available.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseUser-friendly cloud accounting tool with STP-enabled payroll, superannuation, and tax reporting for small Australian businesses.
Real-time STP Phase 2 integration with automatic ATO reporting and superannuation lodgements
QuickBooks Online is a comprehensive cloud-based accounting platform with integrated payroll capabilities designed for Australian businesses, supporting Single Touch Payroll (STP) Phase 2 reporting directly to the ATO. It automates payroll runs, superannuation calculations, PAYG withholding, and payslip generation while syncing employee data with accounting records. Ideal for small to medium enterprises, it offers compliance with Australian tax laws and scalable features for growing teams.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting for unified financial and payroll management
- Full compliance with STP, superannuation, and ATO reporting requirements
- User-friendly interface with mobile app for on-the-go payroll processing
Cons
- Payroll is an add-on cost on top of base accounting subscriptions
- Limited advanced HR features like performance tracking or extensive leave types compared to dedicated HR software
- Customer support can be slower during peak tax seasons
Best For
Small to medium Australian businesses already using QuickBooks accounting who want integrated payroll without switching platforms.
Pricing
Payroll add-on starts at $5 base fee + $1.50 per active employee per pay run; bundled in Plus ($50/month) or Advanced ($100/month) plans for 1-3 users.
Reckon One
enterpriseModular cloud payroll and accounting solution fully compliant with Australian STP and single superstream requirements.
Automated direct STP reporting to the ATO, eliminating manual lodgements and reducing compliance errors.
Reckon One is a cloud-based accounting and business management platform from Reckon, with comprehensive payroll features designed specifically for Australian businesses. It handles end-to-end payroll processing, including wage calculations, tax withholdings, superannuation payments, and leave management, all while ensuring compliance with ATO requirements like Single Touch Payroll (STP) Phase 2. The software integrates seamlessly with its accounting modules, allowing for automated reconciliations and real-time reporting.
Pros
- Full compliance with Australian regulations including STP Phase 2 and superannuation guarantees
- Seamless integration with Reckon's accounting and invoicing tools
- User-friendly mobile app for employee self-service and timesheet approvals
Cons
- Pricing structure includes per-employee and per-pay-run fees that can escalate for larger teams
- Some advanced customization options are limited compared to enterprise solutions
- Customer support response times can vary, especially for non-premium users
Best For
Small to medium Australian businesses needing an integrated accounting and payroll solution with strong ATO compliance.
Pricing
Starts at $27/month for Essentials plan; Payroll add-on from $5 base + $2 per active employee per month, plus pay run fees.
Deputy
specializedWorkforce scheduling software with integrated Australian payroll, timesheets, and STP compliance for shift-based businesses.
Automated payroll from scheduled shifts and clock-ins, eliminating manual hour reconciliation
Deputy is a workforce management platform with integrated payroll software designed for Australian businesses, focusing on scheduling, time tracking, and compliant payroll processing. It automates payroll calculations based on actual clocked hours, handles ATO Single Touch Payroll (STP Phase 2), superannuation, leave accruals, and generates payslips. While primarily a rostering tool, its payroll module ensures seamless data flow from shifts to payments, reducing errors for shift-based industries.
Pros
- Seamless integration of scheduling, time tracking, and payroll for accurate, real-time pay calculations
- Full ATO compliance including STP, super, and tax reporting
- Intuitive mobile app for employees and managers
Cons
- Payroll features are stronger as an add-on to scheduling rather than standalone advanced payroll
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or high-volume payslips
- Limited support for highly complex enterprise payroll needs
Best For
Australian businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing integrated scheduling and straightforward payroll.
Pricing
Scheduling from $1.50/active user/month; Payroll add-on ~$5.50/pay or $3.49/employee/month (billed monthly, minimums apply)
Tanda
specializedTime tracking and payroll platform designed for Australian hospitality and retail with automated STP lodgements.
Intelligent award interpreter that automatically calculates pay rates, penalties, and loadings based on Fair Work Australia standards
Tanda is a workforce management platform tailored for Australian businesses, focusing on employee scheduling, time and attendance tracking, and seamless integration with payroll systems like Xero, MYOB, and KeyPay. It automates timesheet approvals, ensures compliance with Fair Work awards through intelligent pay rate calculations, and provides real-time insights into labor costs. While not a standalone payroll processor, it excels in feeding accurate data to reduce manual errors and streamline payroll runs.
Pros
- Automated Australian award interpretation for accurate pay calculations
- Intuitive mobile app for clock-ins, rostering, and timesheets
- Strong integrations with major AU payroll providers like Xero and KeyPay
Cons
- Requires third-party payroll software for full processing
- Pricing scales with active users and can become costly for large teams
- Steep initial setup for complex rosters and custom awards
Best For
Shift-based Australian businesses in retail, hospitality, and healthcare that need robust time tracking and scheduling integrated with existing payroll systems.
Pricing
Starts at $6 per active user/month (Essentials plan), up to $10+ for Pro/Enterprise with advanced features; billed monthly or annually.
Sage Business Cloud Payroll
enterpriseRobust payroll software for Australian enterprises with STP, super, and advanced reporting capabilities.
Automated STP Phase 2 end-to-end reporting and superannuation payments directly to the ATO and funds
Sage Business Cloud Payroll is a cloud-based payroll solution tailored for Australian businesses, automating payroll processing, tax calculations, superannuation, and compliance with ATO requirements like Single Touch Payroll (STP) Phase 2. It provides tools for generating payslips, managing leave, and handling employee queries via a self-service portal. The software integrates seamlessly with Sage Business Cloud Accounting, making it suitable for SMBs seeking an all-in-one financial management system.
Pros
- Strong ATO compliance including STP Phase 2 and superannuation automation
- Cloud-based access with mobile app for employees and admins
- Seamless integration with Sage accounting software
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for very small businesses or low-volume users
- Interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Limited native integrations with non-Sage third-party apps
Best For
Small to medium Australian businesses already in the Sage ecosystem needing reliable payroll compliance and automation.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$10 per pay run plus $2-4 per employee; custom enterprise pricing available on request.
Elmo
enterpriseCloud-based HR and payroll system offering full Australian compliance, analytics, and employee management features.
Fully integrated HR, payroll, and talent management ecosystem tailored for Australian regulations
Elmo is a cloud-based HR and payroll software platform designed specifically for Australian businesses, offering end-to-end payroll processing compliant with STP Phase 2, SuperStream, and ATO requirements. It handles wage calculations, tax withholdings, superannuation contributions, leave accruals, and automated reporting. Beyond payroll, it integrates seamlessly with HR modules for recruitment, performance management, and employee self-service, providing a unified workforce management solution.
Pros
- Strong Australian compliance including STP and SuperStream
- Integrated HR suite reduces need for multiple tools
- Customizable reporting and employee self-service portal
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic payroll tools
- Interface can feel dated and less intuitive
- Lengthy onboarding and implementation process
Best For
Mid-sized Australian businesses seeking an all-in-one HR and payroll platform with robust compliance features.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; modular plans typically $6-15 per employee per month depending on features and scale.
Conclusion
The range of Australian payroll tools offers reliable solutions, with KeyPay leading as the top choice—an ideal cloud-native platform built to meet specific compliance needs like STP and super management. Xero follows with seamless accounting integration, and MYOB impresses with its comprehensive workforce and tax features. Whatever the business size or focus, the top three deliver strong value.
Take the first step toward streamlined payroll management by trying KeyPay—tailored to handle Australian regulations and enhance operational efficiency effortlessly.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.