Quick Overview
- 1#1: Rippling - All-in-one workforce management platform that automates payroll, HR, IT, and time tracking with seamless integrations.
- 2#2: Gusto - User-friendly payroll and HR software with built-in time tracking, benefits administration, and compliance tools for small businesses.
- 3#3: ADP - Comprehensive HCM suite offering robust payroll processing, time and attendance tracking, and HR management for businesses of all sizes.
- 4#4: Paylocity - Modern payroll and HR platform with advanced time tracking, employee self-service, and analytics for mid-market companies.
- 5#5: UKG - Workforce management solution excelling in time and attendance with integrated payroll for complex scheduling and compliance needs.
- 6#6: Paychex - Full-service payroll provider with time tracking, HR tools, and benefits administration tailored for small to mid-sized businesses.
- 7#7: BambooHR - Intuitive HR platform with payroll integration and employee time off tracking for growing SMBs.
- 8#8: QuickBooks Payroll - Intuit's payroll software that integrates with QuickBooks Time for accurate time tracking and automated payroll.
- 9#9: OnPay - Affordable, full-featured payroll software with unlimited payroll runs and time tracking for small businesses.
- 10#10: Patriot Software - Budget-friendly payroll and full-service time & attendance software designed for small business owners.
These tools were chosen based on a careful assessment of features, usability, scalability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver robust performance across different business sizes and operational demands.
Comparison Table
Managing workforce time tracking and payroll efficiently is critical for modern businesses, and the right software can streamline processes significantly. This comparison table breaks down top tools like Rippling, Gusto, ADP, Paylocity, UKG, and more, highlighting key features, pricing structures, and integrations to help readers identify the best fit for their organization's unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rippling All-in-one workforce management platform that automates payroll, HR, IT, and time tracking with seamless integrations. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Gusto User-friendly payroll and HR software with built-in time tracking, benefits administration, and compliance tools for small businesses. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | ADP Comprehensive HCM suite offering robust payroll processing, time and attendance tracking, and HR management for businesses of all sizes. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Paylocity Modern payroll and HR platform with advanced time tracking, employee self-service, and analytics for mid-market companies. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | UKG Workforce management solution excelling in time and attendance with integrated payroll for complex scheduling and compliance needs. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Paychex Full-service payroll provider with time tracking, HR tools, and benefits administration tailored for small to mid-sized businesses. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | BambooHR Intuitive HR platform with payroll integration and employee time off tracking for growing SMBs. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 8 | QuickBooks Payroll Intuit's payroll software that integrates with QuickBooks Time for accurate time tracking and automated payroll. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | OnPay Affordable, full-featured payroll software with unlimited payroll runs and time tracking for small businesses. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 10 | Patriot Software Budget-friendly payroll and full-service time & attendance software designed for small business owners. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 |
All-in-one workforce management platform that automates payroll, HR, IT, and time tracking with seamless integrations.
User-friendly payroll and HR software with built-in time tracking, benefits administration, and compliance tools for small businesses.
Comprehensive HCM suite offering robust payroll processing, time and attendance tracking, and HR management for businesses of all sizes.
Modern payroll and HR platform with advanced time tracking, employee self-service, and analytics for mid-market companies.
Workforce management solution excelling in time and attendance with integrated payroll for complex scheduling and compliance needs.
Full-service payroll provider with time tracking, HR tools, and benefits administration tailored for small to mid-sized businesses.
Intuitive HR platform with payroll integration and employee time off tracking for growing SMBs.
Intuit's payroll software that integrates with QuickBooks Time for accurate time tracking and automated payroll.
Affordable, full-featured payroll software with unlimited payroll runs and time tracking for small businesses.
Budget-friendly payroll and full-service time & attendance software designed for small business owners.
Rippling
enterpriseAll-in-one workforce management platform that automates payroll, HR, IT, and time tracking with seamless integrations.
Automated payroll runs directly from time tracking data with instant compliance updates across multiple countries
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management platform that integrates time and attendance tracking with payroll processing, HR, benefits, and IT management into a single system. It provides advanced time tracking features such as mobile app clock-ins, GPS geofencing, shift scheduling, and PTO management, automatically syncing data to generate accurate payroll. Designed for scalability, it supports global payroll compliance across 100+ countries, automating tax filings, payments, and compliance checks to minimize errors and administrative burden.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking and payroll for automated, error-free processing
- Global payroll support in 100+ countries with built-in compliance
- Unified platform reduces need for multiple tools, saving time and costs
Cons
- Premium pricing may be steep for very small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response times
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises with distributed or global workforces needing an integrated HR, time, and payroll solution.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at $8 per user/month for core HR features; payroll add-on from $11/user/month, with enterprise plans scaled by needs.
Gusto
enterpriseUser-friendly payroll and HR software with built-in time tracking, benefits administration, and compliance tools for small businesses.
Full-service payroll that automatically handles federal, state, and local taxes, filings, and payments alongside integrated time tracking.
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll and HR platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering seamless payroll processing, time tracking, and attendance management. It automates payroll runs, tax filings, and payments while providing tools for employee scheduling, PTO tracking, and timesheet approvals. The platform integrates time and attendance data directly into payroll calculations, reducing errors and ensuring compliance with labor laws.
Pros
- Automated payroll with full tax compliance and filing
- Intuitive time tracking and scheduling with mobile app support
- Strong integrations with HR tools and accounting software
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with employee count
- Limited advanced reporting for complex enterprises
- Some features like geofencing require higher tiers
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an integrated payroll, time tracking, and HR solution without needing extensive IT support.
Pricing
Starts at $40 base + $6/employee/month (Simple); Contractor Only at $35 base + $6/contractor/month; Premium tiers $80+ base + $12/employee/month with full-service payroll.
ADP
enterpriseComprehensive HCM suite offering robust payroll processing, time and attendance tracking, and HR management for businesses of all sizes.
Seamless time-to-payroll integration with AI-powered accuracy and compliance checks across multiple countries
ADP (adp.com) is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform specializing in payroll processing, time and attendance tracking, and HR management. It automates payroll calculations, tax filings, and compliance reporting while offering flexible time tracking via mobile apps, biometrics, and geofencing. ADP integrates time data seamlessly into payroll runs, supports multi-state and global operations, and provides analytics for workforce insights.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including automated payroll, time tracking, and compliance tools
- Scalable for SMBs to enterprises with strong integrations and mobile accessibility
- Robust reporting and analytics for HR decision-making
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Higher pricing that may not suit very small businesses
- Customer support can be inconsistent during peak seasons
Best For
Medium to large businesses needing an integrated, scalable payroll and time management solution with global capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on company size and modules; ADP RUN starts around $60-$130/month + $4-$15/employee for small businesses, with Workforce Now scaling to thousands monthly for enterprises.
Paylocity
enterpriseModern payroll and HR platform with advanced time tracking, employee self-service, and analytics for mid-market companies.
Mobile-first time tracking with GPS geofencing and facial recognition for secure, accurate clock-ins from anywhere
Paylocity is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform specializing in payroll processing, time and attendance tracking, and employee management. It automates payroll calculations, tax filings, direct deposits, and offers advanced time tracking via mobile apps with geofencing and facial recognition for accuracy and compliance. Integrated scheduling, PTO management, and reporting tools make it a full-suite solution for workforce optimization, particularly for mid-sized businesses.
Pros
- Seamless integration of payroll, time tracking, and HR functions
- Robust mobile app with geofencing and biometric clock-ins
- Automated compliance tools and detailed analytics
Cons
- High pricing suitable mainly for mid-to-large businesses
- Lengthy implementation and onboarding process
- Limited flexibility for highly customized reporting
Best For
Mid-sized businesses needing an integrated payroll and time management system with strong mobile accessibility and HR scalability.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $25-$60 per employee per month depending on features and employee count.
UKG
enterpriseWorkforce management solution excelling in time and attendance with integrated payroll for complex scheduling and compliance needs.
AI-powered workforce management with predictive scheduling and anomaly detection for time and attendance
UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) is a leading human capital management (HCM) platform offering robust time and attendance tracking, scheduling, and payroll processing solutions. It integrates employee time capture via mobile apps, kiosks, and biometrics with automated payroll calculations, tax compliance, and benefits administration. Designed primarily for mid-market to enterprise organizations, UKG emphasizes scalability, global workforce support, and AI-driven insights to optimize labor costs and productivity.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of time, attendance, and payroll with AI analytics
- Strong compliance tools for global labor laws and industries
- Mobile-first employee self-service and real-time reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation process
- High cost for smaller businesses
- Customization often requires professional services
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises with complex, multi-location workforces needing integrated HCM and compliance features.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $15-30 per employee per month for core time and payroll modules, with enterprise plans scaling higher.
Paychex
enterpriseFull-service payroll provider with time tracking, HR tools, and benefits administration tailored for small to mid-sized businesses.
100% Payroll Accuracy Guarantee with expert CPAs handling complex tax scenarios
Paychex Flex is a comprehensive payroll and human capital management (HCM) platform that handles payroll processing, tax compliance, and filings for businesses of various sizes. It includes robust time and attendance tools such as mobile clock-in, GPS geofencing, scheduling, and PTO tracking integrated seamlessly with payroll. The software also offers HR features like benefits administration, onboarding, and analytics, making it a full-service solution for workforce management.
Pros
- Excellent tax compliance and automated filings with a 100% accuracy guarantee
- Advanced time tracking with mobile app, geofencing, and scheduling capabilities
- Strong integrations with accounting software and scalability for growing businesses
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive, especially for small businesses with per-employee fees
- User interface feels dated compared to more modern competitors
- Customer support response times can vary, with some reports of delays
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one payroll, time tracking, and HR solution with expert-backed compliance.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at around $80/month base plus $5-$10 per employee; open API access included in higher tiers.
BambooHR
enterpriseIntuitive HR platform with payroll integration and employee time off tracking for growing SMBs.
Fully integrated HRIS with time tracking and state-limited payroll, minimizing data silos
BambooHR is a cloud-based HR platform that includes time tracking, attendance management, and payroll processing, primarily designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It enables employees to clock in/out via web or mobile app, track time off, and generate timesheets, while the payroll module handles calculations, taxes, and payments with direct HR data integration. Though not a standalone payroll giant, it streamlines workforce management within a unified HR ecosystem.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with mobile time tracking and approvals
- Seamless integration between HR, time, and payroll data
- Customizable reports and employee self-service portal
Cons
- Payroll limited to select US states only
- Lacks advanced payroll features for complex compliance or global needs
- Add-on costs can increase total pricing
Best For
Small to medium-sized US-based businesses wanting integrated HR with basic time tracking and payroll without multiple vendors.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starts at ~$6-12 per employee/month for core HR and time features; payroll adds $4-6 per employee/month plus per-pay-period fees.
QuickBooks Payroll
enterpriseIntuit's payroll software that integrates with QuickBooks Time for accurate time tracking and automated payroll.
Deep, native integration with QuickBooks Online that automatically journals payroll expenses to accounting ledgers
QuickBooks Payroll, from Intuit, is a robust payroll solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering automated payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits. It integrates tightly with QuickBooks Online accounting software and pairs with QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets) for GPS-enabled time tracking, scheduling, and attendance management. This combination streamlines payroll based on tracked hours while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting for effortless data sync
- Automated tax filings and payments with guaranteed accuracy
- Mobile app with GPS time tracking via QuickBooks Time integration
Cons
- Time and attendance features require separate QuickBooks Time subscription
- Pricing escalates quickly with add-ons and per-employee fees
- Steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with QuickBooks ecosystem
Best For
Small to medium businesses already using QuickBooks accounting who need reliable payroll tied to time tracking.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $45/base + $6/employee/month; Premium $80 + $9/emp; Elite $125 + $11/emp; QuickBooks Time add-on from $8/user/month (billed annually).
OnPay
specializedAffordable, full-featured payroll software with unlimited payroll runs and time tracking for small businesses.
Unlimited payroll runs and expert support from certified payroll professionals at no extra cost
OnPay is a user-friendly payroll software designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering full-service payroll processing, automated tax filings, and compliance tools. It integrates seamlessly with popular time tracking solutions like QuickBooks Time and Homebase for accurate attendance management and overtime calculations. While not a standalone time and attendance platform, its robust payroll features make it a solid all-in-one solution for streamlined workforce payments.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with no hidden fees
- Unlimited US-based payroll support
- Seamless integrations for time tracking and HR tools
Cons
- Relies on third-party integrations for advanced time and attendance
- Limited built-in reporting compared to enterprise solutions
- Less suitable for businesses with over 100 employees
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking cost-effective payroll with reliable time tracking integrations.
Pricing
$40 base fee + $6 per active employee per month; includes unlimited payroll runs and tax filing.
Patriot Software
specializedBudget-friendly payroll and full-service time & attendance software designed for small business owners.
Payroll Accuracy Guarantee, where Patriot covers any IRS penalties due to their errors.
Patriot Software offers cloud-based payroll and time & attendance solutions tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, handling everything from employee clock-ins and scheduling to full payroll processing and tax compliance. The platform integrates time tracking directly with payroll to automate calculations for hours worked, overtime, and deductions. It also includes HR tools like onboarding and benefits tracking, making it a comprehensive option for streamlined workforce management.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with no long-term contracts
- Strong customer support via phone and chat
- Seamless integration of time tracking with payroll processing
Cons
- Dated user interface compared to modern competitors
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting options
- Additional fees for premium features like multi-state tax filing
Best For
Small businesses with 1-100 employees needing straightforward, cost-effective time tracking and payroll without advanced customization.
Pricing
Basic Payroll: $17/month + $4/employee; Full Service Payroll: $37/month + $4/employee; Time & Attendance: $3-$5/active employee/month (bundled options available).
Conclusion
After examining these top tools, Rippling stands out as the best time and attendance and payroll software, offering an all-in-one solution that seamlessly integrates payroll, HR, and time tracking. Gusto excels with its user-friendly design, perfect for small businesses, while ADP impresses with its comprehensive HCM capabilities, suitable for businesses of all sizes. Each option has unique strengths, but Rippling leads the way.
Explore Rippling today to experience its streamlined approach—its integrations and automation can simplify your workforce management, saving time and reducing stress.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison