Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - All-in-one payroll and HR platform with automated time tracking, payroll processing, and compliance for small to medium businesses.
- 2#2: Rippling - Unified workforce management software that syncs time tracking, payroll, benefits, and IT provisioning across global teams.
- 3#3: ADP Workforce Now - Comprehensive HCM suite offering robust time and attendance tracking integrated with full-service payroll for mid-to-large enterprises.
- 4#4: Paychex Flex - Scalable payroll and HR solution with mobile time tracking, automated payroll runs, and tax compliance for businesses of all sizes.
- 5#5: QuickBooks Payroll - Seamless payroll integration with QuickBooks accounting, featuring time tracking via QuickBooks Time for small businesses.
- 6#6: Paylocity - Modern HCM platform with advanced time tracking, self-service payroll, and employee engagement tools for growing companies.
- 7#7: BambooHR - User-friendly HR software with payroll add-on and time-off tracking designed for small to medium-sized teams.
- 8#8: UKG Pro - Enterprise-grade workforce management system excelling in precise timekeeping, scheduling, and integrated payroll processing.
- 9#9: Paycom - Single-database HCM solution that streamlines time tracking, payroll, and talent management without third-party integrations.
- 10#10: Dayforce - AI-powered HCM platform with real-time time and attendance tracking combined with continuous payroll calculations.
We evaluated tools based on key metrics: robust time tracking functionality, seamless payroll integration, compliance readiness, user experience, and overall value, ensuring they meet diverse business needs from small teams to large enterprises.
Comparison Table
This comparison table maps top time payroll tools—including Gusto, Rippling, ADP Workforce Now, Paychex Flex, QuickBooks Payroll, and more—to highlight key features, pricing, and usability, helping readers identify the best fit for their business needs like automation, employee self-service, or HR integration.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto All-in-one payroll and HR platform with automated time tracking, payroll processing, and compliance for small to medium businesses. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Rippling Unified workforce management software that syncs time tracking, payroll, benefits, and IT provisioning across global teams. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | ADP Workforce Now Comprehensive HCM suite offering robust time and attendance tracking integrated with full-service payroll for mid-to-large enterprises. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Paychex Flex Scalable payroll and HR solution with mobile time tracking, automated payroll runs, and tax compliance for businesses of all sizes. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | QuickBooks Payroll Seamless payroll integration with QuickBooks accounting, featuring time tracking via QuickBooks Time for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 6 | Paylocity Modern HCM platform with advanced time tracking, self-service payroll, and employee engagement tools for growing companies. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | BambooHR User-friendly HR software with payroll add-on and time-off tracking designed for small to medium-sized teams. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | UKG Pro Enterprise-grade workforce management system excelling in precise timekeeping, scheduling, and integrated payroll processing. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Paycom Single-database HCM solution that streamlines time tracking, payroll, and talent management without third-party integrations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Dayforce AI-powered HCM platform with real-time time and attendance tracking combined with continuous payroll calculations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
All-in-one payroll and HR platform with automated time tracking, payroll processing, and compliance for small to medium businesses.
Unified workforce management software that syncs time tracking, payroll, benefits, and IT provisioning across global teams.
Comprehensive HCM suite offering robust time and attendance tracking integrated with full-service payroll for mid-to-large enterprises.
Scalable payroll and HR solution with mobile time tracking, automated payroll runs, and tax compliance for businesses of all sizes.
Seamless payroll integration with QuickBooks accounting, featuring time tracking via QuickBooks Time for small businesses.
Modern HCM platform with advanced time tracking, self-service payroll, and employee engagement tools for growing companies.
User-friendly HR software with payroll add-on and time-off tracking designed for small to medium-sized teams.
Enterprise-grade workforce management system excelling in precise timekeeping, scheduling, and integrated payroll processing.
Single-database HCM solution that streamlines time tracking, payroll, and talent management without third-party integrations.
AI-powered HCM platform with real-time time and attendance tracking combined with continuous payroll calculations.
Gusto
enterpriseAll-in-one payroll and HR platform with automated time tracking, payroll processing, and compliance for small to medium businesses.
Timesheets with GPS verification and automatic overtime calculation that flows directly into payroll runs
Gusto is a comprehensive payroll and HR platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses, with robust time tracking features that integrate seamlessly into payroll processing. Employees can clock in and out via a mobile app, submit timesheets, and track overtime, while Gusto automates payroll calculations, tax withholdings, and direct deposits. It also handles compliance, benefits administration, and offers on-demand pay options, making it ideal for efficient workforce management.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking with automated payroll and tax filing
- Intuitive mobile app for employee clock-in/out and timesheet approvals
- Comprehensive compliance tools including multi-state payroll support
Cons
- Pricing scales with employee count, which can add up for larger teams
- Advanced HR features require higher-tier plans
- Limited customization for complex project-based time tracking
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses looking for an all-in-one, user-friendly solution to manage employee time tracking and payroll effortlessly.
Pricing
Starts at $40/month base + $6 per person/month for Simple plan; Plus at $80 + $6; Premium is custom quoted; Contractor-only at $35/month base + $6.
Rippling
enterpriseUnified workforce management software that syncs time tracking, payroll, benefits, and IT provisioning across global teams.
Real-time time tracking with biometric verification and auto-payroll population across global locations
Rippling is a comprehensive workforce management platform that unifies HR, IT, payroll, and time tracking into one system, streamlining operations for modern businesses. As a time payroll solution, it provides robust time tracking with mobile apps, kiosks, geofencing, and automated PTO management that directly feeds into payroll processing for accurate, compliant payments. It supports multi-state and global payroll with real-time data sync, reducing manual entry and errors across the employee lifecycle.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking with payroll and HR for automated processing
- Advanced compliance tools including geofencing, facial recognition, and multi-country support
- Unified platform reduces need for multiple tools, saving time and costs
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit very small teams
- Initial setup and learning curve for full feature utilization
- Limited customization for highly niche payroll rules
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise businesses seeking an all-in-one solution for time tracking, payroll, and workforce management.
Pricing
Starts at $8/user/month for core HR; payroll and time tracking add-ons bring total to $11-20+/user/month based on custom quotes.
ADP Workforce Now
enterpriseComprehensive HCM suite offering robust time and attendance tracking integrated with full-service payroll for mid-to-large enterprises.
Advanced geofencing and biometric integration for precise, fraud-resistant time tracking
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform that excels in time tracking, scheduling, and payroll processing, offering robust tools for employee time and attendance management. It integrates seamlessly with payroll to automate calculations, deductions, and compliance reporting. Designed for mid-to-large enterprises, it supports features like geofencing, biometric time clocks, and mobile accessibility for global workforces.
Pros
- Highly accurate time tracking with GPS and geofencing for remote workers
- Seamless integration between time data and payroll processing
- Extensive compliance tools and customizable reporting for complex regulations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup process
- Customer support can be inconsistent for smaller clients
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises with complex payroll and time-tracking needs requiring scalability and compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $100-$200+ per employee per month depending on modules and workforce size.
Paychex Flex
enterpriseScalable payroll and HR solution with mobile time tracking, automated payroll runs, and tax compliance for businesses of all sizes.
Real-time payroll syncing from time data with built-in compliance alerts
Paychex Flex is an all-in-one HR and payroll platform with robust time and attendance tracking designed for businesses of various sizes. It offers mobile clock-in/out, geofencing, scheduling, PTO management, and seamless integration with payroll processing for accurate wage calculations and compliance. The solution provides real-time reporting and analytics to help managers monitor labor costs and workforce productivity effectively.
Pros
- Seamless integration between time tracking and payroll for automated processing
- Advanced features like GPS geofencing, biometric options, and scheduling tools
- Strong compliance support with automated tax filings and labor law updates
Cons
- Higher pricing that may not suit very small businesses
- Initial setup and learning curve can be steep for non-HR users
- Limited standalone time tracking without full payroll commitment
Best For
Mid-sized businesses needing integrated time tracking with payroll and HR compliance features.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $100/month base plus $5-10 per employee; time tracking add-on fees apply.
QuickBooks Payroll
enterpriseSeamless payroll integration with QuickBooks accounting, featuring time tracking via QuickBooks Time for small businesses.
GPS-enabled mobile time tracking with geofencing via QuickBooks Time integration
QuickBooks Payroll is a robust payroll solution from Intuit tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, automating payroll runs, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits. It excels in time tracking through integration with QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets), allowing employees to clock in/out via mobile app with GPS verification and geofencing. This makes it ideal for managing hourly wages, overtime, and compliance in time-based payroll scenarios, all while syncing seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting for unified financials.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks Time for accurate hour tracking and overtime calculations
- Automated federal and state tax filings with next-day direct deposit
- Employee self-service portal and mobile app for easy time entry and payslip access
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced time tracking and compliance features
- Occasional integration glitches between QuickBooks Payroll and Time modules
- Less flexible for very large enterprises compared to specialized HR platforms
Best For
Small to medium businesses using QuickBooks accounting that need integrated time tracking and payroll automation.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $50/month + $6/active employee; Premium $80 + $9; Elite $125 + $11 (QuickBooks Time add-on ~$8/user/month + base fee).
Paylocity
enterpriseModern HCM platform with advanced time tracking, self-service payroll, and employee engagement tools for growing companies.
Gamified employee engagement tools integrated with time and payroll data for better workforce insights
Paylocity is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform with strong time and attendance features integrated seamlessly with payroll processing. It supports mobile clock-ins, geofencing, scheduling, and PTO tracking, automating time-to-payroll workflows for accurate pay calculations and compliance. The system also includes employee self-service portals and advanced reporting for managers.
Pros
- Seamless integration between time tracking and payroll reduces errors
- Intuitive mobile app for employee clock-ins and scheduling
- Robust compliance tools and detailed analytics/reporting
Cons
- Pricing can be high for small businesses
- Steep initial learning curve and setup time
- Limited advanced customizations without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one solution for time tracking, payroll, and HR management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; typically starts at $15-25 per employee/month plus payroll processing fees.
BambooHR
enterpriseUser-friendly HR software with payroll add-on and time-off tracking designed for small to medium-sized teams.
Employee self-service portal for real-time time tracking, PTO requests, and payslip access integrated with full HR suite
BambooHR is a cloud-based HR platform with integrated time tracking and payroll features tailored for small to mid-sized businesses. It enables employees to clock in/out via mobile app or web, track time off, and submit timesheets for manager approval, while payroll handles direct deposits, tax filings, and compliance in supported regions like the US. The system emphasizes seamless integration between HR data and payroll to reduce manual errors and administrative time.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with mobile accessibility for time entry
- Strong integration with core HR functions for unified employee data
- Automated timesheet approvals and PTO tracking streamline workflows
Cons
- Payroll module limited primarily to the US market
- Lacks advanced features like geofencing or biometric time clocks found in specialized tools
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger teams with add-ons
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an easy-to-use, all-in-one HR solution with solid basic time and payroll capabilities.
Pricing
Core HR starts at ~$6 per employee/month (billed annually); payroll add-on is custom, typically $40 base + $4-6 per employee/month.
UKG Pro
enterpriseEnterprise-grade workforce management system excelling in precise timekeeping, scheduling, and integrated payroll processing.
AI-driven predictive workforce analytics for optimized scheduling and labor forecasting
UKG Pro is an enterprise-grade human capital management (HCM) platform specializing in integrated time, attendance, and payroll solutions for large organizations. It provides advanced time tracking, scheduling optimization, automated payroll processing, and compliance tools to handle complex, global workforces. Leveraging AI for predictive insights and real-time analytics, it streamlines workforce management while ensuring regulatory adherence across multiple industries.
Pros
- Robust integration of time tracking, scheduling, and payroll with AI-powered analytics
- Excellent compliance support for global regulations and union rules
- Scalable for large enterprises with mobile accessibility and real-time data syncing
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation process
- High cost unsuitable for small businesses
- Customization requires significant IT involvement
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, global workforces needing integrated time, payroll, and HCM capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $10-20 per employee per month plus implementation fees starting at $50,000+.
Paycom
enterpriseSingle-database HCM solution that streamlines time tracking, payroll, and talent management without third-party integrations.
Beti employee self-service portal for intuitive access to time data, schedules, and pay information
Paycom is an all-in-one HR and payroll software platform with robust time and labor management capabilities, enabling accurate tracking of employee hours, attendance, scheduling, and overtime. It integrates seamlessly with payroll processing to automate calculations, tax withholdings, and direct deposits. The solution also features employee self-service tools via a mobile app for clocking in/out, viewing pay stubs, and requesting time off.
Pros
- Seamless integration between time tracking and payroll
- Comprehensive mobile app for employees and managers
- Advanced scheduling and compliance tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup
- Higher pricing for smaller businesses
- Lengthy implementation process
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises seeking an integrated HR, time, and payroll platform with strong automation.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $100-$200+ per employee per month depending on modules and company size.
Dayforce
enterpriseAI-powered HCM platform with real-time time and attendance tracking combined with continuous payroll calculations.
Single integrated database for real-time synchronization of time, attendance, and payroll data without batch delays
Dayforce, from Ceridian, is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform with strong time and payroll functionalities, enabling accurate time tracking, scheduling, and automated payroll processing in a single system. It leverages AI for workforce insights, compliance management, and real-time data visibility across global operations. Designed for scalability, it handles complex pay rules, benefits integration, and shift management for diverse workforces.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking, scheduling, and payroll in one database
- Advanced AI-driven forecasting and compliance tools
- Robust mobile app for employee self-service
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation
- High cost unsuitable for small businesses
- Occasional performance issues with large datasets
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, global workforces requiring integrated HCM solutions.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $100+ per employee/month for enterprise plans.
Conclusion
Across the spectrum of time payroll software, Gusto leads as the top choice, boasting an all-in-one platform that seamlessly integrates time tracking, payroll, and compliance, ideal for small to medium businesses. Rippling follows closely, excelling with unified workforce management for global teams, while ADP Workforce Now stands out for mid-to-large enterprises with its comprehensive, integrated HCM and time tracking. Each tool offers unique strengths, ensuring businesses of various sizes find a tailored solution.
Don’t miss out—explore Gusto today to unlock efficient, stress-free payroll and HR management, designed to grow with your business needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.