Top 10 Payroll Software for Australian Businesses (2025-2026)

#1

Excellent for Complex Rules: Highly flexible, formula-driven system for accurate Award/EBA interpretation and calculations.

Integrated HRIS: Comprehensive HR management integrates seamlessly with payroll.

Flexible Hosting: Offers both self-hosted (on-premise) and cloud (SaaS) deployment options.

Scalable: Suitable for mid-sized to large organisations with complex requirements. Local Expertise: Australian-developed with local support and deep compliance knowledge.

Learning Curve: Due to the customisation and depth, the initial setup and learning process can be steeper than simpler cloud-native options.

Cost Structure: Pricing is often custom-quoted based on business needs, making it less transparent for smaller teams.

#2

Cost-Effective and Flexible Pricing: Unlike many competitor systems that have high flat monthly fees, ST Plus offers a pay-per-employee structure after a low base fee. This makes it highly affordable, especially for micro-businesses and small businesses where staff numbers fluctuate. It also has no lock-in contracts or setup fees.

Full Payroll Functionality: Includes automated tax/super calculations, payslip emailing, employee management, and leave tracking.

Excellent for Multi-Business Management: A key benefit for bookkeepers, accountants, or business owners with multiple entities is the ability to manage payroll for an unlimited number of businesses from a single, centralized web portal.

Simplicity and Ease of Use: It is marketed as having a user-friendly, intuitive web-based interface, which is a big advantage for business owners or non-payroll professionals who need a straightforward system to manage their employees.

May Lack Advanced HR Features: The primary focus is on core payroll and STP compliance. It may lack some of the deeper HR functions found in more expensive HRIS suites.

Focus on Core STP: While it automates tax/super, its ability to handle extremely complex Australian Awards (like Rockfast Revelation) might be less robust than specialised systems.

#3

Best for most Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). It’s the market leader for a reason: superb user experience, seamless integration with the Xero ecosystem, and robust core compliance.

Excellent User Interface (UI): Intuitive and easy for non-payroll experts. Seamless Integration: Built directly into the Xero accounting platform. Extensive Ecosystem: Hundreds of third-party apps connect easily. STP & Super: Fully compliant and automated.

Limited Advanced Payroll: May require add-ons for complex award interpretation or highly niche requirements. Pricing: Payroll is an add-on or requires a higher-tier plan.

#4

Best for businesses with complex payroll needs (Awards, inventory). As a long-standing Australian provider, MYOB offers deeper, more established local compliance tools than most.

Strong Australian Compliance: Excellent handling of complex Modern Awards and Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBAs). Integrated Accounting: Deep, robust integration with the MYOB accounting suite. Scalable: Offers solutions from small businesses up to large enterprises (AccountRight, Advanced).

Steeper Learning Curve: Can be less intuitive than Xero, with some products feeling less modern. Interface: Some users find the interface less slick than its main competitors.

#5

Best for growing businesses wanting integrated HR and benefits. It’s a comprehensive "HR ecosystem" that includes payroll, making it a powerful all-in-one solution for managing the entire employee lifecycle.

All-in-One Platform: Combines Payroll, HR, Recruitment, Benefits, and Learning. Strong Compliance & Automation: Excellent for automating Award and EBA interpretation. Scalability: Built to grow with a business from small to mid-market.

Can Be Overwhelming: The sheer number of features may be too much for very small, simple teams. Cost: Full HR functionality requires higher-tier plans, increasing the total cost.

#6

Best for small businesses and online retailers already using QBO accounting. It’s a user-friendly, feature-rich option that focuses on automation and strong reporting.

User-Friendly & Automated: Excellent for simplifying tax calculations and STP reporting. Strong Reporting: Real-time financial reports integrate well with the accounting side. Mobile-Friendly: Strong mobile app for managers and employee self-service.

Less Australian-Centric: While compliant, its focus is global, and it may not offer the same local depth as MYOB or Employment Hero for highly complex Awards. Payroll Cost: Typically a paid add-on, which increases overall monthly fees.

#7

Best for businesses needing superior award interpretation and rostering. KeyPay is often the engine behind other software or used directly for its highly flexible and automated rostering and award interpretation rules.

Automated Award Interpretation: Arguably the most accurate and flexible system for managing complex pay conditions. Rostering & Time/Attendance: Powerful integrated features for shift work and tracking. API Flexibility: Highly popular with accountants and developers for custom integrations.

Stand-Alone Focus: Designed primarily as a payroll/workforce management tool, not a full accounting suite (requires integration). Complexity: Due to its depth, initial setup can be more complex than simpler, out-of-the-box solutions.

#8

Best for budget-conscious small businesses and sole traders. Reckon offers a simple, affordable, and locally compliant option.

Affordable Pricing: Generally one of the most cost-effective options, often with simpler, pay-per-employee tiers. Simple Interface: Easy to use for basic payroll runs and compliance. Local History: A trusted Australian name with reliable STP reporting.

Limited Functionality: Advanced HR, rostering, and complex payroll features are often missing or basic compared to competitors. Integration: Fewer third-party integration options compared to Xero or MYOB.

#9

Best for mid-sized businesses looking for a dedicated, robust payroll service. This platform is a specialist, focusing purely on payroll accuracy and compliance, often used by businesses that outsource their accounting.

Dedicated Payroll Focus: Excellent accuracy and compliance for tax, super, and leave management. Employee Self-Service: Robust portals for staff to manage their details and payslips. Scalable: Handles larger employee numbers and more sophisticated reporting needs.

No Integrated Accounting: Requires integration with a separate accounting package (Xero, MYOB, etc.). Less Feature-Rich HR: Focuses on payroll, so HR/recruitment tools are minimal or non-existent.

#10

Best for mid-to-large organisations with global or high-security needs. ADP is an international giant known for its robust, enterprise-grade solutions.

Enterprise-Level Compliance: Unmatched security, data governance, and compliance strength for large workforces. Global Reach: Ideal for businesses with international employees or growth plans. Comprehensive HR Suite: Powerful tools for HR, benefits, and talent management.

Overkill for Small Business: Too expensive and complex for a micro or small business. Pricing Complexity: Often contract-based with less transparent pricing than cloud rivals.