getapp-logo

App comparison

Add up to 4 apps below to see how they compare. You can also use the "Compare" buttons while browsing.

Software categoriesBlog & researchAbout us

GetApp offers objective, independent research and verified user reviews. We may earn a referral fee when you visit a vendor through our links. 

Table of Contents

usersusersusers

Talk with us for a free 15-min consultation

Expert advisors like Chase, who have helped 1,000+ companies, can find the right software for your needs.

Top Rated Accounting Software with Payroll Management in 2026

Verified reviewer profile picture
Verified reviewer profile picture

All user reviews are verified by in-house moderators and provider data by our software research team.  Learn more

Last updated: April 2026

It streamlines payroll processing, calculates taxes, manages deductions, and ensures timely payments. It automates record-keeping and compliance, integrates with time tracking, and provides accurate reports, saving time and reducing errors. Our reviewers in accounting software rated this feature as important.

4 Best Accounting Software with Payroll Management

  • QuickBooks Desktop
  • FreshBooks - Highest rated for payroll management
  • QuickBooks Online
  • QuickBooks Enterprise

See other top Accounting products with payroll management

How we picked the 4 top rated products

We chose the high-performing solutions on this list based on verified user ratings on our site. Depending on available data, qualifying products either had to be among the most user-reviewed or the most searched-for products in the accounting software category. They also needed to have sufficient reviews about payroll management, have a minimum user rating of 3 out of 5 for that feature, and show evidence of U.S. market presence. We then added a distinction for the product with the highest rating for payroll management based on our proprietary ratings and reviews. Sponsorship or client status has no influence on the selection of these products, but it may impact the order in which products appear.

Details for the 4 best products

QuickBooks Desktop logo
4.4
(2.5K)

User insights about the payroll management feature

Reviewers appreciate QuickBooks Desktop's payroll management for its efficiency and ease of use. They highlight the automation of payroll calculations, tax deductions, and paycheck generation. Users value the direct deposit feature and the ability to manage all payroll aspects, including tax filings and employee profiles. They find the integration with third-party time tracking vendors helpful. However, some users mention issues with support and additional costs associated with the payroll service.
“I love the payroll management. You tell QB the individual hours and it processes checks for you. You can either do a check or have it direct deposited into employee accounts. I always use the "Enter Time" for the hours and that part integrates very well with 3rd party vendors for time tracking.”
BS

Beverly S.

Bookkeeper / Secretary

“I like the accuracy and efficiency that comes with this feature. This streamlines the complex process of calculating taxes, salaries and deductions, which saves me time and reduces likelihood of errors.”
SM

Shelmith M.

Admin Virtual Assistant

Accounting key features coverage

QuickBooks Desktop offers 6 out of the 6 key features for Accounting software identified by reviewers:

Income & Balance Sheet4.6
Financial Reporting4.6
General Ledger4.6
Billing & Invoicing4.6
Bank Reconciliation4.6
Expense Tracking4.5

Pros and cons based on 2,547 verified reviews

56% of users rated QuickBooks Desktop 5 out of 5 stars, while 3% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 2,547 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Comprehensive expense tracking

Ideal for small businesses

Efficient bookkeeping

Accessible learning resources

Robust accounting software

Cons:

Frequent and costly upgrades

Inefficient phone support

Challenging file management

Inadequate support

High costs and fees

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$1922 flat rate/per year|Free version:Not available|Free trial:Available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

FreshBooks logo
4.5
(4.5K)

User insights about the payroll management feature

Reviewers indicate that FreshBooks makes payroll management easy and efficient. They report that it can handle payroll for large numbers of employees and integrates well with third-party payroll providers like Gusto and Wagepoint. Users appreciate the intuitive layout and the ability to perform accurate payroll calculations quickly. They also value the time-saving aspects and data security provided by FreshBooks in managing payroll.
“It can do all the required calculations based on the previously fed information. It is very fast, error free and provides it in no time.”
MA

Mohammad A.

Software developer

“ Enables accurate payroll calculations by synchronizing employee time entries and expenses.”
SM

Stephen M.

Managing Director

Accounting key features coverage

FreshBooks offers 6 out of the 6 key features for Accounting software identified by reviewers:

Income & Balance Sheet4.4
Financial Reporting4.5
General Ledger4.4
Billing & Invoicing4.6
Bank Reconciliation4.4
Expense Tracking4.5

Pros and cons based on 4,506 verified reviews

59% of users rated FreshBooks 5 out of 5 stars, while 2% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 4,506 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Cloud accounting accessibility

Efficient invoicing capabilities

Tailored for small businesses

Minimal learning curve

Effective freelancer tools

Cons:

Reliance on internet connection

Limited bank integration

High costs for larger teams

Frequent technical issues

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$21 flat rate/per month|Free version:Not available|Free trial:Available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

QuickBooks Online logo
4.3
(8.3K)

User insights about the payroll management feature

Users report that QuickBooks Online simplifies payroll management with its easy setup and automation features. They appreciate the integration with time tracking software and the ability to handle tax calculations and filings automatically. Reviewers find the payroll management tool user-friendly and efficient for small businesses. They also value the direct deposit feature and the comprehensive reporting capabilities. However, some users mention occasional issues with customer support and the need for additional software for full payroll functionality.
“If you use Quickbooks Online Payroll, taxes and return filing is automated. Email reminders to submit payroll. If you use QuickBooks Time (formally TSheets), approving timesheets is a breeze and imports into payroll to reduce double entry.”
NS

Nicole S.

owner

“Again the feature is super helpful and critical to the overall functioning of the software. It helps you save time by automating your tasks like calculating, filing and paying federal and state payroll taxes for every single employee.”
GJ

Gaurav J.

Sr. Marketing Manager

Accounting key features coverage

QuickBooks Online offers 6 out of the 6 key features for Accounting software identified by reviewers:

Income & Balance Sheet4.5
Financial Reporting4.4
General Ledger4.4
Billing & Invoicing4.4
Bank Reconciliation4.4
Expense Tracking4.5

Pros and cons based on 8,385 verified reviews

57% of users rated QuickBooks Online 5 out of 5 stars, while 5% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 8,385 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Cloud-based accessibility

Ideal for small businesses

Seamless integrations

Comprehensive accounting features

Efficient tax management

Cons:

Frequent bugs and crashes

Limited desktop features

Recurring costs and price increases

Inadequate customer support

Complicated transaction management

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$38 flat rate/per month|Free version:Not available|Free trial:Available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

QuickBooks Enterprise logo
4.5
(20.6K)

User insights about the payroll management feature

Users find QuickBooks Enterprise's payroll management comprehensive and user-friendly. They appreciate its ability to manage employee data, calculate and file payroll taxes, and generate payroll checks. Reviewers highlight the ease of use and the time-saving shortcuts available. They also mention the feature's reliability in ensuring timely and accurate payments. However, some users note that it requires proper setup to function optimally and suggest improvements in certain areas.
“Comprehensive payroll management feature that helps companies streamline their payroll process. With QuickBooks Payroll, users can easily manage employee data, calculate and file payroll taxes, and create payroll and payroll checks.”
MK

Mehdi K.

Mehdi work

“I've used Quickbooks for numerous years in AR, AP, reports, and payroll. Entering statistics is straightforward and you may use shortcuts that assist make doing plenty of numbers faster.”
AA

Adel A.

Information technology and services

Accounting key features coverage

QuickBooks Enterprise offers 6 out of the 6 key features for Accounting software identified by reviewers:

Income & Balance Sheet4.6
Financial Reporting4.6
General Ledger4.5
Billing & Invoicing4.6
Bank Reconciliation4.5
Expense Tracking4.5

Pros and cons based on 20,610 verified reviews

61% of users rated QuickBooks Enterprise 5 out of 5 stars, while 2% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 20,610 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Comprehensive expense tracking

Ideal for small businesses

Effective financial management

Streamlined bookkeeping

Efficient tax management

Cons:

Frequent issue resolution challenges

Slow performance speed

Disruptive software updates

High cost concerns

Unreliable customer service

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$2210 flat rate/per year|Free version:Not available|Free trial:Available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

Other Top Rated Accounting Software with Payroll Management in 2026

QuickBooks Enterprise logo
Category Leaders

Enterprise accounting, FSM and inventory management solution

QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise is an accounting software for small businesses which provides users with real-time access to customer, employee, and vendor information. The software includes tools for managing inventory, shipping, sales orders, pricing, tasks, invoicing, reporting, and more.

Read more about QuickBooks Enterprise

Users also considered
TaxDome logo

Tax practice management software for bookkeepers and CPAs

TaxDome is a leading practice management platform for tax, bookkeeping and accounting firms, as well as CPAs and EAs. TaxDome allows firms of all sizes to streamline and maintain oversight of their practice by using one platform for both internal practice management and client-facing tools.

Read more about TaxDome

Users also considered
QuickBooks Online logo

Accounting and business management software

QuickBooks Online offers accounting with financial dashboards, invoice creation, online payment acceptance, expenses tracking, payroll & more.

Read more about QuickBooks Online

Users also considered
FreshBooks logo
Category Leaders

Invoice and accounting software tailored to small businesses

FreshBooks automates daily accounting activities namely invoice creation, payment acceptance, expenses tracking, billable time tracking and financial reporting.

Read more about FreshBooks

Users also considered
Xero logo
Category Leaders

Cloud-based accounting software for small businesses

Xero is an award-winning online accounting software designed for small business owners and accountants, available on any computer or mobile device with an internet connection. Automate your invoicing and reporting, get a full picture of your business with up-to-date financial data, and much more.

Read more about Xero

Users also considered
QuickBooks Desktop logo

Comprehensive business management solution

QuickBooks Desktop provides a comprehensive business management solution that integrates accounting, payroll, inventory, and multiple company management functionalities. The software offers industry-specific editions tailored for manufacturing, wholesale, contractors, and accountants, with features like advanced reporting, job costing, and automated pricing rules. Users can enhance their experience with cloud hosting capabilities that enable remote access and team collaboration.

Read more about QuickBooks Desktop

Users also considered
Wave logo
Category Leaders

Accounting, invoicing, and payroll management platform

Why is Wave the world's fastest-growing accounting software for small businesses? It's easy, fast, 100% free, and made for owner-operated businesses.

Read more about Wave

Users also considered
NetSuite logo

AI-powered cloud-based business management suite

NetSuite AI-powered accounting simplifies the process of recording transactions, managing AP and AR, and closing the books. NetSuite supports multiple currencies, languages, and compliance standards and ensures data is accessible securely worldwide.

Read more about NetSuite

Users also considered
QuickBooks Online Advanced logo

Accounting & business management for small businesses

Advanced accounting software for streamlined financial management, automation, and enhanced reporting for growing businesses.

Read more about QuickBooks Online Advanced

Users also considered
BigTime logo

AI-powered scoping, project, time, and billing software

BigTime is a cloud-based platform for professional services firms to manage projects, time tracking, billing, and resource planning—powered by AI. With deep integrations and enterprise-grade security, BigTime helps teams move faster and scale with confidence.

Read more about BigTime

Users also considered
Odoo logo
Category Leaders

All-in-one open-source business software

Odoo Accounting helps you to manage your daily accounting easily and have a global view of the state of your business. Features include: bank synchronization, automatic invoices, recurring billing management, reconciliations, and more.

Read more about Odoo

Users also considered
Bright logo

Brilliant people use Bright software

Bright offers a suite of industry-leading software solutions for accountants, bookkeepers and SMEs across the UK and Ireland.

Read more about Bright

Users also considered
Patriot Accounting logo
Category Leaders

Cloud-based accounting and payroll software

Accounting Basic $20/month - flat rate, unlimited use
Accounting Premium $30/month - flat rate, unlimited use
Accounting Software for businesses in the United States. Keep track of all of your money easily with our patent pending cash to accrual toggle & so much more.

Read more about Patriot Accounting

Users also considered
Replicon Time Tracking logo

Cloud-based project time tracking platform

Replicon Time is a leading cloud-based project time tracking platform that helps mid-market and enterprise organizations manage time, projects, and workforce operations with accuracy and confidence.

Read more about Replicon Time Tracking

Users also considered
SaasAnt Transactions logo

Accounting and data entry software

SaasAnt Transactions is an accounting and data entry software that helps businesses bulk import, export, and delete transactions in Quickbooks Desktop from within a unified platform. It allows staff members to maintain an audit history of all imported and deleted transactions.

Read more about SaasAnt Transactions

Users also considered
Holded logo

ERP, Accounting, Invoicing & more for freelancers and SMBs.

Manage your accounting with automatic movements from your documents and manual movements to complete your Balance sheet.

Read more about Holded

Users also considered
Premier Construction Software logo

One Modern Platform. 360° Visibility.

All-in-one financial & project management construction cloud ERP, providing you with real-time visibility into your business.

Read more about Premier Construction Software

Users also considered
Sage Intacct logo
Category Leaders

Best-in-class Cloud ERP for Finance

Sage Intacct’s core financials automate your most important processes, reduce your reliance on spreadsheets, and give you greater visibility into your business

Read more about Sage Intacct

Users also considered
Canopy logo

Practice management software for accounting firms

Canopy is a cloud-based practice management solution for accounting professionals. Streamline your firm and create a connected client experience using our suite of features including workflow, document management, time and billing, payments, a CRM with a secure client portal.

Read more about Canopy

Users also considered
Sage Accounting logo

Accounting software for small businesses

Sage Accounting is an accounting system for small business owners. It has features to help users forecast their cashflow, send and track invoices and act on real-time reporting. Users can manage their business from anywhere, at any time, from the cloud and with mobile functionality. Sage Accounting application is available for iOS and Android.

Read more about Sage Accounting

Users also considered
SAP Business One logo

Finance and Business Management (ERP) System

Enterprise resource planning software for SMEs. Manage every aspect of your small or midsize business with SAP Business One.

Read more about SAP Business One

Users also considered
Workday Adaptive Planning logo

Enterprise planning software for agile budgeting & reporting

Workday Adaptive Planning is the only solution that empowers finance to configure sophisticated, driver-based models, analyze unlimited scenarios, and use AI and machine learning to create predictive forecasts and gain enhanced insights. Partner with us today to drive fast, confident decisions.

Read more about Workday Adaptive Planning

Users also considered
Acumatica Cloud ERP logo

Cloud-based enterprise resource planning software

Acumatica simplifies accounting with tools for Accounts Payable, Receivable, Billing & Invoicing, and Bank Reconciliation. It streamlines Expense Tracking, Payroll Management, and Financial Reporting, while managing your General Ledger and Income & Balance Sheet effortlessly.

Read more about Acumatica Cloud ERP

Users also considered
Striven logo
Category Leaders

Collaborative ERP for business process management

Simplify your billing, purchasing, and collections while you run better, faster reports and get complete visibility into your financial operations.

Read more about Striven

Users also considered
Deltek Vision logo

Project management tool for professional services managers.

Deltek Vision is a project management solution, which helps businesses in the professional services sector manage customer relationship management (CRM), project planning, document tracking, resource planning, payroll processes, and more. It improves project profitability and streamlines client relationships by managing the complete lifecycle of a project, from identifying opportunities to estimating costs.

Read more about Deltek Vision

Users also considered

Key features for Accounting software

Based on GetApp's analysis of verified user reviews collected between July 2021 and August 2024.

  • Income & Balance Sheet: Reviewers value this feature for providing comprehensive financial snapshots, including assets, liabilities, and equity, which support decision-making and financial analysis. 96% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Financial Reporting: Users appreciate the ability to generate, customize, and analyze diverse financial reports, aiding in informed decision-making and compliance. 94% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • General Ledger: Reviewers highlight the clear organization, real-time updates, and comprehensive tracking of financial transactions, aiding in accurate financial management. 92% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Billing & Invoicing: Users find the automated and customizable invoicing capabilities efficient, helping streamline billing processes and improve cash flow. 91% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Bank Reconciliation: Reviewers commend the ease of reconciling bank transactions, ensuring accuracy and reliability in financial records, which aids in error detection. 91% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Expense Tracking: Users value the detailed and organized tracking of expenses, which improves financial oversight, budgeting, and tax preparation. 90% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.