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7 Payroll Mobile Apps Users Love
Check out seven payroll apps that users rate the highest for managing employee payroll on the go.
Accurate payroll management hinges on real-time tracking of employee work hours, time-offs, and benefits enrollment. Payroll mobile apps offer a convenient solution, allowing HR and payroll managers to track employee activity, manage timesheets, and generate payroll reports from anywhere, at any time. Whether they’re in the office or on the go, these apps provide real-time access to essential payroll functions. However, it's important to evaluate the functionalities of each app to ensure it aligns with your business’s specific needs and requirements.
To help you pick the right mobile payroll application, we looked at 2M+ unique user reviews to see what users had to say and highlighted the top seven mobile payroll apps based on sentiment analysis of reviews, arranged in order of percentage of positive reviews. Read how we selected these at the bottom of the page.
We have grouped these mobile apps into two categories—dedicated payroll software and accounting, workforce management, and human resources software with payroll capabilities. Each product includes all the core payroll features: payroll management, payroll reporting, and tax compliance.
1. Paychex Flex
Paychex Flex is a dedicated payroll solution. Its mobile app enables employers to create detailed employee profiles, including compensation, taxes, deductions, and time-off balances. Employers can review payroll totals, adjust pay rates, and set up direct deposits. The app also provides access to payroll reports, including detailed information on retirement balances, contributions, returns, and loans. Employees can submit time-off requests, enroll in retirement plans, and request loans directly through the app. Additionally, they can view their pay stubs and W-2 forms, and update personal information, ensuring they have control over their employment data. This payroll app uses touch ID and facial recognition security features to safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized access.
Customer support: Call and help center
Mobile app price: Available upon request from the vendor
Who should consider Paychex Flex mobile app?
Paychex Flex can be a good option for businesses that prioritize financial convenience and accessibility for their employees. The app enables employees to enroll in retirement plans and apply for loans directly through the app, eliminating the need for cumbersome paperwork or in-person visits to HR. This ensures accessibility for all employees, regardless of their location or working hours. The feature is particularly beneficial for remote workers, field employees, or those who may not have regular access to traditional HR resources.
Review excerpt from a user of Paychex Flex’s mobile app:
“The experience has been positive and meets all needs of the company. Tax compliance, W-2s, time keeping, and benefits admin all went smoothly through a full annual cycle. The customer service response times are within a reasonable range, and the mobile app surprisingly is very useful due to the simplicity of the overall platform. Employees can also self-serve make a certain number of changes to things like addresses or banking info without the need for an HR team member to service such requests.”
2. Rippling
Rippling is a workforce management system with payroll capabilities. It has a time-clock mobile app that syncs with the payroll system. Through this app, employers and employees can view pay stubs and time cards, access health and flex benefits [1] accounts, and request/approve time off. Rippling automatically enforces overtime, meal breaks, and other federal, state, and local labor laws based on each employee’s work location, supporting compliance management. Payroll admins can view, edit, add, and approve employee timesheets from the app and add comments and attachments to specific shifts. Employees can update their personal information, tax withholdings, and direct deposit details. The app also integrates expense management, allowing employees to submit expenses and managers to approve them. Mobile app users receive real-time notifications of time-off requests, approvals, and changes to timesheets or pay stubs.
Customer support: Email and help center
Mobile app price: Available upon request from the vendor
Who should consider Rippling mobile app?
Businesses with geographically dispersed teams or those seeking to simplify compliance processes can consider Rippling. Its break enforcement feature offers a proactive solution to mitigate legal risks and ensure compliance. This feature automatically enforces break periods based on preloaded rules tailored to various locations, ensuring employees take required breaks according to local labor laws. By doing so, Rippling helps businesses avoid potential legal penalties associated with non-compliance and reduces the administrative burden of manually managing and updating break schedules. This saves time and ensures that the workforce's break times are consistently in line with regulatory requirements.
Review excerpt from a user of Rippling’s mobile app:
“Rippling is great to use. I mostly use the app, but I do log in online periodically. I can find what I am looking for, and I love how the pay stubs are displayed. The software is easy to use. It is consistent. I can find what I am looking for easily.”
Pro tip
Prioritize a mobile app that ensures automatic updates to tax regulations and labor laws. This eliminates the risk of errors and penalties and saves you the hassle of manually keeping up with complex regulations.
3. Xero
Xero is an accounting platform, including payroll capabilities. Its self-service app enables employees to set up their own accounts, view pay stubs, and access W-2 forms. Payroll administrators can configure multiple payroll schedules and set pay rates directly within the app. Additionally, the app allows employees to scan and submit expenses using their mobile cameras, and managers can approve or reject these submissions. Administrators can also control access to specific features of the mobile app, granting or revoking permissions as needed.
Customer support: Email and help center
Mobile app price: Available with the paid plan, which starts at $15 per month
Billing cycle: Monthly
Who should consider Xero mobile app?
Xero mobile payroll app can be a good option for business owners, HR managers, and payroll administrators looking for a customizable solution that helps maintain control and operational efficiency. The app enables managers to tailor access permissions and ensures that employees have access only to features and information relevant to their roles. This minimizes distractions and complexity, allowing staff to focus on their specific tasks. For example, managers can access scheduling and payroll features, while regular employees might only need access to clock in/out and view their schedules. Moreover, limiting access to only those who need it reduces the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
Review excerpt from a user of Xero’s mobile app:
“The truth is that our experience with the Xero has met our expectations when it comes to saving time when it comes to the manual process of our billing and projects. What I liked the most about this accounting software is its power and speed, as well as its availability on any mobile device and its ability to import transactions from bank accounts. In the time that the software was used it met our expectations.”
4. ADP Workforce Now
ADP Workforce Now is a human resources solution with payroll features. Like other mobile payroll apps on our list, ADP’s app lets employees access and review their pay statements, including details such as gross and net pay, deductions, and tax withholdings. They can check their available leave balances (such as vacation, sick leave, etc.) and submit time-off requests through the app. Employees can also update their timesheets to accurately record their work hours. Every interaction within the app is handled through ADP’s secure servers, ensuring data integrity and protection from external threats. All data transmitted between the mobile device and the server is encrypted, preventing unauthorized access.
Customer support: Call, email, and knowledge base
Mobile app price: Available upon request from the vendor
Who should consider ADP Workforce Now mobile app?
HR managers in organizations with a large, remote workforce or those in highly regulated industries (such as healthcare and legal), who prioritize data security and protection, can consider ADP Workforce Now. ADP utilizes secure servers and encrypts all data—at rest and in transit, safeguarding employee payroll details, personal information, and other confidential data. This security infrastructure minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and helps HR departments comply with data privacy regulations.
Review excerpt from a user of ADP Workforce Now’s mobile app:
“I like ADP, it does what i need it to do and overall it doesn't have very many issues I like it's App and the headers are easy to follow and straightforward to find what you need, I found that entering vacation was easy and everything was laid out nicely which made the process easy, tracking my hours and pay stubs was also easy and it was nice to have it all in one place.”
Read more about ADP Workforce Now.
Pro tip
Look for an app with robust security features, such as data encryption and secure login protocols. Sensitive payroll and employee information needs to be protected, so choose an app that prioritizes data security.
5. 7shifts
7shifts is a dedicated payroll and shift scheduling solution for restaurants. Its mobile app integrates with point of sale (POS) and payroll systems to standardize payroll processing. Employees can clock in/out through the app and track breaks and overtime, ensuring accurate payroll calculations. Managers can track labor budgets, forecast sales, and monitor labor cost percentages to make informed staffing decisions, and reduce labor costs. The app notifies managers when employees are at risk of exceeding overtime, helping with payroll planning and staying compliant with labor laws. 7shifts mobile app also supports tip pooling and distribution, making it easier for managers to calculate and disburse tips to employees.
Customer support: Live chat and help center
Mobile app price: Available with the paid plan, which starts at $29.99 per month, per location
Billing cycle: Annual
Who should consider 7shifts mobile app?
Restaurant businesses looking to streamline payroll and employee scheduling processes can consider 7shifts. The app integrates with POS and payroll systems, ensuring accurate employee timekeeping data flows directly into payroll calculations. This integration eliminates errors and saves your team valuable administrative time. Beyond payroll, 7shifts helps managers optimize labor costs with labor budget tracking, sales forecasting, and labor cost percentage monitoring features.
Review excerpt from a user of 7shifts’s mobile app:
“Used for my job and clocking in and time tracking and pay. Love it. Great features, great app, very easy for first time users. Easy, great to update and communicate, with your colleagues and or your employer.”
6. BambooHR
BambooHR is another human resources software with a payroll feature. Its mobile app provides employees with access to their pay stubs, year-to-date summaries [2], and relevant documents. Employees can also view their net pay, gross pay, deductions, and tax summaries. For payroll managers, the app offers detailed payroll reports, enabling them to synthesize data, evaluate cash requirements and total deductions, and analyze complete payroll summaries for each employee. BambooHR app ensures compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations. Additionally, its electronic signature feature allows employees to sign new HR policies, employee handbooks, and invoices via the mobile app.
Customer support: Live chat, call, email, and knowledge base
Mobile app price: Available upon request from the vendor
Who should consider BambooHR mobile app?
BambooHR mobile app allows users to e-sign documents, making it a good option for businesses looking to enhance compliance operations and reduce administrative burden. Electronic signatures provide a verifiable method of securing employee acknowledgments and agreements. This capability is crucial for compliance with labor laws and company policies. Additionally, electronic signatures create a clear audit trail, simplifying the process of demonstrating compliance during audits. By ensuring that critical documents are signed and stored electronically, the BambooHR app saves time and resources spent managing physical paperwork.
Review excerpt from a user of BambooHR’s mobile app:
“BambooHR has permitted us to smooth out our HR data and cycle by having everything in one spot and computerized! Administrators and team members alike will find the app and website to be very user-friendly! Utilizing and following PTO days has never been simpler and more precise. Team members can now easily access information about their benefits, PTO days, and other benefits. It is extremely user-friendly for both employees and administrators. We adore the TRAX integration, which they continuously introduce new features and update the product to. It makes payroll processing very easy.”
7. Homebase
Homebase is an employee scheduling solution with payroll features. Through its mobile app, employees can clock in and out using their mobile devices, facilitating accurate time tracking. They can access their work schedules, view the hours they have worked, and check their estimated earnings, helping them track their expected pay. Managers can monitor the clock-in status of employees in real time, allowing for immediate adjustments to time cards if necessary. They can add or edit employee time cards to ensure any discrepancies are corrected before payroll processing. The work schedule planner allows managers to check sales, scheduled labor costs, actual labor costs, and labor as a percentage of sales. Managers receive alerts when employees approach overtime, allowing for better control over labor costs and payroll accuracy.
Customer support: Help center
Mobile app price: Available with the paid plan, which starts at $20 per month per location
Billing cycle: Annual
Who should consider Homebase mobile app?
Homebase is worth considering for businesses that handle hourly workers. These businesses often rely on paper timesheets, which are prone to mistakes and inaccuracies. Homebase’s mobile app addresses these issues by allowing employees to clock in and out directly from their phones, reducing errors and ensuring accurate payroll calculations. Moreover, the app enhances transparency and communication by providing employees with access to their work schedules, working hours, and estimated earnings directly through their mobile devices. This feature fosters trust and reduces confusion about paychecks, as employees can easily verify their hours and earnings.
Review excerpt from a user of Homebase’s mobile app:
“Overall my experience with the program has been positive and easy. I liked the app in general, the features of the program and the concept itself is quick easy and manageable Nothing really stands out that I call negative.”
Pro tip
Opt for an app with a simple user interface, making it easy to navigate and use without extensive training. You can read reviews and look for user feedback regarding the app’s reliability and customer support. Look for apps that offer multiple support channels, such as phone, email, and live chat, to ensure you can get help when you need it.
Features of interest*
Here are some common features that you can expect in mobile solutions for payroll.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Employee self-service | Access payroll information, such as pay stubs, tax-filing forms, and time-off balances, directly from mobile devices. This helps employees to manage payroll-related tasks conveniently. |
| Time tracking | Clock in and out, submit timesheets, and track work hours remotely through the mobile app. This feature facilitates accurate payroll processing and helps employers monitor employee attendance and productivity. |
| Notifications and alerts | Receive instant notifications and alerts regarding payroll-related deadlines, such as payday reminders, tax deadlines, and submission deadlines for timesheets or expense reports. This feature helps users stay informed and organized, reducing the likelihood of missed deadlines or late payments. |
| Direct deposit management | Set up and manage direct deposit information securely through the mobile app. It enables users to receive their pay directly into their bank accounts, eliminating the need for paper checks and manual distribution. |
| Benefits management | View, manage, and make elections for employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible spending accounts through the mobile app. This feature enhances the employee experience by providing easy access to benefit details and usage tracking. |
What are the benefits of a mobile payroll app over a desktop version?
Mobile apps have become increasingly popular because they offer several advantages over the desktop version. Here is why you should consider a mobile app to run payroll
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Accessibility | Payroll mobile apps allow employees and managers to access payroll information from anywhere at any time. Unlike desktop applications that may be tied to specific workstations or office hours, mobile apps are accessible around the clock, providing flexibility to handle payroll tasks outside of traditional working hours. |
| Real-time updates and notifications | Mobile payroll apps send real-time alerts and notifications regarding payroll processing, tax deadlines, and compliance updates. This ensures that users stay informed about critical changes and deadlines. These apps sync instantly with the central payroll system, ensuring that users have access to the most current data without needing to wait for updates or manual synchronization. |
| Security | Mobile payroll apps often come with advanced security features such as biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and encryption to protect sensitive payroll data. These apps are frequently updated to address security vulnerabilities and improve functionality, ensuring that users have the latest protection against threats. |
| Self-service features | Employees can access their pay stubs, tax-filing forms, and other payroll-related documents directly from their mobile devices. This reduces the need for HR intervention and empowers employees to manage their payroll information independently. Mobile apps facilitate better communication between employees and HR or payroll departments through in-app messaging and support features. |
Frequently asked questions when selecting mobile payroll apps
Here are some common questions you can ask your vendors while looking for the best payroll app.
Are there features for time and attendance tracking, and how do they integrate with the payroll system?
Mobile payroll apps with time and attendance tracking simplify the payroll process. Employees can clock in and out directly from their mobile devices, and managers can monitor attendance in real time. This data flows into the payroll system, ensuring precise and timely payments. Additionally, it aids in compliance by maintaining accurate records of hours worked, which can be crucial during audits or disputes.
What security measures are in place to protect sensitive payroll data?
A mobile payroll app with robust security measures—such as encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular security audits—ensures that sensitive information is safeguarded. This builds trust among employees and protects the company from potential legal issues and financial losses associated with data breaches. Additionally, secure apps can comply with various regulations and standards, such as general data protection and regulation (GDPR) or central consumer protection authority (CCPA), further ensuring the safety of personal information.
Can the app handle different pay frequencies (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly)?
An app that can manage various pay frequencies simplifies payroll calculation for companies with diverse employee groups or those that offer different pay schedules. This flexibility ensures that all employees are paid accurately and on time, regardless of their pay cycle. It also reduces administrative burden by allowing payroll managers to configure and automate payments according to specific schedules, thereby enhancing efficiency and employee satisfaction.
Methodology
To be considered for this list, products had to:
Have at least 20 unique product reviews published within the past two years that mention mobile-specific capabilities (based on text analysis), with an average rating of 4.0 or higher as of May 10, 2024.
Meet our definition for payroll software: “Payroll software automates the management of employees' salaries, wages, bonuses, and deductions.”
Have the highest percentage of positive sentiment (versus neutral or negative sentiment). We calculated the sentiment score by identifying the positive and negative user sentiment specifically around mobile app usage.
*Mobile features of interest were identified from vendor websites. Our research team selected the features considering what we know users expect or find important in a mobile experience.
Review excerpts are passages extracted from longer reviews written by verified reviewers. We obtain these excerpts by applying an algorithm that considers factors including, but not limited to, length, topic coverage, and thematic relevance. Excerpts are evaluated for positive or negative sentiment and receive a sentiment score.
Excerpts represent user opinion and do not represent the views of, nor constitute, an endorsement by GetApp or its affiliates. Excerpts are not edited for clarity or grammar.
We select and rank products based on an objective methodology developed by our research team. While some vendors may pay us when they receive web traffic or leads, this has no influence on our methodology.
Definitions
Flex benefits, also known as flexible benefit plans (FBPs), are a type of employee benefit program that gives workers control over their compensation package. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, flex benefits allow employees to choose the specific benefits they want and need, and allocate a certain amount of their pre-taxed salary toward their chosen options.
Year-to-date (YTD) summaries are snapshots of a particular metric or set of data for the period between the beginning of the current year and a specific date. This is used in finance and accounting to track progress or performance over time.
With expertise in marketing and content strategy, Barkha’s work has been featured in Medium and educational websites. When not working, she can be found re-watching “The Office” or “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”
