To write this post, we have analyzed and tested the most used payroll programs currently by SMEs, companies and consultancies , making an exhaustive assessment of their characteristics and functions.

We know that a good payroll software must also efficiently manage the data of employees, contracts and social security before the Social Security, Tax Agency and administrations .

In this guide you will learn which are the best payroll management programs (both free and paid) and you will be able to read a detailed review of all the solutions : from their adaptation to the new direct settlement system to their compatibility with the general or special regime.

Types of payroll programs that you will find in our list

There are many  payroll software on the market . Some companies may need more specific functionality, manage from multiple locations, or do any complex reporting.

We can get lost between cloud solutions, local installation, positions and prices... but which one should I choose? We will see the different alternatives below.

Local payroll programs vs. online payroll management

As with other applications, the payroll management program can be installed in the cloud or locally (on our computer). The list of advantages or disadvantages depends on the preferences of the user . We give you a summary:

cloud payroll software

It is the market trend in recent years and our favorite option. The cloud has a low initial capital outlay, frequent updates, almost zero maintenance , readily available support, multi-device accessibility, and flexible features.

On the other hand, an online payroll management program commits you to pay a monthly fee and confidential data is stored on external servers.

Programs to make payroll installed on premises

On-premise installations require a large initial investment in licenses by the company and, in some cases, servers, in-house technical talent to install and maintain the system, and downtime for upgrades.

The positive aspect is that the data stays with you and apparently there are no other outlays than the acquisition. Yes, once you buy the payroll software it's yours forever, but if you want access to the latest payroll software update or a support service you will be charged a monthly or yearly maintenance fee.

Payroll software based on positions and users

You will have heard of the terms single and multi-user. In the event that you contract a payroll management program with local installation, you will have to decide how many licenses you will need.

The single-user software only gives you the option of using it from the same computer. On the contrary, with a multi-user option you can use it simultaneously from the different computers that the company has.

This classification has nothing to do with the number of users. Our laptop can have single-user software and accept multiple users.

If our payroll program is in the cloud, we do not have to choose the number of positions. We will pay the monthly fees based on the users who are going to use it.

Free vs. paid payroll software

There is no total free. Those providers that offer a “free” system give you a very limited version. You will not have updates and in a sector in which legislation plays a very important role, this is a reason not to opt for this option.

In general, free payroll programs charge you fees to have your software updated or access a support service that answers your questions.

Payroll management software is the best option when it is a regular task in the company. Not only will you have to stop worrying about having the regulations up to date, but you will also have access to advanced functionalities.

Employee salary management in payroll software. What is it?

When you want to integrate payroll management software into your company, it is important to understand the workflow and processes that payroll goes through in order to understand automation options and make informed decisions.

In the initial phase, input , the data is entered into the payroll program. These can come from a variety of sources, such as time tracking tools, employee self-service portals, or HR apps.

Later, during processing , salary calculations are made taking into account periods worked, overtime, taxes and other deductions.

During the final phase of payroll management, the program generates the corresponding document based on the information obtained and proceeds to issue the payment orders.

What are the 10 best payroll programs in 2022?

Payroll programs are tools that easily adapt to the needs of all types of companies. We present our TOP 10 so that you can choose the best payroll software for your business , updated with all the news on the market in 2022:

1. Sage 200: payroll management for SMEs.
2. a3innuva: online payroll software for any business.
3. Nominasol: payroll program with free version.
4. MSNomina: simple payroll management software.
5. Payfit: online payroll and social insurance program.
6. Nomio: free payroll management solution.
7. DiezNom: software to manage local payroll.
8. Cailab: labor and payroll management tool.
9. Tugesto: practical program for payrolls in the cloud.
10. Altai: solutions for consulting, SMEs or companies.

1.Sage 200 labor

Payroll program that facilitates the complete labor management of the employee in the company, making the calculations based on current data or, in the case of delays, retroactive, through a flexible cloud subscription.

Why is a payroll program useful for SMEs and Companies?

Sage 200 is a solution aimed at businesses in any sector or activity that have a workforce of between 20 and 2,000 employees , whose needs require comprehensive functions.

Together with the calculation of the payroll, it includes data related to affiliation and contract, monitoring of incidents due to Temporary Disability or absences, and registration of variables such as extra payments, advances, etc.

In the following image we show you the interface:

Among the main advantages of this payroll management software stands out the possibility of downloading the information contained in any agreement in force and the presentation of settlements through SILTRA , the substitute for the RED system in relations with the public administration.

It has other useful tools for the company such as the employee portal , the communication channel between Human Resources and the staff, or its time control software .

2. a3innuva Payroll

Payroll and social security software that, in addition to being accessible from any terminal with an Internet connection thanks to its availability in the cloud and apps for Android and iOS , has an intuitive interface supported by an assistant to facilitate its use.

Why trust the Wolters Kluwer payroll solution?

a3innuva is a program specially oriented to SMEs that automatically incorporates regulatory changes , allowing the detection of legal modifications or controlling the exonerations of ERTEs due to ETOP causes .

This is what the payroll summary looks like on the website:

On the other hand, the person in charge of labor management has at his disposal a tool that simplifies processes, such as hiring or communication of registrations and terminations , and facilitates requests for permits, vacations or salary sheets through the employee portal.

Scalability is another feature of this payroll program, with the provider's own solutions such as human resources software , the time control module or the payroll versions for consultancies and corporate ( for large companies).

3. Nominasol

Payroll management solution from the Software delSol group, a provider widely known for its billing and accounting programs, which sells a free payroll program in its local version , although very limited, and a more advanced payment tool in Cloud mode.

What does Nominasol offer compared to other programs?

A complete labor software for the company with which to manage the payroll, contracts, registrations and cancellations of the worker and social security. It also generates the files that are processed through the direct settlement system , Contrat@ and Certific@2.

It includes the automatic updating of the official social security tables with the contributions of employees attached to the general regime , special agricultural system, artists or domestic workers .

The process of issuing any document is simple and is carried out in a control panel that presents the information clearly, with a design similar to that of the Office package solutions.

4. Ms. Nomina

Simple payroll software with integrated digital signature through a module called efirmago , so that the generated documents are signed by the company and the worker and stored in the management program.

MsNomina is a multi-user and multi- exercise solution , which is installed locally , but does not prevent the connection with the SEPE to send modifications to employee contracts.

This payroll management program includes time control functions, massive registrations and cancellations of workers, electronic presentation of withholdings and income to the tax agency, etc.

5. Payfit

Online payroll program that combines tools for team management , HR and time control, in a simple and reliable solution that optimizes the time dedicated to administrative procedures.

Payfit offers a personalized advisory service, assigning each SME or company that hires its services an expert in labor matters available via chat or mobile phone.

We show you the "work center" screen that, as you will see, presents the information in an organized and attractive way:

What are the features of this cloud payroll software?

• Management of workers' payrolls based on the corresponding agreement.
• Presentation of models 111 and 190 and communication of registrations and cancellations.
• Employee portal that channels requests for vacations and permits from the different departments.
• Digital signature of contracts and other documents related to employees.
• Custom reports module on expenses and salaries that can be exported to Excel.

6.Nomio