Quick Summary
Looking for a better fit than Paycor? Our guide compares 8 standout payroll and HR platforms tailored for organizations of all sizes—including Checkwriters, Rippling, and Deel. We break down each tool’s features, pricing, pros, and cons to help you decide.
Find the Perfect Payroll Solution When Paycor Falls Short
Despite 30 years in HCM and 30,000 clients, Paycor doesn’t always meet every organization’s unique payroll and HR needs.
That’s why in this Checkwriters guide, we’ve listed eight best Paycor alternatives to help you compare more options. But before we get started…
Why Listen to Us?
At Checkwriters, we earn trust with our unified payroll, time‑tracking, and onboarding tools—all backed by alerts for compliance updates and robust reporting. Small and medium-sized businesses often highlight dependable customer support and seamless multi‑state payroll handling.
For instance, Berkshire Hills Music Academy was able to gain clarity with custom reporting and analytics tools, enabling them to visualize HR data in meaningful ways and make smarter staffing decisions.
What is Paycor?
Paycor is a cloud-based HR and payroll platform serving small to mid-sized businesses across the U.S. It combines recruiting, onboarding, time tracking, payroll, and performance management in one system.
It also offers employee self-service, customizable workflows, and analytics dashboards for workforce insights. Additionally, Paycor sends notifications about regulatory changes to help employers stay informed.
Many HR professionals use Paycor to streamline repetitive tasks, manage employee data, and automate payroll. However, some organizations report limitations with support responsiveness and custom reporting, leading them to explore alternatives that better match their evolving needs.
Why Look for a Paycor Alternative?
- Limited Reporting Flexibility: Users often face challenges customizing reports, making it harder to get actionable insights.
- Inconsistent Customer Support: Some businesses report slow or unhelpful responses, especially during critical payroll issues.
- Feature Gaps: Essential tools like advanced scheduling or integrations can feel limited compared to other providers.
- Scaling Costs: As companies expand, Paycor’s pricing can increase steeply, straining budgets for growing teams or nonprofits.
8 Best Paycor Alternatives
- Checkwriters
- Rippling
- Deel
- Netchex
- Patriot Software
- Factorial HR
- Dayforce
- APS Payroll
1. Checkwriters
At Checkwriters, we offer a unified payroll and HR platform built for small to mid-size businesses and organizations from nonprofits, independent schools, hospitality groups, manufacturing firms and beyond. Our platform is a reliable choice for HR directors seeking integration, support, and tools that enhance workforce decisions
We combine a mobile-friendly interface with hands-on support to simplify HR processes. Our custom training and dedicated reps ensure your team gets tailored guidance and fast issue resolution.
Key Features
- Payroll Processing: Simplifies wage calculations, customizable pay types, direct deposit, and general ledger entry to save time and reduce payroll errors.
- Applicant Tracking & Onboarding: Pushes job postings to 100+ boards, supports e-signatures and background checks. You’ll also get a digital onboarding system for new hires, including document handling and training.
- Time & Attendance: Tracks worked hours, PTO accruals, and approvals through mobile and web.
- Performance Management: Offers tools for evaluations, goal-setting, and feedback cycles, with templates that you can tailor to each department or role.
- Scheduling Tools: Prevents scheduling conflicts and helps control labor costs through reusable templates and real-time alerts.
- Reporting & Notifications: Generates reports and alerts about regulatory changes, empowering informed HR decisions.
Pricing
We offer custom pricing based on your organization’s size and needs. Schedule a meeting to get a demo and a custom quote.
Pros
- Dedicated team for onboarding and ongoing support
- Mobile app lets employees view stubs, request time off
- Pushes job postings widely, boosting candidate flow
- Automates garnishments and pre-tax deductions
- Sends alerts for law or regulation updates
- Robust role-based access and approval workflows
- Scales easily with growing teams
Cons
- Initial setup can take time, but personalized support ensures a smooth start
2. Rippling
Rippling unites HR, payroll, IT, and finance in one modern, cloud-based platform. It’s built for growing teams needing automation and integration across departments.
It supports the employee lifecycle—from hiring through offboarding—with intuitive workflows and strong mobile access.
Key Features
- Unified HR & IT: Manages devices, apps, and permissions from one dashboard.
- Payroll & Tax Automation: Runs payroll, handles direct deposit, garnishments, and multi-state tax filings.
- Time & Attendance: Offers geofenced clock-ins, overtime alerts, and mobile tracking.
- Recruiting & Onboarding: Lets you launch job postings, e-sign forms, background checks, and integrate data.
- Workflow Automation: Builds triggers and automations for HR, IT, and finance across 600+ apps.
- Reporting & Analytics: Delivers customizable reports with filtering, visualization, and export options.
Pricing
Pricing is tailored and typically combines a monthly base charge with a per-employee fee. Contact the provider directly for an exact quote.
Pros
- Handles global payroll across multiple currencies smoothly
- Tracks geofenced work hours to reduce time theft
- Connects to 600+ tools with API and integrations
- Custom report builder surfaces detailed workforce insights
Cons
- Limited ability to manage multiple pay rates per employee
- Some users report inconsistent support speed and responsiveness
3. Deel
Deel focuses on global payroll, contractor management, and HR workflows. It suits organizations hiring or paying international teams, especially nonprofits expanding abroad.
It is a modern solution that streamlines cross-border payments while alerting HR teams to regulatory changes.
Key Features
- Global Payroll & EOR: Processes payroll in 150+ countries with local compliance alerts.
- Contractor & Employee Management: Automates contracts, onboarding, and payments for both contractors and full-time employees .
- Early Pay & Mobile Portal: Enables early payout options and gives mobile access to balances and hours worked.
- Reporting & Integrations: Offers analytics dashboards and connects with accounting systems like QuickBooks and Xero.
Pricing
Deel’s HR and Payroll offerings include these tiers:
- Deel Payroll
- US Payroll: Covers payroll, tax filings, and compliance tools for U.S. employees.
- Global Payroll: Supports payroll in multiple countries with local tax handling and multi-currency payments.
- PEO: Offers U.S.-based co-employment with integrated payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance tools.
- Employer of Record (EOR): Lets you hire full-time international employees without local entities by managing contracts, payroll, and compliance.
- Deel HR
- Workforce Management: Centralizes global directories, documents, and time-off tracking.
- Engage: Adds tools for surveys, recognition, and feedback.
- Compensation: Equips teams with market benchmarking and planning for competitive, fair pay.
Additional tiers and custom enterprise pricing are available.
Pros
- Supports fast payments in local currencies across 150+ countries
- Mobile app tracks hours, contracts, and payments on the go
- Sends alerts for local labor changes and tax updates
- Integrates smoothly with major accounting and HR systems
Cons
- Fees for withdrawing money in non‑USD/EUR can be high
- Occasional delays in payouts and limited transparency on timing
4. Netchex
Netchex delivers cloud‑based HR and payroll tools tailored for small to mid‑sized organizations. It integrates timekeeping, benefits, onboarding, and reporting with a user‑friendly interface and reliable support.
The platform also alerts HR teams to payroll and regulatory updates.
Key Features
- Payroll & Tax Automation: Processes multi‑state payroll with automated tax filings and garnishments.
- Time & Attendance: Enables geofenced clock‑ins, PTO management, and shift scheduling.
- Mobile Self‑Service: Allows employees and managers to access schedules, pay stubs, and approvals via app.
- Reporting & Compliance Alerts: Offers pre‑payroll previews, dashboards, and notifications on law changes.
- Homegrown HRIS: Built in‑house for seamless integration across modules.
Pricing
Netchex offers three pricing tiers:
- Core: Covers essentials like onboarding, time tracking, payroll, earned wage access, engagement, HR, and reporting.
- All-In: Includes everything in Core plus hiring, advanced scheduling, benefits, performance management, learning management, and Netchex AI.
- Flex: Starts with Core features and lets you selectively add only what your organization needs for a customized solution.
Each tier uses quote-based, per-employee-per-month pricing that adjusts based on features and company size.
Pros
- Excellent customer support with quick, knowledgeable responses
- Intuitive interface praised by non‑tech staff
- Strong mobile app for time tracking and approvals
- Pre‑payroll error alerts prevent costly mistakes
Cons
- Benefits admin lacks depth; may need separate tool
- Some users report occasional glitches or login interruptions
5. Patriot Software
Patriot Software is a streamlined cloud-based payroll and basic HR tool built for small organizations. It acts as a practical solution for teams that need reliable payroll without extra complexity—especially when budgets are tight.
Key Features
- Payroll Processing: Runs unlimited payroll with direct deposit and check printing.
- Tax Filing: Automates federal, state, and local filings with full-service support.
- Employee Self‑Service: Lets staff view pay stubs, W‑2s, and update personal info.
- Time Tracking Add‑On: Tracks hours, PTO, and expense reimbursements.
- QuickBooks Integration: Syncs payroll data directly into accounting software.
- Compliance Updates: Notifies of tax‑law changes and handles filings confidently.
Pricing
Patriot Software’s payroll pricing has two clear tiers:
- Basic Payroll: Handles in-house tax calculations.
- Full Service Payroll: Includes automated tax filing.
Both plans offer 30 days free and 50% off for the first six months.
Pros
- Runs unlimited payroll at no extra run cost
- Employee portal simplifies info access
- Integrates smoothly with QuickBooks
- Speeds onboarding with guided setup support
Cons
- Deductions lack flexibility in certain workflows
- No dedicated mobile app limits access on the go
6. Factorial HR
Factorial HR offers a cloud-based HR suite designed for small to mid-sized teams. It centralizes time off, document management, payroll integration, performance reviews, and recruiting.
It is suitable for HR directors in nonprofits who value simplicity and ease across HR tasks.
Key Features
- Time Tracking & PTO: Automates leave requests, approvals, and team calendar visibility.
- Document Management: Organizes contracts, policies, and employee files securely.
- Payroll Integration: Connects to payroll platforms and syncs hours for accurate pay.
- Performance & Goals: Enables performance reviews, goal tracking, and competency assessments.
- Recruiting Tools: Automates posting to job boards and application tracking.
- Mobile & Analytics: Supports mobile access, reports on employee turnover, absenteeism, and trends.
Pricing
Factorial offers a free tier for basic HR needs. Paid plans start at around $8–10 per user monthly, with optional ATS add-on and enterprise pricing on request.
Pros
- Extremely intuitive UI for non-technical users
- Automates leave and attendance workflows efficiently
- Mobile app enables clock-ins and approvals on the go
- Strong document and report generation tools
Cons
- Customer support delays and feature locking reported
7. Dayforce
Dayforce is a unified HCM platform that integrates payroll, attendance, benefits, recruiting, and talent in real time. It suits mid-size to larger organizations managing complex, multi-state or hourly workforces.
Key Features
- Single-Database Architecture: Synchronizes payroll, HR, benefits, and scheduling instantly.
- Real-Time Payroll: Calculates pay continuously and files taxes automatically.
- Dayforce Wallet: Lets employees access earned wages before payday.
- Mobile Self-Service: Enables staff to view schedules, pay stubs, and request time off.
- Workforce Management: Includes scheduling, geofence clock-ins, and labor forecasting.
- Analytics & Reporting: Offers configurable dashboards and exportable labor insights.
Pricing
Dayforce uses per-employee monthly pricing. You pay a one-time implementation fee (about 50–60% of your first-year cost).
Pricing scales by modules selected.
Pros
- Intuitive UI praised by non-technical staff
- Real-time payroll reduces manual errors
- Early wage access via Wallet increases staff satisfaction
- Mobile self-service eases HR workload
Cons
- Custom reporting demands SQL knowledge or added fees
- Setup and training can stretch implementation timelines
8. APS Payroll
APS Payroll is a unified cloud-based HR and payroll platform. It’s built for mid-sized organizations needing streamlined workforce processes.
With features like time tracking, benefits, and recruiting all in one dashboard, APS simplifies daily HR administration.
Key Features
- Payroll Console: Runs unlimited payroll with automated tax calculations and federal/state compliance.
- Time & Attendance: Tracks hours via desktop, mobile, geofencing, and sends overtime alerts.
- HR Management: Manages recruiting, onboarding, document storage, and performance reviews.
- Reporting & Custom Fields: Lets you build and share reports with unlimited custom fields.
- Notifications & Alerts: Sends ACA, OSHA, event, and compliance notifications proactively.
- Integrations: Syncs with QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, Employee Navigator.
Pricing
APS uses per‑employee-per‑month (PEPM) pricing with tiered bundles—Payroll; Payroll + Attendance; Payroll + Attendance + HR. All levels include unlimited payroll runs.
Pricing depends on selected modules and service level.
Pros
- Consistently praised for easy and intuitive setup
- Dedicated support team for personalized assistance
- Unlimited payroll runs without extra fee
- Alerts notify HR regarding new regulations
Cons
- Report builder complexity frustrates some users
- Occasional system glitches impact timely access
Your Next Payroll Partner Awaits
We explored top Paycor alternatives to help you find HR and payroll solutions that match your team’s needs, workflows, and budget. Each option has unique strengths, but one stands out.
At Checkwriters, we bring a unified HR and payroll platform built for organizations of all sizes, with tools that notify you of compliance changes and support smarter HR decisions. Plus, we have a team known for dedicated and responsive customer service and support that will never leave you out in the cold when it comes to payroll.
Discover how Checkwriters can simplify your HR today!Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to be construed as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. Employers should closely monitor the rules and regulations specific to their jurisdiction(s) and should seek advice from counsel relative to their rights and responsibilities.