Xero Payroll

Best for: Small businesses already using Xero for accounting with fewer than 10 employees

Pros:
+ Included in accounting plans (e.g., Ignite $35/mo covers 1 employee payroll)
+ Native integration with Xero ledger, invoices, and BAS preparation
+ Automated PAYG withholding and superannuation calculations
+ Employee self-service portal for payslips, leave, and timesheets

Cons:
- Award support is less deep than MYOB for complex multi-Award situations
- Pricing increases significantly beyond included headcount ($5/employee/month extra)
- Limited HR and rostering capabilities compared to specialist tools

Ranked #1 of 4, score 9.2/10 in "Best Payroll Software for Small Business Australia in 2026" by Top Ratings Hub, updated 2026-07-21.

Round-up topic: best payroll software for small business australia.

Also ranked: #4 in "Best Payroll Service Small Business 2026: Top Picks for Cost and Compliance"; #1 in "Best Payroll Software for Small Business UK in 2026".

Editorial pick from a published round-up — not an advertisement placed by a private seller, and nobody on Bazeta is selling it.

Source: Top Ratings Hub — https://topratingshub.com/best/best-payroll-software-for-small-business-australia-in-2026