The best contractor payroll software of 2025

To meet the needs of business owners seeking to expand their operations, our team at Payoneer Workforce Management sat down to provide an analysis of the best contractor payroll software options available in 2025.

The main list below provides our best overall choices, which we base on an extensive study evaluating the features of 30+ contractor payroll providers according to: 

• Contractor Management Tools: In particular, contractor payroll software providers needed to provide clients with tools for onboarding, invoicing, and tax collection/filing services to qualify for the list

• Compliance Features: Platforms needed to provide clients with either automated or manual tools to create locally compliant contracts

• Agent of Record (AOR) Services: In addition to providing clients with tools to manage contractors on their own, some platforms offer the ability to actively manage contractors on their behalf with in-house teams or representatives, opening up contractor payroll services to smaller companies with leaner teams  

The following list has the best payroll for contractors in 2025 based on factors like ease of use, customer support, advanced features and service quality.

1. Payoneer WFM

Payoneer Workforce Management offers contractor payroll as a part of their contractor management suite, which also covers compliance if you opt for their Agent of Record (AOR) service. 

This is ideal for global business owners and freelancers seeking international services and seamless operations.

Here are some more platforms that offer contractor payroll services.

2. Papaya Global
3. Deel 
4. Remote
5. Oyster
6. Multiplier
7. Rippling
8. ADP WorkMarket
9. Gusto Global
10. Pilot

Now, let’s understand which contractor payroll software is the best for international contracting.

Best for international contracting

Business owners considering international hires likely have additional concerns affecting their decisions. The best contractor payroll software will need to have extensive global reach to serve the best talent regardless of location. In addition, they will need to support a substantial number of currencies to ensure that contractors can be paid in their local currency. 

Finally, we looked at whether or not the provider offers a multi-currency payments feature.

While most providers offer clients the ability to send/receive payments in different currencies, we narrowed our evaluation to platforms that allow contractors to hold balances in multiple currencies.

Here are the platforms that feature multi-currency payment options.

1. Payoneer WFM – Extends contractor management support in 160+ countries and payments in 70 currencies.
2. Deel
3. Rippling
4. Oyster
5. Multiplier

Payoneer WFM provides business owners and contractors with the highest global reach of any provider.

The best contractor payroll software for you

The last piece of advice we have for readers still unsure of where to go from here is “try it out yourself.”

Several of the platforms listed in this article provide new clients with the opportunity to try the software before making a purchase, allowing them to make a more informed decision about the best contractor payroll software for their needs. 

Payoneer WFM platform, for example, provides business owners, contractors, and marketplaces with the ability to manage contractors, make bulk payments, and customize invoicing. 

FAQs

1. How to do payroll for independent contractors?

To pay independent contractors, you need to collect their tax information, track their work or invoices, calculate their payment, and send it through a secure method. You should also provide any required tax forms, like a 1099 if you’re in the US. Using contractor payroll software can automate much of this process.

2. Can I pay international contractors directly through the bank?

Yes, you can pay international contractors through bank transfers, but it can be slow, costly, and may not meet local compliance rules. Using a global contractor payment platform is often faster and reliable.

3. What are the benefits of using payroll software?

Payroll software saves time, reduces errors, and helps you stay compliant with tax and labor laws. It can automate payments, generate reports, handle tax documents, and simplify contractor or employee management across different locations.