6 alternatives to Payfit for more flexible payroll management tailored to your business
Payfit has been the rock star of HR tools for a few years now: intuitive, automated, designed for SMEs... but it's not necessarily the miracle solution for everyone.
If you're an HR manager and you feel that your company needs more comprehensive, more flexible or simply different software, you're not alone. Many professionals today are looking for an alternative to Payfit that is better suited to their internal processes, business compliance or growth.
👉 In this comparison, we present 6 HRIS solutions that cover a wide range of needs: from payroll management to HR administration, including onboarding, employee tracking and data centralisation. Our aim is to help you save time, automate time-consuming tasks and choose the HR tool that really fits your organisation.
What is Payfit?
Payfit is payroll and HR management software designed for French SMEs. Created in 2015, it has established itself as an all-in-one solution for automating payroll, centralising HR data and streamlining administrative processes: leave, absences, expense claims, social declarations... everything is integrated into an intuitive interface.
✅ On the benefits side, Payfit stands out for its ease of use, its automatic compliance with legal obligations (DSN, pay slips, social security contributions), and its SME focus, with tailored support.
But despite its qualities, Payfit is not a universal solution. Some companies have complained about the lack of customisation, the limits on complex payroll cases, and the pricing progression that is ill-suited to fast-growing structures. Hence the growing interest in more flexible alternatives, some of which are more comprehensive or better tailored to specific needs.
PayFit
Why consider an alternative to Payfit?
Payroll cases too complex for Payfit
Payfit was designed to simplify payroll management in "standard" SMEs. But as soon as you move beyond this :
- multi-company
- multiple activities
- complex overtime,
- specific collective agreements
- variable bonuses,
- flexible working hours...
...the solution shows its limitations.
HR then find themselves having to fiddle with exports, or contact support for adjustments that should be automated. The result: wasted time and the risk of errors in payroll data.
A need for more comprehensive HR tools
Payfit is primarily a payroll application, with a few peripheral HR functions (leave, absences, expense reports). But as soon as you want to structure a real HRIS, with :
- training modules,
- annual interviews,
- GPEC,
- talent management
- or even integrated recruitment...
... you reach your limits.
For an HR department that wants to manage the entire employee lifecycle from a single platform, it's better to turn to alternative tools that offer a unified view of HR data and enable more cross-functional tasks to be automated.
A lack of flexibility in the interface and processes
While Payfit's interface is attractive at first glance, some HR managers have complained about its lack of flexibility:
- little customisation of fields
- a fixed workflow logic
- and reports or exports that are sometimes too basic to meet the company's analysis needs.
It is impossible, for example, to create personalised alerts, automate HR reminders or develop the tool in line with internal processes. On the other hand, some alternative solutions allow you to adapt the tool more closely to the realities on the ground.
Customer service struggling to keep up
With Payfit's strong growth, some customers have noticed a deterioration in support:
- longer response times
- turnover in support teams
- or answers that are sometimes too generic for specific cases.
In an area as critical as payroll, where every error can be costly in terms of time (and penalties), it is essential to be able to rely on a dedicated , responsive contact.
Fast-rising prices for growing SMEs
Payfit's business model is based on a fee per employee, which may seem affordable at the outset... but quickly becomes a budgetary brake as the company grows. In addition, there are sometimes pay-as-you-go options for HR modules, or premium support costs.
Some companies realise that for the same price, or even less, they can access more comprehensive solutions, or benefit from an outsourced payroll + HR service provider.
Comparison table of the 6 best alternatives to Payfit
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| PayFit |  ADP |  BestPaye |  Cegid Payroll |  Gusto |  Openpaye |  Sage 100 Paie & RH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For companies with 2 to 250 employees | For all companies | For companies with 2 to 50 employees | For companies with more than 250 employees | For all companies | For companies with more than 1 employees | For companies with more than 1 employees |
| See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software |
| Learn more about PayFit | Learn more about ADP | Learn more about BestPaye | Learn more about Cegid Payroll | Learn more about Gusto | Learn more about Openpaye | Learn more about Sage 100 Paie & RH |
Our top 6 alternatives to Payfit
ADP
ADP is one of the longest-established players in payroll and human resources management. Present in over 140 countries, the solution offers a robust, modular offering designed for companies looking for reliable, compliant software at every level.
In France, ADP is winning over SMEs with products such as ADP Link and ADP Décidium, which are capable of meeting advanced HR needs: Multi-company payroll, HR monitoring, employee portal, time management, etc. It's not the most modern interface, but it's solid, designed for HR managers who want to automate complex processes without compromising on rigour.
🛠️ Here are the functionalities offered by ADP in its HR and payroll solutions:
- complete payroll management, including multi-establishment management ;
- automation of legal declarations (DSN, holidays, social security contributions, etc.);
- HR portal for employees and managers to facilitate interaction;
- human resources management (training, onboarding, employee file management);
- advanced HR reporting with customisable dashboards;
- working time management and planning modules;
- outsourcing of all or part of the HR function.
ADP
Bestpaye
Bestpaye is a French payroll management solution dedicated to VSEs and SMEs that want to outsource their payroll without losing control of their data or monitoring. It's not just software, it's a complete outsourcing service, combining human expertise and a secure SaaS tool.
Unlike all-in-one platforms such as Payfit, Bestpaye relies on a direct relationship with a dedicated payroll manager, while giving you access to a clear interface for transmittingyour variables, monitoring your payslips or accessing your social documents.
🛠️ Here's what Bestpaye has to offer in terms of functionalities and HR support:
- complete payroll outsourcing with monthly processing by an expert ;
- secure employer portal for sending variables and consulting documents;
- guaranteed regulatory compliance, including social monitoring
- automatic generation of social security declarations (DSN, charges, etc.);
- employee access to view pay slips online;
- personalised support from a dedicated manager;
- transparent pricing tailored to SMEs.
BestPaye
Cegid Payroll
Cegid Payroll is a French HRIS solution dedicated to SMEs and SMIs looking for a powerful, modular and compliant tool to manage all their payroll processes. It is part of the Cegid ecosystem, a publisher renowned for its business solutions (accounting, finance, HR).
Cegid Payroll is not a simplified tool, but professional software designed for complex environments. It is aimed at organisations that need flexibility, fine-tuning of parameters and multi-conventional management, while maintaining a high level of automation.
🛠️ The main features of Cegid Payroll for payroll and HR management include
- automated payroll processing, with advanced rule parameterisation ;
- guaranteed legal compliance with continuous regulatory updates;
- multi-establishment and multi-company management;
- employee monitoring (absences, leave, working hours, variables);
- collaborative HR portal for managers and staff;
- customisable dashboards for analysing HR data;
- native integration with other Cegid modules (training, recruitment, finance).
Cegid Payroll
Gusto
Gusto is an all-in-one HR solution from the USA, designed to help SMEs easily manage their payroll, their employees and all their human resources via an intuitive and comprehensive platform.
Extremely popular across the Atlantic, Gusto stands out for its polished user experience, advanced automation and integrated functionalities that go far beyond simple payroll. Although the solution is designed for the North American market, it remains relevant for international companies with a presence in the USA or American employees.
🛠️ Here's what Gusto has to offer to simplify day-to-day HR and payroll management:
- automated payroll processing with calculation of local and federal taxes ;
- digital employee onboarding with electronic signature;
- comprehensive HR portal for employees (payroll, documents, leave, benefits);
- time, absence and leave tracking integrated into the platform;
- management of employee benefits (health insurance, pensions, etc.);
- automated tax and social security returns;
- dynamic HR reports for viewing key data.
Gusto
Openpaye
Openpaye is a French outsourced payroll management solution designed specifically for SMEs that want to delegate payroll production while retaining simple, secure access to their data via an online interface.
Unlike traditional software, Openpaye is based on a hybrid model: the payroll is managed by an expert, but the management remains in the hands of the company thanks to a clear SaaS platform with no technical jargon. It's an attractive alternative to Payfit for organisations that want more human rigour, without sacrificing ease of use.
🛠️ Here's what Openpaye has to offer to help SMEs manage their payroll:
- complete outsourcing of payroll processing, handled by a dedicated administrator ;
- a simple employer portal for transmitting monthly variables (leave, absences, bonuses, etc.);
- secure access to pay slips, URSSAF documents and certificates;
- real-time monitoring of payroll and social security returns;
- employee portal for viewing pay slips and HR information;
- guaranteed legal compliance, with ongoing regulatory updates;
- personalised, human and responsive support.
Openpaye
Sage 100 Payroll and HR
Sage 100 Paie et RH is a comprehensive payroll and human resources management solution designed for French SMEs with advanced compliance, reporting and administrative management needs. This software is aimed at companies looking for greater control, more parameterisation and solid support in a complex regulatory environment.
Renowned for its reliability, Sage 100 can handle high payroll volumes, while integrating strategic HR modules such as interview management, training and skills management. It is particularly well suited to organisations that are already organised around an HR team, or are supported by an accountancy firm.
🛠️ Here are the key functions offered by Sage 100 Payroll and HR for managing personnel:
- advanced payroll processing, in line with legal requirements ;
- precise configuration of payroll rules, agreements, bonuses, absences, etc;
- automatic generation of social security and tax returns;
- integrated HR modules: training, interviews, skills tracking, etc;
- employee portal for access to HR forms and requests;
- detailed reporting with customisable indicators;
- interoperability with other Sage solutions (accounting, finance, management).
Sage 100 Paie & RH
How do you choose the Payfit alternative that's right for you?
Summary table of the best alternatives to Payfit
| Software | Main focus | Key strengths | Ideal for... | Entry price |
| ADP | Compliance and complex payroll | Multi-company, outsourcing possible, reporting | Structured SMEs, complex contexts | On quotation |
| Bestpaye | Human outsourcing | Dedicated manager, simplicity, transparency | SMEs looking for human support | From €6.50 / month |
| Cegid Payroll | HR + personalised payroll | Advanced configuration, compliance, Cegid ecosystem | SMEs with extensive HR needs | On quotation |
| Gusto | Simplicity and automation | Meticulous UX, integrations, employee benefits | SMEs in the US or with a US presence | From €42.08 / month |
| Openpaye | Customised outsourcing | SaaS access, responsiveness, simplicity | Growing French SMEs | From €49 / month |
| Sage 100 Payroll | Advanced Payroll + HR | Advanced configuration, integrated HR modules | SMEs with structured internal HR management | On quotation |
Criteria for selecting an alternative to Payfit
Before making your choice, identify your exact HR needs and constraints. Here are the essential criteria to consider when selecting the solution best suited to your company:
- Payroll complexity: if you manage several collective agreements and complex variables (overtime, bonuses, modulation, etc.), you should opt for a robust tool like Sage 100 or Cegid Payroll, which can handle advanced cases without friction;
- desired level of outsourcing: solutions like Bestpaye or Openpaye offer human support with simplified access to your data via an online interface;
- Extended HR functionalities: do you need to go beyond payroll: training, interviews, recruitment, GPEC? If so, turn to a complete HRIS solution like ADP or Cegid;
- ease of use and ergonomics: if your HR teams are not payroll experts, an intuitive tool will make all the difference. Payfit or Gusto offer a fluid user experience, even for non-technical staff;
- budget and scalability : beware of fast-growing pricing models (price per employee, paid options). For greater visibility on costs, service providers such as Bestpaye or Openpaye can be more stable in the long term.
What is the best alternative to Payfit? It all depends on you
There is no single "best alternative to Payfit", but rather the solution that fits your organisation, your challenges, your resources and your level of HR requirements.
👉 Are you looking for human, simple and responsive support? Bestpaye or Openpaye are for you.
👉 Do you manage complex collective agreements or large volumes? Take a look at Cegid or Sage 100.
👉 And if you want a comprehensive, structured tool? ADP is still a safe bet.
In short: define your needs, analyse your processes, prioritise your criteria.
Then choose the tool that will save you time, make you more reliable... and give you a bit of HR peace of mind.
Article translated from French