Side by side
Payroll Engine vs PHPPayroll
Both stand on global payroll software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxMac+3
Payroll Engine offers a configurable framework and developer tools for embedding payroll processing, but deployment and security settings need attention. Its maker explicitly says not to expose the backend to the public Internet.
Visit Payroll Engine
Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2
PHPPayroll combines payroll with a broad set of HR modules, and offers both hosted and self-hosted editions. Choose between cloud hosting and source-code access with attention to the different setup and security responsibilities.
Visit PHPPayrollThe facts
| Payroll Engine | PHPPayroll | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Starter: $9.99 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | payrollengine.org | phppayroll.com |
| On global payroll software | #2 of 29 | #1 of 29 |
Payroll Engine: what it does well
- REST API supports tenant and employee management.
- Handles recurring and non-recurring payruns.
- Includes testing tools for validation and regression testing.
- Offers a browser-based management application.
- Released under the MIT License.
What to know first
- Country regulations are commercial.
- A database must be provided separately.
- Authentication and audit trails are disabled by default.
- Maker says not to use the backend on the public Internet.
PHPPayroll: what it does well
- Supports multiple pay frequencies and worker types.
- Attendance can use biometric, RFID, or mobile tracking.
- Employee portal includes leave requests and payslip access.
- Free open-source edition is available.
What to know first
- Self-hosted customers control server security and backups.
- Open-source installation requires PHP and database setup.
- Cloud storage is limited to 5 GB, 15 GB, or 20 GB by plan.
Alternatives to Payroll Engine Alternatives to PHPPayroll The whole list