G2 Reports Unprecedented Growth in Payroll Software Reviews Ahead of 2026 Compliance Deadlines

In a groundbreaking analysis by G2, it has been revealed that there has been a staggering surge of 90% in the number of payroll software reviews over the past year, resulting in over 30,000 new submissions. This record growth marks a fundamental shift in how organizations are approaching payroll technology, primarily driven by impending pay transparency regulations that will take effect globally in 2026. The urgency to comply with these new standards has led employers to seek software solutions that not only facilitate compliance but also enhance overall payroll management efficiency.

As companies brace themselves for 2026, the need for robust payroll systems capable of delivering pay equity functionality and real-time compensation visibility has become paramount. The European Union's Pay Transparency Directive (2023/970), effective June 2026, will mandate organizations with over 100 employees to disclose pay gap data. This regulatory shift parallels moves by several states in the United States, where 16 states already have implemented pay transparency laws by January 2026. The G2 data illustrates how these changes are reshaping the payroll software landscape, highlighting products that have garnered significant traction in terms of user reviews and engagement.

Leading the charge in the payroll software category are three notable products identified by G2's Market Movers series: RemotePeople, Employment Hero, and Keka. Each of these platforms stands out not only for their innovative features but also for their rapid growth in user ratings and market presence. RemotePeople, an international EOR (Employer of Record), simplifies global recruitment processes and facilitates multi-jurisdiction pay reporting, crucial for adhering to transparency requirements. With an impressive G2 rating of 4.9/5, based on 96 reviews, the platform saw a remarkable 188% year-over-year increase in reviews.

Meanwhile, Employment Hero offers a comprehensive Employment Operating System that merges payroll, HR, benefits, and recruitment into a seamless experience for users. This integrated approach has resonated well within the market, earning a G2 rating of 4.3/5 from 760 reviews, reflecting a surge in interest with a 548% increase in review volume.

Keka, designed for growing businesses, excels in aligning teams and streamlining operations across HR and payroll functions. With real-time dashboards facilitating audit-ready compensation disclosure, Keka garnered a G2 rating of 4.5/5, backed by 1,849 reviews—an increase of 59% from the previous year.

G2 employs a unique methodology to determine these 'Market Movers', combining review volume, profile traffic, and buyer intent metrics to identify trending software. This analytical approach not only underscores the momentum in the payroll software sector but also signals a pivot towards solutions that can swiftly adapt to the evolving compliance landscape.

The current standards within the payroll software market highlight that products experiencing growth are also providing rapid returns on investment. RemotePeople leads this metric with an average ROI timeframe of just 4.8 months, demonstrating its effectiveness in meeting client needs. In terms of user adoption, Keka reported that 92% of its reviewers utilize the platform daily, signifying a high level of engagement and operational integration.

Another pivotal factor in the success of these platforms is customer loyalty, with RemotePeople achieving a near-perfect Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 98, far exceeding the category benchmark.

According to Inia Debnath, a Market Research Analyst at G2, "As pay transparency laws expand globally, payroll platforms must deliver greater precision, visibility, and compliance capabilities on a large scale." This shift is not just limited to regulatory adherence; it also coincides with a demand for solutions that can provide real-time insights into compensation and workforce costs.

Furthermore, the overall benchmarks in the payroll software category for 2026 reveal a total of 611 products listed on G2, with annual reviews skyrocketing to over 30,000. This growth trajectory indicates the increasing relevance and necessity of effective payroll solutions in the modern corporate landscape.

In conclusion, the dramatic increase in payroll software reviews reveals not just a numeric uptick, but a significant shift in market dynamics. Companies are seeking to invest in solutions that can seamlessly integrate with their HR systems and provide necessary compliance functionalities ahead of critical legislative changes. As organizations prepare for the evolving landscape of payroll technology, the emphasis on adapting to regulatory shifts while maintaining operational efficiency remains more relevant than ever.

Topics Business Technology)

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