Activpayroll Reviews – Pricing, Pros/Cons, and User Feedback

Activpayroll offers in-country payroll services across 46 countries, providing greater control over compliance and service quality. With global mobility support and a hands-off payroll management experience, it's ideal for multinational companies, though higher costs and limited HR tools may pose challenges.

Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
October 14, 2024
user looking at computer with activpayroll logo

aActivpayroll differentiates itself by avoiding the aggregator model used by many competitors, instead focusing on direct, in-country payroll services in most EMEA markets, along with leading regions in APAC and the Americas. With offices in 12 countries and native payroll capabilities in 46, Activpayroll offers comprehensive payroll solutions designed for companies seeking a hands-off approach to compliance and tax management. This review covers Activpayroll’s key strengths, challenges, and suitability for businesses aiming for seamless international expansion.

Overview of Activpayroll

Activpayroll sets itself apart by focusing on in-country payroll processing, ensuring greater control over service quality and compliance. While it covers many regions with native capabilities, it partners with local providers to fill any gaps in its coverage. With fully outsourced payroll services, Activpayroll offers employers a stress-free solution that takes care of tax management, compliance, and payroll operations.

Beyond payroll, Activpayroll offers a global mobility team that supports clients in minimizing tax liabilities, designing policies, and planning expansions. This consultative approach makes Activpayroll an attractive option for businesses needing more than just payroll management.

However, the platform’s higher cost and reliance on partners for certain markets may limit its appeal to cost-sensitive businesses or those with complex US payroll needs. Activpayroll’s technology platform, while functional, focuses on payroll, time, and leave management but lacks broader HR tools such as applicant tracking systems (ATS) or performance management.

The Strengths of Activpayroll

1. In-Country Payroll Processing

Unlike many competitors, Activpayroll prioritizes in-country payroll services across EMEA, APAC, and the Americas, ensuring more control over payroll operations and compliance.

2. Extensive Global Reach and Capabilities

With offices in 12 countries and native payroll processing in 46 markets, Activpayroll is one of the most globally capable providers. It partners with trusted vendors to cover areas beyond its direct reach.

3. Comprehensive Global Mobility Support

Activpayroll’s global mobility team provides consultative services, helping businesses reduce tax liability, structure global teams, and plan expansions—offering far more than standard payroll services.

4. Hands-Off Employer Experience

Activpayroll provides a fully outsourced payroll service, allowing businesses to offload payroll operations and compliance requirements, reducing administrative burden on internal teams.

5. Partnership Approach to Global Expansion

Activpayroll takes a consultative, partnership-driven approach, working closely with clients to understand their needs and help them plan for strategic global growth.

Learn More: Compare Activpayroll and other leading HR Tech platforms on OutSail's marketplace

Points to Consider with Activpayroll

1. Higher Cost Compared to Competitors

Activpayroll’s white-glove service and in-country processing come with higher costs, making it one of the more expensive options in the market.

2. Gaps in Coverage for Some Countries

While Activpayroll offers extensive in-country payroll services, not all regions are covered natively. Some markets require third-party partnerships, which may limit the consistency of service in those areas.

3. Technology Platform Focuses on Payroll Basics

While the platform supports payroll, time tracking, and leave management, it lacks more advanced HR tools such as applicant tracking systems (ATS) or performance management capabilities.

4. Modest User Feedback on Platform Usability

While Activpayroll’s technology platform is functional, user feedback indicates that the interface may not be as intuitive or innovative as some competitors' offerings.

5. Limited US Payroll Capabilities

Activpayroll does not handle US payroll natively, instead partnering with UKG Pro for companies requiring payroll services in the US.

Pricing Structure

Activpayroll follows a PEPM pricing model, with costs ranging from $28-41 per employee per month (PEPM). This pricing reflects the premium service level provided, including in-country payroll and consultative support for global mobility and compliance.

Deciding if Activpayroll is Right for Your Business

When considering Activpayroll, businesses should evaluate the benefits of in-country payroll processing and consultative global mobility support against the higher costs and platform limitations.

Leveraging Strengths:

  • In-Country Payroll Control: Direct payroll processing in 46 countries ensures better control over compliance and service quality.
  • Global Mobility Support: The consultative approach helps businesses manage tax liabilities and plan for international growth.
  • Hands-Off Payroll Management: Fully outsourced services reduce administrative burden for employers.
  • Strategic Global Expansion Partnership: Activpayroll offers personalized support to help companies expand strategically.

Addressing Challenges:

  • Higher Cost: Activpayroll’s white-glove service may be too costly for some businesses.
  • Limited HR Tools: The platform does not provide advanced HR functionality, such as ATS or performance management.
  • Coverage Gaps in Some Markets: While extensive, Activpayroll’s coverage requires third-party partners in certain regions.
  • No Native US Payroll Services: Companies with US payroll needs will need to work through UKG Pro for processing.

Conclusion

Activpayroll is a premium global payroll provider focused on delivering in-country services and hands-off payroll management. With native operations in 46 countries and consultative global mobility support, Activpayroll offers much more than standard payroll processing. Businesses seeking a high-touch service that prioritizes compliance, tax management, and strategic expansion will find Activpayroll to be a valuable partner.

However, the higher costs and platform limitations may not suit all organizations, especially those needing advanced HR tools or US payroll management. For businesses operating across multiple regions and looking for seamless in-country payroll services with comprehensive mobility support, Activpayroll is an excellent choice. Those with cost constraints or more extensive HR needs may need to explore other options.

FAQs

What are the core strengths of Activpayroll?

Activpayroll offers in-country payroll processing across 46 countries, global mobility support, and a hands-off payroll management experience.

What are the challenges of Activpayroll?

Activpayroll’s higher costs, limited advanced HR tools, and reliance on third-party partners in some markets are potential challenges.

What is the pricing structure for Activpayroll?

Activpayroll charges $28-41 PEPM, reflecting its premium service and in-country payroll processing capabilities.

Who is Activpayroll best suited for?

Activpayroll is ideal for multinational companies seeking in-country payroll services with consultative global mobility support. It may not be the best fit for businesses needing advanced HR tools or US payroll services.

Reports
2024 HRIS 
Landscape Report
Read OutSail's 2024 HRIS Report with write-ups on 30+ leading vendors
Thank you! You can download your report at this link
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Expert Support
Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
Accelerate your HRIS selection process with free support
Thank you! Our team will reach out to you shortly
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Newsletter
The HR Tech Download
Stay on the industry's cutting edge with our popular newsletter
Thank you! You will receive the next HR Tech Download newsletter
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
HR Consultants
Challenges go beyond technology?
Download our "State of HR  Outsourcing" whitepaper. Discover trends, strategies & costs within the HR consulting world
Thank you! You can download your report at this link
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Meet the Author

Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
Brett Ungashick, the friendly face behind OutSail, started his career at LinkedIn, selling HR software. This experience sparked an idea, leading him to create OutSail in 2018. Based in Denver, OutSail simplifies the HR software selection process, and Brett's hands-on approach has already helped over 1,000 companies, including SalesLoft, Hudl and DoorDash. He's a go-to guy for all things HR Tech, supporting companies in every industry and across 20+ countries. When he's not demystifying HR tech, you'll find Brett enjoying a round of golf or skiing down Colorado's slopes, always happy to chat about work or play.

Subscribe to the HR Tech Download

Don't miss out on the latest HR Tech trends. Subscribe now to stay updated
By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy.
Thank you! You are now subscribed to the HR Tech Download!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.