Payroll software · New Zealand · Head-to-head

Crystal Payroll vs iPayroll

Two New Zealand payroll software options, compared side by side for New Zealand trades.

Which should you choose?

iPayroll edges ahead on our New Zealand tiering (Tier S vs A), but both are workable — the right pick depends on your trade, region, and the New Zealand-specific notes below.

Crystal Payroll

Tier A · Workable

NZ cloud payroll strong on irregular and shift hours

A long-running (10+ year) NZ-only cloud payroll, Auckland-based with NZ support. It is a strong fit for irregular hours and shift workers — relevant to trades with variable jobsite hours — and positions on low, stable pricing plus local service. It is also an IRD-accredited PAYE intermediary.

Pros

+ Automated IRD payday filing with a dedicated dashboard
+ IRD-accredited PAYE intermediary
+ Accurate PAYE/KiwiSaver/holiday-pay calculations
+ NZ-based support; low entry price held 10+ years

Cons

− Cloud-only
− One-off NZ$50 registration + paid training
− Very small public review footprint (limited independent signal)
− Plan tiers not clearly itemised publicly

New Zealand note

IRD payday filing automated with a filings dashboard; PAYE intermediary; KiwiSaver and holiday pay handled. "Proudly made in New Zealand," Auckland.

Typical New Zealand pricing: From NZ$19.90/mo (up to 5 employees), tiered by headcount; one-off NZ$50 registration

Full review → Visit →

iPayroll

Tier S · Recommended

NZ-built payroll — full PAYE/IRD compliant, cloud-native

iPayroll is NZ-built cloud payroll — full PAYE compliance with IRD (Inland Revenue Department), KiwiSaver handling, ACC levy calculation native. Strong fit for NZ SMB trades businesses wanting NZ-specific compliance without Xero subscription dependency.

Pros

+ NZ-built with native PAYE/IRD compliance
+ KiwiSaver handling automated
+ ACC levy auto-calculated
+ Cloud-native vs legacy NZ payroll options

Cons

− NZ-only — no cross-market value
− Smaller scale than Xero NZ
− Pricing higher than free competitors (Thankyou Payroll)

New Zealand note

IRD-compliant PAYE submissions native. KiwiSaver employer contributions handled. ACC levy auto-calculated.

Typical New Zealand pricing: NZ$15-$50/month based on employee count

Full review → Visit →

More New Zealand options

See all New Zealand payroll software vendors and the rest of the New Zealand directory.

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