Payroll software · New Zealand · Head-to-head
Crystal Payroll vs Smartly
Two New Zealand payroll software options, compared side by side for New Zealand trades.
Which should you choose?
Crystal Payroll and Smartly are closely matched (both Tier A) for New Zealand payroll software. The right choice comes down to fit: weigh the pros, cons, pricing, and New Zealand-specific notes for each against your trade and region.
Crystal Payroll
Tier A · WorkableNZ 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.
Smartly
Tier A · WorkableNZ payroll specialist — SMB focus, IRD-compliant
Smartly is NZ payroll specialist with SMB focus. Full IRD compliance, KiwiSaver, leave management. Competes with iPayroll in the NZ SMB payroll segment.
Pros
- + NZ-focused with full IRD compliance
- + SMB pricing accessible
- + Cloud-native modern UI
Cons
- − NZ-only
- − Smaller scale than iPayroll or Xero NZ
- − Less brand recognition
New Zealand note
NZ SMB focus with full compliance. Comparable to iPayroll in core feature set.
More New Zealand options
See all New Zealand payroll software vendors and the rest of the New Zealand directory.