Payroll software — 2026 comparison (France)
French payroll is among the most complex in the world: monthly DSN filing, collective bargaining agreements, ever-changing rates. Five established solutions compared on the criteria that matter — facts, not slogans.
French payroll (DSN) · Verified 2026-06
| Criterion | ADP | Cegid | PayFit | Sage | Silae |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main target | SMEs & large enterprises | Small businesses & accounting firms | Micro & small businesses | Micro & small businesses | Small businesses & accounting firms |
| DSN filing included | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Leave & absences | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Employee portal | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ~ Partial | ✓ Yes |
| Outsourced (managed) payroll option | ✓ Yes | ~ Partial | ~ Partial | ~ Partial | ~ Partial |
| Accounting integration | ~ Partial | ✓ Yes | ~ Partial | ✓ Yes | ~ Partial |
| Vendor website | Visit | Visit | Visit | Visit | Visit |
Which solution for your profile?
First hire
One payslip a month doesn't justify heavy machinery: a self-service small-business tool, or payroll delegated to your chartered accountant, covers the essentials at no extra cost.
Self-sufficient small business (2-20 employees)
Guided self-service (PayFit-style) automates payslips, DSN filing and leave without in-house payroll expertise — as long as cases stay standard (common agreement, few special cases).
SME with an HR department
Multiple agreements, complex variables, internal controls: the established suites (ADP, Cegid, Sage) offer deep configuration and partial or full outsourcing options.
Firm / multi-client payroll
Mass production, reviews, per-agreement profiles: firm-grade tools (Silae, Cegid) are built for hundreds of client files — often accessible through your chartered accountant.
Frequently asked questions
Can you run payroll yourself?
Yes, nothing legally prevents it, and modern software automates most of it. The real risk is regulatory: a misapplied collective agreement or a faulty DSN filing ends in reassessments. With a handful of employees and simple cases it's doable; beyond that, weigh the cost of a mistake against the price of support.
What exactly is the DSN?
The déclaration sociale nominative: a single monthly file, generated from payroll, that reports salaries and contributions to all bodies (URSSAF, pension, income protection…). It is mandatory for every employer — the non-negotiable criterion of any French payroll software.
Software or full outsourcing?
Software keeps you in control and costs less per payslip; outsourcing (payroll manager, chartered accountant, the vendor's managed offer) transfers operational responsibility and regulatory monitoring. Many small businesses mix both: a self-service tool day to day, expert support for sensitive cases (joiners/leavers, sick leave, terminations).
How much does a payslip cost?
The spread runs one to ten depending on the service level: a few euros per payslip with stand-alone software, noticeably more with fully managed payroll. Compare like for like: DSN filing, leave, certificates, regulatory support included or not.
Self-reported data from vendor websites, verified in June 2026. Offers and scopes change: check with the vendor before subscribing. No link on this page is sponsored or paid.
Official sources